Cleveland Clinic Research Reveals Potential Dangers Of Erythritol Sugar Substitutes
African Americans are at a greater risk for heart disease and stroke. The new study advises to entirely avoid erythritol-sweetened drinks.
A new study conducted by researchers at the Cleveland Clinic has linked the ingestion of erythritol, a sugar alcohol commonly used as a sweetener, to a heightened risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular disease.
Erythritol, often used as a sugar-free or reduced sugar additive, is one of the fastest growing Food and Drug Administration–approved and European Food Safety Authority-approved non-nutritive sweeteners, and according to the study published in the American Heart Association’s Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular BiologyJournal, the US and European Union regulatory agencies have typically found artificial and non-nutritive sweeteners to be safe. However, recent research has flagged the consumption of drinks with the sugar alternative, erythritol, as a potential enhancer of blood clotting.
Researchers examined 10 healthy volunteers using a prospective interventional study design. The study states, “We tested the impact of erythritol or glucose consumption on multiple indices of stimulus-dependent platelet responsiveness in healthy volunteers.”
The Toronto Starreported that according to Dr. Stanley Hazen, Cleveland Clinic director for the Center for Cardiovascular Diagnostics and Prevention, the risk of blood clotting doubled in the volunteers after consuming a typical portion size, detecting a clear difference in their bodies before and after downing erythritol-sweetened drinks. According to a March report by the American Heart Association, more than any other racial group, African Americans are at a greater risk for heart disease and stroke due to adverse social determinants of health, including lack of access to healthcare and healthy foods and other historical and systemic factors. The report advised to regularly check blood pressure, noting the normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg.
Hazen advised individuals with an increased risk of heart disease or blood clotting to consume moderate amounts of glucose, sugar, honey, or fruit and steer clear of sweeteners erythritol and xylitol, another sugar alternative researchers previously linked to an increase in heart attack and cardiovascular disease. “I’m trying to sound the alarm,” Hazen said. “We need to look at the safety of this because I’m concerned that, long-term, we’re seeing, unfortunately, adverse consequences for the very people who are trying to reach for a healthy option or healthy alternative.”
Although erythritol has been used for people with diabetes and those on a Keto diet, Cleveland Clinic researchers suggest reevaluating its safety as a food additive.
Diddy Emerges Victorious In Recent Lawsuit Filed By Colorado Inmate
Chief U.S. District Judge Laura Taylor Swain dismissed the lawsuit stating the case was frivolous and lacking legal standing
A Colorado inmate filed a lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs, stating that the entertainment mogul wanted him to “arrange sex trafficking of underage children.” When he refused to do so, he alleges Diddy defamed him, and it hurt his drug business. The suit was quickly dismissed.
According to News Nation, Alfredo P. Gonzalez, who says he is a member of the Sinaloa drug cartel, filed the suit, saying his reputation was ruined in New York’s criminal underworld due to Combs and his associates. In the lawsuit, Gonzalez was seeking damages of $666,000. The incarcerated inmate filed the suit in the Southern District of New York. On Aug. 12, Chief U.S. District Judge Laura Taylor Swain dismissed the lawsuit, stating the case was frivolous and lacking legal standing.
Gonzalez claimed in the paperwork that after declining to help Diddy with the sex trafficking, he was informed that his life would be made “hell” due to the “power [Combs] has in the streets.” Gonzalez also states he lost business with New York-based drug business contacts.
AllHipHop reported that Judge Swain wrote in her decision, “Plaintiff, without any legal bases, appears to assert claims of defamation against the defendants, seeking damages arising from injury incurred to his illegal drug smuggling and sales business caused by the defendant’s alleged defamation of plaintiff because he refused to arrange sex trafficking of underage children for the defendants, including what appears to be international sex trafficking. Since there are no apparent legal bases for any of these claims, the court additionally dismisses plaintiff’s claims as frivolous.”
Gonzalez is currently incarcerated at the Centennial Correctional Facility in Canon City, Colorado.
This was just the latest lawsuit filed against Diddy after numerous claims of sexual abuse and trafficking, among other accusations, were levied against him after former girlfriend and recording artist Cassie hit him with a lawsuit in November 2023. That lawsuit was settled in under 24 hours.
