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JuJu Watkins Makes USC History With AP Player Of The Year

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JuJu Watkins Makes USC History With AP Player Of The Year

After a Stellar Season, JuJu Watkins Makes History at USC with AP Player of the Year Honors

JuJu Watkins has solidified her place in history as the standout sophomore guard for the USC Trojans. She became the first player in the program’s history to receive the AP Player of the Year award, marking yet another milestone in her remarkable sophomore season. This honor comes promptly after joining the ranks of USC icons Cheryl Miller and Lisa Leslie by earning the Naismith award.

Watkins has already been celebrated as the National Player of the Year by The Athletic, USBWA, and Sporting News. Her impressive season statistics speak volumes: she averaged 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game. Her leadership propelled the Trojans to their first regular-season title since 1994, securing a top seed in the tournament, until her journey was halted by a torn ACL in the second round. Despite her injury, her legacy is cemented, not least with her three murals in downtown Los Angeles.

Recent Recognition and Praise

On receiving the prestigious AP Player of the Year award, Watkins, who was also instrumental in leading USC to its first Big Ten regular-season title in 31 years, received 29 out of 31 votes from the national media panel. Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo was the only other player to receive votes, and both athletes were first-team AP All-Americans. Watkins is only the fourth sophomore ever to win this award, joining illustrious company like Courtney Paris, Maya Moore, and Breanna Stewart.

USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb expressed her pride, stating, “What’s significant about this award is that it highlights JuJu’s ability to elevate herself and her team in a year filled with talent.” Coach Gottlieb emphasized Watkins’ ability to make challenging plays look effortless and remarked on her status as a generational talent.

Impact Beyond the Court

Cori Close, AP Coach of the Year, praised Watkins’ contributions both on and off the court, particularly her commitment to underserved communities. “JuJu’s heart of service is as impressive as her basketball skills,” Close mentioned, underscoring the importance of Watkins’ community work.

Watkins consistently raised her performance against top-tier opponents. In matchups against AP top 10 teams, she averaged 26.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks while maintaining a 35.4% shooting percentage from beyond the arc. “She performed her best when it mattered most,” Gottlieb noted.

A Rising Star Drawing Crowds

With her signature “JuJu bun” hairstyle, Watkins is not only a key player but also a significant draw for audiences, evidenced by an increase in home game attendance. Celebrities such as Snoop Dogg, Kevin Hart, and Michael B. Jordan are frequent sightseers, captivated by her magnetic presence both on and off the court. “It’s hard to miss Snoop Dogg in his custom JuJu jacket,” Gottlieb humorously remarked.

JuJu Watkins continues to make strides while staying true to her roots—a testament to her talent and dedication to the community.

LYS Beauty Secures Eight-Figure Investment Amid Retail Expansion

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LYS Beauty Secures Eight-Figure Investment Amid Retail Expansion

LYS Beauty’s Development Strategy: A Landmark Investment and Retail Expansion at Sephora and Kohl’s

LYS Beauty has recently made headlines with a substantial investment, marking a significant step forward in its growth journey. Tisha Thompson, the visionary founder of LYS Beauty, secured a major investment exceeding eight figures, thanks to a successful Series A funding round led by Encore Consumer Capital. This strategic move comes just as the brand prepares for a significant retail expansion, with products set to be available in 800 Sephora locations within Kohl’s stores starting April 8, 2025.

A Trailblazing Journey & Achieving Industry Recognition

Founded by Tisha Thompson in 2021, LYS Beauty is celebrated as the first Black-owned clean makeup brand to be featured at Sephora. Thompson’s impressive career began as a college makeup artist, eventually leading her to a pivotal role as Vice President of Marketing and Innovation at PÜR Cosmetics. With a keen focus on inclusivity, she launched LYS with a commitment to diversity and representation in beauty.

Since its inception, LYS Beauty has achieved remarkable success and industry recognition. Notably, the brand experienced a 200% year-over-year sales increase on TikTok Shop, showcasing its strong digital presence and consumer appeal. In addition, the No Limits Cream Bronzer Stick has become a top-selling product at Sephora, underscoring the brand’s resonance with customers.

