Snoop Dogg To Perform At Australian Football League Grand Final
After fans questioned the CEO's choice in entertainment, Andrew Dillon said, 'I've always been confident that he'd put on a show, but even more confident now.'
After the Australian Football League (AFL) announced that Snoop Dogg would perform as the Grand Final headliner, there were murmurs about the rap legend’s past use of misogynistic and offensive lyrics.
But AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon did not budge on his choice, and the 53-year-old California rapper to is slated to take the field Friday, Sept. 26.
Although the league did not make the entertainer available for an all-in media conference, like they did for past performers such as Katy Perry and Robbie Williams, the Doggfather did comment on the upcoming appearance in an on-stage interview.
“I’m expecting the crowd to be crazy, I know what this means,” he said. “I’ve been coming to this country for years, and I understand what this game is and what it means. I know that it’s not just a sport, it’s a way of life. I know it’s not just a team or club, it’s part of your DNA, so I understand what is at stake. I’m here to do my part and to bring what I bring to the table.”
The “Gin & Juice” lyricist is expected to have some special guests on stage with him, including Australian artists Vera Blue, Tash Sultana, Baker Boy, and footy anthems man Mike Brady.
Meanwhile, Dillon reassured the media that Snoop would be the perfect fit when he hit the stage Down Under.
“I’ve been really confident with the choice of Snoop,” he said. “He’s performed at the Olympics, he’s performed at a Super Bowl, and he’ll suit our stage. I’ve always been confident that he’d put on a show, but even more confident now.”
The Geelong Cats will be facing the Brisbane Lions for the championship.
Police are investigating her death as a suspected suicide after Spaulding’s family discovered the 26-year-old accountant in her apartment with a curtain tied around her neck, Caribbean National Weekly reports.
Spaulding’s death came weeks after she shared a YouTube video in which she opened up about her struggles with suicidal thoughts, according to Us Weekly.
“I’m fighting for my life over here,” she said in the Sept. 4 video. “I feel like I need to go out and do something because my mind is trying to kill me. And if I do nothing, I am going to die, guys. Every day I get up, my mind tells me to go and jump off a building. It tells me to go and overdose on pills. It tells me to go and hang myself.”
Spaulding, who competed in the 2023 Miss Jamaica Universe pageant, said she didn’t understand where her suicidal thoughts were coming from and felt powerless to stop them.
“They’re my own thoughts, but do I want to be having them? No,” she explained. “Do I want to die? I mean, it would be easier than having to deal with the ups and downs of life, but…I don’t know. All I know is, right now I am fighting for my life. Right now I’m just trying to do anything I can that will distract me, give me temporary motivation, I don’t know.
“And I can’t quite pinpoint…why am I thinking these things all of a sudden?” Spaulding added. “It’s like there’s two different me’s. One of them wants me to live and one of them wants me to die…It’s me against me over here.”
The Miss Universe Jamaica Organization confirmed Spaulding’s death in a Sept. 24 Instagram post, passing in a heartfelt Instagram post.
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of the beautiful Tyra Spaulding. 🕊️💙,” the statement read in part. “She was a radiant soul and an amazing human being. Her light, grace, beauty and kind spirit touched every life she encountered, leaving memories that will never fade.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or emotional distress, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK).
Starbucks To Shutter Stores Amid Restructuring, Tariffs, Boycotts, And Policy Backlash
For several months, Starbucks has been subjected to lawsuits for policy changes against workers and customers of the Black and LGBTQ+ community.
Is it a restructuring or the result of a boycott? Starbucks announced massive location closures and layoffs to focus on restructuring models, but social media says otherwise, the Associated Pressreports.
In a Sept. 25 letter to employees, the Seattle coffee conglomerate said it will be shuttering hundreds of stores in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, resulting in layoffs of 900 nonretail employees to focus on resources for a turnaround process. Back in June 2025, the company had 18,734 North American locations, but with the new plan, by Sept. 28–the end of Starbucks’ fiscal year–there will be roughly 18,300 locations.
Baristas affected by the change will be offered severance packages and transfers to available locations.
In a letter, CEO Brian Niccol says the company took a deep dive into identifying locations that don’t promise financial growth or aren’t creating the physical environment expected from customers. “Each year, we open and close coffeehouses for a variety of reasons, from financial performance to lease expirations,” Niccol wrote.
