US Justice Department, Ticketmaster, Live Nation, Suing

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 19, 2025

Ticketmaster And Live Nation Sued By FTC Over ‘Illegal’ Resale Tactics

Ticketmaster and Live Nation are facing a new lawsuit over alleged illegal ticket resale practices.

The Federal Trade Commission has filed a lawsuit against Ticketmaster and Live Nation, accusing the companies of using “illegal” tactics in the ticket resale market.

The FTC filed the lawsuit in California federal court on Sept. 18, with seven states joining the lawsuit, including Florida, Illinois, and Virginia, CNBC reported. The lawsuit accuses Ticketmaster and Live Nation of conspiring with scalpers to “unlawfully purchase” tickets and inflate their profits.

“[Ticketmaster and Live Nation’s] illegal conduct frustrates artists’ desire to maintain affordable ticket prices that fit the needs of ordinary American families, costing ordinary fans millions of dollars every year,” the lawsuit states.

The lawsuit accuses Ticketmaster of using a “bait-and-switch” strategy by advertising lower ticket prices before raising them with added fees. It also claims the company lets brokers exceed ticket limits to boost resale profits and violates the Better Online Ticket Sales Act.

Ticketmaster is accused of “triple dipping” by profiting from fees paid by brokers on the primary market, brokers on the secondary market, and consumers on resold tickets. From 2019 to 2024, Ticketmaster raked in $3.7 billion in profits, while artists and fans bore the costs, the FTC said.

“I want an injunction that tells Ticketmaster, ‘You can’t do this.’ You can’t you can’t screw ordinary American consumers who just want to go to a baseball game or a concert, so that brokers can make massive profits and Ticketmaster can share in those profits,’” FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson said.

Ticketmaster’s alleged practices have sparked lawsuits in the U.S. and abroad. In the U.K., the company is under investigation for its use of “dynamic pricing,” a tactic that raises ticket costs based on market demand. The latest example of alleged dynamic pricing came with ticket sales for Britpop band Oasis’s reunion concerts.

The FTC’s case comes on the heels of a Justice Department lawsuit seeking to break up Live Nation and Ticketmaster over alleged antitrust violations and monopoly power in the ticketing industry. That lawsuit stemmed from a 2022 probe launched after backlash from Taylor Swift fans over Eras Tour ticket prices.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

September 19, 2025

Technical Simplicity: Audi Concept C Profiles At IAA Mobility Show In Munich, Germany

Nothing short of phenomenal, the two-seat Concept C paves the way for a bevy of forthcoming Audi vehicles engineered from a formula incorporating simplicity and technical precision.

Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins

The advanced Audi Concept C is a product of the German automaker’s storied heritage, integrated into a simple yet modern design philosophy for the future. Inspired by the Type D Silver Arrow race car and the Audi TT–with influences from the R8–the RWD Concept C features an upright grille, clean surfaces, strong shoulder lines, and a centrally located battery.

I first laid eyes on the electric hardtop roadster at the industry-leading IAA Mobility Show in Munich, which focuses on human-centric technologies, safety advancements, and software-based automobile applications. Yes, beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, but the Concept C consciously grasped everyone’s attention (including me) at the various venues Audi displayed it at.

I enjoy visiting Germany to immerse myself in its principles that focus on humanitarian needs and infrastructure enhancement. Some of its values and tenets include healthy and wholesome culinary experiences, welcoming visitors with respect and hospitality, uplifting its people with community services, and, of course, producing stellar, innovative German machines. There has always been a certain appeal within American culture that an Audi instills when you park it in your driveway, especially if you opt for an RS variant!

Nothing short of phenomenal, the two-seat Concept C paves the way for a bevy of forthcoming Audi vehicles engineered from a formula incorporating simplicity and technical precision. For example, the roadster’s new roof concept combines the elegance of a coupé with an open-top experience. The retractable hardtop opens and closes quickly, comprising two roof elements that enable the vehicle to maintain a uniform shape. And though it’s a concept, Audi will bring the sports car to life as a production model in 2027.

Some of the keystone exterior features include a new light theme incorporating four horizontally arranged elements in each headlight and taillight, a titanium-painted finish to bring out the precision, lightness, and strength of the Concept C, and two-tone 21” rims optimized for aerodynamics. The spokes are hollowed out to reduce weight. To stride through the wind like a swordfish in oceans, Audi enhanced the Concept C with racing componentry made from composite, polished carbon fiber.

