college

Charles Barkley To Leave $5 Million To Auburn University In His Will

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Charles Barkley has revealed plans to leave money in his will to Auburn University. The former pro basketball player and sports analyst says it’s his way of ensuring the Alabama university remains diverse. Auburn University is a Primarily White Institution (PWI), with enrollment of Black students falling just below 5% in 2022. Reports come after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled for Affirmative Action to be cut from college admission programs last week.

“In my will, I am leaving Auburn $5 million,” Barkley says, “I’m going to change it to be just for scholarships for Black students. That’s just my way of trying to make sure Auburn stays diverse.” Barkley attended Auburn University from 1981-1984, where he also played college basketball. He played for three seasons before being drafted by the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers as a junior.

Read More: Charles Barkley Tells Hilarious Michael Jordan Olympic Story

Barkley Wants To Ensure Diversity At Auburn

“I love Auburn,” he says, “I’ve actually changed it to be used for kids from poor homes.” Barkley then refers to the ruling, revealing that ensuring the inclusion of Black students seems like “the right thing” for him to do. “After that ruling yesterday, my phone was blowing up,” he explained. “I was talking to my friends and said, ‘I need to make sure Black folks always have a place at Auburn. So, I’m gonna change my will and make it exclusive for Black students—all $5 million.” Barkley continued, “It’s just for me the right thing to do. I always want to make sure that Auburn’s diverse.”

The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling is likely to have a major impact on the millions of students applying to colleges this fall. “The Court has effectively ended affirmative action in college admissions. And I strongly — strongly disagree with the Court’s decision,” President Joe Biden said following the ruling. “I believe our colleges are stronger when they are racially diverse. Our nation is stronger … because we are tapping into the full range of talent in this nation.”

Read More: Charles Barkley Believes Kobe Bryant Didn’t Have The Right Personality For “Inside The NBA”

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Usher Remixes “Nice & Slow” After Receiving Doctorate

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Usher was made an honorary Doctor by Berklee College of Music over the weekend. The ceremony took place on Saturday at Boston University’s Agganis Arena. The R&B singer was seen celebrating in a post on Instagram by fellow musician Jermaine Dupri. The performers were in high spirits at the event where Usher was awarded for his contributions to music as well as his philanthropy. Dupri attended the ceremony and later shared a clip of Usher wearing his cap and gown. In the clip, Dupri can be heard saying “My man joins my club today.” He went on to say, “Dr. Raymond, congratulations.”

Usher went on to reference his track “Nice & Slow” from his 1997 album, My Way. He plays on the song’s original lyrics, changing them to “They call me D-o-c-t-o-r R-a-y-m-o-n-d.” Usher later commented on Dupri’s post, restating the remixed lyrics. He added, “I’m so grateful for this opportunity to share a message to the next generation of artists, producers, vocalists, arrangers, dancers and more.” Reminding graduates to, “Be brave.” He tells them, “I hope your spark never goes away.”

Usher Urges Graduates To “Make Great Things”

The artist also shared an inspiring message in his commencement speech earlier in the day. He stated, “My goal as an artist has always been to inspire people to make a positive impact through my music, to make you feel something.” Going on to say, “Last night I felt proud…of the legacy that has been built and that we’re building together as artists.” He told the graduating class to “keep running past that finish line [of your goals], break the barriers, identify that spark in you that motivates you to keep going.” He also told them not to expect everything to be perfect and run smoothly.” Usher urged the graduates to “Take what you’ve learned here [at Berklee], go into the world, and make great things.”

Usher was joined at the commencement ceremony by his mother, his partner Jennifer Goicoechea, and his sons Usher Raymond V and Naviyd Ely Raymond. Dupri as well as another frequent collaborator, Rico Love, also attended to show their support. Dupri received his own honorary doctorate from The Art Institute of Atlanta last June.

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Bronny James Jr. Is Officially A Five-Star Recruit

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As it stands, Bronny James Jr. is the most famous High School basketball player in the United States. Overall, there is a good reason for this. At the end of the day, he is the son of LeBron James. Although this is a huge boost, it also helps that he is a great basketball player. Throughout his Senior season, Bronny has been receiving praise for his ability to play great offense while being extremely cerebral on defense. He is the perfect two-way player, and it has college programs chomping at the bit to recruit him.

Bronny has yet to make his decision on where he wants to go. However, there are three teams that are rumored to be on his list. These teams are USC, Oregon, and Ohio State. All three programs are great and would certainly benefit from Bronny’s presence. Subsequently, James is expected to declare for the NBA draft where he could be a top 10 pick. Sure, there might be pressure on the kid, but he seems to be handling it all exceptionally well.

