by Mary Spiller

March 18, 2025

Georgia High School Senior Accepted Into 58 Colleges, Has Earned $1 Million In Scholarships

Among the schools Mantavius Presley has been accepted into: Alabama, Howard University, Mercer, Morehouse College, and Xavier University in Louisiana.

Mantavius Presley, a Douglas County (GA) High School senior, is facing a bigger decision than most this upcoming graduation season, WSB-TV in Atlanta reports.

The metro Atlanta teen has been accepted to 58 colleges and universities so far this year, including Alabama, Howard University, Mercer, Morehouse College, and Xavier University in Louisiana. According to the Douglas County School System, Presley has also earned more than $1 million in scholarships.

Presley is also the president of Future Business Leaders of America and the National Honor Society. Presley is vice president in the student government and the Douglas County High School Class of 2025.

Presley, endearingly known as “LeBron,” also manages the Douglas High School cheer team and works on the yearbook staff. The Douglas County district also said that Presley has over 1,100 hours of community service.

The school district stated, “As graduation approaches, Presley is carefully weighing his options for the future before making his final choice.”

Presley added in Douglas School’s Facebook post comments, “This acknowledgment not only fills me with immense pride but also motivates me to continue striving for excellence.”

“I deeply appreciate the district’s commitment to celebrating student accomplishments,” he continued. “Such recognition not only boosts individual morale but also fosters a culture of encouragement and aspiration among all students. Thank you once again for this honor. I am proud to be a part of the Douglas County School System.”

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18mQniwH5v

The Facebook post has received an outpouring of support, accumulating over 10,000 likes and congratulatory comments.

Plans To Upend Social Security Detailed In Trump Administration Memo

by Mitti Hicks

March 18, 2025

Plans To Upend Social Security Detailed In Trump Administration Memo

Currently, customers can make claims and verify their identity without using the internet.

An internal memo obtained by Popular Information details proposed plans by the Trump Aaministration that would sabotage the Social Security Administration (SSA). The detailed plans could cause chaos for claimants, including processing delays, and prevent people from applying.

The March 13 memo, signed by Acting Deputy SSA Commissioner Doris Diaz, proposes a series of changes to mitigate “fraud risks.” She suggests that people who make benefit claims over the phone should be subject to “internet identity proofing.” When a customer cannot utilize Internet ID proofing, “customers will be required to visit a field office to provide in-person identifying documentation.”

Currently, customers can make claims and verify their identity without using the Internet or visiting a Social Security Administration office in person. This process would hurt the most vulnerable population. Many Social Security claimants are elderly or disabled and lack access to digital resources. In her memo, Diaz acknowledges that requiring claimants to prove their identity online could cause “challenges for vulnerable populations.”

However, as Popular Information noted, SSA offices handled over 119,000 daily visits in 2023. With the proposed changes, these officers will be unable to handle the increase in visits, especially since SSA offices do not accept walk-ins. Appointment wait times were longer than a month, according to a 2024 report by the Office of the Attorney General.

The Department of Government Efficiency—the task force in charge of the Trump administration’s cost-cutting efforts run by billionaire Elon Musk—has listed dozens of SSA offices on its website for closure. Musk has received widespread criticism for making various false claims that Social Security fraud is widespread.

In a recent interview with Fox Business, Musk said that 10% of federal expenditures were related to Social Security fraud. Not so. A 2024 report from the SSA inspector general found that less than 1% of payment over a seven-year period were “improper,” Popular Information reports. Most of the improper payments, according to the report, were mistakes because the agency didn’t update its records.

Rikers Island, Correction Officer, Inmates, Prison

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 18, 2025

Georgia Among States With No Laws To Compensate Wrongfully Convicted Persons

Lawmakers make a bipartisan push to compensate those wrongfully convicted.

Georgia is one of 12 states without a law to compensate wrongfully convicted individuals, and those most affected are pushing for change.

