by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 22, 2025

Big Boi Announces Limited-Edition Washing Machines That Play ‘So Fresh, So Clean’ After Each Cycle

Big Boi's new partnership give five lucky fans a chance to win limited-edition washing machines that play "So Fresh, So Clean."

Big Boi of Outkast has teamed up to launch a line of limited-edition washing machines that play one of the duo’s chart-topping hits at the end of each wash cycle.

Whirlpool, the home appliance giant, managed to tap Big Boi for a special giveaway of five limited-edition front-load washers that play the iconic hit “So Fresh, So Clean” after each cycle. These unique washers are made to add the wow factor to any home with their matte black finish, swarm of hand-placed crystals, and a certified “fresh and clean” badge personally signed by Big Boi.

“They called up and was like, you know, the kings of ‘so fresh, so clean’ and the washing machine kings need to get together,” Big Boi told The Blast of the partnership.

“We are on theme, we are on code, we got the same mission — to be the cleanest that we can be and the freshest we can be, and they was like, we want to put your song on the new Whirlpool washing machine. I thought it was just a chime, but they have the original track playing at the end of the wash cycle, so I was like, oh man, that’s dope, I gotta do it.”

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A post shared by Big Boi (@bigboi)

Big Boi showcased a demo for the partnership and giveaway on Instagram, giving fans a peek at some of his rare collectibles, including the checkered suit from the “The Way You Move” video and his pet owls, Hootie and Hoodini. He then walked over to the limited-edition Whirlpool washers and demonstrated how they play his and André 3000’s 2000 hit from their Grammy-winning Stankonia album after each cycle.

“I think the rarest has to be this,” Big Boi said, pointing to the washers. “Whirlpool made me my own washing machine.”

Now, a few lucky fans can win one of five washers just like Big Boi’s from Aug. 19 to Sept. 23, 2025. To enter, follow @WhirlpoolUSA on Instagram, like the Sweepstakes post, and comment #whirlpoolsofresh. Tagging a friend earns an extra entry. Winners will be notified via Instagram DM.

For those who want the regular Whirlpool Smart Front Load Washer with FreshFlow Vent System, it’s available in stores and online, just without the music feature.

Former Top NYC Aide Ingrid Lewis-Martin Accused Of Taking $75K Bribes In New Corruption Allegations

by Sharelle B. McNair

August 22, 2025

Former Top NYC Aide Ingrid Lewis-Martin Accused Of Taking $75K Bribes In New Corruption Allegations

Prior to stepping down from her role in December 2024 amid Adams being charged with corruption, Lewis-Martin and her son were accused of accepting a bribe in exchange for a $100,000 Porsche loan.

Former chief adviser to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, is in hot water as she is facing additional corruption charges following accusations that she used her stature in the city government to secure more than $75,000 in bribes, The New York Times reports.

Lewis-Martin is accused of cashing in on numerous schemes, including trading renovation approvals for thousands of dollars in catered events at Gracie Mansion and City Hall, and fast-tracking permit approvals for a karaoke bar set in Queens in exchange for $50,000 for her son. She was also promised a spot on a television show. “Lewis-Martin consistently overrode the expertise of public servants so she could line her own pockets,” district attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement.

“While she allegedly received more than $75,000 in bribes and an appearance on a TV show, every other New Yorker lost out.”

The former aide and her son, Glenn D. Martin II, weren’t the only ones named in the new indictments. Other NYC dignitaries with ties to Adams, who is gearing up for a reelection bid, are accused of corruption charges, such as former New York state senator turned deputy commissioner for real estate services, Jesse Hamilton, and avid Adams supporters, siblings Gina and Tony Argento, who run Broadway Stages, a prominent soundstage company.

Lewis-Martin allegedly took $2,500 from the Argentos in exchange for convincing city transportation officials to terminate plans to redesign McGuinness Boulevard in Brooklyn, according to ABC News.

After announcing the former aide will face conspiracy and bribery charges, Department of Investigation Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber released a statement saying the accusations highlight a pattern of power abuse. “New York City officials and employees have a duty to serve the public fairly and equitably, and the vast majority fulfill that sacred responsibility each and every day,” Strauber said.