As the majority owner, Thompson continues to steer LYS Beauty towards new heights, setting a benchmark for inclusive beauty brands and paving the way for future successes.

The Queens Tour Is Here– Tickets Now on Sale

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The Queens Tour Is Here– Tickets Now on Sale

Four Icons, One Historic Night: Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, and Stephanie Mills Join Together in R&B

Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, and Stephanie Mills are coming together for a powerhouse tour in 2025 that’s already being called historic. The four living legends of R&B, soul, and pop are set to share one stage for The Queens! 4 Legends. 1 Night — a once-in-a-lifetime experience produced by the Black Promoters Collective.

The first leg of the tour kicks off May 9 in Las Vegas, with dates lined up across major cities like Oakland, Los Angeles, Brooklyn, and Indianapolis through June 1. Due to overwhelming demand, a second leg was added — starting September 19 in Greensboro and ending October 5 in Cleveland.

Chaka, Patti, Gladys & Stephanie Speak on the Power of Sisterhood

Chaka Khan shared her excitement, calling it an honor to hit the road with these women she sees as sisters. “Music is about connection and this will be a celebration of the joy, power and love that it brings to us all,” she said.

Patti LaBelle added, “I am so excited to join these icons, who I call sisters, on this tour! It’s going to be something special. And I can’t wait to see everyone there.”

Stephanie Mills echoed the same love and unity: “I’m excited to tour with my beautiful sisters! Our different styles unite in love, compassion and understanding and it’s important to come together now. Performing with Chaka, Patti, and Gladys for you will be electrifying. We can’t wait to see you.”

Gary Guidry, CEO of the Black Promoters Collective, called the tour a milestone moment in music: “Each of them has left an indelible mark on the industry, and this tour is a celebration of their artistry, resilience, and legacy.”

See Your R&B Greats In Concert

These women are more than artists. They’ve been our soundtracks, our inspiration, and our proof that excellence, elegance, and soul can stand the test of time.

Gladys, Chaka, Patti, and Stephanie have each carved a lane, broken barriers, and shown what it means to stay rooted in power and grace. Seeing them come together is a celebration of not only R&B music but Black womanhood, legacy, and sisterhood.

When Trump Sparks Chaos, Fox Dims the Lights

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When Trump Sparks Chaos, Fox Dims the Lights

Fox News Quietly Pulls Stock Ticker as Trump’s Tariffs Tank the Market

—This is how they play with the frame so you don’t see the full picture—

As the Dow dropped nearly 1,700 points—the worst day since 2020—Fox News quietly did what it does best: shift the lens. On Thursday, April 3, as the market plunged in response to Donald Trump’s newly announced tariffs, Fox removed its on-screen stock ticker. Just poof, gone. No numbers, no red arrows, no truth.

The moment didn’t go unnoticed. Screenshots spread like wildfire online. One user nailed it:

“Dear #MAGA, Did you notice today that for the first time ever I’m told Fox News has removed the stock market ticker from all their shows? They don’t want you to see what is really happening.”

That’s the point. If the Dow tanks and you don’t see it tank, did it really happen?

The ticker usually sits quietly at the bottom of the screen, a constant hum of reality. But not today. Not while Kayleigh McEnany, Trump’s former mouthpiece, was live on air. Not while Trump’s policies were actively setting off economic alarms.

Critics Called it Historic

“First time in almost 3 decades Fox News removed the stock market ticker from their screen. Are we great yet?” And if you’ve been watching long enough, you know this isn’t the first time Fox has hit the mute button on inconvenient facts. Last summer, they did the same thing—yanked the ticker just as the DOW passed 40,000 and Trump was live claiming the market would crash under Kamala Harris.

Now, Fox is defending itself:

“These claims on social media that this is the first time in 28 years the ticker has come down are not accurate. The stock ticker has never been deployed on screen on a full-time basis.”

Sure. And maybe the moon landing was filmed in a studio too.

They also pointed out that the ticker stayed up on Fox Business. Of course. Keep the truth locked up on the channel fewer people watch.

