TikTok Tells U.S. Employees Will Still Have Jobs Despite Ban
The social media platform's future remains uncertain.
As TikTok’s shutdown in the United States looms, the social media platform is telling its U.S. employees they will still have jobs even if the Supreme Court does not intervene to save the company.
“I cannot emphasize enough that your well-being is a top priority, and so most importantly, I want to reinforce that as employees in the US, your employment, pay, and benefits are secure, and our offices will remain open, even if this situation hasn’t been resolved before the January 19 deadline,” a memo to TikTok employees obtained by Reuters, reads.
In December, TikTok’s attorneys asked the Supreme Court to overturn a federal appeals court ruling that would prohibit the short-video social media app from being used in the U.S. if the Chinese owner, ByteDance, does not sell the company.
Last year, President Joe Biden signed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA), which ultimately grants the government authority to ban foreign-owned apps that threaten national security. Surprisingly, the bill received significant bipartisan support in a deeply divided Congress. Lawmakers worried that the Chinese government could access Americans’ data and use it to surveil Americans and spread misinformation despite the app being banned in China.
TikTok has said that the concerns are meritless and challenges that the ban infringes on Americans’ First Amendment rights.
However, the Supreme Court seemed inclined to uphold the lower court of appeals decision just last week. Shutting down TikTok would impact roughly 170 million Americans who use the popular social media app. President-elect Donald Trump and lawmakers have called for extending the Jan. 19 deadline.
According to NBC News, the Biden administration is considering ways to keep the app going so it doesn’t immediately go dark on Sunday. The law Biden signed in April 2024 gives him authority to grant a one-time 90-day extension if “significant progress” has been made toward the divestment.
Snoop Dogg Rumored To Perform At Crypto Ball ‘In Honor Of Trump Inauguration’
The rapper's stance on Trump has softened and he is a longtime advocate for cryptocurrency.
Snoop Dogg is rumored to be performing at Jan. 17’s Crypto Ball in Washington, D.C., according to The New York Post, which will be held to celebrate president-elect Donald Trump.
A flyer for the event reads, “In honor of the inauguration of Donald Trump, the first crypto president.” Trump will be inaugurated on Monday, Jan. 20.
Snoop Dogg hasn’t confirmed his appearance at the event, which costs $2,500 to attend. But Politico reporter Daniel Lipman shared news of the rapper’s appearance on X.
“SNOOP DOGG SCOOP: Snoop Dogg is expected to perform at the inaugural Crypto Ball on Friday night, three people familiar with the planning,” Lipman wrote.
Donald Trump’s inauguration will include a “Crypto Ball,” with technology industry leaders celebrating him as “the first crypto president”. pic.twitter.com/88KdGQ1Iyf
The rapper has been an outspoken advocate for cryptocurrency for years. In 2013, he promoted digital currency by joking that he would accept it as payment for his upcoming album and deliver it via drone.
My next record available in bitcoin n delivered in a drone.
Snoop’s support for the Crypto Ball is unsurprising, given his longstanding advocacy for the technology. However, fans may be disappointed by his involvement and change of tune regarding Donald Trump.
The Murder Was The Case rapper was once vocal about his disdain for the then-presidential candidate, calling Trump harmful to the Black community. In recent years, Snoop has softened his stance, adopting a more conciliatory approach.
January 2024, in an interview with the Sunday Times, the Olympic ambassador professed his newfound “love and respect” for Trump.
“Donald Trump? He ain’t done nothing wrong to me,” Snoop Dogg told the British outlet. “He has done only great things for me.”
Shelley Stewart Jr. Named Board Chair Of The Executive Leadership Council
Stewart has been an ELC member since 1997.
The Executive Leadership Council (ELC) has elected longtime member Shelley Stewart Jr., as the new Chair of The ELC Board of Directors.
Stewart has been a dedicated member of the distinguished global membership organization since 1997 and moves into the position with over 40 years of career experience as he contributes to The ELC’s mission to foster opportunities for Black executive leadership.
