credit cards, personal finance, credit scores, debt, credit karma, FTC
by Sharelle Burt

November 4, 2024

Credit Karma Settlement Guarantees $2.5M FTC Payments To ‘Deceived’ Customers

Credit Karma is cooperating with the FTC even though it disagrees with the allegations.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will pay Credit Karma customers a total of $2.5 million after claims that they were “deceived” by allegedly false “pre-approved” offers, CBS MoneyWatch reports.

Close to 51,000 customers who filed a claim before the March 2024 deadline will receive payments from the FTC following a two-year court battle.

In 2022, the agency first took action after one-third of customers who claimed they were “pre-approved” for credit by Credit Karma were actually denied. The FTC claimed the company only pre-approved customers in an attempt to entice them to apply for offers that they were unlikely to qualify for. 

The FTC found a use of dark patterns, website or app designs used to mislead consumers. Some were told that they had “90% odds” of being approved for credit products. However, the agency said those practices wasted consumers’ time and potentially damaged their credit scores.

As conditions of the settlement, Credit Karma, which provides customers with tools to monitor credit scores and reports, agreed to stop making such claims in addition to compensation.

“We fundamentally disagree with allegations the FTC makes in their complaint, which relate solely to statements we ceased making years ago,” the company said Any implication that Credit Karma rejected consumers applying for credit cards is simply incorrect, as Credit Karma is not a lender and does not make lending decisions,” the company said in a statement to CBS MoneyWatch on Oct 31.

“We reached this agreement to put the matter behind us so we can maintain our focus on helping our members find the financial products that are right for them.”

Victims will receive their settlement payments in the mail or digitally via PayPal, depending on what was selected at the time of the claim filing. Those who selected checks must cash them within 90 days, and PayPal payments must be accepted within 30 days. Customers who have questions about payment and the refund process should contact JND Legal Administration or visit the FTC website. 

The agency highlights that they never require sensitive information such as bank accounts or Social Security numbers to receive payment.

RELATED CONTENT: 4 Ways To Protect Your Credit During Vacation

Puttin’ On For Their City: OutKast And Atlanta Falcons Launch Limited-Edition Merch Collection
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 4, 2024

Puttin’ On For Their City: OutKast And Atlanta Falcons Launch Limited-Edition Merch Collection

Outkast teams up with the Atlanta Falcons for a limited-edition merch collab.

OutKast fans might not get a reunion anytime soon, but they can get their hands on the group’s new merch collaboration with the Atlanta Falcons.

On Friday, Big Boi took to Instagram to announce a limited-edition merch line of sweatshirts and hoodies featuring the group and Falcons logos.

“Kast X Birds 🆙,” he captioned the video post.

The merch line comes amid heightened hopes for an official OutKast reunion. The duo hasn’t been seen together since earlier this year when Big Boi came out to support André 3000’s Atlanta show at Center Stage in March in support of his woodwind album New Blue Sun.

Big Boi shared an Instagram post at the time showing a video and photo of the groupmates hanging out backstage.

“Antwan & Andre 🛸 Flutie Hoooooo #NewBlueSun,” he captioned.

André 3000 hit the stage for a few woodwind performances throughout the year but has yet to pick back up the microphone and return to rapping as part of OutKast. However, he hopes to return to the studio and record another album.

While appearing on CBS Mornings last December, the “Hey Ya” singer credited Big Boi for not pressuring him to rap again and instead supporting him as a friend with whatever he decides to do musically.

“So I think in that sense, he’s never pushed that issue,” he said about Big Boi. “But I’m sure, like, I want another OutKast album. Yeah, like in my mind -– but see, that’s the thing. That’s the human side. I want an OutKast album a long time ago.”

“And honestly, for me as an individual, it would be gratifying to me to put out a solo rap situation,” André added. “But not for nobody else at this point. It’s for me because I actually like the challenge of, ‘How could I make this part of my life interesting and rhyme in words?’ You know what I mean? Like how can I do that? So yeah, it’s still a challenge. So I think hopefully, with will and intent, something will happen.”

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gamers, NIL, Black
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 4, 2024

Mom-And-Son Founders Of Game Changer Academy Help Black Gamers Score $150K In NIL Deals

Thus far, the mother-and-son duo have gained over $150k for their clients.

Kendall Hamilton and his mother, Dr. Gigi, are helping Black gamers score lucrative Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) deals and impact the industry through their organization, Game Changer Academy.

In high school, Hamilton gained prominence as a gamer himself. Although his mom was initially concerned about his career path, her support of Hamilton led to his rise in the Rocket League. After becoming a top-10 player in the virtual game, Hamilton and his mother are showing other Black families how to make it big in e-sports.

