WNBA, 2024 Season, Basketball, DICK BARNETT, BIG3
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 1, 2025

WNBA Announces Expansion To 18 Teams

Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia will be adding teams over the next five years

Following the addition of a franchise team at the start of this season, the WNBA has announced that three additional teams will join the league in the coming years.

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) announced that it is expanding to a league-high 18 teams. The three cities that will be joining the WNBA are Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia. The league has already approved teams for Golden State (which debuted its team, the Valkyries, in May), Toronto, and Portland (both franchises will play in 2026). The scheduled debut of the other teams will stagger, with one team debuting each year, starting in 2028 with Cleveland. Then Detroit will follow in 2029, with Philadelphia making its impact the next year in 2030.

“The demand for women’s basketball has never been higher, and we are thrilled to welcome Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia to the WNBA family,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert in a written statement. “This historic expansion is a powerful reflection of our league’s extraordinary momentum, the depth of talent across the game, and the surging demand for investment in women’s professional basketball.”

“We are excited for what these cities will bring to the league – and are confident that these new teams will reshape the landscape of women’s basketball.”

The league stated that each team selected was based on several factors, including potential support from the city’s fan base, the commitment from the city and state to advance the sport, the ownership groups that submitted the bids, and support from corporate sponsors, among other factors.

The league also announced that the Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark and Minnesota Lynx’s Napheesa Collier will be the captains for this year’s All-Star Game, which will take place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on July 19.

The WNBA is currently enjoying its 29th season, having grown in popularity in recent years with the inclusion of some big names in the sport, especially last year’s rookie class, which featured Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, who brought their college rivalry to the professional level.

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Haiti, Springfield, CBC, CARICOM, coup
by Sharelle B. McNair

July 1, 2025

Haitian-American Leaders Sound The Alarm On Dangers Ahead Of Deportation After DHS Ends Temporary Protection Status 

North Miami Councilwoman Mary Estime-Irvin called out the hypocrisy in the move after the U.S State Department updated the travel advisory for Haiti to level 4.

Haitian-American and advocacy leaders are highlighting the dangers that more than 500,000 Haitians risk after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) abruptly ended Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for people living legally in the U.S., NBC News reported. 

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem made the announcement June 27, claiming the “decision restores integrity in our immigration system” and that “the environmental situation in Haiti has improved enough that it is safe for Haitian citizens to return home.” With protected status expected to end Sept. 2, the false claims sparked backlash with advocacy leaders who warned that deported Haitians will be returning to a war zone. “How can DHS send 500,000 Haitians back to a country that is the most dangerous country in the world?” nonprofit organization leader Len Gengel said. 

“It’s crazy. It’s a war zone.”

Since March 2024, over 1,800 people have been kidnapped and 8,200 killed amid growing gang violence and political turmoil. Following the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, armed gangs took over much of the capital city of Port-au-Prince, in addition to a record estimated 1.3 million people experiencing homelessness. 

Created in 1990, TPS is a humanitarian program established by the U.S. Congress to provide individuals, including those from Haiti, Afghanistan, Cameroon, Venezuela, and Ukraine, with the opportunity to find temporary refuge in the United States legally. However, according to program beneficiaries, it’s not a walk in the park.

“People think TPS is a free pass, but it’s not,” Haitian immigrant Abigail Desravines, who came to the U.S. after an earthquake, said. 

“You have to keep renewing, pay fees and live with the fear that it could end at any time. It’s not an easy path.”

Despite the hassles that TPS presents, advocates like Florida’s Miami-Dade Commissioner Marleine Bastien, feel President Donald Trump and his administration should think twice about shipping migrants back to a country overwhelmed with violence. “The Haitian community has contributed immensely to this nation, not only now, but since the 1700s, and the U.S. has long played a role in shaping Haiti’s challenges,” Bastien said, according to WLRN. 

“Haiti is not safe. To send these people back would be a humanitarian disaster…What are we going to do? Are we gonna separate these families from their children?”

The DHS announcement is a vast difference from what former President Joe Biden did in 2024, expanding TPS protections for Haitians, giving people who crossed the U.S.-Mexico border legally and illegally the opportunity to qualify. In early June 2025, the U.S State Department updated the travel advisory for Haiti to level 4, strongly warning Americans against traveling to the Caribbean nation due to widespread gang violence and humanitarian crisis conditions. 

North Miami Councilwoman Mary Estime-Irvin called out the hypocrisy in the move, calling it “just outright unjust.” “On one hand, we recognize that Haiti is unsafe, and on the other hand, we plan to deport the very people who fled that danger. That contradicts and that undermines the public trust,” she said. 

