Page 14 – saobserver

Trump Stands by National Security Team Despite Signal Leak

Politics

-

2025-03-31

Trump Stands by National Security Team Despite Signal Leak

President Dismisses Calls for Firings Over Accidental Leak

President Donald Trump made it clear Saturday that he has no plans to fire anyone over the accidental leak of his administration’s airstrike plans against the Houthis in Yemen.

“I don’t fire people because of fake news and because of witch hunts,” Trump told NBC News’ Kristen Welker in an interview, firmly rejecting any pressure to shake up his national security team following the incident.

National Security Officials Remain in Trump’s Confidence

Trump reiterated his support for Mike Waltz, his national security adviser, and Pete Hegseth, his Pentagon chief, despite the misstep. The controversy began when Waltz inadvertently added Jeffrey Goldberg, editor of The Atlantic, to a Signal group chat where top officials were discussing the airstrike.

During the exchange, Hegseth detailed how the strike would unfold before it happened, leading to The Atlantic publishing an article that sent shockwaves through the national security establishment.

Despite the fallout, Trump stood by his team, emphasizing that his leadership style differs from his first term, which saw significant turnover in key positions.

Trump Rejects Talk of Firing Waltz

When asked if there had been discussions about removing Waltz over the leak, Trump shut down the speculation.

“I’ve never heard that. And nobody else makes that decision but me, and I’ve never heard it,” he said.

Trump’s stance signals a more stable approach to his administration’s internal dynamics, contrasting with his first term, when Mike Flynn, his first national security adviser, was ousted within weeks during the Russia investigation.

As Trump prepares for the challenges ahead, he remains resistant to outside pressure—especially from the media—to dictate how he manages his top officials.

LeBron Addresses Courtside Confrontation with Stephen A. Smith

Sports

Observer Staff

-

2025-03-28

0

LeBron Addresses Courtside Confrontation with Stephen A. Smith

LeBron James Responds to Stephen A. Smith Feud on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’

LeBron James finally broke his silence on his ongoing dispute with Stephen A. Smith (SAS) during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. The Los Angeles Lakers star made it clear that he took issue with Smith’s comments about his son, rookie Bronny James, and explained why he confronted the ESPN personality courtside during a recent game at Madison Square Garden.

Earlier in March, a viral video showed James approaching SAS during a Lakers vs. Knicks game, setting off a wave of debate among sports analysts and fans. The confrontation stemmed from Smith’s criticism of Bronny’s readiness for the NBA, suggesting that LeBron had put his son in an unfair position by getting him drafted too soon. However, James felt the remarks crossed a line—turning from sports criticism to a personal attack on his parenting.

LeBron: “He Missed the Whole Point”

On The Pat McAfee Show, James didn’t hold back when explaining his frustration with Smith.

“He completely missed the whole point. The whole point,” James said. “Never would I ever not allow people to talk about the sport and criticize players about what they do. That is your job to criticize… but when you take it and you get personal with it, it’s my job to not only protect my d— household but protect the players.”

James also took a moment to mockingly acknowledge that Smith would likely be thrilled by the attention.

“He’s gonna be smiling from ear to ear when he hears me talking about him,” James said. “I know he’s gonna be happy as h—.”

Stephen A. Smith Fires Back, Then Softens His Stance

Smith didn’t back down after the courtside exchange. The next morning on First Take, he called James’ approach “weak” but expressed willingness to have a sit-down conversation. He doubled down on his criticism in a separate podcast appearance with Gilbert Arenas.

However, after a standout performance from Bronny in a recent Lakers game, Smith seemed to walk back some of his earlier comments.

“I might have been wrong,” Smith admitted on First Take. “I’ve always believed this kid had the potential to be in the NBA, but what I saw last night… if he keeps showing up like that, then indeed he’ll be in the league as a bonafide player sooner than later.”

Will LeBron and SAS Squash Their Beef?

