Young Thug, YSL, RICO, Lil Woody
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 1, 2024

New Judge In Young Thug RICO Trial Goes Off On Prosecutors, Leaves Courtroom In Frustration

Judge Paige Reese Whitaker called out the lead prosecutor for her alleged incompetence thus far.

The latest judge overseeing the Young Thug RICO case has already had it with the state prosecutors as the trial is in its 22nd month.

Judge Paige Reese Whitaker called out the lead prosecutor for her alleged incompetence thus far. According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Whitaker deemed it “poor lawyering” from the state’s team.

“I truly am struggling with whether all of this is purposeful or just really poor lawyering on the part of members of the state’s team,” Whitaker said. “Either way, it’s really unfortunate. If it’s something other than poor lawyering, then it is more than unfortunate.”

Whitaker proceeded to bash Fulton County’s lead prosecutor after the defense called for a mistrial. ThuggerDaily, a social media page dedicated to the detained rapper shared footage of the ordeal.

“I mean, I can’t figure out what it is. If it’s disingenuous. I don’t want to malign the prosecutor standing in front of me right now, so I’m not going to say the possible things it could be,” continued Whitaker. “But it is baffling to me that somebody with the number of years of experience that you have, time after time, continues to seemingly, purposefully hide the ball to the extent you possibly can, for as long as you possibly can.”

Since all of its delays and controversies, the case has emerged as the longest trial in Georgia history. After the initial judge, Ural Glanville, was removed, Whitaker tried to reign in the trial’s hecticness.

She added, “And I really don’t want to believe that it is purposeful. But honestly, after a certain number of time, you start to wonder how it could be anything but that. Unless it is just that you are so unorganized that you are throwing this case together as you try it. I’m sorry to say that, but this case is being made much more difficult for everybody because of the haphazard way it is being presented.”

After taking a recess, Whittaker denied the motion for a mistrial. However, she remains frustrated over the ongoing issue of the prosecutors not sharing evidence with the defense. Before this recent blowout, she required the attorneys to undergo training to know the proper procedures.

The trial is expected to continue into 2025, with approximately 100 witnesses left to take the stand. Young Thug remains in custody.

Kamala Harris,NAACP
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 1, 2024

Kamala Harris Could Become First Democratic Presidential Nominee To Secure Senior Vote Since Al Gore

Recent polling shows Kamala Harris leading Donald Trump among seniors.

A recent poll shows Vice President Kamala Harris is leading Donald Trump among American voters aged 65 and up.

A CNN/SSRS poll released this week has Harris leading the former president 50% to 46% among senior citizens. This could be pivotal as the November election approaches, with polls indicating that Harris holds a slight national lead over Trump.

Although Harris appears to be facing challenges with demographic groups that President Joe Biden resonated with during the 2020 election, her advantage among seniors marks the first time a Democratic candidate has held this lead since the 2000 presidential election. Current polls show Harris leading Trump by an average of 3 points among senior voters.

This marks a significant change in the Democratic Party’s appeal to senior voters, especially considering that earlier this year, as well as in the post-election analysis from 2020, Trump held a 4-point lead over Biden among those aged 65 and older. Polling reveals a consistent increase in senior support for the Democratic Party. Biden significantly outperformed Barack Obama among older voters in 2020 despite achieving similar national results among the general electorate.

Harris’s potential gains with seniors come at a crucial time, as she faces some challenges—uncommon for a Democrat—among younger voters in national polling. The Vice President’s shift from younger to older voters could work in her favor, considering the higher number of senior citizens than adults under 30 in the United States.

Older Americans have an outsized influence during elections because they are more likely to be registered and actually vote on Election Day. According to recent polling from The New York Times/Siena College, seniors make up about 29% of the electorate, while voters under 30 account for only about 13%.

The tight polling numbers between Harris and Trump highlight the importance of every single vote. Both candidates are actively working to appeal to anyone eligible to vote in the upcoming November election.

dockworkers, Gulf, Eastern
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 1, 2024

Eastern And Gulf Coast Dockworkers In Negotiations Ahead Of Strike Deadline

Dockworkers are in negotiations with groups representing the East and Gulf Coast ports to prevent a dangerous strike.

