Magic Johnson enterprises, Alexia Grevious Henderson — (Photo: Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 28, 2025

Magic Johnson Gifts $500K To Xavier University At The Institution’s Centennial Gala

Johnson gifted the lofty sum in honor of Xavier's President Emeritus.

Magic Johnson has pledged $ 500,000 to Xavier University of Louisiana in honor of the HBCU’s esteemed leadership.

Johnson appeared at the university’s Centennial Gala May 8 to present the exciting news. The gala celebrated a century of the school’s impact on students, alums, and its overarching community of New Orleans.

The gala also honored the legacy of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and Xavier’s President Emeritus, Dr. Norman C. Francis. Francis led the HBCU for 46 years, and Johnson praised the 94-year-old for his decades of service and uplifting Black youth.

“The mark of a great man is who shows up,” expressed Johnson in his tribute, as shared in a press release. “Because the man that you are, all the great things that you’ve done in your stellar career. And all the people that you helped, you became successful through your great leadership at Xavier… In your honor, I’m going to give Xavier $500,000.”

Dr. Francis is a notable trailblazer within the school’s history and the academic community. A member of Xavier’s class of 1952, he was instrumental in making Xavier a leading contributor of Black students to medical school.

During his tenure, enrollment at the HBCU tripled as he further established the school’s unique legacy. Now, the acclaimed educational and civil rights leader has received even more accolades for his timeless work on behalf of the Black community.

The funding will also go toward scholarships, ensuring more diverse scholars can attend the HBCU without a financial burden. Johnson’s donation contributed to the over $2 million raised at the Centennial Gala.

The NBA legend’s gift supports Xavier’s 100th anniversary while furthering its mission as an “instrument of justice.”

“When Saint Katharine Drexel founded Xavier University, she dared to imagine a world where education is an instrument of justice, a force for healing, and a path toward leadership for those the world too often overlooks,” explained Xavier President Dr. Reynold Verret. “She planted a seed of hope that has flourished with every generation. We honor the incredible legacy that brings us to this centennial celebration and look ahead. “

Tory Lanez, megan shooting, Nicci Gilbert, apology — (Photo: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for BMI)

by Kandiss Edwards

May 28, 2025

Nicci Gilbert Apologizes To Tory Lanez And Says He ‘Deserves A Fair Trial’

The singer said she should have reserved judgement.

Nicci Gilbert, RandB singer in the 90s group Brownstone, apologized to Tory Lanez for her rush to judgement.

Gilbert apologized to Lanez in an interview on BHigh TV on YouTube. The singer expressed her regrets for her quick judgments about the case where Lanez was found guilty. Gilbert says her initial shock at the allegations led her to “jump on” the “shame on him bandwagon.”

“I made a post because I was just so disgusted by what I heard. And I should know better because I have heard plenty of shit about me that’s not true,” Gilbert said.

As there are many internet rumors claiming new evidence Gilbert would like to take accountability for her word. She believes allegedly new evidence that has not yet been released, proves her previous opinions were formed without complete information. Furthermore, Gilbert openly suggested Lanez should receive a new day in court.

“I want to say this. If there was evidence that was suppressed. If there was any possibility that Tory did not do this, that man deserves a retrial.”

Gilbert used her own experience as a reason to reserve judgement. In 2022, the singer filed suit against the popular Starz show P–Valley. The Say It singer claimed the writers of the show are guilty of copyright infringement. Gilbert believes the show is a derivative of her stage play Soul Kittens Cabaret. Thus, Lionsgate is liable for theft of her intellectual property. Gilbert believes the inclusion of an inherited strip-club plotline, amongst other factors, amounted to theft by Lionsgate, Stars. As a result, she took the entertainment company to court.

In 2023, the singer filed for summary judgement opting out of a traditional jury trial. She revealed in her Nights With Nicci Youtube show that case was dismissed. Subsequently, She t was ordered to pay $600,000 in attorney’s fees to Lionsgate. Some question Gilbert’s motives for speaking about the attention-grabbing case. The playwright, however, is ignoring the uproar and stands by her position.

In a response to the backlash, Gilbert went live on WIRF YouTube channel to say “I stand on my apology to Tory Lanez.”

Gilbert says her “intellectual conversation” with BHigh TV is an example of resisting “group think.” The singer states, she was not present at the time of the incident and as such she should have reserved judgement.