For now, it doesn’t seem likely that James and Smith will sit down to hash out their differences. While Smith has acknowledged that Bronny may be proving him wrong, James appears firm in his stance on how the media discusses his family.

Whether this feud cools down or escalates further remains to be seen. But for now, all eyes will be on Bronny as he continues to develop in the NBA—and on whether Smith has any more words for the James family.

Rep. Joaquin Castro: “Ya’ll Know That’s a Lie”

Politics

Observer Staff

-

2025-03-26

0

Rep. Joaquin Castro: “Ya’ll Know That’s a Lie”

Leaked Signal Chat Sparks Capitol Hill Firestorm

Top U.S. intelligence officials were back in the hot seat Wednesday, answering questions from lawmakers about a major security blunder — a leaked Signal group chat discussing U.S. military plans in Yemen.

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and others testified before the House Intelligence Committee. The focus: how a journalist ended up in a private chat between high-ranking national security officials.

The group had been using Signal, a secure messaging app, to talk about possible airstrikes against the Houthis in Yemen. The situation became public when The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, said he was accidentally added to the group by Michael Waltz, the national security adviser.

Rep. Castro Questions Tulsi Gabbard, TND

Goldberg revealed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had shared detailed war plans in that chat — before the strikes even happened. Hegseth didn’t testify, but some Democrats demanded he step down.

At the hearing, Gabbard tried to ease concerns.

“It was a mistake that a reporter was inadvertently added to a Signal chat with high-level national security principals, having a policy discussion about imminent strikes against the Houthis and the effects of the strike,” she said.

She insisted nothing classified was shared:

“There were no sources, methods, locations, or war plans that were shared.”

But Democrats pushed back.

I’ve seen things much less sensitive be presented to us with high classification,” said Rep. Joaquin Castro of Texas. “And to say that it isn’t is a lie to the country.

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois also pointed out that military plans and weapons systems are supposed to be considered classified under both an executive order and a Pentagon manual.

Meanwhile, the White House tried to brush off the incident.

“Look, it is what it is,” said presidential adviser Alina Habba. “At the end of the day, this is — in my opinion — something that they’re making a big to-do about nothing. A reporter that is trying to get clout.”

This was Gabbard and Ratcliffe’s second day in a row facing lawmakers. A day earlier, they were grilled by Senate Democrats who also questioned their handling of the leak.

Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia challenged their claim that nothing classified was shared:

“If there was no classified material, share it with the committee,” Warner said. “You can’t have it both ways.”

30 Years of The San Antonio Observer

Cover Story

Waseem Ali

-

2025-03-25

1

Celebrating 30 Years of the San Antonio Observer’s Impact in the Community

Thirty years ago this month, my father, Hussien Ali, started the San Antonio Observer with the intent on giving the African-American community a true voice at a time when our voices were going unheard.

Much like the creators of the nation’s first Black publication for Black News; the Freedom’s Journal in 1827, his idea was to provide a platform for African Americans to express their perspectives, share news, and foster a sense of community and shared identity, often challenging racism and advocating for social justice locally and nationally.

As we reflect on the past thirty years it’s important to recognize where we were as opposed to where we currently are to understand where we as a community are going.

Black News - Hussien Ali, Founder, The San Antonio Observer Newspaer — SA Observer

A Vision Rooted in Purpose: Continuing the Legacy of the Black Press

Thirty years ago, many of the same ills that plagued our community when my father began this journey continue to plague our community now; police brutality, economic disenfranchisement, social inequality, to name a few.

Today, in the turbulent times in which we live, the Black Press serves an even more important role to the community; chronicler of Black History.

In an age of technology and the internet, we the Black Press serve a vital role in the preservation of our heritage. A heritage that is often ignored or misrepresented in the mainstream press.

Then and Now: Reflecting on Three Decades of Advocacy and Truth-Telling

Although my father is no longer here, his voice, legacy, and most importantly, his platform for change remains for the people. As we look forward to the next generation I believe it is important to ask ourselves a very important question. How will history judge me? Did I do my part?

