bats, mammal, UGA, University of Georgia
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 30, 2024

UGA Students Battle Bats In Dorms Amid Public Health Concern

UGA students are facing a battle with bats as they swarm one of the school's dorms.

The University of Georgia (UGA) is dealing with an unlikely battle with bats. An infestation of the mammal in one of the school’s dorms, Oglethorpe House, has students and parents alike concerned for their safety.

As students returned for the spring term, bats were found within and surrounding the dorm. Oglethorpe House residents have caught the flying mammal in their hallways, causing students to be on high alert when venturing out of their rooms. One student told Fox 5 about her experience with one of the bats flying after her.

“It’s very alarming,” shared student Eva Sardon. “There was one in the lobby, and it was, like, on the floor, and then all of a sudden, it just got up and started flying at me, so I ran back to my room.”

Atlanta News First shared photos and video of the numerous bats within the facility,

While UGA is taking the legal steps to remove the bats, requiring certain precautions for a protected species, some students feel more should be done to ensure their own well-being.

“I don’t know how exterminating works, but I feel like there could be more done,’ shared first-year student Ella Jones. “But they have certain qualifications they can’t do because they’re a protected species. But I go to school here, am I not a protected species? I sure hope I am.”

According to Executive Director of Campus Housing Linda Kasper, the bats found their way into the building through holes on the roof of the penthouse. However, despite having contacted a pest control company to resolve the issue, the mammal’s small frame can make them hard to track down.

The issue has caused the university to contact the Georgia Department of Health to ensure no students are infected by diseases like rabies. While bats carrying fatal illnesses such as this are particularly rare, Kasper has assured that the school is remaining diligent to note of any bat exposure by the campus community,

“We’ve been working with the Department of Public Health since last week encouraging anyone who has had any contact with the bats, so everyone who lives in this building, everyone who has worked in this building, to take a survey.”

LeBron James
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 30, 2024

LeBron James Breaks Another NBA Record

He became the oldest player in NBA history to score 30 points and pull down 20 rebounds in a game

Future NBA Hall of Famer LeBron James is still adding accomplishments to his career, and it doesn’t look like he is stopping anytime soon.

According to The Athletic, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar helped his team seal the victory over the Golden State Warriors by making two free throws at the end of a game that went into double overtime. The Lakers won the game 145-144, and the forward broke a record when he achieved a triple-double to become the oldest player in NBA history to score 30 points and pull down 20 rebounds in a game. LeBron is 39 years old but playing like he just came out of college.

His feat took place on the Warriors’ home court at the Chase Center on Saturday, Jan. 27.

LeBron’s stat line for the contest was 36 points and 20 rebounds (which amounted to a career-high for him) as he dished out 12 assists. He is the first Laker to post a 30-20-10 stat line since NBA Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did it in 1976. He also joined Elgin Baylor in accomplishing that task.

“Setting new standards,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said after the game. “From the duration of his career, which continues on, the level in which he’s played throughout that career and still playing to this day. Just phenomenal, man.”

Although the Lakers and Warriors are currently outside of the playoff race, both teams gave it their all.

Stephen Curry also had a phenomenal performance in a losing effort. By scoring a season-high 27 points behind the three-point line, he ended up scoring a team-high 46 points.

The Lakers’ win has given them hope in inching toward obtaining a playoff entry as they upped their season record to 24-23, while the loss for Golden State puts them at 19-24.

RELATED CONTENT: LeBron James Welcomes Memphis Grizzlies Guard Ja Morant Back To NBA

Jackie Robinson
by Rafael Pena

January 30, 2024

Statue Of Jackie Robinson Stolen From A Kansas Park

A statue of baseball legend Jackie Robinson was stolen from a public park in Wichita, Kansas, prompting a swift police response and a community in distress.

In a brazen act that has sparked public outrage, a cherished statue of baseball legend Jackie Robinson was stolen from a public park on Jan. 25 in Wichita, Kansas, prompting a swift police response and leaving a community in distress, according to NBC News.

The statue, which pays tribute to the pioneering athlete who broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947, disappeared from the park mysteriously. Surveillance footage captured two individuals illicitly removing the sculpture under the cover of darkness. Strikingly, the thieves cut the statue at the ankles, leaving only Robinson’s feet remaining.