“This is a more significant action that we understand will impact partners and customers. Our coffeehouses are centers of the community, and closing any location is difficult.”
With restructuring in its future, Starbucks is expected to spend $1 billion, including $150 million for employee separation benefits and $850 million related to closing physical locations and exiting leases. Closing cost is an added stress to what Starbucks and other companies alike have suffered after being affected by President Donald Trump’s tariff wars. According to Fortune, thanks to the president’s 50% tariff on Brazil, the world’s largest coffee producer, the company’s stock has plummeted 1.15% year to date, in addition to being down 8% over the past five trading sessions.
The list of stressors also includes major pushback over policy changes, resulting in boycotts and lawsuits. Starbucks Workers United, a labor group representing hundreds of workers, said barista input wasn’t offered when discussing closures. “Fixing what’s broken at Starbucks isn’t possible without centering the people who engage with the company’s customers day in and day out,” the union said in a statement. After issuing Palestinian support and solidarity and condemning Israel, a global boycott began, in addition to a pause in hosting Pride decorations in stores.
For several months, Starbucks has been subjected to lawsuits for policy changes against workers and customers of the Black and LGBTQ+ community. In late September 2025, three states–California, Colorado, and Illinois–sued the company over its new dress code, accusing it of refusing to reimburse workers for the new clothes they had to purchase.
As word of the restructuring closures began to circulate on social media, users started celebrating, as boycotts have proven to hurt revenue for large corporations, similar to what happened to Target after it dialed back on its DEI initiatives. “But y’all swear boycotting big companies “doesn’t work” Baby their pockets are HURTING,” @drebae_ wrote on X.
Atlanta Transit Authority Leaves Disabled Passenger Stranded At Bus Stop For Hours
A transit operator for MARTA was dismissed after abandoning disabled passenger Latieria Jackson late at night at a station.
A transit operator for MARTA in Atlanta has been fired after he left a disabled passenger stranded for hours at the Vine City Station..
Latieria Jackson, who has cerebral palsy, said she was forced to wait from around 10 p.m. until past midnight before finally securing help from another MARTA driver, WSB-TV reports.
Jackson said she had used the MARTA app, which showed a bus was expected at 10 p.m., but no vehicle arrived. She waited until around 2 a.m. before another driver agreed to transport her.
“Nobody was out here. I was in the dark. But when I got out here, they were nowhere to be found. It was too late for me to be out here. I was terrified,” she told WSB-TV.
MARTA’s interim general manager, Jonathan Hunt, acknowledged the bus operator left their post. Leaving “is a clear violation of our work rules. That driver has been terminated,” Hunt told WSB-TV.
He also apologized “directly to Ms. Jackson,” and announced new training for mobility staff and plans to increase oversight.
MARTA officials noted they are reviewing their scheduling, dispatch, and monitoring practices to prevent future failures. The transit authority is reportedly considering expanded the number of active buses and availability. Additionally, the Atlanta public transportation company is looking into improving tracking systems. Their goal is simple: to make sure no rider is left behind, especially the city’s most vulnerable.
For MARTA, the incident is a blow to public trust. The agency must now balance repair of that trust with structural reforms to prevent repeat harm in a system residents rely on every day.
Nas Scores Queens, NY, Casino Win As Jay-Z’s Times Square Bid Gets Knocked Down
Nas led a bid for a $5.5 billion expansion for the Resorts World Casino.
Barely a week after former rival Jay-Z lost a bid to open a casino in Times Square in Manhattan, Queensbridge native Nas learned that the community board had unanimously approved his bid to expand the Resorts World Casino in Queens.
According to AllHipHop, the “Hip-Hop is Dead” recording artist was successful in getting the board to approve a $5.5 billion expansion that will make it the largest in the United States. After getting a 6-0 vote from the Queens Community Advisory Committee, the Resorts World New York City expansion will appear near the Aqueduct racetrack. An entertainment complex will also be built featuring a 7,000-seat venue, 2,000 hotel rooms, and more than 30 dining spots.
The expansion will also include 3,000 units of workforce housing, over 50 acres of new parkland, with upgraded transit connections to JFK Airport and Manhattan. The $50 million commitment will help launch the Genting Innovation Campus, a wellness center and a STEAM institute aimed at youth in Southeast Queens.
