Abortion Activists In Conservative States Triumph In Nov. 7 Elections
by Stacy Jackson

November 8, 2023

Abortion Activists In Conservative States Triumph In Nov. 7 Elections

Abortion activists in Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia triumph after taking a firm stance to protect rights to the procedure in Nov. 7 elections.

Abortion rights activists made their position on an issue that has been one of nationwide contention loud and clear in Ohio, Virginia, and Kentucky on Nov. 7 with election victories.

A passed amendment protecting abortion in Ohio and a strong Democratic presence in Virginia and Kentucky could mean that demand from abortion activists across the nation continue over a year after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, The Washington Post noted.

Activists turned out for Kentucky’s gubernatorial election and re-elected incumbent Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear over Republican nominee and former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, according to USA Today. Beshear’s re-election to a second term could signal good news for abortion activists in the state where Republicans presently dominate. Beshear went after his Republican opponent’s support of an almost-complete ban on abortion where exceptions for the procedure would only be made for rape and incest, The Washington Post reported.

The Democrat said in a victory speech on Nov. 7 that Kentucky will be a better place because of people like Hadley Duvall, a young woman who shared how her stepfather sexually assaulted her in a viral campaign ad for Beshear.

“Because of her courage, this commonwealth is going to be a better place, and people are going to reach out for the help they need.”

Similarly, Virginia is on track to put Democrats in power, as the party is projected to gain control of the state legislature, The Washington Post reported. Schuyler VanValkenburg—a Democrat—snagged a Republican-held seat in Richmond. VanValkenburg took a stance that abortion rights should be protected. Republicans in the state presented a 15-week abortion ban, arguing that most procedures would still happen as opposed to an all-out ban. Nonetheless, Democrats were projected to flip the House of Delegates and hold a narrow majority in the Senate.

In Ohio, abortion activists triumphed with the passing of an amendment that guarantees access to abortion. A Republican, Kate Wagner, shared her reasoning for siding with her Democratic counterparts on the matter of protecting abortion rights.

Wagner said, “My whole thing is that I don’t like the idea of typically old white men telling me what I should be able to do.” The outlet showed in a figure that Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati were among the cities where activists were most in favor of abortion rights.

called 304 times, ex, ex boyfriend, ex-boyfriend
by Stacy Jackson

November 8, 2023

Woman Receives Over 304 Calls From Ex-Boyfriend Before His Arrest 

304 calls is WILD!

A Pennsylvania woman’s ex-boyfriend, Omar Gaines, appeared at his preliminary hearing with Magisterial District Judge Jonathan R. Birbeck on Nov. 8, at 11:15 a.m., after he was arrested in Carlisle one day after police arrived on the scene for a break-in on Oct. 30. 

According to Cumberland Daily Voice, Carlisle police said the arrest occurred “near the victim’s residence.” The officers arrived after a call about a break-in at Gaines’ ex-girlfriend’s home. The incident occurred at the 300 block of North East Street in Carlisle.

A statement from the Carlisle Police Department revealed that the 45-year-old male had entered his ex-girlfriend’s residence. During the investigation, police discovered that Gaines had arrived at the home at 5:07 a.m. According to a press release from the police, Gaines “remained for over (an) hour pacing back and forth near the side windows of the residence.” 

Between the time Gaines showed up at his ex-girlfriend’s home, and when the officers arrived on the scene, he called the woman 203 times, according to the outlet. He placed an additional 101 calls while the officers investigated the scene, which police said he managed to do within a two-hour window.

This incident is not the first time Gaines has exhibited this behavior. Six days before the occurrence, police spoke with Gaines about his persistent calls. On Oct. 24, he was reported to have placed 131 calls to his ex-girlfriend. Police said his perpetual calling and behavior resulted in his former girlfriend experiencing “emotional distress.”

According to the outlet, he faces a misdemeanor for stalking, repeatedly communicating to cause fear, and a summary offense for harassment, explained as a course of conduct with no legitimate purpose. 