With Game Changer Academy, Hamilton is a performance improvement coach and mental health advocate. Through his own success, he knows of the grand opportunities gaming can provide, such as scholarships and NIL deals. Now, he and his mother have worked to access these deals for other Black gamers like him. Thus far, the mother-and-son duo has gained over $150K for their clients.

As for Dr. Gigi, she uses her background in workforce development to help families turn passions into fruitful opportunities. She has helped guide families on how gaming can lead to scholarships and deals for their futures. The licensed psychotherapist also wants to lessen the gap between Black gamers and commercial success.

Their efforts contribute to a greater emphasis on diverse gamers, with 15% identifying as Black, per New Zoo. Understanding the potential financial gains from the booming industry, the duo remains committed to reaching out to Black youth with a passion for e-sports to jumpstart their careers.

Their latest endeavor, Game On: Virtual Experience—Gaming, Mental Health, and Personal Development, hopes to further this mission. On Nov. 4, the event will connect and inform gamers about their power to shape their futures through this industry. Moreover, it will speak on protecting one’s mental health as one explores one’s passions while building one’s empire.

Game Changer Academy is diversifying the e-sports industry and prepping Black gamers to take their spot in the field. Registration for the event is available now for all families with gamers ready to take off.

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NYC marathon, gun violence
by Daniel Johnson

November 4, 2024

Trevon Bosley Dedicates NYC Marathon Run To Gun Violence Prevention

In order to help him deal with the aftermath of his brother's death, Bosley turned to running.

Like 50,000 others who stood at the starting line for the New York Marathon on Nov. 3, Trevon Bosley of Chicago was prepared to push his body to the limit over the course’s 26.2 miles. Unlike them, however, Bosley dedicated his run to deceased family members and preventing the gun violence that took their lives.

According to NBC News, Bosley’s cousin, Vincent Avant, was shot and killed down the street from his family’s home in 2005.

Then, in 2021, Bosley’s brother, 18-year-old Terrell, was fatally shot outside of Lights of Zion Church in Chicago’s West Pullman neighborhood.

“It really shook up everything in the family,” Bosley told NBC News. The family stopped celebrating holidays and even listening to music. “We only started finding relief through doing prevention work.”

Bosley was a mentor for a Chicago organization, Bold Resistance Against Violence Everywhere (B.R.A.V.E), which organizes talent shows, basketball tournaments, and other programs. This work led him to a meeting with victims of the 2018 Parkland, Florida, school shooting where he shared stories about members of his group’s experience of gun violence in Chicago.

The Parkland school shooting eventually spawned the creation of March For Our Lives, a gun violence advocacy group founded by the youth who survived the shooting, of which Bosley is now the co-chair.

Bosley told NBC News that in order to help him deal with the aftermath of his brother’s death, he turned to running.

“I needed something to bring me comfort and take my mind off of it,” he said. “I heard people talk about running like that was relaxing for them, and that helped them.” Running regularly, Bosley said, “really started to clear my head and it was just doing positive things for me.”

Bosley participated in the New York Marathon as part of a group of runners representing Team Inspire, a group of 26 runners with varying levels of marathon experience which was facilitated by the group organizing the marathon, New York Road Runners.

Although his mind was on his brother during the race, ahead of the race, his thoughts were also focused on Chicago, which has earned a spot in the national imagination as a place where gun violence is rampant.

Although gun violence has decreased in recent years, Bosley told NBC News that gun violence in Chicago is due to “a multitude of problems,” which include a lack of funding for the education of the city’s youth, a lack of workforce programs, and an influx of guns from gun-friendly states.

“Indiana is only a 15-minute drive,” Bosley told NBC News. “So, we have all these other problems that we are trying to decrease in our community and now we have the influx of guns just flooding in. That’s created the gun violence that we see in Chicago.”

According to a 2022 research article published in Science Advances, Chicago is one city where community violence interventionists are utilized.

The city spent $50 million on these programs in 2022 due to a national $5 billion commitment to community violence intervention programs from President Joe Biden’s Build Back Better Act.

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daycare, fentanyl
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 4, 2024

Bronx Daycare Operator Pleads Guilty After Toddler Died From Fentanyl Poisoning

Grei Mendez has pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death and serious bodily injury and two drug possession charges

In September 2023, a 1-year-old boy died, and three other children were hospitalized after being exposed to fentanyl. Four suspects were arrested in connection to drugs discovered at the daycare center in the Bronx. The woman who ran the facility pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute narcotics, resulting in death and serious bodily injury, and two drug possession charges on Oct. 29.