Gen-Z, Broke, Work, Retire — (Photo: Uriel Mont/Pexels)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 28, 2025

Gen-Z Enrolling In ‘Adulting 101’ Crash Course To Learn Long-Lost Basic Life Skills

These "Adulting 101" courses teach everything that traditional math and science classes do not.

While Gen Z leads a new tech-driven era, many still feel they lack crucial life skills that AI cannot yet fix.

To become ready for when life does take its toll, some have enrolled in ‘Adulting 101’ classes to learn self-sufficiency and independence. Although past generations can draft a monthly budget or successfully grocery shop, some members of Gen-Z feel a bit stifled in this department.

“I don’t know how to change a tire…I don’t have a car at all…I don’t know how to sew. I don’t know how to do a lot of things, other than cooking,” expressed Aldhen Garcia, a freshman at Canada’s Toronto Metropolitan University, according to CBC Radio.

From hands-on skills like fixing a flat tire to financial sense like paying off credit cards, these Adulting 101 classes hope to cover all the basics. Financial literacy remains a top priority for many enrolled as well.

“I think it’s so important that children are taught financial literacy. A lot of stuff involves money,” added Garcia.

Now, students across Canadian colleges, such as the University of Waterloo, can opt into these crash courses to gain a step ahead in adulthood. The class aims to fill in the gaps that traditional math and science courses do not teach, such as essential cooking skills and how loans work.

Older generations were taught the basics in their grade school curricula. However, as classes began to focus less on home economics and more on AP Calculus, students are learning less about essential life skills.

“We send them off to adulthood without other skills. If they’re not learning how to make decisions on their own and solve problems, that can be challenging,” shared Jean Twenge, a psychology professor at San Diego State University.

As today’s co-eds call for more classes focusing on sustaining oneself in the “real world,” some colleges are rising to the occasion. However, the real work starts much earlier than higher education.

While Waterloo University and other colleges hope to fill in the gaps, the need to learn adulting skills must begin in one’s household. Otherwise, the trend of Gen-Z adults staying with their parents longer is expected to continue rising.

Kid Cudi, Diddy, Cassie — left to right(Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage, Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images, Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association)

by Kandiss Edwards

May 28, 2025

Diddy’s Attorneys Want Kid Cudi’s Testimony on Porsche Explosion To Be Removed

Lawyers representing Sean "Diddy" Combs are seeking to have Kid Cudi's testimony thrown out due to lack of evidence.

Attorneys for Sean “Diddy” Combs have filed a motion in his federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial to strike rapper Kid Cudi’s testimony, AllHipHop reported.

Kid Cudi, real name Scott Mescudi, testified in federal court about the 2012 firebombing of his Porsche. He said a Molotov cocktail destroyed his vehicle. Furthermore, Cudi testified that a prior threat by Combs led to the bombing as a result of Cudi’s brief relationship with Cassie Ventura.

Attorneys for Combs argue that the statements made are speculative and prejudicial to the defendant.

Combs’ defense maintains that the testimonies lack sufficient evidence and are based on personal beliefs rather than factual proof. They argue that such statements should not influence the jury’s decision-making process. The court has yet to rule on the motion to strike Cudi’s testimony, and the trial is expected to continue with further witness testimonies in the coming weeks.

“Mescudi’s speculation about Combs’s involvement had minimal probative value, whereas the danger of unfair prejudice, particularly since he was opining about an ultimate issue as to which he was the alleged victim—whether Combs was guilty of arson, one of the charged racketeering acts—was great,” Combs’s attorneys said in a statement, People reported.

On May 22, Mescudi posted on X thanking his supporters. The rapper expressed relief at being able to put the “stressful situation” behind him.

https://twitter.com/KiDCuDi/status/1925617995679752588

Witnesses Corroborate Cudi’s Testimony

The latest witness in the trial is Combs’s former assistant, Capricorn Clark. Clark said Combs kidnapped her at gunpoint in 2011. Clark claimed Combs intended to confront and potentially harm Kid Cudi over his relationship with Ventura.

Afterward, Clark described being forced into an SUV and taken to Cudi’s Los Angeles home, where Combs and his bodyguard entered the house. Clark recounted a subsequent incident where Combs violently assaulted Ventura.

Ventura herself testified that the former Bad Boy Records CEO threatened to blow up Cudi’s car after discovering their romantic involvement. Additionally, she stated that Combs expressed a desire for his associates to witness the explosion. Ventura also detailed instances of physical abuse and psychological threats during her relationship with Combs.

Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump — photo credit: Kremlin.ru, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 28, 2025

Republican Senator Tells Trump To ‘Take Action’ Against Vladimir Putin: ‘I’ve Had Enuf’

Republican Senator tells Trump to "take action" against Vladimir Putin.

President Donald Trump doesn’t face much opposition from his GOP members, but one Republican senator is calling out the president for not scolding his friend, President Vladimir Putin, over Russia’s attacks on Ukraine.

US Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) took to X on Memorial Day to send a tweet demanding that Trump “take action” against Russia in the form of sanctions.

“I’ve had enuf of Putin killing innocent ppl. Pres Trump Take action AT LEAST SANCTIONS,” Grassley wrote.

I’ve had enuf of Putin killing innocent ppl. Pres Trump Take action AT LEAST SANCTIONS
— Chuck Grassley (@ChuckGrassley) May 26, 2025

Grassley’s remarks appeared to prompt a response, as Trump addressed Russia’s attacks on Ukraine the following day, warning Putin that he’s “playing with fire.”

“What Vladimir Putin doesn’t realize is that if it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. He’s playing with fire!” Trump declared on his Truth Social platform.

Trump’s statement came after his May 25 post, in which he criticized both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over his failed efforts to broker peace between the two nations.

“I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him,” Trump wrote. “He has gone absolutely CRAZY!”

“He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and I’m not just talking about soldiers,” he continued. “Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever. I’ve always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe that’s proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!”

Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian president and current deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, responded to Trump’s claims of preventing “really bad” things from happening to Russia by warning that such rhetoric could escalate into a potential World War III scenario.

“Regarding Trump’s words about Putin ‘playing with fire’ and ‘really bad things’ happening to Russia. I only know of one REALLY BAD thing — WWIII. I hope Trump understands this!” Medvedev wrote.

byron Allen, BET, Paramount, VH1, Bid — Photo by MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images

by Keka Araújo

May 28, 2025

Byron Allen’s ‘Comics Unleashed’ To Fill CBS’ Late Night Slot

The series is produced by Allen Media Group, with Allen, Carolyn Folks, and Jennifer Lucas serving as executive producers.

CBS is turning to a familiar face for its post-Late Show slot. The network announced that Byron Allen’s Comics Unleashed will take over the 12:30 a.m. ET time slot, currently held by After Midnight, beginning in September.

The series will officially premiere at 12:37 a.m. ET on Sept. 22 with two back-to-back half-hour episodes.

Following the debut, Comics Unleashed will air Monday through Friday and will be available to stream live on Paramount+ for subscribers with Showtime. This strategic move by CBS signals a return to comedy in a time slot that has seen varied programming since James Corden’s departure.

For decades, the network relied on a consistent late-night structure with The Late Show followed by The Late Late Show.

The end of Corden’s tenure prompted a reevaluation, leading to the temporary placement of Taylor Tomlinson’s After Midnight, a show that blended comedy with internet culture. However, with Tomlinson opting to focus on her stand-up career, CBS sought a more established comedic presence.

Comics Unleashed, which has enjoyed a long run in syndication, features a straightforward format of stand-up comedy, showcasing a diverse array of talent, from established veterans to rising stars.

“‘Comics Unleashed’ is a true passion for me, simply because this world can never have enough laughter,” said Allen, founder, chairman and CEO of Allen Media Group. “I created this show so that the best comedians can all come together and help bring non-stop laughter.”

Hosted by Allen, Comics Unleashed has showcased over 550 comedians since its premiere in 2006, including notable names such as Sebastian Maniscalco, Tiffany Haddish, and Nate Bargatze. The show’s extensive library and established format likely appealed to CBS executives seeking a reliable and entertaining program for their late-night audience.

The series is produced by Allen Media Group, with Allen, Carolyn Folks, and Jennifer Lucas serving as executive producers. It has been in first-run strip syndication since its debut, building a loyal following over the years.

Trump, rwanda — (Photo: Gage Skidmore/flickr)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 28, 2025

U.S. Faces $12.5B Tourism Decline As Trump’s ‘America First’ Policies Continue

The U.S. travel sector is taking a big hit in 2025.

The United States is projected to lose $12.5 billion in tourism revenue in 2025 as part of the impact of Donald Trump’s “America First” rhetoric on international travelers.