Meanwhile, the chaos was real. Trump’s new tariff plan, rolled out April 2, spares Russia but hits others hard—setting a blanket 10% duty on all imports, with country-specific hikes for anyone charging the U.S. more. He says it’ll bring jobs back. Here’s how he put it:

“For nations that treat us badly, we will calculate the combined rate of all their tariffs, nonmonetary barriers, and other forms of cheating… So, the tariffs will not be fully reciprocal. I could have done that. Yes. But it would have been tough for a lot of countries.”

That’s the spin. But the markets didn’t buy it. Investors jumped ship. And Fox? They just changed the channel—literally.

Don’t be distracted by who’s talking. Watch what’s missing. Because when Trump’s policies spark chaos, Fox News will be the first to dim the lights.

National Park Service Restores Harriet Tubman Image After Backlash

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National Park Service Restores Harriet Tubman Image After Backlash

NPS Restores Tubman’s Image and Role After Silent Webpage Rewrite

The National Park Service has restored key references to Harriet Tubman on its Underground Railroad webpage after receiving heavy backlash for removing her photo, quotes, and central role in the freedom movement.

The agency reposted a deleted image of Tubman and reversed language that had reframed the Underground Railroad as an exercise in Black/white cooperation rather than a fight led by Black Americans against slavery. “Changes to the Underground Railroad page on the National Park Service’s website were made without approval from NPS leadership nor Department leadership,” NPS spokesperson Rachel Pawlitz told Axios late Monday. “The webpage was immediately restored to its original content.”

Trump-Era Policies Linked to Tubman’s Erasure from History Page

The move to scrub Tubman’s presence from the page was first reported by The Washington Post and fueled broader concerns about a coordinated effort to rewrite history on federal websites. This rewrite didn’t happen in a vacuum—it came as part of a larger rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the federal government, following President Trump’s executive orders.

Many agencies have already removed references to people of color and LGBTQ+ historical figures from online content. That context matters, because the NPS changes also happened while the Trump administration was reinterpreting Civil Rights-era laws to focus more on so-called “anti-white racism” than systemic discrimination against people of color.

Key Tubman Quote Removed, Replaced With Emphasis on Allyship

At the center of the controversy was a deleted quote from Tubman, where she described being a conductor on the Underground Railroad. That quote was replaced with an image of commemorative U.S. postal stamps featuring a mix of white and Black abolitionists. In the revised version, the webpage also dropped direct references to enslavement and instead framed the movement around “allyship” and shared values.

“The Underground Railroad bridged the divides of race, religion, sectional differences, and nationality,” the updated text read. It continued: “(It) joined the American ideals of liberty and freedom expressed in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution to the extraordinary actions of ordinary men and women working in common purpose to free a people.”

Historians, Lawmakers, and Advocacy Groups Push Back

The change sparked criticism from groups like the National Parks Conservation Association and multiple historians. Critics noted that the new framing diluted the role of slavery and erased the resistance led by Black Americans, particularly Harriet Tubman. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) pointed to Trump’s influence, posting on X that “Trump is trying to rewrite the history of the Underground Railroad — even diminishing its conductor, MD’s own Harriet Tubman.”

Underground Railroad Was a Resistance Movement, Not Just Cooperation

The Underground Railroad was not simply a moment of unity—it was a direct challenge to America’s hypocrisy. It was a secret network of routes, safe houses, and people—mainly Black, some white—who risked everything to help enslaved Black Americans flee captivity in a nation that claimed to stand for liberty and freedom. Many Black Americans, disillusioned with those American ideals, aimed not to reconcile with the U.S., but to escape it entirely, heading for Canada or Mexico.

Restoration of Tubman’s Legacy Is a Step Toward Truth

Despite an earlier NPS statement minimizing the issue as “a couple web edits,” the restoration of Tubman’s presence on the webpage is a necessary correction. For the Black community, Harriet Tubman is more than a historical figure—she’s a symbol of strategy, sacrifice, and resistance.

