by Mitti Hicks

June 16, 2025

Trump Has Made $57M Selling Bibles, Crypto, Guitars

A 234-page disclosure from the Office of Ethics revealed Trump supporters have purchased $3 million for the “Save America” coffee table book, $2.5 million for “Trump Sneakers and Fragrances,” $2.8 million for Trump brand watches.

President Donald Trump is reportedly making tens of millions of dollars from his personal business ventures while in office. The president is raking in an estimated $57 million from a cryptocurrency enterprise linked to his family, according to The New York Post.

A 234-page disclosure from the Office of Ethics details the activities of World Liberty Financial, the crypto company co-founded by Trump’s sons, Donald Jr., Eric, and Barron. According to Finurah, selling branded merchandise such as guitars, sneakers, books, and even the bible, has significantly increased the company’s earnings.

The disclosure also reveals how much his supporters are spending. So far, supporters have spent $3 million for the “Save America” coffee table book, $2.5 million for “Trump Sneakers and Fragrances,” and $2.8 million for Trump brand watches. But there’s more.

His supporters have also purchased more than $1 million for the “45 Guitar” and more than $1.3 million for the “Greenwood Bible.” The president’s digital trading cards business has made more than $1 million, according to The New York Post.

World Liberty Financial: The Trump Business Venture Making Millions

World Liberty Financial was founded in September 2024 to advertise Trump’s second run for president. The company was founded by Zach Witkoff, son of Steve Witkoff, who is the president’s envoy for Ukraine-Russia peace talks along with Iran deal discussions, according to Finurah.

A month later, the company sold $2.7 million from over 300 U.S.-based investors for the decentralized finance (DeFi) crypto project. Investments have increased since Trump’s win last November.

Then, in March, the company launched a stablecoin. Investopedia defines stablecoins as cryptocurrencies whose value is pegged or tied to another currency, commodity, or financial instrument. Stablecoins aims to provide an alternative to the high volatility of the most popular cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin (BTC).

World Liberty Financial’s stablecoin is backed by U.S. treasuries, dollars, and other cash equivalents called USD1. A lengthy investigation from The New York Times described the moves from Trump’s company as “eviscerating the boundary between private enterprise and government policy in ways without precedent in modern American history.”

When reporters asked the White House Press Secretary if Trump was benefiting from the office, Karoline Leavitt dismissed the claims.

“I think it’s frankly ridiculous that anyone in this room would even suggest that President Trump is doing anything for his own benefit,” she said.

Trump Judge Mathis, election, Black voters

by Kandiss Edwards

June 16, 2025

Judge Mathis Says Ye’s Presence At Diddy Trial ‘Creates Drama’

Judge Mathis is unsure of Ye’s motives for being in the courtroom but supports friends of Comb’s show up to lend moral support.

Judge Mathis has thoughts on Kanye “Ye” West showing up to Sean “Diddy” Combs’ racketeering trial.

TMZ stopped the outspoken judge on the street and asked his opinion on Ye’s 10-minute appearance at the New York courthouse. The judge is unsure of Ye’s motives, but supports friends of Combs showing up to lend moral support. Mathis believes any supporters, friends, and family of Combs should be in attendance. His reasoning is that anyone facing the criminal justice system deserves support from loved ones. As the evidence in the trial has shown, Diddy is indeed a violent man. Mathis added that comfort does not equate to justification.

I think [Ye] creates drama—more drama than we’ve seen already. I’m not sure whether Kanye’s intention was to create drama or whether he was there to comfort a friend. Which I think is fine. You should be there with a friend to comfort him, even though he has done wrong. He has committed some heinous crimes, assaults against these women. But if I were a family member, I would be there to comfort him.”

When asked about the charges Combs is facing, Mathis offered his expert opinion. Although he starred in a television show for many years, his knowledge remains fundamental. Mathis was a sitting judge on Michigan’s 36th District Court in 1995 before eventually transitioning to entertainment.

Mathis thinks the evidence has proven Diddy is responsible for multiple crimes on a state level. Yet, the trial is federal. Thus, these crimes are irrelevant.

On the state level, Mathis told TMZ he would give the billionaire producer 5-10 years for “the multiple assaults against women,” “arson,” and “burglary.”

Still, he says the prosecutors have a way to go to prove Combs is guilty of the federal crimes.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 16, 2025

Dwight Howard, Lance Stephenson Ejected From BIG3 Game For Throwing Fists

It was both players first game in the 3-on-3 basketball league

BIG3’s season eight got off to a fighting start when two first-time league players, Dwight Howard and Lance Stephenson, engaged in fisticuffs that landed both players in the stands.

