• Sports

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 24, 2025

LaMelo Ball Teams Up With Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles For Latest PUMA Collection

“It’s been great bringing these designs to life. Each sneaker really is 1 of 1,” said Ball

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Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball is partnering with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for limited-edition PUMA footwear.

PUMA announced that the footwear will be a set of reimagined basketball sneakers released in four limited-edition, collectible colorways from Ball’s signature line in February.

• Technology

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

January 24, 2025

Google Unveils Gemini AI Updates With Chained Actions And Multimodal Features

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Google announced a series of updates to its Gemini AI platform, further positioning it as a cutting-edge tool for users seeking seamless, intelligent assistance. The upgrades, which coincide with the launch of the Samsung S25 series, include action-chaining capabilities, multimodal functionality, and a preview of Project Astra — a next-level AI assistant experience.

Gemini’s Chained Actions Revolutionize AI Integration

The most anticipated feature of this update is Gemini’s new ability to chain actions, allowing users to accomplish complex tasks without switching between apps manually. With this upgrade, Gemini can, for example, connect to Google Maps to find nearby restaurants, then seamlessly draft a text in Google Messages to invite friends to lunch — all through a single chain of commands.

“Chained actions represent a new era in AI usability,” said a Google spokesperson. “We’re making it easier for users to navigate their day by connecting apps and actions in intuitive ways.”

The feature will be available across devices running Gemini, provided they support the necessary extensions. Most major Google apps, such as Maps, Calendar, and Messages, are already integrated, and Samsung’s proprietary apps — including Reminder, Notes, and Clock — also support the functionality. Developers are encouraged to create extensions to expand Gemini’s compatibility further.

Gemini Live Goes Multimodal

Gemini Live, the conversational component of Google’s AI platform, is receiving significant enhancements as well. Now equipped with multimodal capabilities, Gemini Live can analyze and respond to user-uploaded images, files, and even YouTube videos during conversations.

For example, a user could ask, “How can I improve this school project?” while uploading an image of their work, and Gemini Live would provide detailed feedback.

These multimodal features, however, require the advanced processing power found in newer devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy S24, S25, and Pixel 9.

“Multimodal capabilities make Gemini Live even more like having a real, knowledgeable assistant by your side,” said the Google representative. “It’s not just about answering questions anymore—it’s about collaborating.”

Project Astra: The Future of AI Assistance

Google also teased the next phase of its Gemini platform, Project Astra, which is set to roll out in the coming months. Astra aims to merge AI with real-world interactivity by leveraging a phone’s camera to answer questions about the user’s surroundings. For instance, pointing a phone at a monument could prompt Gemini to provide historical details, or scanning a bus stop could reveal the arrival time of the next bus.

While initially available on Samsung S25 and Pixel devices, Project Astra’s potential expands further when paired with Google’s prototype AI glasses. These hands-free glasses allow users to ask questions and receive responses without needing to interact with a phone screen.

Though Google has yet to announce a release date for its AI glasses, their arrival is expected to compete with Meta’s Ray-Ban Stories, signaling a growing market for AI-powered wearables.

Device Compatibility and Availability

The updates to Gemini are strategically aligned with Samsung’s new Galaxy S25 launch, but are also compatible with Galaxy S24 and Pixel 9 phones. The multimodal and Astra features, however, will remain exclusive to these newer devices due to the hardware demands.

“Gemini is evolving rapidly, and we’re committed to delivering its full potential across our partnerships,” the spokesperson added.

Industry Impact

Google’s announcements place the Gemini AI platform at the forefront of consumer-focused artificial intelligence. By integrating advanced functionality like chaining actions and multimodal responses, Google continues to push the boundaries of what AI assistants can achieve.

The upcoming launch of Project Astra further solidifies Gemini’s role in enhancing real-world interactions, with applications ranging from productivity to education and travel. Combined with hardware advancements like AI-enabled glasses, these updates underline Google’s ambition to dominate the emerging market for AI assistants and wearables.

As these features begin rolling out, users can expect a more cohesive, intuitive experience, bridging the gap between digital and real-world problem-solving.

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• News

by Kandiss Edwards

January 24, 2025

Karine Jean-Pierre And Jemele Hill Will Attend BE Women Of Power Summit

Karine Jean-Pierre and Jemel Hill will grace the stage to have "Conversation That Counts."

