pastor, Cryptocurrency Scheme, Regalado, Kingdom Wealth Exchange,
by Rafael Pena

January 30, 2024

Pastor Allegedly Scams Over $3M From His Followers In Cryptocurrency Scheme

Eli Regalado, an online pastor with Victorious Grace Church in Colorado, finds himself entangled in civil fraud charges, alongside his wife, Kaitlyn Regalado.

The Washington Post reported that Eli Regalado, an online pastor and self-proclaimed prophet associated with Victorious Grace Church in Colorado, is entangled in civil fraud charges alongside his wife, Kaitlyn Regalado. The charges, brought forth by Colorado’s Securities Commissioner, assert that the couple exploited their ministry to defraud over 300 investors of $3.2 million through their cryptocurrency venture, INDXcoin.

The Regalados allegedly intertwined biblical references to market their unregistered securities, enticing investors with promises of “abundance” and “blessings.” The complaint reveals a scheme where the couple failed to disclose their lack of licensing to sell securities, their dearth of crypto experience, and critical technological deficiencies in their cryptocurrency, exclusively tradable on their platform, Kingdom Wealth Exchange.

“The Lord said: I want you to build this,” Regalado said. “We took God at his word and sold a cryptocurrency with no clear exit.”

The accusations have sent shockwaves through the community, prompting former employees and acquaintances to share insights into pastor Regalado’s complex journey. From a troubled past marked by criminal activities like car theft and assault, to a professed transformation after finding faith in prison, Regalado built a successful marketing agency in 2013, raising funds for Kickstarter projects. Despite claims of associations with Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and Wikipedia creator Jimmy Wales, these assertions have been called into question.

Regalado’s life took a spiritual turn as he claimed to receive divine messages guiding his business decisions. His company, once thriving in crowdfunding, shifted focus to a Christian T-shirt business and later to the creation of a cryptocurrency, INDXcoin. The crowdfunding successes turned into an alleged venture of deceit, with the Regalados purportedly misappropriating funds for personal luxuries, culminating in their current legal predicament.

“We allege that Mr. Regalado took advantage of the trust and faith of his own Christian community and that he peddled outlandish promises of wealth to them when he sold them essentially worthless cryptocurrencies,” Colorado Securities Commissioner Tung Chan said in a statement.

The couple’s narrative took a peculiar turn when Eli Regalado, in a widely circulated video, addressed the charges, depicting the situation as a divine misunderstanding.

Despite lacking any previous experience in cryptocurrency trading, pastor Regalado claimed he felt compelled to sell INDXcoin due to a divine directive. He asserted, “God is in the business of doing new things and breaking seals. And he did tell us to do this.”

Expressing his initial reluctance, Regalado recalled saying, “Lord, I don’t want to do this. I don’t know how to do this. I don’t have any experience in this industry. I don’t know what I’m doing. I don’t want to be caught up in something.”

However, the aftermath proved problematic for investors who acquired INDXcoin, as technical glitches prevented them from converting the cryptocurrency into cash, as revealed by Regalado. He acknowledged the setback, stating, “We launched an exchange. The exchange technology failed. Things went downhill. I know this looks terrible.”

He openly admitted to pocketing a substantial sum and proposed two potential scenarios: either he misheard God, or God was still actively working on the project. The defense maintains that a considerable portion of the funds went towards legitimate expenses, including tax payments and a home remodel, all guided by divine instructions.

While some followers continue to offer unwavering support to Regalado, others recall his history of dubious business decisions and financial woes. Former employees highlight a shift in the business model, from crowdfunding triumphs to the creation of a cryptocurrency that failed to deliver on its lofty promises.

RELATED CONTENT: The Cryptocurrency Conundrum: N.O.R.E’s Lament Highlights Disturbing Trends In NFT Investments

breast density, breast cancer
by Atiya Jordan

January 30, 2024

New Study Points Out Flaw In Breast Cancer Test That May Impact Black Women

The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology cites the test as a recommendation to determine treatment for patients with ER-positive, HER2-negative tumors without axillary lymph node metastases.

