by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 16, 2025

Women’s Division 1 Basketball Teams Will Be Paid For Playing In NCAA March Madness

Funds for the participating teams will go up incrementally every year.

Women playing in future NCAA March Madness playoff tournaments will now be paid for participating.

The NCAA announced that beginning with the 2025 postseason tournament in the Division I Women’s Basketball Championship, teams that make it to March Madness will be compensated for their participation. A vote was taken in Nashville during the NCAA Convention on Jan. 15.

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“This is a historic day for women’s sports, women’s basketball, and the NCAA,” NCAA President Charlie Baker said in a written statement.

“We have made investing in women’s sports a priority, and today’s vote means our members have the opportunity to do even more on campus to promote and support female athletes. I can’t wait to see all the incredible things they do.”

During the summer of 2024, the funding for the compensation was decided by the NCAA Board of Governors to establish two revenue distribution categories and to increase their value to $25 million over three years. The “units” will be earned with this year’s tournament and distributed starting in 2026. The Women’s Basketball Equal Conference Fund and Women’s Basketball Performance Fund are structured similarly to the Division I men’s basketball tournament.

“Women’s basketball has so much to offer, not just to athletes, but to fans and communities everywhere,” said student-athlete Kennedy Todd-Williams, who plays for Ole Miss and was part of the Women’s Basketball Oversight Committee.

“As a women’s basketball player, I believe investing in our game is crucial to unlocking its full potential. By creating more opportunities and resources, the NCAA can help elevate women’s basketball to new heights and show the world just how incredible this sport is. Together, we can grow the game and inspire the future of women’s sports.”

The funds will have a value of $15 million in the 2025-26 fiscal year. That amount increases to $20 million for 2026-27 and then in 2027-28, it will go up to $25 million. After the fund increases to $25 million, future funds would grow at the same rate as all other Division I funds, typically around 2.9% each year. Units earned by teams that make the tournament would be paid out to schools’ respective conference offices starting in 2026 on a rolling three-year basis.

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NBA, Jontay Porter, Gambling, Basketball
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 16, 2025

Sixth Person Arrested In Jontay Porter Gambling Scandal, Text Messages Revealed In Court

Shane Hennen was arrested on Sunday, Jan. 13 at an airport in Las Vegas as he was boarding a flight to Panama

The scandal involving former NBA player Jontay Porter has just ensnared another as the sixth person implicated in the scheme was arrested.

According to The Associated Press, Shane Hennen was arrested on Sunday, Jan. 13, at an airport in Las Vegas as he was boarding a flight to Panama. He was released without bail after being arraigned on charges including wire fraud conspiracy. He allegedly placed bets through proxies after other people who were involved in the scheme informed him about Porter’s plans for an NBA game that took place on Jan. 26, 2024. He also was privy to another NBA game on March 20 and informed other people to place bets.

Porter, who was playing for the Toronto Raptors at the time, has already pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing that has been scheduled for May. Among the other four people involved, two have pleaded guilty, another has pleaded not guilty, and the fourth person hasn’t entered a plea. It’s been reported that there may still be others who were a part of the scheme.

While playing in the league, Porter admitted to withdrawing from games, saying he was injured or sick, knowing he informed others of his plans so they could bet on him underperforming. Court documents revealed text messages sent from Porter to his alleged co-conspirators during the time of the crimes.

“Hit unders for the big numbers,” Porter allegedly texted to an alleged conspirator on Jan. 26, 2024.

“No blocks, no steals. I’m going to play first 2-3 minute stints off the bench then when I get subbed out tell them my eye killing me again,” Porter wrote, according to the complaint.

He had scratched an eye during a game on Jan. 22, 2024. He contacted his co-conspirators by text from the arena, yet wasn’t included on the injured list when he played again four days later. Porter played about 4 1/2 minutes in that game before pulling out of the contest, saying he had aggravated the eye problem.

At his game on March 20, 2024, after less than three minutes, he left the game saying he felt sick. His performance in those two games was well below what sportsbooks had anticipated.

While in court in July 2024, Porter stated that he got involved in the scheme to try to clear his gambling debts.

The NBA banned Porter for life.