“Today’s Indictments, however, allege that the Mayor’s former Chief Advisor, at times in concert with the Deputy Commissioner for Real Estate Services in the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, repeatedly and persistently abused her senior government position to enrich herself and her family.”

Before stepping down from her role in December 2024 amid Adams’ being charged with corruption, Lewis-Martin and her son were accused of accepting bribes to help two businessmen with construction plans in exchange for a $100,000 loan to purchase a Porsche.

While Lewis-Martin’s lawyer Arthur Aidala pushes his client’s innocence, stating she “has broken no laws, and she is not guilty,” Adams spokesperson Kayla Mamelak Altus released a statement to assure the mayor “was not involved in this matter and has not been accused of or implicated in any wrongdoing.” “Ingrid Lewis-Martin no longer works for this administration,” she continued.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 22, 2025

Upper Deck Basketball Card Featuring Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan Expected To Auction For Over $6M

It will be the most expensive basketball card bought at an auction

An Upper Deck basketball card featuring two of the greatest NBA players of all time, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, is slated to break an auction record by the time the bidding ends.

Heritage Auctions has listed a 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autographs Card with the signatures of Jordan and Bryant, which is expected to eclipse the nearly $6 million price paid for a 2009-10 National Treasures Steph Curry Logoman Autograph card. The latest bid is already at $5.75 million with two days to go. The auction ends Aug. 23.

Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan Basketball Card Expected to Sell for $6M https://t.co/0U1P3hiKhM pic.twitter.com/QOld2zQSTI

— TMZ (@TMZ) August 16, 2025

The Curry basketball card was auctioned for $5.9 million in a private sale to an investment fund almost five years ago, in July 2021.

Mike Provenzale, production manager at Heritage Sports, spoke to WFAA about the auction that will set the highest price ever paid for a basketball card.

“Yeah, I’ve actually lived with this card for the last month, you could say,” Provenzale told the media outlet. “We had it on display at our convention in Chicago, and then in our office in Beverly Hills, then our office in New York, and now it’s going to be on display here in our office in Dallas.”

Provenzal explains that it is the only Jordan/Bryant dual Logoman ever made, so the rarity of the item is what makes it so valuable.

“For modern cards, what has become incredibly valuable is the game-used patch from the athlete and an autograph on it, and then they would make a limited amount,” he stated. “This is a one of one, and it’s the only Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant dual Logoman ever made. So it’s the only one that will ever exist.”

Although this sale is expected to be a record for a basketball card, Provenzale says it is still far below the record $12.6 million fetched for a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle baseball card that was sold by Heritage in 2022.

by Kandiss Edwards

August 22, 2025

Two Major Financial Institutions Merge To Serve The Greater South

A merger this fall will unite two southern institutions, Atlanta’s 1st Choice Credit Union and HOPE Credit Union of Jackson, Mississippi.

HOPE Credit Union announced the merger via press release, July 30. The move is aimed at boosting financial access in historically underserved communities across the Deep South. Once completed this fall, the merger will expand HOPE’s reach into urban Georgia. The merger will add 1st Choice’s assets and members to its existing footprint spanning Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. The combined institution will support new mortgage and business lending roles and deepen ties with healthcare systems and HBCUs.

HOPE CEO Bill Bynum emphasized the aligned mission and the value the company hopes to bring to more Georgia cities.

“We are really excited about the opportunity to be a part of the Atlanta community. … We feel like we can add value to those efforts and work in partnership with others who share our commitment to economic prosperity and inclusive economic mobility.”

He added that while partnership discussions had spanned years, financial strains at 1st Choice prompted the decision to merge.

“There are other organizations that are serving … historically under-resourced people … and we feel like we can add value … and work in partnership” to strengthen community-level financial support,” Bynum said.

For members of 1st Choice, branches at Grady and Sweet Auburn locations will remain open under the new name, Hope Credit Union. Operations will not be jeopardized as all staff will be retained.

“1st Choice was founded in 1946 as Hospital Authority Credit Union to improve the financial health of Grady Hospital employees, their families and our neighboring communities,” said Billy Wright, Chief Financial Officer at Grady Health System. “We look forward to partnering with Hope Credit Union to continue and expand this 79-year legacy.”

