Michael Jordan, lawsuit, NASCAR, antitrust
(Photo: James Gilbert/Getty Images)
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 17, 2024

Judge Petitions For Release Of Man Serving Life For The Murder Of Michael Jordan’s Father

Gregory Weeks, who presided over the trial of Daniel Green in 1996 has asked North Carolina’s Parole Commission to release the prisoner because of an omission during the trial.

A judge who participated in the murder trial of NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan‘s father, James, has recently requested that the man convicted of killing James be released from prison.

According to ABC News, Gregory Weeks, who presided over the trial of Daniel Green in 1996, has petitioned North Carolina’s parole commission to release the prisoner, who was convicted in Jordan’s murder. Green was sentenced to life in prison. After almost 30 years of imprisonment, Weeks has stated that a forensic blood analyst who was on the case did not disclose that a blood-like substance that was discovered inside Jordan’s vehicle might not have been his blood.

At the trial, that was omiitted by the analyst, Rev. Thomas Jones told the commission. The magistrate revealed that he had “never been haunted in such a manner” as he had been by the daunting case.

At the trial, prosecutors claimed that Jordan was sleeping in the passenger seat of his Lexus when Green approached the vehicle and shot him. This information was given to them by Larry Demery, Green’s co-defendant, who also said that Green was the one who pulled the trigger. Yet, the analyst never stated that other forensic tests collected from the car were negative or inconclusive for blood.

Newsweek reported that the then-18-year-old Green stated he was innocent of committing the murder, but he did help Demery in the handling of Jordan’s body after he was killed.

Daniel Green, who was 18 at the time of the crime, maintains his innocence in the murder itself while admitting his role in handling the body. But he did state his actions.

“Every day I live with the remorse and the pain and the suffering caused by my youthful decisions. I regret the harm my actions inflicted on the Jordan family.”

A spokesperson for the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction told ABC News that the commission is expected to deliberate for at least one month before making its decision.

Jordan was killed while sleeping in his car on a North Carolina highway in July 1993.

RELATED CONTENT: Georgia College Football Player Arrested After Being Accused Of Assaulting Former Girlfriend

CEOs, corporate America, Kamala Harrs, endorsement
(Photo: Erik S. Lesser/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 17, 2024

Kamala Harris’ Message To BET Hip-Hop Awards Fans: Voting Allows You ‘To Determine The Future Of Our Country’

Kamala Harris speaks to voters at the BET Hip-Hop Awards.

Vice President Kamala Harris made a virtual appearance at the BET Hip-Hop Awards on Tuesday night, where she emphasized the importance of voting and shared her vision for the future in her role as president.

Vice President Kamala Harris made a surprise appearance at the 2024 BET Awards, speaking with rappers Fat Joe and Too Short. During the conversation, she highlighted the importance of voting, outlined her plans to reduce costs and strengthen the economy, and warned about the potential risks of Donald Trump’s Project 2025 agenda.

“You know, there’s a lot of misinformation out there that would suggest to people that their vote doesn’t matter, and as far as I’m concerned, you should never let anybody silence you,” Harris said about her support within the Black and Brown communities.

“Because when you vote, you actually have the ability to determine the future of our country.”

The presidential hopeful also addressed the misinformation on the internet and media that could sway voters or prevent Americans from extending their voting power this election.

“When you tell people that they can’t trust the system, then what are they likely to do? Not participate,” Harris said. “And that’s why I say don’t ever let anybody take you out of the game. That’s the first step toward never being able to make a difference.”

The former California Attorney General outlined her economic plans after Too Short voiced concerns about friends and family members who felt the economy was stronger during Trump’s presidency. According to Harris, she sees an opportunity to boost the economy by investing in small businesses.

“My goal, as president, is to make sure that everybody has an opportunity to achieve success,” she explained. “Small businesses: Part of my plan is to change what now is a tax deduction for a startup at $5,000 and to blow it up so that now the tax deduction for a startup is $50,000 because can’t nobody start a small business on $5,000, but it doesn’t mean they don’t have a great idea.”

Harris also warned voters about the potential dangers to the middle class if Trump returns to the White House and implements his rumored Project 2025. She pointed to possible cuts to overtime pay and the Department of Education, closing her appeal with some sharp remarks aimed at Trump.

