• News

by Kandiss Edwards

January 15, 2025

Georgia Senators Vote To Move Forward With Fani Willis Investigation

Georgia senators voted to reinstate the investigation into Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.

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Jan. 13 — Georgia senators voted to reinstate an investigation into Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, Fox 5 reported.

The state’s special investigative committee will continue their probe into Willis’s handling of the case involving President-elect Donald Trump’s alleged interference in the 2020 election. Senators voted along party lines, with the Republican majority prevailing. Democratic senators, however, called the investigation a waste of time.

Sen. Harold Jones II, a Democrat, argued the decision represented an overreach of authority. He believes state lawmakers have no role in overseeing the operations of a local district attorney’s office.

“We have no business trying to micromanage a prosecutor’s office,” Jones said.

“If Fulton County has an issue with what took place, they need to address that. That’s their responsibility, not the General Assembly’s. It never has been and is a complete waste of time.”

Sen. Greg Dolezal, a Republican, contended that the move was necessary to restore public confidence in Georgia’s justice system. He referred to a court ruling that removed Willis and the Fulton County DA’s office from the 2020 election interference case.

“When you read the court’s ruling, it speaks to the reality that she had to be removed from the case to restore faith in the justice system in the state,” Dolezal said.

“I would think that’s a bipartisan issue that both Democrats and Republicans would support in restoring confidence in the criminal justice system.”

Willis was officially removed from prosecuting Trump and 14 co-defendants in December 2024. The Georgia Supreme Court ruled 2-1 on appeal. The investigation into Willis began after her relationship with co-counsel Nathan Wade was revealed, prompting an ethics inquiry. While Willis was not found to have violated ethical standards, Judge Scott McAfee rebuked her for the “appearance of impropriety.”

Defense attorneys for Trump and his co-defendants requested Willis’s removal, arguing that her prosecution was politically motivated, in collaboration with the Biden administration.

Willis vehemently denies allegations of targeting the soon-to-be sitting president. Jan. 8, Willis presented an appeal to the Georgia Supreme Court.

RELATED CONTENT: Judge Rules Fani Willis Disqualified As Prosecutor On Donald Trump’s Election Case In Georgia  

• News

by Kandiss Edwards

January 15, 2025

Political Reporter Yamiche Alcindor Returns To White House Briefing Room

Alcindor worked as a correspondent for PBS NewsHour during Trump's first term in office.

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Journalist Yamiche Alcindor will be NBC News‘ White House correspondent during the second Trump administration. Alcindor made the announcement on X on Jan. 13. The correspondent expressed her gratitude for the position and invited her social media followers to engage in the journalistic process.

“I’m heading back to the White House beat for @NBCNews to cover the second Trump administration. It’s a true honor to be a journalist, and I welcome all news tips and story ideas,” she wrote.

I’m heading back to the White House beat for @NBCNews to cover the second Trump administration. It’s a true honor to be a journalist and I welcome all news tips and story ideas.

— Yamiche Alcindor (@Yamiche) January 13, 2025

Alcindor covered the White House during Trump’s administration. In 2020, as a correspondent for PBS NewsHour, she gained attention for asking then-President Trump pointed questions. There are multiple documented interactions between the veteran journalist and the incoming president. 

The president was known for sparring with the “liberal” media, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. When state governors were scrambling to find medical supplies to help COVID victims, the nation began importing masks, respirators, and personal protection equipment from other countries. Alcindor challenged Trump’s claims that state governments were requesting equipment they did not need. 

Trump denied making the claims and chided the reporter for not making a more upbeat query.

“Why don’t you act a little more positive?” Trump said. “And you know what? That’s why nobody trusts the media anymore.”

The tension between Alcindor and Trump did not go unnoticed. The interaction even prompted PBS News to release a statement in support of Alcindor.

“It’s never been the job of journalists in the White House press corps to preface questions with nice praise for dear leaders. Thankfully, reporters have traditionally held little fear of presidents,” the statement read.

RELATED COTNENT: Rashida Jones To Step Down As President Of MSNBC In Days Ahead Of Trump Inauguration

• Entrepreneurship

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

January 15, 2025

Woman Opens First Black-Owned Virtual Assistant Recruitment Agency In The Philippines

Meet Lainika E. Johnson, the Founder and CEO of PRESS (Philippines Remote Expert Staffing Solutions), a pioneering Black-owned remote staffing firm that has set a transformative benchmark in the Philippine recruitment industry.

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Meet Lainika E. Johnson, the founder and CEO of PRESS (Philippines Remote Expert Staffing Solutions), a pioneering Black-owned remote staffing firm that has set a transformative benchmark in the Philippine recruitment industry. With an innovative approach and commitment to fostering global connections, her company hosted a groundbreaking live hiring event in December 2024 in Davao City, the largest city on the country’s second-largest island. This was the first such event in the country.

