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Man arrested in connection with death of Tasia Fortune as medical examiner rules her hanging death a homicide
The mother-of-four’s body was discovered hanging from a tree on August 3. Now, police have arrested a suspect, while other search warrants have been conducted.
Trump says $5K dividend checks to Americans will ‘happen 100 percent’
(The Hill) – President Trump on Sunday said $5,000 dividend checks will “happen 100 percent” if the GOP maintains its majority in Congress after the midterm elections.
The president compared the potential payouts to the $1,776 checks that went out to U.S. service members, telling reporters outside Air Force One on Sunday that he’s received the same type of pushback.
“The $5,000 is going to happen 100 percent,” he said. “And the reason is because our country is taking in trillions and trillions of dollars. And it’s going to happen.”
Trump said he will not send the dividends out while the GOP has control of Congress.
“I don’t want to do it now, because if the Democrats get it, our country will be in shambles and they won’t be able to do it,” he continued. “If we get in, we’re taking in tremendous amounts of money. We’re taking in over $20 trillion in terms of investment. And with the Democrats, all of that money will be thrown out. If the Democrats get in, they won’t be able to pay it.”
The president first pledged the checks last Wednesday during the Republican National Committee’s (RNC) midterm convention. He said his administration can disburse the proposed dividends “because we’ve done so well,” adding that the payments will only be used in the U.S.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Thursday that the dividends would not rely on taxpayer dollars, but that the administration could “earn the money that Donald Trump wants to pay out, not from the deficit and not from taxpayers.”
White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett suggested that they could materialize via a reconciliation package through Congress, which holds appropriating power. The administration cannot spend public money on anything without funds set aside by lawmakers.
The $1,776 checks sent to around 1.45 million service members last year were part of a one-time housing supplement added to Trump’s sweeping tax and spending law known as the One Big Beautiful Bill.
Rep. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) quickly announced after Trump’s pledge that he would introduce a bill in Congress to ensure these checks happen.
Paul Berman, a professor at George Washington University Law School, previously told The Hill that tariff revenue would not cover the estimated $1.3 trillion it would take to dole out the checks. The president’s tariffs have generated roughly $341 billion in net revenue since the start of 2025, according to Treasury Department data cited by the Bipartisan Policy Center.
“Even if there were, that’s money that goes back to the public fisc, and then Congress is the one that has the power of the purse to allocate it,” Berman said.
But the Supreme Court struck down the Trump administration’s sweeping tariffs, ordering a refund of $166 billion of what was generated.
Some Republicans disagree with the dividends. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) highlighted the national debt and suggested that it would lead to more inflation.“From the few details we have, it seems that the proposed $5,000 dividend would not have an income cap and would be extraordinarily costly,” Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said about the dividends.
Gov. Lee grants clemency to 34, including man who served 17 years, was freed in 2023 and sent back in 2025
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced Thursday that he is granting executive clemency to 34 people, including pardons and one commutation.
Thomas Clardy is the only person listed as receiving a commutation. Clardy was convicted in 2007 for a 2005 shooting outside a Madison auto-repair shop. He was sentenced to life in prison and has maintained his innocence.
A federal judge overturned Clardy’s conviction in 2023 after finding he had received ineffective assistance of counsel, allowing him to leave prison after about 17 years. A federal appeals court later reversed that ruling, and Clardy returned to prison in August 2025.
“After thoroughly reviewing the merits of each case, I have decided to grant 34 individuals executive clemency,” Lee said. “Each individual case is unique and warranted consideration, and I thank the Board of Parole members for their thoughtful recommendations throughout this process.”
Clemency decisions are made in consultation with the Tennessee Board of Parole, though its recommendations are not binding. Applicants not included in this round remain eligible for future consideration.
A pardon is an official statement of forgiveness generally granted to someone who has completed a prison sentence and is no longer incarcerated. A commutation changes a sentence. The governor’s office said the commutation in this round is intended to expedite parole based on the “unique merits and track record of success” of the case.
The governor’s office listed the following clemency recipients:
- Alexis Loudenslager — Pardon
- Ashley Langford — Pardon
- Charles McNabb — Pardon
- Charles Murphy — Pardon
- Christina Walters — Pardon
- Christopher Pritchett — Pardon
- Dedrick Dillard — Pardon
- Donnie Sexton — Pardon
- Elbert “Manuel” Hudson Jr. — Pardon
- Hannah Heinze — Pardon
- Israel Melton — Pardon
- Ivan Minter — Pardon
- Jamila Redditt — Pardon
- Jeremy Mack — Pardon
- Jill Dotson — Pardon
- Justin Smith — Pardon
- Kenneth Davis Jr. — Pardon
- Kenretha Goldsmith — Pardon
- Kristopher “Kris” Stewart — Pardon
- Larry Boyd — Pardon
- LaTonya Sawyer — Pardon
- Margie Scales — Pardon
- Mary Ann Eicke — Pardon
- Michelle Arbogast — Pardon
- Phillip Clark — Pardon
- Ronald Haynes — Pardon
- Sarah Biviano — Pardon
- Scottye Starling — Pardon
- Tamir Greenlee — Pardon
- Thomas Clardy — Commutation
- Todd Buchanan — Pardon
- Toni Williams — Pardon
- Zandra Daniel — Pardon
The Ultimate Reading List for Building a Successful Business
Let’s be real: many people feel that expensive business conferences are failing to deliver. Following recent social media backlash surrounding InvestFest—one of the largest gatherings for Black entrepreneurs and investors—many attendees left feeling like they paid top dollar for basic advice and empty networking.