On the debut weekend of the BIG3 3-on-3 professional league, former NBA players Howard and Stephenson got into a fight on the basketball court, leading to both players being ejected from the contest.

The altercation took place during the game between Howard’s Los Angeles Riots team and Stephenson’s Miami 305 squad. Both athletes were playing in their first BIG3 contest before they scuffled on the hardwood floor. While both players were under the basket, a previous play caused the friction between the two. Howard pushed Stephenson’s elbow as the 305 player retaliated and went after Howard.

Howard turned back and grabbed Stephenson by the back of his head as the two tussled under the basket, leading to the media row where both men fell in the midst of the photographers. Players from both teams and officials stepped in to break up the fight and both players were thrown out of the game.

Dwight Howard and Lance Stephenson get ejected for a scuffle in their @TheBIG3 debuts 🤬 pic.twitter.com/rm6UxgQW9o

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) June 14, 2025

Complex reported that Stephenson was involved in a little scuffle earlier in the game when he and Howard’s teammate, Jamal Crawford, got into it during play. Stephenson threw a punch at Crawford’s face after being hit, but no fight took place. Neither player was penalized for their actions.

The 305 beat the Riots by a score of 50-44.

The revamped league has placed the eight BIG3 teams in cities for the first time. The cities that own franchises include Detroit, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, and Miami. With a partnership with CBS as the producers of the games, league contests started airing on VICE Sports, and they will air 14 games on eight dates through Aug. 9.

FDA, ENERGY DRINKS,GAS STATION. tianeptine,

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 16, 2025

Bottles Of ‘Gas Station Heroin’ Pose Serious Risk, FDA Warns

The FDA is sounding the alarm on Neptune's Fix or "gas station heroin."

The Food and Drug Administration is warning health officials about the grave dangers tied to those brightly colored energy shots known as “gas station heroin.”

Last month, the FDA alerted health professionals about the serious threat posed by “gas station heroin”—energy supplements marketed as a flavored elixir called Neptune’s Fix, AP News reports. The agency cites the products’ use of tianeptine, an unapproved drug linked to addiction and serious side effects.

The FDA’s warning is in response to a 2024 U.S. Poison Control Center report, which shows a steady increase in calls related to the drug over the past decade.

“It’s kind of this grey area of consumer products, or supplements, where the contents are not regulated or tested the way they would be with a medication,” said Dr. Diane Calello of the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System.

Calello and her team published a 2024 study highlighting a wave of emergency calls in New Jersey tied to Neptune’s Fix. After drinking it, people experienced everything from seizures to dangerously low blood pressure, with over half of the 20 patients ending up in intensive care.

While tianeptine is approved as a low-dose antidepressant in several other countries, it has never been approved by the FDA for any medical use in the U.S. As a result, it cannot be legally added to foods, beverages, or sold as a dietary supplement, a point the FDA has repeatedly emphasized to U.S. companies.

Despite the FDA’s warnings and its non-approval of tianeptine, some companies still sell it under names such as Zaza, Tianaa, Pegasus, and TD Red. It’s technically illegal, but slips through the cracks since the FDA doesn’t pre-approve ingredients in supplements and drinks.

“You never quite know what’s in that bottle,” Calello said. “It’s important for people to know that even if they have used a product before, they could get a bottle that contains something very different from what they’re looking for.”

Because tianeptine is not listed under the federal Controlled Substances Act, about a dozen states have taken action to ban or restrict it, including Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Tennessee. In some cases, those restrictions have triggered an increase in withdrawal cases, as tianeptine can be chemically addictive. Alabama once had the highest rate of tianeptine-related calls in the southern United States, with reports increasing by more than 1,400% from 2018 to 2021. However, after the state implemented a ban in 2021, calls began to decline slightly, while they continued to rise in neighboring states.

Meharry College, Memphis, Meharry Medical College

by Kandiss Edwards

June 16, 2025

Meharry Medical College Opens New Memphis Office

Meharry Medical College opened its office in Memphis providing hands-on training for its students and healthcare to an underserved community.

Meharry Medical College expanded its footprint in the city of Memphis.

On June 9, Meharry College opened its Office of Memphis Programs. The college partnered with a local faith-based organization to secure its location. Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church will house the office on its 23-acre lot. The school has also expanded with Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare to further the education of Meharry College’s students.

