Trump Judge Mathis, election, Black voters

by Jameelah Mullen

July 8, 2025

Judge Mathis Recommends First-Time Offender Sentence For Diddy

The Hip=Hop mogul could face up to 20 years in federal prison.

Following the verdict in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal court case, Judge Greg Mathis shared his opinions on the controversial verdict. In an interview with TMZ, Mathis stated that the judge hearing the case should consider that Combs is a first-time offender.

“I think the judge should consider the case and the conviction as he would anyone else, and that means first-time offenders- 21-27 months, whether he does it concurrently, the two convictions or consecutively, that’s his prerogative,” Mathis told TMZ.

Mathis stated that he is unsure whether the disgraced music mogul poses a threat to the community, and he also thinks that Combs needs mental health treatment.

“He needs help, otherwise he’s gonna do it again,” Mathis told the outlet.

Mathis said he didn’t believe some of the charges against Combs were justified and based on the facts presented in the trial. But he highlighted the 2016 video, which shows Combs brutally assaulting his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in the hallway of the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles. He said that Diddy should be held accountable for those actions.

A jury found Diddy guilty on two counts related to prostitution, which, under the Mann Act, involves transporting individuals across state lines for illegal sexual activity. Although the jury acquitted him of the most serious charges, they convicted him of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Each conviction carries a maximum sentence of 10 years, meaning he could face up to 20 years in prison. Mathis stated that, as a first-time offender, Combs should serve between 21 and 27 months in jail. When asked if Combs could seek a presidential pardon from Donald Trump, Mathis said it was not likely, but not impossible.

After a jury acquitted him of the most serious charges, Diddy’s lawyers argued for his release on bail, but Judge Arun Subramanian denied the request. Combs will stay in custody until his sentencing, currently scheduled to take place in October.

This disgraced rapper has faced at least 10 civil lawsuits related to abuse and sexual misconduct and has also faced accusations of rape, drug-facilitated sexual assault, child sexual abuse, and sexual harassment.

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by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 8, 2025

Genius Graduates Of This Bronx Catholic School Rake In Nearly $11M In College Scholarships

The students wrote countless essays and negotiated with their accepted schools to reach this lofty number.

Nine diverse graduates of a Catholic high school in The Bronx have millions of reasons to feel proud.

This set of students at Cardinal Spellman Catholic High School each earned over $1 million in scholarships for their college acceptances. At first, people expressed shock and disbelief at the staggering fact, as shared by one of the school’s faculty members.

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A post shared by Cardinal Spellman High School (@spellmanbx)

“Somebody actually called and argued with me that that was impossible,” said Dierdre Gibbons, the director of admissions at the Bronx high school, to the New York Post.

The extraordinary scholars have a wide range of colleges to choose from, including multiple Ivy League institutions. One of the nine wonders, Rehema Ojwang, thinks that their feat has inspired others to shoot for the highest stars. Ojwang, also her class salutatorian, plans to study politics as an incoming freshman at Princeton University.

“It kind of shows people that are just coming up and are about to find a college and are looking into their futures that this is really doable,” explained Ojwang, who was raised as a first-generation American to immigrant parents.

She advises current high schoolers to remain true to the hobbies and interests that matter to them. With this in mind, the co-ed affirmed that their passion will shine through applications.

She continued, “What you have to do is just stay passionate in the things that you do. You don’t have to start a business, and you don’t have to start a nonprofit, you don’t have to go to these heights. I think you just have to make sure that you are putting effort into the things that you like doing.”

The dynamic group of nine students includes Shakira Simo, Alyssa Rill, Gabrielle Henriques, Rehema Ojwang, Robert Hernandez, Akua Amponsah, Nina Gonzalez, Saniya Smith, and Kaylyn Little. As a united group, they wrote countless essays to build up their scholarship earnings.

“I think it’s really inspiring to accomplish something so big,” explained Simo. “It’s not something I really would have imagined when I was a freshman, sophomore, or even junior. I think just having grit and determination, persistence really gets you to that point.”

The students further extended their scholarship dollars by speaking directly with their top choices to negotiate higher aid. Now, the graduates will become part of the newest cohort of students from top colleges within New York and beyond.

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by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 7, 2025

Say It Ain’t So! Next NBA Season May Be Chris Paul’s Last

"At the most, a year."