The validity of the most highly sought-after genetic test to assess breast cancer in the U.S. is under question as it relates to non-Hispanic Black women.

A recent study published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network shows that the Oncotype DX 21-gene test may underscore the chemotherapy benefits for Black women with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer. The results of the research, led by the University of Illinois Chicago, also found an underestimation in younger cancer patients.

“This raises an important question regarding whether the 21-gene recurrence score has been adequately validated as a predictive biomarker in racial and ethnic minority patients,” wrote lead author Kent Hoskins, a professor of oncology at the University of Illinois Chicago, and colleagues. “Fewer than 10% of participants in the validation studies of the recurrence score were non-Hispanic Black, underscoring this concern.”

Specifically, the Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score Test “analyzes the activity of a group of genes that can affect how an early-stage breast cancer is likely to behave and respond to treatment,” according to breastcancer.org. The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology recommends the test to determine treatment for patients with ER-positive, HER2-negative tumors without axillary lymph node metastases.

BEHIND THE STUDY

On the other hand, researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago used data of a total of 73,363 women who had ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer without axillary lymph node metastases. The study included 6,003 women who identified as Asian/Pacific Islander, 5,697 who were non-Hispanic Black, 6,688 who were Hispanic, and 54,945 who were non-Hispanic White. All women with a score of 26–100 had reductions in risk for death from their cancer, with chemotherapy treatment ranging from 20–50%, depending on ethnicity. Of the reductions, the study revealed that Black women aged 50 years or younger had a different risk than white women.

WHAT DO THE RESEARCHERS PROPOSE?

The researchers conducted an “exploratory subgroup” analysis of women aged 50 or younger with a reduction score of 11–25 and at least seven years of follow-up. As a result, it was proposed that the reduction cutoffs for chemotherapy should be adjusted in young women based on race/ethnicity,” especially Black women.

“If confirmed, the recurrence score cutoff for recommending adjuvant chemotherapy for young non-Hispanic Black women with ER-positive, axillary node–negative breast cancer may need to be lower than for other women. This study also underscores the need to account for the racial and ethnic diversity of the target population in the development and validation of cancer biomarkers,” conclude the authors.

RELATED CONTENT: Meet The Sisters Who Are Changing The Lives Of Women With Breast Cancer Nationwide

Jam Master Jay, trial, murder, 2, defendants, guilty, murder, Jordan, Washington
by Rafael Pena

January 30, 2024

Jam Master Jay Murdered By Childhood Friend And Godson, According To Prosecutors

DJ Jam Master Jay fell victim to an ambush and execution orchestrated by his godson, Karl Jordan Jr., and childhood friend Ronald Washington.

Reuters reported that Run-DMC’s legendary DJ Jam Master Jay fell victim to an ambush and execution orchestrated by his godson, Karl Jordan Jr., and childhood friend Ronald Washington, according to prosecutors. The trial, underway in Brooklyn federal court, is shedding light on the unresolved slaying that occurred in 2002 and has long haunted the hip-hop community.

Assistant United States Attorney Miranda Gonzalez vividly described the alleged crime during opening arguments, stating, “The bullet burned his hair and skin on his head.” Jordan and Washington are facing charges of murder while engaged in narcotics trafficking and firearm-related murder, with additional drug distribution charges lodged against Jordan.

The prosecution alleges that Jordan shot Jam Master Jay point-blank in the head while the DJ was playing video games on a couch in his Jamaica, Queens recording studio. The incident unfolded on October 30, 2002, with Tony Rincon sustaining a gunshot wound in the leg while Lydia High was discovered hysterical in the studio. Jordan was identified as the shooter months later by High and in 2016 by Rincon.

Accused accomplice Jay Bryant reportedly facilitated the entrance of Jordan and Washington through a fire escape. Jordan allegedly entered the studio and shot Mizell when he stood up, resulting in instantaneous death.