Page Six reported that Robert DeSalvia, president of the gaming and hospitality group, Genting Americas East, released a written statement after the committee revealed its decision.
“On behalf of the entire Resorts World team, I want to thank the Community Advisory Committee for recognizing the impact we will have not only on Queens but all of New York City and State.”
“We are incredibly grateful to the large number of residents, partners, and supporters who touted this project, without a single person speaking against it. This is a testament to our mission — solidified over the last 15 years — to be the best neighbor possible here in Queens.”
Another Queens legend, NBA champion Kenny “The Jet” Smith, is also involved in the project and is backing “The Jet Center,” a state-of-the-art sports and media complex that will serve as the centerpiece of the Resorts World Innovation Campus.
Sylvia Rhone Helped Launch The Music Careers Of Some Of Your Favs
Rhone has defined the musical landscape for several generations
Sylvia Rhone’s career is a remarkable example of vision, determination, and cultural significance. As the first Black woman to lead a major record label, she has made a lasting impact. Serving as chairwoman and CEO of Epic Records, Rhone has defined the musical landscape for several generations. Her influence reaches from the iconic era of 1990s R&B and hip-hop to today’s chart-topping artists.
Missy Elliott, a pioneering artist, signed with Elektra Records in the mid-’90s. Her groundbreaking debut single, “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly),” released in 1997, not only established her as a creative powerhouse but also marked Rhone’s dedication to innovative artistry. Elliott’s remarkable success as one of the most accomplished female rappers of all time can be largely credited to Rhone’s early support and encouragement.
Busta Rhymes
Busta Rhymes, who joined Elektra Records in 1996 as a solo artist, scored his first hit with “Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check” that same year. Under Rhone’s guidance, Busta moved from being part of Leaders of the New School to a solo sensation. His dynamic energy and distinctive style matched Rhone’s eagerness to challenge conventions in hip-hop.
En Vogue
En Vogue, a female group celebrated for their chic style and strong vocals, found remarkable success during the 1990s. Rhone was instrumental in their achievements. Their debut single, “Hold On,” launched in 1990, soared to the top of the R&B charts, and marked a pivotal moment for contemporary girl groups.
Brandy
Brandy, who signed with Atlantic Records in the early 1990s, made her mark with the hit single “I Wanna Be Down” in 1994. This debut track propelled her to stardom as a new voice in R&B. With Rhone’s guidance, Brandy swiftly rose to become a teen icon and a leading figure in the genre throughout the decades.
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman, a singer-songwriter, signed with Elektra Records in the late 1980s. Her first hit song, “Fast Car,” was released in 1988. Despite her folk-soul style, Chapman’s music was often associated with hip-hop and R&B acts. However, Rhone supported her early on. “Fast Car” went on to become an enduring classic.
Ol’ Dirty Bastard
Ol’ Dirty Bastard, a member of Wu-Tang Clan, launched his solo career in the 1990s, signing with Elektra Records. His debut hit, “Shimmy Shimmy Ya,” came out in 1995. As a solo artist, ODB’s success flourished under the mentorship of Rhone, who saw his distinctive and eccentric style and developed a space for it within the hip-hop scene.
MC Lyte
MC Lyte, a highly regarded trailblazer in hip-hop, joined Atlantic Records in the early 1990s. Her collaboration with Rhone at Atlantic Records led to her gaining mainstream acclaim with her gold-certified single “Ruffneck” in 1993.
Slipknot
Slipknot, a masked heavy metal band, signed with Roadrunner Records in the late 1990s under Elektra’s umbrella. Their major breakthrough occurred with the release of their debut single, “Wait and Bleed,” in 1999. Rhone’s influence reached beyond R&B and hip-hop, and her backing of Slipknot at Roadrunner Records was vital in turning the band into one of the most successful hard rock acts of their generation.
Jason Derulo
Jason Derulo, who joined Warner Bros./Elektra in the 2000s, rose to global prominence with his hit single “Whatcha Say” in 2009. Rhone’s sharp talent recognition remained evident as she found Derulo, reinforcing her status as a hitmaker during the 2000s.
Future
Future, signed to Epic Records in 2011, achieved his first hit under Rhone in 2012 with “Turn On the Lights.” Future has become one of the most influential rappers of his generation, pioneering a melodic trap sound that Rhone supported and amplified through Epic.