Inside the cozy cockpit, you will find a 10.4″ foldable center display, haptic controls on the center console, physical controls finished in anodized aluminum, a round steering wheel featuring the four rings of Audi in a metal finish, metal door handles, and seats made out of natural materials to create a refined environment.

Audi’s ambition is to remain a global tech driver while decarbonizing the automobile. Yet, as the German automaker moves fluidly into the future like a ‘90s point guard from NY, the goal is to reduce the sensationalization of overly complicated technology. Thus, less becomes more.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 19, 2025

Law Enforcement Investigating Rope Found Hanging From Tree Outside APEX Museum In Atlanta

'Officers are investigating the circumstances. At this time, there is nothing significant to report.'

A troubling scene was discovered outside the APEX museum in Atlanta, after workers found a rope hanging from a tree, which was visible to the public.

According to 11 Alive, law enforcement started an investigation after the discovery of the hanging rope from a tree outside the APEX Museum, next to the campus of Georgia State University. The Atlanta Police Department, along with the Georgia Homeland Security, is investigating the incident, but has stopped short of labeling the rope a noose. However, the speculation is inferred, especially with the current political climate.

The police department gave a statement saying, “Officers are investigating the circumstances. At this time, there is nothing significant to report.”

Dan Moore, Jr., who is the President and CEO of APEX Museum, took to social media after the discovery of the hanging rope.

“For Black communities in the United States, a noose is a symbol of terror representing lynchings, hatred, racial violence, and a system that once publicly sanctioned the murder of Blacks to enforce white supremacy. Placed beside a museum dedicated to Black life and resilience, the rope reads as an act of intimidation: a clear message intended to wound…silence…and to remind people that the same threats and violence of our country’s past can be conjured in the present.”

He added that we must be resilient as a community against the purported symbol of fear that has been placed near an institution that reminds us of America’s racist history. Although the sight of a rope hanging has typically been a symbol of racism and hate, Homeland Security refused to call the rope a “noose,” despite the supposed meaning behind the hanging rope. Still, it was kept as evidence for the investigation.

“It was deemed not to be a ‘noose’”’ by Homeland Security and has since been removed from the premises for evidence.”

Kyler Winston-Kendricks, who is employed at the museum, stated that this incident occurred right before the commemoration of the 1906 (Atlanta) race massacre.

Howard University, HBCU. tailgate, homecoming, celebration, canceled, cancellation

by Jameelah Mullen

September 19, 2025

Jamaican Scholars At Howard University Receive $100K In Scholarships

The HBCU experience goes global.

Howard University students of Jamaican heritage received significant financial aid thanks to the Jamaican Howard University Affinity Network (JHUAN). The organization awarded over $100,000 in scholarships to 26 students during its 7th annual HUes of Blue awards ceremony, held on September 13.

The recipients are full-time students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Each awardee, either born in Jamaica or of Jamaican descent, received $4,000 to help cover educational costs.

In addition to awarding scholarships, JHUAN recognized two Howard alumni. Arlene Isaacs-Lowe, Independent Board Director for Compass Group PLC, and Christopher Williams, former CEO of NCB Capital Markets, received Impact Awards for their professional achievements and community service.

Founded in 2018 by Jamaica’s former Ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks, and Howard University’s 17th President, Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, JHUAN was created to mentor and financially support students of Jamaican heritage. The network also works to expand opportunities for students, increase their visibility, and foster a culture of giving back to the university.

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A post shared by Jamaica HU Affinity Network (@jhuan1867)

This year’s gala featured a keynote speech by Jamaica’s U.S. Ambassador, Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson. After presenting the awards, Ambassador Anderson congratulated the students and urged them to donate to JHUAN after they’ve graduated, to ensure that future students will have the same opportunities.

JHUAN President and Howard University Board of Trustees member, Don Chastian, echoed that sentiment.
“As an alumnus who has benefited greatly from Howard University, it is important that we look for ways to support our academic institutions and pay it forward,” Chastian told the Jamaica Observer.

“JHUAN exists to inspire our students to dream more, learn more, and become more. That is what we hope to inculcate with the help of our partners, donors, and academic institutions,” Chastian said.

At the event, JHUAN received a $100,000 donation from Howard alumna Lisa Brown Alexander, along with an additional $100,000 for the scholarship fund, according to Caribbean News Weekly.