Gonzalez emphasized the personal connection between Mizell and the accused, contending that he had financially supported them by involving them in his drug-dealing enterprise when the musical group lost its prominence. However, a fallout occurred when Mizell excluded Jordan and Washington from a $200,000 narcotics deal in Baltimore, allegedly triggering the fatal encounter.

“It was motivated by greed and revenge,” Gonzalez declared.

Jordan’s chilling alleged admission that, if Mizell were still alive, he would “kill him again” surfaced two decades after the slaying, underscoring the deep-seated animosity that fueled the crime.

Defense attorneys argued that the government’s case relies on “aging memories” and lacks physical evidence. Detective James Lusk admitted under cross-examination that no photos of the fire escape were taken in 2002, and there was no video surveillance footage, despite the studio having a security system.

Ezra Spilke, Washington’s lawyer, emphasized that his client, struggling with alcoholism at the time, was reliant on Mizell for shelter, questioning the motive behind harming the one who provided support.

The trial, expected to last four weeks, promises to unravel the complex dynamics that led to the shocking demise of Jam Master Jay, a hip-hop pioneer whose legacy endures.

RELATED CONTENT: Jam Master Jay’s Daughter Shares ‘Laws of Power’ to Become a Successful Seven-Figure Entrepreneur

bats, mammal, UGA, University of Georgia
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 30, 2024

UGA Students Battle Bats In Dorms Amid Public Health Concern

UGA students are facing a battle with bats as they swarm one of the school's dorms.

The University of Georgia (UGA) is dealing with an unlikely battle with bats. An infestation of the mammal in one of the school’s dorms, Oglethorpe House, has students and parents alike concerned for their safety.

As students returned for the spring term, bats were found within and surrounding the dorm. Oglethorpe House residents have caught the flying mammal in their hallways, causing students to be on high alert when venturing out of their rooms. One student told Fox 5 about her experience with one of the bats flying after her.

“It’s very alarming,” shared student Eva Sardon. “There was one in the lobby, and it was, like, on the floor, and then all of a sudden, it just got up and started flying at me, so I ran back to my room.”

Atlanta News First shared photos and video of the numerous bats within the facility,

While UGA is taking the legal steps to remove the bats, requiring certain precautions for a protected species, some students feel more should be done to ensure their own well-being.

“I don’t know how exterminating works, but I feel like there could be more done,’ shared first-year student Ella Jones. “But they have certain qualifications they can’t do because they’re a protected species. But I go to school here, am I not a protected species? I sure hope I am.”

According to Executive Director of Campus Housing Linda Kasper, the bats found their way into the building through holes on the roof of the penthouse. However, despite having contacted a pest control company to resolve the issue, the mammal’s small frame can make them hard to track down.

The issue has caused the university to contact the Georgia Department of Health to ensure no students are infected by diseases like rabies. While bats carrying fatal illnesses such as this are particularly rare, Kasper has assured that the school is remaining diligent to note of any bat exposure by the campus community,

“We’ve been working with the Department of Public Health since last week encouraging anyone who has had any contact with the bats, so everyone who lives in this building, everyone who has worked in this building, to take a survey.”

LeBron James
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 30, 2024

LeBron James Breaks Another NBA Record

He became the oldest player in NBA history to score 30 points and pull down 20 rebounds in a game

Future NBA Hall of Famer LeBron James is still adding accomplishments to his career, and it doesn’t look like he is stopping anytime soon.

According to The Athletic, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar helped his team seal the victory over the Golden State Warriors by making two free throws at the end of a game that went into double overtime. The Lakers won the game 145-144, and the forward broke a record when he achieved a triple-double to become the oldest player in NBA history to score 30 points and pull down 20 rebounds in a game. LeBron is 39 years old but playing like he just came out of college.

His feat took place on the Warriors’ home court at the Chase Center on Saturday, Jan. 27.

LeBron’s stat line for the contest was 36 points and 20 rebounds (which amounted to a career-high for him) as he dished out 12 assists. He is the first Laker to post a 30-20-10 stat line since NBA Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did it in 1976. He also joined Elgin Baylor in accomplishing that task.