Two Studies To Be Presented This Week Show Cannabis Use Can Be Dangerous To Heart Health
by Derek Major

November 8, 2023

Two Studies To Be Presented This Week Show Cannabis Use Can Be Dangerous To Heart Health

Two studies that will be presented later this week links regular cannabis to significantly higher cardiovascular issues.

Cannabis use has exploded across the country as states have legalized recreational and medicinal flower’s use, including as edibles and THC-infused beverages. However, two new studies show cannabis has drawbacks.

According to a pair of studies that will be presented at the American Heart Association’s 2023 Scientific Sessions later this week, regular cannabis use is linked to significantly higher cardiovascular issues, including heart attack and stroke. The studies show cannabis use may be more of a concern for heart health than originally thought, especially for those who frequently use it and those with underlying health conditions.

According to Business Insider, researchers at MedStar Health in Baltimore studied data from more than 150,000 people who were initially free from heart failure over four years of follow-up to compare health outcomes with self-reported cannabis use.

MedStar researchers discovered those who used cannabis daily had a 34% higher risk of developing heart failure than people who never used the drug. Dr. Yakubu Bene-Alhasan, lead author of the study and a physician at Medstar, told Insider the findings suggest the study could help health professionals and cannabis consumers make more informed decisions when it comes to cannabis use.

A second study by a second group of researchers from multiple institutions, including Adelphi University in New York, probed hospitalization records from more than 10 million adults over 65. None of the participants studied smoked tobacco and had existing health issues, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes, to determine whether cannabis use, reported in more than 28,000 of the patients, played a role in complications during hospital stays.

The researchers found that those who have a dependency on the drug were significantly more likely to have major heart issues, including a heart attack or stroke.

Recreational cannabis use is currently legal in 24 states, while medical use is legal in 38 states. On Tuesday, voters in Ohio legalized recreational use of the drug in a 57% to 43% vote.

The long-term health effects of cannabis use are largely unknown, and medical professionals across the country and the world are pushing for more studies to understand how the drug affects the body over decades.

According to the American Heart Association’s 2023 Statistical Update, heart failure affects 6.7 million people in the U.S. and disproportionately impacts Black adults. Additionally, previous research has found that communities exposed to redlining had higher rates of stroke, as well as increased risk of hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, and early mortality due to heart disease.

Myles Garrett, invest
by Sharelle Burt

November 8, 2023

NFL Star Myles Garrett Joins Mark Wahlberg’s Sports Company As Brand Ambassador and Equity Partner

NFL star Myles Garrett is taking his talents off the field in a big way.

The Cleveland Browns defensive end recently joined actor Mark Wahlberg’s sports company, MUNICIPAL, as a brand ambassador and equity partner, Boardroom reports. The active lifestyle brand was founded in 2019, and with Garrett’s extended partnership, the company is looking to take things to the next level. Through his partnership, Garrett, 27, will work with the brand to provide opportunities through the Cleveland community.

Garrett can be seen on Instagram posing in brand gear with the caption, “Just getting started baby!”

In an interview, Garrett broke down why he chose to work with the brand and where he sees it going. He said a conversation with Wahlberg sealed the deal on his decision. “MUNICIPAL was a brand that came on my radar a few years ago. I had started to build a relationship with Mark Wahlberg, and he invited me over to his home,” the Pro-Bowler said.

“We discussed things we had in common, a work ethic and a drive to make the most of the opportunities we had, and how we can inspire others to do the same.”

Garrett and Wahlberg both share similar sentiments on what it means to be a team player. The NFL star complimented the Academy Award-nominated actor on providing great ideas.

“Mark has been a great sounding board for ideas,” Garrett said. “One of the more important things that has stood out was to be authentic to yourself and how important it is to have a great team around you.

Wahlberg had nothing but nice things to say about Garrett in a statement highlighting the partnership, saying he’s “built different.” “You don’t need to spend more than a few seconds talking to Myles to know he’s built differently,” Wahlberg said. “In the gym, on the field, out in the community, he’s all out and won’t stop until he achieves what he’s setting out to achieve. He’s 100% a MUNICIPAL man.”

