Covid, mask New Jersey, court
by Daniel Johnson

August 26, 2024

At-Home COVID-19 Testing To Restart In Preparation For Fall, Winter Seasons

The federal government will restart its free at-home COVID-19 testing program as officials prepare for elevated case numbers during the fall and winter seasons.

The federal government will restart its free at-home COVID-19 testing program as officials prepare for elevated case numbers during the fall and winter. 

According to Time Magazine, the spikes in COVID-19 are occurring largely because people are not getting the newest available vaccines, and newer strains of the virus are mutating and becoming more contagious. This time around, however, there are fewer deaths. 

According to Dr. Paul Offit, the director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, “The latest data on COVID-19 show that it is now starting to settle in and have similar kinds of statistics to influenza, meaning hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and tens of thousands of deaths every year.”

Although fewer people are dying, there are reports of stronger symptoms, which Dr. Robert Murphy, the professor of infectious diseases at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, says is likely due to a lower immunity threshold against the vaccine. “Vaccines give you better immunity than getting the disease,” Murphy told the outlet. “Vaccines provide a controlled exposure that gives you a stronger immunologic response than from an infection.”

Offit and Murphy continued, cautioning that certain situations necessitated a mask. “If I were in a high-risk group, such as being older or having a high-risk medical condition, and I’m in a large group of people I didn’t know—like on an airplane—I think it’s reasonable to wear a mask,” says Murphy. That consideration should also apply to people who are sick. “I think anyone who has a respiratory illness should stay at home,” says Offit. “And if you can’t stay at home, you should wear a mask. If you’re in a high-risk group, get tested—and if you have COVID-19, take an antiviral [like Paxlovid].”

According to CNN, the free tests are expected to return in September after the federal government’s Bridge Access Program concludes. The CDC will give $62 million to state and local departments so adults who wouldn’t be able to get the tests can get them. 

Dr. Mandy Cohen, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director, told CNN that people should contact public health departments ahead of the restarted testing program. 

“I would encourage folks to be reaching out to their local public health departments, their state health departments, but in addition, their federally qualified health centers as well.”

Likewise, Dawn O’Connell, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services assistant secretary for Planning and Response, urged people to get tested during the holidays ahead of anticipated family gatherings.

“Taking a quick test is a great way for all of us to keep our friends, family and loved ones protected as we gather to celebrate the holidays,” O’Connell told CNN.

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

outkast
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 26, 2024

OutKast Files Lawsuit Against Atlanta EDM Group ATLiens For Trademark Infringement

Attorneys for Big Boi and Andre 3000 have filed paperwork in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia

The term ATLiens was introduced to the lexicon by Georgia hip-hop duo OutKast when they released their second album under that name in 1996. The term was how they referred to themselves–a combination of their hometown of Atlanta and aliens. Now, the group is suing an EDM group that calls themselves ATLiens.

According to Rolling Stone, attorneys for Big Boi and Andre 3000, the two members of OutKast, have filed a lawsuit under their trademark holding company, High Schoolers LLC, against ATLiens, an Atlanta-based EDM group.

The paperwork was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia on Aug. 20.

“Upon information and belief, Defendant selected the name ATLiens for their EDM duo to trade upon the tremendous fame and goodwill associated with Plaintiff’s ATLiens album, song, and mark, or, at a minimum, to call to consumers’ minds Plaintiff’s famous ATLiens album, song, and mark,” the lawsuit states.

The EDM duo registered the ATLiens name as a service mark (according to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, a trademark is used for goods, while a service mark is used for services) with the U.S. patent office, unbeknownst to OutKast in 2020. High Schoolers, LLC has five ATLiens registrations pending. “Plaintiff also did not give consent or approval to Defendant to file a service mark application directed to the ATLiens mark or any variation thereof,” it says in the lawsuit.

“This is a basic brand protection issue,” Abigail J. Remore and Peter Nussbaum, the attorneys representing the Atlanta-based hip-hop group, said. “Efforts to resolve this matter amicably were unfortunately unsuccessful, and OutKast, therefore, had to file suit in order to protect the valuable name and trademark ATLiens that it created and has continuously used for nearly 30 years.”