According to People, Grei Mendez, who ran the Divino Niño daycare center when the children were exposed to the deadly fentanyl, is slated to appear back in court for her sentencing next year on March 3 at 2 p.m.

In a written statement, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said, “Grei Mendez has just admitted she conspired to maintain and distribute large quantities of dangerously toxic fentanyl in a Bronx Daycare center, a place where parents expected their children would be protected and safe. Mendez’s reprehensible conduct resulted in the needless and tragic death of a child and the poisoning of three others. From the beginning, this case has shown the senseless collateral damage caused by the fentanyl epidemic and should remind us all that the demand for illegal narcotics so often puts innocent bystanders at risk while drug traffickers ruthlessly pursue profits. This Office will continue to protect New Yorkers from the grave threat fentanyl presents.”

Nicholas Dominici died on Sept. 15, 2023, and the three other children who were exposed to the fentanyl, ranging in age from 8 months to 2 years old, were taken to the hospital. They were treated with Narcan and recovered.

According to ABC News, police officers were told about a trap door in the floor at the Bronx daycare center where Dominici died. A search by police officers discovered a large amount of fentanyl, other narcotics, and drug paraphernalia.

Three other people were charged in connection with the crimes: Carlisto Acevedo Brito, Renny Antonio Parra Paredes, and Herrera Garcia. On Oct. 16, Garcia was sentenced to 45 years in prison for his role in the death of Dominici and the poisoning of the other children, as well as trafficking fentanyl out of a daycare. Garcia pled guilty on June 10 before United States District Judge Jed S. Rakoff.

Acevedo Brito pled not guilty to the federal charges on Oct. 12, 2023, and is looking to stand trial. Parra Paredes pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute narcotics, resulting in death and serious bodily injury.

RELATED CONTENT: North Carolina Daycare Facility Closes After Parent Alleges Child Negligence

Donald Trump, rally, atlanta
by Sharelle Burt

November 4, 2024

Spokespeople Defend Donald Trump’s Comments On ‘Not Minding’ Journalists Being Shot By A Sniper

This man is unhinged...

Donald Trump’s campaign is defending the GOP presidential nominee after he told supporters during a Nov. 3 rally that he “doesn’t mind” journalists being shot, ABC News reports. 

The comments were made during an appearance in Lititz, Pennsylvania. Trump complained about the lack of protective glass surrounding him, leaving the possibility of another sniper attack.

“I have this piece of glass here, but all we have over here is the fake news. And to get me, somebody would have to shoot through the fake news,” he said, met with cheers from the crowd. “And I don’t mind that so much.” 

Karoline Leavitt, Trump’s national press secretary, said “obviously he was joking” and accused the media of picking “apart every single word that Donald Trump says when the majority of his speeches are focused on the issues that Americans care about.” 

According to the Associated Press, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung chimed in with similar remarks, stating that the comments made by the four-time indicted businessman have “nothing to do with the media being harmed.” Instead, he said Trump was simply suggesting that the reporters were in danger themselves.

“There can be no other interpretation of what was said. He was actually looking out for their welfare, far more than his own,” Cheung said. 

This is the second time this month that Trump has suggested acts of violence against people he labels as political enemies.

On Nov. 1, while speaking at an event hosted by Tucker Carlson, Trump called former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney a “very dumb individual” and suggested executing her since she’s willing to support foreign wars.

“Let’s put her with a rifle standing there with 9 barrels shooting at her. Let’s see how she feels about it,” he said. “You know, when the guns are trained on her face.”

If his comments regarding the media weren’t bad enough, the former president aired past grievances about the 2020 election cycle, saying he “shouldn’t have left” the White House after President Joe Biden defeated him. He also claimed Vice President Kamala Harris could only beat him if she cheated, although poll numbers are showing a tight race between the two candidates.

“It’s a crooked country. They’ll want to put you in jail because you want to make it straight,” Trump said to the crowd. “Think of it, think of it. They cheat in elections, and you call them on it, and they want to put you in jail.”

Trump and former members of his camp were indicted for efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election in both Washington and Georgia.

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Tamera Mowry, Hallmark
by Von Boozier Twins

November 4, 2024

Tamera Mowry And Others Light Up NYC’s Hudson Yards For Hallmark’s First-Ever ‘Jingle Stop Tour’

To learn more about the Hallmark Christmas lineup, visit www.hallmarkchannel.com/christmas or check your local listings.

