Snoop Dogg, brother, Death Row — (Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for MTV/Paramount Global)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 28, 2025

Snoop Dogg To Deliver USC Business School’s Commencement Speech

Snoop Dogg will give the commencement address at the 2025 USC Marshall School of Business graduation on May 17.

Snoop Dogg will send tomorrow’s leaders into a doggy dog world when he delivers the commencement address for the USC Marshall School of Business’s 2025 graduating class.

“I am deeply honored to join USC Marshall’s commencement in celebrating the remarkable achievements of these graduates,” Snoop Dogg said in a statement from the school.

“Commencement is not just a milestone—it’s a launching point. It’s about stepping into your purpose, applying what you’ve learned, and making an impact that matters. I look forward to welcoming them into the next chapter of their journey as leaders, innovators, and changemakers.”

The “What’s My Name” hitmaker has often visited the campus to attend USC sporting events. Last year, Snoop Dogg made a surprise appearance to speak to a class at USC Marshall.

Students at the school are celebrating the rapper/entrepreneur’s support for their school and graduating class.

“Snoop Dogg giving our commencement speech is the most iconic thing ever,” Joshua Bustein, a senior finance major at USC Marshall, told KTLA. “I have a minor in music industry, and I want to combine business and music in my career, just like him. I hope he also does a performance in addition to his speech.”

Snoop Dogg’s entrepreneurial achievements were honored by the school last December when he was awarded the USC Lloyd Greif Center Entrepreneur of the Year award.

“Snoop Dogg is one of my favorite rappers, and I couldn’t believe it when I heard he was going to be our speaker,” Chris Castillo, a senior business major at USC Marshall, told KTLA. “I study entrepreneurship and marketing, so to have someone as successful as him giving our speech is perfect.”

The USC Marshall commencement ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Cannabis Industry, Michigan — (Photo: Reuters/Eduardo Munoz)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 28, 2025

Nearly 85% Of Marijuana Users Drive On The Same Day They Consume

New research highlights how many cannabis users are driving after consumption.

A new study highlights how likely cannabis users are to drive while under the influence of the psychoactive plant drug.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety released a survey this month examining cannabis users’ perceptions and self-reported behaviors when driving after consuming cannabis. The findings reveal that nearly 85% of users drive on the same day they use cannabis, compared to those who either wait eight hours or more, sleep before driving, or choose not to drive at all that day.

The survey suggests a potential lack of awareness regarding cannabis laws and regulations. It comes as cannabis becomes increasingly accessible across the United States, with legalization in most states for medical, recreational, or both purposes.

The AAA’s report surveyed 2,000 cannabis users through a multiple-choice questionnaire, with participants from eight states where cannabis is either partially legal or fully illegal. The findings revealed that 84.8% of consumers drive the same day they use cannabis, compared to those who never drive after consumption. This behavior was less common in states where cannabis is fully legal.

Regarding interactions with law enforcement, only 29.2% of respondents believed police officers could detect cannabis impairment, while 46.7% thought they could not, and 24.1% were unsure.

An additional survey of 800 respondents from the same eight states was conducted to assess their reactions to cannabis and driving messages. The message “If you feel different, you drive different—Drive High. Get a DUI” proved the most effective, with 62% of respondents stating they would wait longer before driving and 58% considering alternative transportation.

However, only 20-29% were likely to reduce their cannabis use. Trust in information sources varied, with high-risk users tending to trust cannabis brands, while medium-risk users showed greater trust in medical and safety organizations. Overall, the majority of cannabis users surveyed drive within an hour of consumption and have limited knowledge of cannabis laws and regulations.

Determining cannabis impairment in drivers is challenging for law enforcement due to the lack of reliable tools for detecting it in the same way as alcohol impairment. Only a few states test for cannabis impairment in serious accidents, and blood tests cannot determine if cannabis was used hours or days before driving.

steph curry, michelle Obama,, energy. drink — Photo by Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal via Getty Images) Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz)

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 28, 2025

‘Longtime Besties’ Steph Curry And Michelle Obama Team Up To Launch Healthier Sports Drink Brand

The sports drink comes in three tasty flavors: Tropical Punch, Orange Mango Twist and Lemon Lime.

Former first lady Michelle Obama and four-time NBA champion Steph Curry are teaming up to launch PLEZi Hydration, a healthier sports drink option.