When 1st Choice Credit Union first opened its doors nearly 80 years ago, it primarily served employees at Grady Health System. Since then, its reach has expanded beyond the hospital walls, with branches rooted in Grady Memorial and Atlanta’s historic Sweet Auburn community. With more than 8,000 members and long-standing partnerships with institutions like Morehouse and Emory Schools of Medicine, the credit union has functioned as a neighborhood financial anchor. Consequently, HOPE Credit Union sees Atlanta as a natural extension of its mission.

HOPE Credit Union, founded in 1994, has grown to become one of the nation’s largest Black- and woman-owned financial institutions. The institution manages nearly $739 million in assets and serves more than 40,000 members across the six states.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 21, 2025

Man Accused Of Organizing Young Dolph’s Murder Acquitted By Memphis Jury

The alleged mastermind of Young Dolph's 2021 murder was cleared of all charges.

The man accused of orchestrating the fatal shooting of Memphis rapper Young Dolph has been acquitted on all charges.

Govan Hernandez was acquitted Aug. 21 of felony charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, Local Memphis reported. The verdict came after a three-hour jury deliberation on day three of the trial into the November 2021 killing of Young Dolph, real name Adolph Robert Thornton Jr.

Speaking with reporters after the verdict, Govan thanked those who didn’t “shy away from him” and maintained his innocence.

“Thank you to the jury for getting this right and getting my life back,” Govan said. “I knew in my heart I was innocent. Without God, I don’t even think I would have made it this far. I’m just happy to be free.”

While Govan, 45, was not accused of killing Young Dolph, prosecutors argued that he directed the two men who did. One of the shooters even testified that Govan hired him to carry out the shooting in exchange for a $10,000 cut. However, the jury was not convinced and acquitted Govan of all charges early Thursday.

During the trial, Govan’s defense attorneys criticized the police investigation and questioned the credibility of cellphone records showing his communication with the shooters. They argued there was no direct evidence connecting him to Young Dolph’s killing.

“Thankfully, the jurors listened; they saw the holes in the case,” said Govan’s lawyer, Manny Arora.

Young Dolph was back in his hometown to hand out Thanksgiving turkeys when he was fatally shot outside his favorite bakery, Makeda’s Homemade Cookies. During the trial, Cornelius Smith Jr., who admitted to being one of the two gunmen, testified against Govan, claiming he hired him and Justin Johnson to carry out the hit.

Smith, who was called a “pathological liar” by Dolph’s attorney, had also been the key witness against Johnson, who was convicted of first-degree murder in 2024 after being identified as the second shooter. Smith has been charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder. He has pleaded not guilty, and a trial date has yet to be set.

Bank of America, employee, disabled client

by Jameelah Mullen

August 21, 2025

Racist Arrested After Attacking Mentally Disabled Man With Knife

Oklahoma City police detained a man after he allegedly tried to attack a mentally disabled man with a knife

Oklahoma City police detained a man after he allegedly tried to attack a mentally disabled man with a knife. CCTV footage shows 47-year-old Lawrence Kuykendall yelling racial slurs at a janitor at a local strip club before charging at him with a knife. “According to police, the janitor defended himself by beating Kuykendall with a broom.

“Just before 12:50 a.m. Friday, Oklahoma City police responded to a reported assault at a store in the 1100 block of North Meridian Avenue. At the scene, officers located Lawrence Kuykendall, who had cuts on his face and was bleeding, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Kuykendall told police that a man ‘who was mentally challenged’ had assaulted him on the northeast corner of Northwest 10th Street and North MacArthur Boulevard. He said he had pulled out a knife in self-defense as the man walked up to him,” the police report obtained by News 4 Oklahoma states.

According to police, the victim, whose name was not released, claimed Kuykendall had been walking past his workplace for several days, calling him racial slurs and other derogatory names. The man asked Kuykendall to leave him alone and said he did not want to fight. He told investigators that on August 2, Kuykendall returned and resumed harassing him. The man, Kuykendall, then approached him with what he estimated to be a 6- to 8-inch knife and tried to stab him. He told investigators that he fought back, initially hitting him with a broom and then punching Kuykendall in the head multiple times.