The current process requires wrongfully convicted individuals to seek compensation through the legislature, relying on a lawmaker to sponsor a resolution. Critics argue the system is overly politicized, while lawmakers push to transfer the decision to judges—though it’s uncertain if the measure will pass this year.

“We need to take care simply of people who have lost so many years of their lives and their ability to make money, have a job, have a family, create stability,” Republican Rep. Katie Dempsey, a sponsor of the Georgia bill, told The Associated Press.

“Many are at the age where they would be looking at their savings, and instead, there’s none.”

Among those impacted include Michael Woolfolk, 45, who spent 19 years in prison for a 2002 murder before his charges were dismissed. Woolfolk attended a Georgia legislative committee earlier this year where lawmakers debated—for the third year—whether to compensate him.

Daryl Lee Clark, 45, spent 25 years behind bars for a 1998 murder conviction that was overturned due to legal and police errors. His attendance at the legislative committee meeting was his second attempt to secure compensation.

Missouri lawmakers have passed a bill to update the state’s compensation law and are awaiting the governor’s approval. Meanwhile, Florida, Oregon, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Georgia legislators are considering similar updates.

The latest version of Georgia’s proposal would require individuals to prove their innocence before an administrative law judge. They could receive $75,000 per year of wrongful imprisonment, plus reimbursement for fines and fees if approved. Those sentenced to death would receive an additional $25,000 for each year spent on death row.

“The way that the state has treated these individuals by taking away their freedom and liberty and effectively ruining their lives, by wrongfully convicting them and then failing to expeditiously compensate them and help them get back on their feet, doesn’t sit well with me,” said Democratic Rep. Scott Holcomb, a bill sponsor, and former prosecutor.

Newborn, GoFund Me, miles, Tanisha, Carothers, donations, locked in car, car, possessions locked in car,

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 18, 2025

Parents Shocked As Hospital Forms Include Questions On Sexuality Of Babies

The questions stems from a 2021 law that aimed to consider patients' holistic identities when providing care.

New Jersey parents are in for a rude awakening as they bring their children to the doctor. A law signed during the pandemic era has taken new heights to include questions about babies and their sexuality.

Gov. Phil Murphy signed the law in 2021 to help reduce the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Black residents. The legislation ordered hospitals and labs in the state to take more detailed information upon check-in. While the law was intended to provide care that recognizes one’s identity, it may be asking the wrong questions to tinier patients.

Now, parents of infants are being asked if their baby identifies as straight or gay.

“Which of the following best describes your baby? Lesbian or gay; straight or heterosexual, bisexual, questioning/unsure, prefer not to answer,” detailed one question, according to NJ.com.

The questions gained traction across social media, prompted by expectant mother Lillie Mingle. In light of the growing issue, one state senator has called for an amendment for “common sense.” However, the Republican lawmaker also emphasized the importance of this information for older patients in ensuring holistic treatment.

“I understand why for certain populations, this information could be helpful for finding appropriate care in the event someone is trans, gay, bisexual,” wrote State Sen. Holly Schepisi. “But this is not a common sense approach. Having to ask if a newborn child is gay is just stupid.”

Schepisi has spoken with hospital officials about the matter. She hopes for patients to have more clarity on what information is necessary. While she agrees that parents of infants and young children should not have to answer such questions, she has also begun talking with pediatricians about the correct age to begin asking.

She added, “Mandating that parents identify the sexual orientation and gender identity of their newborn child is an absurd waste of medical professionals’ time and resources. This form serves no practical medical purpose for the care of a newborn baby. My legislation would rescind this ridiculous mandate passed by Trenton Democrats.”

One of the local hospitals that distributes these forms, Inspira Health, also released a statement emphasizing that sharing this information remains optional.

“Inspira Health, along with every other acute care hospital in New Jersey, is required by New Jersey law and the State of New Jersey Department of Health to request their patients provide their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity,” spokesman Paul Simon said. “Patients are permitted to decline to provide this information.”

The state health department also stressed that the data should be collected in a “clinically appropriate and culturally competent” way. The department’s spokesperson also encouraged hospitals to create internal policies for when staff should ask such questions.

