Maryland College, HBCU, Veterinarian School

by Kandiss Edwards

March 25, 2026

Black Woman Veterinarian Is The First To Own Animal Hospital In Kansas City

Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Sellers is dedicated to fostering the next generation of veterinary professionals.

Dr. Ashton Sellers, a Kansas City veterinarian, made local history when she bought the Hickman Mills Animal Hospital, becoming the first Black woman animal hospital owner in the area.

Dr. Sellers’ acquisition of the long-standing practice is a significant milestone in a profession where Black representation remains remarkably low. By taking the helm of the already established clinic, she is not only securing her place as a business leader but also ensuring that the South Kansas City community continues to have access to stable, high-quality animal care, according to Fox 4.

The Black-woman history maker is a proud alumna of the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. The historically Black college or university (HBCU) is the only one in the country that trains veterinarians. Her journey to ownership at Hickman Mills is a testament to the importance of specialized education and mentorship. In a field where less than 3% of practitioners are Black, Dr. Sellers’s presence as an animal hospital owner provides a powerful blueprint for young students of color in the Midwest.

“Once you move into ownership, it’s just a whole different ballgame because now it’s you,” Dr. Sellers told Fox 4. “From the minute somebody walks in the door, it’s your business, your staff; these are your patients, and that just comes with a different mindset that you have to have.”

The transition under Dr. Sellers’ leadership marks a new chapter for the hospital. Hickman Mills will move forward with a renewed focus on “community-centric” medicine. She expressed a commitment to making veterinary services more accessible for local pet owners. Her vision includes modernizing the facility’s diagnostic capabilities while maintaining the neighborhood feel that has defined Hickman Mills for decades. By investing in the latest medical technology, she ensures that urban pet owners do not have to travel to receive advanced surgical or preventative care.

Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Sellers is dedicated to fostering the next generation of veterinary professionals. She actively participates in outreach programs, inviting local students to shadow her at the clinic to demystify the profession.

“It’s about more than just medicine; it’s about being a pillar in the community where people see themselves reflected in the leadership,” she told the outlet.

As Dr. Sellers settles into her new role, the Hickman Mills Animal Hospital stands as a beacon of progress. Her success at the intersection of medicine and business ownership provides a vital spark for the ongoing conversation regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion in the veterinary sciences.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 24, 2026

Justin Timberlake Jokes About Being Labeled ‘White’ During DUI Arrest

Justin Timberlake was jokingly surprised when cops labeled him as "white" during his DUI arrest.

Justin Timberlake cracked a joke about being labeled “white” while in custody following his 2024 DUI arrest in Long Island, New York.

Award-winning pop star Justin Timberlake has recently made headlines following the release of police bodycam footage from his June 2024 DUI arrest in the Hamptons. In the newly surfaced footage, Timberlake is seen reviewing paperwork related to the arrest and makes a joke about his race while in custody.

“White?” Timberlake asked in a clip shared online as he looked at the document. “I’m just kidding. I’m just kidding, man.”

Justin Timberlake reacts to officers listing his race as “white” in DWI arrest footage.

pic.twitter.com/KQQVZFXzeT
— Pop Base (@PopBase) March 22, 2026

Additional footage shows Timberlake expressing surprise after learning he would have to spend the night at New York’s Suffolk County Police Department following his arrest.

“All night?” Timberlake asked. “Yo, you guys are wild, man.”

Full footage shows officers pulling over Timberlake for swerving, with the singer appearing to struggle to speak clearly as he tells them he’s in town for his world tour.

“I’m Justin Timberlake,” he told the officer when attempting to explain what he was on a world tour for.

“I’m not taking the chemical test,” a handcuffed Timberlake told an officer, adding, “Guys, I don’t mean no harm…”

At another point, he said, “You’re treating me like a criminal,” as officers explained the traffic violations that led to the stop. Timberlake was initially pulled over for allegedly running a stop sign and veering into the roadway. He later struggled to complete field sobriety tests, telling officers, “These are really hard tests.”