Wage proposals have been exchanged before a strike deadline affecting 45,000 dockworkers at East and Gulf Coast ports.

A statement Monday from the U.S. Maritime Alliance, representing 36 ports from Maine to Texas, announced that both parties have shifted from their previous stances, the Associated Press reports. Negotiations with the International Longshoreman’s Association, the union representing 45,000 dockworkers, and the alliance, which oversees East and Gulf Coast ports, offer a glimmer of hope for a deal without a major work stoppage that could affect the entire nation.

Along with a six-year contract extension, the alliance’s proposal features a 50% wage increase, a threefold increase in employer contributions to retirement plans, improved healthcare options, and the preservation of existing language-limiting automation.

“We are hopeful that this could allow us to fully resume collective bargaining around the other outstanding issues to reach an agreement,” the alliance statement said.

If a deal isn’t reached, the International Longshoremen’s Association has threatened to strike at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, a move that could disrupt operations at ports responsible for approximately half of the cargo shipped in and out of the U.S. The union is advocating for a 77% pay increase over six years to tackle inflation issues without the need for excessive overtime. They contend that although many ILA workers can make over $200,000 a year, achieving that figure typically necessitates considerable overtime.

Alongside higher wages, ILA members are advocating for a complete ban on the automation of cranes, gates, and container-moving trucks utilized in the loading and unloading of freight. If the ILA does strike, it will be the first strike by the union since 1977.

It’s been months since both sides engaged in formal negotiations, hinting at the strong possibility of a strike. In a statement released Monday morning, the union claimed that the ports had rejected its demands for a fair contract and suggested that the alliance was determined to push for a strike. However, the coalition has expressed its willingness to negotiate.

A strike could result in delays and higher prices for goods reaching homes and businesses for weeks. A prolonged strike might compel businesses to reimburse shippers for delays, leading to late deliveries during the peak holiday shopping season. Additionally, consumers in the U.S. may face rising prices as retailers deal with supply shortages.

“If the strikes go ahead, they will cause enormous delays across the supply chain, a ripple effect which will no doubt roll into 2025 and cause chaos across the industry,” said Jay Dhokia, founder of supply chain management and logistics firm Pro3PL.

Snoop Dogg, brother, Death Row
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 1, 2024

Snoop Dogg And Death Row Records Ink Publishing Deal With Reservoir Media

It's a full circle moment for Snoop.

Snoop Dogg and Death Row Records have joined forces with Reservoir Media in a new publishing agreement that encompasses domestic publishing for the artist and his legendary label.

The Grammy-nominated rapper’s agreement with Reservoir encompasses domestic publishing for Snoop’s complete catalog of hits and upcoming works, in addition to the publishing catalog of Snoop’s Death Row Records, Variety reports. Among Snoop’s most notable contributions to his music catalog include “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” “Gin and Juice,” and “What’s My Name?” while Death Row’s catalog includes classic albums released by Snoop, Dr. Dre, and 2Pac.

“I’m so honored to have them as a partner and excited for all the great things to come with the catalog as well as new music ventures. 2024 and beyond 🔥🙏🏾🐾,” Snoop said in a statement.

The female-founded Reservoir is aligning itself with Snoop and Death Row two years after the rapper acquired Death Row from MNRK Music Group.

“I am thrilled and appreciative of the opportunity to acquire the iconic and culturally significant Death Row Records brand, which has immense untapped future value,” Snoop Dogg said at the time. “It feels good to have ownership of the label I was part of at the beginning of my career and as one of the founding members. This is an extremely meaningful moment for me.”

Reservoir was established in 2007 as a music publishing company by Iranian-Canadian Golnar Khosrowshahi, who serves as the current CEO. The company holds more than 150,000 copyrights and over 36,000 master recordings that date back to the early 1900s.