The Defensive Player of the Year candidate is putting his footprint deep in Cleveland soil. In late October 2023, according to Forbes, the NBA team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, announced Garrett joined an ownership group spearheaded by Cavaliers Chairman and Governor Dan Gilbert and purchased a minority stake.

“We are honored to welcome this long-time friend of the team as our new partner and investor,” Gilbert wrote in a statement. “Myles’ passion and commitment to the city he loves will allow us to reach new communities and continue to build the successful future of this franchise.”

Timbaland
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 8, 2023

Timbaland Apologizes To Britney Spears Over ‘Muzzle’ Comment

Timbaland is back-tracking on his recent remarks made about Britney Spears. The record producer regrets the words he used to support frequent collaborator Justin Timberlake, as fans deemed them disrespectful toward Spears.

Timbaland made the comment in conversation with producer 9th Wonder at a Kennedy Center event on Oct. 29, in which he referred to Spears needing a “muzzle” to silence her negative story about the “Cry me A River” singer.

“She going crazy right,” shared the 51-year-old to the audience. “I wanted to call and say ‘JT, man, you’ve got to put a muzzle on that girl.'”

He was called out for the misogynistic language used when talking about Spears’ negative rundown of her relationship with Timberlake in her newly released memoir, The Woman in Me. After the clip made the rounds on social media, Timbaland went on Instagram Live to speak about the controversy.

“I apologize to the Britney fans, and her,” shared Timbaland in footage re-shared by online tabloid The Shade Room. “Yes, you know about respecting women, hell yeah.”

Timbaland began his longstanding collaborations with Timberlake while producing his solo debut, Justified, which was released in 2002 and alludes to the breakdown of the 42-year-old’s highly publicized relationship with Spears. The producer also helped create “Cry Me A River,” the second single of the album that suggested the break-up was prompted by the mother of two’s infidelity.

The comment was regarded as insensitive, especially considering Spears’ high-profile and controversial conservatorship, which she details in the book as controlling of every aspect in her life. Joking about her needing a muzzle calls back to the ordeal that was incredibly traumatic for the star, and her fans would not let the comment go unpunished.

While the “Circus” singer has not publicly commented on Timbaland’s comments, the backlash was present enough for the Grammy-winner to make clear that he respects women.

RELATED CONTENT: Timbaland Credits Missy Elliot For His Success, ‘If It Wasn’t For Missy, I Probably Wouldn’t Be Timbaland’

Exonerated ‘Central Park Five, Yusef Salaam, New York City Council
by Atiya Jordan

November 8, 2023

Yusef Salaam Joins The New York City Council

Yusef Salaam, an exonerated Central Park Five member, won a seat on the New York City Council and now represents the central Harlem district.

On Nov. 7, Yusef Salaam, an exonerated Central Park Five member, won a seat on the New York City Council, AP reported. The news comes decades after he spent nearly seven years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit.

Salaam maintained a victorious campaign after winning his Democratic primary elections by a landslide. The lifelong resident of Harlem, NY, who had no track record in politics, will now leverage his decades-long activism and education to serve as a championing voice in the central Harlem district. On the campaign trail, Salaam aimed to energize and activate voters who were eager to change the issues facing the community: housing, workforce and economic development opportunities, justice and safety, environmental justice, and more.

“For me, this means that we can really become our ancestors’ wildest dreams,” Salaam told the news outlet before the election.

As a board member of the Innocence Project, founding member of Justice 4 the Wrongfully Incarcerated, and 25-year member of the Frederick E. Samuel Community Democratic Club, Salaam’s ambitious efforts in the community hit closer to home. He spent 12 years fighting for freedom, justice, and equality in the infamous Central Park jogger case.

Salaam was just 15 years old when he was wrongfully accused and charged with the assault and rape of Trisha Meili, a white woman, in Central Park in New York City. The following year, he and four other teenagers were convicted despite inconsistent confessions, DNA evidence exclusion, and a lack of other evidence connecting them to the crime scene. Salaam was sentenced to 5 to 10 years. Eventually, in 2002, DNA testing corroborated the confession of the real culprit, which led to the overturned convictions of all five teenagers. The teens also received a combined multi-million dollar settlement from the city.