The footage also shows a friend of Timberlake attempting to invoke his celebrity status upon learning he was being taken into custody.

“You’re arresting Justin Timberlake?” the friend asked.

“Can you guys please do me a favor because you loved ‘Bye, Bye, Bye’ or ‘Sexy Back’?” she later added.

Timberlake unsuccessfully tried to block the release of the bodycam footage. The “Cry Me a River” singer later reached a plea deal with prosecutors in September 2024, agreeing to a lesser charge and to pay a $500 fine and complete 25 hours of community service.

William McNeil, viral video, Recording The Police

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 24, 2026

Chicago Police Officer Suspended Again For Improper Stop And Search Of Black Civilians

The cop also has a horde of complaints against him for unprofessional conduct.

A Chicago police officer has been suspended from duty for another improper stop and search of a Black civilian.

Officer Richard Rodriguez Jr. just faced repercussions for previous violations against Black Chicagoans’ rights. Now, a ruling from a Chicago Police Board member will hold Rodriguez accountable for this repeated offense toward Black men in the downtown area. According to WTTW, Rodriguez will be suspended from the force for at least 30 days over the policy violation.

This ruling stems from a September 2023 incident where Rodriguez reportedly ripped a man’s pants off while on duty with the Near North (18th) Police District tactical team. The altercation began after Rodriguez and two fellow officers on the team questioned three men sitting on the front steps of a business.

One of the men, identified as Jeremiah Blankenship, ran away from the police during the encounter. The officers chased after him, catching up with Blankenship four blocks away. After apprehending the man, Rodriguez escalated the encounter with the invasive search of his body.

“Officer Rodriguez searched the crotch area under the top layer of clothing, exposing (Blakenship’s) underwear,” according to the probe conducted by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability.

However, when the man questioned the search, Rodriguez reportedly responded with “’cause you got something in yo ass,” overheard on body-worn camera footage. Upon review of the incident, COPA recommended at least a 30-day suspension for violating civilians’ rights.

Despite the recommendation, Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling objected to the allegations that Rodriguez’s search was improper. Instead, he defended Rodriguez’s action, stating that the pants were in “very poor condition,” leading them to fall apart.

However, Rodriguez admitted to ripping the pants purposefully despite the public setting, stretching the clothing to see if Blankenship had anything tucked in the buttocks area. With the COPA board and Snelling disagreeing on the suspension, a random member of the CPB had to decide on the matter.

That member, Justin Terry, cited Rodriguez’s own account and admission of what happened with Blankenship to determine the suspension as necessary.

“The superintendent’s explanation of Officer Rodriguez’s actions is not persuasive in light of Officer Rodriguez’s statement in response to Mr. Blankenship’s asking why he ripped his jeans and the exposure of his undergarment,” Terry wrote.

The ruling comes just months after Rodriguez received another suspension for a prior improper search. The Chicago cop also has dozens of complaints for violations on duty, with one incident even resulting in the stripping of his police powers.

He becomes the fifth member of that tactical team to lose his badge and gun for unprofessional conduct against Black residents in the city.

fentanyl, los angelos county, overdose, drug, resident

by Kandiss Edwards

March 24, 2026

Independence Police Seize Fentanyl In Missouri Barbie Bust

Independence Police Department posted a message to Facebook alerting potential customer of the incident.

The Independence Police Department has issued a public warning after fentanyl was discovered within the packaging of Barbie dolls sold at a local Missouri store on March 21.

The Independence Police Department’s investigation into the incident began after a customer purchased the toy at a discount store named Cargo Largo. When opening the package, a white powder was released. While the Barbie remained free of the substance, the substance was found between the cardboard backing and the plastic shell of the retail packaging. This specific placement allowed the substance to remain hidden from casual view.