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Karine Jean-Pierre and Jemele Hill will both take the stage at the 2025 BLACK ENTERPRISE Women of Power Summit, set for March 5-9 at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

Jean-Pierre is transitioning to the next chapter of her career after serving as press secretary and presidential advisor in the Biden administration. She also holds the distinction of being the first and only Black and queer press secretary.

A graduate of Columbia University, the special advisor to the president has held various political roles throughout her career. Her extensive résumé reflects her commitment to the ethical dissemination of information and political service.

While Jean-Pierre gained national recognition in the White House press briefing room, she has been a prominent voice in political discussions long before serving in President Biden’s administration. She served as MoveOn.org’s chief public affairs officer, NBC political analyst, regional political director for the White House Office of Political Affairs, and deputy battleground states director for the 2012 election. Jean-Pierre’s career offers much to learn from this Woman of Power.

The Women of Power Summit will also honor Jemele Hill, a commentator, television host, and journalist, with the Luminary Award. At the Luminary Award Luncheon, Hill will be celebrated for advocating for Black women in underrepresented spaces, including ESPN’s SportsCenter. Hill’s refusal to compromise on her values often sparks contentious debates online, yet she remains steadfast—a true woman of power.

Currently, Hill is working on several projects that align her journalistic skills, sharp wit, and passion for creating peak entertainment. She is leading Above the Fold on TruTV and working on a children’s book that will be released later this year.

Join us at BE’s Women of Power Summit to learn, grow, and celebrate with exceptional Black women.

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• Business

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 24, 2025

Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks Hosts Massive Grand Opening For New Flagship Location

Big Dave's Cheesesteaks has a brand new flagship location on Marietta Street in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks is starting 2025 on a high note after facing the loss of its original flagship location last year. The beloved Philly cheesesteak chain is thrilled to unveil its new official flagship location.

The new Atlanta location, located at 300 Marietta St, in the former Waffle House building, will now serve as the chain’s headquarters. It will replace the original flagship, which was forced to close last year due to massive flooding throughout the city. Saturday, Jan. 18, was the official grand opening, and a press release revealed that celebrities like Jeezy, T.I., and Killer Mike came out to see founder and owner Derrick Hayes cut the ribbon.

“Six months later, it feels really good. Not too many people can lose their location in six months and build another one in the same area,” Hayes told The Atlanta Voice after announcing the new flagship last July.

“I know God is watching over me. I know my father is watching over me. I got angels watching over me right now, and it’s making this thing happen for me, so I’m not alone in this.”

Hayes is going all out for Big Dave’s new flagship. The Marietta Street location features standout elements such as a lively outdoor patio, striking neon signage, and custom-made installations of the Liberty Bell and cheesesteak art — tributes to Hayes’ Philadelphia roots. These distinctive touches set the stage for an inviting atmosphere that welcomed VIPs, celebrities, and the public alike.

As part of the new flagship launch, Hayes introduced Halal beef and an 18-inch cheesesteak sandwich to Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks menu. Enhancing the chain’s signature Philly-inspired flair, Big Dave’s also partnered with Philly Pretzel Factory — the world’s largest pretzel franchise, boasting over 175 locations nationwide — to offer freshly baked, hand-twisted soft pretzels, a staple of Philadelphia’s culinary tradition.

Others in attendance at the Grand Opening included Pinky Cole-Hayes (his wife and owner of Slutty Vegan and Bar Vegan), Big Tigger, actor Isaiah John, AJ Calloway, David Banner, Jhonni Blaze, Chaka Zulu, Milan Harris (owner of Milano Di Rouge) and more. Pastor John Gray opened the event with a prayer, followed by Hayes receiving a proclamation from Atlanta City Councilman Byron Amos and a letter from Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. Cole-Hayes and PepsiCo veteran Derek Lewis also delivered special remarks to celebrate the momentous occasion.

The new flagship joins Big Dave’s growing list of locations across Atlanta, including outlets at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It continues the restaurant’s tradition of excellence, having been recognized by World Food Champions as one of the “Top 10 Best Sandwiches.”

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• Sports

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 24, 2025

Former Super Bowl Champ And Running Back Calvin Jones Dead At 54

The 54-year-old was found in the basement of his home in Omaha

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Former NFL player Calvin Jones was recently found dead in his apartment.

