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PRESS ROOM: Disney Dreamers Academy Concludes 18th Year with Magical Commencement and Life-Changing Opportunities at Walt Disney World Resort

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Throughout the five-day event, several celebrities, educators, business executives and community leaders motivated, inspired and energized students each day in an effort to supercharge their career dreams.

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Celebrities such as Tyler James Williams of “Abbott Elementary,” TV and radio personality Rickey Smiley, and actors/gospel couple David and Tamela Mann lent their support toward energizing the students’ career aspirations while also joining them on magical experiences that only happen at The Most Magical Place on Earth

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (March 31, 2025) – Disney Dreamers Academy wrapped up its 18th year with a magical commencement ceremony on Sunday at Walt Disney World Resort highlighted by extensions of the program that will take some of the 100 students to once-in-a-lifetime journeys from Orlando to Los Angeles.

Two students – Sydney Gilmore from Arlington, TX, and Zane Stevenson from Manvel, TX – are going to visit the set of the ABC hit sitcom “Abbott Elementary” at the personal invitation of the show’s star Tyler James Williams, who served as the mentoring program’s “DREAMbassador.’’ Another student, Colin Sproles of Little Rock, Arkansas, is getting a trip back to Walt Disney World on Delta Airlines for a family vacation that will also include a voyage with Disney Cruise Line as a result of being voted Disney Dreamer of the Year by his peers and judges. This is the top honor awarded by the academy, recognizing a student who leads with care, inspires others, and dreams without limits. And the surprises for the students didn’t end there. Alex Onwuli of Houston, Texas will embark on an unique educational trip with National Geographic to Washington DC; Tristian Williams of Pompano Beach, Florida, will experience weightlessness like an astronaut when he takes flight during the Zero-G Astronaut Experience; and Charlie Arnold of Phillipsburg, New Jersey, will continue the journey of being a filmmaker with a private tour of the Dolby Studios in Hollywood, California.

It was all part of a rousing and heartfelt final day of the Disney mentoring program that is aimed at inspiring 100 teens from varying backgrounds and communities across the country to dream big. The commencement ceremony featured energetic Disney entertainment, beloved Disney characters, confetti and an emotional class ring presentation that enlisted hugs and happy tears from students, parents and chaperones.

Throughout the five-day event, several celebrities, educators, business executives and community leaders motivated, inspired and energized students each day in an effort to supercharge their career dreams. Among the celebrities supporting the event onsite were stars such as Rickey Smiley (The Rickey Smiley Morning Show), David and Tamela Mann (“Meet the Browns”) and Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King”), Williams and more.

The 100 students were selected from thousands of nationwide applicants and, along with a parent or guardian, received an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World to participate in the event. The impactful program introduces the Disney Dreamers to an array of new opportunities, such as sessions teaching valuable life tools, leadership skills, effective communication techniques, and networking strategies. Students experience interactive workshops in a variety of disciplines aligned with their dreams. These workshops introduce the Disney Dreamers to diverse career paths within business, entertainment, and sciences, including career opportunities within The Walt Disney Company.

The Disney Dreamers Academy program is an important part of Walt Disney World’s commitment to supporting communities of varying backgrounds by encouraging the next generation to think big and to use what they learn in their relentless pursuit of their dreams. In the 18 years since it launched at Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Dreamers Academy has now inspired more than 1,800 students from across the country. Graduates have gone on to become doctors, engineers, performing artists, entrepreneurs, and more and some have transitioned into mentors to the Disney Dreamers who followed them.

For more information, visit DisneyDreamersAcademy.com. Regular updates about

Disney Dreamers Academy are also available on social media at Facebook.com/DisneyDreamersAcademy and Instagram.com/disneydreamersacademy.

