Mayor Eric Adams, New York
by Sharelle Burt

September 6, 2024

FBI Raids Homes Of NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ Top Cabinet Members, NYPD Police Commissioner 

Let's hope things clear up soon....

The FBI raided the homes of top aides to New York City Mayor Eric Adams as well as seized the cellphone of the New York Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner as part of an investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Politico reports. 

Authorities arrived at the Manhattan home of the city’s First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, and her partner, Schools Chancellor David Banks, in early September 2024, as well as the home of the deputy mayor for public safety, and David’s brother, Philip Banks in Queens. The homes of Commissioner Edward Caban and Tim Pearson, senior adviser to Adams, were also raided, along with having to give up their cellphones due to a subpoena. 

Close to seven other members of the police department had their phones subpoenaed. 

While it is unclear the sole reasoning behind the FBI zoning in on Adams and his team, federal investigators have been looking into the mayor’s ties to Turkey as well as a separate investigation into his aide, Winnie Greco. The Turkey probe is targeting alleged involvement in the mayor’s 2021 campaign and collusion with foreign interests, including the Turkish government. The homes of at least two other aides to Adams were raided in November 2023 by the FBI in correlation to the Turkish probe. However, it is unknown if the investigations are tied together.

The mayor himself received a subpoena from a grand jury, resulting in him having to turn over his electronic devices, but they were later returned. 

In a statement, Adams’ Chief Counsel Lisa Zornberg said officials haven’t done anything wrong. “Investigators have not indicated to us the mayor or his staff are targets of any investigation,” Zornberg said. 

“As a former member of law enforcement, the mayor has repeatedly made clear that all members of the team need to follow the law.”

While a person close to Wright said she is confident she has done nothing wrong, David Banks declined to comment when reporters approached him during an appearance in Queens for the first day of school, saying, “Today’s all about the kids.” The NYPD commissioner canceled an appearance that was scheduled for Sept. 5. 

According to CBS News, Adams spoke with correspondent Marcia Kramer, insisting his staff would follow the law and cooperate with investigations. “You know, Marcia, I say over and over again, as a former member of law enforcement, I’m very clear. We follow the rules. We make sure that we cooperate and turn over any information that is needed, and it just really would be inappropriate to get in the way of the review while it’s taking place,” Adams said.

“I am not aware of any misdoings, and I’m going to, again, follow the rules, and I will continue to tell the team to do that. And that’s what they have been doing, to my knowledge.”

When Kramer asked the mayor why he thinks they keep targeting him, Adams said he can’t answer that. “Those are questions I can’t answer. I’m going to … I know what I’m going to do, and that is information that’s needed to show that I have always followed the law; we’re going to give that information,” Adams said. 

The Democratic mayor and former NYPD police officer is up for reelection in 2025 after serving his first term.

RELATED CONTENT: NY Mayor Eric Adams Criticized For Alleged Pay-To-Play Scheme

AI, LinkedIn, AI Squared, intellectual property, pitch, marketing, technology, outage, Microsoft, small businesses
by Mitti Hicks

September 6, 2024

Nebraska’s Largest Black-Owned Business Is Among U.S.’ Top 100 Small Businesses

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and CO selected North End Teleservices as a top 100 small business out of more than 14,000 applicants. 

Nebraska’s largest African-American-owned business is one of America’s top small businesses. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and CO, a digital platform for small businesses, selected North End Teleservices out of more than 14,000 applicants. 

The list of 100 reflects a diverse pool of small businesses of all sizes and industries from across 31 states and Washington, D.C.

“This achievement furthers the complete joy that I feel knowing we are accomplishing our mission of Creating Jobs and Changing Lives,” Carmen Tapio, founder and CEO of North End Teleservices, released in a press release statement. “It’s not just $377MM in economic impact. It’s the lives that have been changed for the better. It’s first graduations, first homes, and first careers that is changing individuals, families, and communities.”

Located in Northeast Omaha, North End Teleservices is a global provider outsourcing center that provides contact center services to the government and commercial sectors. It is a certified woman- and minority-owned business. 

The businesses listed on CO-100 honorees will receive a one-year paid membership to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, access to experts and thought leaders, national brand exposure, and exclusive community-building and networking opportunities.

These businesses that made the cut, including North End Teleservices, will be celebrated at a special event at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s historic headquarters in Washington, D.C., on October 8. Ten businesses will be recognized for outstanding achievement across ten categories and receive $2,000 each. According to a news release, one overall CO-100 Top Business will receive $25,000.