“We cannot claim to be a nation of refuge and justice while turning our backs on the people fleeing chaos, violence, and despair.”

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Novartis and Cannes Can: Diversity Collective Team Up To Address Health Disparities
by Mitti Hicks

July 1, 2025

Novartis and Cannes Can: Diversity Collective Team Up To Address Health Disparities

The forum came at time when there appears to be little health messaging at the federal level.


Pharmaceutical company Novartis and the organization working to increase representation in advertising, the Cannes Can: Diversity Collective, have teamed up to address health disparities. The two organizations co-led a leadership forum featuring prominent change-makers within the healthcare industry who are dedicated to promoting health equity. The beach-side initiative took place on The Promenade de la Croisette and marks another successful year of necessary and impactful conservations curated by Tene Nicole Creative Agency.

The forum featured three panel discussions on how health and culture can unite to create powerful messaging, empower communities through innovation, and how AI could be used for effective messaging. The first panel moderated by Atoya Burleson, founder of Ladies Playbook featured Lyndsay Levingston, patient advocate and founder of SurviveHER, and Gail Horwood, Chief Marketing Officer with Novartis. The duo discussed the role of public campaigns in raising awareness about essential health topics in underrepresented communities.

MSNBC anchor Richard Lui kicked off the second panel which featured Marion Brooks, vice president and US country head of Culture and People Experience for Novartis, Alex Hogarty, global head of wellbeing, and Dr. Jatali Bellanton, founder of the Brilliant Minds Unit. The trio highlighted the role of health education and focused on how culturally relevant communications can improve overall public health.

How Culturally Irrelevant Healthcare Impacts Communities of Color

According to the Health Policy Institute at Georgetown University, a culturally irrelevant healthcare message is a significant factor in health disparities in the United States. The institute defines cultural competence as the ability of providers and organizations to effectively deliver healthcare services that meet the social, cultural, and linguistic needs of patients. With a culturally competent healthcare system, patients generally experience improvements in health outcomes and quality of care.

Nationwide, racial and ethnic minorities have higher morbidity and mortality from chronic diseases. Researchers from Georgetown found that a higher proportion of African American and Latino older adults report they have at least one of seven chronic conditions: asthma, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, or anxiety/ depression, compared to their white counterparts.

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Black Friday, shopping, Cyber Monday
by Mitti Hicks

July 1, 2025

‘No-Buy July’ Gains Traction, Signals Financial Woes For Americans

Participants vow to spend money only on the essentials and forego discretionary purchases for 31 days.

A new challenge emerged in July and is gaining popularity among Americans. It’s called “No-Buy July” and has become part of the “no-spend” movement on social media. Participants vow to spend money only on the essentials and forego discretionary purchases for 31 days. The rules are subjective. A majority of people are holding back from spending money on new clothes (including secondhand), makeup, haircare, home decor, shoes, and accessories. Some people are even saying goodbye to skincare products to save some money.

As Consumer Affairs reports, the second month of the year is typically when people choose to save money during what has been dubbed “Frugal February.” It’s a time when people pay off holiday bills and stick to their New Year’s resolutions. However, July is the peak of the summer travel season, and parents are beginning to prepare for back-to-school shopping. So, why now?

‘No-Buy’ July Amid Economic Uncertainty

While No-Buy July is catchy, some financial experts argue that it’s a sign that Americans are concerned about the economy. Millions of Americans are in default and struggling to make payments. The Trump administration is planning to garnish the wages of those who are in default on student loans. According to CNBC, the Education Department has recently alerted over 195,000 student loan borrowers in default that their federal benefits will be subject to garnishment in 30 days.

Late credit card payments are on the rise, and an increasing number of Americans are experiencing credit card delinquency.

“The share of people 30 days delinquent on their credit card debt has trended upward since the first half of 2021. That trend was widespread among all four geographies we examined,” researchers from The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis report. “The trend is more notable in the lowest-income 10% of ZIP codes than it is in the highest-income 10% of ZIP codes.”

In addition to more debt, the prices at the grocery store continue to rise. People are feeling the financial strains in their pockets and trying to take control back.

But there is some skepticism. Experts caution people against a spending spree in July, as it defeats the purpose of trying to save and pay down debts.

“My instinct is that, like with diet, sustained lifestyle changes are necessary to move one’s financial needle in the long run,” Yale Professor James Choi told The New York Times.

However, Choi adds that it’s unclear if spending will work the same way.