This trailblazing event brought together aspiring virtual assistants and industry professionals for an unparalleled experience. Unlike traditional job fairs, the company’s Live Hiring Event included free workshops tailored specifically to equip virtual assistants with the tools needed to excel in the global remote work sector.

Johnson, who flew to the Philippines to personally lead the event, shattered industry norms by directly engaging with applicants — a move that resonated deeply with attendees and highlighted her company’s unique approach.

“This isn’t just about hiring; it’s about creating opportunities and providing resources to uplift talented individuals,” she said. “My company, PRESS, stands out by not only connecting clients with tech-trained virtual assistants but also investing in the growth and success of our talent.”

PRESS leverages a rigorous talent acquisition process, ensuring only the most skilled professionals join its network. With expertise in AI and cutting-edge technology, its virtual assistants are more than support staff — they are strategic partners driving efficiency and innovation for businesses worldwide.

The Live Hiring Event reflects Johnson’s mission to empower Filipino professionals while challenging conventional recruitment methods. Her company is reshaping the remote staffing industry and fostering a global community where talent and innovation thrive.

For more information, visit the official website at PRESSStaffing.com.

For press inquiries and media interviews, contact jocelyn@pressstaffing.com or 916-367-4103.

This story was first reported by Blackbusiness.com.

RELATED CONTENT: Dwight Howard Signing With Team In The Philippines

• Health and Wellness

by Stacy Jackson

January 15, 2025

New Study Predicts Triple Increase In Dementia Cases Among Black Americans

The risk for Black Americans who will develop dementia is greater, with a 7% risk by age 75 and 28% by 85.

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According to a new study published on Jan. 13 in “Nature Medicine,” the risk of developing dementia is increasing in the United States, and the rate of Black people living with the disease is expected to triple.

The new research challenges older studies, which estimated a lower risk of dementia, with about 14% of men and 23% of women developing the disease in their lifetime. “Just the fact that the population is going to get older will mean the number of dementia cases will double overall,” study leader Dr. Josef Coresh told NBC News. The study found that the average 55-year-old’s risk of developing the disease by age 95 was 42%, and overall dementia cases in the U.S. are expected to double by 2060, an increase to approximately 1 million compared to 514,000 in 2020.

For Black Americans, the risk is greater, and the population may see the number of cases triple. Researchers found a 7% risk for Black Americans by age 75, while the average person’s risk of developing the disease was 4% between ages 55 and 75. By age 85, the risk spiked to 28% for Black Americans compared to 20% for the average person.

A 2024 report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that cases among Black adults are expected to hit 3.1 million in 2060. Higher rates for the group compared to their white counterparts included a higher prevalence of dementia risk factors like heart disease and diabetes, higher rates of poverty, and greater exposure to adversity and discrimination. The agency also revealed contributing factors to disparities like negative social attitudes toward patients from other races and unequal access to quality care and proper diagnosis. Disparities included unequal representation of Black people in clinical trials for the disease. BLACK ENTERPRISE previously covered a 2023 study that revealed that, on average, Black patients received MRI imaging tests for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias at around 72 years old, much later than white and Hispanic patients who received imaging in their 60s.

The “Lifetime Risk and Projected Burden of Dementia” cohort study tracked 15,043 people in the U.S. from 1997 to 2020. Black adults made up 26.9% of the study’s participants. It applied lifetime risk estimates to US Census projections to evaluate the annual number of incident dementia cases from 2020 to 2060.

Dementia risk may seem higher than before due to older studies that lacked a diverse group of participants, found challenges with tracking participants who developed dementia, and only examined the most common type, Alzheimer’s disease.

RELATED CONTENT: Week-Long Search For 80-Year-Old Georgia Woman With Dementia Leaves Family Worried

• News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 15, 2025

U.S. Department Of Labor To Allocate $25M For Pre-Release Training, Employment Services For Incarcerated Individuals

$25 million in funding is going to support the future employment of the formerly incarcerated.

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The U.S. Department of Labor is allocating $25 million to support the future endeavors of incarcerated citizens before and after their release.

On Jan. 13, the U.S. Department of Labor announced the availability of at least $25 million in grants to provide training and employment services for incarcerated individuals before and after their release from state, county, or local correctional facilities. The grants are dedicated to providing support both during incarceration and after release, focusing on improving employment outcomes during the reentry process and reducing recidivism.

The 12 Pathway Home Grant projects, funded through the department’s Employment and Training Administration, are organized to bridge the gap between a person’s release from incarceration and their enrollment in workforce development reentry programs that lead to skills-based employment.