Obama and Curry are well-known advocates of healthier food and beverage options; Obama says she and her “longtime friends” are proud to offer “a better option for anyone looking to stay active and hydrated without compromise.”

“At PLEZi Nutrition, we’re always looking for ways to shake up the conversation around nutrition and make healthier choices easier for everyone,” the former first lady said.

“It’s been such a great journey teaming up with our good friends, Stephen and Ayesha Curry, to create a game-changing sports hydration drink. With input from registered dietitians, PLEZi Hydration is packed with more potassium, less sugar, and lower sodium — all while tasting great.”

Co-founded by PLEZi Nutrition and Obama in 2023, the company aims to provide healthy options to families nationwide. The Golden State Warriors player is the brand’s athletic face. He is the first-ever NBA player to record 3,000 career three-pointers, and his wife, Ayesha Curry, is an investor in the company.

https://twitter.com/RonDuprat/status/1905227542853791994

The sports drink comes in three tasty flavors: Tropical Punch, Orange Mango Twist, and Lemon Lime. Curry revealed that the drink holds “smart ingredients and unbeatable flavor. “Each bottle contains 12g of sugar, compared to the 28g found in most ‘leading’ sports drinks, 120mg of sodium, and 500mg of potassium. In contrast, others have 70mg and 90mg of vitamin C.

While the 37-year-old Curry admits the industry is oversaturated, he says PLEZi’s focus on health and wellness makes the drink stand out from competitors.

“We’ve created something with smart ingredients and unbeatable flavor, so people can fuel their bodies the right way. No nonsense, no shortcuts — because the next generation deserves better,” Curry said, according to CNBC.

With PLEZi meaning “fun” in Creole, Curry and Obama join a growing list of athletes and celebrities investing in sports and energy drinks, including the late Kobe Bryant’s investment in Body Armor and LeBron James with Mtn Dew Rise. A differentiator between PLEZi and others is how invested the team was in bringing the drink to light. Outside of being an investor, Curry assisted on everything from the actual beverage to the packaging.

Ayesha stepped in with the taste and creation of the drink with her culinary background.

As a start, PLEZis will be sold on the West Coast at Walmart, Albertsons, and Safeway locations in California, with the 16.9-ounce bottles selling for $2.29 each, with 70 calories per bottle. The drink will also be available on Amazon.

Jackson Southernaires, huey — (Photo: Caleb Oquendo/Pexels)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 28, 2025

Gospel Legend Huey P. Williams Of The Jackson Southernaires Dies At 80

He died at his home in Smithdale, Mississippi, on March 24.

Huey P. Williams, gospel star and frontman of the legendary Jackson Southernaires, died peacefully at his Smithdale, Mississippi, home on March 24. He was 80 years old.

“My big brother Huey, in my eyes, was in a league of his own,” Doug Williams said, according to Billboard. “He possessed a signature voice that was unmistakably his own.”

A pioneer in gospel music, particularly in quartet gospel, Huey P. Williams is considered a cornerstone of the genre. His family is regarded as gospel royalty, with Williams being the older brother of Frank Williams, who founded the Mississippi Mass Choir, and of Melvin, Doug, and Leonard Williams, members of the Grammy-nominated Williams Brothers. The Williams family is widely recognized for its significant influence in shaping the sound of modern gospel.

“His music ministry touched so many lives in such a positive way over the years,” Doug Williams continued. “He had a big personality, but such a humble spirit. Huey was the epitome of a people’s person, a man that loved everybody and never met a stranger. He would literally give you the shirt off his back. That’s why so many people from across the country gravitated to him and loved him dearly. His presence will be sorely missed, but his undeniable legacy will live on forever.”

The Jackson Southernaires, founded in 1940 in Jackson, Mississippi, rose to national prominence in the 1960s with the breakout single, “The Greatest Creator,” released in 1963. “Too Late” (1968) became a major success, leading to the release of the group’s first full-length album. Other fan favorites include “Don’t Let Him Catch You (With Your Work Undone)” and “How Long Will It Last.”

In 1975, the group became the first gospel act to sign with Malaco Records, where it released projects that charted on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums list, such as Down Home (1975), Legendary Gentlemen (1979), and Lord We Need Your Blessing (1985). The group has been recognized among Billboard’s Top Gospel/Soul Artists of the Year.