“Setting new standards,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said after the game. “From the duration of his career, which continues on, the level in which he’s played throughout that career and still playing to this day. Just phenomenal, man.”

Although the Lakers and Warriors are currently outside of the playoff race, both teams gave it their all.

Stephen Curry also had a phenomenal performance in a losing effort. By scoring a season-high 27 points behind the three-point line, he ended up scoring a team-high 46 points.

The Lakers’ win has given them hope in inching toward obtaining a playoff entry as they upped their season record to 24-23, while the loss for Golden State puts them at 19-24.

RELATED CONTENT: LeBron James Welcomes Memphis Grizzlies Guard Ja Morant Back To NBA

Jackie Robinson
by Rafael Pena

January 30, 2024

Statue Of Jackie Robinson Stolen From A Kansas Park

A statue of baseball legend Jackie Robinson was stolen from a public park in Wichita, Kansas, prompting a swift police response and a community in distress.

In a brazen act that has sparked public outrage, a cherished statue of baseball legend Jackie Robinson was stolen from a public park on Jan. 25 in Wichita, Kansas, prompting a swift police response and leaving a community in distress, according to NBC News.

The statue, which pays tribute to the pioneering athlete who broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947, disappeared from the park mysteriously. Surveillance footage captured two individuals illicitly removing the sculpture under the cover of darkness. Strikingly, the thieves cut the statue at the ankles, leaving only Robinson’s feet remaining.

Expressing frustration and disbelief, Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan condemned the audacity of the perpetrators during a news conference on Friday. He emphasized the impact on the local community, particularly children and families who frequent the park to learn about Jackie Robinson’s history and engage in the sport of baseball. Chief Sullivan stated, “This should upset all of us.”

Compounding the distress is the timing of the theft, occurring just before the onset of Black History Month. Robinson, who initially played for the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro Leagues before making history with the Brooklyn Dodgers, holds a revered status not only as a sports legend but also as a significant figure in the civil rights movement.

Wichita City Council member Brandon Johnson strongly condemned the theft, describing it as “horrendous” and “disgusting.” The sentiment among residents is one of hurt and anger, with calls for justice echoing throughout the community.

The incident has prompted a police investigation and increased vigilance to apprehend the thieves and recover the stolen statue. Authorities are leveraging any available leads, including the released surveillance footage, to swiftly resolve the case and return the symbol of Jackie Robinson’s legacy to the park.

As the city grapples with the aftermath of this audacious act, there is a collective hope for a swift resolution and the restoration of a monument with profound cultural and historical significance.

RELATED CONTENT: Baseball Glove Worn by Jackie Robinson Expected to Sell for $750K at Auction

Nike Kobe Sneakers, Nike, Kobes, fake,
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 30, 2024

Isaiah Thomas Warns People About Fake Nike Kobe Sneakers Being Sold

"I'm an original TEAM KOBE member so I can spot a fake Kobe from a mile away," Thomas said.

Forgery in the sneakerhead market is a big issue among people who are fans of expensive sneakers. According to Complex, that hasn’t gone unnoticed by NBA veteran Isaiah Thomas, who recently took to social media to warn fans and collectors alike of the fake Nike Kobe sneakers floating around.

The point guard, who has donned the uniforms for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, and in 2022 the Charlotte Hornets, took to his X account (formerly known as Twitter) to let sneakerheads know that they are getting fooled by these fakes floating around on the market. He warned people to research who they’re buying their footwear from, because it could likely be a fake pair of Nikes.

After Complex Sneakers wrote on its X account to advise other users that the former Dallas Mavericks player is trying to look out for them, Thomas reiterated his concern for those being fooled into the fake Nike Kobe sneakers. He reminded fans he was once a Team Kobe member for Nike and can tell when they aren’t authentic. He even questioned the sellers, telling their consumers that there are no refunds, even for a fake pair of the sneakers they are profiting from.

He wasn’t specific in identifying the sneakers that are being cloned and sold for authentic wear, but he also had Since Thomas was once associated with the Nike Kobe sneakers — his own signature Kobes, the “Mighty I.T.” Kobe AD Mid, were released back in 2018 — he seems sincere in making sure that people aren’t duped into spending their hard-earned money on fake footwear.

