Joe, Biden, president, election, judiciary, 2024, judges, trump
by Stacy Jackson

July 11, 2024

Philly Radio Host Resigns Amid ‘Taboo’ Interview With President Biden

Andrea Lawful-Sanders resignation at WURD Radio comes after the station deemed her interview with President Biden a violation.

Andrea Lawful-Sanders, a Philadelphia radio host, resigned from her station after conducting an interview with President Joe Biden using questions provided by the Biden campaign.

Although the practice is frowned upon by many news organizations, Lawful-Sanders, who hosted The Source on WURD Radio, moved forward on the 14-minute interview with President Biden, which the host conducted on July 3. According to NPR, the discussion focused on the importance of Black voters and highlighted the administration’s achievements for Black communities. However, BLACK ENTERPRISE previously noted that Lawful-Sanders’ interview with President Biden, which aired on July 4, fueled concerns about the President’s cognitive abilities, particularly after a confusing statement where he referred to himself as “the first Black woman to serve with a Black President.”

WURD Radio‘s CEO, Sara Lomax, explained that the interview was arranged without the station’s knowledge. “The interview featured pre-determined questions provided by the White House, which violates our practice of remaining an independent media outlet accountable to our listeners,” Lomax wrote. “As a result, Ms. Lawful-Sanders and WURD Radio have mutually agreed to part ways, effective immediately.” The ex-radio host announced her resignation in a video she shared with Facebook followers.

Interestingly, Lawful-Sanders wasn’t the only journalist involved in this controversy. Earl Ingram, a Wisconsin radio host, also admitted to receiving questions from the Biden campaign for a separate interview. Both radio hosts discussed their experiences on CNN’s First of All. Lawful-Sanders revealed, “I got several questions, eight of them, and the four that were chosen were the ones that I approved.” This admission raised questions about the authenticity of the interviews and the Biden campaign’s tactics. CNN host Victor Blackwell suggested the practice undermined efforts to demonstrate the President’s mental acuity.

Biden campaign spokesperson Lauren Hitt defended the approach, stating it’s “not at all an uncommon practice for interviewees to share topics they would prefer.” The controversy surrounding these interviews with President Biden and the subsequent radio host’s resignation has led to changes in the Biden campaign’s strategy. They have now decided to discontinue the practice of offering suggested questions to interviewers.”

RELATED CONTENT: Joe Biden Responds To His Shaky Presidential Debate Performance

Bullets, Grocery Stores
by Daniel Johnson

July 11, 2024

3 Southern States Now Have Bullets Available For Sale In Vending Machines

And more states are interested.

A Texas-based company, American Rounds, has installed automated bullets and ammunition vending machines in select grocery stores in three states in the South with plans to expand its operation over the coming months. This, naturally, has drawn the concern of gun control advocates and groups like Everytown for Gun Safety. 

According to the Associated Press, American Rounds CEO Grant Magers said the company was approached by grocery stores and other retailers about the prospect of selling ammunition in their stores using automated technology in 2023. Currently, the company has one machine in Alabama, four in Oklahoma, and one in Texas, with plans to install another machine in Texas and one in Colorado. 

Although the machines use facial detection and identification scanner technology for a more secure purchase environment, opponents like Nick Suplina, senior vice president for law and policy at Everytown for Gun Safety, worry about the larger implications in a country that deals with mass shootings at a rate that outstrips the rest of the world. 

“Innovations that make ammunition sales more secure via facial recognition, age verification, and the tracking of serial sales are promising safety measures that belong in gun stores, not in the place where you buy your kid’s milk,” Suplina told the AP. “In a country awash in guns and ammo, where guns are the leading cause of deaths for kids, we don’t need to further normalize the sale and promotion of these products.”

So far, the machines are located in small towns that may not have access to retailers that sell ammunition. “Someone in that community might have to drive an hour or an hour and a half to get supplied if they want to go hunting, for instance,” Magers told the AP. “Our grocery stores, they wanted to be able to offer their customer another category that they felt like would be popular.”