“The Executive Leadership Council has been at the forefront of cultivating inclusive leadership in global corporations for nearly four decades,” said Stewart, managing partner of Bottom Line Advisory, LLC. “It is an honor to step into the role of Chair and collaborate with our members, sponsors, and corporate partners to drive impactful change.”
Michael C. Hyter, president and CEO of The ELC, recognized Stewart for his dynamic leadership and decades of experience.
“We have no doubt that his leadership will help us achieve new milestones in strengthening corporate leadership pipelines, fostering inclusive practices for all, and driving meaningful impact,” Hytner said.
As The ELC continues to represent Black CEOs, C-Suite and senior executives, board members, entrepreneurs, and global thought leaders, Stewart’s strategies to help organizations unlock value will align with the council’s vision to support the growth and development of Black leaders through inclusive practices and environments and prepare them.
Stewart completed a master of business administration degree from the University of New Haven and has fulfilled several senior executive positions with leading organizations, including DuPont de Nemours, Inc., Tyco International, and Raytheon Technologies. His experience spans shaping operations, supply chain strategy, and global procurement.
The Northeastern University alumnus was congratulated by The ELC in October 2024 after he joined the university’s board.
SHIFTING YOUR MONEY MINDSET CAN HELP YOU ATTAIN FINANCIAL GOALS
Nationally acclaimed for his money management philosophy and strategies, Dr. DeForest B. Soaries Jr. continues to help thousands find pathways to economic self-sufficiency and financial empowerment.
Despite his achievements, the founder and CEO of dFree Global Foundation(recalls the bleak days when he lived above his means. During that period, he sabotaged his financial future by subsisting paycheck to paycheck and paying the previous month’s bills with next week’s check.
Is VP Harris Moving To New York After She Leaves Office?
First gentleman Doug Emhoff is rumored to be searching for a New York apartment.
Vice President Kamala Harris will pass the torch to the next administration in less than one week and begin a new chapter.
But will it be written in the Golden State?
Harris and husband Doug Emhoff have enjoyed life in California for over two decades, but the second gentleman’s rumored tour of a $20,000-per-month New York high-rise has some expecting the future for the vice president and 2024 presidential candidate may be in colder climes.
The Park Loggia luxury condo building has three bedrooms. Page Six’s anonymous sources claim the first gentleman toured the property alone.
There is family there: Emhoff’s daughter, Ella, lives in Bushwick section of Brooklyn.
Harris, of course, has work left in Washington. On Jan. 6, she performed her final official act as vice president by certifying the 2024 election votes. Unlike the 2020 certification, this one went smoothly.
Harris has not yet stated her plans after leaving the White House, but there is significant speculation that the three-time author may be fielding new book deal offers.
“Kamala Harris is poised to land the biggest book deal of any vice president in history,” Keith Urbahn, co-founder of the literary agency Javelin told NBC News. “But the real question isn’t the advance — it’s whether the book can redefine her for 2028.”
Harris’s previous books include a children’s book,Superheroes Are Everywhere, a memoir called Smart on Crime, and The Truths We Hold, released in 2019.
“There’s a version of this book that is full of platitudes but safe, and then there’s a version that reinvents her to lead a Democratic Party in need of rebuilding,” Urbahn said. “She gets a payday either way, but only the latter gets her a second shot at the presidency.”
Young Lords Founder And Civil Rights Activist José ‘Cha Cha’ Jiménez Dead At 76
The founder of the Young Lords Organization died Friday, Jan. 10.
José “Cha Cha” Jiménez, the renowned civil rights activist and founder of the Puerto Rican civil rights group Young Lords Organization, died Friday, January 10. He was 76.
Jiménez founded the Young Lords Organization at Chicago’s famed Lincoln Park in 1968, as cited by the Library of Congress.
Jiménez took what started as a Puerto Rican street gang and transformed it into a political group and community-based organization modeled on and inspired by the Black Panther Party. The self-identified “revolutionary nationalists” advocated for minority access to healthcare, education, housing, and employment, as well as for Puerto Rico’s independence and empowering marginalized communities.