New data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) shows the U.S. is the only country out of 184 analyzed expected to see a drop in tourism revenue in 2025. Industry leaders attribute the $12.5 billion loss to steep travel costs for international visitors, strict border and immigration policies, and Trump’s “America First” approach, which has turned off global travelers.

“This is a wake-up call for the U.S. government,” said Julia Simpson, WTTC’s president and CEO. “The world’s biggest Travel & Tourism economy is heading in the wrong direction, not because of a lack of demand, but because of a failure to act. While other nations are rolling out the welcome mat, the U.S. government is putting up the ‘closed’ sign.”

International visitor spending is expected to drop below $169 billion by the end of the year, a 7% drop from 2024 and 22% below tourism’s pre-pandemic peak in 2019. WTTC projects U.S. tourism may not return to pre-COVID levels until 2030.

“Without urgent action to restore international traveler confidence, it could take several years for the U.S. just to return to pre-pandemic levels of international visitor spend, not even the peak from 10 years ago,” Simpson said.

Major U.S. cities are feeling the impact of the tourism downturn, with New York City, a longtime favorite among international travelers, expecting 400,000 fewer visitors in 2025, a $4 billion loss in tourism revenue. In California, despite record-setting tourism numbers in 2024, officials anticipate a 1% overall drop in visitors and a 9% decline in international tourism this year.

The decline won’t just affect the travel and tourism sector; the WTTC warns it will deal a significant blow to the broader U.S. economy, hitting communities, jobs, and businesses nationwide.

“This is about growth in the U.S. economy—it is doable, but it needs leadership from DC,” Simpson said.

by Kandiss Edwards

May 28, 2025

DAMN! Detroit Postal Workers Charged In $63 Million Mail Fraud Racket

The United States Postal Service has filed charges against four Michigan individuals who, allegedly, participated in a $63 million mail fraud scheme.

On May 23, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan announced federal charges against four individuals involved in a $63 million mail theft and fraud conspiracy.

The defendants, Jaiswan Williams, Dequan Foreman, Vanessa Hargrove, and Crystal Jenkins, face charges of conspiracy to aid and abet and bank and wire fraud. Notably, Hargrove and Jenkins were employees of the United States Postal Service. The pair worked at the agency at the time of the alleged offenses.

According to the charging documents, Hargrove and Jenkins used their positions within the USPS to intercept and steal checks and other physical items from the mail. Subsequently, Williams and Foreman sold the items online through various marketplaces. The stolen checks and property are valued at approximately $63 million.

Acting Inspector in the USPS Detroit Division, Sean McStravick, stressed that the government will not go easy on the alleged criminals as they represent a larger issue in the postal service.

“The charges against these four individuals underscore the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s commitment to securing the nation’s mail system from those who seek to exploit it for personal and financial gain,” said McStravick.

In a press release, Special Agent in Charge Charles Miller of the Detroit Field Office made clear that the crime is not just white collar. The actions had consequences for many Americans.

“The stealing of checks is not a victimless crime. The stolen checks belonged to citizens to help them make payments for vital services or help through a tough time,” said Miller. “The violations alleged in these charges carry extra weight as some of these individuals were trusted as public servants. We are committed, along with our law enforcement partners, to using our unique expertise to track intricate financial systems, find criminals, and hold them accountable for the crimes committed.”

The investigation was a collaborative effort involving multiple federal agencies. If convicted, they face significant penalties. Penalties include up to 30 years of imprisonment. The case comes at a time when the USPS is under threat.

USPS Under Threat

The USPS is currently facing renewed privatization pressures from the Trump administration. In May 2025, Trump proposed moving the USPS under the Department of Commerce. The move is seen by many as a step toward privatization. The action could potentially endanger the institution as a universal American service.

The appointment of former FedEx board member David Steiner has fueled concerns about the administration’s agenda. Unions representing postal workers have organized protests across the country. The unions stress the importance of maintaining the USPS as a public institution that serves all Americans, regardless of location or income.

Kamala Harris, campaign, debt — (Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 28, 2025

California Republicans Hopeful For Kamala Harris’ Governor Run To Boost Funding, Spotlight On Race

The California GOP hopes to boost recognition and funding for their party's future in the state.

California Republicans are hopeful that Kamala Harris will throw her hat into the race for Governor.