A musical ceremony to celebrate Williams’s life and legacy will take place March 28 at 6 p.m. at Fernwood MB Church in McComb, Mississippi. A celebration of life will follow on March 29 at 1 p.m., with a viewing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Josephine Wright, Snoop Dogg — (Photo: Scott Legato/Getty Images)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 28, 2025

Record Shop That Started Snoop Dogg’s Career Wants To Become West Coast Hip-Hop Museum

The record shop that helped launch Snoop Dogg's career is taking strides to become a West Coast hip-hop museum.

VIP Records, the Long Beach, California, record shop that played a pivotal role in launching Snoop Dogg’s hip-hop career is taking steps to become a museum dedicated to West Coast hip-hop.

Kelvin Anderson, who has called VIP Records home for 53 years, pitched civic leaders, artists, and friends his vision to transform the record shop’s lot into a multifaceted facility featuring a recording studio, printing space, restaurant, and live music venue, focusing on showcasing emerging talent.

“Trust me, we are planning on making some big strides this year and getting this museum project done,” Anderson told the Long Beach Post. “So, the key is this location. We want to buy this shopping center. We want to start right here.”

The March 25 pitch event was organized by the nonprofit Creative Class Collective.

VIP Records is enjoy a resurgence of sorts. The iconic World Famous VIP Records sign across the street, which has been designated as a historical landmark, is set to be restored.

After undergoing repairs, the sign—which had been sitting in storage since 2018—will be installed on the southwest corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, directly across from the original storefront. Now, the goal is to secure enough funding to turn the area into an institution dedicated to showing Long Beach’s role in shaping the mainstream music scene.

“I think there’s enough love out there for VIP Records to make this happen,” Anderson said. “If I can get the right couple of people to get behind me and if not write me a check, just help promote it.”

VIP Records is where Warren G, Snoop Dogg, and the late Nate Dogg—then known as 213, named after Long Beach’s then area code —recorded their first four-song demo. After landing his first record deal, Snoop Dogg filmed part of his iconic “Who Am I? (What’s My Name?)” music video on the store’s rooftop.

Anderson also noted that Captain Rapp and Disco Daddy’s 1981 track “The Gigolo Rapp,” one of the first rap records, was recorded in Long Beach. Snoop Dogg attended the pitch event where he expressed his support for the museum and assured Anderson that he remains flexible regarding its location.

“I think it should be there; that’s the birthplace of it all, but, like I say, if they don’t want to act right, we’ll find somewhere we can put it,” he said.

Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson expressed the city’s support for Anderson’s museum proposal but emphasized that, for now, the priority remains the refurbishment and restoration of the iconic storefront sign.

“This is a part of a number of landmark projects that we want to get up in the next few years in advance of the Olympics,” Richardson said. “Even if Kelvin is able to put together the museum, which I love that concept, we think this could fit very well into the (city’s) entertainment strategy, which has been sort of looking at how we tie our history and our roots into our future.”

Trump, approval polls, immigration policies — (Photo: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

by Jameelah Mullen

March 27, 2025

Trump Signs Executive Order Requiring Proof of Citizenship for Voter Registration

But is it legal?

Donald Trump has signed a new executive order. This one requires prospective voters to provide proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote.

The order also requires states to share data for prosecuting election crimes and grants federal agencies access to check state databases “for consistency with federal requirements.” Federal agencies can also share data with states, such as immigration and Social Security records, so that they can verify the eligibility of names on their voter rolls.

Voting rights advocates say that if enacted, these new provisions could block millions of Americans from voting. Trump, they add, also lacks the legal authority to make these changes.

“It’s illegal at many different levels,” said Sean Morales-Doyle, the voting rights director at the Brennan Center for Justice, a nonprofit that studies and advocates for voting rights, told NPR.

Just ahead of the 2024 election, Trump and his allies made unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud.

Experts also caution that outdated databases can mistakenly classify naturalized citizens as noncitizens. Last year, an attempt to purge noncitizens from voter databases incorrectly removed U.S. citizens.

The current federal voter registration form requires voters to provide a driver’s license number, a Social Security number, or a military ID. Additionally, they must certify under penalty of perjury that they are U.S. citizens and eligible to vote. Those who attempt to vote illegally may face prison time or deportation.

The order states that potential voters can prove U.S. citizenship with a passport, an ID that complies with the REAL ID Act showing citizenship, or a military ID indicating U.S. citizenship. However, the order does not specify that a birth certificate would suffice.

Morales-Doyle noted that the order’s failure to mention birth certificates aligns with Trump’s effort to abolish birthright citizenship.