Expressing frustration and disbelief, Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan condemned the audacity of the perpetrators during a news conference on Friday. He emphasized the impact on the local community, particularly children and families who frequent the park to learn about Jackie Robinson’s history and engage in the sport of baseball. Chief Sullivan stated, “This should upset all of us.”

Compounding the distress is the timing of the theft, occurring just before the onset of Black History Month. Robinson, who initially played for the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro Leagues before making history with the Brooklyn Dodgers, holds a revered status not only as a sports legend but also as a significant figure in the civil rights movement.

Wichita City Council member Brandon Johnson strongly condemned the theft, describing it as “horrendous” and “disgusting.” The sentiment among residents is one of hurt and anger, with calls for justice echoing throughout the community.

The incident has prompted a police investigation and increased vigilance to apprehend the thieves and recover the stolen statue. Authorities are leveraging any available leads, including the released surveillance footage, to swiftly resolve the case and return the symbol of Jackie Robinson’s legacy to the park.

As the city grapples with the aftermath of this audacious act, there is a collective hope for a swift resolution and the restoration of a monument with profound cultural and historical significance.

RELATED CONTENT: Baseball Glove Worn by Jackie Robinson Expected to Sell for $750K at Auction

Nike Kobe Sneakers, Nike, Kobes, fake,
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 30, 2024

Isaiah Thomas Warns People About Fake Nike Kobe Sneakers Being Sold

"I'm an original TEAM KOBE member so I can spot a fake Kobe from a mile away," Thomas said.

Forgery in the sneakerhead market is a big issue among people who are fans of expensive sneakers. According to Complex, that hasn’t gone unnoticed by NBA veteran Isaiah Thomas, who recently took to social media to warn fans and collectors alike of the fake Nike Kobe sneakers floating around.

The point guard, who has donned the uniforms for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, and in 2022 the Charlotte Hornets, took to his X account (formerly known as Twitter) to let sneakerheads know that they are getting fooled by these fakes floating around on the market. He warned people to research who they’re buying their footwear from, because it could likely be a fake pair of Nikes.

After Complex Sneakers wrote on its X account to advise other users that the former Dallas Mavericks player is trying to look out for them, Thomas reiterated his concern for those being fooled into the fake Nike Kobe sneakers. He reminded fans he was once a Team Kobe member for Nike and can tell when they aren’t authentic. He even questioned the sellers, telling their consumers that there are no refunds, even for a fake pair of the sneakers they are profiting from.

He wasn’t specific in identifying the sneakers that are being cloned and sold for authentic wear, but he also had Since Thomas was once associated with the Nike Kobe sneakers — his own signature Kobes, the “Mighty I.T.” Kobe AD Mid, were released back in 2018 — he seems sincere in making sure that people aren’t duped into spending their hard-earned money on fake footwear.

RELATED CONTENT: Nike Preparing To Release The Kobe 4 Protro Gold Medal In Fall 2024

Candace Owens, HBCU, tour, Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA,
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 30, 2024

Candace Owens ‘Terrified’ Of Female Pilots, Slams DEI Efforts

Candace Owens slammed for her conservative viewpoint, in which she admitted to being "terrified" of women pilots due to increased DEI efforts from United Airlines.

Candace Owens continues to face backlash on the internet for her extreme and exclusionary takes. The conservative crusader shocked X users on Jan. 26 for stating she would be “terrified” if she were on a plane with a woman pilot, blaming quotas derived from diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) efforts for the fear. 

Owens reshared her commentary from Daily Wire, telling her naysayers to “save your outrage.” Doubling down on her belief that women pilots are solely there to fill a quota and not due to their apt skills in aviation, she fully explained her viewpoint.

The video is in response to right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk, who came under fire for stating that if he sees a Black pilot, he hopes he is qualified. 

“But unfortunately, that is the reality of what happens when it comes to DEI, and what he is remarking on is true,” said Owens.

“I would be terrified if I got onto a plane and saw a woman flying the plane, and I know that we have the United [Airline] CEO saying that he just wants to fulfill a quota.”