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Beyoncé, iHeartRadio Music Awards, innovator, innovation, award, cowboy Carter, las Vegas, tickets, concert, tour
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 1, 2025

Country Singer Crashes Out As His Album Ranks Below Beyoncé, Claims ‘That Sh*t Ain’t Country Music’

Adcock doubled down on his claims that Cowboy Carter is not true country music.

Country music artist Gavin Adcock has a one-sided beef with Beyoncé after his album ranked lower than hers on the charts.

Adcock took out his frustration on the “Texas Hold ‘Em” singer for his album seemingly underperforming. Given Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter ranked higher on the Apple Music Country chart, Adcock decided to share his true feelings on her project.

“And one of them is Beyoncé, you can tell her we’re coming for her f–king a–,” said an apparently drunk Adcock, seen with a bottle of alcohol in his hand while on stage.

The disparaging comments against her Album of the Year-winning project continued. Adcock emphasized how the LP is not country music in his eyes.

He added,” That sh** ain’t country music. And it ain’t ever been country music, and it ain’t gonna be country music.”

Adcock swiftly faced backlash for his remarks as clips of his comments circulated on social media. He then tried to correct his statement a little bit, but still doubled down on his take.

“When I was a little kid, my mama was blasting some Beyoncé in the car,” Adcock said on Instagram. “I’ve heard a ton of Beyoncé songs. I actually remember her Super Bowl halftime show being pretty kick a** back in the day. But I really don’t believe that her album should be labeled as country music.”

His assertion follows the Grammys’ latest category adjustment for the genre. The Recording Academy will now include a Best Traditional category, changing the current category to Best Contemporary. The move may have followed similar sentiments expressed by other artists, who felt that Beyoncé’s album strayed too far from what certain demographics consider the genre to be.

“It doesn’t sound country. It doesn’t feel country,” claimed Adcock. “And I just don’t think that people that have dedicated their whole lives to this genre and this lifestyle should have to compete or watch that album just to stay at the top just because she’s Beyoncé.”

Beyoncé won the last Grammy for Best Country Album for Cowboy Carter at the 2025 ceremony. However, backlash over her take on the genre, inspired by her Black southern American roots, continues to shake up the music community.

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Candace Parker
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 1, 2025

Candace Parker Returns To Los Angeles To Have No. 3 Basketball Jersey Retired

She called Los Angeles home for 13 out of her 16 years in the WNBA

WNBA superstar Candace Parker was rewarded for a great career in Los Angeles when the team raised her uniform jersey to the rafters at the Crypto.com Arena.

According to ESPN, the Sparks retired Parker’s No. 3 jersey during halftime of the team’s contest against the Chicago Sky. She is the third Sparks player to be given the honor, following Lisa Leslie (No. 9) and Penny Toler (No. 11).

“When I got drafted out here, it’s become home,” Parker told the crowd. “I’ve lived here longer than anywhere else. It’s super important to see this jersey in the rafters before any others because my 13 years here were super special. It was ups, downs, wins, losses, heartaches, and rewards, but it’s super special to share that with my teammates and coaches with an organization that bet on me with the first pick in the 2008 WNBA draft. That was a long time ago.”

Parker, who won three WNBA championships before she untied her sneakers, was the No. 1 draft pick in 2008 when the Sparks called her name. She played in L.A. for 13 years, winning the title in 2016 and earning the WNBA Finals MVP award as well. She went to play in her hometown of Chicago, when she helped the Sky bring home the championship in 2021. Yet, she wasn’t finished when she headed to Las Vegas and won another title with the Aces in her final season in 2023.

She’s not done with the accolades.

On Aug. 25, she will be going back home to Illinois. At the Wintrust Arena, the Sky will be celebrating the success of Parker’s time with the team when they retire her No. 3 jersey during their contest against the Las Vegas Aces. Her basketball jersey will hang right beside the team’s 2021 championship banner.

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drivers,, text no-hands
by Sharelle B. McNair

July 1, 2025

Here’s Why The New ‘No Touch’ Law Has Drivers Pumping Their Breaks 

The goal is to help drivers become less distracted as data from AAA highlights more than 3,500 people killed by distracted drivers crashes each year across the U.S.

The new “No Touch” law, which bans drivers in 31 states from touching their cell phone in addition to hands-free laws, has drivers claiming things are going too far, The Sun reported. 

Drivers are already taking to social media to air their grievances against the bill, which went into effect on June 5 in states including California, Georgia, New York, and 28 others. Using a phone in hand can prompt police officers to pull drivers over and issue a ticket. TikTok influencer @ellaalerts shared a story about a friend who was pulled over for using her phone while navigating. The officer issued her friend a $100 fine despite the driver alleging she was unaware of the law. 