There is no acronym for doing the right thing.

Thank You, Readers

It has truly been an honor to serve our readers over the last three decades. It is you the reader and supporter, who have made the San Antonio Observer one of the largest and most influential African-American newspapers in the nation and the largest in the Southwest.

I look forward to ushering in our new generation of young political, social, and economic leaders committed to taking up the fight for justice and equality for all.

The San Antonio Observer Newspaper Celebrates 30 Years

Benched: Disassociating With Politics Doesn’t Help The Team

Alana Zarriello

-

2025-03-25

0

Benched: Disassociating With Politics Doesn’t Help The Team

Being on the Bench Isn’t the End—Disengagement Is: The Danger of Disassociating with Politics in a Time of Manufactured Distraction

As I and others continue to write about the atrocities of Donald Trump and what may come from this historical administration, I’m more than aware many of you feel disenchanted, exhausted, and even disassociated with news and politics altogether—believe me, I have too.

Political Exhaustion Isn’t Natural—It’s Engineered

The 24/7 news cycle, social media overload, and algorithm-driven outrage have created a constant sense of chaos. We are flooded with headlines, notifications, and breaking news alerts that keep us in a loop of anxiety and despair.

As The Atlantic put it, the constant stream of political content creates a “fog of fatigue,” where it’s hard to tell what really matters and what’s just noise. Instead of getting involved in real civic life, we’ve gotten used to just scrolling headlines. Meanwhile, our phones keep us distracted and anxious, while important decisions get made quietly behind closed doors and policies are quietly passed. This isn’t accidental—it’s a deliberate form of suppression hiding in plain sight.

According to Pew Research, a majority of Americans say they feel “exhausted” (65%) and “angry” (55%) when thinking about politics today. With only 10% reporting feeling hopeful. These numbers aren’t just reflections of reality—they’re symptoms of an artificial media environment.

After Kamala’s Loss, Too Many Walked Away

Now let’s be honest—many people checked out after Donald Trump won. And when Kamala Harris didn’t make it through the election cycle the way many hoped, it felt like the fight was over. The disenchantment was real. Though just because we didn’t get the outcome we expected doesn’t mean we stop showing up or we watch from the bench. If anything, it should remind us of what we’re capable of when we mobilize. That same energy—the rallies, the organizing, the hope—must return. Not in nostalgia, but in strategy. Not for optics, but for action.

Don’t Confuse Burnout With Reality. Push Through. Get Off The Bench.

Yes, the exhaustion is real but much of it is fabricated. The endless pressure to consume, react, repost—tricks us into thinking we’re participating, when we’re really just spinning our wheels.

It’s tempting to shut down, to tune out just to protect your peace. But understand this: the system counts on that silence. Real engagement doesn’t happen through hashtags and hot takes—it happens in your neighborhood, your city council meetings, your voter registration drives.

This exhaustion may not be your fault—but it is our responsibility to overcome it. Because the moment we accept disengagement as normal, we’ve already given up the fight. And we don’t have that luxury.

Until then—goodnight and good luck.

Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal Set Records in ‘Othello’

Entertainment

Observer Staff

-

2025-03-25

0

Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal Set Records in ‘Othello’

Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal Set Records and Redefine Shakespeare in ‘Othello’

Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal are lighting up the Barrymore Theatre in a new production of Othello that’s not just winning praise—it’s breaking records. The show recently became the highest-grossing Broadway play in history, pulling in $2.8 million in a single week. With prime seats reaching nearly $1,000, the box office numbers have drawn criticism, but the audience response has been resounding: people are showing up, and they’re loving it.

Denzel Washington Returns to His Roots

“This is a 48-year journey for me,” Denzel Washington said. “It’s the most excited I’ve been this century.” At 70, the two-time Oscar winner brings decades of stage and screen experience to the role of Othello, a military commander consumed by betrayal and manipulation. But don’t call him a Hollywood actor. “Myself, I’m from Mt. Vernon, so I’m a ‘Mt. Vernon actor.’ I don’t know what ‘Hollywood’ means.”