The Independence Police Department posted a message on Facebook alerting potential customers to the incident. Officers believe the substance contaminated only five dolls, all of which have been recovered. They believe the isolated event involves a single shipment at the Cargo Largo warehouse. Additionally, Independence Police note there is currently no evidence suggesting that other national retailers received similarly compromised units.

Jade Adams, the purchaser of the Barbie, understandably is shaken by the ordeal. She spoke with WDAF about the potential harm to her children.

“They could have dusted that all over themselves, their house, wherever they opened it,” Adams said. “Like, it’s not just me, it’s really just the kids for me. That’s my baby, that’s my last baby, that’s terrifying.”

Adams’s mother discussed her daughter’s reaction to the incident.

“She went to Cargo Largo and was like, ‘You need to get these Barbies; you need to get all these Barbies,’” she said. So, they filled a whole cart up of these Barbies and took them to security and were like, ‘You need to check all of these Barbies.’”

Despite the extreme lethality of fentanyl, officials confirmed that no injuries or accidental exposures occurred during the brief window the dolls were in circulation. Independence Police officers worked through the weekend to track every individual sale of the doll.

As of March 24, the Independence Police Department is continuing its criminal investigation into the supply chain to determine exactly how the controlled substance was introduced into Cargo Largo’s inventory.

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 24, 2026

Joy Reid Pinpoints Biden’s Foreign Policy ‘Stain’ As A Reason Why Kamala Harris Shouldn’t Run In 2028

During an interview on the “One54 Africa” podcast, host Akbar Gbajabiamila asked Reid if Harris should shoot her shot at the Oval Office again, in which she said no.

Former MS Now host Joy Reid offered insight into why she doesn’t think former Vice President Kamala Harris should run again for the White House in 2028, blaming former President Joe Biden’s policies as a “stain” on her legacy.

During an interview on the “One54 Africa” podcast, host Akbar Gbajabiamila asked Reid if Harris should shoot her shot at the Oval Office again, to which she said no. She argues that the U.S. would never elect a woman to the office of the presidency “in her lifetime,” to which co-host and comedian Godfrey said was “a shame.”

But there is more to her reasoning. “In order for her to have won last time, and this isn’t something that I would have said to her personally, she needed to take a giant step away from Joe Biden’s Middle East policy. His policies vis-à-vis Israel and Gaza were an abomination, and it was a stain on his presidency,” Reid said.

“And her association with that is still something that causes her to get protested everywhere that she goes…if she ran again, she would have to repudiate Biden on Israel…. That’s the only way she could do it.”

She touched on the former VP being “super loyal,” so she doesn’t know if she would do that.

The trio continued to talk about the narrative that Harris expressed in her book, “107 Days,” that she may not have had enough time to properly plan a campaign as both Democrats and Republicans sought to push Biden out the door due to age; however, President Donald Trump will be 80 years old on June 14th, his birthday.

Reid is not the only one to express sentiments that America is not ready for a female leader. Former first lady Michelle Obama said the same.

But there is still a shot at Harris being the next U.S. president. When asked where she was in her thought process, she told podcast host Sharon McMahon, “I haven’t decided.”

In the meantime, Harris continues to poll well amongst potential 2028 Democratic White House contenders. According to Newsweek, the Howard University graduate has 31% of the potential vote. Leaders seem to stand behind that number. “We need to unite as Americans and will this into existence. Kamala Harris 2028,” former adviser to George W. Bush, Scott Jennings, said on X back in February.

But right behind her is former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. Known for being outspoken about the current administration, Buttigieg has stepped in to highlight the need for Americans to speak up, sparking speculation that he may run again. “Our economy is bleeding jobs. Prices are up, especially for gas. Yet the White House prioritizes tax cuts for billionaires, while launching a reckless new Middle East war,” he said in an early March X post.

“It doesn’t have to stay this way — not if the American people make our voices heard.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 24, 2026

NYC Driver Loses Taxi License Over $14K E-ZPass Bill He Thought Was Paid

A New York City livery driver is calling out the MTA after his commission license was suspended over nearly $15,000 in E-ZPass fees he says he didn’t know he owed.