Since its inception, JHUAN has awarded 115 scholarships totaling $463,000.

by Jameelah Mullen

September 19, 2025

Women Say Travel Company Owner Owes Them Thousands For Luxury Trips That Never Happened

A group of Atlanta women say a dream vacation turned into a nightmare.

Women say they they paid thousands for luxury trips through Atlanta-based travel company Divas of Distinction only to arrive at various destinations to find they had no hotel reservations, transportation, or any planned activities.

“It was a nightmare,” Katrina Wilson told WSBTV investigative reporter Ashli Lincoln. “The address she gave us.. it was nothing like what was advertised.”

Wilson and other travelers expected to stay at a 5-bedroom estate in New Orleans, but upon arriving, learned the travel company had never booked the property. One victim said a property manager mistakenly let her in, which put her in harm’s way.

“I’m in there taking a shower, which is very dangerous, because I’m in someone’s property where I’m not supposed to be,” Angela White told WSBTV.

According to the victims, company owner Quneil Rayside promised luxury travel experiences to destinations such as Dubai and Costa Rica. Cheyne Rittenberry said she paid Rayside for a trip to Dubai before discovering that the travel company had not made any hotel arrangements.

Many of the women shared that they felt a personal connection with Rayside, who described the group as a “sisterhood.”

“She’s good at what she does. She knows how to prey on you,” Wilson said.

According to court records obtained by WSB-TV, Rayside was evicted from her townhome in an Atlanta suburb in August. Landlords accused her of failing to pay $15,700 in back rent.

WSB-TV tried reaching out multiple times to Rayside, who did not respond.

According to the victims, Rayside also ran a party rental business, where a woman filed a claim that Rayside owed her $5,000.

Victims claim that collectively they are owed more than $30,000 by Rayside. Many say they have filed police reports and complaints with Georgia authorities.

The Divas of Distinction website was temporarily shut down, but it’s now back online with its homepage stating, “Coming Soon.”

Trump, meme, Barack Obama, Sherrill, campaign, Virginia, New Jersey

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 19, 2025

Obama Calls Out The White House’s ‘Mistake’ In Sparking Division Around Kirk’s Death

Barack Obama calls out the messaging from political leaders in wake of Charlie Kirk’s death.

Barack Obama is weighing in on the growing divisions following Charlie Kirk’s death, criticizing the White House for what he called a “mistake” in trying to pin blame by identifying an enemy.

Speaking at the Jefferson Educational Society in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 16, the former president warned the nation is “at an inflection point” amid a surge of political violence, citing the recent assassinations of Charlie Kirk and Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, CBS News reports.

“Regardless of where you are on the political spectrum, what happened to Charlie Kirk was horrific and a tragedy… There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it,” Obama said. “The central premise of our democratic system is that we are allowed to disagree and have, sometimes, really contentious debates, without resorting to violence.”

Along with the rising political violence, Obama warned of “a host of larger trends that we have to be concerned about,” including leaders whose responses to Kirk’s assassination risk deepening national division.

“There’s been some confusion, I think, around this lately, and frankly, coming from the White House and some of the other positions of authority that suggest, even before we had determined who the perpetrator of this evil act was, that somehow we’re going to identify an enemy,” Obama said.

Though he didn’t name Trump, the 44th president’s comments came days after Trump blamed Kirk’s assassination on the “radical left.” Obama called the move a “mistake” that deepens America’s divisions.

“When I hear not just our current president, but his aides, who have a history of calling political opponents ‘vermin,’ enemies who need to be ‘targeted,’ that speaks to a broader problem that we have right now, and something that we’re going to have to grapple with – all of us,” he said.

“We’re going to suggest that somehow that enemy was at fault, and we are then going to use that as a rationale for trying to silence discussion around who we are as a country and what direction we should go. And that’s a mistake as well.”

Amid calls for a “divorce” between Republicans and Democrats from Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Vice President JD Vance, attributing Kirk’s death to “left-wing extremism,” Obama takes a different approach by reminding people about the “core values” of America’s democracy.

”Whether we’re Democrats, Republicans, independents, we have to recognize that on both sides, undoubtedly, there are people who are extremists and who say things that are contrary to what I believe are America’s core values,” he said.

“And I think at moments like this, when tensions are high, then part of the job of the president is to pull people together.” If not, then we land in a “political crisis of the sort that we haven’t seen before,” he added.

Obama continued to speak out after Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show was canceled over his remarks on Trump’s response to Kirk’s death. Talking to X on Sept. 18, Obama called out the Trump administration for taking cancel culture to a “new and dangerous level” by having media figures fired or removed for saying things they don’t like.