According to Apollo Academy, only 48 percent of American citizens have a passport.

RELATED CONTENT: Georgia Will Purge 400K Voter Registrations

regina hall — photo credit: The Arsenio Hall Show, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

by Kandiss Edwards

March 27, 2025

Regina Hall To Receive Honorary Degree From Alma Mater Fordham University

Regina Hall is a Fordham University graduate who will receive an honorary degree at the institute's 180th commencement.

Actress and comedian Regina Hall will deliver the 2025 commencement address at Fordham University. The school announced it on its official Instagram account. The veteran actress will also receive an honorary degree in recognition of her achievements.

Hall, best known for her roles in Think Like a Man, Girls Trip, and the Scary Movie franchise, is an alumna of Fordham. She earned a degree in English in 1992. She later pursued her master’s degree in journalism at New York University.

The university cited Hall’s career longevity, philanthropic efforts, and commitment to social change as reasons she was chosen to speak.

“Award-winning actress, producer, and philanthropist Regina Hall, Class of 1992, will receive an honorary degree at Fordham University’s 180th Commencement on May 17 at the Rose Hill campus,” the announcement read. “A proud Fordham alumna, Hall has captivated audiences with her dynamic performances across film and television while also using her platform to advocate for social change. She will share words of wisdom and inspiration with the Class of 2025 as they celebrate this milestone moment.”

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Hall is vocal about racial equity and women’s rights issues in Hollywood. She uses her platforms to support various charitable causes, including education initiatives and healthcare advocacy.

In a press release, Fordham President Tania Tetlow praised Hall’s impact on and off-screen, calling her an exemplary role model for graduates.

“Regina is an inspiring role model who will show our graduates what it looks like to live out our Jesuit values,” Tetlow said. “Her remarkable talent, strong work ethic, and unwavering commitment to justice make her the ideal speaker for our commencement ceremony. We’re thrilled to honor her.”

Fordham’s 180th Commencement will take place on May 17 at the university’s Rose Hill campus in the Bronx. Hall joins a prestigious list of past speakers, including former President Bill Clinton, journalist Bob Woodward, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Khalid Kamal, mayor, Kobi, racist, messages, investigation, south Fulton — (Photo: Prince Williams/WireImage)

by Kandiss Edwards

March 27, 2025

South Fulton, Georgia Mayor’s Salary Garnished After City Council Says He Stiffed Small Business For Unauthorized Mural

Mayor Khalid Kamau's wages will be garnished after he failed to pay a local small business for an office mural.

South Fulton (Georgia) Mayor Kamau Khalid, who now goes by Mayor Kobi, is facing scrutiny over another unauthorized transaction.

This time the scandal-plagued politician, the city says, he stiffed a small business for a commissioned mural of a map of the world installed in his office. The city council will garnish the mayor’s wages to pay for it, WSB-TV reports.

Jose Jimenez, the owner of Alphagraphics, said he waited over 30 days for payment. The artist claims the $5,283.85 invoice remains unpaid.

“The office wanted the mural installed ahead of some event,” Jimenez said. “We work a lot with government agencies. We do the work. We get paid.”

After Jimenez filed a complaint with the South Fulton government, city officials moved to resolve the issue.

“Let me be clear, we are in the business of not harming small businesses,” Councilwoman Carmalitha Gumbs said, according to WSB-TV.

Gumbs also said that the deal was done “off a handshake” between the mayor and Alphagraphics, which is “not how we do business in local government.”

“This will be paid from the mayor’s budget and garnished from his wages,” City Cleark Corey Adams said on Tuesday night’s council meeting.

South Fulton mayor’s paycheck to be garnished over $5,000 mural installed in his office https://t.co/wPCPm43HMd
— WSB-TV (@wsbtv) March 26, 2025

However, accessing those funds may not be straightforward. Kobi is currently under investigation for the misappropriation of city funds, which has frozen his budget and credit cards. As a result, the process of reimbursing Alphagraphics is slightly complicated.

Khalid, who has previously defended his spending as an effort to promote South Fulton, continues to face criticism for his financial management. His tenure as mayor has drawn national attention, particularly after a scandal involving a $26,000 city-funded trip to Ghana. The trip was first brought to light by a concerned citizen.

The ongoing financial issues add to his administration’s challenges. South Fulton officials have worked to maintain accountability, openly addressing concerns from residents and local businesses through open sessions and town halls.