When Porter is sentenced, he is facing jail time up to 20 years behind bars; prosecutors estimated his sentence to be about 3 1/2 to four years in prison.

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shooting, Howard, homecoming
by Jameelah Mullen

January 16, 2025

Arizona Man Dies By Suicide After Viral Video Shows Him Naked From The Waist Down

The deceased man’s family says the coffee shop is responsible for his death.

Nautica Malone is dead after workers recorded him at a coffee shop drive-thru naked from the waist down. 

The 27–year–old husband and father pulled into the drive-thru at Bikini Beans Coffee in Tempe, Arizona, when an employee noticed he was not wearing pants. According to the employee, Malone was pleasuring himself at the time. The employee alerted her manager, who recorded the incident on her cellphone.

“Sir, you need to leave. Unacceptable,” the woman said in the video. She then instructed her colleagues to call 911. 

The video was posted on social media with a caption warning others to be on the lookout for the then-unidentified man. The viral video sparked outrage from many social media users.

Following the backlash, Malone reportedly drove to a nearby town and used a firearm to shoot himself in the head, according to the Maricopa County medical examiner. 

TMZ reported that on the night of Malone’s death, his family came to the coffee shop and confronted the staff, claiming Malone’s death by suicide was allegedly a direct result of the viral video.

A woman who identified as Malone’s mother took to social media to pay tribute to her son. In the now-deleted post, which was reposted to The Neighborhood Talk,  she also accused the Bikini Beans manager of causing Malone to “take his own life. “

“This woman decided to take things into her own hands and not report what potentially happened to corporate offices. Because of her ignorance, someone chose to harm themselves.” the post read. 

Instagrammers chimed in to defend the Bikini Beans manager. 

“The audacity is astounding. Your son was out here violating others in a deeply harmful and sexual manner, yet you chose to place the blame on someone else for his decision to take his own life. While I am sorry for your loss, the responsibility lies with him—and with you, as well,”   Bearded_King_77 wrote.

Bikini Beans Coffee stated on X on Jan. 14 in response to Nautica Malone’s passing. The chain coffee shop offered condolences to Malone’s family and expressed its commitment to protecting its employees.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the individual involved during this difficult time. This was an unfortunate and tragic situation. As a company, the safety of our employees is always our top priority,” the company wrote.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting 988. Counselors are available 24 hours a day to provide free, confidential support.

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Biden, TikTok, 90 day extension,
by Mitti Hicks

January 16, 2025

TikTok Tells U.S. Employees Will Still Have Jobs Despite Ban

The social media platform's future remains uncertain.

As TikTok’s shutdown in the United States looms, the social media platform is telling its U.S. employees they will still have jobs even if the Supreme Court does not intervene to save the company.

“I cannot emphasize enough that your well-being is a top priority, and so most importantly, I want to reinforce that as employees in the US, your employment, pay, and benefits are secure, and our offices will remain open, even if this situation hasn’t been resolved before the January 19 deadline,” a memo to TikTok employees obtained by Reuters, reads.

In December, TikTok’s attorneys asked the Supreme Court to overturn a federal appeals court ruling that would prohibit the short-video social media app from being used in the U.S. if the Chinese owner, ByteDance, does not sell the company.

Last year, President Joe Biden signed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA), which ultimately grants the government authority to ban foreign-owned apps that threaten national security. Surprisingly, the bill received significant bipartisan support in a deeply divided Congress. Lawmakers worried that the Chinese government could access Americans’ data and use it to surveil Americans and spread misinformation despite the app being banned in China.

TikTok has said that the concerns are meritless and challenges that the ban infringes on Americans’ First Amendment rights.

However, the Supreme Court seemed inclined to uphold the lower court of appeals decision just last week. Shutting down TikTok would impact roughly 170 million Americans who use the popular social media app. President-elect Donald Trump and lawmakers have called for extending the Jan. 19 deadline.

According to NBC News, the Biden administration is considering ways to keep the app going so it doesn’t immediately go dark on Sunday. The law Biden signed in April 2024 gives him authority to grant a one-time 90-day extension if “significant progress” has been made toward the divestment.