“It would do the work of trying to destroy our democracy and really work against middle-class folks,” she said. “So this is a man who will posture like, ‘Hey, support me because I’m tough and strong,’ but he’s weak.”

RELATED CONTENT: Kamala Harris Has Surpassed $1B In Fundraising Since Entering Presidential Race

DJ Akademiks, lawsuit, rape, defamation
(Photo by Earl Gibson III/Getty Images)
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 17, 2024

DJ Akademiks Banned From Twitch After Streaming With Ousted User Adin Ross

DJ Akademiks has one less platform to stream from after getting banned from Twitch.

DJ Akademiks has now joined Adin Ross on the list of banned Twitch members, after hosting the controversial streamer on his live broadcast.

On Oct. 17, Akademiks announced his removal from the Twitch platform without offering insight into what caused his ban.

“FREE BIG AK,” he wrote in an Instagram caption. The photo showed the popular vlogger’s Twitch profile and an alert informing users that the “Twitch Partner ‘Akademiks’ has been banned!”

Though the exact reason for Akademiks’ Twitch ban is unclear, many have pointed out the timing following his recent livestream featuring OnlyFans star Gucci Third Leg and controversial streamer Adin Ross, who’s been banned from Twitch since February 2023. On Oct.14, Akademiks hosted a live stream with Gucci Third Leg amid his STD scandal with a fellow OnlyFans creator.

Gucci is accused of giving another woman a sexually transmitted disease following a sexual encounter, and Akademiks invited the OnlyFans star on his Twitch platform to get to the bottom of his STD drama. In addition to Gucci Third Leg, Akademiks invited Adin Ross to join the conversation.

The issue lies in Ross’ permanent suspension from Twitch, and featuring him on a stream violates the platform’s policies. The streaming platform says banned streamers “may not appear or participate in the stream of a third-party channel.”

“If a banned user appears in a third-party channel while being suspended, this could cause the suspension of the channel they appear in,” the platform notes.

By inviting Ross onto his broadcast, Twitch appears to have acted quickly in permanently banning Akademiks from the platform.

Loyal fans of Akademiks shared the plans to stop using Twitch following news of the vlogger’s ban.

“CNG, we boycotting Twitch until they free bro ???” one fan wrote.

“Ak the only reason I got Twitch,” added someone else.

One user noted how Akademiks was “Banned for streaming with Banned Adin.”

Akademiks might’ve suffered a loss on Twitch, but he remains active on YouTube and Rumble — two streaming platforms where he also has a strong following.

RELATED CONTENT: DJ Akademiks Sued For Rape And Defamation

Atlanta Georgia, education, Super Bowl LXII, Atlanta Wine and Jazz Festival, Build-to-rent
Photo: iStock/Kruck20
by Kandiss Edwards

October 17, 2024

And Another One: Atlanta Will Host Super Bowl LXll

Super Bowl 2028 is headed to ATL.

Super Bowl LXll is coming to Atlanta in 2028. Oct. 16, Mercedes-Benz Stadium was named the location of the Super Bowl for the fourth time. 

In a statement, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell spoke about what made Atlanta an excellent host city for the event. 

“Renowned for its hospitality and rich sports and entertainment culture, Atlanta is a world-class event destination and a natural fit for Super Bowl LXll.”

Goodall continued his praise during a press conference:

“Atlanta they have been known on a global basis as a city that can make things happen. It brings great events and reflects the best of America and the best of this country.”

Atlanta Falcons owner, Author M. Blank, thanked the NFL and Goodell for the “honor.”

“Mercedes-Benz Stadium was built to host the world’s largest sporting events, and I know I speak for many when I say we are honored to bring it back to Atlanta in 2028 and build off the success of Super Bowl LIII in 2019. I look forward to working alongside our city and state officials as we continue to elevate Georgia as a premier, global sports destination.”

The city is garnering attention for its growing soccer community. Known as football worldwide, soccer is the most watched sport. 

According to FIFA, “There are five billion football fans around the world, with Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa representing the largest fan bases.”

Even with the largest fanbases outside the U.S., Atlanta was chosen to host the 2026 World Cup at Mercedes Benz Stadium.

Many see Atlanta as a sports epicenter in the United States. The city was chosen to host the 1996 World Olympics because of its extensive sports diversity. 

