Derek Chauvin, George Floyd, George Floyd,
by Ida Harris

November 24, 2023

Cop Who Killed George Floyd Is Stabbed In Prison And The Internet Does Not ‘Give A Damn’

Bureau of Prisons did not confirm Chauvin as the victim of the jailhouse shanking, it did verify that an imprisoned individual was assaulted

Convicted cop Derek Chauvin was stabbed in Federal prison where he is currently serving two sentences for murdering George Floyd in 2020, and the internet does not give a damn. 

An anonymous source told the Associated Press that the stabbing occurred on Nov. 25 at the Federal Correctional Institution, Tucson in Arizona. While the Bureau of Prisons did not confirm Chauvin as the victim of the jailhouse shanking, it did verify that an imprisoned individual was assaulted at the medium-security facility and transferred to an area hospital after receiving “life-saving measures” from prison employees — which suggests the killer cop may have been knifed pretty badly. 

Upon hearing the news, social media celebrated Chauvin’s impaling. 

The comments showed quite the lack of empathy among X/Twitter users. One user referred to the stabbing as “Shanksgiving.” Another was more concerned with the status of the weapon and wanted to know if any harm had been done to the knife.

Floyd was murdered by Chauvin May 2020 after the latter kneeled on his neck and blocked his airway for over eight minutes. The police brutality was captured on cellphone and circulated through social and mass media causing a global uprising at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

On June 25, 2021, Derek Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced to 22.5 years. In Dec. 2021, the former Minneapolis officer pleaded guilty to violating Floyd’s civil rights. 

RELATED CONTENT: Derek Chauvin’s Appeal Refused By Supreme Court

Cecred, Beyonce, hair care, products
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 24, 2023

Beyoncé Makes Appearance During Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

She taped a video clip with a trailer of the upcoming "Renaissance."

Guess who made an appearance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade?

That’s right, Beyoncé did.

In a video clip that was shared with viewers on Thanksgiving morning, the superstar introduced us to the latest trailer of her upcoming film, Renaissance. It was also posted to her Instagram account for her 318 million followers.

“Hey, it’s Beyoncé, wishing you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving. I’m so honored to share with you the first look at the new ‘Renaissance’ film trailer,” her post read.

According to People, the movie is slated to be released nationwide Dec. 1 with the Los Angeles premiere taking place Nov. 25 and the London premiere Nov. 30.

The film comes weeks after Taylor Swift’s concert film, The Eras Tour, made a fortune at the box office, a performance Bey’s film should easily replicate.

The film was recorded on her Renaissance World Tour, the highest-grossing tour for a woman ever since Billboard began recording concert sales for Boxscore in 1985. She set a monthly sales record in July when the tour grossed $127.6 million in ticket sales.

Not satisfied with that feat, she broke her own record in August when the tour made $179.3 million in ticket sales.

According to People, the movie “is about Beyoncé’s intention, hard work, involvement in every aspect of the production, her creative mind and purpose to create her legacy, and master her craft. Received with extraordinary acclaim, Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour created a sanctuary for freedom, and shared joy, for more than 2.7 million fans.”

Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour started overseas in Stockholm May 10, 2023,  and ended in Kansas City, Missouri, Oct. 1. Live Nation stated that the Renaissance World Tour earned approximately $579 million at the box office.

RELATED CONTENT: If Beyoncé Performs at the Las Vegas Sphere, It Could Cost Up To $10M

Atlanta Skyline, ATL City
by Rafael Pena

November 24, 2023

Human Trafficking Operation Nets 26 Arrests, Including Pentagon Official

An undercover human trafficking operation resulted in the arrest of 26 individuals, among them Stephen Hovanic.

An undercover human trafficking operation conducted by the Coweta County (GA) Sheriff’s Office on Nov. 16 has resulted in the arrest of 26 individuals, among them Stephen Hovanic, the chief of staff for Defense Department schools in the United States, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.