Although future NBA Hall of Famer Chris Paul isn’t currently on a team and is an unrestricted free agent, he has shared that this upcoming season may very well be his last.

According to Yahoo Sports, based on a recent conversation the point guard had with journalist Jemele Hill at the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) last month, he told her that, after being in the league for more than half his life, family time is more important at this stage in life. Paul isn’t currently signed with a team, but most likely will be with one once the preseason gets underway.

When Hill questioned how much longer he anticipated playing, he responded by telling her, “At the most, a year.”

For someone who has been playing professionally for 20 years, he started all 82 games last season, so there is no doubt that he can still play. His averages for last season were 8.8 points, 7.4 assists per game, and he shot 42.7% from the field and 37.7% from the 3-point stripe. Not bad for a 40-year-old man.

“I just finished my 20th season, which is a blessing in itself. I’ve been in the NBA for more than half of my life, which is a blessing. But these years you do not get back with your kids, with your family.”

“My granny, who watches every single game that I play every single night, those moments, I just don’t get to see her and hug her, along with all my uncles and aunts, as much as I’d love to.”

Chris Paul has played for seven teams throughout his NBA career. His first team was the New Orleans Hornets (2005-11). From there, he played for the Los Angeles Clippers (2011-17), Houston Rockets (2017-19), Oklahoma City Thunder (2019-20), Phoenix Suns (2020-23), Golden State Warriors (2023-24), and San Antonio Spurs (2024-25).

With his skills, he can still lead a team, and only time will tell which team will sign up for what may be his last season.

In Paul’s career, he has averaged 17 points, 9.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and two steals per game.

Miami Heat,Terry Rozier, Portland Trail Blazers' Head Coach, Chauncey Billups

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 7, 2025

First Woman To Join Harlem Globetrotters Sues Team For Unauthorized Use Of NIL

Woodard believes the team profited off her name, image, and likeness without her authorized use.

The first woman to play for the Harlem Globetrotters feels she got played, and never paid, by the team after her name was used for merchandising.

Lynette Woodard made history in 1985 by becoming the first woman to join the exhibition basketball squad. She toured with the team for two years. However, her relationship with the Globetrotters soured after she made no money from their apparel collaboration that featured her. Woodard recently sued the team, claiming an unauthorized use of her name, image, and likeness (NIL).

According to the New York Post, the Globetrotters used the Olympian’s NIL without her permission for hoodies and sweats manufactured by a company called Undrcrwn from 2021 to 2024. The lawsuit claims the Globetrotters did not reach out to Woodard for consent. She argues it is because “they knew [she] would not give it for free.”

The streetwear brand collaborated with the Globetrotters to launch a clothing line that celebrated their history. It heavily included the time Woodard participated. Apparel not only featured Woodard but also highlighted her significance in the team’s legacy. Furthermore, Woodard claims the items are still available on the secondary market.

Woodard is not only a famous Globetrotter but also a household name in professional and collegiate basketball. The 65-year-old is a four-time All-American who played at Kansas. On a global level, she led the 1984 U.S. Olympic Women’s Basketball team to gold. Also a 2004 inductee into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, the 6-foot-6 guard has been inducted into multiple Halls of Fame for her contributions to the sport.

Woodard’s lawsuit claims that her contracts with the Globetrotters included a California choice of law provision. According to Sportico, this dictates that the state’s law regarding NIL is valid. As a member of the United Basketball Players Association, Woodard claimed that a Collective Bargaining Agreement ratified by both the players’ union and the Globetrotters granted her royalties on merchandise sales.

Her case also adds a new component to the growing case for NIL, expanding the conversations that typically revolved around collegiate athletes. Woodard seeks damages as well as profits from the clothing sales. She also wants an injunction to halt further unauthorized use of her image.

by Jameelah Mullen

July 7, 2025

5 Caribbean Nations Crack Down On Citizenship By Investment Programs

In current Citizenship By Investment programs, applicants do not need to visit the country to obtain citizenship.

A draft agreement between Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, and Nevis, also known as the Caribbean Five, could impose stricter measures on how foreigners receive citizenship in the island nations.

The proposed agreement imposes a “genuine link” to countries for people seeking citizenship. The agreement also requests an annual cap on citizenship applications.