The EDM group’s use of the name has caused confusion, especially since they perform with masks, shielding their identity. OutKast asserts “senior rights” since the album ATLiens initially came out in 1996. Merchandise sold with the term established “common law rights” in the 1990s, where the EDM duo claims to have first used the mark in 2012. The hip-hop duo has requested a Trademark Trial and Appeal Board Cancellation Proceeding.

“The word ATLiens was invented by OutKast. Before OutKast created it, it was not used in the cultural lexicon and did not exist.”

RELATED CONTENT: Andre 3000 (And His Flute) Return To Atlanta For Free Jazz Fest

Black Voters, survey, voter, NAACP
by Sharelle Burt

August 26, 2024

Florida Initiative Unites Black Men For Empowerment And Voter Education Ahead Of 2024 Election

The Black Men Win Tailgate united men in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties in a get-out-the-vote effort.

WLRN reports that the group Black Men Win Together launched a new initiative to bring together men from across South Florida for a day of empowerment and voter education. 

In collaboration with the South Florida Black Prosperity Alliance, the inaugural Black Men Win Tailgate took place on Aug. 25 in Miami as a free way to connect with men in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. Co-Founder Ed Ponder described the event as more than just a gathering—he said it is a call to action, encouraging participants to actively engage in the political landscape and push for meaningful change in their communities beyond the 2024 election season. “We are excited to launch the Black Men Win Tailgate,” Ponder said. 

“We are creating a space where Black men can share knowledge, build community, and drive meaningful change.”

Attendees enjoyed food trucks, vendors, and educational sessions while visiting voter verification and registration stations. With voting rights for Black voters under attack nationwide, participants engaged in discussions on issues impacting the Black community with access to fact-checking on statements from Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.

“This is starting a legacy. It’s making history. It means a lot for a group of Black men to have a vision and for others to come on board to push and highlight that vision,” South Florida Black Prosperity Alliance Co-Founder Eric Knowles said of the event’s significance. 

“We don’t always have safe places for Black men to collaborate and support each other. We’re all in this together.”

Black men have emerged as a key demographic in discussions about the 2024 presidential election. As Harris has refocused the lens on Black men, both parties have highlighted the concerns of the group who often feel their experiences and voter preferences are pushed aside in public debate ahead of the election.

According to Miami Times Online, Jefferson Noel, founder of Barbershop Speaks, celebrated the group’s event, saying it hyped him up. “Being a part of Black men getting together and empowering each other fuels me,” Noel said. 

Black Men Win has been fueled up since Harris announced her campaign. Just days after she embarked on her journey to the White House, the group raised over $1.3 million from over 17,000 donors.

Other groups focused on Black men are also getting the word out about voting and election matters. The Alpha PAC, one of the country’s most prolific Black male PACs, endorsed Harris’ candidacy. In a statement, chair Everett B. Ward labeled Harris “the clear choice for the nation’s future.” In Atlanta, the Black Man Lab hosts a weekly “safe, sacred, and healing space,” seeing 100 men per week. 

RELATED CONTENT: Black Men Discuss Key Topics In The 2024 Presidential Election 

USPS, Job Fair, San Francisco Bay Area
by Keka Araújo

August 26, 2024

United States Postal Service Aims to Save $3 Billion with Proposed Mail Service Changes

In July, the post office also raised the price of forever stamps and other services.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced a pre-filing virtual conference to discuss significant plans to enhance mail processing and transportation efficiency while saving the federal government money.

The department released a statement on Aug. 22 regarding the proposed changes. The improvements will align with proposed refinements to existing mail and package delivery service standards.

During the virtual conference, USPS will gather public feedback before formally requesting an advisory opinion from the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). Postmaster General Louis DeJoy emphasized that the Postal Service aims to integrate its transportation, processing, and delivery networks to improve reliability, reduce costs, and grow its business.