Howard University Faces Housing Challenges Amid Record-Breaking Enrollment
On Aug. 9, the renowned HBCU welcomed the largest incoming class in the school’s history. More than 2,700 first-year college students arrived on campus, prepared to begin their HU journey.
As Howard University celebrates an enrollment milestone, students are concerned about what this means for their on-campus housing.
On Aug. 9, the renowned HBCU welcomed the largest incoming class in the school’s history. More than 2,700 first-year college students arrived on campus, prepared to begin their HU journey. As the number of incoming students increases, the institution is working to ensure that all first- and second-year students can live on campus in their preferred housing, The Hilltopreports.
“As always, we have looked for innovative ways to open the Howard experience to a diverse array of students who can contribute to our university community in unique ways,” said Howard Vice President and Chief Communications Officer Lydia Sermons in an interview with The Hilltop. “As a result, Howard is experiencing growth in enrollment, which is a positive development fueled in large part by higher upperclassman retention rates.”
The sizeable incoming class follows news that Howard received a record-breaking 37,000 applicants last year ahead of this year’s first-year class. According to the university’s undergraduate admissions department, the class of 2028 applicant pool increased by 12%, or 4,000 applicants, from the previous year.
Moreover, Sermons revealed that the number of first-year students entering Howard this year is “in line with the goals set by the university’s administration.” She also noted that HU has added new faculty and classes to support the incoming students, dining services have also been “enhanced,” and more than 300 beds have been added to housing availability.
Despite some accommodations, returning students have voiced concerns about being placed into triple dorm rooms, although they requested something different.
For example, the outlet also reported that a sophomore biology major, Makayla Lumpkin, requested a single dorm in Howard Plaza West Towers but was devastated when she learned of her assignment in a triple.
“I cried, and I was very upset,” said Lumpkin. “All of my friends got singles, and I was the only one placed in a triple.”
Per Sermons, triples only account for 1% of the beds, or 22 rooms, available to students during the aforementioned interview.
“The unprecedented interest in enrolling at Howard has required ingenuity in housing to meet the needs of each student,” said Sermons. “As we have in the past, we have leveraged a group of larger rooms which can comfortably accommodate triples to ensure that as many students have housing as possible, especially freshmen.”
Along with the space constraints, students have voiced concerns about the pricing of the triples, noting that they are the same amount it would be for a small double dorm that includes a shared bathroom. The Howard University student housing website currently lists the small double and triple dorms at $4,158 per semester.
’60 Day Hustle’ Offers $100K Prize To Competing Entrepreneurs
Source: Photo Credit: Sonic Gods Studios
60 Day Hustle judge and business development consultant Terry Rice understands firsthand the complexities of business startup and funding challenges. Working for large tech companies, including Adobe and Meta, Rice entered the consulting space in 2015. The New York native received his first yes from a local t-shirt company but knew he had to scale fast. In just two years, Rice developed a reliable method for attracting clients, appeared on Good Morning America, and spoke at events like AdWeek and SXSW.
In the world of entrepreneurship, time is often the most valuable currency. For 12 ambitious entrepreneurs, 60 days is all they have to prove their business acumen and secure a life-changing $100,000 prize. The stakes couldn’t be higher in 60 Day Hustle, a new Amazon Prime series launched on Aug. 8, where emerging business talents compete in a high-intensity accelerator program.
New businesses are launched daily across America, but starting a business doesn’t guarantee success. Around 35% of companies still operate after 10 years, with nearly 18.4% failing in the first year and almost 50% closing by the fifth year. Furthermore, according to a SCORE survey of roughly 1,000 small business startups nationwide, 78% of respondents relied on personal funds and income from another job to get their startup up and running.
BLACK ENTERPRISE spoke with Rice about the vision behind 60 Day Hustle, the importance of sustainability, and mentorship.
The Vision Behind 60-Day Hustle
Rice describes the show’s genesis as rooted in a passion for empowering the next generation of business leaders. “Rudy Mawer, the show’s creator, saw an opportunity to provide the kind of support he wished he had when he started,” Rice explains. Mawer, coming from a family with a legacy in sports rather than business, realized the critical need for guidance and resources that young entrepreneurs often need more.