“The Unit or other Competent Authority of a Participating State shall ensure that an Applicant to whom citizenship is to be granted shall be required to commit to establishing a genuine and effective link to the Participating State through the fulfillment of residency and integration obligations,” the draft agreement says.

The proposal will tighten restrictions on Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs, which enable foreign nationals to obtain citizenship in a country by making financial contributions to the local economy. These programs provide individuals the opportunity to acquire second or dual citizenship, granting them access to business opportunities and visa-free travel.

The 66-page draft agreement states the regulatory committee will be called “the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (EC CIRA),” and it will be responsible for “regulating and maintaining public confidence in the citizenship by investment programs in the Participating States.”

The proposed agreement stipulates that applicants must be physically present in the territory for a minimum of 30 days at a time during each of the first five years following the receipt of citizenship. Each participating country will report to the EC CIRA monthly, which will approve the maximum number of applicants to receive citizenship each year.

Additionally, applicants will be required to participate in a mandatory civic integration program, where they will learn about the country’s constitution, laws, customs, and history. Applicants who fail to comply may face financial penalties and have their passports potentially revoked.

The potential agreement proposes a two-tier system for CBI-Citizens. New citizens’ passports will initially last for five years and will only be renewed for 10 years after they have completed compliance with residency and integration requirements. This renewal system ensures that citizenship is not treated as a one-time transaction.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 7, 2025

Shannon Sharpe’s Sexual Assault Lawsuit Receives July 9 Hearing

Shannon Sharpe is headed to court over the $50 million sexual assault lawsuit he claims is full of "lies."

Shannon Sharpe has not responded to the civil complaint filed by a woman accusing him of sexual assault, so it’s been given a hearing date set for July 9.

The Clark County, Nevada, civil court database shows multiple filings related to the attorneys involved in Sharpe’s case, NBC Sports reports. A hearing on three separate motions to associate counsel is now scheduled for July 9, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. local time, after being previously set for June 30.

In the $50 million lawsuit, the woman accuses the Hall of Fame tight end of sexual assault, battery, and using his celebrity status to manipulate and control her during their relationship. Sharpe has yet to submit an official response to the complaint, despite previously threatening a counterclaim against the plaintiff.

This follows his decision to post a screenshot of a text message as a public statement and his attorney’s disclosure that he had offered the plaintiff $10 million to settle the matter before the lawsuit went public.

“The relationship in question was 100% consensual,” Sharpe said in April. “At this juncture, I am electing to step aside temporarily from my ESPN duties.

The plaintiff’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, released audio where Sharpe could be heard threatening to “choke the (expletive) out of” her. The female voice in the call replied, “I don’t wanna be choked,” and the voice alleged to be Sharpe said, “Yes, you do. I don’t think you have a choice in the matter.”

Sharpe’s attorney, Lanny Davis, said his client and the plaintiff were engaged in “a consensual, adult relationship that included role-playing, sexual language and fantasy scenarios.” He also said that Sharpe didn’t mean the words literally.

When releasing his statement, Sharpe announced his leave from ESPN and plans to return at the start of the NFL preseason. However, since he has not responded to the civil complaint, which is typically required within 30 days of being served in most jurisdictions, the case is now proceeding to court.

While Sharpe previously said he’d return to ESPN before the NFL preseason kicks off, with the Hall of Fame Game set for July 31 and his case still in the early stages, it’s unclear if he’ll actually be back by month’s end.

Laptop, work, stress, credit score, FICO Credit Score, Student Loan

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 7, 2025

More Professionals Are ‘Overemployed’ Working Multiple Full-Time Jobs To Gain Financial Freedom

More people are opting for multiple full-time gigs to make more money.

The trend of being “overemployed,” where a person holds multiple full-time jobs, is gaining steam on a global scale.

The community gained widespread attention on July 2 after Suhail Doshi, founder of tech startups Playground and Mixpanel, took to X to call out an employee he had fired upon discovering they were working multiple full-time jobs.

“PSA: there’s a guy named Soham Parekh (in India) who works at 3-4 startups at the same time. He’s been preying on YC companies and more. Beware,” Doshi tweeted. “I fired this guy in his first week and told him to stop lying/scamming people. He hasn’t stopped a year later. No more excuses.”

PSA: there’s a guy named Soham Parekh (in India) who works at 3-4 startups at the same time. He’s been preying on YC companies and more. Beware.