Investigators viewed video footage of the altercation, which corroborated the janitor’s story. Police reports state that when Kuykendall stopped fighting, the man also stopped. After receiving medical attention, the Police arrested a bloodied Kuykendall. They detained him at the Oklahoma County Detention Center on complaints of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and racial, ethnic, or religious harassment.

by Jameelah Mullen

August 21, 2025

Japan Announces Plans To Invest $1.5 Billion In Africa

Investors claim they will generate funds for sustainable development on the continent.

Japan aims to increase its presence in Africa. Over the next three years, the Japanese government plans to invest $1.5 billion to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourage sustainable growth on the continent.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency, along with private investors, plans to raise funds to support projects that promote environmental sustainability. Japan’s $1.7 trillion Government Pension Investment Fund announced its plans to invest in these initiatives, Bloomberg reports.

Vice Minister for International Affairs at Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, Takehiko Matsuo, said the country’s recent economic recovery has caused the private sector to become more eager to provide financial backing to support sustainability in Africa.

“Now the mindset of Japanese business leaders has changed dramatically, and they are now much more proactive about expanding their business globally,” Matsuo tells Bloomberg.

Significant areas of focus for Japan include critical minerals and base metals. The country aims to reduce its reliance on China, which is currently Africa’s largest trading partner.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida called on private companies to invest in the project.

“It’s more important than ever to leverage the energy of the private sector for the sustainable development of Africa, amid growing demand for funding to address social and economic challenges,” Kishida said at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development, as reported by Nippon.

Japanese companies, like Isuzu Motors South Africa, have already expanded their presence in Africa. Billy Tom, president and CEO of Isuzu Motors South Africa, has stated that the company is negotiating with Japanese stakeholders about building additional production facilities in Africa.

“We’re saying to them, instead of producing vehicles in Japan, you’ve got a facility in Africa. We can produce the vehicles here,” Tom tells Reuters.

The automobile giant aims to boost its African manufacturing share to 45%, a 15% increase from six years ago.

While the government’s $1.5 billion fund focuses on sustainability and environmental issues, the presence of companies like Izuzu is an indicator of the country’s long-term commitment to investing in Africa’s economic development.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 21, 2025

Eve Says Past Romance With Suge Knight Was Meant To Upset Dr. Dre

Eve once dated Suge Knight as a form of "sweet revenge" on Dr. Dre.

Eve is revealing details about her brief fling with Dr. Dre’s longtime rival Suge Knight, a relationship she says began as a form of “sweet revenge” against the hip-hop mogul.

As readers dive into Grammy-winning rapper Eve’s memoir, Who’s That Girl?, released last September, new insights into her private life are emerging, most notably her gutsy move to date Death Row co-founder Suge Knight to get under Dr. Dre’s skin.

“I was still in my little mood about Dre even though we made a solid hit together, so having Suge, his former boss at Death Row, stomping around Interscope felt like some sweet revenge,” Eve recalled, as captured by Hip Hop DX. “I am not really sure how I concocted this idea, yet here we were.”

Being signed to Interscope Records via Ruff Ryders Entertainment, Eve’s fling sparked controversy with label head Jimmy Iovine and his close friend and business partner, Dr. Dre.

“I feel like he (Jimmy) took his anger out on my third album,” Eve said of her third project, Eve-Olution.

The “Love is Blind” rapper realized she had to end the romance to protect her music career after her Ruff Ryders bosses (co-founders Dee and Waah Dean) urged her to call it off.

“They didn’t like the idea of me hanging out with Suge at all,” Eve shared. “When my guys said it was time to cut the cord, I didn’t think twice.”

With Knight being a fellow label head and music executive at the time, the former Death Row CEO fully understood Eve’s decision to part ways.

“If I was your little sis, I would tell you the same thing,” Eve recalled him telling her.

Eve broke ground at Ruff Ryders with her 1999 debut Let There Be Eve…Ruff Ryders’ First Lady, which went multi-platinum and made her the first female rapper to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Her 2002 Dr. Dre-produced hit “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” earned her a Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. After breaking records, dabbling in TV and film as an actress, and starting a family with wealthy business magnate, Maximillion Cooper, Eve cashed in on her music catalog in 2024, selling it to Iconoclast for an estimated eight-figure deal believed to range between $25 and $50 million.

by Kandiss Edwards

August 21, 2025

6 Howard University Alums Have ‘Fulbright’ Futures Ahead

Howard University continues its legacy of educating global leaders as six recent graduates have earned 2025–2026 Fulbright U.S. Student Program grants.