The 2025 Super Bowl will take place in New Orleans, Louisiana, with a quick detour in California, where the Super Bowl will occur in San Francisco in 2026 and Los Angeles in 2027; the event will make its way back down south. 

RELATED CONTENT: PETA Ridicules Beyonce for Superbowl Ensemble

Bronny James
(Photo: Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 17, 2024

Bronny James Breaks Silence On 2023 Health Scare At USC

'My days aren't normal anymore. I still feel like I'm getting back, I'm getting back to where I was.'

Bronny James opened up about his 2023 health scare while playing at the University of Southern California in a cover story for Men’s Health.

The 19-year-old shocked the basketball community when he was rushed to a hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest during a basketball workout at USC. He spent months in treatment and recovery ahead of being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers to (everyone hopes) play alongside his dad, LeBron James.

Now, he’s working to show his value to the championship-contending team while maintaining his health.

“I got real on top of my routines to get back to where I was,” he explained to writer Hanif Abdurraqib. “I had to do breathing exercises and stuff. It was a total reset. I have to stay on top of my heart medications, and I got my heart pillow.

“My days aren’t normal anymore,” he added. “I still feel like I’m getting back, I’m getting back to where I was.”

https://twitter.com/BronnyJamesJr/status/1846326841730060444

Following his health scare, Bronny was diagnosed with a serious congenital heart defect that impacted both his anatomy and heart function. Following surgery, he was cleared to return playing in November 2023 before being drafted by the Lakers in June 2024.

As the son of the NBA’s biggest star, Bronny faces intense scrutiny playing alongside his father after spending just one year at USC. Critics have raised claims of nepotism regarding his spot on the Lakers and while comparing him to LeBron, a four-time NBA champion and one of the best players in league history.

But he’s ready.

“Everything I’ve been through over the years has prepared me for this,” explained Bronny. “I really think it just ties back to me experiencing so much negativity and pushing through all of that. I feel like it built me to where any situation that is trying to hold me back or I’m not fighting through at the time. I can sustain my comfortability and belief in myself to keep going.

“I mean, there might be a couple times that I look at something and it makes me mad, and I go out and play better, but most of the time, it’s in through one, out the other,” he added.

RELATED CONTENT: Dwyane Wade Acknowledges LeBron And Bronny James Fulfilling Dream Team-Up

50 cent, G unit studio
Photo by Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 17, 2024

50 Cent Scores $15M For 6-Show Las Vegas Residency At Planet Hollywood

50 Cent is taking his talents to Las Vegas for a six-show residency at Planet Hollywood.

50 Cent is taking over Las Vegas with a six-show residency that earned him $15 million.

The hip-hop mogul has signed on the dotted line to kick off his 50 Cent: In Da Club” residency at PH Live inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, TMZ reports. The first show is an exclusive New Year’s Eve celebration presented by 50 Cent’s own Sire Spirits brand.

As the name suggests, 50 Cent, real name Curtis Jackson, will be performing a set of his biggest hits, including “In Da Club,” “Candy Shop,” and “21 Questions.” It’s set to be one of the biggest hip-hop residencies Las Vegas has ever seen, closing out 2024 and ringing in 2025 with performances scheduled for Dec. 27, 28, 30, and 31, as well as Jan. 3 and 4.

“I always bring the energy, and Las Vegas is the perfect spot to create an unforgettable experience for my fans,” 50 said in a statement. “We’re talking big production, surprises, and the ultimate New Year’s Eve party for my Vegas residency.”

He followed up with an Instagram announcement telling his fans that the residency will be an event “you don’t wanna miss!”

The residency comes one year after 50 Cent concluded his highly successful “The Final Lap Tour,” which reportedly surpassed $100 million in earnings, making him only the second rapper to reach that milestone. The tour grossed $103.6 million, selling 1.05 million tickets across 83 shows in North America, Europe, Oceania, and Asia.

The “I Get Money” rapper focused his efforts in 2024 on launching his G-Unit Studios in Shreveport, Louisiana, in April. He followed up with the Humor & Harmony festival in August, which helped boost the city’s economy and local small businesses. In September, he released his first novel, “The Accomplice.”