The Young Lords Organization (YLO) prided itself in being a diverse and inclusive organization that welcomed African American, Latino/x, women, and LGBTQ members who took a stand against police brutality, U.S. imperialism, and militarism. The group was guided by a 13-Point Program and Platform outlining its policies, principles, and commitments.
As the Young Lords expanded, its established chapters in other cities, including New York City, where a group of college students formed a branch and rebranded it as the Young Lords Party (YLP).
Jiménez was born in Puerto Rico on August 8, 1948, the same month as Black Panther leader Fred Hampton, a mentor and friend who died in a 1969 Chicago police raid.
Young Lords member Felipe Luciano noted that Jiménez’s friendship with Hampton laid the foundation for a broader alliance among Black, Latino, white, and other communities united in the fight for civil rights.
“He was the one who got Cha Cha to move away from gang warfare to organization,” Luciano said in 2021. “From then on, they became long, fast friends. Cha Cha talks about it with love and admiration often. The rest is history.”
Under Jiménez’s leadership, the Young Lords became part of the Rainbow Coalition—a groundbreaking movement led by the Black Panther Party that united Puerto Rican activists, Confederate flag-waving white Southerners, and other marginalized groups to combat poverty and discrimination.
A public funeral service for Jiménez will be held Thursday evening in Chicago. His cremation is scheduled for Friday, with his final resting place to be alongside his mother in Puerto Rico, his sister shared.
Jiménez is survived by his children—Jacqueline, Sonia, Melisa, Alejandro, and Jodette Lozano—as well as his sisters, Jenny and Mirna Jiménez, and Rodríguez.
Universal Orlando Mardi Gras To Feature T-Pain, TLC, Kool And The Gang And More
Marking 30 years of Mardi Gras magic, Universal Orlando’s 2025 festivities promise to be unforgettable.
Universal Orlando Resort is turning up the energy for its 30th annual Mardi Gras celebration, which will run from Feb. 1 through March 30, 2025. Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval will feature star-studded concerts, dazzling new parade floats, global culinary delights, and exciting experiences—all included with general park admission.
Live Performances by Global Superstars
This year’s Mardi Gras concert series brings an extraordinary lineup of musical talent to the Music Plaza Stage. Headliners include GRAMMY-winning artist T-Pain, global pop sensation Joe Jonas, and Latin GRAMMY-winner Juanes. Performances will take place on select nights immediately following the Mardi Gras parade.
Mardi Gras 2025 will tantalize taste buds with a new menu inspired by international Carnaval celebrations. Guests can enjoy various dishes, such as Spicy Szechuan Chicken Bites from China, Hot Maple Lacquered Salmon from Canada, and a Colombian Burger. Food kiosks throughout Universal Studios Florida will offer unique flavors worldwide, giving guests a global dining experience to match the festivities.
New Parade Floats and Festive Fun
The Mardi Gras parade will showcase six brand-new floats inspired by the spirit of New Orleans’ legendary Krewes, with themes celebrating food, beads, and the bayou. These new creations join Universal’s traditional floats with performers, music, and vibrant decorations. Guests looking to get even closer to the action can reserve a spot on a float through the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience, which includes a three-course meal at select restaurants.
Exclusive Hotel Experiences and Special Offers
Guests can make the most of their Mardi Gras adventure by staying at one of Universal Orlando’s nine hotels. These hotels offer exclusive food and drink options, such as Bourbon Street Beignets and Bayou Shrimp and Grits. Hotel guests also enjoy perks like Early Park Admission and complimentary park transportation.
Special ticket packages and offers include:
Florida Residents: Get two free park days by purchasing a 2-Park, 1-Day ticket.
U.S. and Canada Residents: Save 30% on a 4-night stay at Universal’s Stella Nova Resort or Terra Luna Resort.
Annual Passholders: Enjoy exclusive Mardi Gras perks, such as discounts, complimentary buttons, and access to reserved parade viewing areas.
A Milestone Celebration
Marking 30 years of Mardi Gras magic, Universal Orlando’s 2025 festivities promise to be unforgettable. With incredible live music, stunning parades, mouth-watering cuisine, and immersive experiences, this year’s event sets a new standard for theme park celebrations.