The publishing catalog features works written and performed by artists such as Lady Gaga, Camila Cabello, Bruno Mars, Cardi B, and Thomas McClary of The Commodores. Reservoir’s active roster of writers and producers includes talents like James Fauntleroy, alongside a distinguished collection of film music rights that encompasses scores from movies like The Lion King, the Pirates of the Caribbean series, Gladiator, and The Dark Knight trilogy.

“Being in business with Snoop is an exciting opportunity to support his legendary catalog, leveraging his massive stardom to further embed his music across mainstream media,” Golnar Khosrowshahi said.

“This deal also marks a unique moment to help further the legacy of an important and valuable brand like Death Row. Snoop has come full circle with Death Row, showcasing his ongoing dedication to upholding its rich history—something Reservoir has proven as a core value and area of expertise across our business.”

RELATED CONTENT: Snoop Dogg Releases 2 New Flavors To Celebrate First Anniversary Of Dr. Bombay Ice Cream

Kerry Washington, Tyler Perry, The Six Triple Eight, WWII
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 1, 2024

Kerry Washington Urges Americans Not To ‘Give Up Their Power’ Or Their Vote

Kerry Washington is encouraging reluctant Americans to vote this November and don't "give up their power."

Kerry Washington is encouraging Americans contemplating skipping the November election to participate and not “give up their power.”

The Emmy-nominated Scandal star appeared on MSNBC’s Sunday special, Black Women in America: The Road to 2024, where she emphasized the significance of political engagement as the presidential election draws near. Hosted by Symone Sanders-Townsend, co-host of MSNBC’s The Weekend, and legal analyst Melissa Murray, Washington was among the famous faces who took part in the candid conversations ahead of the momentous election.

“Politics is where you drive, what you wear, what you eat, how your kids are educated, whether you can pay for your healthcare, whether you can have an abortion or not,” Washington said.

“So to say I’m not going to vote, I understand the feeling, I understand the frustration, but I just don’t want people to let go and give up their power.”

In the extensive special, Sanders-Townsend and Murray engaged with diverse groups of Black women, including young voters and suburban women, to discuss their sentiments as they approach this pivotal election. Discussions explored what presidential candidates can do to win their votes in November, the key issues motivating them to head to the polls, and much more.

Many young voters began the year feeling disheartened about the upcoming 2024 election. A fall 2023 poll from the Harvard Kennedy School highlighted their lack of enthusiasm for participating in the election compared to 2020 when a record number of young voters played a pivotal role in electing President Joe Biden.

These sentiments resonate beyond just Gen Z, as many American voters feel disconnected from both parties and their candidates. While Washington acknowledges the “frustration” that many Americans are experiencing, she urges voters not to let that deter them from exercising their power at the ballot box.

“I get it. I get the level of frustration. I really understand it, because it is true,” she said.

“It feels sometimes like the system is not working for us, but I think that’s because a lot of us have been misguided into believing that our vote doesn’t matter. We have to flip the approach. We have to step into the game. We must let our voices be heard so the system can work for us.”

“And I know that’s frustrating, and I know it’s hard,” Washington continued. “We’re all busy. We all have, you know, families to show up for and jobs to show up for, but our civic engagement matters. So even if you decide I’m not going to vote, it’s not like it doesn’t affect you.”

The special discussed issues such as reproductive rights, young voters’ willingness to vote after President Biden stepped down from the Democratic ticket, diversity in Congress, and the economy.

MSNBC’s Black Women in America: The Road to 2024 is available to stream on Peacock.

RELATED CONTENT: Tyler Perry Came Up With The ‘Whole Script’ For WWII Film After One Meeting With Kerry Washington

FUBU, Atlanta Fashion Week, Coogi
by Black Enterprise

October 1, 2024

Iconic Fashion Brand FUBU Re-Emerges For Atlanta Fashion Week 2024

The men behind the For Us By Us brand will be making an appearance in Georgia during Atlanta Fashion Week (ATLFW) 2024.

The men behind the For Us By Us brand, FUBU, will appear in Georgia during Atlanta Fashion Week (ATLFW) 2024. The events will take place in various locations between Oct. 2 and Oct. 7.