The 100 students who participated in the 2025 Disney Dreamers Academy are (listed by state):

Name City State
Olivia E. Fort Mitchell AL
Camden P. Birmingham AL
Cameryn S. Little Rock AR
Colin S. Little Rock AR
Colton C. Gilbert AZ
Iraj S. Chandler AZ
Lawrence V. Fresno CA
Brennan C. Pasadena CA
Connor C. Northridge CA
Euri K. Tustin CA
Lauren K. La Crescenta CA
Alissa L. El Monte CA
Joanne L. La Crescenta CA
Laura R. Irvine CA
Corey U. Gardena CA
McAustin U. Long Beach CA
Caleb D. Stockton CA
Sanja J. Chula Vista CA
Malia M. Santa Clara CA
Sarah S. Cupertino CA
Zhiyan Z. Woodbridge CT
Arizona S. St Johns FL
Haley E. Hialeah FL
Destiny J. Plantation FL
Torrick P. Fort Lauderdale FL
Tristan W. Coconut Creek FL
Kylie F. Kissimmee FL
Kaylee P. Kissimmee FL
Somaya R. Orlando FL
Kaitlyn S. Mt. Dora FL
Diongela T. Orlando FL
Jasmine T. Apopka FL
Ava H. Panama City Beach FL
Aarushi A. Cumming GA
Alonnah C. Fayetteville GA
Callie C. Demorest GA
Owen O. Newnan GA
Kylan R. Stone Mountain GA
Chasity R. Locust Grove GA
Tiyanna S. Riverdale GA
Rihana T. Stockbridge GA
Sierra W. Snellville GA
Ciara Essence W. Acworth GA
Caspia R. Star ID
Steven J. Chicago IL
Aarav K. Naperville IL
Kevin M. Montgomery IL
Ian S. Marengo IL
Ross R. Cave City KY
Asia D. Jefferson LA
Sambodhan B. Malden MA
Madeleine J. Newburyport MA
Christian R. Leicester MA
Claribel D. Lexington Park MD
Kayla G. Upper Marlboro MD
Joshua O. Gambrills MD
Elissa K. Liberty MO
Isabelle M. Saint Louis MO
DeJuan S. Saint Louis MO
Imani W. St. Ann MO
Sonia G. Charlotte NC
Kendall B. Raleigh NC
Vianna F. Chapel Hill NC
Savannah T. Fayetteville NC
Charlie A. Phillipsburg NJ
Myanelle B. Somerset NJ
Abigail K. Leonia NJ
Aubrey L. West orange NJ
Jessica N. Paterson NJ
Anna P. Fort Lee NJ
Finn S. Collingswood NJ
Olivia D. Albuquerque NM
Alexis L. Albuquerque NM
Derek C. Syosset NY
Nettie R. East Hampton NY
Jamila S. New York NY
Michai T. Jamaica NY
Jad A. Westlake OH
Madeline L. Bexley OH
Teodora V. Churchville PA
Sebastian T. Sewickley PA
Mason B. Fort Mill SC
Halle H. Brentwood TN
Sydney G. Arlington TX
Kennedy H. Frisco TX
Ava P. Crandall TX
Angel W. Murphy TX
Andres V. El Paso TX
Joseias E. Houston TX
Brice E. Houston TX
Trinity J. Spring TX
Jayden K. Richmond TX
Alexandra O. Missouri City TX
Zane S. Manvel TX
Michael C. Virginia Beach VA
Fritz W. Suffolk VA
Valentina P. Henrico VA
Srishti B. Sammamish WA
Kelsi L. Issaquah WA
Ekampreet S. Kent WA

About Disney Dreamers Academy:
Established by Walt Disney World in 2008, Disney Dreamers Academy was created to inspire high school students from varying backgrounds and communities across the nation to dream big and pursue their goals. The program provides impactful content, expert guidance, mentors, and sponsors. Each year, 100 high school students are selected to attend a four-day immersive and transformational experience at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

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2026 Lucid Air Grand Touring Review — Is This $136K EV Sedan Worth It?

AUTONETWORK ON BLACKPRESSUSA — Finished in Stellar White Metallic with the Tahoe Grand Touring interior, this Lucid makes a strong first impression. The shape is sleek and low, but it still feels elegant instead of trying too hard. Features like soft-close doors, powered illuminated door handles, 20-inch Aero Lite wheels, and the Glass Canopy Roof help the car feel expensive before you even start it.

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The 2026 Lucid Air Grand Touring is the kind of luxury EV that makes people stop and ask a simple question: Is this really better than a Tesla Model S, Mercedes EQS, or BMW i7? At $136,150, it has to do more than look futuristic. It has to feel special every time you get in it.

Finished in Stellar White Metallic with the Tahoe Grand Touring interior, this Lucid makes a strong first impression. The shape is sleek and low, yet it still feels elegant rather than trying too hard. Features like soft-close doors, powered illuminated door handles, 20-inch Aero Lite wheels, and the Glass Canopy Roof help the car feel expensive before you even start it.