“Despite the many improvements we have made since the release of the Delivering for America plan, our service requirements, facilities infrastructure, business rules and operating practices have continued to reflect a Postal Service designed for three decades ago,” said DeJoy. 

“However, since 1997, we’ve seen an 80-percent decline in single-piece First Class Mail volume, the significant expansion of delivery points, the growth in the percentage of mail obtaining discounts through workshare programs, and the growth of our package business. Our 10-year Delivering for America plan is transforming our network to better reflect today’s market demands.”

DeJoy concluded his explanation, “This revamped, integrated network, designed for a more unified, logically sequenced movement of mail and packages, combined with modifications to our service standards, will enable us to operate more efficiently and reliably, grow our business and give us a chance for a viable future.”

Key proposals include transitioning from 3-digit to 5-digit ZIP Code standards, adjusting pick-up and drop-off times between post offices and processing plants, and maintaining current service standards for First-Class Mail while optimizing delivery times for other mail classes. These changes are expected to save the Postal Service approximately $3 billion annually.

In addition to financial benefits, the initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions by decreasing the number of truck trips required. The Post Office would not implement the proposed service standard changes any sooner than 90 days after a request for an advisory opinion is filed with the Commission (which would occur following the pre-filing conference), meaning any implementation of the proposed service standards would not happen until the following calendar year. As such, these proposed changes will not impact Election Mail for the upcoming election or our preparedness for peak season 2024.

For the forthcoming election, the Postal Service will again deploy our long-standing practices to ensure the appropriate handling and timely delivery of Election Mail; therefore, the organization will execute extraordinary measures beyond its normal operations before Election Day throughout the Nation. The USPS will finalize its decision after receiving the PRC’s advisory opinion and considering public feedback from the virtual conference.

In July, the post office also raised the price of forever stamps and other services.

RZA, ballad of a Man, score, creative
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 26, 2024

RZA Pens Ballet Album From Rediscovered Lyrics He Wrote As A Teenager To Show His ‘Natural Creative Evolution’

Rza is pushing his passion for music beyond hip-hop into the classical music genre.

RZA is expressing his “natural creative evolution” as an artist through a new symphonic ballet score he produced using lyrics he wrote as a teenager.

The renowned Wu-Tang founding member, rapper, and producer has pushed his passion for music even further by creating his first ballet score, “A Ballet Through Mud.” Formed from the lyrics in years-old notebooks he wrote from age 14 to 18, the album tells RZA’s coming-of-age story in his hometown of Staten Island, New York.

“I started reading through these lyrics, and I’m recalling all the young love and the young exploration. The first time you had a drink or smoke,” he tells Sky News. “All this is written in my lyrics, like a lyrical diary… at first, I thought I should rap it, right? Because I’m known as a rapper. But then I said, no, I should write music to it.”

While sitting at his piano, RZA, real name Robert Diggs, started crafting his classical debut. He took the finished product and first performed the music in 2023 with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and dancers from the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre School. What resulted was a standing ovation, and now Rza has released his first full-length classical album.

“I think I’ve definitely been a guy that’s pushing the boundaries and trying to surprise people,” RZA says. “Definitely, you know, people would call it leftfield for me. But it’s not, it’s right in my alley.”

He hopes his transition to classical music will inspire young children to learn instruments and feel “it’s cool to grab that violin or oboe.”

“It’s a certain type of brain stimulation that comes from this type of music creation. Hip-hop and rock music, or, say, today’s music, has been able to be created on a computer, and that’s great. That’s the power of an orchestra in your hand,” Rza says, crediting instrument playing for being “more elaborate, more communicative — not cookie-cutter.”

As for his plans within the classical music genre, Rza says it’s only the beginning.

“I’m not going to stop here. I’ve already started writing something for the future that I’m also fascinated with,” he revealed.

Trump, rally shooting, assignation at temp
by Daniel Johnson

August 26, 2024

Trump Angers Anti-Abortion Advocates With Reproductive Rights Phrasing

Former President Donald Trump provoked the ire of anti-abortion advocates when he referred to abortion as “reproductive rights” prompting Republicans to criticize him for trying to sound like a Democrat on the issue.