Support for the participants begins before release, with funding going toward legal assistance, counseling, job search strategies, and other essential skills and services prior to their release. The programs will also support Registered Apprenticeships and occupational training, leading to industry-recognized credentials and supportive services upon release.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act authorized the Pathway Home 6 Grants funding, allowing grantees to form formal, long-term partnerships with employers after release. This is a groundbreaking stride toward reducing recidivism through employment opportunities, a factor long credited with a former inmate’s return to the prison system.

In 2022, the White House released research highlighting the difficulties individuals with criminal records encounter in the labor market. A 2008 study, for example, estimated that the unemployment rate for formerly incarcerated persons (FIPs) was around 27%, compared to just over 5% for the general population.

The deadline to apply for the 12 Pathway Home Grants is March 15, 2025.

RELATED CONTENT: UN Adopts Historic Guidance To Protect Paroled And Formerly-Incarcerated Citizens

• Politics

by Mitti Hicks

January 15, 2025

Michelle Obama Is Not Attending Trump’s Inauguration

This isn’t the first time Mrs. Obama has skipped out on gatherings where former U.S. presidents and their spouses attended. 

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It appears that when people go low, the former first lady Michelle Obama is deciding to step aside. Mrs. Obama is not attending the second inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.

The Associated Press reported that while Laura Bush and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will join their husbands for Trump’s swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol, Mrs. Obama will not.

“Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies,” a statement from the Office of Barck and Michelle Obama reads. “Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration.”

Michelle Obama Doesn’t Give Reason For Absence

This isn’t the first time Mrs. Obama has skipped out on gatherings where former U.S. presidents and their spouses attended. 

Michelle Obama did not attend the funeral of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter at the Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 9.

She was notably absent as pictures of her husband and Trump sitting next to each other and sharing laughs made their rounds on social media. Mrs. Obama has been vocal about her dislike for Trump, which she expressed in her memoir Becoming.

“Sitting on the inaugural stage in front of the U.S. Capitol for the third time, I worked to contain my emotions,” she said, adding, “I stopped even trying to smile.”

In her campaign speech at the Democratic National Convention, she accused Trump of doing “everything in his power to make people fear.”

The end of her speech is what got everyone talking. “Who’s going to tell him that the job he’s currently seeking might just be one of those ‘Black jobs?’” This is an apparent jab from the President-elect’s claims that immigrants are taking “Black jobs” while on the campaign trail.

The reason for Mrs. Obama’s absence is unclear. It’s important to note that the Trumps did not attend President Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021, as CNN reported

RELATED CONTENT: Michelle Obama’s ‘Party At The Polls’ Returns With More Than 500 Events Across Election Season

• Sports

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 15, 2025

Washington Commanders’ Bobby Wagner Pursues Business Degree From Howard University

'I just looked at Howard as a great school to learn business from. It’s one of the best in the country, and why wouldn’t I choose them?'

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An NFL player has taken steps toward obtaining his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree by enrolling at Howard University. According to HBCU Gameday, NFL All-Pro defense player Bobby Wagner is pursuing his degree at one of the most prominent HBCUs in the nation, Howard University.

Wagner, who plays for the NFL’s Washington Commanders, enrolled in the 18-month MBA program in January 2023. Thinking about life after football motivated the linebacker to take the course, as most NFL players don’t play more than five years in the league, and many go bankrupt within years after their playing days are over.

Out of all the schools to attend, he chose Howard because of the school’s reputation and history.

“I just looked at Howard as a great school to learn business from. It’s one of the best in the country, and why wouldn’t I choose them?” he asked.

The 34-year-old player is already a businessman, acting as his own agent when he negotiated his recent contract with the Commanders. Without employing an agent, he received a one-year, $8.5 million deal, with $6 million guaranteed, and didn’t have to give a percentage to anyone.

His drive to a successful post-NFL career has brought him to Howard, where he will grow into a businessman after completing the school’s business program.

“Similarly, with football, you always want to try to find ways to perfect your craft, so I felt like this was an opportunity for me to do that off the field,” he said.

Wagner, who has played in the NFL for 13 seasons, also gives back to the community. For his dedication to community activities and education, he was recently nominated for the NFL’s 2024 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. This award recognizes players for their contributions on and off the field.