Inside is where the Air Grand Touring really makes its case. The 34-inch Glass Cockpit Display and retractable Pilot Panel screen give the cabin a clean, modern look that still feels different from other EVs. The Tahoe Extended Leather and Lucid Black Alcantara headliner lifts the sense of occasion, and the front seats are a highlight. They are 20-way power-adjustable, heated, ventilated, and include massage. That matters because luxury buyers at this price expect comfort first.

Rear passengers are not ignored either. You get 5-zone heated rear seating, a rear center console display, and power rear and rear side window sunshades. Add in the Surreal Sound Pro system with 21 speakers, and the Air feels like a true long-distance luxury sedan.

Lucid also gives this car serious EV hardware. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, 900V+ charging architecture, and Wunderbox onboard charger are big talking points. Buyers in this segment care about range, charging speed, and everyday ease, not just raw performance. That is where the Lucid continues to stand out.

On the technology side, the Air Grand Touring includes DreamDrive Premium, with 3D Surround View Monitoring, Blind Spot Warning, Automatic Park In and Out, Automatic Emergency Braking, and a Driver Monitoring System with distracted and drowsy driver alerts. This one also has DreamDrive Pro, which adds future-capable ADAS hardware.

There are still some real-world annoyances. Based on your notes, the windshield wiper control is hard to find and use, and that matters more than people think in a high-tech car. When controls become less intuitive, even a beautiful interior can feel frustrating.

Still, the 2026 Lucid Air Grand Touring succeeds where it matters most. It feels luxurious, advanced, comfortable, and thoughtfully engineered. For buyers who want an EV sedan that feels truly premium and less common than the usual choices, this Lucid makes a very strong case.


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Snoop Dogg Celebrates 10 Til’ Midnight at the Compound

LOS ANGELES SENTINEL — The album is paired with a film that stars Snoop Dogg, Hitta J3, G Perico, and Ray Vaughn, and one of the strongest elements of the whole project is that the production stayed rooted right here in Los Angeles.

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Snoop Dogg celebrated the premiere of 10 Til’ Midnight at his Inglewood recording studio & multipurpose facility, The Compound, but the night felt like much more than an album release. It felt like Los Angeles. It felt like legacy. And it felt like another major move from one of the city’s greatest cultural architects as he continues to prove that he is not just dropping music — he is building moments, shaping narratives, and pushing the culture forward in real time.

What made the event so powerful was the clarity behind the vision. During a panel conversation with DJ Hed, Snoop opened up about the heart behind 10 Til’ Midnight, explaining that the project was created to help bridge older and younger generations while also speaking to the long-standing divisions between Bloods and Crips in a unique way through film. That alone gave the project a different kind of weight. This was not just about songs. This was about using creativity as a tool for connection. This was about taking a story rooted in Los Angeles and telling it in a way that could bring people together.

Snoop Congratulated By Rapper & Fellow 10 Til Midnight Cast Member G Perico (CreativeLB/KreativeKapturez)

Snoop Congratulated By Rapper & Fellow 10 Til Midnight Cast Member G Perico (CreativeLB/KreativeKapturez)

The album is paired with a film that stars Snoop Dogg, Hitta J3, G Perico, and Ray Vaughn, and one of the strongest elements of the whole project is that the production stayed rooted right here in Los Angeles. The film was shot in the city, including at WePlay Studios in Inglewood, which gave the entire project an even deeper hometown feel. It was not just a West Coast story in content — it was a Los Angeles-made production from the ground up.

That matters because, in a city like this, authenticity still carries weight. Snoop understands how to make sure that what he creates does not just represent Los Angeles on the surface, but actually comes from it.

What also makes 10 Til’ Midnight significant is that it represents another major step in Snoop’s evolution as both an artist and executive. Public reporting around the project identifies it as his 22nd studio album, but the bigger story is what it represents in this season of his life. This is one of several consecutive moves he has made in his 50s that show he is still building, still expanding, and still finding new ways to reinvent what the next chapter looks like.