With August being Black Business Month, it’s the perfect time to explore how Black entrepreneurs can unlock game-changing business gems from top experts through books—without breaking the bank on conference tickets.
For Building The Business
“How To Succeed in Business Without Being White” by Earl G. Graves, Sr.
“How to Succeed in Business Without Being White” offers a candid, experience-based guide for Black professionals and other underrepresented entrepreneurs navigating predominantly white corporate and business spaces. Earl G. Graves Sr. traces his journey from the son of a West Indian garment worker to a multimillionaire entrepreneur and the founder of Black Enterprise magazine.
Drawing on his own story alongside lessons from other successful Black professionals, Graves delivers strategies for career advancement and business ownership—emphasizing the vital importance of market differentiation and sustainable growth.
“It’s About Damn Time” by Arlan Hamilton
In “It’s About Damn Time,” respected venture capitalist Arlan Hamilton opens up about her remarkable journey from homelessness to Silicon Valley success. Throughout the book, she shares invaluable wisdom on breaking into the exclusive “boys’ club” of venture capital, creating investment opportunities for “underestimated founders”—including people of color and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs—and building a path to achieve your own dreams on your own terms.
“The Mocha Manual to Turning Your Passion Into Profit” by Kimberly Seals-Allers
If you ever need guidance on turning your ideas into a business plan, Kimberly Seals-Allers has you covered. “The Mocha Manual to Turning Your Passion into Profit” gives insiders a step-by-step guide to turning a creative idea into a formal business plan, including finding the right operational licenses and hiring the right employees. The entrepreneur and journalist offers key strategies and shares advice from successful Black female entrepreneurs, including the founder of Carol’s Daughter, Lisa Price.
“Success Never Smelled So Sweet: How I Followed My Nose and Found My Passion” by Lisa Price (with Hilary Beard)
Long before Carol’s Daughter became a household name and a pioneer in the natural hair and beauty industry, Lisa Price was crafting products right in her Brooklyn kitchen. “Success Never Smelled So Sweet” details how she scaled a personal passion project into one of the most recognizable Black-owned beauty empires in the country. It’s an essential read for entrepreneurs looking to turn their creative passion into a profitable business.
Related: Books By Black Authors We Can’t Wait to Read This Fall
“The DNA of Achievers: 10 Traits of Highly Successful Professionals” by Mathew Knowles
As the mastermind behind Destiny’s Child—one of the defining musical groups of our time—Mathew Knowles knows what it takes to build a brand from the ground up. In “The DNA of Achievers,” he breaks down the core traits that separate high achievers from the rest, including a relentless work ethic, calculated risk-taking, and surrounding yourself with excellence. It is an empowering read for entrepreneurs ready to embrace the discipline required for long-term success.
For Building Wealth
“Get Good with Money” by Tiffany Aliche
In “Get Good with Money,” Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche delivers a practical roadmap for achieving financial stability—an essential tool for solopreneurs and early-stage founders looking to get their personal and business finances in order. Designed as a hands-on, workbook-style guide, the book walks readers through ten actionable steps toward financial wholeness, making it an indispensable resource for long-term entrepreneurial success.
“Savvy Tax Strategies for Small Business Owners: Master Bookkeeping and Tax Planning Strategies” by Atiya S. Brown, CPA
When building a business, keeping your company free of IRS issues is essential. To help founders navigate tax compliance, author Atiya S. Brown—a CPA, Chartered Accountant, and certified financial education instructor with over 18 years of experience in accounting and finance—outlines how to establish proper business structures, identify overlooked deductions, and implement proactive systems to keep your business running smoothly.
“Black Fortunes: The Story of the First Six African Americans Who Survived Slavery and Became Millionaires” by Shomari Wills
Shomari Wills’ popular nonfiction book, “Black Fortunes,” chronicles the lives of the first six African Americans who survived slavery and earned personal fortunes of over one million dollars between 1830 and 1927. Aspiring entrepreneurs will gain a blueprint for capitalism and wealth-building strategies that serve as cheat codes for facing business adversity.
Learn From Black Business History
“Succeeding Against The Odds” by John H. Johnson
This timeless autobiography of John H. Johnson, founder of Johnson Publishing Company and the first African American on the Forbes 400 list, chronicles his rise from poverty in segregated Arkansas to building a media empire that included Ebony, Jet, and Negro Digest magazine.
It also details the practical business lessons and personal principles that created his success. Readers can use this as a playbook for actionable advice on entrepreneurship, sales, leadership, and overcoming systemic barriers like racism and lack of access to capital.