I fired this guy in his first week and told him to stop lying / scamming people. He hasn’t stopped a year later. No more excuses.
— Suhail (@Suhail) July 2, 2025

While overemployment—or polyworking—surged during the pandemic’s remote work boom, the rise of AI-powered tools has made juggling multiple full-time jobs even easier by boosting workplace productivity. The r/overemployment subreddit, with over 430,000 members, provides a glimpse into a growing community of professionals united by a common goal: holding multiple jobs to achieve financial freedom.

In one instance, a Reddit user boasted about securing their fifth full-time job, which increased their daily income to over $3,000.

“I tell them up front that I’m a ‘consultant,’” the user wrote. “I won’t be at the all-hands meeting. I skip daily stand-up calls. They know how to reach me if I’m needed, but I keep distance from the organization. I’ll get a few tough things assigned in a sprint and solve them at some point over two weeks. They leave me alone.”

As for what they feel helps them keep landing high-paying, fully remote gigs, “I’m determined and vigilant,” they added. “Never letting a plate drop. Always checking emails and Teams throughout the day. Up early, working multiple time zones across the US.”

The subreddit, along with Doshi’s recent claims, highlights a growing trend: more workers are not only seeking but successfully managing multiple full-time jobs to maximize their income. Just over 5% of employed workers hold more than one job, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

The ideal roles for overemployment tend to be low in meetings, senior enough to allow delegation, and based at large companies where individual employees are less noticeable. As for how to secure these roles in a tough job market where many are struggling to land even one, the Reddit user suggests bending ethical boundaries to make it happen.

“Interviews should be gamified,” the user wrote. “Lie, cheat, and steal. Use AI. Tech interviews are 80% an opportunity for some blowhard at the company to impress their skill on you. With AI, the walls of tech are coming down.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 7, 2025

Quinta Brunson Signals End Of ‘Abbott Elementary’ As Cast ‘Would Love To Pursue Other Projects’

Quinta Brunson seemingly teases the end of "Abbott Elementary" in pursuit of other projects.

All good things must come to an end, and the same goes for the beloved Abbott Elementary. The Emmy Award-winning show might be nearing its end, according to show creator Quinta Brunson.

The Golden Globe winner recently told Bustle that she’s “looking forward to moving away” from her role on Abbott Elementary, noting how “very time-consuming” filming the show has been for the cast, who also would “love” to pursue other projects.

“We are so fortunate and blessed to be on a network TV show for five seasons and for people to still be fans,” Brunson explained. “That being said, I have cast members who would love to pursue other projects, and our show is very time-consuming. We shoot about seven months out of the year. That can stop people from being able to do a lot of other things.”

Brunson, who became a household name as the lovable second-grade teacher Janine Teagues, says she’s currently reviewing scripts and waiting for the right TV show or film to land on her desk.

“Right now, I’m receiving scripts and waiting for that moment that feels like, ‘Oh man, this is exactly what I’ve been looking for,’” she said. “’ Abbott’ has been so successful, and I want to use that success to get other people’s projects off the ground.”

The Philadelphia native also hopes to showcase her versatility and avoid being typecast in warm, teacher-like roles similar to her character on Abbott Elementary.

“I’m always interested in playing against type,” she said. “I think that’s any actor’s dream. Right now, my type is ‘Janine’ and ‘teacher.’ I’m looking forward to moving away from that a little bit.”

Quinta Brunson is eager to move on from ‘Abbott Elementary’, calling it a “very time-consuming” series for the cast:

“We are so fortunate and blessed to be on a network TV show for five seasons, and for people to still be fans. That being said, I have cast members who would… pic.twitter.com/3NjztdwpUo
— Buzzing Pop (@BuzzingPop) July 2, 2025

As for fans’ reactions to the possibility of Abbott ending, most are understanding, though many admit they’re not ready to say goodbye.

“Girl, cuz y’all drop new seasons every month like slow down, but please don’t stop 😭😭,” one fan wrote.

“I’ll miss them, but I’m all for a graceful exit and leaving on a high note,” added someone else.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 7, 2025

And Another One: Angel Reese Has History-Making Game, Again

The second-year player became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 650 career points AND 650 career rebounds in only 51 games

Another game, another record shattered by Chicago Sky second-year player Angel Reese as she became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 650 career rebounds in a recent loss to the Minnesota Lynx.