50 Cent’s business success in 2024 helped him garner the Hustler of the Year Award at the BET Hip Hop Awards on Tuesday.

RELATED CONTENT: 50 Cent Brings Hollywood To Shreveport With Inaugural Humor And Harmony Weekend

Mark Robinson, abortion, North Carolina
Mark Robinson, lieutenant governor of North Carolina, speaks during the Road to Majority's Faith and Freedom policy conference in Washington, D.C., on Friday, June 23, 2023. (Photo: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
by Daniel Johnson

October 16, 2024

Mark Robinson Sues CNN, Claims Its Reporting on Porn Site Comments Was ‘Recklessly False’

Robinson's defamation lawsuit argues that CNN's reporting was 'recklessly false' although it did not offer any supporting evidence except that Robinson was a victim of 'multiple data breaches.'

Mark Robinson, the GOP gubernatorial candidate for North Carolina, has sued CNN over its reporting in September that linked him to offensive comments on a porn site.

According to the New York Times, Robinson’s defamation lawsuit argues that CNN’s reporting was “recklessly false,” although it did not offer any evidence in support except to say that Robinson had been a victim of “multiple data breaches.”

CNN did not comment on the lawsuit, but previously said that it determined the account belonged to Robinson by matching his email address and the username on the website, Nude Africa, to other online accounts belonging to Robinson.

Per CNN’s reporting, the account discussed topics of conversation that matched Robinson’s interest and biographical information.

According to the lawsuit “CNN—a politically left-wing media outlet, whose reporting is often indistinguishable from Democrat party talking points and opposes politically conservative candidates for office, including Lt. Gov. Robinson—intended to damage Lt. Gov. Robinson’s gubernatorial run.”

Although Robinson’s campaign was already struggling before CNN’s report, the campaign was sent into a tailspin after it was released. Following the publication of the allegations against Robinson, Republican allies reportedly began deserting. The suit is seeking $50 million in damages.

According to the civil complaint, which was filed in Wake County Superior Court, Robinson also named Louis Money as a co-defendant in the lawsuit.

Money worked in several adult video stores during the 1990s and early 2000s, and told The Assembly in September 2024 that Robinson frequented pornography stores during that time in Greensboro, North Carolina.

According to the complaint, the comments CNN attributed to Robinson were actually “sourced from hacked, data breach files, obtained from the dark web.”

At an Oct. 15 press conference alongside his lawyer, Jesse Binnall, Robinson asserted that he intends to fight until the end.

“When times of trouble come in this thing we call politics, it separates the strong folks from the weak,” Robinson said. “The weak will turn and run, and the strong will stand and fight. And that’s what we’re doing here today.”

Binnall, who previously represented former President Donald Trump, declined to provide evidence supporting the lawsuit’s claims.

“We will have the opportunity to go forward and prove what we have put in the complaint, and we are confident in our ability to do that,” Binnall said.

Notably, Republicans, including Trump, who vouched for Robinson before the report surfaced, have backed away from publicly supporting Robinson. Some to have asked Robinson to drop out of the race and are concerned that an association with Robinson could damage Trump’s chances of winning North Carolina.

RELATED CONTENT: Mark Robinson Claims Alleged Online Porn Scandal ‘Possibly Happened 15 Years Ago’

Marilyn Mosby, conviction overturned, fraud, Baltimore
Amy Davis/Baltimore Sun/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
by Mitti Hicks

October 16, 2024

Marilyn Mosby’s New Job Request Denied By Federal Judge, Home Confinement Continues

Marilyn Mosby, the former state’s attorney for Baltimore City, asked a federal judge to replace her home detention with a nightly curfew.  

A federal judge has denied Marilyn Mosby’s request for a daily curfew rather than home confinement.

Marilyn Mosby is the former state’s attorney for Baltimore City. Her attorneys filed a motion in court Friday to replace her home confinement with a nightly curfew. Attorneys said it would allow her to fulfill her job duties with a new role that requires her to travel more throughout Maryland.

The federal public defenders representing Marilyn Mosby sought a 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. curfew, including weekends. Her attorneys wrote that being unable to travel freely would hinder her ability to do her job effectively.

Mosby was convicted of two counts of perjury and for making a false mortgage application. A federal judge sentenced her to 12 months of home confinement that’s tracked with 24-hour electric monitoring.

The Baltimore Sun reports Mosby secured a job as director of global strategic planning for a California-based company known for acquiring and running mental health, substance abuse, and traditional housing facilities.