Khalid declined to comment to WSB-TV regarding his latest financial mishap.

BEYONCÉ, Album, Cowboy Carter, trends — (Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

by Jameelah Mullen

March 27, 2025

Beyoncé On A Budget? Cowboy Carter Ticket Prices Plummet

Shine up your cowboy boots, Beyoncé is coming.

After fans criticized resellers for alleged price gouging, ticket prices for Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter Tour” appear to be declining.

Although Live Nation reported a 94 percent sellout, some of these sales are due to seats bought by resellers who inflated their prices on the secondary market. Even the most devoted members of the Beyhive were refusing the high fees.

The Chron reported that Ticketmaster previously listed its cheapest tickets for Beyoncé’s June 28 show in Houston at $236. As of March 27, the most budget-friendly seat is $190.

The mid-level and lower bowls are also cheaper than when they first went on sale. Mid-level seats are now around $364, down from over $400 two weeks ago. The outlet reported that lower bowl seats, which began at $600 two weeks ago, have dropped to $500.

Although ticket prices have reportedly dropped, fans are likely to pay more to see the queen in her hometown. Beyoncé’s Houston concerts are among the most expensive shows on the tour.

The mother of three has two shows in Atlanta, where the cheapest ticket on SeatGeek is $53. This means that fans purchasing these economical tickets will spend more on some concert merchandise. The ACTii short-sleeved tee-shirts are $60 on the singer’s website. The Cowboy Carter denim hat is listed at $85.

Despite chatter about lackluster ticket sales, the legend added a second show to her Las Vegas stop at Allegiant Stadium on July 25, 2025. The press release announcing the show also appeared to respond to the rumors of lagging ticket sales.

“Fans have made the COWBOY CARTER TOUR another record-breaking run for the cultural icon across North America and Europe. Initially announced with 22 stadium shows, exceptional demand drove the addition of nine more shows. The tour has broken multiple venue records around the globe and is currently over 94% sold across all shows,” the statement said.

Ticket prices for the Cowboy Carter tour will likely rise as concert dates approach. If you want to see Blue Ivy’s mama but don’t want to break the bank, now is probably an ideal time to grab your tickets.

NYC, Lawsuit, Hijab, Mugshot — (Photo by kimberrywood/Getty images)

by Stacy Jackson

March 27, 2025

Penn State Recruit Shayla Smith Wants To Be First To Wear Hijab On WNBA Court

Wearing the hijab is an important part of Smith's uniform and she's ready to take her Islamic garment all the way to the WNBA.

High school basketball standout Shayla Smith is looking to take representation to another level in women’s basketball, hoping to become the first woman in the WNBA to wear a hijab.

The Penn State commit is fresh off of a successful season with Universal Audenried Charter School’s women’s basketball team in Philadelphia. However, the 5-foot-10 guard is not your average public school basketball star. Smith is unshakeable when it comes to representing her Muslim community on the court, which is why wearing her hijab is a significant part of her uniform. The 17-year-old has already garnered massive attention on social media for sporting the Islamic garment during the season. “They’ll be in the comments like: ‘Oh, you can play basketball in that?’ ‘They’re going to make you take that off!‘” Smith told CBS Sports, but her passion for representing her religion prevails over the critics.

“I want to be the first woman in the WNBA that wears the hijab,” said Smith. “I started wearing the hijab when I was like 6 … to me, it’s normal.” The Philly athlete said there are a lot of girls who play basketball with the hijab on in the city. According to Whyy, the city is home to one of the largest Black Muslim populations.

Smith scored over 800 points this season and became Philadelphia’s all-time scoring leader in high school girls basketball history with over 2,500 career points. Her average of over 28 points a game helped lead Universal Audenried Charter to their league championship and landed the school a city title.

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As Smith heads off to Penn State to begin her college basketball career, she is grateful to be a part of a program that wants her. “Penn State just felt like home,” she said. “Out of all the schools that recruited me, they felt like the one who wanted me the most.” Penn State assistant coach Sean Blair was captivated by Smith’s skills from the moment he watched her play in her ninth-grade year. “I love players that are great at a specific thing, and she’s just such a natural scorer,” said Blair. “You know, if you’re gonna make a trip to watch her, she’s going to put the ball in the basket and show off her fearless mentality.”

https://twitter.com/PennStateWBB/status/1856791576074490135

As Smith continues her basketball career, she says she will not be taking her hijab off for anybody.