“The 60 Day Hustle is about bridging that gap,” says Rice, “offering both financial support and mentorship from seasoned experts.”
Created and executive produced by Chris Hayman and Michelle Delamor, with production led by Adam Horner of Sonic Gods Studios, the show promises to be more than just entertainment. It’s a platform where dreams are either realized or reshaped. “This show is not just about the competition,” Rice adds. “It’s about giving viewers practical lessons in entrepreneurship.”
A Behind-the-Scenes Look
Walking into the $30 million studio where 60 Day Hustle was filmed, Rice was struck by the scale and sophistication of the production. “From the green screens to the LED volume, everything was designed to create an immersive experience,” he recalls. But what stood out most was the energy on set. “There was a palpable sense of hope and excitement,” Rice notes. “These entrepreneurs weren’t just there to compete; they were there to transform their lives.”
The selection process for the show was intense. “We conducted a nationwide casting call, reviewed countless business plans, and interviewed many candidates to ensure we had the best of the best,” Rice explains. The final 12, Avijah Scarbrough of Viju Beauty and Marcus Thomas of Marcus Alexander Footwear were chosen for their business ideas and growth potential. “Diversity was a key factor,” Rice says. “Each contestant brought their unique worldview and experiences to the table.”
The Entrepreneurial Challenges Ahead
The entrepreneurs face rigorous challenges throughout the two-month program to simulate real-world business obstacles. “The goal is to condense two years of business development into just 60 days,” Rice explains. With the guidance of mentors like Fabletics Co-Founder Ginger Ressler and Fab Fit Fun Co-Founder Daniel Broukhim, contestants will have to think fast, adapt, and execute. “This isn’t just about who has the best idea,” says Rice. “It’s about who can implement, scale, and sustain their business under pressure.”
The show’s format also allows viewers to learn alongside the contestants. “Every 60 Day Hustle episode is packed with actionable insights,” Rice shares. “If you’re an entrepreneur watching from home, take notes. The lessons here are invaluable.”
Mentorship That Matters
One of the most unique aspects of 60 Day Hustle is the mentorship provided to the contestants. “The mentors are not just there to critique; they’re there to coach,” Rice emphasizes. “We have people like Peter Pham, Science co-founder, who built billion-dollar brands. Their advice is gold.”
For Rice, being a judge on the show was more than just evaluating performances. “I couldn’t help but pass on some guidance as well,” he admits. “You see their potential and want them to succeed, not just in the show, but in their future endeavors.”
What a Judge Looks For
As a judge, Rice emphasizes that several key factors are crucial when determining who should win a competition like 60 Day Hustle. “It’s not just about having a great idea,” he says. “We look for adaptable, resourceful entrepreneurs who can pivot when faced with challenges.”
Execution is another critical factor. “A brilliant idea is only as good as its execution,” Rice explains. “We pay close attention to how well contestants can bring their ideas to life, whether they can deliver on their promises and meet their business demands.”
Sustainability also plays a significant role. “We want to see businesses that don’t just flash in the pan,” Rice says. “They need a plan for long-term growth and a vision beyond the initial excitement.”
Lastly, passion and leadership are indispensable qualities. “An entrepreneur’s passion can be the difference between success and failure,” Rice notes. “Their ability to inspire others and lead their team through tough times is what sets apart the good from the great.”
Wendell Pierce Calls For Black Men To Support Kamala Harris At DNC
Although Pierce acknowledged that voters should ask about her record, he also admonished those who don't think the Democrats have done anything for Black people.
Wendell Pierce Jr, an actor known for his roles in The Wire, Suits, and Waiting To Exhale spoke to MSNBC’s Joy Reid at the Democratic National Convention and used his time to implore Black men to cast their votes for Vice President Kamala Harris come November.
"There's blood on that ballot box. For them. Do them the honor and vote." Famed actor @WendellPierce spoke to Joy Reid at #DNC2024CHICAGO about the historic nature of Vice President Kamala Harris' nomination with a special message for Black men.