Former President Donald Trump provoked the ire of anti-abortion advocates when he referred to abortion as “reproductive rights,” prompting Republicans to criticize him for trying to sound like a Democrat on the issue. 

According to Politico, Trump used the phrase in an Aug. 23 post on his Truth Social platform, which the outlet surmised was a reflection of the Trump campaign’s effort to find a new narrative on abortion as Vice President Kamala Harris continues to poll better than Trump.

Lila Rose, the founder of an anti-abortion group, Live Action, said on the Aug. 23 episode of her podcast that Trump was trying to ingratiate himself with those who are “pro-abortion.”

“Not only is it not principled, it’s not going to help the Trump campaign to be trying to sound like a Democrat right now,” Rose proclaimed.

Kristian Hawkins, the president of Students for Life Action, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Trump’s Truth Social post “understandably upset many within the pro-life movement.”

Phillip Klein, an editor at National Review, said on X that in the fight over abortion, it “increasingly looks like Trump is joining the other side.”

Tony Perkins, the president of the Family Research Council and a social conservative, told The New York Times that Trump’s new position was risky for him and the Republican Party in general.

“My advice: When you’re in a hole, stop digging. This week made clear the D.N.C. has the corner on the abortion market. He is not only suppressing his own support, he is going to hurt the vast majority of Republican candidates who are 100 percent pro-life.”

The Trump campaign, however, hit back at those suggestions and claimed in a statement that his use of the term squared with his desire for robust reproductive rights.

“As President Trump has consistently stated, he supports the rights of individuals in their respective states to determine their laws on abortion. President Trump also strongly supports ensuring women have access to the care they need to create healthy families, including widespread access to IVF, birth control, and contraception, and he always will,” Karoline Leavitt, the Trump campaign’s national press secretary, said.

Trump has at times clashed with anti-abortion advocates, blaming them for the GOP’s mid-term losses in 2022, and refused to call for a nationwide abortion ban. Instead, he has repeatedly indicated that he wants to leave any decision on abortion up to individual states.

According to The New York Times, at the Democratic National Convention, Harris traced the issue of abortion directly back to the former president, saying, “I believe America cannot truly be prosperous unless Americans are fully able to make their own decisions about their own lives, especially on matters of heart and home,” Vice President Harris said. “But tonight, in America, too many women are not able to make those decisions. And let’s be clear about how we got here. Donald Trump handpicked members of the United States Supreme Court to take away reproductive freedom. And now he brags about it. This is what is happening in our country because of Donald Trump. And understand, he is not done.”

RELATED CONTENT: New Report Says State Abortion Bans Threaten Nearly 7M Black Women In Nation

rent, deceased woman,
by Daniel Johnson

August 26, 2024

Apartment Complex Backs Down From Charging Deceased Resident Rent

The complex’s manager emailed an apology to the deceased woman's family, claiming the rent bill was a 'clerical error.'

The Lodge at Shavano Park, an apartment complex in San Antonio, Texas, backed away from its intentions to charge the family of Sandra Bonilla a year’s rent following her death after receiving backlash after a CBS Austin report that brought negative attention to the decision.

According to CBS Austin, the apartment complex initially billed Bonilla for breaking her lease when she died in June at the age of 91. The complex’s manager, Brandon Izaguirre, emailed her family, apologizing for what they said was a “clerical error.”

“We are very sorry for the unfortunate clerical error that led to incorrect charges being applied to Sandra’s account with The Lodge at Shavano Park Apartments. We have corrected the error and removed the remaining charges as a courtesy. There is no balance due, and the updated Final Account Statement is attached to this email. Again, we apologize for our mistake,” the email read.

Initially, the family was charged $15,000 despite sending a letter to the apartment complex after her death. In addition, the family received a collection notice regardless of the fact that under Texas law, landlords are not to charge more than one month’s rent to a deceased tenant’s account as long as a representative of said deceased tenant cancels the lease in writing and removes any of the deceased’s effects from the property. 