RELATED CONTENT: Nike Preparing To Release The Kobe 4 Protro Gold Medal In Fall 2024

Candace Owens, Lil RT
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 30, 2024

Candace Owens ‘Terrified’ Of Female Pilots, Slams DEI Efforts

Candace Owens slammed for her conservative viewpoint, in which she admitted to being "terrified" of women pilots due to increased DEI efforts from United Airlines.

Candace Owens continues to face backlash on the internet for her extreme and exclusionary takes. The conservative crusader shocked X users on Jan. 26 for stating she would be “terrified” if she were on a plane with a woman pilot, blaming quotas derived from diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) efforts for the fear. 

Owens reshared her commentary from Daily Wire, telling her naysayers to “save your outrage.” Doubling down on her belief that women pilots are solely there to fill a quota and not due to their apt skills in aviation, she fully explained her viewpoint.

The video is in response to right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk, who came under fire for stating that if he sees a Black pilot, he hopes he is qualified. 

“But unfortunately, that is the reality of what happens when it comes to DEI, and what he is remarking on is true,” said Owens.

“I would be terrified if I got onto a plane and saw a woman flying the plane, and I know that we have the United [Airline] CEO saying that he just wants to fulfill a quota.”

She continued, stating how United executive Scott Kirby is more concerned with the representation of diverse pilots than their qualifications, an issue she believes should “alarm” everyone. The conversation surrounding this came from Kirby’s goal for 2030 for United to open its own flight training academy so that the next cohort of pilots can consist of half women and minorities. 

Owens may not know the stats on women and minorities and their marginalization in aviation. Beyond the accessibility to obtain one’s pilot’s license, white men make up 88.3% of those in the profession, as reported by Data USA’s 2021 statistics. Airlines seeking to dismantle this barrier by consciously hiring diverse candidates does not equate to a lower threshold for their training. Instead, the decision to be more aware of this issue will allow more individuals, regardless of gender or racial background, to be part of the aviation industry at this level. 

RELATED CONTENT: 9-Year-Old Rapper Tells Candace Owens To Shut Up And Mind Her Business

social media, effective, questions, platforms
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 30, 2024

New York City Deems Social Media A Public Safety Hazard

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has designated social media as a public safety hazard due to its negative impact on mental health, as stated in his State of the City Address in January.

New York City now considers social media a public safety hazard due to its impact on mental health. Mayor Eric Adams declared the news at the annual State of the City Address on Jan. 24, making NYC the first in the nation to do so. 

In his speech, as covered by The Washington Post, Adams noted how social media can negatively impact youth of all ages, especially in regard to their mental health. He cited popular websites such as TikTok and YouTube for their “addictive” features that have contributed to the issue. 

“Companies like TikTok, YouTube, Facebook are fueling a mental health crisis by designing their platforms with addictive and dangerous features,” explained the mayor. 

Upon the announcement, Adams stated that the New York City Health Commissioner will be treating social media and its usage by younger age groups as a “public health crisis hazard.” Under this distinction, the city issued an advisory explaining the issue further, urging parents to monitor their children’s time spent online and advising on how to implement healthy boundaries. 

With the Pew Research Center determining that nearly 95% of teens in America are present on these various apps, social media’s correlation to the growing mental health crisis in teens cannot be overlooked. The advisory noted that between the years of 2011 and 2021, a decade in which access and popularity in social media usage rose, rates of suicidal ideation did as well, by over 34%.

In a study conducted on the social media habits and mental health in adolescents of color, Black youth were subjected to the most racism on various social media platforms. The study noted how racism impacts one’s mental health, with more hours spent online also correlating with depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.  

The heightened exposure to racial injustice and direct harassment, often due to civic engagement via these platforms, found within social media usage, and its impact on one’s mental health is still being uncovered. However, communities nationwide are developing safety strategies to combat this possible correlation while also protecting the wellness of younger users, starting in New York City. 