Her erasure from a federal history page didn’t just feel like an oversight; it felt like an attack. Restoring her name and story isn’t just about setting the record straight—it’s about honoring the truth, and those who built the path to freedom brick by brick.

500 Million Weekly Users, Is Chat Your Friend or Co-Worker?

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500 Million Weekly Users, Is Chat Your Friend or Co-Worker?

OpenAI announced that ChatGPT now has 500 million weekly users, marking a 43% increase from the 350 million reported at the end of last year. For comparison, in November 2023, ChatGPT had around 100 million weekly users, meaning its user base has grown fivefold in a year and a half. Some are daily friends with ChatGPT looking for advice and recipes amongst a host of other things while most use Chat as their new co-worker.

This surge comes as OpenAI continues to expand its enterprise offerings and integrate its AI models into more consumer and business applications.

The YouTube-to-TV Pipeline

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The YouTube-to-TV Pipeline

What the YouTube-to-TV Pipeline Means for Content

It’s no secret that YouTube and other streaming platforms are revolutionizing the evolution of content creation.

A significant trend over the past decade has been the migration of successful YouTube series to mainstream platforms like Netflix, HBO, and even Hulu. As part of a broader digital evolution, YouTube series have transitioned from internet side projects to the main stage, turning online fame into primetime TV slots.

Last week, Netflix announced that the viral Pop the Balloon YouTube dating series is going live with renowned host Yvonne Orji. The reimagined dating show will stream live every Thursday at 8 p.m. ET starting April 10, featuring some familiar contestants from other reality TV shows.

Pop the Balloon — which has streamed nearly 50 episodes and garnered over 100 million views — is the latest example of a YouTube series crossing over to a major platform, but it isn’t the first. We’ve seen some iconic series start on the web before reaching a larger audience, from the ever-popular Cobra Kai to Issa Rae‘s Awkward Black Girl.

Are streaming services becoming the go-to destination for creators looking to expand their audiences and grow their projects into something more substantial? Absolutely.

4th New Spurs Arena? Residents Have Concerns

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4th New Spurs Arena? Residents Have Concerns

City and County Finalize Agreement for New Spurs Arena, November Vote Possible

The City of San Antonio, Bexar County, and the San Antonio Spurs have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to move forward with plans for a new downtown arena and Sports and Entertainment District. This signed MOU marks an official step in relocating the Spurs downtown and reimagining the area surrounding the Frost Bank Center.

The proposed district includes a wide range of developments, such as a new Spurs arena, an expanded convention center, a land bridge connecting the East Side to downtown, a convention hotel, and mixed-use infrastructure improvements. However, Bexar County is currently focused solely on the arena component.

Downtown San Antonio Rendering of Arena District, City of San Antonio
Downtown San Antonio Rendering of Arena District, City of San Antonio

I am happy that we have worked together to finalize this MOU. We are looking forward to a potential November venue tax election to allow voters to voice their opinion on the new Spurs arena, which is the only component of Project Marvel involving Bexar County.

Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai

Between 1973 and 1993, the San Antonio Spurs called the HemisFair Arena home—a downtown venue that was eventually torn down. After that, the team moved into the Alamodome. In 1999, Bexar County voters passed a venue tax to help pay for a new basketball arena. By 2002, the Spurs had relocated to the County-owned Frost Bank Center, where their current lease runs through 2032.

Not all residents are on board with this plan. With the Spurs’ lease at the Frost Bank Center ending in 2032 before this project came along, concerns are growing about the team’s long-term commitment to San Antonio.

After three arena moves in San Antonio what happens if they leave the city altogether and San Antonio is left with the Alamodome, The Frost Bank Center and a Downtown Arena and NO sports team? I already see a pattern.

Mary Rivera-Garcia, D2 Resident

More to come, stay tuned.

Tornado Season is Here

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Tornado Season is Here

Severe Weather Cripples Southern and Midwestern United States

A devastating storm system has raged through large portions of the U.S. South and Midwest, resulting in at least 16 weather-related fatalities by early Sunday. The severe weather began late Thursday, with tornadoes and flash flood warnings underscoring the threats that forecasters warned could lead to rising waterways in the days to follow.