Bonilla was buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery next to her husband, who preceded her in death. Bonilla had lived at the complex for more than 10 years before she died. 

David Naterman, Bonilla‘s son, told CBS Austin that the complex told him they would use the security deposit paid when Bonilla secured the apartment to pay for turning it over and terminating her lease. 

“We went to the apartment complex, spoke to the leasing manager and he told us that he would use the security deposit towards the cleaning and turning over the apartment and that they would terminate the lease. They want the rest of the, about a year’s long worth of rent, from a dead person,” Naterman said.

Bill Clanton, an attorney specializing in consumer and debt collection law, told CBS Austin that the complex’s actions were highly unusual. 

“I think it’s pretty unusual; I’ve never heard of anybody trying to charge an estate or somebody who is deceased for rent before. The landlord can charge for about 30 days once the lease is terminated, you can’t get blood from a turnip and you certainly can’t get rent from a dead person.”

RELATED CONTENT: Man Arrested For Using Dead Person’s ID To Buy 2 Cars: Highlights Growing Issue Of Identity Theft Targeting The Deceased

Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, Debate, donations
by Sharelle Burt

August 26, 2024

Is Donald Trump Scared To Debate Kamala Harris? Critics Think So After He Seemingly Suggests He Wants Out

Don't get scared now....

Critics of former President Donald Trump are calling him out after he seemingly suggested that he wants out of the scheduled Sept. 10 debates against Vice President Kamala Harris, HuffPost reported. 

Trump went off on a late-night social media rant on Aug. 25, attacking the ABC News network and some of its anchors, including Jonathan Karl, who was interviewing Rep. Tom Cotton (R-Ak.). He then alluded to putting in question whether he would participate in the debate he had already agreed to join. “I watched ABC FAKE NEWS this morning, both lightweight reporter Jonathan Carl’s(K?) ridiculous and biased interview of Tom Cotton (who was fantastic!), and their so-called Panel of Trump Haters,” Trump wrote. 

“And I ask, why would I do the Debate against Kamala Harris on that network?”

Trump already debated President Joe Biden in June 2024 when Biden was the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee. The GOP presidential nominee agreed to a second one in September, but now that Harris is the Democratic candidate, Trump seems to be thinking twice about it. During an appearance on HBO’s Real Time With Bill Maher, CNN’s Kaitlan Collins told Maher and fellow panelists that Trump is struggling with ways to combat the former prosecutor and suggested he may pull out. “I think Trump is nervous about it. I talk to alot of sources in this world, and I think he has really struggled with it. It’s not just a narrative or talking point from Democrats,” she said. 

“He really has struggled with how to combat her, and I think going into that debate, he does not really want to do it. I think it’s difficult, if not impossible, for him to pull out because he’s keeping major cards printed that says ‘anywhere, anytime, anyplace’ for President Biden, and it would look weak but I don’t think he’s looking forward to it at this point.” 

Critics of the four-time indicted businessman called out him for his social media meltdown, referring to him as a “coward” with funny memes to go along with it. @chunkled called Trump “the biggest chicken from the standpoint of chickens.”

Another user highlighted Harris’ Democratic National Convention speech as the reason behind his fear. “Seems like it. He watched her acceptance speech and had a meltdown,” @dissentingj said. 

However, according to Politico, the reasoning behind the debate being in question is the decision to have the mics muted when it is not the candidate’s turn to speak, at the demand of the Biden campaign team. The Harris team wants the mics live at all times in hopes that Trump loses his cool and says something out of pocket on the mic.

Nipsey Hussle
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 26, 2024

Nipsey Hussle Wax Figure Revealed At Invest Fest

The figure was revealed during Invest Fest in Atlanta.