A professional driver in New York City has had his Taxi and Limousine Commission license suspended over more than $14,000 in E-ZPass late fees, he says he didn’t know he owed.

Luis Corporan, who has driven for the Commission for more than a decade, has been off the road since Feb. 9 after the Department of Motor Vehicles suspended his registration for unpaid tolls and fees, he told CBS News. A breakdown from the DMV shows he owes $2,134.71 in tolls and $11,900 in fees—bringing the total to $14,034.71.

“As drivers, we have to be on top of it, but I was on top of it, paying my toll bills,” Corporan said.

“When I heard the amount … there was no words,” he added. “I just hung up the phone and started just thinking, where I get the money from?”

Corporan said he received some notices but believed they were for tolls he had already paid through the app. He questioned why his transponder seemed to work at certain tolls but not others.

“Why wasn’t it reading here, but then it started working over there?” he said.

When asked how the fees grew so large without Corporan’s knowledge, a spokesperson for the MTA said, “People who pay their tolls don’t pay fines.”

Corporan’s case adds to growing concerns over high fees and confusion about alleged toll violations, with drivers saying they believed they were paying but were later hit with DMV suspensions and unexpected bills.

Chris Zimring of Staten Island said he was never notified about late fees and ended up owing $25,000, while Melissa Lichtman said a license plate error led to a bill of more than $3,000. Brooklyn resident Ian Chichester was initially charged $35,034.06 but negotiated an 80% reduction with the MTA, lowering the total to about $10,106.95.

The MTA has characterized the cases as “willful, persistent toll evasion,” but State Assemblymember Mike Reilly disagrees.

“To me, that is just sheer not caring about people,” Reilly said.

The MTA maintains that its fees are lawful, citing court rulings, but Reilly is pushing back by introducing legislation to cap what he calls crippling charges for his constituents.

“Even though something is legal doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right thing to do,” he said. “That just means that we haven’t passed my legislation that caps what they can charge.”

Corporan said the MTA offered to settle his debt for about $8,000, but only if he paid the same day, which he couldn’t afford. Now, after more than a month without income, he says he’s in an even tougher position.

“I have four girls… this is how I support them,” he said.

MTA Chair Janno Lieber said a toll-payer advocate is available to help, but Corporan said he reached out on Feb. 17 and has yet to hear back.

“I just want people to come together, come together and speak out,” Corporan said. “I’m not the first and I probably won’t be the last.”

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 24, 2026

Hey TSA! If There Is Someone To Blame, Here’s Why GOP Dumped The Notion To Get Agents Paid

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) dismissed a proposal from Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) to suspend Senate rules and advance a bill through the Rules Committee to fund TSA, labeling it as a “convoluted” attempt to bypass the Senate Appropriations Committee.

While travelers are left stranded in miles-long lines at major U.S. airports, President Donald Trump and the administration are blaming Democratic leaders for it, but it was actually Senate Republicans who rejected a bill to get Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents paid and back on track, The Hill reports.

After Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) pushed an unorthodox move to suspend Senate rules and advance a bill through the Rules Committee to fund TSA on March 21, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) dismissed the proposal, labeling it as a “convoluted” attempt to bypass the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Ultimately, the motion failed to pass with 60 votes and was voted 41 to 49. “This is a Schumer motion to suspend the rules and refer the House message, the bill that we’re on, to the Rules Committee, which doesn’t have jurisdiction over appropriations or spending, and he’s trying to call it a vote to fund TSA?” Thune said.

“I don’t know how you come up with this. I will give you credit for coming up with something that’s convoluted, but it doesn’t do anything that the [Democratic] leader says it does.”

A report from Now This Impact highlights the six other attempts from the blue party. First, on March 5, when Sen. Patty Murray (WA) introduced a bill to fund all agencies under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including FEMA and the Secret Service. Days later, she introduced a revised bill.