The two-day operation aimed to combat human trafficking, but uncovered a web of illicit activities.

Hovanic, a 64-year-old resident of Sharpsburg, faces charges of pandering, a misdemeanor in Georgia. According to Stars and Stripes, he oversees children’s education within the Pentagon’s Defense Department schools.

Hovanic allegedly solicited sex from an undercover officer in a motel room specifically arranged for the operation. He said he believed he was procuring a massage, not engaging in illegal sexual activities with the woman.

The Coweta County Sheriff’s Office said charges against the 26 individuals including pandering, prostitution, and pimping.

According to deputies, six women were identified as victims of human trafficking and were offered help.

“The victims were taken to an undisclosed ‘safe house,’ where they will receive the help they need to move forward from the heinous crime of human trafficking,” Sgt. Toby Nix of the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office told The Newman Times-Herald. “All females contacted in this operation were offered the same assistance, with some refusing any aid. Pandering is not a victimless crime, as the demand for prostitution drives the sex trafficking market.”

Sheriff’s deputies emphasized that the human trafficking investigation remains ongoing, hinting at the possibility of additional arrests and charges.

Tyler Perry’s ‘Diary Of A Mad Black Woman’ Mansion Sold In Atlanta Auction
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 24, 2023

Tyler Perry’s ‘Diary Of A Mad Black Woman’ Mansion Sold In Atlanta Auction

The mansion sits on 11.4 acres and features a massive, two-story primary bedroom suite.

The former home of filmmaker Tyler Perry now belongs to the highest bidder. The mansion depicted in his 2005 film Diary Of A Mad Black Woman was officially sold at an Atlanta auction on Nov. 19.

Platinum Luxury Auctions sold the home for an undisclosed price during the bidding. However, one can assume it was worth quite a bit, as the property spans over 11.4 acres and has been on the market for $6 million since Perry sold the mansion in 2018. The pristine home was featured on the auction company’s social media page, promoting its upcoming sale “without reserve.”

“The tri-level residence offers 16,500 sf of living space, with six beds, seven full and one half bath,” detailed a press release on the high-profile abode. “Designed in the style of the grand manors of the European countryside, the property features a central, neatly manicured parcel in the shape of a lengthy rectangle, surrounded by a perimeter of dense, mature landscaping for added privacy.”

The president and founder of Platinum, Trayor Lesnock, also explained more of the “peaceful setting” within the home.

“Arriving at the property is like being transported somewhere in the western European countryside,” said Lesnock. “It’s such a peaceful setting with a beautiful, natural surround. Mr. Perry had a keen eye in selecting the parcel.”

Some of the home’s most notable features are the massive two-story bedroom suite, which covers almost 4,000 square feet, and the fenced tennis court with stadium-standard lighting. The property itself is located in Chattahoochee Hills, less than 30 minutes outside the city of Atlanta.

While Perry has not been the owner or resident for the past five years, the home is still reminiscent of his standout works, with its new owners now holding a part of Black cinematic history.

Binance CEO Steps Down Amid $4.3 Billion Settlement
by Rafael Pena

November 24, 2023

Binance CEO Steps Down Amid $4.3 Billion Settlement

The CEO of Binance, the renowned global cryptocurrency exchange, is set to step down following the company's admission of guilt.

The CEO of Binance, the renowned global cryptocurrency exchange, is set to step down following the company’s admission of guilt on Nov. 21. Binance has pleaded guilty to violating the Bank Secrecy Act, an anti-money laundering law, and other charges, resulting in a settlement of over $4.3 billion, according to NBC News. This fine stands as the largest penalty ever imposed by the Treasury Department, marking a pivotal moment in the realm of digital currencies.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen condemned Binance for its “consistent and egregious violations of U.S. anti-money laundering and sanctions laws” in prepared remarks. The Justice Department, in a news release, detailed that Changpeng Zhao, the CEO, has pleaded guilty not only to these charges but also for failing to uphold an effective anti-money laundering program. Consequently, Zhao will relinquish his role as chief executive.