Snoop Dogg at the Premiere of 10 Til Midnight (CreativeLB/KreativeKapturez)

Snoop Dogg at the Premiere of 10 Til Midnight (CreativeLB/KreativeKapturez)

Now, as the head of Death Row Records and the newly aligned leader of Death Row Pictures, he is taking the brand into a new dimension. That is what made this moment feel bigger than music. Snoop is not just protecting the legacy of Death Row — he is stretching it. He is expanding it beyond records and into film, visual storytelling, and larger creative worlds that can continue carrying the label’s impact forward. Public reporting has noted that this project arrives as part of that broader cinematic push.

That is a major Los Angeles move because the city has always been built on the intersection of music, film, neighborhood identity, and cultural storytelling. With 10 Til’ Midnight, Snoop is leaning all the way into that intersection.

The room at The Compound reflected that. It felt like a private premiere, but it also felt like a statement — a reminder that Snoop Dogg’s staying power has never been based only on nostalgia. It comes from his ability to remain connected, remain visionary, and remain in tune with how to move the culture without losing the essence of who he is.

That is why this premiere mattered. It was not just about celebrating another album. It was about witnessing a Los Angeles legend continue to evolve, continue to unify, and continue to use art to tell stories that hit deeper than entertainment alone.

In that sense, 10 Til’ Midnight became more than a project launch. It became another example of how Snoop Dogg is still taking Los Angeles to the next level — using music, film, and legacy together to build something bigger than a moment.

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OP-ED: Small Businesses Need Minnesota to Act on Pass-Through Tax Policy

MINNESOTA SPOKESMAN RECORDER — A Twin Cities immigrant entrepreneur who built several businesses including grocery stores in underserved neighborhoods is calling on Minnesota lawmakers to extend the Pass-Through Entity tax option before it expires, warning that its loss would hit small businesses already recovering from Operation Metro Surge with higher federal tax bills.

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A Twin Cities Small Business Owner Is Urging Minnesota to Extend a Tax Policy That Could Save Thousands of Businesses

By Daniel Hernandez | Minnesota Spokesman Recorder

I came to the United States as a teenager with a clear goal: to build something meaningful through hard work. I put in long days in construction, restaurants, and landscaping; doing whatever it took to learn, save, and eventually start my own business.

Over time, I built and ran several successful ventures, including an event photography company, a magazine, a tax and accounting firm, and now grocery stores serving neighborhoods across the Twin Cities where other retailers chose not to invest. I’ve created jobs, supported families, and committed to communities that deserve stability and opportunity.

That’s why I’m speaking out now.

Small business owners in Minneapolis and the communities we serve are recovering from serious disruptions, including the impacts of Operation Metro Surge. That event hit immigrant communities especially hard. In my own case, I lost nearly half of my 60 employees and saw revenue drop by about 85%. While I worked to provide competitive wages, health benefits, and paid time off, the real hardship fell on the people who lost their jobs and income.

Even as we rebuild, small businesses are facing another challenge. The Minnesota Legislature is considering letting an important tax policy expire: the Pass-Through Entity tax option.

Here’s what that means in plain terms.

Many small businesses, including mine, are pass-through businesses. That means the business itself doesn’t pay income tax. Instead, the owners report the income on their personal tax returns. But under current federal rules, there’s a limit on how much state tax we can deduct. That often leads to higher federal tax bills.

The Pass-Through Entity option fixes that. It allows the business to pay the state tax directly, which means the business can fully deduct those taxes on its federal return and lower the total amount of income taxed federally. The result is straightforward: small business owners pay less in federal taxes, without reducing what the state collects.

This policy is not new or controversial. Thirty-six states already offer it. It doesn’t cost Minnesota anything, it’s revenue neutral. And it benefits more than 66,000 businesses across the state.

In a state where the cost of doing business is already high, it’s hard to understand why we wouldn’t offer the same basic tax treatment as states like California and Illinois.

Small businesses have carried a heavy load in recent years, through a pandemic, rising costs and public safety disruptions. We’ve adapted, reinvested and stayed committed to our communities. What we need now are practical policies that support that work, not make it harder.

If the Minnesota House does not act soon, many businesses will face significantly higher federal tax bills. That’s money that could otherwise be used to hire workers, raise wages or reinvest in local neighborhoods.

I urge Gov. Tim Walz and members of the House Tax Committee to pass House File 3127 and extend the Pass-Through Entity election.

Small businesses are the backbone of our communities. We’ve proven our resilience. Now we need our state leaders to show the same commitment to us.

Daniel Hernandez is the owner of Colonial Market located at 2100 E. Lake St.

 

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