Travis Scott
Travis Scott, a global superstar, signed with Epic Records in the mid-2010s. His first hit under Rhone was “Antidote” in 2015. Before becoming an international superstar, Scott found a powerful partner in Rhone, who helped turn his experimental sound into mainstream success.
Camila Cabello
Camila Cabello, following her departure from Fifth Harmony, launched a thriving solo career with Rhone’s support. Her debut hit, “Havana” (2017), turned into a worldwide sensation and established her as a significant presence in pop music.
21 Savage
21 Savage, who signed with Epic Records in 2017, gained worldwide recognition with the debut hit, “Bank Account,” thanks to Rhone’s mentorship. Rhone was instrumental in evolving 21 Savage from a local Atlanta rapper into a Grammy-winning artist, demonstrating her exceptional ability to cultivate untapped talent into enduring success.
Assata Shakur, Political Activist And Black Liberation Army Member, Dies At 78
The activist was granted political asylum in Cuba after escaping from a New Jersey prison in 1979.
Assata Shakur, the famed political activist and former Black Liberation Army member who escaped prison and spent decades in exile in Cuba, has died at 78.
Shakur died on Sept. 25, according to a Cuban news outlet.
She was convicted in 1973 for killing a New Jersey State Trooper, but escaped thanks to the aid of a fellow Black Liberation Army member. Shakur was granted political asylum in Cuba under Fidel Castro, where she lived until her death.
Born JoAnne Deborah Byron in Queens, New York, Shakur became active in civil rights protests and sit-ins while attending Borough of Manhattan Community College and City College of New York. After graduation, she adopted the name Assata Olugbala Shakur—Assata meaning “she who struggles,” Olugbala meaning “the one who saves,” and Shakur meaning “the thankful one.”
She spent a short time with the Black Panther Party before joining the Black Liberation Army, where she denounced capitalism and advocated for socialism.
“There was not a single liberation movement in Africa that was not fighting for socialism. In fact, there was not a single liberation movement in the whole world that was fighting for capitalism,” she wrote in her 1988 autobiography. “The whole thing boiled down to a simple equation: anything that has any kind of value is made, mined, grown, produced, and processed by working people. So why shouldn’t working people collectively own that wealth? Why shouldn’t working people own and control their own resources? Capitalism meant that rich businessmen owned the wealth, while socialism meant that the people who made the wealth owned it.”
Shakur, the step-aunt and godmother of legendary rapper Tupac Shakur, rose to national attention in 1973 after a shootout on the New Jersey Turnpike left State Trooper Werner Foerster and fellow B.L.A. member Zayd Malik Shakur dead.
Wounded in the incident, Shakur was arrested and later convicted of Foerster’s murder, receiving a sentence of life plus 33 years, though she maintained her innocence. Supporters argued that systemic racism, targeted policing of Black nationalist and liberation groups like the B.L.A. and Black Panther Party, and a flawed criminal justice system influenced her trial.
In 1979, Shakur escaped from Clinton Correctional Facility for Women with the help of armed allies. Though she was beyond the reach of U.S. extradition efforts. Shakur was listed on the FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorists list (the first woman to make the list) from 2013 until October 2024, when she was removed after being deemed no longer an active threat.
Shakur’s legacy is that of a fearless activist who challenged systemic racism, police brutality, and social injustice. Her life, writings, and speeches continue to inspire generations of activists and artists, cementing her as a powerful symbol of empowerment, resistance, and the ongoing fight for racial equality.
Kanye Udoh And Jordan Crook Partner With ClipDart In Groundbreaking NIL Deal
The athletes will help raise funds to provide culturally competent haircuts for underserved students and local Phoenix communities.
Two student-athletes at Arizona State University, Kanye Udoh and Jordan Crook, have agreed to a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with ClipDart to help pay for haircuts for underserved students at the university, as well as in the surrounding Phoenix communities.
Udoh and Crook will help raise money for the company founded by Kyle Parker, who aims to ensure that everyone can overcome haircare inequities. This initiative stems from Parker’s own experience, as a student at Grinnell College in Iowa, where he was unable to access culturally competent haircare. The deal is a first-of-its-kind initiative that will use the athletes’ platforms to raise funds for ClipDart, which will fund the free, on-site haircuts for those in need.