• Diversity, Equality, Inclusion

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 24, 2025

Acting VA Director Warns Efforts To Disguise DEI Programs Will Have ‘Adverse Consequences’

Trump said this would happen....

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Department of Veterans Affairs Acting Secretary Todd Hunter advised staff disguising diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs or job titles to avoid termination “may result in adverse consequences,” USA Today reports. 

The email warned employees that he was “aware of efforts by some in government to disguise these programs by using coded or imprecise language.” Hunter continued to push for reports of such efforts within 10 days of knowledge, and failure to “snitch” “may result in adverse consequences.” “These programs divided Americans by race, wasted taxpayer dollars, and resulted in shameful discrimination,” he wrote. 

Hunter’s warning comes just days after President Donald Trump signed an executive order to dismantle all DEI programs at the federal level. Similar language was sent to employees at other agencies, such as the Social Security Administration. On Jan. 21, U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Acting Director Charles Ezell sent a memo for all DEIA office employees to be on paid administrative leave no later than 5 p.m. on Jan. 22., according to NPR. By noon on Jan. 23, agencies were asked to send in a complete list of names of staff who have been employed since Election Day 2024. 

In addition, a written plan for DEIA layoffs needs to be sent in by Jan. 31. “Given the broad brush that they have painted, it’s potentially very large numbers of people,” acting head of OPM under former President Joe Biden Rob Shriver said. 

Shriver and others view the move as part of a larger effort to sideline employees’ careers as a favor to political loyalists. Alaysia Black Hackett, who served as chief diversity and equity officer at the Labor Department, says one common misperception of DEI work is it is only about race. Trump’s order labeled DEI work “illegal” while federal programs recruit job candidates from underserved communities, address pay inequities, curate training programs to heighten equity and inclusion principles, and more. 

Hackett says in reality, it uplifts economic prosperity. “A lot of what we did in DEIA, specifically at the Labor Department, was to ensure that we were creating pathways to good paying jobs. Our strategy was to build an economy for all workers,” she said.

“It’s not just something that we morally do, but it actually helps with the economic prosperity of our country.”

While Hackett walked away from her position prior to Trump’s efforts, other advocates and employees have condemned the indicted president’s ways of penalizing people for simply doing their jobs. “Penalizing career civil servants for faithfully doing their jobs during a prior administration is wrong,” President and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service Max Stier wrote in a statement. 

“The affected employees are everyday people who have to support themselves and their families, and the abrupt and rushed approach chosen here will have a traumatizing impact on not just them but their colleagues who remain in their roles serving the public, as well.”

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• News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 24, 2025

Driver Indicted On 13 Counts In NFL Rookie Khyree Jackson’s Death

Cori Clingman was charged with the deaths of Jackson and two of his former high school teammates.

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Khyree Jackson, who was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings last year, was killed, along with two others, in a car accident in July, and the person allegedly responsible for the crash has been hit with multiple charges.

According to The Washington Post, the driver of the vehicle that struck and killed Jackson and two of his former high school teammates on July 6, 2024, was indicted on 13 counts, including negligent homicide, manslaughter, and driving under the influence of alcohol. Cori Clingman of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, was speeding on that fateful day and impaired by alcohol when the car she was driving, an Infiniti Q50, ran into a Dodge Charger carrying 24-year-old Jackson, 24-year-old Anthony Lytton Jr., and 23-year-old Isaiah Hazel. The three men died.

Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy said, “This was a horrific tragedy that should not have occurred. This is a very serious crime. Three lives were lost. … They were shining stars.”

Clingman, who faces up to 30 years in prison, was arrested by the Prince George’s Sheriff’s Office on Thursday, Jan. 23. She is being held without bond.

In a press release by the Maryland State Police at the time of the incident, officials stated that Hazel and Jackson were pronounced dead at the scene, and Lytton was taken to the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center, where he later died.

The three men were teammates at Wise High School in Upper Marlboro and went on to play Division 1-A college football. Jackson, drafted in the fourth round by the Vikings, played his collegiate career at the University of Oregon. Lytton played at Florida State University and Penn State, while Hazel played at the University of Maryland and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. All three graduated from Wise High School in 2018.

• Celebrity News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 24, 2025

Wendy Williams Conservatorship Case Inspires NY Senator To Push For Guardianship Reform

Wendy Williams' conservatorship case has inspired a New York Senator to push for guardianship reform.