Washington has been on Broadway five times before, but Othello marks his sixth turn—and perhaps his most personal. He first played the character as a student at Fordham University but admits he wasn’t ready for it then. “I thought I knew everything. I didn’t really like the part, ’cause I wasn’t wise enough to understand it. Now I understand it’s really about a bond that these characters have. He loves not wisely, but too well.”

Behind the curtain, television personality and singer-songwriter Kandi Burruss is playing a key role as one of the producers. Known for her work on The Real Housewives of Atlanta and as a Grammy-winning songwriter, Burruss has been steadily carving out a name in theater. This isn’t her first Broadway venture—and she’s making it clear it won’t be her last.

Kandi Burruss Hopes for a Tony Win, Denzel Washington May Bring It

“I’m praying. But you know, I pray every time,” Burruss said about the show’s awards potential. “Every time you have to go into it feeling like, ‘This is the one,’ you know? I’m going to speak it into existence.” Speaking on Sherri, she added, “First of all, obviously, they are top tier as far as the talent goes.”

Burruss also shared her admiration for Washington, whom she’s met several times. “Because John David [Denzel’s son] was in our other show The Piano Lesson. That was a wonderful experience and Denzel would just be there supporting his son sometimes, very quiet, laid back.”

While she’s stepped away from Real Housewives of Atlanta, Burruss continues to expand her creative reach, trying her hand at acting, producing, and still chasing that elusive “T” in EGOT. Alongside her husband Todd Tucker, she has produced several Broadway shows, with Othello as the latest standout in their growing portfolio.

Gyllenhaal Finds His Shakespeare Voice

Jake Gyllenhaal plays Iago, Othello’s duplicitous ensign, driven by jealousy and resentment after being passed over for promotion. For Gyllenhaal, it’s his first time tackling Shakespeare professionally—well, almost. “I did do Much Ado About Nothing in high school,” he laughed. “I realized that this morning.”

Even so, the role fits him like a glove. “Iago has interactions with the audience, they kind of become his partner in it. And every night it is different. That’s what I love so much about it.”

Standing on stage before a recent performance, Gyllenhaal called it his favorite place to be. “You get to a point where you’re like, ‘Oh, I’ve worked my whole career for this, for this moment.’”

A Modern Take on a Timeless Tragedy

Shakespeare’s Othello was written around 1604, but this production updates the setting to “the near future,” with subtle nods to modern struggles, including PTSD among soldiers. “People, you know, they ordinarily think, ‘Oh yeah, it’s about jealousy. And he betrays him,'” Washington said. “No, it’s about two soldiers who trust each other with their lives.”

Gyllenhaal echoed that sentiment. “What is shared is theirs. That’s what makes their bond so strong.”

Legacy and Impact

Othello has a long and complicated history on Broadway. For decades, the title role was played by white actors in blackface. That shifted in 1943 with Paul Robeson’s groundbreaking portrayal, and the last to play the part before Washington was James Earl Jones in 1982.

“James Earl Jones was my northern star when I was in college,” said Washington. “He was who I wanted to be. I didn’t get to see his Othello, but I know it wasn’t as good as my 22-year-old interpretation!” he joked. “But you know, it’s my turn.”

Two Actors at the Height of Their Craft

Both actors bring deep theatrical backgrounds to the stage. Washington has performed Shakespeare throughout his career, including roles as Richard III and Julius Caesar. Gyllenhaal, known for his intense performances in Brokeback Mountain, Zodiac, and Nightcrawler, is no stranger to Broadway either—this is his fourth appearance.

“I feel tremendous gratitude,” Gyllenhaal said. “And [Denzel] makes me feel it when I walk in that rehearsal room every day.”

Washington added, “Movies are a filmmaker’s medium. Theater is an actor’s medium. The curtain goes up, nobody can help you.”