The fashion brand, which, in recent years, has expanded into other creative outputs, was started in 1992 by J. Alexander Martin, Daymond John, Keith Perrin, and Carlton Brown. This year, ATLFW is hosting the brand’s stateside return with an opening night party featuring all four founders of FUBU. Along with the celebration of the brand, there will be a number of runway shows, immersive pop-up experiences, and many exclusive events that will feature emerging and established designers from around the world.

Global designers from as far away as Nigeria, the UK, Senegal, and local cities like New York, Houston, Dallas, and more are expected to be at Atlanta Fashion Week. Participants can attend fashion shows, pop-up shopping experiences, panel discussions, and art installations. With the return of FUBU, COOGI will also be on display along with runway shows featuring brands Sarayaa (as seen in British Vogue, Bazaar, Elle, and more), Paper Money & Made by Middle, GOAT by James King, BDR Black (NYC), Untourage the Label (Dallas, TX), and more.

A FUBU Archives Fashion Installation — VIP Preview is planned, which will give attendees an exclusive look at the installation.

FUBU prided itself on pushing the boundaries of creativity and self-expression, and this latest partnership, even though outside of fashion, seems on-brand. The FUBU brand has expanded in recent years, with each founder branching out to start other ventures, including HotelFUBU, FUBU Radio, FUBU Studios, and Shark Branding. ATLFW is the premier platform spotlighting Atlanta’s influence on global fashion.

To purchase or find out more information about Atlanta Fashion Week, you can check out the site here.

RELATED CONTENT: FUBU CEO Daymond John Vows Financial Aid To Family of Security Guard Slain In Buffalo Massacre

Tee Grizzley
by Sharelle B. McNair

October 1, 2024

Rapper Tee Grizzley Made Millions Streaming On Twitch

Guess its not all bad in the world of gaming....

Rapper and gaming pro Tee Grizzley shared how he turned his love of video games into a lucrative streaming gig, AfroTech reports. 

The “Blow for Blow” artist sat down for an episode of the “Earn Your Leisure” podcast and shared his strategy of making millions by simply playing video games — taking advantage of subscriber opportunities and ads on social apps like Twitch. “The way to make money, you gotta know how to repurpose things,” Grizzley explained. 

“Boom, you got subscribers, you got ads, you got people that can donate to you — and the sky’s the limit with all that stuff. With your videos saved, so you can take those videos [and] you can make content out of them on your TikTok, your Instagram, YouTube. You can [even] get a bag off Snapchat.”

The Detroit-based artist seemingly manifested his gaming career on X, then Twitter, in 2021. He tweeted that he needed a “plug” for the popular streaming platform Twitch. I need a Twitch plug ASAP. DM me,” Grizzley tweeted. 

One year later, during an interview in 2022 with the “Million Dollaz Worth Of Game” podcast, the rapper admitted to shifting gears into gaming after reaching momentums in the music industry. He created a custom “Grand Theft Auto” server called Grizzley World RP and garnered thousands of viewers with “Call of Duty” gameplay. 

During the COVID-19 shutdown, a friend of Grizzley’s helped him grow his wallet through his gaming passion. His friend North set up a free server for him, limiting Grizzley to earning $5,000 a month. However, the rapper overstepped that and made close to $50,000 a week with Grizzley World RP. With the server hosting 90,000 members at the time, each paying customer paid an admission fee between $100 to $400. “I put my sh-t up. I stream it on Twitch, right? I get paid from Twitch,” Grizzley explained. 

“I take the Twitch videos that are already streamed, [and] put it on YouTube. Get paid from the two, and I get paid from the server. Then you got sponsorships, you got ads.”

While speaking with Earn Your Leisure hosts Rashad Bilal and Troy Milling, Grizzley said that gaming has no specific genre as some streamers stick to one and others like him venture into different worlds. When asked what his favorite game is, Grizzley said it all depends on the “era.” His love for gaming started in elementary school, so his favorites vary between “007” and “Call of Duty.” 