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A New York Senator is pushing for guardianship reform as Wendy Williams works to raise awareness around her conservatorship case.

On Tuesday, Senator Anthony Palumbo (R, C-New Suffolk) announced the renewal of his efforts to reform New York’s guardianship system with the introduction of Karilyn’s Law. Palumbo reignited his push for conservatorship reform following several high-profile cases of guardianship abuse, including Wendy Williams’ revelations about her forced conservatorship and New York Attorney General Letitia James’ investigation into guardianship providers.

The legislation advocates for pathways that enable family members and friends to visit loved ones under guardianship or conservatorship. The bill is named after Karilyn Montanti, a senior and victim of the guardianship system whose loved ones were denied visitation rights.

Williams recently appeared on The Breakfast Club alongside her niece, Alex Finnie, who revealed how difficult the guardianship makes it for family to visit the former talk show host.

“My aunt sounds great,” Finnie said. “I’ve seen her in a very limited capacity, but I’ve seen her. We’re talking to her. This does not match an incapacitated person.”

Williams and Finnie disclosed the conditions the former radio personality has been enduring in a high-security facility, where she is without access to a personal phone. Her guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, retains possession of her previous phone, leaving her able to make outgoing calls but unable to receive incoming ones.

If enacted, Karilyn’s Law would prohibit guardians, care managers, or those with power of attorney from revoking visitation rights or isolating vulnerable individuals in involuntary guardianship. The bill ensures that wards or family members denied their due process rights can request an evidentiary hearing, which the court must hold within 10 days of the application.

“New York’s guardianship system needs to be overhauled to protect some of the State’s most vulnerable residents from forced isolation and provide them with the ability to see loved ones and friends,” Palumbo said. “The denial of visitation rights is just one component of the guardianship abuse we are witnessing throughout New York, but it is the most inhumane and must be addressed in 2025.”

Palumbo is a supporter of Williams, who has been following her case for years and is against her current living conditions. He adds that even though Williams, who was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and primary progressive aphasia in 2023, may be experiencing memory decline, she should still have the right to be with her family rather than being forcibly separated from them.

“Karilyn’s Law is long overdue and is a simple change to improve the State’s guardianship system,” Palumbo said in conclusion. “The legislation will help close a loophole that has allowed guardians with extreme power to deprive individuals of their visitation rights and will reunite family, friends and loved ones. It is the compassionate and right thing to do for the countless families navigating the guardianship system.”

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• Celebrity News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 24, 2025

‘New Jack City’ And ‘Above The Rim’ Writer Barry Michael Cooper Dies In Baltimore At 66

The writer and producer behind classic Black films like "New Jack City" and "Above the Rim" passed away at age 66.

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Barry Michael Cooper, the prolific writer and producer behind the classic Harlem trilogy New Jack City, Sugar Hill, and Above the Rim, died at age 66.

Cooper died in Baltimore, Maryland, on Tuesday, a representative for Spike Lee confirmed. The pair last worked together on the series adaption of Lee’s film debut, She’s Gotta Have It, Variety reports. Cooper produced both seasons and wrote three episodes.

A Harlem native, Cooper was used to working alongside the greats after making his screenwriting debut with Mario Van Peebles on New Jack City, a cult classic film he co-wrote with Thomas Lee Wright. The film, which starred Wesley Snipes, Ice-T, and Chris Rock, marked a major success for Cooper after his shift from investigative reporting at The Village Voice, where he penned the impactful 1989 cover story “Kids Killing Kids: New Jack City Eats Its Young,” which delved into the drug war in Detroit.

“Barry helped define pop culture in the ‘80s and ‘90s with his early reporting on crack, by naming Teddy Riley’s sound ‘new jack swing’ and writing star vehicles for Wesley Snipes (New Jack City, Sugar Hill) and Tupac Shakur (Above the Rim],” writer and friend Nelson George wrote about Cooper in a Substack post. “Though he lived much of the last decades in Baltimore, he was Harlem to his core.”

Dubbed a “Harlem trilogy,” Cooper’s inception into the film industry helped amplify Black onscreen talents like Snipes and Ice-T, who played a ruthless gang leader and hardened cop in New Jack City, respectively, and a young Rock who was getting his footing in acting while continuing his rise as a standup comic. Snipes returned for Sugar Hill in 1994, the same year Cooper released Above the Rim, which starred Leon, Tupac Shakur, Duane Martin, and Marlon Wayans.