Though burdened by the past, Salaam is walking in his power of forgiveness and advocacy, BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported.

“I’m dedicating my life to being useful to my community, to my neighborhood, to my city,” Salaam previously told Esquire. “And to do that means letting go of some burdens of the past. Never forgetting, but forgiving. There is power in forgiving.”

Over the past two decades, Salaam has expanded his family, knowledge, and outreach. He has been on a mission to educate the public about the impact of mass incarceration and police brutality, advocating for criminal justice reform, prison reform, and the abolition of juvenile solitary confinement and capital punishment, according to his campaign website.

African braids
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 8, 2023

From Broadway To Digital, Jaja’s African Hair Braiding’ Will Live Stream

This show is expanding beyond Broadway to introduce newcomers to the virtual theater scene.

For those unable to catch “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” on Broadway, the show will be available on livestream. Jocelyn Bioh’s groundbreaking play will be available in this format for its final performance week at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre in New York City.

Playbill announced the news on Oct. 30 of the innovative way the play will be viewed by as many patrons as possible. Bioh explained how “thrilled” she is that the world premiere of her work will actually take place on a global scale.

“Reaching the widest audience possible has always been my goal with this play and I’m so thrilled that that will now be possible,” says the playwright. “I can’t wait for audiences far and wide to come to the shop!”

The inclusive measure will hopefully bring a wider audience to the world of Broadway shows to promote the same diversity that the play’s inclusion in the theater district has already accomplished. The viewing will be conducted via the League of Live Stream Theater, whose co-founder, Jim Augustine, also released a statement on the venture.

“Live streaming theater begins to bridge the gap between traditional theater audiences and those who have not typically been part of the Broadway experience,” shared Augustine. “This includes those who have never been to a Broadway show and those who have never even considered it, individuals in correctional facilities, classrooms, underserved communities, and every individual impacted by the challenges of in-person theater.”

“Jaja’s” is a modern play about West African immigrants at a Harlem hair salon as they deal with the cultural differences in their daily lives, telling a story of sisterhood and community as the women build a future for themselves. The Taraji P. Henson-produced project made its Broadway and world debut on Oct. 3, to much delight, as it portrays the multifaceted experience of Black women.

The live stream performances will be conducted from Nov. 14-19 to support the Black women-led show.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Jaja’s African Hair Braiding’ Extends Run On Broadway

To Drop Out or Not? Former Obama Adviser Gives Mixed Signals On Whether Biden Should Continue His Campaign
by Sharelle Burt

November 8, 2023

To Drop Out or Not? Former Obama Adviser Gives Mixed Signals On Whether Biden Should Continue His Campaign

David Axelrod had a lot to say about the president's campaign run.

A senior adviser to former President Barack Obama, David Axelrod, suggested President Biden should drop out of the race since he may be running against Donald Trump.

After tweeting poll numbers by The New York Times, Axelrod commented, tagging the President and suggesting Biden should do what’s best for the country. “Only @JoeBiden can make this decision,” he wrote. “If he continues to run, he will be the nominee of the Democratic Party. What he needs to decide is whether that is wise, whether it’s in HIS best interest or the country’s?”

Polls published on Nov. 5 show Trump leading Biden in five of six key battleground states — Nevada by 10 points, six points in Georgia, Arizona, and Michigan by five points, and four points in Pennsylvania. In Wisconsin, Biden took the lead over Trump by only two points.

While Biden was a favorite in the six battleground states during the 2020 elections, survey results sang a different tune regarding his popularity. It is slowly declining in supporters under the age of 30. Axelrod says his age, despite Vice President Kamala Harris expressing that the 80-year-old is ready for battle, is a liability.

“The greatest concern is that his biggest liability is the one thing he can’t change,” Axelrod wrote Sunday. “Among all the unpredictables, there is one thing that is sure: the age arrow only points in one direction.”

From Black voters, 22% were registered to support Trump in the battleground states. Survey participants claim they trusted Trump over Biden in a 59% to 37% margin regarding the economy.