As part of the settlement, Zhao has accepted a $50 million fine, underscoring the gravity of the violations. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized the enormity of the situation, stating, “Binance became the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange in part because of the crimes it committed — now it is paying one of the largest corporate penalties in U.S. history.”

Confirming his departure, Zhao took to the platform X, expressing his acknowledgment of mistakes and paving the way for Richard Teng, Binance’s head of regional markets, to assume the role of CEO. Zhao reassured stakeholders that, despite his exit from the chief executive position, he would remain a shareholder and offer consultative support to the leadership team. He also emphasized that the charges did not involve any allegations of misusing customer funds or engaging in market manipulation.

The settlement terms also mandate Binance to submit to oversight by a third-party monitor, administered by the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. This external monitor will scrutinize Binance’s systems, transactions, and accounts to ensure compliance with federal regulations.

In response, Binance released a blog post taking responsibility for its mistakes and expressing optimism about the company’s future. The post stated, “These resolutions acknowledge our company’s responsibility for historical, criminal compliance violations, and allow our company to turn the page on a challenging yet transformative chapter of learning and growth.”

This adds to the recent turbulence in the cryptocurrency world, marked by the collapse of major exchanges. Despite this, the value of Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency, has surged over the past year, trading at around $37,000 as of Tuesday.

These guilty pleas follow closely on the heels of legal troubles for Zhao’s crypto counterpart, Sam Bankman-Fried, indicating a heightened scrutiny of white-collar cryptocurrency crime by the government. The message is clear: utilizing new technology to break the law does not confer disruptor status but rather criminal liability, as highlighted by Attorney General Garland.

RELATED CONTENT: Founder Launches Black Crypto News Platform To Empower And Educate The Black Community In Web 3

Man Allegedly Kills Wife and Child With Deadly Cobra In India
by Rafael Pena

November 24, 2023

Man Allegedly Kills Wife and Child With Deadly Cobra In India

On Oct. 6 the man allegedly killed his wife and two-year-old daughter by unleashing a venomous cobra into their room.

On Oct. 6, K Ganesh Patra, 25, was accused of killing his wife and two-year-old daughter by unleashing a venomous cobra into their room, according to The Daily Mail.

Ganesh Patra and his wife, K Basanti Patra, 23, were embroiled in a marital dispute. The couple, married in 2020, shared their home with their daughter, Debasmita in Adheigaon, a village in the state of Odisha in India.

According to reports from NDTV, Ganesh allegedly purchased the venomous cobra from a local snake charmer, claiming it was for religious purposes. He allegedly released the deadly snake into his wife and daughter’s room.

The following day, Basanti and Debasmita’s lifeless bodies were discovered with snake bites. Ganesh, asserting he slept in another room, informed neighbors about the snake’s intrusion and the tragic outcome.

The villagers, in response, killed the snake and rushed the victims to a nearby hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Ganesh filed a police complaint, leading to the registration of a case of unnatural death.

However, as inquiries progressed, Ganesh’s father-in-law accused him of murder. A month after the incident, Ganesh was apprehended by the authorities. Superintendent of Police Jagmohan Meena explained the delay, stating, “There was some delay in gathering evidence against him.”

As suspicions mounted, police turned their attention to local snake charmers. Ganesh initially refuted the accusations but reportedly confessed to the crime during police interrogation.

Superintendent Meena revealed, “During interrogation, he initially denied the allegation and later claimed that the snake might have entered the room on its own, but eventually confessed to committing the crime.”

The post-mortem report further fueled suspicions, questioning how the snake remained in the room for several hours after the fatal bites occurred during the late hours of Oct. 6.

Virginia High School Baseball Player In Coma After Batting Cage Accident
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 24, 2023

Virginia High School Baseball Player In Coma After Batting Cage Accident

Jeremy Medina was injured on Nov. 20 at the high school.