Texas Tornado Season

In Texas, tornadoes are a notorious feature of the spring weather season, with May being the most active month. Historical data shows that from 1950 to 2024, an average of 42.3 tornadoes occur every May, underscoring the state’s vulnerability during this time. This year, the National Weather Service has advised that intense thunderstorms are expected to affect not only Texas but also the Great Lakes region and Appalachia.

Destructive Storm System Spans the Country

The storm system has brought heavy rainfall, high winds, hail, and flooding to millions across the U.S., from the South to portions of the upper Midwest. These spring weather patterns, characterized by fluctuating temperatures from lingering winter chills to sudden bursts of warmth, have created ideal conditions for deadly tornadoes. The mixing of cold Canadian air with warm, moist Gulf air is a recipe for disaster, as seen this weekend with a tornado outbreak affecting 13 states.

Flash Floods and Tornadoes: A Deadly Duo

States such as Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Missouri, and Indiana are grappling with relentless severe storms. These have led to flash flooding, numerous tornadoes, and extensive damage. Areas already saturated from previous storms faced new tornado and flash flood warnings, with Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee particularly hard-hit.

Central U.S. Faces Severe Flooding

Catastrophic flash flooding, coupled with continuous rain, poses life-threatening risks to communities throughout the central U.S. This weekend’s torrential rains have swollen waterways from Texas to Ohio, prompting emergencies and resulting in 16 deaths, including tragic incidents like the one involving a 5-year-old in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Flooding’s Far-Reaching Implications

The impact of the extreme weather extends beyond immediate dangers to lives and properties. The Ohio River in Louisville rose five feet in just 24 hours, poised to continue rising, causing significant flooding. Flight disruptions were widespread, with over 521 flights canceled and 6,400 delayed. Interstate commerce is also threatened, particularly as major cargo hubs like Louisville and Memphis face delays due to the flooding.

Unrelenting Downpours in the Heartland

Since Wednesday, parts of Kentucky have received over a foot of rain, while Arkansas and Missouri have seen more than eight inches. Forecasters blame the severe weather on warm temperatures, an unstable atmosphere, strong wind shear, and moisture from the Gulf. Flash flood emergencies and tornado warnings persist across Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky. The state of Kentucky struggles with impassable roads due to floodwaters, downed trees, and landslides.

Communities in Crisis

In Dyersburg, Tennessee, locals sought refuge in storm shelters, clutching essentials as they prepared for the continuing onslaught of rain and severe weather. As the region braces for more rainfall and potential river flooding, the resilience of communities will be tested.

As the storm system continues its path of destruction, the nation watches with bated breath, hoping for relief and recovery in the days to come.

Scientists Say Mexican Food Could Be the Ultimate Serotonin Booster

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Scientists Say Mexican Food Could Be the Ultimate Serotonin Booster

Could Mexican Food Be the Key to a Better Mood? Scientists Say Yes

Recent discussions have highlighted the potential mood-enhancing benefits of Mexican cuisine, attributing this effect to its rich nutritional profile. Traditional Mexican dishes often incorporate ingredients that are sources of tryptophan, an essential amino acid involved in serotonin production. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating mood, and increased levels are associated with feelings of well-being. Foods such as beans and seeds, commonly used in Mexican cooking, contain tryptophan.

Additionally, the complex carbohydrates found in staples like corn tortillas can facilitate the absorption of tryptophan into the brain, further supporting serotonin synthesis. Consuming carbohydrate-rich meals can increase the synthesis of serotonin in the brain, as insulin secretion after carbohydrate intake reduces the levels of amino acids that compete with tryptophan for transport across the blood-brain barrier.

While there may not be a global ranking of cuisines just yet, Mexican food stands out as one of the most serotonin-supporting cuisines identified so far. Thanks to its blend of mood-boosting nutrients like tryptophan, complex carbs, and essential vitamins, it’s more than just comfort food—it’s feel-good food. From fresh guacamole to slow-cooked Barbacoa and spicy salsa, traditional Mexican dishes bring both flavor and a boost for your brain.

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