Nipsey Hussle’s wax figure made its public debut at Invest Fest in Atlanta. The piece featured Nipsey’s signature braids and beard with a nod to his Marathon Clothing company in his “Crenshaw” t-shirt. Attendees and social media users reacted in real time to the artwork but not everyone thinks the reveal of Nipsey Hussle’s wax figure is a victory lap after unveiling on Aug. 23. The internet weighed in on how lifelike the figure looks.

“A tribute to greatness meets the grind for success,” captioned the post.

While the figure did stay true to the late rapper’s roots, others criticized it for its awkward posing.

“I love it, but what’s up with the one leg tho,” questioned one commenter under the picture.

While others followed suit, confused by the odd stance, supporters of the art considered it extremely well done.

“It looked soooo realistic in person,” exclaimed another Instagram user. “My goodness!! One of the BEST wax figures I’ve ever seen!!!!”

Actor Laz Alonso also chimed in. He added that it is “better work than 90% of the wax figures I’ve seen.”

While the internet had mixed reviews on the wax figure, Nipsey remains a revered hip-hop figure. The festival also did more than showcase a wax figure in his honor.

Sponsored by Earn Your Leisure (EYL), Microsoft, and Nipsey’s The Marathon, a business grant pitch competition, also took place at Invest Fest. The winner received nearly $100,000 to go toward expanding their enterprise.

Nipsey’s life became a legacy when the rapper was shot and killed outside his clothing store in March 2019. Since then, his “Hussle & Motivate” mantra has inspired countless fans to embrace community and entrepreneurship.

A tribute to Nipsey was already in the works at the festival. However, a conversation with the late rapper’s brother, Blacc Sam, led EYL CEO Rashad Bilal to do more to honor his legacy.

“When we were putting together the Invest Fest lineup, I definitely wanted The Marathon to be a part of it in some capacity,” Bilal explained to Revolt.

“The first idea was to have The Marathon as a pop-up shop. But Sam wanted to do something more impactful than just have merch there.”

Although Nipsey’s wax figure did not meet all expectations, his commitment to bettering his community and elevating Black business lives on.

RELATED CONTENT: Nipsey Hussle’s Foundation Serving As Charity Partner Of LA Marathon 2024

HBCU Marching Band, Alabama State University, battle of the bands
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 26, 2024

HBCUs Gathered For 10th Battle Of The Bands In Houston

The annual event took place at NRG Stadium.

This past weekend, several HBCUs (historically Black colleges & universities) participated in the 2024 Pepsi National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB) at NRG Stadium. This was the 10th anniversary of the marching bands showing off the talent, music, and culture for those in attendance between Aug. 23 and Aug. 25 in Houston.

This year’s theme was “Celebrating Champions of Culture,” and the bands that participated were Bethune-Cookman University’s Marching Wildcats, Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom of the South, Miles College’s Purple Marching Machine, Prairie View A&M University’s Marching Storm, Southern University’s Human Jukebox, Tennessee State University’s Aristocrat of Bands, Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul, and Tuskegee University’s Marching Crimson Pipers.

Fans were also treated to performances by Grammy Award-winning rapper Lecrae, Boosie Badazz, and gospel act The Walls Group.

“Celebrating 10 years of the National Battle of the Bands is a milestone that goes beyond music—it’s about the impact these bands have on their communities and the broader cultural landscape,” said Derek Webber, CEO of Webber Marketing and executive producer of National Battle of the Bands. “This anniversary is a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of HBCU marching bands, and we are proud to continue amplifying their incredible stories and contributions.”

Fox26 reported that the last six National Battle of the Bands took place in Houston, as the Harris County Houston Sports Authority has provided the marching bands a venue to host the annual celebration of the HBCU marching bands.

“If I had to sum it up in one word, I’d say amazing. It’s just such a great celebration of culture, arts, music, and it all comes together into one event,” said Chris Massey, chief operations officer for Harris County Houston Sports Authority.

The Pepsi National Battle of the Bands has generated revenue that has provided over $1.7 million in scholarships for the colleges and universities that participate in the annual event.

RELATED CONTENT: Iconic HBCU Marching Band Sonic Boom Joins Drake And J. Cole Tour

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