She continued, stating how United executive Scott Kirby is more concerned with the representation of diverse pilots than their qualifications, an issue she believes should “alarm” everyone. The conversation surrounding this came from Kirby’s goal for 2030 for United to open its own flight training academy so that the next cohort of pilots can consist of half women and minorities. 

Owens may not know the stats on women and minorities and their marginalization in aviation. Beyond the accessibility to obtain one’s pilot’s license, white men make up 88.3% of those in the profession, as reported by Data USA’s 2021 statistics. Airlines seeking to dismantle this barrier by consciously hiring diverse candidates does not equate to a lower threshold for their training. Instead, the decision to be more aware of this issue will allow more individuals, regardless of gender or racial background, to be part of the aviation industry at this level. 

RELATED CONTENT: 9-Year-Old Rapper Tells Candace Owens To Shut Up And Mind Her Business

social media, effective, questions, platforms
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 30, 2024

New York City Deems Social Media A Public Safety Hazard

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has designated social media as a public safety hazard due to its negative impact on mental health, as stated in his State of the City Address in January.

New York City now considers social media a public safety hazard due to its impact on mental health. Mayor Eric Adams declared the news at the annual State of the City Address on Jan. 24, making NYC the first in the nation to do so. 

In his speech, as covered by The Washington Post, Adams noted how social media can negatively impact youth of all ages, especially in regard to their mental health. He cited popular websites such as TikTok and YouTube for their “addictive” features that have contributed to the issue. 

“Companies like TikTok, YouTube, Facebook are fueling a mental health crisis by designing their platforms with addictive and dangerous features,” explained the mayor. 

Upon the announcement, Adams stated that the New York City Health Commissioner will be treating social media and its usage by younger age groups as a “public health crisis hazard.” Under this distinction, the city issued an advisory explaining the issue further, urging parents to monitor their children’s time spent online and advising on how to implement healthy boundaries. 

With the Pew Research Center determining that nearly 95% of teens in America are present on these various apps, social media’s correlation to the growing mental health crisis in teens cannot be overlooked. The advisory noted that between the years of 2011 and 2021, a decade in which access and popularity in social media usage rose, rates of suicidal ideation did as well, by over 34%.

In a study conducted on the social media habits and mental health in adolescents of color, Black youth were subjected to the most racism on various social media platforms. The study noted how racism impacts one’s mental health, with more hours spent online also correlating with depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.  

The heightened exposure to racial injustice and direct harassment, often due to civic engagement via these platforms, found within social media usage, and its impact on one’s mental health is still being uncovered. However, communities nationwide are developing safety strategies to combat this possible correlation while also protecting the wellness of younger users, starting in New York City. 

RELATED CONTENT: How To Avoid Social Media Mishaps In The Workplace

california, cannabis induced psychosis
by Daniel Johnson

January 29, 2024

California Woman Who Stabbed Boyfriend Over 100 Times Gets Probation Due To Cannabis- Induced Psychosis Defense

Though this case is clearly an outlier with unique properties such as the existence of a woman who experienced cannabis-induced psychosis, a June 2021 report from the California Budget and Policy Center sets forth that the incarceration rate for women in California has declined in general, and the incarceration rate for Black and white women dropped by nearly 50% between 2010 and 2019.

Research on cannabis-induced psychosis is spotty, but a case in California has brought increased attention to the phenomenon. Bryn Spejcher’s 2018 stabbing of her boyfriend Chad O’Melia was blamed on the condition, and Judge David Worley decided to give Spejcher probation after determining that a psychotic episode caused her involuntary manslaughter of O’Melia.

The Independent reported that Spejcher received a suspended four-year sentence that could still be served if she violates the conditions of her probation. According to a press release from Ventura County, O’Melia and Spejcher were taking hits from a bong when she had a reaction to the marijuana, which resulted in Spejcher stabbing O’Melia more than 100 times. Spejcher also stabbed herself. When officers arrived on the scene, they found O’Melia covered in blood and Spejcher screaming hysterically and attempting to plunge a long serrated knife into her own neck. Officers tased her and used a baton to remove the knife from her grasp. Paramedics pronounced O’Melia dead at the scene. 