Tracy Morgan,, New York Knicks,, sick, wheelchair, comedian

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 18, 2025

Comedian Tracy Morgan’s Sudden Illness Forces Wheelchair Exit From Knicks Game

The "Saturday Night Live" alum was taken from the court after the mishap

Former “Saturday Night Live” comedian Tracy Morgan reportedly fell ill while sitting courtside at a recent New York Knicks game. The veteran entertainer had a bout with food poisoning.

According to The New York Post, Morgan was sitting courtside at the home arena of the Knicks, Madison Square Garden, when, during the third quarter of the Knicks’ contest against the Miami Heat, he hunched over and vomited near the scorekeeper’s table. Medical personnel from the Garden brought a wheelchair to Morgan, placed him in it, and wheeled him off the floor. No word as to what happened or if he was taken to a hospital and what his condition is at this time.

Someone with the handle RealJoshBrownie, who was at the game, filmed Morgan being helped by medical personnel and security. The comedian is seen holding a towel to his face.

Tracy Morgan getting wheeled out from courtside at MSG .. bleeding from nose .. could barely stand up … hope he’s ok pic.twitter.com/E61zXqQQ8H

— RealJoshBrownie (@realJoshBrownie) March 18, 2025

The game was delayed for about 10 minutes while this took place.

A spokesperson from the famed arena said in a written statement, “We hope Tracy feels better soon and look forward to seeing him back courtside.”

The Knicks won the contest against their opponent, 116-95, as the playoffs are within reach for the New York team. After the victory, Knicks player Josh Hart sent prayers to the Bronx-bred native New Yorker after acknowledging Morgan’s love for the hometown team as a regular courtside dweller.

“We hope everything is good with Tracy Morgan, avid lifetime Knicks fan, so prayers go out to him and his health and safety,” Hart said.

Morgan recently appeared on the 50th-anniversary television celebration of the long-running sketch show, “Saturday Nigth Live.”

The Black Masking Indians Celebrate Resilience At Super Sunday in New Orleans

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 18, 2025

The Black Masking Indians Celebrate Resilience At Super Sunday in New Orleans

Inside the Black Masking Indians and the rich history of Super Sunday in New Orleans.

Super Sunday in New Orleans upholds its longstanding tradition of uniting the local community and being recognized as the true Mardi Gras.

The annual tradition serves as both a homecoming celebration and a testament to resilience and pride, WWLTV reports. The Black Masking Indians take to the streets in the Uptown area, showcasing their hand-sewn suits adorned with intricate beadwork and towering feathers.

“This is the day where everybody gets to see all of the Indians together,” said Big Chief John of The Original Wild Tchoupitoulas Mardi Gras Indians. “Usually, Mardi Gras, you don’t see us all together. It’s a big parade for the city and we’re putting on for the city.”

“Every neighborhood has a tribe. I think the last time I counted, they had 45 tribes from each neighborhood,” Big Chief John added. “And we all get together to see who makes the coolest (best)suit.”

The roots of Black Masking Indian culture lie in resistance. Excluded from traditional Mardi Gras celebrations, Black communities forged their own, blending African, Native American, and Creole influences into a unique tradition. What emerged was Super Sunday, the day when all the tribes gather—not for tourists or cameras but for one another.

Hailed as the real Mardi Gras of New Orleans, Super Sunday celebrates survival, culture, and a history that refuses to be erased.

“This game here ain’t nothing to play with,” said Big Chief Spoon of the Buffalo Hunters Mardi Gras Indians. He’s been a part of it since he was seven years old and learned the tradition from elders like his uncle. “I go by the code, by the real Indians. Me? I stay neutral. I’m an Original Indian.”

Super Sunday is New Orleans at its most authentic. It’s not a staged event for tourists or a mainstream spectacle. It serves as a reminder that, no matter how much the city evolves or time passes, the spirit of the Black Masking Indians will keep their culture from being forgotten.