Park admission or an annual pass includes access to Mardi Gras events. For details and reservations, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/MardiGras.
Cover360ixty and FUBU Studios and Network Announce Entrepreneur Reality Series ‘$ix Figure Makeover’
FUBU Network and Studios has a new competition reality series aimed at supporting entrepreneurs.
There’s a new reality series aimed at providing entrepreneurs with coaching, resources, and opportunities to achieve their fullest potential.
Cover360ixty™ and ForUsByUs (FUBU) Studios and Network teamed up to produce and distribute the highly anticipated reality TV series $ix Figure Makeover. Modeled after an innovative fusion of ABC’s Shark Tank and American Idol, the reality competition series is said to be hosted by serial entrepreneur Vanessa Simmons and will feature a star-studded panel of mentors to help aspiring entrepreneurs as they navigate the challenges of building successful businesses.
“ForUsByUs (FUBU) Studios and Network is excited to join forces with Cover360ixty on this transformative project,” John Askew, president of FUBU Studios, and Roberto “Rush” Evans, co-founder and co-CEO of FUBU Studios and president of FUBU Network said in a press release. “$ix Figure Makeover aligns perfectly with our mission to support and uplift the next generation of business leaders.”
This announcement follows a casting call issued last July, where producers sought contestants who were passionate about entrepreneurship and eager to elevate their creative ideas. The selected individuals will be featured in the exclusive docuseries hosted by Simmons, with special appearances from top celebrities, industry moguls, and subject matter experts.
Producers for the show are excited to amplify and inspire the next generation of visionaries and business leaders.
“We are thrilled to partner with ForUsByUs (FUBU) Studios and Network to bring $ix Figure Makeover to life,” said Jeremy Newkirk and Bryce Harris, co-founders of Cover360ixty.
“This show will not only entertain but also inspire and educate viewers on the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation.”
This announcement comes on the heels of ForUsByUs (FUBU) Studios’ recent $450 million partnership with Pantheum Studios to produce inclusive content. The three-year, 30-film deal highlights FUBU Studios’ dedication to amplifying diverse voices and perspectives within the entertainment industry.
This joint venture will be available for streaming on the VYRE App across multiple platforms, including Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, and more, starting in early 2025. This initiative underscores FUBU Studios’ dedication to providing groundbreaking content that connects with global audiences.
“I am truly excited about the opportunity to collaborate with VYRE Network and bring exceptional live events and entertainment to audiences around the world,” said J. Alexander Martin, co-founder of FUBU Studios.
FDA Finally Revokes FD&C Red No. 3 For Food And Drugs
The additive is banned in most countries outside of the United States.
On Jan. 15, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the revocation of FD&C Red No. 3 for use in food and ingested drugs. The decision, rooted in the Delaney Clause of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), highlights the FDA’s commitment to ensuring public health and safety through regulatory oversight of color additives.
The synthetic dye, also known internationally as erythrosine, is widely used for its vibrant cherry-red hue in candies, baked goods, frozen desserts, and certain medications. To comply with the updated regulations, manufacturers must reformulate their products for food items by January 15, 2027, and for drugs by January 18, 2028.
The Delaney Clause: Protecting Public Health
Enacted in 1960, the Delaney Clause is a cornerstone of the FD&C Act’s color additive amendment. It prohibits the FDA from approving any food or color additive that induces cancer in humans or animals, regardless of dose.
In 2022, a coalition of consumer advocacy groups — including the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Environmental Defense Fund, and Consumer Reports — petitioned the FDA to revoke the approval of FD&C Red No. 3. They cited two studies showing cancer in male rats exposed to high doses of the dye.
Although the mechanism causing cancer in rats does not apply to humans, the Delaney Clause mandates a strict zero-tolerance approach. FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D., emphasized the agency’s adherence to this legal framework, stating, “Today’s action reflects our commitment to following the science and prioritizing public health.”
The Science Behind FD&C Red No. 3
FD&C Red No. 3 has been scrutinized since its initial approval in 1969. While the rat studies cited in the petition highlighted risks at high exposure levels, research involving humans and other animals has not demonstrated similar effects.