“As the world’s largest business organization representing companies of all sizes and industries, we understand what makes a business great,” Jeanette Mulvey, Vice President, and Editor-in-Chief of CO— by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said in a statement. “The CO-100 founders, owners, entrepreneurs, and employees showcase the exceptional talent and innovation within the American business community.”

RELATED CONTENT: How To Foster A Company Culture That Values Creativity And Innovation

covid 19, vaccine, flu season
by Shanique Yates

September 6, 2024

Health Experts Urge Flu, Updated COVID-19 Vaccines Ahead Of 2024 Flu Season

Health experts urge Americans to get their flu shots between September and October in preparation for this year's flu season.

Flu season is right around the corner, and health experts are urging people to protect themselves with the influenza vaccine and an updated shot against COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend getting the flu shot between September and October to effectively protect against the illness ahead of its peak time, which occurs between December and February, NBC News reports.

In 2024, the flu shot will protect against three different viruses, including two types of influenza A and one type of influenza B. Most people will only need one dose for flu protection. However, the CDC urges that unvaccinated children be the first to receive the shot. Experts also recommend that unvaccinated children eight or younger receive two shots, spaced at least four weeks apart, for complete protection.

Adults ages 65 and up are at a higher risk of severe illness from the flu, so the CDC recommends Fluzon High-Dose, Flubok, or Fluad for protection versus the standard flu vaccine. The leading U.S. health organization says that adults who fall within this category should ask for shots that “produce a stronger immune response” than the regular flu vaccine to ensure an extra layer of protection.

Health experts typically look to Australia for a preview of how flu season will turn out in the U.S. since theirs lasts from June to September. According to the report, there weren’t any outsized numbers of hospitalizations or deaths due to the flu, offering a glimmer of hope for the upcoming flu season in the States compared to what it has been in recent years.

In 2023, the flu killed roughly 25,000 people in the U.S. and hospitalized 400,000.

“In an optimal year, you get up to about 80% [effectiveness]. In a bad year, maybe 30%,” said Dr. Michelle Barron, senior medical director of infection prevention and control at UCHealth. “It looks like it was a fairly typical flu season. It didn’t necessarily start early, which was our concern last year.”

Since experts expect an influx of flu and COVID cases throughout this year’s flu season, they are encouraging everyone six months and older to get the new COVID-19 vaccine, designed to target the new KP.2 variant, the strain prevalent in the U.S. since April 2024. Both the COVID and flu shots can be administered at the same time.

Flu shots are available at doctor’s offices, pharmacies, health clinics, and, in some cases, even in the workplace. For insured individuals, there are no out-of-pocket costs to receive the vaccine as long as it is administered by an in-network provider. 

For adults without insurance, free or low-cost vaccines may be available at some federally qualified health centers and state or local health departments, but health experts warn that the supply may be limited. 

The COVID vaccine costs from $150 to $200, and flu shots cost anywhere between $25 and over $100. Children without insurance can receive vaccines against both illnesses free of charge through the government-led Vaccines for Children Program. 

RELATED CONTENT: Health Experts Warn ‘COVID-19 Never Goes Away’ Amid Rising Summer Cases

baseball, Rich Homie Quan
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 6, 2024

Rich Homie Quan Pursued Music Despite Baseball Scholarship To Fort Valley State University

The late rapper graduated high school with a 3.2 GPA and turned down the scholarship to pursue rap career

Rapper Rich Homie Quan died at an Atlanta hospital on Sept. 5, according to The Associated Press. With a successful career in hip-hop, it was recently revealed that the recording artist could have become a professional baseball player as he was offered a sports scholarship to Fort Valley State University, an HBCU in Fort Valley, Georgia.

According to HBCU GameDay, the man born Dequantes Devontay Lamar told DJ Vlad several years ago that he was so focused on becoming an artist that he chose to forego a baseball scholarship to pursue a rapping career.

“I graduated from high school with a 3.2 GPA, yessir. Graduated. I had a scholarship to go to Fort Valley, THE Fort Valley to play baseball, “ Quan said.

“I didn’t get a scholarship for academics. My scholarship was for baseball but with my academics being that I didn’t have to pay for school at all. But, my mind was on rapping though. Like baseball cool, but in the back of my mind, I really want to rap.”

He also stated that Black men weren’t plentiful in the major leagues and that the percentage was “very small.” That discouraged him from taking the route to become a professional athlete, which left him time to focus on his recording career.

“As I started to getting older, I started realizing that the percentage of Black men in MLB (Major League Baseball) is very small. So I’m like I’m good but I ain’t that good,” Quan said.