According to Inc, Magers said American Rounds has received numerous requests for machines for 200 stores across nine states. However, a machine in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, was removed following concerns raised by the city council at a July 2 meeting. “I got some calls about ammunition being sold in grocery stores, vending machines, the vending machines,” Councilman Kip Tyner said. “I mean, I thought it was a lie. I thought it was a joke—but it’s not.”

Officially, the machine was removed by Fresh Value due to a lack of sales, but the vending machines are legal to operate as long as they fall within the boundaries of local zoning laws governing the sale of ammunition. 

RELATED CONTENT: Data Shows More Than 50K Guns From Police Departments Were Later Used In Violent Crimes

Wander Franco, Dominican Republic
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 10, 2024

Baseball Player Wander Franco Charged With Sexual Abuse Against Minor

The alleged crime took place in the Dominican Republic and prosecutors have also charged Franco with human trafficking, which carries a maximum term of 20 years.

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has been under investigation since last year after an accusation leveled against him for having sexual relations with a 14-year-old girl. Now, the baseball player has been formally charged with sexual abuse and sexual exploitation against a minor in the Dominican Republic, according to ESPN.

The news was given to the media outlet by Puerto Plata District Office Prosecutor Kelmin Duncan and Nairobi Viloria, spokesperson for the Attorney General’s Office. An investigation was started on July 10, 2023. A year later, prosecutors have also charged Franco with human trafficking, which carries a maximum term of 20 years.

The alleged victim’s mother has also been accused of sexual exploitation and money laundering and was also charged with human trafficking as well. In an earlier report, prosecutors accused Franco of sending monthly payments of $1,700 to the mother of the girl for seven months. He also purchased a car to facilitate the relationship.

After the initial investigation, it was reported that Franco allegedly was involved in two additional relationships with other minors.

Yahoo Sports reported that Franco has been on administrative leave since August after the allegations surfaced. The last Major League Baseball game he played in was on August 12, and he recently had his leave extended through July 14. MLB allegedly has taken no action but may do so as their investigation has not ended, which could lead to Franco being suspended from the league, as well.

The 23-year-old player, who has been in the MLB for three seasons made the all-star team last year for the first time. He agreed to an 11-year, $182 million contract extension in November 2021; he was still a rookie playing just 70 games when he inked the deal. The Rays removed him from its roster before Opening Day this season.

RELATED CONTENT: Homage Paid To Late Willie Mays And Negro Leagues Main Events At Historic MLB Game

Businesses Grant, Baltimore, BGE
by Jeffrey McKinney

July 10, 2024

POC-Owned Businesses In Baltimore Can Seek $20K Grants From Baltimore Gas And Electric

Eligible businesses including those owned by people may receive grants of $20,000.

Businesses owned by people of color and women in Baltimore can now pursue $20,000 grants. The money will come as Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) is investing $2 million in the program this year. Small businesses located in the utility’s service area can apply as part of the BGE Energizing Small Business Grant program through July 12.

The program has awarded grants exceeding $13 million to 651 small businesses since its inception in 2021. It’s part of an initiative to help the foundation of the local economy succeed and thrive.

Historically underrepresented minority businesses often challenged with access to capital will be prioritized for funding. To administer the grants, BGE is uniting with the fintech platform Hello Alice.

Grant applicants must meet many requirements to be eligible. They include being a for-profit business operating for at least a year at the start of the application, being an existing BGE customer in good standing, having a maximum of 25 employees, and annual gross revenues in 2023 of under $7 million.

The latest funding comes as insufficient or expired capital is one of the main operating challenges for budding and mature small business owners. This report showed that 76% of Black entrepreneurs disclosed that access to capital was an obstacle.