At the opening ceremonies, multiple speakers offered prayers and shared words of encouragement. Monica Wharton, CEO of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, discussed the slow growth of Black physicians and the need to train a new generation of Black doctors.

“Only 5.7% of physicians are African American in the United States. That represents only a 4% increase in the number of Black physicians over 120 years, and when you consider that number, the majority of those physicians have been women. It is time for change,” Wharton said.

In a statement, James E.K. Hildreth Sr, CEO and president of Meharry, spoke about the college’s expansion and its benefit to the Memphis community.

“Meharry’s presence in Memphis is driven by our mission, which calls us to go to communities with both profound need and significant potential,” Hildreth said “Driven by our whole-person approach to care, our physicians, dentists and researchers are equipped to care for Memphians battling the many chronic diseases that disproportionately impact communities of color. We look forward to working with The BLVD, local government officials and community organizations to create a healthier Memphis for all.”

The opening of the Office of Memphis Programs serves multiple purposes in the community. Students of Meharry Medical College will further their education with clinical training. Underserved communities will gain access to affordable and expert healthcare options. K-12 students will be introduced to STEM, helping to prime the new generation of medical researchers and practitioners.

by Sharelle B. McNair

June 16, 2025

Shoppers Are Standing On Business As Target’s Revenue Tanks for 4th Consecutive Month

Target’s CEO Brian Cornell said the company isn't blind to what’s going on but is working on ways to re-engage with customers.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) — or the lack thereof — has caused retail giant Target to lose foot traffic from customers for the fourth consecutive month, and analysts believe the decline will continue, according to Fortune.

A report from the reputation analytics firm Caliber found that Target’s reputation score declined between February and May 2025, describing the data as “concerning.” The data showed that the retailer’s Governance Score decreased by 15.4%, from 65 out of 100 in January to 55 in May, when the question “Target is ethical in the way it conducts its business” was asked. During the same time range, the top 30 Fortune 500 companies fell, on average, only 1.6%, from 64 to 63.

Target landed slightly above the average and fell well below it.

After the company pushed back on its popular DEI initiatives following President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at federal agencies, Target began to lose foot traffic, albeit only slightly. Between February and April 2025, the decline reached -9%, -6.5% and -3.3%. But in May, the consumer decline reached 1.6%. Caliber’s founder and CEO, Shahar Silbershatz, admitted that companies have suffered from similar decline but have bounced back; however, for Target, “the rebounds are not as fully bounced back; they just go partway.” “This is concerning,” he said.

“There is a negative trend here. This is going to continue to snowball, and it’s a problem.”

The CEO noticed parallels between corporate decline and political affiliation, similar to those found in the Tesla brand. Amongst Democrats, Target’s Integrity score fell eight points, to 63, while the score for Republicans remained the same at 60. When Elon Musk began his tenure in Washington, D.C. as the director of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the brand experienced a significant decline and protests across the country. “It was mostly Democrats who bought Teslas, not Republicans,” Silbershatz said.

“Now Democrats are a lot more negative about Tesla [and] Republicans are a lot more positive, but Republicans are not buying Teslas because they’re not interested in electric cars.”

The pushback from Black customers added to Target’s decline as civil rights leaders like Revs. Jamal Bryant and Al Sharpton called for a 40-day boycott, which began on March 5, showcasing their disappointment with the brand that Black customers have supported for years. “Black people spend upwards of $12 million a day, and so we would expect some loyalty, some decency and some camaraderie,” Bryant said at the start of the boycott.

“We’re asking people to divest from Target because they have turned their back on our community.”

Target’s CEO Brian Cornell said the company isn’t blind to what’s going on, saying he’s “not satisfied” with its recent performance, according to The Street. He admitted that trying to be operational in this “exceptionally challenging environment” has been difficult, but the brand is working on ways to re-engage with customers.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 16, 2025

20-Year-Old Father Allegedly Kills Toddler Son By Throwing Him In NYC River

The 20-year-old faces two charges of murder and manslaughter.

A 20-year-old father is facing murder charges for allegedly throwing his two-year-old into New YoCity’sy’s East River.

NYC prosecutors claim Arius Williams threw the toddler, Montrell Williams, into the river May 10, also citing that they have video proving he was alive at the time. After not returning the child the next day, the child’s mother called the police and took matters to the family court.

The video also showed footage leading up to and following the alleged act. According to 6ABC, Williams was holding his young son, who appeared to be alive. He then proceeded to throw the boy over the bridge and into the body of water, walking to a gas station shortly after.