Cooper made his directorial debut in 2005 with Blood on the Wall$, a low-budget web series about a television producer’s descent into a downward spiral. 2008, he produced the Larry Davis episode for season 3 of American Gangster. His Harlem upbringing served as inspiration for much of his work in film and television.

Cooper’s death came shortly after his most recent Instagram post on MLK Day, in which he paid homage to the civil rights icon and his classic film New Jack City.

“15 January 2025 – Dr. MLK Day – “Am I My Brother’s Keeper? – Baltimore, MD,” he captioned his final shared photo of himself.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Barry Michael Cooper (@bmcharlemworld)

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• Politics

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

January 24, 2025

Trump Rescinds Biden Executive Order On Drug Costs, Sparking Backlash From Democrats

Trump dismissed the order as part of what he called Biden’s “unpopular, inflationary, illegal, and radical practices.”

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On his first day back in office, President Donald Trump revoked a series of Biden-era executive orders, including one designed to lower prescription drug costs for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. The move, which eliminates Executive Order 14087, has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats and healthcare advocates, who see it as a significant setback for affordability and access to essential medications.

The executive order, signed by President Biden in 2022, tasked the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) with exploring innovative payment and delivery models to reduce drug costs. The directive aimed to build on the healthcare cost provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and proposed strategies such as capping co-pays for generic drugs and pooling state Medicaid resources to negotiate better prices for high-cost specialty drugs.

Trump dismissed the order as part of what he called Biden’s “unpopular, inflationary, illegal, and radical practices.” However, critics argue that the rollback undermines efforts to address the rising costs of prescription medications for millions of Americans.

The Biden administration had made strides in tackling prescription costs, with HHS publishing a 2023 report on potential reforms. One proposal under consideration involved allowing Medicare Part D sponsors to offer 150 high-value generic drugs with a $2 monthly co-payment cap. Another proposed initiative would have coordinated multi-state agreements to leverage collective bargaining power for specialty drug discounts. Despite the potential benefits, none of these models were implemented during Biden’s term.

Several measures enacted under the IRA remain in place, including a $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap for Medicare beneficiaries, which took effect this year. Additionally, reduced prices for the first 10 drugs selected for Medicare negotiations will begin in 2026. Temporary rebates saved dozens of prescriptions in 2024, offering immediate relief for some beneficiaries.

Trump’s decision has reignited the debate over how best to address drug pricing, with Democrats accusing him of prioritizing pharmaceutical industry interests over public health.

“Donald Trump is already following through on his dangerous plans to jack up the costs of drugs to appease his billionaire backers,” said Alex Floyd, the Democratic National Committee’s Rapid Response Director. “Trump is proving once again that he lied to the American people and doesn’t care about lowering costs – only what’s best for himself and his ultra-rich friends.”

Rescinding the executive order means the innovative models proposed by Biden’s administration are now off the table. The $2 co-pay for generic drugs would have been a game-changer for many Medicare beneficiaries, particularly those on fixed incomes. Similarly, the multi-state outcomes-based agreements could have reduced Medicaid costs by streamlining negotiations for high-cost medications, addressing inefficiencies that burden state agencies.

This rollback comes amid broader healthcare policy reversals under Trump’s second administration. Republicans argue that scaling back government intervention will reduce costs in the long run. Advocates, however, warn that these actions could leave vulnerable populations struggling to afford their medications.

HHS data shows that many Medicare beneficiaries already face challenges affording their prescriptions, with some skipping doses or forgoing treatments altogether. Critics of Trump’s decision argue that it exacerbates financial strain for millions of Americans who depend on affordable access to essential drugs.

The Biden administration also explored ways to incentivize drug manufacturers to complete confirmatory clinical trials for drugs approved under accelerated approval. At the time of the 2023 report, nearly one-third of drugs approved through this process had incomplete trials, leading to increased costs for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)—the proposal aimed to reduce spending on delayed trials while promoting accountability within the pharmaceutical industry.

Trump’s supporters contend that rescinding these measures will cut red tape and foster innovation, but opponents see it as a gift to pharmaceutical companies at the expense of everyday Americans. As Democrats push back against these rollbacks, they will likely highlight the tangible benefits of the IRA provisions still in effect, framing Trump’s actions as a step backward in the fight for affordable health care.

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