In general, small business grants often are a source of funding that doesn’t need to be repaid or incur interest and fees like a loan. Businesses can use grants to cover a particular need such as expansion, hiring workers, and other purposes. A downside is a business may face a lot of competition in securing a grant, with multiple interested applicants pursuing them.

A subsidiary of Exelon Corp., BGE calls itself Maryland’s largest natural gas and electric utility. It serves more than 1.3 million electric customers and 700,000 natural gas customers.

Get more details and apply here.

Tampons
by Stacy Jackson

July 10, 2024

Study Shows Women Could Be Using Tampons With Toxic Metals

The FDA is thoroughly reviewing the study's findings in an effort to protect consumers of tampon brands that contain toxic metals.

A recent study has uncovered the presence of toxic metals in multiple tampon brands, raising concerns about potential health risks.

The research, published in Environmental International, analyzed 30 tampons from 14 brands purchased in the U.S., UK, and Greece. Lead was detected in all tampon brands tested, along with “measurable concentrations of all 16 metals assessed,” including arsenic and other toxic elements. The study revealed intriguing differences between organic and non-organic products. Organic tampons contained less lead but higher arsenic levels than their non-organic counterparts. Additionally, tampon brands sold in the U.S. showed higher lead concentrations than those in Europe.

Researchers closely examined arsenic, barium, calcium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, mercury, nickel, lead, selenium, strontium, vanadium, and zinc. Researchers hypothesize that these toxic metals in tampons may originate from the soil where the cotton and rayon used in production are grown. The study on tampons with toxic metals highlights the lack of regulations in the U.S., EU, and UK regarding potential contaminants in tampon brands. “…None of these governments requires manufacturers to test their products for harmful chemicals, including metals,” the study notes.

“We cannot yet say that people should not be using tampons,” lead researcher Jenni Shearston told CBS MoneyWatch. She emphasized the need for further research to determine if these metals leach out and are absorbed by the body. “Our research emphasizes the need for more testing of toxic compounds in products we use daily and better labeling so users can make more informed decisions.”

A Food and Drug Administration spokesperson noted that the study “does not assess whether any metals are released from tampons when used in the body. It also does not address whether any metal, if released, can be absorbed into the vaginal lining or, subsequently, into the bloodstream.” As the agency thoroughly reviews the study’s findings, it plans to take necessary actions to protect consumers of tampon brands that contain toxic metals.

Due to the heightened permeability of vaginal tissue compared to other bodily surfaces, the research team emphasized that additional studies are crucial to ascertain if the metals seep from the tampons during use.

RELATED CONTENT: Sales Of Chemical Hair Relaxers On The Rise In Africa, Despite Ingredients Linked To Cancer

summer, technology, protection, cellphone, sleeve, back pack, dry case
by Janel Martinez

July 10, 2024

Protect Your Tech: Don’t Fall Victim To Summer Fun

A small investment, and a little common sense, will allow you to enjoy the summer.

Originally Published June 24, 2013.

You’ve spent months preparing for summer, getting the backyard and deck ready for soirees, finalizing those last-minute specifics for that week-long vacation, and hitting the gym a little harder to tone your soon-to-be beach bod. But did you prep your tech tools for the heat?

Whether you plan to take your gadgets near the pool or work outside, Mashable has outlined ways to protect your tech this summer:

Keep Cool

If you do nothing else, keep your tech in the shade. During the summer months, it’s easy for your gadgets to overheat, so keep them in a cool, shady area as often as possible. If you do realize your phone, for example, has overheated in the sun, let it cool slowly. But don’t try to rush the process by sticking it in the freezer or fridge.

And for those choosing to work outside, place your laptop on a cooling pad. Also, try cleaning your laptop fan to keep the device cooler.

If you plan to leave the sandals and swimwear for snow gear, keep your phone protected in an inside pocket, or somewhere close to your body, to stop it from chilling or experiencing temperature changes that can lead to visual distortions in the display. To prevent condensation from occurring inside your phone, let your phone return to its normal temperature gradually.