According to The Hill, Pierce told Reid, “There’s blood on that ballot box. Remember those who died in the rivers of Alabama and Mississippi. For them, do the honor and vote. Any Black man that has an issue with a Black woman rising, they have to look at their own inadequacy,” Pierce said.
Pierce then turned his attention even more directly to Black men, urging them to get behind Harris. “What would make you so fearful of someone who was so beloved of you, who was so loving to you, like your mother and your grandmother and your aunts and your sisters, that you cannot be proud and embolden yourself when you see someone from your community rise up?”
Although Pierce acknowledged that voters should ask about her record, he also admonished those who don’t think the Democrats have done anything for Black people, pointing to student loan forgiveness, investments in HBCUs, and the $2 billion in funding provided to Black farmers after years of discrimination from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“If that’s not enough for you to vote for this campaign, why don’t you go to the other and hold up a sign behind him at a rally and tap dance? That’s what they want.” Pierce said.
James Jackson, a 74-year-old Black man, told the outlet that he was concerned about Trump either attempting to become a dictator or implementing Project 2025 upon his election.
“I don’t really have a choice. I’m voting for a person I believe is going to lead this country and at least give us an opportunity to readjust and move this democracy forward.” Jackson said.
John Taylor, the co-founder of the Black Male Initiative Georgia, a non-profit that does work around voter engagement specializing in Black men, told the outlet that Harris has brought a spark to the race.
“She’s not boring,” Taylor said. “It brings the entire debate around the election cycle a little bit more energy, a little bit more life.”
He also said that the Democratic Party as a whole needed to reach out to Black men in the same way they do Black women.
“If you don’t spend the resources to target our population with a message that actually matters to us, then we’re probably not going to turn out to vote.”
Asante, meanwhile, an IT professional and a naturalized citizen from Ghana, told Capital B that he believes that now is the time for America’s first Black woman president.
“I definitely want America to be able to get over that barrier. We’ve gone past the Black part,” Asante added, referring to the election of Barack Obama. “Let’s get the woman part out of the way.”
Atlanta Turned Up During Roll Call At Democratic National Convention: ‘The South Got Something To Say’
Lil Jon got the crowd hype during the roll call at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
Atlanta stole the show in true ATL fashion during the roll call at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
It was a party for night two of the DNC as DJ Cassidy played tunes from hometown heroes for states featured in the ceremonial roll call to nominate Kamala Harris. State anthems included Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” for Michigan, Dropkick Murphys’ “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” for Massachusetts, and Tupac Shakur’s “California Love” for California. But Atlanta set the stage with a live performance from native Lil Jon, who got the crowd hype with his DJ Snake hit “Turn Down For What.”
Lil Jon quickly transitioned into his chart-topping classic “Get Low.” The rapper and producer stood next to Georgia political leaders while belting out the tune, with the entire audience singing in unison. Lil Jon clapped hands with Georgia Sen. Ralph Warnock as U.S. Rep. and Georgia Democratic Party Chair Nikema Williams issued the state’s official backing for VP Harris as the next president of the United States.
“Mr. Chairman, the South got something to say,” Williams said after Lil Jon’s handoff.
“Georgia: the home of President Jimmy Carter, the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement where we fight for our freedom. Extremists in Georgia are trying to silence our voices by kicking Georgians off of the rolls and making it harder to vote, but y’all, when we send Kamala Harris to the White House, she’ll fight for our freedom to vote, our reproductive freedom, and our freedom to thrive.”
“In the spirit of good trouble, Georgia casts 123 votes for the next president of the United States, Kamala Harris,” she concluded.
Positive vibes encompassed state officials’ serious pleas in support of Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign. Celebrities supported state politicians to motivate viewers to vote blue this November. Spike Lee stood with New York officials, while “The Goonies” star Sean Astin stood with the Indiana delegation.
Other notable hits on DJ Cassidy’s roll call playlist include “1999” by Minnesota native son Prince, “Carry on Wayward Son” by Kansas for the state of Kansas, and “Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen for his hometown, New Jersey. Check out the full playlist HERE.
Free Agent Gabby Williams To Finish 2024 WNBA Season With Seattle Storm
The Seattle Storm has locked in the free agent forward for the second half of the season as they fight for a spot in the WNBA playoffs.