According to Anthlon Sports, the Sky center has grabbed over 650 career rebounds in only 51 games, breaking the record of Connecticut Sun center Tina Charles. Charles accomplished the feat in 58 WNBA games back in 2011. Reese also has over 650 career points, becoming the fastest WNBA player to achieve the feat of having both 650 points AND rebounds. This also broke another record set by Charles, who had accomplished the same amount in 58 games.

Angel Reese is the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 650 points and 650 rebounds, doing so in 51 games. @PolymarketHoops pic.twitter.com/jrwdAqQ3IA

— Sports N Stuff (@SportsNStuffx) July 7, 2025

But that’s not all!

Sports Illustrated has reported that for the past five games, Reese has also collected between 16 and 19 rebounds. In the recent loss, a 16-point, 17-rebound effort made her the first player in WNBA history to grab 15 or more rebounds in five straight games.

Angel Reese makes history with five straight 15+ rebound games 🔥

Longest streak in WNBA history 👏 pic.twitter.com/Q1k2aoM7fj

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 7, 2025

Reese is having another amazing year, statistically, averaging 17 points, 17.4 rebounds, and five assists over the past few games. For the season, she averages 12.4 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. Currently, she is the only player averaging double-digit rebounds; her closest competitor, A’ja Wilson, averages 9.6 rebounds per game.

It was recently announced that Reese will play in her second All-Star game in as many seasons. The game is scheduled for July 19 and is taking place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The game will be aired live on ABC at 7:30 p.m. CT.

Although Reese is having a year that’s producing many records, it’s not amounting to wins for the Sky as the most recent loss leaves their regular season record at 5–12. The team plays its next contest July 8 when it visits the Washington Mystics.

by Sharelle B. McNair

July 7, 2025

NY BLM Founders Confront NYPD For Hosting BBQ After Labeling Others As ‘Illegal’

Chivona can be heard telling the officers, seemingly defending themselves, that what they were doing is “unjust.”

The New York City Police Department (NYPD) is being called hypocrites for arresting Black people for hosting what they deem “illegal” barbecues and turning around and doing the exact same thing.

A viral video circulating on social media shows Hawk and Chivona Newsome, founders of Black Lives Matter New York, confronting members of the NYPD for arresting Black residents and posting “no illegal BBQ” signs — all while doing the same thing just steps away from a city courthouse. Officers in uniform were seen peacefully grilling hot dogs and playing music, just like other New Yorkers tend to do during the summer months, as the Newsomes approached with one of their signs seen around the city.

The brother and sister duo claimed that members of “New York’s Finest” were violating city ordinances and offered them an opportunity to shut it down before involving the media. Chivona can be heard telling the officers, seemingly defending themselves, that what they were doing is “unjust.” “The saddest thing about it is you’re locking people up; people are coming to jail, have to see this grill out here,” Hawk shouted.

“You realize how f****** insensitive that is? You’re going to lock people up for this, and then you’re doing it when they get here!”

https://twitter.com/TheMelaninPRJCT/status/1941278630824509700

A few days prior, NYPD officers were seen shutting down a barbecue on the streets of New York, physically attempting to move tables that held plates, cups, and cutlery, while attendees worked to keep the event going.

#NYShitty🗽💩; #NYPD shuts down a block barbecue, tases a man, and threatens to mace the crowd. Neighbors say it was just a summer cookout — cops call it an unauthorized barbecue.Should “unauthorized barbecues” really be a crime in #NYC? pic.twitter.com/lSMSwFfeWE
— New York Shitty (@NyShittyNews) June 22, 2025

According to NYC311, there are strict rules about grilling in the city. Barbecuing is permitted in designated areas only within city parks, and coals must be discarded properly, as propane grills are prohibited. For residential and commercial properties, grills using charcoal, electric, or piped natural gas are permitted — including on an apartment terrace — but only if in compliance with the Fire Code.

The rules also state that residents should report persons barbecuing in a restricted area of a park, beach, or greenway.

As the videos went viral, social media users are celebrating the Newsomes for calling out the police and highlighting that gentrification may be a reason behind why several street barbecues were aggressively shut down, as it is a part of NYC’s culture. “Gentrifiers move in and displace you. Normally, this would never be a problem,” one user wrote.

Another called the founders “great citizens,” saying “NYPD are not above the law.”