Use a cooling pad when you’re working on a laptop outdoors, even if you don’t use one at home. Increased temperatures mean even new laptops could easily overheat in the summer sun. Also, cleaning your laptop fan will ensure it’s running properly and keeping your laptop cooler. Again, the best protection is to keep it in the shade.

Use Protection

Another concern is water damage. While your current cellphone case protects against damage from dropping your phone, it will do little to protect your phone from damage caused by liquid, dust, or sand. If you want to tote your cell to the shore, you’ll need a little something extra.

Waterproof cases are thermoplastic sheaths that prevent rain, dust, sand and other debris from getting into the small crevices in your phone and wreaking havoc. Waterproof cases also allow you to capture underwater pics and content for your socials.

There is no laptop-shaped waterproof cover, but laptop skins will prevent dust and sand from ruining your keyboard or screen and can be ordered for about $10. This protection is fairly minimal, however, and won’t prevent all damage.

Keep It Dry

If you’re looking for a little more protection, say, for boating or swimming, try a waterproof backpack like one from DryCASE. If you actually do use your laptop poolside, our best advice is to be very careful. Your device won’t be protected if it’s not in the bag!

Case by Case

If you’re planning to take laptops out into the great outdoors, plastic laptop skins will protect your tech against scratches and other physical damage, but won’t be much help when it comes to small debris and jolting car rides. Either buy a padded sleeve, or opt for a bag or case that has padding all around your computer, not just up against your back, so that the other contents of your bag won’t damage your laptop.

You should always have a case and screen protector on your cellphone or tablet to prevent damage and scratches. If you’re serious about keeping your tech safe, consider getting an OtterBox or other heavy-duty case, as opposed to the more fashionable (but ultimately less effective) hard plastic cases.

RELATED CONTENT: 6-Year-Old New Jersey Boy Drowns In Pool On First Day Of Summer Camp
Rihanna, A$AP Rocky
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 10, 2024

A$AP Rocky Strikes Pose With Son Rza For Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty Campaign

Rihanna brought some of her family in to rock the newest Savage X Fenty Classics collection.

Smile for the camera, boys! Two of Rihanna’s leading men, A$AP Rocky and their eldest son, Rza, participated in her newest Savage X Fenty campaign.

The photoshoot aided the launch of the clothing and lingerie brand’s Classics collection. The new assortment features more men’s undergarments, including briefs, boxers, and tees. Keeping it in the family, Rihanna tasked the father-son duo to model the new pieces.

The images showcase the two-year-old sitting on his doting dad’s shoulders. To add to the cuteness, both wore the same Savage looks, which included black tank tops and boxers. As for the father of two, a photo of his backside revealed the spelling of “Dad” in his braids as Rza looked forward in the shot. Another picture showcased Rocky fixing the toddler’s Fenty-labelled underwear in white.

Since confirming their relationship in 2021, the couple has been parenting goals with their two children. Rza, their eldest son, was born in 2022. Rihanna revealed her second pregnancy while headlining the 2023 Super Bowl halftime show. They welcomed their youngest son, Riot, to the world in August 2023.

The iconic singer continues to raise the bar as a mom and entrepreneur. She recently launched Fenty Hair, adding to her Fenty Beauty and Skin brands. While she stepped down as CEO of Savage X in June 2023, she remains a creative visionary for the brand.

While Rocky dives into his front-facing support of Riri, his baby mama also returns the favor. The Grammy-winner sat in the front row at Paris Fashion Week show for her partner’s new clothing brand, AWGE.

Despite both parents growing their fashion empires, growing their family is not completely off the table. In her Interview cover story, which was released in April, Rihanna shared that more children may happen.

“As many as God wants me to have,” responded the 36-year-old when asked about kids. “I don’t know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl. But of course, if it’s another boy, it’s another boy.”