“Rise and Grind: Outperform, Outwork, and Outhustle Your Way to a More Successful and Rewarding Life” by Daymond John
“The Diary Of A CEO” podcast serves as an audio diary of Steven Bartlett’s own entrepreneurial journey and in-depth conversations with high-profile guests. Episodes include dialogues with CEOs, founders, and authors; it feels like a therapy session that aims to reveal the “untold truths” and “unlearned lessons” behind their great achievements. Listeners will gain leadership and team-building pointers, advice on marketing their personal brand, and practical business strategies.
“Black Tech Green Money” by Will Lucas
Jefferson Street’s long road to reconnection
The Nashville Fair celebrates America's 250th with rides, food and free student tickets
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Nashville Fair is back for its fifth year, and organizers are marking the occasion with a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. The 10-day event runs through September 20 at The Fairgrounds Nashville, bringing together carnival rides, live entertainment, interactive farm exhibits, and local food vendors for families across Middle Tennessee.
One of the fair’s defining features sets it apart from other regional events: every Davidson County student receives a free fair ticket — more than 85,000 tickets distributed each year.
The fairgrounds are fully accessible and entirely walkable, with all attractions on a single ground level. A WeGo transit stop is located on-site, along with accessible parking and rideshare drop-off. More than 105,000 continuous square feet of air-conditioned indoor space is available for fairgoers.
Interactive educational exhibits have hands-on displays, designed for fairgoers of all ages, have earned international recognition.
Tickets and more information are available at the Nashville Fair’s official website.
Want to see what it’s really like inside the Nashville Fair? Watch our full coverage — including a live cow-milking lesson, a taste of the last-ever Fiddlestix, a ride inside a monster truck cab, and a balloon art lesson from a 25-year fair legend. These are the moments you won’t want to miss.
Richard Smallwood’s Family Calls Out Stellar Awards After Gospel Icon Is Left Out Of Main Show
Richard Smallwood’s family is publicly expressing its disappointment after the late gospel legend received no formal recognition during the main presentation of the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards.
In a strongly worded statement released jointly with The Small Rich Foundation, the family said it was “deeply concerned” that Smallwood’s “extraordinary life, legacy, and contributions to Gospel music were not acknowledged” during the televised ceremony.
“We remain deeply concerned that a legacy of this magnitude was not acknowledged during the main show,” the statement declared.
For many supporters, relegating the salute to the pre-show simply was not enough for a musician whose work helped build the very gospel tradition the Stellar Awards exists to celebrate.
The main ceremony, hosted by Kirk Franklin and taped August 15 at Charlotte’s Spectrum Center, aired on The Stellar Network on August 29 and BET on August 30. Its heavily promoted honorees included Tasha Cobbs Leonard, who received the Aretha Franklin Icon Award, and Pastor Mike Jr., recipient of the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award.
Against that backdrop, Smallwood’s absence from the broadcast became even more conspicuous. Social-media users began questioning why one of gospel’s most important composers did not receive a substantial main-stage tribute, particularly during the first Stellar Awards held following his death.
The family acknowledged the outpouring of concern, saying it had seen the comments, read the messages and felt the love behind them.
“We understand and share the disappointment expressed by so many,” the statement continued. “While we continue to process this disappointment, we remain equally committed to ensuring that Richard’s music, ministry, impact, and extraordinary contributions to Gospel music are never forgotten.”
The family also thanked those who continue to sing Smallwood’s songs, share his music and tell his story. Through The Small Rich Foundation, it plans to preserve his legacy while creating educational and creative opportunities for future generations.
As of publication, the Stellar Gospel Music Awards and producer Central City Productions had not issued a widely reported public response addressing the family’s complaint.
But the uncomfortable question is already reverberating throughout the gospel community: if Richard Smallwood’s towering legacy did not warrant a place in the main show, whose does?
Nationally Syndicated Shows
Spend your Saturday with nationally recognized gospel personalities, uplifting music, artist interviews, inspiration and faith-centered entertainment on The Gospel Nashville.
Nationally Syndicated
Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell
Saturdays • 7:00–9:00 AMStart Saturday with uplifting gospel music, encouragement, celebrity conversations and the energetic inspiration of Erica Campbell.
Listen Saturday Morning
Nationally Syndicated
Gospel Traxx with Walt “Baby” Love
Saturdays • 12:00–2:00 PMEnjoy gospel favorites, artist features and the unmistakable voice and broadcasting legacy of Walt “Baby” Love.
Listen Saturday Afternoon
Nationally Syndicated
The Marvin Sapp Radio Show
Saturdays • 3:00–5:00 PMHear uplifting music, meaningful conversation and inspiration from celebrated gospel artist and pastor Marvin Sapp.
Listen Saturday AfternoonVideo of the Week
Enjoy this week’s featured gospel performance, inspirational interview, ministry message or community spotlight selected by The Gospel Nashville.
Churches, artists, ministries and community organizations may submit a video for future consideration.