This is precisely the kind of government coercion that the First Amendment was designed to prevent — and media companies need to start standing up rather than capitulating to it. https://t.co/gOjqFnGv0I
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 18, 2025

”This is precisely the kind of government coercion that the First Amendment was designed to prevent — and media companies need to start standing up rather than capitulating to it,” he added.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 19, 2025

Christian Louboutin Names Jaden Smith First Men’s Creative Director

'I want to continue the story, honoring the past while shaping the future through my own perspective.'

Jaden Smith will move to Paris to become the first-ever men’s creative director for Christian Louboutin.

Maison Christian Louboutin made the announcement in a social media post. The son of rapper/actor Will and actress Jada Pinkett-Smith will oversee the creation of four collections annually.

“Merging my vision with Christian’s comes quite naturally because we see the world in a very similar way. There’s a shared respect for creative freedom, and I think that’s why it works,” said Smith in a written statement. “I want to continue the story, honoring the past while shaping the future through my own perspective. It isn’t just a title—it’s a creative home. Christian has given me a place to explore, to learn, and to create freely. His legacy is built on hard work and joy, and I want to carry that forward.”

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A post shared by Christian Louboutin (@christianlouboutin)

The two men met in 2019 and formed a relationship. The conversations between the two led to admiration of each other’s visions, and now, as the creative director, Smith will flex his creative muscle for the popular fashion brand.

“When I first met Jaden, I saw in him a natural fit for the Maison. His world is rich and multidimensional, his style and cultural sensibility are inspiring, and his curiosity and openness are remarkable. I felt that with his creative direction, our men’s collection would evolve in an exciting and dynamic way. He feels like the perfect addition to our creative team, and I am truly looking forward to having fun working with him on our men’s collections,” Louboutin said.

Maison Christian Louboutin is pleased to welcome Jaden Smith as the first Men’s Creative Director.

“When I first met Jaden, I saw in him a natural fit for the Maison, his world is rich and multidimensional, his style and cultural sensibility are inspiring and his curiosity and… pic.twitter.com/PFfUbXPG4J
— Christian Louboutin (@LouboutinWorld) September 17, 2025

Jaden’s first collection with the company will take place during Men’s Fall/Winter 2026 Paris Fashion Week in January 2026.

by Ida Harris

September 19, 2025

ONE Musicfest Tickets Pop Out On Costco Shelves

Apparently, membership has its privileges

With just about a month left until ONE Musicfest returns to Piedmont Park in Atlanta, one-day ticket sales for the Southeastern region’s most notable music festival can be purchased at Costco Wholesale Stores.

J. Carter, the founder of ONE Musicfest, shared an image of event tickets on the shelves of the popular box store, retailing at $149.99 for general admission. The coveted ticket was packaged in a decorative design bearing the ONE Musicfest logo and attention-grabbing graphic.

“Membership has its privileges,” Carter’s Instagram caption read. “Catch your @onemusicfest one-day tickets at Costco’s while supplies last.”

Social media users were fascinated by the display, which featured ONE Musicfest tickets stocked between gift cards and postage stamps, and on the shelf like any other products and goods found in a convenience store.

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A post shared by J Carter (@jcarterology)

Atlanta native and former music executive Shanti Das called the initiative “incredible marketing.” The general response among IG users is that the partnership is “fire,” with Atlanta radio personality Frank Ski and music producer Ray Daniel co-signing and leaving flame emojis in the comment section.

Costco’s ticketing partnership isn’t new. The retailer sells tickets for a multitude of activities, including concerts, music festivals, and sporting events.

ONE Musicfest boasts an exquisite lineup for 2025. The two-day festival takes place on Oct. 25-26 and features acts that will entertain thousands of multigenerational festivalgoers.

Headliners not only include Atlanta’s own musical royalty: Future, The Dungeon Family, and Ludacris—but megastars Mary J. Blige, Doechii, The Roots, Busta Rhymes, and Marvin Sapp. Also slated to perform are several heavy-hitters: Clipse, Jazmin Sullivan, Kehlani, and Ari Lenox. The event plans to feature the “World’s largest trail ride set.”

Concertgoers are in for a musical treat, and Costco cardholders can purchase those tickets online or in-store.

by Kandiss Edwards

September 19, 2025

Living Single Star Erika Alexander Says Ari Lennox Colorism Claims Are ‘Valid’

Alexander believes that hindsight is 20/20.