In the meantime, the duo continues to establish a Hollywood family dynasty.

Angela Simmons, BET Awards
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 10, 2024

Angela Simmons Dives Into Deep Fried Oreos With Slutty Vegan

The company has partnered with the popular restaurant before.

Angela Simmons is staying deep (fried) in her bag. The owner of Angela’s Cakes, a vegan cake mix, has partnered with Slutty Vegan to add deep-fried Oreos to the popular eatery’s menu for a limited time.

Simmons and Slutty Vegan founder Pinky Cole announced the partnership through social media July 9, in a clip featuring Simmons in a bathtub filled with Oreos.

Angela’s Cakes has been in the mix with Slutty Vegan before, through its plant-based pancakes and waffles. The business idea came about as the hip-hop princess wanted plant-based goodies that soothe junk food cravings. Its mixes can not only elevate breakfast, but make vegan funnel cakes for all to enjoy.

The business runs through its partnership with Slutty Vegan, with expected availability at major retailers in the near future. In the meantime, her latest concoction adds a sweeter side to the restaurant’s famous burgers and fries. This new vegan treat, complemented with oat milk, takes the plant-based cookie up a notch.

“With me being a major vegan foodie with a sweet tooth, I’m always looking to satisfy my cravings, especially when I’m traveling,” said Simmons in a press release. “Working with Pinky and Slutty Vegan has been amazing because she shares that same vision of bringing the tastiest vegan options to the masses.”

The venture also serves as a callback to Simmons’ Pastry Footwear. She launched the confectionary-inspired sneaker brand alongside her sister, Vanessa. Despite moving on from the delicious sneakers, the 36-year-old’s connection to pastries remains in Angela’s Cakes.

“We [Slutty Vegan] are so excited about the rollout of this limited menu item. I mean, who doesn’t love fried Oreos?” Cole said in the statement. “The initial rollout will start in New York and Atlanta. [However,] don’t be surprised if you see it coming in other markets, especially with our food truck currently trekking across the country.”

RELATED CONTENT: Angela Simmons and Harlem Globetrotters Presents 90th Anniversary Collection Fashion Show

prison, Oregon, nurse, sexual assault, inmates, Tony Klein
by Daniel Johnson

July 10, 2024

Despite Paralysis Of Inmate James Carlton, Ned McCormick Rehired, Promoted As Questions Remain

According to the most recent report from Martin, the current state of affairs inside the facilities run by the DOC remain rife with violence and excessive force.

On May 11, 2023, James Carlton, who was incarcerated at the Vernon C. Bain Center jail, was allegedly paralyzed as a result of injuries he received from a botched attempt to detain him. One of the people allegedly responsible for the facility that employed the unit that paralyzed him, Ned McCormick, received a promotion and raise upon his recent return to the New York State Department of Corrections. 

According to The City, part of the reason Carlton ended up paralyzed is that he suffers from spinal stenosis, a condition which makes it much more likely for him to receive a serious spinal injury. The officers who attempted to detain James, however, were unaware of his medical history because Louis Molina, the Department of Corrections Commissioner, allegedly withheld that information. 

Molina was the subject of an investigation by Monitor Steve Martin, who was critical of Molina’s determination that there was no wrongdoing committed by the officers who tackled James while his arms and feet were already shackled. According to Martin’s report, he disagrees with Molina’s characterization of Carlton as an unruly offender. “Given even these initial findings and disciplinary actions by the Department, it is unclear how the commissioner could reportedly adamantly deny wrongdoing in this case or how the department could claim that the force was necessary and therefore assert that there was no inappropriate conduct.”

Martin’s report also criticized the supervision at the facility in general, citing another incident where an incarcerated individual jumped to his death while one correctional officer played dominoes in a cell with three offenders. “The other officer was seated at a table with three individuals in custody playing dominoes. While building rapport in this way is laudable, there is at least a question about whether there was, in fact, adequate overall supervision on the unit.”