He’s not the only artist who has embraced the love of online gaming. According to Revolt, artists like T-Pain, DDG, Soulja Boy, and NLE Choppa have also gained popularity in the growing industry.

Trump, rwanda
by Daniel Johnson

September 30, 2024

Trump Tosses Chicken Nuggets At University Of Alabama Football Game

Trump's visit to the football game, where he was accepted and seemingly praised by the crowd, stands in stark contrast to the coverage he has been receiving since he circulated a baseless conspiracy theory on the debate stage in early September.

As the University of Alabama’s 17-year-old freshman phenom Ryan Williams thrilled the crowd in Tuscaloosa on Sept. 28 with a thrilling, impossible sideline catch against the University of Georgia, former President Donald Trump was being weird yet again.

This time, according to WFLA, the former president waved to the crowd before tossing several boxes of chicken nuggets to seemingly random football fans at the University of Alabama’s Bryant-Denny Stadium.

According to The Associated Press, Trump was there as the guest of Ric Mayers Jr, an Alabama businessman who is also a member of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago golf club. Mayers indicated to the AP that he wanted Trump to enjoy a warm welcome, which the crowd provided as they chanted “USA! USA!” while Trump tossed the nugget boxes.

Trump’s visit to the football game, where he was accepted and seemingly praised by the crowd, starkly contrasts the coverage he has been receiving since he circulated a baseless conspiracy theory on the debate stage in early September.

According to the AP, much of Trump’s appeal to conservatives, who have latched onto his “Make America Great Again” slogan, is the idea that America needs saving from Black and Brown people, especially Black and Brown immigrants.

Most of his supporters, however, would probably echo the sentiments of Shane Walsh, a 52-year-old businessman from Austin, Texas. Walsh said that although he doesn’t think the former president is a good person, despite his personal feelings about him, Walsh believes Trump is the kind of figure that should represent America.

“I don’t necessarily like him as a person, but I think Washington is broken, and it’s both parties’ faults — and Trump is the kind of guy who will stand up. He’s a lot of things, but weak isn’t one of them. He’s an optimistic guy; he just makes you believe that if he’s in charge. We’re going to be all right.” Walsh told the AP.

Although the crowd seemed to be solidly-pro Trump given their reaction, save for some boos and extended middle fingers, according to Braden Vick, the president of the University of Alabama’s College Democrats chapter, the truth on campus is opposite his reception at the game.

“There is, I think, a silent majority among the students that are not with Trump. We have this great atmosphere for a top-five game between these two teams, with playoff and championship implications, and it’s just a shame that Donald Trump has to try to ruin it with his selfishness,” Vick told the AP.

RELATED CONTENT: Haitian Nonprofit Fighting Back Against ‘Eating Pet’ Claims, Suing Trump-Vance Campaign

Jesse Jackson Jr.
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 30, 2024

Chicago Mayors Urge Biden To Grant Presidential Pardon to Jesse Jackson Jr.

Nine Chicago mayors are urging President Joe Biden to pardon former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.

Nine Chicago mayors came together earlier this month to pen a letter to President Joe Biden requesting a pardon for former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.

The namesake son of the iconic civil rights leader who was recognized at last month’s Democratic National Convention was convicted of conspiring to use campaign funds for personal purposes more than a decade ago. After serving about half of his 30-month sentence and being released to a halfway house in March 2015, Chicago political leaders think Jackson Jr. deserves a second chance.

“We worked with him on a regular basis. His concern and care for his constituents’ needs were always present,” the mayors of South Chicago suburbs wrote in part.

“Like you, we also make decisions that affect people in their everyday life. Oftentimes, we must reflect upon ‘never judging a man based on his worst day.’ We believe that Congressman Jackson has better days ahead.”

NBC News reports that the letter follows Jackson Jr.’s 2013 guilty plea for conspiring with his then-wife, Sandi Jackson, to misuse $750,000 in campaign funds for personal expenses. This isn’t the first instance of elected officials contacting Biden about Jackson Jr.’s situation. Notably, Jackson Jr.’s successor, Rep. Robin Kelly, D-Ill., has encouraged the president in recent years to utilize his pardon power to aid the former lawmaker.