Early in his career, Rich released several mixtapes before hitting mainstream success when he released “Type of Way” in 2013. The remix, which featured established rappers, Jeezy and Meek Mill, solidified he was here for the long run.

The “Type of Way” rapper’s cause of death has not been determined as an autopsy is scheduled for Sept. 6, according to Jimmy Sadler, senior medical examiner investigator.

RELATED CONTENT: Young Thug’s Prosecution Witness Lil Woody Releases Single, I Don’t Recall

robbery, Brooklyn, chain
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 6, 2024

NYPD Searching For Bandit Who Snatched Chain From 2-Year-Old Girl At Brooklyn Laundromat

A video captured the theft showing the woman taking the chain from the girl and then taking off with it.

New York City police are looking for a woman who allegedly snatched jewelry from a toddler in a daring robbery at a Brooklyn laundromat.

According to News 12 Brooklyn, a woman took a chain from the neck of a 2-year-old girl who was with her grandmother at a laundromat in the Cypress Hills section of Brooklyn. The troubling incident reportedly occurred on Sept. 2 at the Laundryland Super Laundromat around 11:30 p.m. Surveillance video captured the theft, showing the young woman approaching the girl, swiping the jewelry, and then taking off with it. Police obtained a screenshot of the alleged thief and posted it on the NYPD Crime Stoppers.

The New York Police Department has stated that the toddler was not harmed, released a picture of the suspect for the public to view, and is asking the public for help finding the person who allegedly committed this crime.

An unidentified person from the neighborhood spoke to the media outlet about what happened at the laundromat.

“I’ve been going to this laundromat for years. I never experienced nothing like that before, so it’s kind of shocking to me to me that somebody would even do that to a 2-year-old.”

Although this alleged crime took place in this neighborhood, another local resident expressed that the area is generally safe, but after this incident, people will be more cautious.

“Fortunately, I think, in general, people feel relatively safe walking up and down this block just seeing people coming and going, but it’s going to make people more nervous now.”

Police officials have asked anyone with information about the person they are looking for or the incident to contact them at 1-800-577-TIPS. They can also submit tips online on the New York Police Department Crime Stoppers website.

school shooting, Colt Gray, Apalachee High School shooter Colt Gray, School Shooter
by Sharelle Burt

September 6, 2024

Here’s What We Know About 14-Year-Old Georgia School Shooter Colt Gray 

Hope these kids find peace....

More than 48 hours after the horrific shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, the world is learning more about shooter Colt Gray, WSBTV reported. 

The 14-year-old student killed four people, two students, and two teachers, and injured nine others when he opened fire on Sept. 4. During a press conference. Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith said shortly after Gray opened fire, a school resource officer approached him. He then got on the ground and surrendered. He was then taken into custody almost instantly, without incident. 

The sheriff said the shooter allegedly told authorities he realized that if he didn’t give himself up, he would have been shot. Investigators are still working through identifying how Gray got the weapon inside the school. 

While being held at a Department of Juvenile Justice facility, authorities found that Gray had been on the FBI’s watch list since 2023. The agency received a tip when the minor allegedly made threats of a shooting online. After the FBI questioned him and his father, Colin Gray, the minor denied the act, and authorities found no plausible cause to arrest him. 

According to The New York Post, the teen suspect, who is being charged as an adult with four counts of murder for the deaths of Mason Schermerhorn, Christian Angulo, Richard Aspinwall, and Christina Irimie, is scheduled to make his first court appearance at a Barrow County courthouse. Investigators said Gray allegedly told investigators, “I did it,” as soon as he was arrested. His court appearance came just hours after his father was arrested and charged with ties to the shooting, including allegedly gifting the minor the AR-style weapon for Christmas in 2023. 

His father once told police that he allegedly kept hunting guns in the house, but claimed his son did not have access to them. Authorities encouraged the father to keep the firearms under lock and key and out of the child’s reach. Law enforcement also advised for Colt to be kept out of school “until this matter could be resolved.” 

In a clip circulating on X, a fellow student told reporters that Colt was quiet and rarely came to class. “He never really talked. He was pretty quiet. He wasn’t there most times,” Lyela Sayarath said. “Either he wouldn’t come to school, or he would just skip class, but even when he would have talked, it was one-word answers or just short statements.” 

The reporter then said Sayarath told her off-camera that she wasn’t surprised by Colt’s actions and asked why she would say that. The student explained that Colt fits the stereotype of a school shooter. “Just because when you think of shooters or how they act, things that they do, it’s usually the quiet kid,” she said. 