A freak accident has led to a Georgia high school baseball player being in a coma.

According to NBC News, high school senior Jeremy Medina from Gainesville High School in Virginia was hit in the head with a baseball bat. The accident took place on Nov. 20 at the school’s batting cage. The school is located 60 miles northeast of Atlanta. A social media entry was posted on X from the Gainesville City School System.

“On behalf of the family we release the name of the student injured Monday, November 20th at 1:20 pm at Gainesville High School. Jeremy Medina, a senior at Gainesville High School and a pitcher and catcher for the 2022 baseball team, was accidentally struck in the head by a baseball bat while at the batting cage on campus,” the post read.

It continued, “Medina remains in a coma at Northeast Georgia Medical Center. Jeremy and his family are firm believers in Jesus Christ and His redemptive love, and are requesting prayer during this extremely difficult time.”

No further information was revealed on his condition nor about how he was struck by the bat.

WSB-TV reported that officials from Gainesville High School released their own statement as well.

“The entire Gainesville community is devastated by the news,” school officials said. “School administrators, the team and coaches are in contact with the family.”

A rival high school, Chestatee High School, posted well wishes toward Medina as well.

“We are praying for our neighbor and baseball friend at Gainesville. The baseball community is tight and We send all our love and prayers to the players, coaches and Gainesville Baseball family.”

NBC News also reported that the school wrote, “Jeremy is full of fight and grit on the baseball field and we pray he continues to fight with the same grit,” in a Facebook post.

RELATED POST: Jorge Soler And Atlanta Braves Sued By Fan Struck By Ball Thrown During 2021 World Series

Virginia State University To Be First HBCU To Host Presidential Debate In General Election
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 24, 2023

Virginia State University To Be First HBCU To Host Presidential Debate In General Election

The Virginia HBCU will host the second general debate of the election season.

Virginia State University (VSU) is making history for historically Black colleges and universities. The academic institution is set to become the first HBCU to host a presidential debate during the upcoming general election in 2024.

NBC News confirmed that the Commission on Presidential Debates selected VSU as one of its hosting venues on Nov. 20, as the Petersburg, VA institution will host the second debate of the general election season on Oct. 2 of next year. VSU, founded in 1882, also announced the historic honor to X.

The university’s president, Dr. Makola Abdullah, expressed in a news release of how “grateful” they are for the opportunity to be a significant part of the election season.

“We are honored and grateful to have been chosen as a host for a 2024 Presidential Debate,” stated the educational leader. “This is a historic moment for our university and HBCUs nationwide. Our university mantra is ‘Greater Happens Here,’ and we look forward to welcoming the candidates, the Commission on Presidential Debates, and the entire nation to the GREATER at VSU.” 

The press release also detailed the “momentous occasion” as the institution prides itself on sparking political discourse and enacting social change. Including a presidential debate on its campus only furthers its placement as a hub for diverse future leaders, as stated by the school’s Assistant Vice President for Government Relations, Eldon Burton.

“We have always been committed to excellence, inclusivity, and civic engagement,” shared Burton. “This incredible achievement will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the campus community, the university’s reputation, and the nation as a whole. Now people will know that not only does Greater Happen at VSU, but history happens here as well.” 

The debate will be held at the school’s Multipurpose Center, with the campus located 20 minutes outside Virginia’s capitol city of Richmond. While the candidates who will be in attendance are still vying for their spots, the event is sure to be groundbreaking for the country, especially HBCUs.

homebuyers, rental property, gentrification, home expansion
by Sharelle Burt

November 24, 2023

Potential Homebuyers Jump Into Mortgages As Interest Rates Continue To Fall

Mortgage applications went up 3% right before Thanksgiving 2023.

If you’re looking to purchase a home, now is the time. The amount of mortgage applications are coming in hot as interest rates continue to get lower, CNBC reports.