“This decision is not about immediate human risk,” said Susan T. Mayne, Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. “It’s about ensuring compliance with the law and maintaining public confidence in the safety of the food supply.”
Chemicals are essential in food production, enhancing safety, nutritional value, and shelf life. Substances like salt (sodium chloride) and Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) are prime examples of chemicals with dual scientific and common names. While chemicals like FD&C Red No. 3 serve functional purposes, their safety must be rigorously evaluated.
Petition Details and Advocacy Efforts
A coalition of 23 organizations and individuals, including the Children’s Advocacy Institute, Public Citizen, and Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, submitted the 2022 petition to revoke FD&C Red No. 3. The petition underscored Red No. 3’s potential carcinogenicity. It invoked the Delaney Clause to challenge its continued use in food and drugs.
The petition also highlighted the FDA’s inconsistent approach to the dye. In 1990, the FDA banned its use in cosmetics and topical drugs due to carcinogenic findings, yet it allowed its use in food and ingested drugs to persist.
“The FDA’s decision is a victory for science-backed advocacy,” said a Center for Science in the Public Interest representative. “It demonstrates that regulatory systems can work to prioritize public health.”
Industry Implications
The revocation of FD&C Red No. 3 presents significant challenges for manufacturers, particularly those in the food and pharmaceutical sectors. The dye has been a staple in creating visually appealing products, such as brightly colored candies, cakes, and frostings. Its absence will require companies to find alternatives that meet FDA safety and certification standards.
Red No. 3 remains authorized internationally under erythrosine in countries like Canada and parts of Europe. However, products imported to the U.S. must comply with domestic regulations.
“This decision underscores the need for manufacturers to stay proactive in monitoring regulatory changes,” Califf said.
FDA’s Commitment to Chemical Oversight
The FDA’s decision reflects its broader regulatory framework for managing chemicals in food. Pre-market approval processes require manufacturers to demonstrate that additives are safe for their intended use. Post-market reviews, however, are equally critical in reassessing safety as new data emerges.
Pre-Market Approval Process Before a substance like FD&C Red No. 3 can be used, the FDA extensively evaluates its safety. These include studying consumption patterns, manufacturing processes, and toxicological data. Only additives meeting strict standards for composition and purity are authorized.
Post-Market Review Framework The FDA is also modernizing its post-market review framework to address emerging safety concerns. “We are working to develop systems that prioritize chemicals for reassessment based on risk,” said Mayne.
Recent examples include the FDA reassessing per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food packaging and brominated vegetable oil. The agency’s ongoing surveillance helps ensure that the U.S. food supply remains among the safest in the world.
Public and Industry Reaction
Consumer groups have lauded the FDA’s decision, calling it a long-overdue step toward safer food practices. Advocates have urged the agency to apply similar scrutiny to other additives.
Meanwhile, industry leaders have expressed concerns about the logistical challenges of reformulating products. Smaller manufacturers, in particular, may have difficulty sourcing alternatives within the given timeline.
Transparency and Future Plans
The FDA aims to enhance transparency around its regulatory processes. The agency seeks to foster collaboration between consumer advocates, industry leaders, and lawmakers through public meetings, webinars, and stakeholder engagements.
“We’re committed to maintaining public trust,” said Mayne. “That includes sharing information openly and engaging all stakeholders in the regulatory process.”
The FDA has outlined plans for a unified Human Foods Program to strengthen its oversight of food chemical safety. The initiative will include routine surveillance to detect potential safety concerns and prioritize substances for in-depth review based on risk.
Looking Ahead
Manufacturers have three years to reformulate food products and four years to reformulate drugs ingested. With alternative dyes like FD&C Red No. 40 widely available, many expect the industry to adapt swiftly, though the transition may present temporary challenges.
For consumers, the revocation of FD&C Red No. 3 serves as a reminder of the complexities of food safety regulation. While the scientific findings behind the decision are specific to rats, the FDA’s adherence to the Delaney Clause reinforces its commitment to protecting public health.
To stay informed about the FDA’s regulatory updates and developments, visit FDA.gov.