South Carolina, Black voters, 2024 Election, Supreme Court

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 18, 2025

The People Aren’t Feeling The Democratic Party, Favorability Hits Record Low

Democrats are not in favor of how the party is responding to Republican rule.

The Democratic Party’s approval among American voters has reached an all-time low.

A new CNN poll conducted by SSRS shows the Democratic Party receiving its lowest favorability rating, driven in part by growing dissatisfaction among its own supporters. Among the American public, the Democratic Party’s favorability rating is at 29%—the lowest recorded in CNN’s polling history, going back to 1992.

This marks a 20-point decline since January 2021, when Trump left office in the wake of the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. Meanwhile, the Republican Party holds a 36% favorability rating.

Many, including Democrats and Democrat-leaning Independents are frustrated that the party isn’t calling for stronger opposition to President Donald Trump by blocking the Republican agenda (57%) over bipartisan collaboration (42%).

The poll represents a significant shift toward opposing the GOP compared to the party’s stance since the start of Trump’s first term. In a September 2017 poll, 74% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents supported working with Republicans to advance their priorities, while only 23% favored a more confrontational approach.

The survey, released March 16, underscores growing frustration within the Democratic Party. Conducted March 6 to 9, days before 10 Democratic senators—including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer—sided with Republicans to advance a GOP-led spending bill aimed at preventing a government shutdown, a move that drew criticism from progressive lawmakers.

Now, as Trump’s second term moves into its first 100 days—marked by aggressive anti-DEI policies, sweeping federal job market changes influenced by Elon Musk’s DOGE initiatives, and intensified ICE raids—it’s clear that Democrats feel increasingly defeated by their party’s response.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 18, 2025

Ex-Postal Worker Guilty As Charged, Stole More Than $1.6M In Checks

Hachikosela Muchimba is facing up to 45 years in prison

A former United States Postal Service (USPS) worker has been convicted of illegally acquiring more than $1.6 million from the service over two years.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Columbia, announced that a federal jury found Hachikosela Muchimba, of Washington, D.C., guilty of conspiracy to commit theft of mail and bank fraud, theft of mail; bank fraud; engaging in a monetary transaction in property derived from specified unlawful activity, and unlawful procurement of citizenship or naturalization. He is expected to be sentenced on Aug. 8 by U.S. District Court Judge Rudolph Contreras and will remain in the government’s custody until then.

Court papers reveal that between December 2020 and March 2023, while employed by USPS, Muchimba started stealing U.S. Treasury and private party checks from the mail. After taking the checks, he would deposit them, after altering and/or falsely endorsing them, into bank accounts that he controlled. By removing the name of the payee on the checks and placing his name on them, Muchimba was able to deposit the altered checks into his account.

Muchimba was caught on surveillance footage making deposits and withdrawing funds from the account. Through the scheme, he stole more than $1.6 million, spending the ill-gotten gains on a lavish lifestyle, including international trips, stays at luxury hotels, and visits to gentlemen’s clubs.

Muchimba was also found guilty of unlawful procurement of naturalization. While applying to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, he gave authorities with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services false information, telling them that he had not committed any crimes for which he had not been arrested.

The convicted felon faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison for bank fraud, five years for mail theft, and 10 years for unlawful procurement of naturalization and possible administrative denaturalization.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 18, 2025

Ye, Rihanna, Pharrell Williams Own Most Talked About Celebrity Brands Of 2025

Ye might be controversial, but he owns the most talked-about celebrity brand of 2025—for now.

Despite the challenges Ye’s Yeezy brand faced after losing its partnership with Adidas, the apparel company remains the most talked-about celebrity brand of 2025, alongside brands from Rihanna and Pharrell Williams.

A recent study by Heepsy ranked the celebrity brands generating the most buzz in 2025 by analyzing Instagram followers, Google searches, and Instagram hashtags. According to the findings, Ye topped the list, earning high marks for public engagement and social media traction.

Data was gathered from social media analytics tools and search trend reports, using a composite score to measure overall brand visibility and discussion levels. Based on followers, internet searches, and hashtags, Ye’s Yeezy brand surpassed over 40 celebrity-run brands, including Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty, as well as Beyoncé’s Ivy Park.