Howard University continues its legacy of educating global leaders, as six recent graduates have earned 2025–2026 Fulbright U.S. Student Program grants. Howard’s newsletter, The Dig, announced the news. The new Fulbright scholars will reap the rewards of labor with paid accommodations and training opportunities across the world.

The scholars will bring their HBCU excellence all over the world. The Howard alum will teach, study, and conduct research in Costa Rica, Denmark, Germany, Colombia, France, and the United Kingdom. A few scholars spoke with Hilltop Online about the opportunity and honor.

Courtney Bartlette, who graduated with a degree in public relations and a minor in English, will serve as an English teaching assistant in Costa Rica.

Diane Fakinlede, summa cum laude in biology and a 2024 Astronaut Scholar, will explore neuroimmunology in Denmark, focusing on protein aggregation and its ties to Parkinson’s disease.

“Since the summer before my freshman year, I have always wanted to receive the Fulbright. I often doubted myself because I was not aware that I could ever receive something as prestigious as the Fulbright,” Fakinlede said.

Ann Laurie M. Pierre, a biology graduate with minors in chemistry and Afro-American studies, will continue her medical interests while teaching in Paris.

Laurie M. Pierre described her plans for Paris: “While abroad in Paris, France, I plan to not only teach but also shadow doctors and scientists. I am a big fashion enthusiast and even created a fashion design collection of my own, so being in one of the fashion capitals, I plan on getting the inside scoop of fashion.”

Ananya Hota, a biology graduate with minors in chemistry, Latin, and psychology, is bound for Germany.

Ariella Williams, dual-degree holder in Spanish and interdisciplinary studies, will teach English in Colombia.

Ellis Walton, a J.D. graduate from Howard Law, will pursue a master’s in environmental policy and regulation at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Walton reflected on the honor, saying, “It’s not lost on me how significant this opportunity is for me, my family and the communities I hope to serve,” adding that he looks forward to sharing “the rich culture and history of my community.”

Howard’s success with Fulbright scholars is deeply supported by its ACE Scholars Program, which offers personalized mentorship, application support, and confidence-building for competitive fellowships such as Fulbright. The university has produced more than 165 Fulbright alumni and was recognized as a Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader by the U.S. Department of State.

These scholars will travel abroad this fall, not only to advance their disciplines but also to serve as cultural ambassadors, embodying Howard’s motto of Leadership, Excellence, Truth, and Service.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 21, 2025

Dwyane Wade Recalls Playing Basketball With Obama At The White House

'He’s smooth–like he talks, like he walks'

Many people are aware that President Barack Obama is a big basketball fan, and The Basketball Network recalled a time when NBA Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade mentioned that he played ball with the fellow Chicago native over 10 years ago, while Obama was still in office.

The former president was such an avid basketball fan and player that he had a full-sized basketball court installed in the White House during his administration. During his high school years, Obama was good enough to make it onto the varsity team at Punahou School in Hawaii. The school won the state championship in 1979, but we never really heard why he never pursued the sport. But to this day, he can be seen at occasional games. He usually gives his opinion on the sport and still interacts with many former and current NBA players.

Obama was known to invite many NBA players to the White House to participate in some pick-up games while he was in office.

In celebration of the president’s 49th birthday, he invited fellow Chicago natives Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, and future NBA Hall of Famer LeBron James, along with several other players, for a mix of professional ballers and some who weren’t in the NBA. Not too many people were privy to the games. Still, when a reporter from Time Magazine asked Wade about playing ball with the president in 2012, he gave a description that seemingly fit Obama’s personality.

The former Miami Heat player stated that the president was passing the ball a lot and didn’t take many shots. He also said that he gave the president an assist when Obama hit the game-winning shot during one of their pick-up contests.

“He was kind of like a point guard. He was passing a lot. He’s smooth–like he talks, like he walks. He didn’t shoot too much, but I passed it to him, and he hit the game-winning shot. That was cool.”