And clearly, with two of the most respected actors in the game leading this production, nobody needs to.

Pullman Porters: From Freedom to ‘Hey Negro Sam’

Mario Salas

-

2025-03-25

0

Pullman Porters: From Freedom to ‘Hey Negro Sam’

Black Pullman Porters, Their History is Our History

Chicago businessman George M. Pullman began hiring thousands of African American men—including many former slaves to serve the needs of white passengers traveling across the country on his company’s railroad sleeping cars. These Black workers were underpaid and overworked and had to endure constant racism on the job. The Pullman porters would eventually help to fuel the migration of Blacks to the Southwest and West and shaped the Black middle class. Their social position improved as civil rights struggles began to increase after WWII. By the mid-1890s, a “Railway Union” organized Pullman employees, but refused to include Black workers on the rail lines. Eventually, Black Pullman Porters organized into the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters (BSCP) under the leadership of A. Phillip Randolph.

However, the Pullman Company opposed A. Phillip Randolph. Blacks eventually organized their first collective bargaining agreement which went into effect making history as the first union contract signed by Black workers and a major U.S. company in 1937. In San Antonio, Delbert McKinney, an African who used his Pullman Porter wages to purchase a new car in the 1930s. McKinney, a porter on the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (Katy line) railroad, McKinney worked to organize Black railroad porters to fight labor rights. McKinney’s’ labor activism was well documented in San Antonio’s Black Newspapers.

In 1940, the members of Local No. 3, of the Black Pullman porters at St. Paul Square (Sunset Station), elected Delbert as president, and he attended the Texas Federation of Labor as one of more than dozen Black delegates who worked to enact anti-discrimination practices at the convention. The Black Pullman porters stayed at the Black owned Deluxe Hotel in St. Paul Square and at boarding houses in the Denver Heights and at other places identified in the Black motorist handbook (The Green Book) at the time. Several homes were identified on Dawson Street, Swiss Street, Canton Street, and other areas where Pullman Porters could stay while waiting for their next assignment on the rail line.

Porters were essentially at the beck and call of first-class White passengers; hence they were often invisible as things and not as human beings. The owner of the Deluxe Hotel, Pinkie Smith, a Black entrepreneur, greeted and befriended the Black porters at his business, both locally and out the area Black workers on the Southern Pacific Rail. Following the arrival of the railroad in 1877, the area experienced significant growth and then expanded further in 1902 after the Southern Pacific Passenger Depot was constructed. Black porters had to endure hatred of all types while working on the train.

All Black men were called by their first names or were referred to as “Boy.” According to Professor Ronald Davis, “If the white person did not personally know a Black person, the term “nigger” or “nigger-fellow,” might be used. In legal cases and the press, Blacks were often referred to by the word “Negro” with a first name attached, such as “Negro Sam.” At other times, the term “Jack,” or some common name, was universally used in addressing Black men not known to the white speaker. On the Pullman Sleeping cars on trains, for example, all the Black porters answered to the name of “boy” or simply “George” (after the first name of George Pullman, who owned and built the Pullman Sleeping Cars).” Black leader Charles Bellinger was a gambler and often paid the train tickets for his friends to ride the train from San Antonio to Chicago. Also, the train was worked by Black porters on the way to New Orleans and New York.

Media Under Fire: Press Faces New Challenges in Trump’s Second Term

Politics

Observer Staff

-

2025-03-25

0

Media Under Fire: Press Faces New Challenges in Trump’s Second Term

News Industry Grapples With New Challenges Under Trump’s Second Term

Two months into Donald Trump’s second term as president, journalists across the country are already facing mounting pressure — legally, politically, and institutionally.

During Trump’s first term, the media was frequently labeled “fake news” or the “enemy of the people.” Now, the attacks are more strategic, coordinated, and systemic.