“That’s a stereotype for it to be and he was the one who fit that description in our class.” 

During a search of the Gray home, authorities uncovered documents hidden in the shooter’s bedroom detailing his alleged obsession with other school shootings, such as the 2018 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida.

RELATED CONTENT: Chicago Police Looking For Gunmen Who Killed 2 Students Outside High School

TikToker, Unemployed, TikTok, jobs
by Shanique Yates

September 6, 2024

Report: Job Openings In The U.S. Reach 2021 Low

The U.S. Labor Department reveals that the number of open job positions in the U.S. dropped to its lowest rate since January 2021.

A new report revealed that the number of job openings in the U.S. has dropped to its lowest level in nearly four years.

The U.S. Labor Department reported that open positions dropped to 7.67 million, 237,000 fewer than June’s numbers and the lowest the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey has been since January 2021, NBC News reported.

“The labor market is no longer cooling down to its pre-pandemic temperature. It’s dropped past it,” said Nick Bunker, head of economic research at the Indeed Hiring Lab. “Nobody, and certainly not policymakers at the Federal Reserve, should want the labor market to get any cooler at this point.”

Instead, Dow Jones economists expected the number of open positions to be 8.1 million. With the current estimate, the ratio of job openings per available worker is now down to 1.1, roughly half of its more than 2 to 1 peak reported in early 2022.

On the other hand, with the job openings level on a steady decline, the number of layoffs across the U.S. has risen to 1.76 million. This is 202,000, higher than the number reported in June. The job separations rate has risen to 3.4% thanks to a surge in total separations by 336,000. 

Despite the rising number of layoffs and separations, the number of hires also rose, with 273,000 more, or a rate of 3.5%, more than what was recorded in June.

Krishna Guha, head of the Global Policy and Central Bank Strategy Team at Evercore ISI,  said that while the July report raised eyebrows about the economy slowing, it “does not suggest any rapid deterioration in the labor market.”

“The still low level of layoffs and tick up in hires suggests the labor market is not cracking,” he said. “But demand for workers continues to soften relative to the supply of workers, and a forward perspective suggests this is likely to continue under restrictive policy.”

His expectations of the market seemingly came true in a new report pulled Friday, Sept. 6. The report revealed that the U.S. labor market picked up last month, with employers adding roughly 142,000 jobs. Per Factset, economists anticipated a gain of 160,000 jobs and a drop that would put the unemployment rate at 4.2%.

RELATED CONTENT: New Report Indicates 44% Of American Families Struggle To Meet Basic Needs

Elin Etienne, closet
by Mitti Hicks

September 6, 2024

Florida Family Demands Answers After Relative Was Found Dead In Nursing Home Storage Closet

A Florida family is demanding answers after they claim their loved one was found dead in a storage closet more than one week after he was reported missing in a North Miami nursing home.

A Florida family is demanding answers after they claim their loved one was found dead in a storage closet more than one week after he was reported missing from a North Miami nursing home.

Seventy-one-year-old Elin Etienne’s body was found in the closet at North Dade Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, a North Miami Police Department spokesperson confirmed with CNN.

The police issued a “missing vulnerable adult” alert and a poster of Etienne across its social media platforms on Aug. 23, a day after his family reported him missing.

His family told NBC News and local media outlet WSVN that he was admitted to the nursing center on Aug. 14 to recover from a stroke. Their nightmare began a week later when a staff member allegedly contacted the family to alert them that he was missing from the facility.

“They said he signed himself out. He doesn’t have the capacity to sign himself out,” relative Kimberly Etienne told WSVN.

The family told the local outlet that relatives checked his room at the center on Aug. 26, and his belongings were still there.

Several days later, an anonymous staff member allegedly contacted the family on Sept. 2 to inform them his body was found in another room with a wristband with his name on it.

“We thought that he went missing; we never expected him to be dead in the nursing home,” Ruth Keisha, Etienne’s granddaughter, told WSVN.

In a statement to WSVN, the nursing home said:

“Our team is cooperating fully with the appropriate authorities, including law enforcement and our state regulatory partners. We are compassionate caregivers, and that will help us through this difficult experience. At the same time, we remain committed to ensuring our residents continue receiving the high-quality care they have come to expect from our facility.”

The family is now demanding answers from the nursing home, and per WSVN, they have been seen with signs reading “Justice for Elin Etienne” across the street from the facility.