The state’s GOP hopes that Harris’ entry would boost funding and energize donors on their side. Their chances of winning the highest office in California remain slim, especially given the state’s status as a Democratic stronghold. However, the effort would still put a greater spotlight on GOP leaders on the rise.

However, the former presidential candidate has yet to make a formal announcement on whether she’s taking on a new office. Despite this, state politicos are already preparing for Harris to be the Democratic choice. With this, California Republicans are eager to capitalize on the momentum.

While unlikely to win, GOP affiliates are still using Harris in early campaign messaging to emphasize how California needs to change toward the political right.

“I sense that this is the best shot for someone to be elected statewide in California who’s not a Democrat for at least 20 years, and I think the evident reason for that is the failure of one-party rule,” said conservative pundit Steve Hilton to Politico. “The candidate who’s going to win in 2026, regardless of party label, is the change candidate. Kamala Harris is the one who least represents change.”

The Republican candidates aim to attack Harris throughout the election to gain traction on their campaigns. Alongside potential attention from President Trump, they also hope to use Trump’s own tactics against Harris to taunt her candidacy. Using Harris as a punching bag to bolster their potential political futures remains the ultimate goal in the GOP’s uphill battle for governor.

“I think it could attract some donors from around the country who might be interested in taking another pound of flesh,” said Republican political consultant Dave Gilliard. “Money is the biggest obstacle other than the registration because the donor world doesn’t think a Republican can be elected governor anymore.”

California Republicans hope to inspire a new coalition of donors for a state that many believe to be solidly blue. However, they also hope Harris’s resurgence in politics will bring notable GOP voices, such as Elon Musk, back into the spotlight. They also hope the tech billionaire’s appearance will come with his pockets.

Typically, state Democrats can secure funding from donors who believe in the return on investment. Now, the high-profile nature of California’s race for governor has raised the stakes for the state’s future and its left-leaning electorate.

Taylor Edwards, gamecocks, TSU, Tennessee state university — Photo by Liudmila Chernetska/Getty Images

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 28, 2025

Howard University Looks To Avenge 2023 Celebration Bowl Loss To FAMU At Orange Blossom Classic

Howard University Athletics Director Kery Davis: “The tagline for this game is ‘Built on History. Fueled by Pride,’ but I’d like to say that we see this game as being fueled by revenge."

Howard University will open its next football season playing against Florida A&M University in the 2025 Orange Blossom Classic, which will take place Aug. 30.

The game will be played at Miami Gardens’ Hard Rock Stadium, pitting the two schools against each other as a “revenge” match since Howard lost a close game at the 2023 Celebration Bowl when Florida A&M pulled off a 30-26 victory. This game is also a “rematch” of sorts since these teams played in the first Orange Blossom Classic in 1933.

The countdown is on! @HUBisonFootball vs. @FAMU_FB. The bands. The tailgates. The legacy. — Sat. Aug. 30 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens!

Get your crew & lock in those seats — #OBC2025 is about to be one for the books. Get tickets, hotels & more at https://t.co/NmfGm1NMWw… pic.twitter.com/QskKQbmpNu

— orangeblossomfc (@orangeblossomfc) March 26, 2025

Howard University Athletics Director Kery Davis gave Florida A&M a warning as Howard seeks vengeance on Aug. 30: “The tagline for this game is ‘Built on History. Fueled by Pride, but I’d like to say that we see this game as being fueled by revenge.”

The first Orange Blossom Classic, founded by J.R.E. Lee Jr., the son of then-FAMU president J.R.E. Lee Sr., was played on a “Black only” field in Jacksonville, Florida, in its debut. Before a crowd of 2,000 people, FAMU shut out the Bison by a score of 9-0. More than four decades later, in 1974, FAMU bested Howard again with a 17–13.

Head coach Larry Scott, who grew up in South Florida, expressed excitement in bringing his team down to his native state to compete against the team that took a title championship away from them nearly three years ago.

“This really is a full-circle moment for me, having the opportunity to bring my team here for this game, which means so much to the community and the HBCU culture,” Scott said. “And playing Florida A&M to kick off the season is special because we want to close out the season playing for a championship and could very well do so against them in this year’s Celebration Bowl.”

Anyone with plans to attend the game can purchase tickets for the 2025 Invesco QQQ Orange Blossom Classic here.

For more information on the classic’s weekend of activities, visit www.orangeblossomclassic.com.