However, Axelrod dialed back on his tweets. In an interview, the former political strategist said he never told Biden to drop out, calling it an “overreaction.” “It’s overreacting to say I told him to drop out,” Axelrod said. “I didn’t do that. He’s the only one to make the decision. And if his decision is ‘no, I’m the best person to take this on,’ then he will.” 

As his comments began circulating, they made it to Washington, D.C., with White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates saying, “We appreciate his thoughts.”

Jeezy, Jeannie Mai
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 8, 2023

Jeezy Says He Tried Therapy To Stay Married To Jeannie Mai: ‘God Has Put Me in a Different Path’

Atlanta entrepreneur and rapper, Jeezy discussed his attempt to stay married in a conversation with actress Nia Long.

Atlanta recording artist and businessman Jay Wayne Jenkins, also known as Jeezy, filed for divorce from his wife, talk show host Jeannie Mai, on Sept. 14. The couple recently had a daughter together, Monaco Mai Jenkins, and was married for two years. In a recent interview with actress Nia Long, the “Soul Survivor” rapper admitted to getting therapy to save his marriage but also said, “God has put me in a different path.”

The video was placed on Jeezy’s YouTube account and was titled, “I Might Forgive… But I Don’t Forget” which also doubles as the album title of his latest project. The two celebrities spoke of their recent breakups and crucial moments in the rapper’s life. He expressed his desire to save the union between him and his soon-to-be former wife and said that this journey had not been an easy one.

“Integrity intact, I could never say anything that would not honor somebody. But I can tell you that this has not been an easy journey. I can tell you that I’m saddened, I can tell you that I’m disappointed, I can tell you that I’m uneasy,” Jeezy told Long.

“But then again, God has put me in a different path, and that path is going to entail for me to take care of myself, and to love myself, and to be in the best situation. And I can thrive as someone who been through all the things I’ve been through.”

“I don’t like to fail at anything. I can only be responsible for myself. I can only do what I can do. I can’t expect someone else to do what I’m doing.”

The Jenkins met on the talk show The Real in 2018 and started dating after that. Three years later, on March 27, 2021, they joined in matrimony in a private ceremony. They welcomed their daughter to the world on Jan. 11, 2022. The couple reportedly still lives together.

Usher Serenades Fan In A Wheelchair During Vegas Show, Spreads Inclusive Love
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 8, 2023

Usher Serenades Fan In A Wheelchair During Vegas Show, Spreads Inclusive Love

Usher is making sure a lucky fan gets the "Superstar" treatment.

Usher made one special lady his “Superstar” for the evening. The R&B crooner serenaded a fan in a wheelchair at his Nov. 7 show in Las Vegas.

Usher, who has been on a successful run of shows during his Vegas residency, showcased a big heart as he sang his hit song to the lucky guest. He shared a snippet of the intimate moment on his Instagram, where the Grammy winner boasts over 11.7 million followers.

“I’m your #1 fan,” shared the entertainer, reciting lyrics from the 2004 classic. “Give me your autograph…sign it right here on my heart.”

The footage shows Usher standing next to the concertgoer as he motions the crowd to sing along before he begins singing directly to her. The heartwarming moment was admired by fans in the comments section, with one Instagram user calling the 45-year-old a “national treasure.”

“This is beautiful,” shared another supporter. “The joy on her face is priceless.”

The move is also Usher’s signature, as attendees can usually expect him to get up close and personal with a fan during a portion of the show, usually another celebrity. Most recently, the Atlanta native danced with another public figure associated with his home state, Kenya Moore. The “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star posted the video of Usher stepping up to her on social media as the heartthrob asked for a “quick dance” in the middle of his show.

“[Usher] snatched my soul last night,” detailed the media personality in her caption. The duo danced for two songs as the artist ensured Moore got his signature “Superstar” treatment as well.

As his career takes on new heights, especially as he prepares for his upcoming milestone of headlining at the 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show, Usher is making sure his fans are appreciated by showcasing that extra love each night.

RELATED CONTENT: Usher Headlines New Movement To Encourage Screenings For Diabetes Awareness Month

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