@ellaalerts Motivation #women #energy #peace #mindset ♬ original sound – ellaalerts

The legislation, also known as the Paul Miller Law, was inspired by Miller’s case after the 21-year-old was killed in 2010 by a distracted tractor-trailer driver who picked up their phone while driving in Pennsylvania, according to Travel Noire. In Pennsylvania, the government puts a specific ban on the use of any “interactive mobile device,” including social media use, gaming devices, or engaging with others via text or phone call. 

All mobile phones or devices of similar use must be stowed away while a car is in motion or temporarily stopped, including stopping at red lights or stop signs. The only acceptable call is for emergency services. 

Violators of Paul Miller’s law will be issued a written warning for the first 12 months. However, after the first anniversary, on June 5, 2026, caught drivers will be issued a $50 fine in addition to any associated court costs and fees. If distracted mobile device usage while driving results in a homicide, drivers are at risk of having five years added to their prison sentence.

The goal of the legislation is to help drivers become less distracted, as data from AAA highlights more than 3,500 people killed by distracted driver crashes each year across the U.S. But drivers are calling out the hypocrisy of the law, specifically police officers. “I often see police texting and driving,” @livvylaughandlove said in the comment section. Another noted that officers are often seen using their patrol car-based computers, which can be perceived as somewhat distracting. “Can’t wait for a cop to pull me over for ‘texting while driving.’ I wonder if that applies to police as well,” @prettynicebro wrote. 

In California, the law took effect on June 3 after the Court of Appeal ruled that drivers can be pulled over for checking a map at a stoplight. San Diego drivers feel they shouldnt be penalized for doing something that most would deem a necessity. “Texting while driving is bad, but yeah, looking at your phone for navigation, sometimes you need to do that,” local driver Piper said. 

The only exception to the law is that drivers are permitted to use a single tap or swipe, provided the mobile device is mounted and doesn’t compromise the driver’s view.

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LL Cool J, Knob Creek x Rock The Bells Bourbon
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 1, 2025

LL Cool J And Peyton Manning Team Up For Hip-Hop Docuseries

LL Cool J and Peyton Manning have a new hip-hop docuseries coming to Paramount+.

LL Cool J is keeping hip-hop’s rich history and legacy alive with his new docuseries made in partnership with NFL champion Peyton Manning.

Titled “Hip Hop Was Born Here,” the new five-part docuseries examines the origins and evolution of hip-hop in New York City, Deadline reports. Featuring interviews and archival footage, the series showcases legends like Big Daddy Kane, Doug E. Fresh, Rev Run, Method Man, Roxanne Shante, and others as they explore the genre’s creation and its enduring impact on modern culture.

The five-episode first season premieres July 22 on Paramount+ and will immerse viewers in hip-hop history with genre pioneers and rising icons. Spotlights include visits to the neighborhoods and studios where early styles took shape, as well as lyrical breakdowns from beloved artists who explain their favorite tracks.

LL Cool J executive produces the docuseries through his Rock the Bells production company, while Peyton Manning brings his passion for hip-hop to the project as executive producer via Omaha Productions. The series marks Omaha’s first collaboration with CBS/Paramount and its biggest venture beyond the world of sports.

“We were lucky to partner with Todd [LL Cool J], Rock the Bells, and Paramount on ‘Hip Hop Was Born Here,'” Manning said in a statement. “Music is far from my area of expertise, but sports and music have a lot of similarities. Both require hard work and commitment, and at their best, both bring people together. The story of hip-hop, especially in New York City, is an important one to tell, and there’s no one better than Todd to tell it.”

Additional hip-hop pioneers set to appear in the docuseries include Bimmy, Crystal Caines, Grandmaster Caz, Jadakiss, Lady London, Marley Marl, Salt of Salt-N-Pepa, and Sheek Louch, among others. The series comes on the heels of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary in 2023, a milestone marked by a yearlong celebration of concerts, festivals, and documentaries honoring the genre’s enduring influence on music and pop culture.

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5 Tips To Survive Your 9-5 With A Side Hustle
by Black Enterprise

July 1, 2025

Give Back Without Burning Out: The High Achiever’s Guide To Impact

You’re not alone in this balancing act

Reader’s Question:

Hello Fairygodmentor,
I want to make a lasting impact in my career and my community. How do I balance personal ambition with giving back?
– Building a Legacy


Dear Building a Legacy,

First of all, what a powerful question. The fact that you want to make a lasting impact in your career and your community already tells me you’re living in your purpose. 

I hear you loud and clear: How do you rise in your career without leaving your values behind?