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, applications went up 3% right before Thanksgiving 2023. Contract interest rates for typical 30-year fixed-rate mortgages went down to 7.61% to 7.41% – with points decreasing from 0.62 from 0.67 for loans requiring a 20% down payment. While the applications have been coming in strong, MBA’s deputy chief economist, Joel Kan, says they still are steady at very low levels.

“U.S. bond yields continued to move lower as incoming data signaled a softer economy and more signs of cooling inflation,” Kan said. “Mortgage applications increased to their highest level in six weeks, but remain at very low levels.”

Week after week, applications went up 4% but were still 20% lower than in 2022. Refinance applications went up just 2% during the Thanksgiving week and were close to 4% lower in the same week in 2022. Today, rates are going close to 75 basis points higher than last year but more than twice what they were in 2021 when refinancing was at a high. Most homeowners with mortgages have rates far lower than they would get now.

“The average loan size on a purchase application was $403,600, the lowest since January 2023,” Kan continued. “This is consistent with other sources of home sales data showing a gradually increasing first-time homebuyer share.”

Mortgage demands may be historically low, but the housing market is still struggling. A report from the National Association of Realtors shows sales for existing homes in October 2023 dropped to the lowest level in 13 years. To fight high financing costs, potential homebuyers have turned to larger down payments – with down payments rising to 14.7% in the third quarter.

Danielle Hale, chief economist for Realtor.com says, “the cost of borrowing remains high,” according to CNN. “If rates can hold onto this improvement, or notch a further decline, however, this could mean that ‘buying a home’ does seem like a viable new year’s resolution to a greater number of households,” she said.

RELATED CONTENT: VA, Senators Calls On Mortgage Companies To Pause Foreclosures

Black cookbooks
by Ahsan Washington

November 24, 2023

5 Black Cookbooks To Cop For The Holiday

Do your tastebuds a favor and cop these delicious Black cookbooks curated by BLACK ENTERPRISE

If you are at a loss for how to put it down in the kitchen, or you want to give the gift of meal prep to a dear friend or loved one, then these Black cookbooks will come through in the clutch—and right on time for your Black Friday shopping. These Black cookbooks not only provide recipes chock-full of yummy ingredients but invite cookers and readers to storytelling and visual experiences. They are one part how-to, one part narrative, and one part art. They are a perfect mashup to have on your bookshelf, coffee table, or kitchen counter. Do your tastebuds a favor and cop these delicious Black cookbooks curated by BLACK ENTERPRISE.

Original Flava

Black cookbooks
Photo credit: Ahsan Washington

British brothers Craig and Shaun McAnuff created a cookbook chock-full of your favorite Jamaican dishes. Check out the duo’s jerk chicken recipe.

Buy Here

Eat Plants, B*tch

Black Cookbook

From the restaurateur who brought us Slutty Vegan, Pinky Cole dropped a very vegan cookbook that shares veggie-inspired recipes along with her entrepreneurial journey. If you like chickpea meals, you’ll love the ones featured here. 

Buy Here

Staples + 5

Black Cookbook
Photo credit: Ahsan Washington

Tanorria Askew’s cookbook is more than the typical. The former MasterChef contestant helps cooks use up the staple items in their pantry with 100 simple but satisfying recipes that you can purchase on this Black Friday.

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Danni’s Juke Joint Comfort Food

Black Cookbook
Photo credit: Ahsan Washington

Danni Rose’s cookbook was born from memories of growing up in Birmingham, AL at her dad’s juke joint. Rose shares the stories and the food of her childhood, and they’re perfect to add to your cookbook collection.

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Ghetto Gastro

Cookbook
Photo credit: Ahsan Washington

Surely the most urban contemporary cookbook in recent years. It’s made up of 75 plant-based recipes from the Bronx cooking collective known as Ghetto Gastro and written by James Beard award-winning writer Osayi Endolyn—and it is visually tasty. 

Buy Here

RELATED CONTENT: ’It’s About Time’: Black Chef Has Cookbook Inducted Into James Beard Hall Of Fame After 25 Years

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