According to the most recent report from Martin, the current state of affairs inside the facilities run by the DOC remains rife with violence and excessive force.

“The jails remain dangerous and unsafe, characterized by a pervasive, imminent risk of harm to both people in custody and staff. This risk of harm is caused by pervasive dysfunction in the jails’ management resulting from polycentric and interdependent issues including, but not limited to, a broad failure to utilize sound correctional security practices for even the most basic tasks, limited staff supervision, and poor-quality guidance, and a persistent failure to identify misconduct and to apply appropriate accountability.”

Martin’s report continued, “These failures perpetuate a toxic culture and a system in which none of the component parts work well or together. As a result, violence and a persistent pattern and practice of the use of unnecessary and excessive force remain evident in the system.”

Despite these questions and criticisms, McCormick was given a promotion upon his return to the DOC on June 20, after he had initially resigned in October 2023, a few months after the incident involving Carlton. According to a top jail official, who spoke to The City on condition of anonymity out of a fear of retribution, McCormick’s return was “very disheartening to the people working here.”

As McCormick is set to profit and prosper despite the paralysis of Carlton, Carlton lies in a hospital bed, consumed with pain, suffering, and in fear of the officers of the DOC. In July 2023, James told The City from his hospital bed at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue in Manhattan. “Everything hurts,” Carlton said. “I can’t sleep. It’s all nightmares. I can’t do anything anymore. Look at me. I can’t move. I’ll never get out of this bed.” 

Alaysha Johnson, Olympics, Hurdles
by Shanique Yates

July 10, 2024

Alaysha Johnson Elevates Black Designer As She Qualifies for Paris 2024 Olympics

Olympic hurdler Alaysha Johnson is using her platform to empower this Black designer as she heads to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

As Johnson, a 100-meter hurdler, qualified to join Team USA at the Paris 2024 Olympics during the Olympic Track and Field Trials in late June, she adorned clothes created by Phillip Mims for his HMN ALNS clothing company. He draws inspiration for his designs from anime, runway fashion, and streetwear.

“It was all God,” she said in a post-race interview held on June 30. “I already knew before the season started what was coming for me. I literally…I knew it was the easiest thing to do because everybody all the time said that I wasn’t good enough, said that I didn’t deserve. So I did this my way. My team’s way and just the way it was meant to be. This is for the hood babies. This is for the people who are born and came from nothing. This is for everybody that looks like me that was ever doubted, and I did it with a Black designer on my chest.”

As a product of the University of Oregon, Johnson expected to have offers from sports brands lined up at her door during her quest to the Olympics, especially since Nike is housed just 111 miles away in Beaverton, Oregon. When that wasn’t the case, she took matters into her own hands and was intentionally out to find Black designers to rock in her journey to the Paris 2024 Olympics. 

Mims was shocked to find out that Johnson had sported a piece from his brand because before the Olympic trials, she approached the HMN ALNS team about wearing some of his pieces, however, he told her that he did not have anything in stock due to their small inventory. Instead, Mims says he believes that Johnson went and purchased the outfit on her own, which included a black bodysuit with shorts, a half bikini, along with a half-high neck top.

“I would have never thought that you could even be running in that,” said Mims, who also highlighted that this particular outfit pairing showcased Johnson’s “creativity.” 

Moreover, although Johnson did not name-drop the Black designer or HMN ALNS during her post-race interview, Mims believes that it is all a part of her strategy to uplift Black-owned brands that don’t always get to shine on the world stage.

“To me, what she was really saying is kind of like, ‘insert any black designer here,’” he said. “She didn’t need to have a Nike or a Lululemon. Like, there’s other designers out there.”

Johnson and Team USA will take the world stage during the Paris 2024 Olympics, which commences on July 26, and continues until Aug. 11.

RELATED CONTENT: Frederick Richard Leads USA Men’s Gymnastics To Paris Olympics

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