Bronny Is On A Roll

According to a new report, it has been revealed that Bronny is now the ninth-ranked High School recruit in the nation. This is way higher than he was projected before, and it is all thanks to his improvement this season. Furthermore, it has been determined that Bronny is now a five-star recruit. While this doesn’t always mean anything, it is certainly cool to see James get this designation. He has worked hard for it all season long, and he most certainly deserves it.

Late last night, LeBron took to Twitter where he made the declaration that Bronny could play in the league right now. Overall, he feels like there are some scrubs in the league and that his son can take them on. While this might be a bit overkill, there is no doubt that James has a ton of confidence in his son. Only time will tell whether or not he will eventually become a future NBA star. Let us know your thoughts on Bronny, in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the basketball world.

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Kodak Black Enrolls In Arizona State University

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Kodak Black has been working relentlessly ever since Donald Trump pardoned him. The Broward County rapper’s unveiled a slew of projects, including Back For Everything and Kutthroat Bill: Vol 1. However, he also expanded well beyond the world of music. He built a long resume surrounding philanthropic efforts. He donated to various causes and provided air conditioners to housing projects in his stomping grounds of Broward County. Additionally, the rapper recently walked the runway at Paris Fashion Week for Louis Vuitton. 

Clearly, Kodak Black has many things he wants to accomplish. However, it seems that higher education is also in his plans. In 2018, the rapper confirmed that he received his GED while incarcerated. “I just received my high school diploma today and although it is a big accomplishment for me I am yearning for more,” he said in an announcement. “I appreciate my teachers Mr. Williams and Mr. Ward for those times when I would get frustrated you worked diligently to make sure I had the right materials and was ready for this big day.”

Kodak Black Is Going To College 

After earning his GED, Kodak Black appears to be readying for his college years. The rapper hit Instagram where he announced that he enrolled at Arizona State University. He didn’t reveal what program he enrolled in. However, he suggested that he might have a few lessons for his profs. “Arizona beennn one of my states fun fact: I’m really enrolled in ASU college after getting my GED in jail I’m jus in love wit applying myself although money so long I can teach the school something,” he wrote. 

Kodak Black previously mentioned intentions to go to college over the past few years. After earning his GED, the Florida Gators invited Yak to their locker room to celebrate with them. The “Super Gremlin” rapper used the opportunity as a guest of honor to inquire about going to Florida University to earn his degree. “I got my GED, man, I’m trying to come to college,” he told the coach as the room erupted with laughter. Though he might not be heading to Florida University, Arizona State welcomed him with open arms. Check his post above. 

[WATCH] College Student Fatally Struck By Car After Alleged Rape

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Four teenagers have been arrested in the rape of a Louisiana State University sorority member after she was dumped on the side of the road and fatally struck by a car following a night of drinking, police said. Questions gave been made about establishments and underage drinking.

Kaivon Deondre Washington, 18, Everett Lee, 28, and Casen Carver, 18, turned themselves in Monday, more than a week after 19-year-old Madison Brooks was fatally struck in Baton Rouge, the Advocate reported. A fourth suspect, a 17-year-old boy who had not been identified because he is a minor, turned himself in on Sunday, the outlet reported.

Carver admitted to police that Brooks “was very unstable on her feet, was not able to keep her balance, and was unable to speak clearly without slurring her words,” the document states. Carver told investigators he witnessed Brooks and the 17-year-old boy “hugging and walking together,” saying she asked for a ride home.

“He admitted that he agreed to give her a ride because he did not want to leave her while very intoxicated and the bar was closing up,” the arrest warrant says. Carver told authorities that he sat in the driver’s seat and Lee was in the front passenger seat, while Washington and the 17-year-old were in the back along with Brooks.

He said he asked Brooks for her address, “but she fell over and could not answer him.” the warrant says, “so he drove a short distance and pulled over.” Carver “stated he overheard his 17-year-old juvenile friend as he asked the victim five times if she wanted to have sex with him,” to which Brooks “gave verbal consent,” according to the document.

Washington and an unidentified 17-year-old were charged with third-degree rape, while Lee and Carver were charged with principle to third-degree rape. Ron Haley, an attorney for two of the suspects, told WAFB that this was “absolutely not a rape. Listen, this is a tragedy, definitely not a crime.”

He told the outlet that a video taken during the incident shows Brooks was coherent.

“Can you tell that she was intoxicated, yes. To the point under the law that you say you’re in a drunken stupor, to the point that you cannot lawfully give consent or answer questions, absolutely that was not the case,” Haley told WAFB.

The attorney claimed Brooks and Carver got into an argument in his car.