Williams was jailed at the Bronx Family Court June 9. He arrived at the building for a warrant due to not returning the younger Williams to his mother, as per their custody agreement.

He failed to disclose where the child was, leading to his detainment. The young boy was presumably found in the river June 11, but authorities have yet to confirm the body’s identity.

A day prior to his arrest, the child’s mother encountered Williams and demanded to know where their son was. A complaint detailed that Williams then took her to a Bronx Park.

There, he allegedly threatened her with a knife while claiming to have thrown him in a river. The mother then followed Williams and called the authorities who later issued a warrant.

Since Williams’ arraignment, his family has struggled with the thought of the once-doting father ending his own son’s life. They say he dealt with some mental health issues, which they believe may have motivated the crime.

“Nobody expected this at all, because he loved his son. I don’t know what drove him to do this,” said the suspect’s step-grandfather, Leroy Burton.

Williams had limited contact with any family according to the complaint.

“The baby kept saying ‘Daddy, daddy, daddy.’ That’s what crushes me the most, is that he kept calling him ‘Daddy, daddy.’ He trusted him…he took his life,” shared a family member.

Williams faces two counts on each charge of second-degree murder and manslaughter. The child’s mother was granted an order of protection as well.

by Sharelle B. McNair

June 16, 2025

2024 Election Results Scrutinized As Lawsuit From Nonprofit Questions Accuracy

Judge Rachel Tanguay ruled the allegations were serious enough for the litigation to move forward.

Almost six months into President Donald Trump’s second term, a lawsuit questioning the accuracy of the 2024 election results in a New York county has been given the green light to move forward, Newsweek reported.

Judge Rachel Tanguay of the New York Supreme Court ruled that a lawsuit filed by Nonpartisan watchdog group, SMART Legislation — a section of SMART Elections — was allowed to proceed, accusing voting discrepancies in Rockland County. The nonprofit alleges that voting machines were secretly altered prior to ballots being casted.

They also claim there were more voters with sworn in legal affidavits, voting for independent U.S. Senate candidate Diane Sare, that does not match the number of affidavits that the Rockland County Board of Elections counted and certified. Mismatched numbers contradict the results of the election, including a number of districts that saw victory for Democratic Senate candidate Kirsten Gillibrand.

However, oddly enough, there were no votes for then-Democratic presidential candidate, former Vice President Kamala Harris.

Judge Tanguay ruled the allegations were serious enough for the litigation to move forward.

The allegations also point the finger at Pro V&V, a federally accredited testing lab, that allegedly signed off on “significant” changes to the voting machines that are used in more than 40% of the country. SMART alleges the changes “vanished from public view” shortly after the election. Pro V&V director Jack Cobb says “there really is no change of any significance,” claiming the approved changes correlated to technical issues such as ballot boxes, ballot bins, changing printers to newer models, and more.

He also pushed that the lab’s website has been replaced with a new one since February and has been “running ever since.”

The accusations come just days after former Department of Government Efficiency leader Elon Musk dropped a bombshell accusation that he may have helped Trump win the election. In a back and forth rift between him and the President, Musk’s accusation pushed the idea to voters and those against Trump that there may be an issue of election fraud.

WOW: Elon Musk just said Trump would have lost the election without him “Such ingratitude.” The feud continues! pic.twitter.com/cmJeexnspK
— Harry Sisson (@harryjsisson) June 5, 2025

Founder and executive director of SMART Legislation, Lulu Friesdat, labeled the alleged incorrect results as “a violation of the constitutional rights of each person who voted in the 2024 Rockland County general election,” according to Economic Times. “There is clear evidence that the Senate results are incorrect, and there are statistical indications that the presidential results are highly unlikely,” Friesdat said.

We believe it’s vitally important, especially in the current environment, to be absolutely confident about the results of the election.”

While the allegations are eye-opening, there may not be much that can be done. As the lawsuit warrants a full, hand recount of ballots cast in the presidential and U.S. Senate races in Rockland County, it won’t change the results since Congress has already certified the results — marking Trump as the clear winner.

juneteenth, freedom day, African Americans, Black, future, celebrate

by Ahsan Washington

June 16, 2025

6 Things To Do In Galveston, Texas, The Home Of Juneteenth

Galveston, Texas, stands as the unique birthplace of Juneteenth, where on June 19, 1865, freedom reached the final enslaved individuals in the United States. The city commemorates that legacy through remembrance and dynamic community-driven events showcasing Black American resilience, culture, and advancement. Here are six Juneteenth events that showcase historical reenactments, educational exhibits, concerts, parades, and faith-based gatherings to embody freedom’s essence and provide residents and visitors with meaningful connections to the past while celebrating future possibilities.