RELATED CONTENT: How To Avoid Social Media Mishaps In The Workplace

california, cannabis induced psychosis
by Daniel Johnson

January 29, 2024

California Woman Who Stabbed Boyfriend Over 100 Times Gets Probation Due To Cannabis- Induced Psychosis Defense

Though this case is clearly an outlier with unique properties such as the existence of a woman who experienced cannabis-induced psychosis, a June 2021 report from the California Budget and Policy Center sets forth that the incarceration rate for women in California has declined in general, and the incarceration rate for Black and white women dropped by nearly 50% between 2010 and 2019.

Research on cannabis-induced psychosis is spotty, but a case in California has brought increased attention to the phenomenon. Bryn Spejcher’s 2018 stabbing of her boyfriend Chad O’Melia was blamed on the condition, and Judge David Worley decided to give Spejcher probation after determining that a psychotic episode caused her involuntary manslaughter of O’Melia.

The Independent reported that Spejcher received a suspended four-year sentence that could still be served if she violates the conditions of her probation. According to a press release from Ventura County, O’Melia and Spejcher were taking hits from a bong when she had a reaction to the marijuana, which resulted in Spejcher stabbing O’Melia more than 100 times. Spejcher also stabbed herself. When officers arrived on the scene, they found O’Melia covered in blood and Spejcher screaming hysterically and attempting to plunge a long serrated knife into her own neck. Officers tased her and used a baton to remove the knife from her grasp. Paramedics pronounced O’Melia dead at the scene. 

According to Spejcher’s attorney, Michael Goldstein, the sentence was fair due to the circumstances of the case. He noted that even the prosecution’s expert witnesses could not say with certainty that his client had full control of her faculties. 

“Today, Ventura Superior Court judge did the right thing and imposed a sentence that was fair and accurately reflected,” Goldstein said.

“It was clear that she had no control of her faculties and never intended to cause any harm. All of the medical experts agreed, including the expert called by the district attorney’s office.”

However, as Audry Nafziger, the lead prosecutor on the case for the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, told NBC News, there are dangers in Judge Worley’s sentencing. “It sets a very dangerous precedent,” Nafziger said. “It’s also a slap in the face to the victim’s family and speaks poorly to victims’ relief everywhere that…it’s OK to smoke marijuana and butcher someone with three knives. But it’s not OK to smoke marijuana and drive and kill someone. That will send you to jail. …It doesn’t square.”

Nafziger also alluded to the racial aspect of the case: Spejcher is white, while O’Melia, her boyfriend at the time, was a Black man. “When you smoke weed and you’re a white, young, privileged…upper-middle-class woman who bamboozles an old, white male judge, and you get to walk, I don’t know how to reconcile that for all the other criminals and victims in the country,” Nafziger said.

Despite her strong objections, in December the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office issued a statement affirming the diagnosis of cannabis-induced psychosis. “Spejcher had an adverse reaction to the marijuana and suffered from what experts call Cannabis-Induced Psychotic Disorder,” the statement read. “During that psychotic episode, Spejcher stabbed Mr. O’Melia multiple times killing him.”

In September 2023, the initial charge of murder was reduced to involuntary manslaughter after a forensic psychologist determined that due to the psychotic episode caused by the “high potency marijuana” the pair smoked, Spejcher lost cognitive control. No other drugs were found in her body at the time.

Robert Schwartz, another of Spejcher’s attorneys, said Judge Worley “acted courageously in giving her a probationary sentence without imposing any jail time.” Schwartz also stated that “The judge’s sentence was strongly based on the evidence he heard in the trial.”

However, Schwartz also struck a somber tone in expressing that nobody truly won this case. “It’s a horrible tragedy all the way around,” Schwartz said. “It’s a tragedy for the victim and his family, and it’s a tragedy for my client and her family. As we said in the courtroom, ‘Nobody walked away a winner.’”

RELATED CONTENT: Attorney General Holder and Secretary Duncan to Provide Greater Education Services to Incarcerated Youth

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