Then, Sen. Raphael Warnock (GA) introduced legislation that would pay them during negotiations on March 18, just after Sen. Jacky Rosen (NV) made similar notions days prior. Sens. Elissa Slotkin (MI) and Brian Schatz (HI) made other attempts.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by NowThis Impact (@nowthisimpact)

GOP leaders blocked all.

And it looks like it may stay that way, as their fearless leader made the bold statement that he’s not trying to make a deal— not without something in return.

In a post to his Truth Social app, Trump said he has no interest in making a deal with Democrats “unless, and until” they vote in support of the SAVE America Act. “It is far more important than anything else we are doing in the Senate,” the president added, according to The New Republic.

Instead, his idea was to order ICE agents to deploy at airports on March 23 to assist with security lines, a move that has allegedly caused even more chaos so far.

Guess no good deed goes unpunished, right?

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 24, 2026

Delta Air Lines Stands With TSA Agents, Suspends Congress Perks Amid Partial Shutdown Chaos

For years, Delta, like other airlines, operated a special congressional service desk for members of U.S. Congress, known as the “Delta Desk,” but not anymore - for the time being.

Delta Air Lines takes a stand with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents and suspends a major travel perk for members of Congress amid the partial government shutdown, causing chaos at major U.S. airports, the Atlanta Constitution Journal reports.

For years, Delta, like other airlines, operated a special congressional service desk for members of the U.S. Congress, known as the “Delta Desk,” which assists elected leaders in booking trips at government rates, making last-minute ticketing changes, and reserving seats on multiple flights on the same day to accommodate congressional votes.

But not anymore — for the time being. “Due to the impact on resources from the longstanding government shutdown, Delta will temporarily suspend specialty services to members of Congress flying Delta,” a statement from Delta read.

“Next to safety, Delta’s No. 1 priority is taking care of our people and customers, which has become increasingly difficult in the current environment.”

The move comes after CEO Ed Bastian fired off heated comments following reports that TSA agents at high levels were quitting. The airline leader said agents are being used as “political chips” as Congress negotiates over funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

“It’s inexcusable that our security agents, frontline workers central to what we do, are not being paid,” Bastian said.

“We’re outraged. Let’s get our people who are essential to our security paid quickly.”

Along with the CEOs of other airlines, including United, American, and JetBlue, Bastian signed a letter to Congress urging them to reach an agreement, as agents continue to go unpaid. “Americans—who live in your districts and home states—are tired of long lines at airports, travel delays, and flight cancellations caused by shutdown after shutdown. Yet, once again, air travel is the political football amid another government shutdown,” the leadership group wrote.

“This problem is solvable, and there are solutions on the table. Now it’s up to you, Congress, to move forward on bipartisan proposals.”

The shutdown hits home for Delta, as security lines were seen reaching their maximum lengths at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest airport, where Delta is headquartered.

According to The Hill, Hartsfield passengers were instructed to give themselves at least four hours to pass through TSA checkpoints for domestic and international flights due to “current federal conditions.”

Over 400 TSA officers have quit the agency altogether.

Jay-Z, old west, black folks, book of Clarence, new testament, film, produce, movie, Reebok, super bowl

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 24, 2026

JAŸ-Z Adds Third Yankee Stadium Show After Concert Sells Out In Minutes

JAŸ-Z added a third date to his weekend takeover at Yankee Stadium.

Instant sellouts have prompted JAY-Z to add a third date to his weekend takeover at Yankee Stadium this July.

Billionaire hip-hop mogul JAŸ-Z quickly added a third date after tickets for JAŸ-Z 30 and JAŸ-Z 25 sold out within minutes, with thousands waiting in virtual queues. The added show, JAŸ-Z EXTRA INNINGS on July 12, saw high demand from fans after going on sale at 1 p.m. on March 24, USA Today reports.