Yeezy ranks as the most talked-about celebrity brand in 2025, with 14.5 million Google searches and 13.4 million Instagram hashtags. The brand also leads in online engagement, boasting 3.1 million Instagram followers.

Rihanna claims the third and fourth spots with Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty. Fenty Beauty ranks third with 4.2 million Google searches, 13.1 million Instagram followers, and 205,000 Instagram hashtags, maintaining its strong influence in the beauty industry. Savage X Fenty follows in fourth place, boasting 5.1 million Instagram followers, 1.1 million Google searches, and 420,000 Instagram hashtags, solidifying its status as a leading fashion-focused celebrity brand.

Pharrell Williams’ Billionaire Boys Club ranks eighth, amassing 116,000 Instagram followers, 3.4 million Google searches, and 1.2 million Instagram hashtags. More than two decades after its 2003 launch, the streetwear brand remains a major force in 2025.

Ye’s ex-sister-in-law, Kylie Jenner, followed behind him in second place with Kylie Cosmetics. With 24.7 million Instagram followers—the highest among all ranked brands—the brand sees 1.6 million Google searches and 4.5 million Instagram hashtags. The rap/fashion mogul’s ex-wife Kim Kardashian came in fifth place with 6.6 million Instagram followers, 3.8 million Google searches, and 292K Instagram hashtags.

Others who made the list include Drake who came in 15th place with his Octobers Very Own (OVO) brand, Beyoncé’s Ivy Park at No. 19, and Jay-Z took two spots with Armand de Brignac (Ace of Spades) and D’Usse. Kevin Hart’s Gran Coramino Tequila earned him a spot on the list, as well as LeBron James SpringHill Company, and 50 Cent’s Branson Cognac.

Soccer Star Sydney Leroux Decides To Step Away From Soccer For ‘My Mental Health’

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 18, 2025

Soccer Star Sydney Leroux Decides To Step Away From Soccer For ‘My Mental Health’

Sydney Leroux is taking a break from professional soccer to focus on her mental health.

Sydney Leroux, forward for Angel City Football Club, announced she will step away from professional soccer to focus on her mental health.

Leroux, who has been with Angel City since its inaugural season in 2022, announced her departure in a heartfelt Instagram post on March 16, assuring fans she plans to return to the game she loves.

“This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to say or admit to myself. But after a lot of reflection, I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from soccer for my mental health,” Leroux said.

Leroux made the decision with her mental health and family in mind, prioritizing herself and her children.

“Anyone who knows me knows I’m a fighter — I always have been,” she wrote. “I take pride in showing up, in giving everything I have, but right now, I owe it to myself and my children to take a step back and take care of me.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sydney Leroux (@sydneyleroux)

Leroux continued, “I’ve always prided myself on being honest, authentic, and true to who I am both on and off the field, and this moment is no different. To everyone who has supported me, loved me, and believed in me — thank you.

“This isn’t goodbye; I will be back, just like always, in true Syd fashion,” she added.

The announcement follows Leroux’s contract extension with Angel City through 2027 and comes after the NWSL expanded its mental health services last September as part of a new collective bargaining agreement.

The new CBA broadens the range of mental health professionals authorized to make that recommendation. Each team is required to have a licensed mental health provider on staff.

Leroux has enjoyed a successful career, scoring 10 goals in 42 NWSL matches for Angel City and netting 35 goals in 77 appearances for the U.S. women’s national team, playing a key role in the USWNT’s 2015 World Cup victory.

Angel City FC has since voiced its full support for Leroux’s decision, emphasizing the importance of mental health and well-being.

“Your Angel City family is here for you and supports you always 🖤,” the team wrote.

Fans have also praised her courage and commitment to prioritizing mental health in professional sports.

”Thank you for your honesty. That’s what I’ve always admired and loved about you,” one fan added. “I hope that you’re able to heal and return to soccer soon.”