WNBA free agent Gabby Williams is ready to return to “The Emerald City” and don her No. 5 jersey after signing a rest-of-the-season contract with the Seattle Storm.
Tuesday’s announcement comes after the American-French power forward contributed to France’s silver medal win in the All-Star Five at the 2024 Paris Olympics, a performance that earned her the title of Best Defensive Player. According to a press release, the 26-year-old will rejoin the team for her third season with the Storm after a trade with Los Angeles in 2022 and an injury in 2023, which caused her to miss the first half of the season.
“I’m so excited to be joining the Storm for the rest of the season,” said Williams. “I feel more than ready to finally return to Seattle.”
Williams plans to finish this season strong when she joins the team next week. “I’ve missed the organization, my teammates and the fans so much,” she said. Head Coach Noelle Quinn said the team is thrilled to have the versatile and “dynamic player” back as the team pushes for a spot in the WNBA playoffs. “She’s a two-way player that can guard multiple positions and has a strong offensive game; given her familiarity with our system, we know she can have an immediate impact,” said Quinn.
Across six games with France in the 2024 Paris Olympics, Williams averaged 15.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.8 steals. She banked 19 points for her team with a stellar performance in the final five seconds of the match-up against the United States in the Gold Medal game. According to the Storm, in 2022, the WNBA player earned WNBA all-defensive team honors, ranking eighth in steals, 11th in defensive win shares, 13th in defensive rating, and fifth among qualifiers in steal percentage.
Tennis Champ Coco Gauff Serves On Her First Wheaties Box
Gauff will take over the coveted Wheaties box from tennis legend Billie Jean King.
Coco Gauff has landed on her own Wheaties box. The 2023 U.S. Open champion will take over the cover from tennis legend Billie Jean King.
Gauff’s new accolade comes amid her entry into the 2024 competition, which began on Aug. 19. Gauff spoke of the “honor” to secede King on the “Breakfast of Champions.”
“It is an honor to be on the next Wheaties box, especially as the legendary Billie Jean King passes the historic ‘Wheaties Champion’ title onto me,” said Gauff, as reported byNBC 4. “I’ve had so many role models in this sport help guide my professional and personal journey, and I hope to keep empowering the next generation to also work hard and dream big.”
The multigenerational Tennis duo shared a photo opportunity with their respective boxes.
Of the newest “Wheaties Champion,” the cereal brand noted how Gauff is already an accomplished tennis player at such a young age.
“At the age of 20, Coco Gauff is already showing the world that anything is possible when you dare to dream — the definition of a Wheaties Champion,” said KC Glaser, senior brand experience manager for Wheaties, per the news outlet. “We are thrilled to recognize Coco as our newest Wheaties champion amid her incredible season on the court and her ongoing activism work off the court.”
However, this latest endorsement is one of many for the tennis star. The 20-year-old recently unveiled the Coco CG2. The New Balance sneaker is her second one with the brand. It incorporates light blue colors with “tennis ball” yellow to highlight her knack for the sport.
Moreover, Gauff made headlines at the 2024 Paris Olympics as well. As the games began, Gauff received the honor of the U.S. flag bearer alongside LeBron James. While she did not earn any medals, Gauff aims to reclaim her victory at the U.S. tournament.
As for her Wheaties box, retailers nationwide will begin selling the collector’s item in August.
Byron Donalds Deflects Criticism Of Trump Campaign Stop
Donalds called the questioning about Trump's campaign stop 'offensive.'
Florida Rep. Byron Donalds deflected criticism of Donald Trump’s visit to Howell, Michigan, the site of white supremacist violence in July, by saying that President Joe Biden previously visited the town in the past.
According to CBS News, Donalds called the questioning about Trump’s campaign stop “offensive.”
“That entire line of questioning really is offensive. There are people in Howell, Michigan, just like there are people all over the entire country,” Donalds said.
Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) says Donald Trump did "absolutely not" decide to campaign Tuesday in Howell, Michigan, because of that small town's documented history of KKK activity and a recent white supremacy rally there.