RELATED CONTENT: GO BISON! HOWARD UNIVERSITY CELEBRATES CENTENNIAL HOMECOMING

• Education

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 14, 2025

Natural Grocers® And Jack And Jill Of America Foundation Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2025 With Annual Fundraiser

Natural Grocers® and the Jack and Jill of America Foundation launched a new annual fundraiser on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

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Natural Grocers® has teamed up with the Jack and Jill of America Foundation to launch an annual fundraiser to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

On Jan. 13, Natural Grocers® announced an in-store fundraising campaign to support the Jack and Jill of America Foundation (JJOAF), scheduled for Jan. 20, 2025, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. During the campaign, customers can make additional donations at the register in increments of $1, $5, or $10. The company will also donate a portion of sales from all its stores nationwide to raise $45,000 or more for the Jack and Jill Foundation College Graduation Assistance Program (GAP) Fund.

In addition, Natural Grocers has committed to donating 1% of sales from its 167 stores to support HBCU students in achieving their academic goals. The GAP Fund, which provides scholarships to cover tuition expenses for students attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), plays a key role in this initiative. Taking place on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the fundraiser honors the civil rights leader’s legacy of social justice, education, and his connection as an HBCU alum.

“I am proud of our investment of $125,768 in 113 students that graduated in May 2024 — across five HBCUs, empowering the next generation of leaders,” Executive Director of Jack and Jill Foundation Pier Blake said in a statement.

“While this is a strong step forward, we are committed to doing even more with the generous partnership of Natural Grocers during their Martin Luther King Day campaign, as we aim to expand our impact and uplift even more deserving students. Together, we can continue to make dreams a reality.”

The campaign supports the Jack and Jill of America Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated (JJOA, Inc.), and its mission to address social issues impacting African American communities, families, and children. Families within Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated—the largest and most prominent African American family organization—play a crucial role in charitable giving and fundraising, raising over $2 million annually for the foundation and other causes.

“Financial challenges of pursuing a higher education can often feel overwhelming, and your support has made an immeasurable difference in my life,” said Annissa D. Owens, a May 2024 graduate from Southern University, whose student balance was paid by the Jack and Jill Foundation.

“Thanks to your generosity, I can now focus fully on navigating life after college without the constant worry of student debt. I cannot thank you enough for your dedication to supporting students like me and your incredible generosity. It is organizations like the Jack and Jill Foundation that help make education more accessible and inspire hope in students striving for their dreams. Your contribution has made a lasting impact on my life. We are forever grateful.”

RELATED CONTENT: The 3 C’s That Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Can Teach Us Today To Advance Workplace Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

• News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 14, 2025

Grammy Events Cancelled By Major Record Labels Amid LA Wildfires

Major record labels have canceled their Grammy Week events, choosing to redirect funds to support relief efforts for the LA wildfires.

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Despite the ongoing wildfires raging through Southern California, the 67th annual Grammy Awards are still set to take place on Feb. 2. But Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony Music Group have announced they will not be hosting any events to celebrate the occasion.

On Jan. 14, Sony Music Group joined Universal Music Group (UMG) and Warner Music Group in canceling its Grammy Week party, opting instead to redirect the funds to support local relief efforts, Billboard reported. It came one day after the Recording Academy confirmed that this year’s Grammy Awards would proceed as planned, despite the wildfires affecting countless Los Angeles residents, including stars and industry professionals across music, film, and television.

Shortly after the Recording Academy’s announcement, UMG released its own statement canceling all Grammy-related events, including its artist showcase and after-party. The company announced it would instead “redirect the resources that would have been used for those events to assist those affected by the wildfires.”

“Our deepest gratitude goes to the first responders and emergency personnel, who continue to perform heroically,” Universal said in a statement.

“L.A. is home to so many of us. We are committed to helping and supporting the music community, our artists, our teams and the people of Los Angeles get through this horrific episode.”

Within 24 hours of UMG’s announcement, Warner Music Group and Sony Music Group also announced the cancellation of their planned Grammy events. Along with UMG’s relief efforts for those impacted by the wildfires, Warner Music Group announced its canceled Grammy Week party to instead redirect funds to wildfire relief efforts and aid those affected by the devastation.

It follows Warner Music Group’s previous pledge of $1 million to support fire relief and rebuilding efforts in the Los Angeles area through its Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund.

“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles,” Recording Academy and MusiCares CEO Harvey Mason Jr. and Tammy Hurt, chair of the board of trustees, said in a statement. “This city is our home, and we mourn the loss of life and destruction that have come to it in recent days.”

“In close coordination with local authorities to ensure public safety and responsible use of area resources, the 67th Grammy Awards telecast on CBS on Feb. 2 will proceed as planned,” they continued. “This year’s show, however, will carry a renewed sense of purpose: raising additional funds to support wildfire relief efforts and honoring the bravery and dedication of first responders who risk their lives to protect ours.”

RELATED CONTENT: Prince To Receive Posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award At 2025 Grammys Alongside Frankie Beverly and Roxanne Shanté