“Based on a disagreement, she got out of the vehicle. She indicated she was getting an Uber. I want the public to know, these young men or really the driver of the vehicle and the young men that were in there, did not put her off on the side of the road,” he said.

Do you think the bars should be held responsible for underage drinking?

Watch the video below.

The post [WATCH] College Student Fatally Struck By Car After Alleged Rape appeared first on The Source.

LeBron James Comments On Bronny’s College Decision

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LeBron James is currently looking to break Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record for most points in the regular season. Overall, LeBron is a legend, and he will likely beat this record in under 10 games. Needless to say, the man has come through with some truly incredible accolades.

Additionally, James now gets to watch his sons excel at the sport he has dominated for years. Bronny and Bryce currently play for Sierra Canyon, and they have been great. In fact, Bronny is now looking to pick a college program, and he has a few places in mind.

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on January 22, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

It has been reported that Bronny is down to three choices. Those teams are Oregon, USC, and Ohio State. However, Bronny has yet to publically comment on his college hunt. Moreover, it seems like he will only commit to a team once his high school season is officially over.

LeBron Weighs In

Recently, LeBron was asked about Bronny and which college he will go to. That is when James revealed that Bronny can go wherever he wants. James even noted that he will pick up the phone if he has to.

“I think Bronny can go to any college he wants to. All I have to do is pick up the phone. If Bronny says he wants to go there, he’s good enough,” LeBron said.

It is clear that the proud father has a ton of confidence in his son. This is obviously great news for Bronny, who is going to need that support as he makes the biggest decision of his young adult life.

Let us know which college you would like to see Bronny play for, in the comments down below. Additionally, keep it locked to HNHH for more news from around the sports world.

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Student Loan Forgiveness Questions Loom in 2023

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Student loan borrowers are moving into the new year with uncertainty. President Joe Biden’s game-changing student, loan forgiveness program lies in the hands of the Supreme Court. The pandemic-related pause on student loan payments remains in effect, but a restart date depends on when the Supreme Court rules on the forgiveness program– it could come as late as summer’s end. 

For now, significant changes are coming in July to the existing Public Service Loan Forgiveness program that helps government and nonprofit workers. A new income-driven repayment plan that could lower payments for specific federal student loan borrowers is being drawn up. 

In late February, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in two cases regarding Biden’s student loan forgiveness program, which could deliver up to $20,000 of debt relief for millions of low- and middle-income borrowers. A decision on program adoption is expected to move forward in June, but it is on hold, and no debt will be discharged under the program.

Biden announced his plans for student loan forgiveness in August. The Department of Education received about 26 million applications for debt relief by the time a federal district court judge struck down the program on November 10.

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Lawyers for the Biden administration say that Congress gave the secretary of education “expansive authority to alleviate the hardship that federal student loan recipients may suffer as a result of national emergencies,” like the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a memo from the Department of Justice. However, litigants argue the Biden administration has exceeded its authority. Recent Supreme Court decisions have ruled against aggressive agency actions.

The pandemic-related pause on loan payments is going strong for the third consecutive year. Though fees were previously set to resume in January, the Biden administration extended the break after federal courts halted its student loan forgiveness program. Officials had told borrowers that debt relief would be granted before payments restarted.

The payment pause will now last until 60 days after litigation over Biden’s student loan forgiveness program is resolved. If the program has not been implemented and the litigation has not been resolved by June 30, payments will resume 60 days after that. Borrower balances have effectively been frozen since March 2020, and since then, interest has stopped adding up, and collections on defaulted debt have also been on hold.

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The benefits come at varying degrees of helpfulness for borrowers. The government has paid $155 billion through the end of 2022 for the yearlong pause. 

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program allows certain government and nonprofit employees to seek federal student loan forgiveness after making 10 years of qualifying payments. Yet, a yearlong waiver that expanded eligibility for the PSLF program expired on October 31. Under the new rules, borrowers can receive credit toward PSLF on late payments, in installments, or a lump sum. Prior authorities only counted a payment as eligible if it was made in full within 15 days of its due date. Specific periods of deferment, such as cancer treatment, military service, economic hardship, and time served in AmeriCorps and the National Guard, will count toward PSLF. Additionally, the new rule will consider the new standard full-time employee work week to be 30 hours. 

Changes to Biden’s plan could impact roughly 8 million people currently enrolled in income-driven repayment plans and open up the programs for more borrowers. This would reduce monthly debt burdens and the total amount borrowers pay over the lifetime of their loans. 

Those with federal student loan debt incurred during undergraduate school can expect the new regulations to cap payments at 5% of a borrower’s discretionary income, down from the 10% offered in most current income-driven plans. Single borrowers making less than $30,600 per year would not need to make any payments under the proposal, up from the current $24,000 threshold. 

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