“I’m proud to use my platform to support communities who don’t have access to these essential resources,” said Udoh in a written statement. “This NIL deal is different because it helps me serve others in a revolutionary way—and it shows that ASU stands for lifting others up.”
ClipDart has been at the forefront of tackling haircare inequity since 2021, when Parker, as founder of the company, delivered more than 40,000 free haircuts across 30 states. The company collaborated with over 200 organizations, including schools, senior centers, shelters, and other community-based groups.
“This NIL deal is much bigger than sports—it reimagines how student-athletes can directly impact their communities,” said Parker.
Both Udoh and Crook will participate in content campaigns and community activations to help amplify the message ClipDart has been delivering since its inception, making sure that access to culturally competent haircare is essential for mental wellness. The first-year goal of the NIL partnership is to raise $10,000. That would be enough to provide more than 150 free haircuts for ASU students and people in shelters in Phoenix.
With the launch of this NIL deal, ClipDart continues to grow throughout the country, having recently secured several public health grants, making it the first haircare organization in Arizona to be awarded county-level funding.
Kamala Harris Visits Howard University To Promote New Memoir ‘107 Days’
Former Vice President Kamala Harris made an unannounced stop at her alma mater, Howard University, as part of her 18-city book tour for '107 Days.'
Former Vice President Kamala Harris made an unannounced stop at her alma mater, Howard University, as part of her 18-city book tour for “107 Days.”
Harris met with students and signed copies of her memoir at the campus bookstore. The visit came the day after her stop in Philadelphia. The Instagram post, shared by Howard’s Auxiliary Enterprises Office, showed Harris behind the signing table, smiling and posing with students.
“Just a typical Friday at the Bookstore. Thank you to [Kamala Harris] for stopping by,” the post read.
Multiple videos of student excitement have gone viral. On TikTok, a user posted a video that could be viewed as a stampede of students sprinting across campus to catch a glimpse of Harris.
@nevionneee captioned the post: “Oh you know, just Howard student things.”
Another user, @user2869456782, posted a video of Harris encouraging the young minds to stay vigilant and actively engaged in furthering democracy.
“This is a moment in time in our country and the world where I hope everything you’re seeing tells you we need you. We need you to lead. We need you to be strong. You are leaders right now, you were born leaders…As a very proud Bison, I am counting on you,” Harris said.
Harris’s memoir “107 Days” delves into her rise as the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee after President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 primary race. Harris’s visit was not widely promoted in advance, adding a spontaneous feel to her connection with the university community. For many students at Howard, Harris’s return holds symbolic power. As an alum, she represents the intersection of political ambition, public service, and the role of HBCUs in shaping national leadership.
“107 Days” is now available for purchase. Click here for more information on the former VP’s book tour.
Florida Mother Arrested After Trying To Drown Her Three Children
Shaniece Willingham has been arrested and charged after trying to take the lives of her three children in a Tampa community pool.
A 24-year-old mother, Shaniece Willingham, has been arrested and charged after trying to take the lives of her three children in a Tampa, Florida, community pool.
The young woman is facing multiple charges after police officials allege that she threw the three kids into the pool of water after she had posted on social media about her intentions to harm herself and her children. Authorities stated that family members saved the children, aged 8 months, 2 years, and 3 years. They were alerted to what she was doing after being notified by Willingham’s Instagram Stories on social media.
The incident took place Sept. 24 at 1:28 a.m. Police officers were summoned, and they responded to the call, finding the 24-year-old woman on the pool deck. The family members who saw the social media postings rushed to the scene and pulled the children from the pool after witnessing Willingham taking the children into the pool and holding them underwater. They were able to rescue them and took them away from the scene.
Officials discovered that right before the attempted suicide and murders, she had been at her parents’ home with the children and left after having a dispute.
The Hillsborough County Fire Rescue arrived on the scene and evaluated the children, and determined that they did not show any significant injuries. Willingham was taken into custody.
“This incident is nothing short of horrific,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister in a written statement. “The fear and betrayal these innocent children must have felt, at the hands of the one person meant to love, care for, and protect them, is unimaginable. This decision was not a cry for help, it was a deliberate act of cruelty. Mental health challenges may provide an explanation, but there is no excuse, no justification. These children were failed by their own mother, and it is only by the quick actions of their family that they are alive today.”