The holiday season kicked off early this year in the heart of New York City as the Hallmark Channel transformed Hudson Yards into a winter wonderland for a stop on its first-ever Hallmark Jingle Stop Tour. In celebration of Countdown to Christmas‘ 15th anniversary, Hallmark is taking the holiday spirit on the road, inviting fans to experience the enchantment of their iconic holiday movies firsthand. With beloved Hallmark stars in tow, the tour stop at Hudson Yards set the perfect tone to welcome the festive season.

Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas has been a staple of holiday television for over a decade, bringing warmth, romance, and cheer to millions of homes. The films feature charming small towns, love stories that unfold against snowy backdrops, and heartfelt holiday traditions —all themes that remind us of the magic of the season. To mark this special anniversary, Hallmark decided to bring its holiday magic out of the screen and into major cities like D.C., Philadelphia, and New York, with plans for an even more comprehensive tour.

As Hudson Yard’s plaza transformed with holiday decor, it was hard not to feel transported to a world straight from a Hallmark movie. Attendees were greeted with complimentary hot chocolate, candy canes, and tree-shaped cookie cutters, allowing everyone to take a piece of the festive spirit home. The highlight of the setup was a cozy fireplace scene designed for perfect photo opportunities, along with bright red Santa hats distributed to fans as they waited in excitement for the arrival of their favorite Hallmark stars.

One by one, the stars of Hallmark’s holiday lineup arrived, welcomed by an eruption of cheers from the crowd. Fan favorites like Tamera Mowry-Housley, Andrew Walker, Jonathan Bennett, Nikki DeLoach, and Tyler Hynes joined the celebration, arriving in decorated buses that only added to the Christmas spirit. They waved, posed for photos, and even chatted with fans who had waited eagerly to see them in person.

Tamera Mowry-Housley shared with BLACK ENTERPISE about her excitement for the Christmas season, saying it’s a time she cherishes for the connection it brings to family, community, and tradition.

This 15th anniversary of Countdown to Christmas promises to deliver even more magic, with Hallmark’s holiday programming already in full swing. This season’s lineup will feature a fresh slate of original movies, holiday classics, and beloved characters, promising new stories that celebrate love, family, and the season’s joy. Fans can look forward to new releases each weekend with Hallmark’s signature blend of romance, tradition, and festive cheer.

To learn more about the Hallmark Christmas lineup, visit www.hallmarkchannel.com/christmas or check your local listings.

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GOP, Black Conservative Federation, Trump, black men
by Sharelle Burt

November 4, 2024

Ohio County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Under Fire For Saying He Won’t Help Democratic Supporters If They Call For Help

That's saying a lot....

An Ohio sheriff’s lieutenant is in hot water for a social media post in which he said he would consider a caller’s political stance before responding to emergency calls.

Clark County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant John Rodgers made several Facebook posts, some shared more than 250,000 times, saying where a caller stands in the political realm matters when they call for an emergency. “I am sorry. If you support the Democratic Party, I will not help you,” Rodgers wrote. 

“The problem is that I know which of you supports the Democratic Party, and I will not help you survive the end of days.”

In another post, he mentioned having callers will have to “require proof of who you voted for if you ask me for help. Weapons and ammo are not cheap,” Rodgers wrote on Oct. 20, according to the Springfield News-Sun. 

Chief Deputy Mike Young released a statement that Rodgers’ comments were “highly inappropriate” and “do not reflect the Sheriff’s Office’s service delivery to all residents, regardless of their voting preference.”

While he said the department would work diligently to regain the trust of its constituents, Young said Rodgers’ actions may be a result of a medical issue. 

An investigation found that Rodgers, who has worked for the department since 2002, has been prescribed sleeping medication, which the lieutenant claims causes “some of my communication to be ‘out of character’, which is a documented side effect.”

“I do not remember writing these posts or deleting any posts,” Rodgers said. 

The Sheriff’s Office issued an official apology for the deputy’s behavior and submitted a written reprimand for violating the department’s social media policy. Rodgers will remain on active duty. 

Young tied the most recent event to the ongoing strain in Springfield, Ohio, and Clark County over Haitian immigration, which Ohio Senator and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance has openly pushed a narrative that they are a danger to the Ohio community.

“We’ve been in this battle over the last few months, with the attacks on the Haitian community and other immigrants, and we protect people’s rights, and we don’t support the conduct to the contrary,” Young said.

“I can’t go back in time and take that post away; the lieutenant made the post, and he has received consequences for that.”

After apologizing for his actions, Rodgers deleted the posts, deactivated his Facebook account, and paused taking medication. In an attempt to rectify the matter, he reached out to the Clark County Commission, community partners and the NAACP in hopes of having conversations regarding the posts.