Jackson Jr.’s father, Rev. Jesse Jackson, 82, has also requested pardons for his son. The father and son have also worked together to request pardons for other convicted government officials like former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. In 2019, the Jacksons urged then-President Donald Trump to pardon Blagojevich for his corruption crimes, saying his 14-year prison sentence was “unfair and unnecessary.”

Rev. Jesse Jackson, who is currently fighting Parkinson’s Disease, made an appearance on stage at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in August. Sitting in a wheelchair and flanked by fellow civil rights leaders, he was met with a lengthy standing ovation.

The request for a pardon arrives just a day after President Biden’s son, Hunter, pleaded guilty to federal tax charges. Earlier this year, Hunter was convicted on three counts related to the illegal purchase of a handgun. Earlier this month, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that the president remains steadfast in his commitment not to pardon his son.

Throughout his presidency, Biden has granted blanket pardons for specific marijuana offenses in 2022 and 2023 to individuals convicted on drug-related charges. However, he has been selective in exercising his constitutional authority to issue pardons.

RELATED CONTENT: Rev. Jesse Jackson To Retire from Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Name Successor

chemical plant, Georgia, chemical fire, Kenny Johnson
by Daniel Johnson

September 30, 2024

Georgia’s Chemical Plant Fire Spews Chlorine In The Air

According to air quality surveys conducted by state and federal officials, chlorine was identified as the substance that emanated from the plant.

Residents in Georgia were advised to stay indoors and shut their windows on Sept. 30 after a fire on Sept. 29 at a BioLab plant in Conyers, Georgia, caused a chemical reaction to release chlorine into the air.

According to CNN, 17,000 residents and businesses near the plant were told to evacuate in the aftermath of the fire, and a shelter-in-place advisory remains in place for approximately 90,000 residents of Rockdale County.

Conyers is about 30 miles outside of Atlanta. According to officials, the fire started on the plant’s roof before water from a malfunctioning sprinkler came into contact with a water-reactive chemical, creating a plume.

According to air quality surveys conducted by state and federal officials, chlorine was identified as the substance that emanated from the plant. This matches the description of some residents in the area who described a bleach or chemical smell in the air.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chlorine exposure can be identified by a burning sensation in the eyes, nose, and mouth. It can also produce coughing, choking, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and dizziness.

Rockdale County Sheriff Eric Levett warned people to stay out of the area in a statement. “This is not the time to do any type of sightseeing. We are strongly encouraging everyone, no matter where you’re coming from, but especially Rockdale residents, to stay out of this area,” Levett said.

Rockdale County Chairman Oz Nesbitt stated that emergency agencies are being mobilized to respond. “All of our resources have been dispatched and deployed,” Nesbitt told CNN. “Every available agency, GEMA, FEMA, everyone is on deck here in Rockdale County. We’re managing this situation as we try to get it under control.”

The situation in Conyers and Rockdale County resembles a July 2024 report from WABE stating that Georgia Power was preparing to dump 33 million tons of coal ash in unlined pits of groundwater.

At the time, several Georgia environmental organizations urged the revocation of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s coal ash residuals program, which had been used to approve the dumping.

A petition filed in July 2024 on behalf of the Coosa River Basin Initiative, Altamaha Riverkeeper, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, Georgia Interfaith Power and Light, and the Sierra Club, among others, sets forth that state and federal environmental protection agencies are failing to protect the state’s water systems.

According to Frank Holleman, a senior attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center, “Georgia EPD has made it clear that it will not follow the law and protect Georgia’s clean water and communities from toxic coal ash pollution,” Holleman said. “EPA is charged with overseeing EPD’s program, and we need EPA to step in to protect Georgia’s rivers and neighborhoods because EPD will not.”

RELATED CONTENT: Two Black Towns In The Shadow Of Environmental Racism Fight Back Against Chemical Companies

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