Legal Fights, Press Restrictions, and a Changing FCC

Trump’s second administration has launched a wave of actions impacting the news industry: lawsuits against major outlets, a reshaped Federal Communications Commission pursuing investigations into legacy media, and tighter control over which journalists get access to the White House.

The Associated Press has already filed legal action after being blocked from covering certain White House events. A newly aggressive FCC under Chairman Brendan Carr is investigating CBS over a “60 Minutes” segment on Vice President Kamala Harris, ABC News for its debate fact-checking, and NBC for potentially violating “equal time” laws by having Harris on “Saturday Night Live.”

Voice of America has been gutted, public data has disappeared from government websites, and several media outlets have been evicted from Pentagon press spaces — raising concerns about access during national emergencies.

“This is a full-on campaign to diminish and obstruct journalism in the United States,” said Bill Grueskin, a journalism professor at Columbia University. “It’s not like 2017. This is far more organized and aggressive.”

Trump Allies Say the Media Needed a Shakeup

Trump’s supporters argue the shift is overdue. Former George W. Bush press secretary Ari Fleischer pushed for changes even before Trump took office again, calling for press briefings to reflect how people consume news in 2025 — from podcasts and niche outlets, not just the traditional press corps.

“Readers don’t get their news from The New York Times or the networks anymore,” Fleischer said. “They get it from a myriad of sources.”

Fleischer added that newer conservative outlets are asking more relevant questions to everyday Americans instead of playing “gotcha” games. Some of the press pool’s newer members have asked questions that clearly lean into right-wing talking points, like the Ruthless podcast asking if reporters questioning border policy are “out of touch.”

The Associated Press was blocked from certain events in a dispute over Trump’s decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico, escalating press freedom concerns. The White House Correspondents’ Association has pushed back, but with limited success.

Rapid Response Teams and Social Media Attacks on Journalists

The Trump administration has also ramped up its messaging machine. A new X (formerly Twitter) account called “Rapid Response 47” aims to counter reporting it deems biased and “hold the Fake Media accountable.”

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, 27, has quickly become a face of this approach. Clips of her confronting reporters often go viral on TikTok. “We know for a fact there have been lies pushed by many legacy media outlets,” she said during her first briefing. “We will not accept that.”

Even the Defense Department now runs a “fake news” rapid response account, signaling the broad reach of the administration’s media strategy.

Lawsuits, Libel Threats, and Ownership Pressure

Trump has filed lawsuits against CBS over the “60 Minutes” interview edit, and against The Des Moines Register for what he says was an inaccurate Iowa poll. Media advocates worry these lawsuits will have a chilling effect, especially on smaller outlets that may back off controversial stories to avoid legal costs.

“The intimidation factor is real,” Grueskin said. “It has a very corrosive effect over time.”

Ownership pressures are another growing concern. Both The Washington Post and Los Angeles Times backed off endorsing Harris last year under influence from their owners. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who owns the Post, even attended Trump’s inauguration. When the Post recently announced a reorganization, Leavitt responded online: “The mainstream media is finally learning that having disdain for more than half the country who supports this president does not help you sell newspapers.”

Journalists Push Back — But the Industry Feels the Strain

Despite all this, some newsrooms are holding their ground. “60 Minutes” has continued airing tough reports. The Atlantic is hiring more staff. Wired has doubled down on tech and politics coverage.

Still, the overall picture is bleak. The future of Voice of America is uncertain. Government news subscriptions — a key source of revenue for some outlets — may be cut. And there’s rising concern about weakening legal protections against libel lawsuits.

“They’re pulling at every thread they can find to try and undermine credible news organizations,” Grueskin said. “And it’s only been two months.”

Beyonce’s “Cowboy Carter” Tour Nearly Sold Out

Entertainment

Observer Staff

-

2025-03-25

0

Beyonce’s “Cowboy Carter” Tour Nearly Sold Out

Beyoncé Adds Las Vegas Date to Cowboy Carter Tour

Beyoncé has officially added a new stop to her Cowboy Carter Tour, announcing a July 25 performance at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The update comes as Live Nation confirms that 94% of tour tickets have already been sold, putting to rest recent rumors of weak demand.