“I know it will be difficult for the public to trust me, but I will do everything in my power to start mending that trust. I apologize from the bottom of my heart and want to assure our community I will always serve to the best of my ability and strive to do better,” Rodgers wrote in a letter he shared with the News-Sun. 

“I want to assure the citizens in our community that I have always treated everyone with dignity and respect no matter our differences and will strive to show them I can do better.”

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Black girl digital, black influencers weekend
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 4, 2024

Black Girl Digital Media Hosts Creators Weekend To Elevate Diverse Influencers

The event connected brands and creators to spark new, diverse partnerships.

Black Girl Digital Media brought diverse influencers to network, while shedding light on the struggles they still face within the industry.

Presented by Walt Disney World, The BGD Media’s Inaugural Black Influencer Weekend began Nov. 1 in Atlanta. The organization invited content creators as they discussed the gaps within the creator economy, while pushing for more representation. Developed by CEO Latoya Shambo and CMO Latoya T. Bond, the weekend’s mission sought to provide knowledge for brands and creators. Through this effort, they aim to spark new partnerships that speak to the diversity of the industry.

“Our mission is to harness the power of multicultural marketing while elevating diverse creators,” the powerhouse duo wrote on the post. “By joining forces, we’re able to offer brands innovative strategies that build real, long-lasting connections with diverse communities.”

During the three-day event, over 1,500 attendees were treated to fun and engaging conversations through their VIP Creator game night and Influencer Impact Summit. Speakers included media personality Yandy Smith, beauty and lifestyle creative director Tiarra Monet, and women’s basketball coach Sydney Carter, among others within the media space.

Conversations ranged from balancing work outside of social media, maintaining one’s mental health, and fostering the right partnerships. The weekend capped off with the 3rd Annual Black Girl Digital Awards. Nominees such as Druski, Monet McMichael, and Kai Cenat gained recognition for amplifying their voices in various mediums.

“The importance of this weekend is really just to have a community, a place for creators in the city and around the city,” Shambo said to 11Alive News. “A lot of creators flew in to connect with their peers, to connect directly with brands and platforms, and really just build deeper relationships with each other outside of [Instagram]. The beauty in the creator economy and the creators themselves is that they’re just naturally authentic…”

Moreover, the marketing agency hopes that participants left with a refreshed strength to make their mark in the creator space. For established and emerging influencers, knowing how to build a brand that stands out remains pivotal to their cause.

RELATED CONTENT: Social Media Influencers Call For Equal Pay At Black Girl Digital Awards

Earth Wind & Fire, ONE MUSICFEST
by Ida Harris

November 4, 2024

One Musicfest Celebrates 15 Years Of Fellowship And Music With Earth, Wind & Fire

ONE Musicfest has staying power

One Musicfest celebrated 15 years of fellowship and music the weekend of Oct. 26-27. The event is known for bringing out over 100,000 attendees to experience the best and brightest entertainers at outdoor venues in Atlanta. This year the festival was held at Atlanta’s Central Park and featured a P&G stage and a Sprite stage, as well as Mielle, Bevel booths and a host of vendors. The festival also weaved in conversations around civic engagement with Georgia’s public advocates, Senator Raphael Warnock and Mayor Andre Dickens, seized the opportunity to show their support for Vice President Kamala Harris and encourage the crowd to vote. 

For its milestone anniversary — One Musicfest did its big one and presented the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire, among others, to a massive crowd of generational fans which was quite fitting to witness. It is clear that Earth, Wind & Fire, one of the most premier and iconic bands in modern history. The band, which still consists of three of its original members — Verdine White, Philip Bailey, and Ralph Johnson — took to the main stage and performed a string of memorable classics like “Can’t Hide Love,” “Shining Star,” and “September.”

The latter provoked a performance of the electric slide line dance among a modest crowd of EWF fans.  And if there was any indication that each song was part of many playlists in many households and were passed down many family trees throughout the 1970s, 80s and beyond, the scene at OMF made it ever so clear.

“I remember this song,” a young festival-goer told BLACK ENTERPRISE. As Bailey hit falsettos, he swayed to the all too familiar tune of yet another cult classic of EWF, “Reasons.” 

“My mom used to play this a lot when I was growing up,” he said.

 

Earth, Wind & Fire has been active for more than 55 years and shows no sign of slowing down. The group has tour dates throughout the end of year. Much like the elements, ONE Musicfest has staying power and ability to entertain a diverse audience of music lovers — 15 years to date and years to come. 

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