According to Spejcher’s attorney, Michael Goldstein, the sentence was fair due to the circumstances of the case. He noted that even the prosecution’s expert witnesses could not say with certainty that his client had full control of her faculties. 

“Today, Ventura Superior Court judge did the right thing and imposed a sentence that was fair and accurately reflected,” Goldstein said.

“It was clear that she had no control of her faculties and never intended to cause any harm. All of the medical experts agreed, including the expert called by the district attorney’s office.”

However, as Audry Nafziger, the lead prosecutor on the case for the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, told NBC News, there are dangers in Judge Worley’s sentencing. “It sets a very dangerous precedent,” Nafziger said. “It’s also a slap in the face to the victim’s family and speaks poorly to victims’ relief everywhere that…it’s OK to smoke marijuana and butcher someone with three knives. But it’s not OK to smoke marijuana and drive and kill someone. That will send you to jail. …It doesn’t square.”

Nafziger also alluded to the racial aspect of the case: Spejcher is white, while O’Melia, her boyfriend at the time, was a Black man. “When you smoke weed and you’re a white, young, privileged…upper-middle-class woman who bamboozles an old, white male judge, and you get to walk, I don’t know how to reconcile that for all the other criminals and victims in the country,” Nafziger said.

Despite her strong objections, in December the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office issued a statement affirming the diagnosis of cannabis-induced psychosis. “Spejcher had an adverse reaction to the marijuana and suffered from what experts call Cannabis-Induced Psychotic Disorder,” the statement read. “During that psychotic episode, Spejcher stabbed Mr. O’Melia multiple times killing him.”

In September 2023, the initial charge of murder was reduced to involuntary manslaughter after a forensic psychologist determined that due to the psychotic episode caused by the “high potency marijuana” the pair smoked, Spejcher lost cognitive control. No other drugs were found in her body at the time.

Robert Schwartz, another of Spejcher’s attorneys, said Judge Worley “acted courageously in giving her a probationary sentence without imposing any jail time.” Schwartz also stated that “The judge’s sentence was strongly based on the evidence he heard in the trial.”

However, Schwartz also struck a somber tone in expressing that nobody truly won this case. “It’s a horrible tragedy all the way around,” Schwartz said. “It’s a tragedy for the victim and his family, and it’s a tragedy for my client and her family. As we said in the courtroom, ‘Nobody walked away a winner.’”

RELATED CONTENT: Attorney General Holder and Secretary Duncan to Provide Greater Education Services to Incarcerated Youth

Stem, S.T.E.M., Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

January 29, 2024

11-Year-Old Black Entrepreneur’s STEM Toy Line In Whole Foods Market Stores

Team Genius Squad has products to engage STEM learning opportunities for young minds.

Team Genius Squad is a toy brand created by 11-year-old entrepreneur and author Ava. N. Simmons specializes in creating American-made toys centered on S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The company is excited to announce the upcoming launch of its Alternative Energy Experiment Kit series in Whole Foods Market stores, offering engaging S.T.E.M. learning opportunities for young minds.

As a brand with a community and education-focused mission, Team Genius Squad uses its profits to fund S.T.E.M. activities for children in the community and the academic learning journey of its 11-year-old creator, Ava N. Simmons, who was diagnosed with Dyslexia in 2021. Through this collaboration, the brand hopes to reach and impact more families across the nation, inspiring children to explore the fun of S.T.E.M. while emphasizing its positive impact on math, literacy, and critical thinking. Ava N. Simmons, also globally known as “Ava the S.T.E.M. Princess®” and “Ava the S.T.E.M. Ambassador™,” embraces her learning differences and views it as the unique superpower that makes her a Certified Genius. As the author of 3 books, the developer of 20 S.T.E.M. toys, and a community S.T.E.M. Ambassador, she is definitely a youth entrepreneurial genius in her own right.

“To be able to visit one of my favorite retail stores and see S.T.E.M. toys I developed on the shelf is a dream come true. We are so excited to work with Whole Foods Market and make our S.T.E.M. Toys accessible to more families across the country,” said Ava N. Simmons, the creator of Team Genius Squad. “I used S.T.E.M. to help me build my confidence and to overcome my learning challenges. I want to share my story and encourage other children to believe in themselves, focus on their strengths that make them unique, and remember never to let their challenges define their success or future.”