According to The Hill, Harris’s campaign was less charitable about Trump’s campaign stop. Alyssa Bradley, the Michigan communications director for the Harris campaign, called the stop a bullhorn and not a dog whistle.
“Trump is choosing to rally in a town that was historically known as ‘the KKK capital of Michigan; this [Tuesday] event on ‘crime and safety’ isn’t a dog whistle from Trump — it’s a bullhorn. His visit underscores the core choice in this election — between a prosecutor and a criminal, someone who has spent her life making communities safer and someone who encourages violence, and someone who will build a future where all Michiganders can get ahead and someone who wants to take us back to the days of the KKK,” Bradley said.
Last month in Howell, white supremacists marched through the city’s downtown area, waving flags containing white supremacist slogans and chanting their support of Trump, an incident not addressed by both Donalds and Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, who issued an official statement questioning a double standard applied to Trump from the mainstream media.
“Did the media write this same story when Joe Biden visited Howell in 2021 or when Kamala Harris visits cities where racist protests and marches have occurred in the past? No, of course not, because the mainstream serves as a divisive, anti-Trump mouthpiece for the Democrat Party. President Trump will travel to Howell to deliver a strong message on law and order, making it clear that crime, violence, and hate of any form will have zero place in our country when he is back in the White House,” Leavitt said.
According to MLive, in July, a separate group of white supremacists chanted “Heil Hitler” and “We Love Trump” while carrying neo-Nazi and KKK flags and passing out white supremacist literature. The Mayor of Howell, Bob Ellis, acknowledged the city’s history with the KKK Grand Dragon of Michigan, Robert E. Miles, but said he was unsure if that history was why the white supremacists felt comfortable marching through the city.
According to the Michigan Advance, a joint statement issued by the City of Howell, the Livingston Diversity Council, and the Howell Chamber of Commerce condemned the racist ideology the group displayed. Trump has declined to do so so far.
“Although we recognize their right to free speech, these demonstrators do not reflect the values of the Howell community. The incident was terminated within a half-hour of when it began. The City of Howell, the Livingston Diversity Council, and the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce stand united in condemning this group’s racist ideology. We are very proud to be a welcoming and inclusive community, and this is likely why we were targeted by this outside group. We would also like to acknowledge all our residents who quickly reacted to this event and made it clear that we do not share their views,” the statement said.
Former Burger King ‘Goodie Bag’ Employee To Open Food Truck After Raising Nearly $500k
Ford recently bought a home with the GoFundme cash earlier this year.
Kevin Ford, the Burger King employee who received a goodie bag after working for the company for 27 years, has received nearly $500K in an ongoing community fundraiser; Ford announced that he bought a new food truck to start his own business.
Ford’s story gained traction in 2022 after a TikTok video went viral of him only getting a goodie bag after 27 years of service to Burger King, with no days off. The video led to a call to action from the community to reward him for his longstanding service.
One of his daughters started a crowdfunding campaign for his retirement, with an initial goal of $200. However, supporters raised over $200,000 for the father of four.
“Hi, My name is Seryna. The man in that video is my father. He has worked at his job for 27, years and yes, he has never missed a day of work. He originally began working at this job as a single father when he gained custody of me and my older sister 27 years ago,” she wrote in the GoFundMe description.
Despite the influx of cash, Ford continued to work there as an employee to support his children through college. Since then, Ford has bought a home with the help of the fundraiser. However, the money kept piling in, reaching its current amount of about $460K.
In a new update to donors, Ford also revealed his food truck purchase. He shared the exciting news on GoFundMe as he starts this “wonderful [and] adventurous new chapter.”
“Hello everyone! It’s been a while; I miss yawl! But, I Wanted YOU to be the first to know what you made possible for me to be able to do for my family,” exclaimed Ford. “Thanks to your love, kindness, and generosity, I was able to go “All In” on this wonderful, adventurous new chapter of my life! A food truck! You did this! Remember, we doin’ big things!”
He added, “I want to thank you for your continued love and support, for you have truly saved me and continue to change my life and the lives of my children and grandchildren for the better everyday!”
With his upcoming business, Ford can officially leave Burger King in the past as he becomes his own boss.