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Snoop Dogg, Snoop Dogg, Holiday Halftime Show, nfl
by Kandiss Edwards

January 16, 2025

Snoop Dogg Rumored To Perform At Crypto Ball ‘In Honor Of Trump Inauguration’

The rapper's stance on Trump has softened and he is a longtime advocate for cryptocurrency.

Snoop Dogg is rumored to be performing at Jan. 17’s Crypto Ball in Washington, D.C., according to The New York Post, which will be held to celebrate president-elect Donald Trump.

A flyer for the event reads, “In honor of the inauguration of Donald Trump, the first crypto president.” Trump will be inaugurated on Monday, Jan. 20.

Snoop Dogg hasn’t confirmed his appearance at the event, which costs $2,500 to attend. But Politico reporter Daniel Lipman shared news of the rapper’s appearance on X.

“SNOOP DOGG SCOOP: Snoop Dogg is expected to perform at the inaugural Crypto Ball on Friday night, three people familiar with the planning,” Lipman wrote.

The rapper has been an outspoken advocate for cryptocurrency for years. In 2013, he promoted digital currency by joking that he would accept it as payment for his upcoming album and deliver it via drone.

Snoop’s support for the Crypto Ball is unsurprising, given his longstanding advocacy for the technology. However, fans may be disappointed by his involvement and change of tune regarding Donald Trump.

The Murder Was The Case rapper was once vocal about his disdain for the then-presidential candidate, calling Trump harmful to the Black community. In recent years, Snoop has softened his stance, adopting a more conciliatory approach.

January 2024, in an interview with the Sunday Times, the Olympic ambassador professed his newfound “love and respect” for Trump.

“Donald Trump? He ain’t done nothing wrong to me,” Snoop Dogg told the British outlet. “He has done only great things for me.”

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Shelley Stewart Jr. Named Board Chair Of The Executive Leadership Council
by Stacy Jackson

January 16, 2025

Shelley Stewart Jr. Named Board Chair Of The Executive Leadership Council

Stewart has been an ELC member since 1997.

The Executive Leadership Council (ELC) has elected longtime member Shelley Stewart Jr., as the new Chair of The ELC Board of Directors.

Stewart has been a dedicated member of the distinguished global membership organization since 1997 and moves into the position with over 40 years of career experience as he contributes to The ELC’s mission to foster opportunities for Black executive leadership.

“The Executive Leadership Council has been at the forefront of cultivating inclusive leadership in global corporations for nearly four decades,” said Stewart, managing partner of Bottom Line Advisory, LLC. “It is an honor to step into the role of Chair and collaborate with our members, sponsors, and corporate partners to drive impactful change.”

Michael C. Hyter, president and CEO of The ELC, recognized Stewart for his dynamic leadership and decades of experience.

“We have no doubt that his leadership will help us achieve new milestones in strengthening corporate leadership pipelines, fostering inclusive practices for all, and driving meaningful impact,” Hytner said.

As The ELC continues to represent Black CEOs, C-Suite and senior executives, board members, entrepreneurs, and global thought leaders, Stewart’s strategies to help organizations unlock value will align with the council’s vision to support the growth and development of Black leaders through inclusive practices and environments and prepare them.

Stewart completed a master of business administration degree from the University of New Haven and has fulfilled several senior executive positions with leading organizations, including DuPont de Nemours, Inc., Tyco International, and Raytheon Technologies. His experience spans shaping operations, supply chain strategy, and global procurement.

The Northeastern University alumnus was congratulated by The ELC in October 2024 after he joined the university’s board.

Stewart succeeds Gale V. King, who was named chair of the council in January 2023.

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SHIFTING YOUR MONEY MINDSET CAN HELP YOU ATTAIN FINANCIAL GOALS
by Jeffrey McKinney

January 16, 2025

SHIFTING YOUR MONEY MINDSET CAN HELP YOU ATTAIN FINANCIAL GOALS

Nationally acclaimed for his money management philosophy and strategies, Dr. DeForest B. Soaries Jr. continues to help thousands find pathways to economic self-sufficiency and financial empowerment.

Despite his achievements, the founder and CEO of dFree Global Foundation(recalls the bleak days when he lived above his means. During that period, he sabotaged his financial future by subsisting paycheck to paycheck and paying the previous month’s bills with next week’s check.