Mosby’s Attorneys Argues Curfew Would Allow Her To Support Family

Her attorneys stated that a curfew is essential for Mosby to work the 30 hours required under her supervised release. They also say it would allow her to pay bills and support her family after the reported “financial devastation she has faced since her prosecution.”

However, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Probation Office for the District of Maryland opposed Mosby’s request, citing a lack of available information about the new position. The federal judge agreed.

“Because the Defendant’s job description indicates that her position involves collaboration with finance and operations teams to develop and manage budgets and drive strategic partnerships with state, local, and communal stakeholders, which requires routine travel. The Court understands that, to date, the Defendant has not provided the requested information to the United States Probation Office,” WMAR reports Judge Lydia Kay Griggsby wrote in her ruling.

The condition of Mosby’s probation requires her to provide a schedule outside of her home at least a week in advance. Probation officers also need to know the nature of the activity, its purpose, and the full address.

RELATED CONTENT: Up For Re-Election, Baltimore State Attorney Combats School-to-Prison Pipeline

'Grey’s Anatomy’ , James Pickens Jr. , Prostate Cancer
(Photo: Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels)
by Daniel Johnson

October 16, 2024

Study Reveals Barriers To Colon Cancer Screenings For Black People

According to the study led by Adjoa Anyane-Yeboah, procrastination is among the biggest barriers to getting recommended colon cancer screenings

A study conducted by Massachusetts General Hospital researcher Adjoa Anyane-Yeboah focused on barriers preventing Black people from getting their recommended colon cancer screenings, which led to the presentation of four cancer-prevention strategies that people should adopt.

According to Mass General Brigham, improving sleep health, cutting sugar-sweetened beverages, and regular use of an aspirin regimen are a few ways to cut down a person’s risk for various cancers, including colon cancer.

According to the study, led by Anyane-Yeboah, procrastination is among the biggest barriers to getting recommended colon cancer screenings.

“The most frequently reported screening barrier in all age groups was self-reported procrastination. Reasons for procrastination varied by age and included financial concerns, COVID-19 concerns, and fear of the test and bowel preparation.” The study stated. “Additional screening barriers included lack of symptoms, provider recommendation, and family history of CRC. (colorectal cancer). Most individuals, age 45–49 preferred to receive screening information from a healthcare provider (57.5%); however, only 20% reported that a provider had initiated a screening conversation.”

The study indicated that the best messaging to motivate Black people to get their colon cancer screenings is one that presents the statistics simply.

“The highest ranked message to motivate screening was ‘Did you know that colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Black and African American people in the United States? Colon Cancer can be caught early or even prevented through regular screening. Most people should begin screening at age 45’”

The study continued, “Another highly preferred message was, ‘Colon cancer is often a silent disease. Usually there are no symptoms. That’s why getting screened is important. It can help prevent colon cancer or catch it early when it is easiest to treat. Most people should begin screening at age 45.’”

According to a 2020 article published by the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer disproportionately affects Black people.

According to their statistics, Black people are 20% more likely to get colon cancer and approximately 40% more likely to die from the disease than other groups.

According to Durando Brooks, a medical doctor and the Vice President of Prevention and Early Detection at the American Cancer Society, “Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the country,” Brooks said. “This disease is ravaging the Black community, and it is as important as ever that everyone has access to and is receiving the recommended screenings. Even during the coronavirus pandemic, necessary screening tests remain available to prevent the disease or find it at an early, more treatable stage.”

According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, another reason that colon cancer is difficult to treat in Black people is the way the disease resists immunotherapy and targeted therapy treatments in people who are of African descent.

According to Computational Biologist Henry Walch, this underscores a need for racially diverse cancer research studies.

“Our findings suggest that the type of molecular profiles observed in the tumors of patients with African ancestry could reduce the number of options that these patients have for treatment,” Walch said. “They also underscore the urgent need to include racially diverse populations in cancer research and drug development studies.”

Walch continued, “This study is part of a much larger effort where we are trying to tease out the multiple reasons behind poor outcomes in African American patients with colorectal cancer. Our ultimate goal is to identify opportunities to intervene and improve outcomes in this underserved community of patients.”

RELATED CONTENT: FDA Approves First Blood Test for Colon Cancer Screening

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