Juneteenth Kickoff at Nia Cultural Center

The Nia Cultural Center hosts an evening event that officially begins Galveston’s Juneteenth week. Experience local culture and creativity by engaging with art displays and entertainment while enjoying food and photo booth activities. Community advocates will attend to deliver their personal insights and experiences.

Tom Bass Park Celebration

The City of Galveston and community organizers present the Tom Bass Park Celebration as a daytime event that honors the park’s cultural heritage and historical significance. The event presents storytelling sessions alongside musical performances and cultural tributes, creating an ideal setting for families and history enthusiasts to gather. The poignant theme of “A Reckoning: Reclaiming the Past…” establishes a reflective and uplifting atmosphere that encourages communal bonds and collective memory.

Cruise Festival At Port Of Galveston

The Cruise Festival at the Port of Galveston will deliver a family-oriented cruise-themed experience with island breezes and live music alongside local food offerings and maritime water settings. Sail date is June 14-21

Annual Parade & Picnic + Fireworks

Participate in a historic procession in Galveston, Texas, where abolition was first declared, as the Juneteenth Parade Committee and the City of Galveston organize an annual parade and picnic. The parade route extends from 26th to 41st Street before transitioning into a park picnic event and the city’s inaugural fireworks show at Menard Park. Complete the evening festivities beneath the celestial expanse.

“And Still We Rise…” Exhibit + Lectures

“And Still We Rise…” Exhibit and Lectures

The African American Heritage Committee of the Galveston Historical Foundation has arranged a series of lectures. An exhibit spanning one month presents weekly mini-lectures about the island’s history. What reasons compel a visit? To understand Juneteenth in Galveston and deeply engage with primary sources alongside personal narratives and live talks.

Annual Juneteenth Prayer Breakfast at Ashton Villa

Ashton Villa becomes the venue for the Annual Juneteenth Prayer Breakfast, which the Al Edwards Memorial Celebration organizers will host June 19. The early-morning prayer breakfast provides an exceptional chance to occupy the space where the state’s 1979 holiday bill received its first prayerful recognition. An atmosphere of emancipation while delivering a deep historical significance.

by Kandiss Edwards

June 16, 2025

New York Theatre Educator Makes History At The Tony Awards

Gary Edwin Robinson has been teaching Boys and Girls Club students the art of theatre for over a decade.

Gary Edwin Robinson made history as the first New Yorker to win the 2025 Excellence in Theatre Education Tony Award.

On June 8, the 78th Tony Awards aired live on Paramount+. Robinson, a Bed-Stuy theatre teacher for the Boys and Girls Club, made history, earning the award. The category is relatively new, having only been presented for its ninth year. Robinson’s speech was brief yet revealed much about the educator. Theatre has been his passion since he was a young performer.

“The first time I performed at Radio City Music Hall, I was 15 years old. I was singing with the all-city high school chorus when I returned to this great stage. I was singing choral backup for Miss Diana Lewis on her Take Me Higher tour.”

A teary-eyed Robinson spoke about his passion for teaching. He also spoke of his joy when his students begin to understand and connect with the art form. Additionally, he gave a shoutout to his former educator at Howard, who guided him into the art of education.

He recalled his professor’s words, “‘You are being trained to train people for careers in the theater. You got that specific yes it-factor in theater education.'”

He continued, “I love working with my students to help them find their theater in themselves when they shout, ‘I got it,’ ‘I found it.’ That is what brings me the joy of teaching theater they are ready to see the many different pathways to a career in theater they’re open to all the possibilities i am honored to return to this great stage as the recipient of the 2025 Excellence in Theater Education award.”

As an educator and creative, Robinson engages in all facets of the stage. He is a writer, producer, actor, and director. Speaking to The New York Post, Robinson discussed the application of theatre skills in real life. Although not all Boys and Girls Club attendees have dreams of gracing the stage, the skills they learn can be beneficial. He tells his potential athletes that the skill can be used to gain endorsements.

“I tell [athletes], ‘You’re going to be selected for a team and with sports figures, you have to do endorsements. That’s theater right there; you’ve got to sell the product, and that’s where the theater comes in, and that’s why you’re taking this class,” Robinson told the post.

Actively teaching for over a decade, Robinson’s students have gone on to act in productions and write for television.