The July 10 and 11 shows will mark two landmark anniversaries: the 30th anniversary of his 1996 debut, “Reasonable Doubt,” and the 25th anniversary of his 2000 classic, “The Blueprint.” The added JAŸ-Z EXTRA INNINGS show isn’t tied to a specific album but will “build on the momentum” of the first two concerts, according to a release.

In a new interview with Frazier Tharpe of GQ, JAŸ-Z revealed he’s working on new music but admitted some tracks are “too dark” to release.

“I don’t know how to make music that’s not reflective of how I’m feeling at the moment,” he said. “I have a lot of scratch ideas and they like all bad. I got to be honest, they’re bad.”

JAY-Z says the music he was making recently was too dark to put out:

“I don’t know how to make music that’s not reflective of how I’m feeling at the moment… I have a lot of scratch ideas and they like all bad. I got to be honest, they’re bad.” (via GQ) pic.twitter.com/PtXrK3u2iQ
— Kurrco (@Kurrco) March 24, 2026

Jay-Z said he endured a difficult 2025, pointing to the Tony Buzbee-linked legal matter, including a sexual assault lawsuit that also named Sean “Diddy” Combs and left him “really heartbroken.” The Roc Nation founder added that he would rather “die” than settle a case involving such serious allegations.

“[Settling] ain’t in my DNA,” he said. “First of all, I had to tell my wife [Beyoncé]. Let’s back up. I know the weight that this is going to bring on our family. I can’t do it. I would die. If I settled—make that thing go away. And for me, it would’ve been cheaper? Yes. Cheaper, quicker, move on with your life. I knew what was coming. I wasn’t naive.”

Despite what he’s described as an attempt to tarnish his name, the sold-out shows suggest the admiration surrounding JAŸ-Z remains strong. In addition to his Yankee Stadium run, he’s also set to perform at the Roots Picnic in May, with fans able to try their luck for tickets through Live Nation.

Michael Jordan, lawsuit, NASCAR, antitrust

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 24, 2026

Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing Team Cops 4th Win Of Season

Tyler Reddick joins NASCAR Hall of Famers Dale Earnhardt (1987) and Bill Elliott (1992) as the only Cup drivers to win four of the first six races in a season.

The 23XI Racing Team has been on a winning streak ever since NASCAR lost the Michael Jordan-led antitrust lawsuit against the racing organization. Tyler Reddick won the latest race to bring the win total for this season to four.

According to The Associated Press, Reddick pulled out the win for his 12th career victory when he beat Brad Keselowski by a 5.847-second margin at Darlington Raceway on March 22. Coming in after him were Ryan Blaney, who finished third, followed by Carson Hocevar and Austin Cindric.

“I know never to give up,” said Reddick after winning the race. “I think it’s very fitting that when we finally get our first win here at Darlington, that ‘The Lady in Black’ would test us like that. We’ve been so close so many times.”

Tamed the track ‘Too tough to tame’🏆🏆🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/4FLJV8T9By
— 23XI Racing (@23XIRacing) March 24, 2026

Reddick is off to a great start after becoming the first driver in NASCAR history to win the first three races of the season when he got his first victory at the Daytona 500. He also joins NASCAR Hall of Famers Dale Earnhardt (1987) and Bill Elliott (1992) as the only Cup drivers to win four of the first six races in a season.

The victory almost did not happen due to car issues early in the race.

“The battery wasn’t charging at all,” Reddick said. “All day long, just not running fans and sweating my tail off inside the race car. We knew it was going to be physical. Really wore out, but I guess I don’t need as much of that cooling stuff as I normally have.”

Jordan shared his thoughts on Reddick overcoming the problems with the car.

“Pretty sure it’s frustrating for him because he had an unbelievable car, and I think the key to him winning was just keeping his head,” said Jordan. “We just had to get the car right, and I think he did an unbelievable job. I just wanted everything to be good, because once he gets back out there, then I feel like his competitive juices are going to carry him all the way to the end. He earned it all week, and I’m real proud of the team.”