RELATED CONTENT: Wheelchair-Bound Texas Man Dies After Dispute At Nursing Home

TED Talks, Brooklyn, comedy show, Black-Owned Comedy Venue, black music
by Mitti Hicks

September 6, 2024

The Laugh Zone Is Dayton, Ohio‘s 1st Black-Owned Comedy Club

Ohio has an impressive list of Black comedians who hail from the state, including Katt Williams, who began his career less than an hour away from Dayton in Cincinnati.

Dayton, Ohio, is getting its first Black-owned comedy club. Tony Sanders opened The Laugh Zone House of Comedy on Aug. 29 with a soft launch.

Sanders told Dayton Daily News that he moved back to Dayton during the panic after living in Atlanta for 17 years, where he was working in the entertainment industry, booking musical and comedy acts for various agencies and managing celebrities around the world. His faith is why he ventured off into local comedy.

“Partly, I believe this is the next area where God is leading me,” said Sanders, who also serves as the COO.

“When it comes to the entertainment industry, I was going to comedy events people invited me to, but many really weren’t conducive for comedy.”

Sanders is partnering with Nolan Hibachi for food, where items such as chicken and fish baskets will reportedly be on the menu. The intimate space can seat about 70 people.

“Our establishment is dedicated to providing a platform for local comedians to showcase their talent through stand-up performances and improv nights,” a statement on the website reads.

“We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive space for laughter and creativity, setting us apart as a hub for entertainment and community engagement.”

The team calls September “Grand Opening Month,” and there will be a series of events to celebrate its official launch, including an Open Mic Night.

The venue will likely host more than comedians. The website features a “register to perform” section where comedians and poets can share their work with the talent team, who will vet the entertainers.

Ohio has an impressive list of Black comedians who hail from the state, including Katt Williams, who began his career less than an hour away from Dayton in Cincinnati.

Dave Chappelle was born in Washington D.C. but raised in Yellow Springs, Ohio, where his father became a professor at Antioch University, according to Cleveland.com. Arsenio Hall of the iconic The Arsenio Hall Show from the late ‘80s and ‘90s was born in Cleveland, Ohio.  

RELATED CONTENT: Cedric The Entertainer Talks Upcoming Book, His New BBQ Venture, And Working Behind The Camera

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 6, 2024

Natasha Rothwell To Star And Produce TV Adaption Of Viral TikTok Series ‘Who TF Did I Marry?’

Natasha Rothwell is set to develop a television series of Reesa Teesa's viral TikTok saga "Who TF Did I Marry?"

Natasha Rothwell is set to develop a television series based on Reesa Teesa’s viral TikTok saga, Who TF Did I Marry?

The show will star Rothwell as Tareasa “Reesa Teesa” Johnson, the candid ex-wife who chronicled her tumultuous marriage to her pathological liar husband “Legion,” Variety reported. Johnson became a viral sensation in 2023 when she uploaded 50 videos, totaling over eight hours of storytelling, about the countless lies told by her ex.

She garnered over 450 million impressions across social media and earned over three million followers in two weeks by recalling the countless fabrications her ex, who was later identified as Jerome McCoy, told her throughout their two-year relationship. Among the lies included false claims about his place of work, having played football at San Diego State University, needing money to pay for the funeral of his step-daughter who was still alive, and daily phone conversations with his brother that turned out not to be real.

The former couple moved in together soon after meeting during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Legion reassured Johnson of his financial standing by paying the bills and giving her spending money. The pair tied the knot in 2022 after suffering a miscarriage. But things started to go left after multiple failed attempts to purchase a home.

Johnson eventually discovered Legion’s real identity after learning that his social security number didn’t match the one on their marriage license. She soon discovered that instead of working as a vice president at a condiment company, Legion worked as a temporary forklift driver and had a criminal record. He also lied about his identity and family and was cheating on Johnson. The couple divorced the same year they got married.

After signing with CAA in March, Johnson will have her story play out on the big screen with Rothwell, who will star and executive produce the show under her Big Hattie Productions banner. The show announcement is the first since Mary Sayama McHenry joined Rothwell’s production company as director of development.

It also comes ahead of the Sept. 13 premiere of Rothwell’s new comedy series How to Die Alone on Hulu. She created and stars in the show that tells the story of Mel, a broke JFK airport employee who has a near-death accident that inspires her to dream and live life again. Rothwell is also set to return to her Emmy-nominated role of Belinda in Season 3 of The White Lotus.

Rothwell is best known for her role as Kelli in HBO’s Insecure, a show she also contributed to as a writer, and for her work as a writer on Saturday Night Live from 2014 to 2015.

RELATED CONTENT: Viral Storyteller Reesa Teesa To Be CultureCon’s Keynote Speaker

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