Erika Alexander is co-signing Ari Lennox’s claims of colorism in ’90s entertainment.

Alexander’s commentary came while promoting her podcast, ReLiving Single, which is centered on her successful ensemble sitcom, Living Single, on the Higher Learning podcast. When asked about Lennox’s criticism of colorism in ’90s television, Alexander agreed the criticism is “valid.”

Alexander reflected on how portrayals of Black characters in the ’90s were sometimes predicated on skin tone. She noted that darker-skinned actresses often received supporting or stereotyped roles, while lighter-skinned actors tended to receive more visibility and lead parts.

“Colorism was real & hindsight shows some jokes hit differently,” she said.

She emphasized that this isn’t about laying blame. Instead, Alexander stresses the importance of continued conversations around past missteps so the industry can do better going forward.

“We talk a lot about colorism, and we all suffered from it,” she said, urging that admitting the reality can help shape more thoughtful portrayals today.

Ari Lennox said some jokes on 90’s sitcoms were colorist and harmful. We asked Erika Alexander of “Living Single” if Ari had a point. Her answer might surprise you. pic.twitter.com/XFSsgjQBXv
— Van “Not Going Anywhere” Lathan Jr (@VanLathan) September 16, 2025

Lennox’s initial observation was that ’90s Black media was rooted in shade and color bias. Her specific grievance came from the popular show Martin.

“The thing that pissed me off about Martin was how much he was goin’ in on Pam,” Lennox continued. “Pam was so f**king beautiful and so fine, and I just feel like growing up as a chocolate girl, I don’t even know if I was able to understand the greatness of Pam because of what I was being fed.”

American singer Ari Lennox speaks out, saying Martin’s jokes about Pam’s looks still hit a nerve: “I’ll always feel a way about that. It’s disrespectful to dark-skinned women; she’s beautiful.”
pic.twitter.com/xsuQ1xrZvH
— Rain Drops Media (@Raindropsmedia1) July 29, 2025

Although Lennox’s claims garnered a mixed response, Alexander agreed. She states that many lessons remain to be learned.

The ReLiving Single podcast strives to unpack these issues, giving viewers behind-the-scenes perspectives on both nostalgia and the unintended harm of normalized biases.

As audiences grow more critical of how past media handled representation, voices like Alexander’s remind fans that progress in culture often arrives through examination, not erasure. Recognizing where things went wrong doesn’t negate the good that came from them. It opens a pathway for more authentic and considerate storytelling in the future.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 19, 2025

Detroit Pistons’ Tobias Harris Connects With Michigan State Housing Development Authority To Assist New Homeowners

'With this initiative, I’m focused on expanding access to homeownership so Detroiters can plant roots and build equity in the city they call home.'

In an effort to increase homeownership among Detroit residents, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) has partnered with Detroit Pistons player Tobias Harris on his initiative to make homeownership more accessible to people residing in the Michigan city.

The MSHDA has announced its collective effort with the Tobias Harris Homeownership Initiative (THHI) to help more Detroiters gain homeownership with a new shared-appreciation mortgage pilot with Guild Mortgage and Homium. With this new program, more Detroiters will gain through a partnership between private capital and the state government.

“Homeownership is one of the most powerful ways to build stability and generational wealth,” said Harris in a written statement. “With this initiative, I’m focused on expanding access to homeownership so Detroiters can plant roots and build equity in the city they call home. This is just the start, and I look forward to working with others throughout Detroit’s business and philanthropic community to grow and sustain this important program.”

MSHDA will provide the initial funding for the pilot, along with grants from Harris, his former Pistons teammate Jon Leuer, Pistons owner Tom Gores, made through the program’s nonprofit partner, Realize Impact.

Through this initiative, qualified individuals will gain access to the mortgage product, with up to 40% of a home’s purchase price in down payment assistance (DPA) without adding any monthly debt. This allows new owners to forgo mortgage insurance, resulting in a lower monthly payment.

“This new partnership will help make the dream of homeownership a reality for more Detroiters, offering the kind of affordable support that leads to long-term housing stability,” said Amy Hovey, CEO and executive director of MSHDA. “We’re moving quickly to identify new partners and programs that can help lower costs and unlock opportunities for Michigan families.”

This program will be offered to qualified first-time homebuyers in select areas of Detroit.

For people interested in the program, more information can be found on the Tobias Harris Homeownership Initiative website.