Presale Details for Las Vegas Show

Tickets for the new Vegas date will be released through multiple presales. The BeyHive presale kicks off March 20 at 12 p.m. local time and runs through March 23 at 10 p.m. Artist presales follow from March 24 at 12 p.m. through March 25 at 11 a.m. Additional presales for Citi cardmembers and Verizon Access members begin March 21 at 12 p.m. and end March 23 at 10 p.m.

Cowboy Carter Tour Expands to 31 Dates

The Las Vegas addition brings the total number of Cowboy Carter Tour stops to 31, up from the original 22 dates announced in February. Beyoncé has added nine new shows since the initial tour rollout.

Fans Push Back on Prices Amid Economic Strain

While demand remains high, some fans have voiced concerns over the affordability of Beyoncé’s brand in the current economic climate. Ticket prices for the Cowboy Carter Tour have sparked online debate, with many noting that even standard seats are priced beyond reach for average concertgoers. A report from the Los Angeles Times highlighted growing frustration, as some fans argue that high costs clash with the image of accessibility and empowerment Beyoncé often represents.

The conversation has extended to her newly launched Cécred hair care line, where products range from $30 to $52. Online discourse reflects growing discontent, with many pointing out the disconnect between luxury pricing and everyday financial realities for her core fan base. One social media user wrote, “Everything’s a flex now — even shampoo.”

Supporting Grammy-Winning Album Cowboy Carter

The tour backs her latest release, Cowboy Carter, which recently picked up three Grammy Awards: Album of the Year, Best Country Album, and Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “II Most Wanted” with Miley Cyrus.

First Tour Since Renaissance

This marks Beyoncé’s first major tour since the 2023 Renaissance World Tour, which included 56 shows. That production was later featured in Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé, released in December 2023.

Donate Blood and Score a Free NCAA Experience (While Supplies Last)

Local
News

Observer Staff

-

2025-03-25

0

Donate Blood and Score a Free NCAA Experience (While Supplies Last)

Donors Get a Pair of Tickets to the Slam Dunk & 3-Point Contest, Part of NCAA Final Four Weekend

South Texas Blood & Tissue is giving donors a chance to experience one of college basketball’s premier events—just by donating blood.

Anyone who donates at select community blood drives will receive two tickets to the 36th Annual State Farm College Slam Dunk and 3-Point Championships on April 3 at the Frost Bank Center, while supplies last.

This event has featured some of the best college basketball players in the country. Past participants include Gary Payton, Steve Nash, Jason Terry, Kyle Korver, Bobby Hurley, Michael Finley, Allan Houston, and Denzel Valentine on the men’s side, along with women’s standouts Cappie Pondexter, Katie Gearlds, Kristi Toliver, Odyssey Sims, Tiffany Hayes, Tiffany Mitchell, Ariel Atkins, and Rhyne Howard.

Final Four Slam Dunk Blood Drive Locations

Thursday, March 27
UIW/SOM
7615 Kennedy Hill Drive, San Antonio, TX 78235
Noon – 4 p.m.

Thursday, March 27
Main Event Entertainment
1911 N. Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, TX 78232
1 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Friday, March 28
U.S. Army Recruiting Station – Live Oak
7915 Pat Booker Road, San Antonio, TX 78233
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

YMCA – O.P. Schnabel Park
9606 Bandera Rd., San Antonio, TX 78250
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Das Rec
345 Landa St, New Braunfels, TX 78130
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

George Gervin Academy
6944 Sunbelt Dr., San Antonio, TX 78218
Noon – 5 p.m.

South Texas Blood & Tissue continues to partner with major events like the NCAA Final Four to engage the community and meet the ongoing need for blood donations.

To schedule an appointment or learn more, call 210-731-5590 or visit SouthTexasBlood.org/SlamDunk.