Kamala Harris, book tour, Howard
by Kandiss Edwards

January 16, 2025

Is VP Harris Moving To New York After She Leaves Office?

First gentleman Doug Emhoff is rumored to be searching for a New York apartment.

Vice President Kamala Harris will pass the torch to the next administration in less than one week and begin a new chapter.

But will it be written in the Golden State?

Harris and husband Doug Emhoff have enjoyed life in California for over two decades, but the second gentleman’s rumored tour of a $20,000-per-month New York high-rise has some expecting the future for the vice president and 2024 presidential candidate may be in colder climes.

The Park Loggia luxury condo building has three bedrooms. Page Six’s anonymous sources claim the first gentleman toured the property alone.

There is family there: Emhoff’s daughter, Ella, lives in Bushwick section of Brooklyn.

Harris, of course, has work left in Washington. On Jan. 6, she performed her final official act as vice president by certifying the 2024 election votes. Unlike the 2020 certification, this one went smoothly.

Harris has not yet stated her plans after leaving the White House, but there is significant speculation that the three-time author may be fielding new book deal offers.

“Kamala Harris is poised to land the biggest book deal of any vice president in history,” Keith Urbahn, co-founder of the literary agency Javelin told NBC News. “But the real question isn’t the advance — it’s whether the book can redefine her for 2028.”

Harris’s previous books include a children’s book, Superheroes Are Everywhere, a memoir called Smart on Crime, and The Truths We Hold, released in 2019.

“There’s a version of this book that is full of platitudes but safe, and then there’s a version that reinvents her to lead a Democratic Party in need of rebuilding,” Urbahn said. “She gets a payday either way, but only the latter gets her a second shot at the presidency.”

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Young Lords, Puerto Rico, Jose, Cha Cha Jimenez,
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 16, 2025

Young Lords Founder And Civil Rights Activist José ‘Cha Cha’ Jiménez Dead At 76

The founder of the Young Lords Organization died Friday, Jan. 10.

José “Cha Cha” Jiménez, the renowned civil rights activist and founder of the Puerto Rican civil rights group Young Lords Organization, died Friday, January 10. He was 76.

His sister, Daisy Rodriguez, announced the news on Facebook, but did not reveal a cause of death.

Jiménez founded the Young Lords Organization at Chicago’s famed Lincoln Park in 1968, as cited by the Library of Congress.

Jiménez took what started as a Puerto Rican street gang and transformed it into a political group and community-based organization modeled on and inspired by the Black Panther Party. The self-identified “revolutionary nationalists” advocated for minority access to healthcare, education, housing, and employment, as well as for Puerto Rico’s independence and empowering marginalized communities.

The Young Lords Organization (YLO) prided itself in being a diverse and inclusive organization that welcomed African American, Latino/x, women, and LGBTQ members who took a stand against police brutality, U.S. imperialism, and militarism. The group was guided by a 13-Point Program and Platform outlining its policies, principles, and commitments.

As the Young Lords expanded, its established chapters in other cities, including New York City, where a group of college students formed a branch and rebranded it as the Young Lords Party (YLP).

Jiménez was born in Puerto Rico on August 8, 1948, the same month as Black Panther leader Fred Hampton, a mentor and friend who died in a 1969 Chicago police raid.

Young Lords member Felipe Luciano noted that Jiménez’s friendship with Hampton laid the foundation for a broader alliance among Black, Latino, white, and other communities united in the fight for civil rights.

“He was the one who got Cha Cha to move away from gang warfare to organization,” Luciano said in 2021. “From then on, they became long, fast friends. Cha Cha talks about it with love and admiration often. The rest is history.”

Under Jiménez’s leadership, the Young Lords became part of the Rainbow Coalition—a groundbreaking movement led by the Black Panther Party that united Puerto Rican activists, Confederate flag-waving white Southerners, and other marginalized groups to combat poverty and discrimination.

A public funeral service for Jiménez will be held Thursday evening in Chicago. His cremation is scheduled for Friday, with his final resting place to be alongside his mother in Puerto Rico, his sister shared.

Jiménez is survived by his children—Jacqueline, Sonia, Melisa, Alejandro, and Jodette Lozano—as well as his sisters, Jenny and Mirna Jiménez, and Rodríguez.

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