You’re not alone in this balancing act. Quite a number of purpose-driven professionals, especially those of us who feel called to give back to our communities, struggle to find that sweet spot between personal ambition and servant leadership. But let me offer you this truth:  it doesn’t have to be an either-or situation. You can pursue your dreams and be a force for good, but it starts with clarity and intention.

Let’s use a bit of my RISE© framework to unpack this:

Reflect: Define your version of legacy.

It’s so easy to get caught up in what society tells us about impact. Making a huge impact doesn’t have to always be loud, public, or have the most viral hashtags. Legacy isn’t about doing all the things — it’s about doing the right things that align with the gifts and values you bring to this world. Tie it to your WHY. Ask yourself: What am I uniquely positioned to change? What brings me joy? What am I great at? Who can benefit from that? That’s where your legacy lives. Remember to tie it to your WHY to stay grounded.

Identify: Give from your zones of joy, genius, and justice.

Look for opportunities where your natural talents, passions, and desire for change align. Maybe you’re an incredible project manager — what if mentoring early-career professionals lights you up? Maybe your lived experience could help open doors for someone else. I love to lift while I climb. It’s like a legacy double dip. You grow as you’re helping others do the same. You don’t need a stage or a platform to give back — just intention and consistency.

Strategize: Protect your purpose and peace with boundaries

You know I keep it real, so I’m going to tell it like it is — burnout doesn’t serve anyone. You can’t pour from an empty cup, no matter how ambitious or generous you are. Try scheduling your giving back the same way you plan your career goals. Build “legacy time” into your calendar — maybe that’s one afternoon a month for mentoring or a quarterly volunteer project. That kind of structure ensures you show up fully for yourself and others.

Execute: Ask boldly, serve deeply.

In my book, Show Your Ask, I remind readers that asking is a form of advocacy — for yourself and for those you’re trying to uplift. Don’t be afraid to ask for resources, support, or collaboration. You don’t have to dim your light to help someone else shine. The brighter you shine, the more light you can reflect to others.

So, Building a Legacy, here’s your next assignment: You can chase your dreams without guilt. You can lead, grow, thrive, and serve others while protecting your peace. Your legacy is being written every day — in your decisions, your boundaries, your courage, and your heart. Remember you are your ancestors’ wildest dreams. Keep sharing your shine.

You got this!

Yours truly,

Your Fairygodmentor®

About Joyel Crawford:

Joyel Crawford, Fairygodmentor, Ask Your Fairygodmentor, Column, peer to mentor, manager, peer
(Photo: Kirsten White Photography)

Joyel Crawford is an award-winning career and leadership development professional and founder of Crawford Leadership Strategies, a consultancy that empowers results-driven leaders through coaching, training, and facilitation. She’s the best-selling author of Show Your Ask: Using Your Voice to Advocate for Yourself and Your Career.

Have a question for Your Fairygodmentor®?

Submit your career and leadership questions, whether it’s about navigating a micromanager, setting boundaries, negotiating for a raise, or handling burnout. Ask Your Fairygodmentor® today!

Malik Beasley
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 30, 2025

NBA Player Malik Beasley Under Federal Investigation Over Gambling Accusations

The investigation is reportedly being led by prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Eastern District of New York.

NBA player Malik Beasley, who plays for the Detroit Pistons, is the target of a gambling investigation by federal officials.

According to ESPN, the investigation stems from allegations of Beasley placing bets related to NBA games and prop bets during the 2023-24 NBA season when the guard was a member of the Milwaukee Bucks.

“An investigation is not a charge,” Beasley’s attorney, Steve Haney, told the media outlet. “Malik is afforded the same right of the presumption of innocence as anyone else under the U.S. Constitution. As of now, he has not been charged with anything.” Haney admitted to ABC News that he has been in touch with prosecutors involved in the investigation.

The investigation is reportedly being led by prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of New York. The Pistons and the National Basketball Association are aware of the inquiry.

“We are cooperating with the federal prosecutors’ investigation,” NBA spokesman Mike Bass said.

This follows a disturbing trend of NBA players illegally betting on games. In April 2024, the league banned Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter from the league for gambling on games and feigning illness to influence a wager. It was revealed earlier this year that Miami Heat player Terry Rozier was also being investigated by the feds for gambling. The NBA admitted that they knew of the accusation but did not find that he violated league rules. However, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York has reported that it has an ongoing investigation into Rozier.

Beasley was in talks with the Pistons for a three-year, $42 million contract to play in Detroit, but the negotiations have been placed on hold as the investigation continues. In his first year with the Pistons, he averaged 16.3 points while appearing in all 82 games. He made 319 3-pointers, the most in a season in Pistons franchise history.

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