“Whole Foods Market is thrilled to join forces with Ava and Team Genius Squad, bringing their innovative S.T.E.M. toy line to our stores,” said Casey Gaston, Executive Leader of Local and Emerging Brands for Whole Foods Market. “We share Ava’s commitment to offering enriching products that inspire learning, curiosity, and exploration.”

Team Genius Squad Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics toys are perfect for all learning styles as they demonstrate S.T.E.M.’s simplicity yet significant impact. The Alternative Energy series quickly shows how easy it is to make electricity from sustainable resources such as fruits, wind, or the sun.

“I am so grateful to be able to witness my granddaughter positively impact the world and possibly change the trajectory of children from all walks of life,” said her 75-year-old grandmother, Mary Lee Foy. Her grandmother helped encourage Ava to start her S.T.E.M. entrepreneurial journey when she was seven years old and continues to travel with her to community events as her Senior Advisor. “We are so proud of Ava for using her learning journey to encourage others,” said her parents, Terrence and Tita Simmons.

Throughout the year, Ava travels with her “Squad,” presenting and conducting experiments at schools and community events across the country. To effectively deliver this purposeful play curriculum, Team Genius Squad partners with community organizations such as PBS Kids Channel Rootle NC, The Boys and Girls Club of Durham and Orange Counties, The Museum of Life and Science in Durham, North Carolina, and Marbles Museum in Raleigh, North Carolina.

To view Team Genius Squad in action in the community or to learn more about Team Genius Squad and its mission, visit their website at TeamGeniusSquad.com

Connect with Team Genius Squad on social media:

Instagram @AvaTheSTEMPrincess – Facebook @AvaTheSTEMPrincess– LinkedIn @AvaTheSTEMPrincess

This story was first reported by Blacknews.com

RELATED CONTENT: Meet 4 Successful HBCU Grads Turned STEM Professionals, Products of Black-Owned Non-Profit

young adults, cash, money, payment
by Rafael Pena

January 29, 2024

Most Young Adults Are Still Supported By Parents According To New Survey

Recent studies from the Pew Research Center reveal that a significant portion of parents nationwide continue to financially assist their adult children.

Business Insider reports recent studies from the Pew Research Center shed light on the financial dynamics between parents and their adult children, revealing that a significant portion of parents nationwide continue to financially assist their children well into their young adult years, including their 20s and 30s.

In the past year, around 59% of parents extended financial assistance to their young adult children aged 18 to 34, as revealed by studies conducted through surveys in October and November 2023. The research gathered responses from 3,017 adults and 1,495 young adults.

The study emphasized a significant aspect, indicating that 45% of surveyed young adults regarded themselves as financially independent from their parents. This pattern was particularly pronounced among the 18- to 24-year-old age group, where 57% reside in their parental homes—a noteworthy surge compared to the statistics recorded in 1993.

The study also explored how the financial interdependence between parents and young adults affects their living arrangements. Nearly two-thirds of young adults living with their parents reported positive impacts on their personal finances, with 72% contributing financially to household expenses such as utility bills or rent.

According to the study, despite consistent support, 75% of those depending on parental financial assistance anticipate achieving eventual financial independence.

The report explored the financial constraints faced by high earners, not rich yet (HENRYs), earning six figures but grappling with student loans, housing costs, and other financial burdens. A significant 20% of first-time homebuyers received financial aid from relatives or friends.

Furthermore, the study underscored shifting demographic trends among young adults, revealing heightened education levels and higher full-time employment rates compared to their parents at the same age. Despite these advancements, they confront financial hurdles, prompting choices like delaying family planning and implementing spending cutbacks.

Despite these challenges, parents remain highly invested in their children’s success, with 71% stating that their children’s successes and failures reflect the quality of their parenting. The study also explored the delicate balance parents maintain between involvement and non-involvement in their children’s lives.

RELATED CONTENT: THESE MILLENNIALS CREATED THE PARENTS GUIDE TO MANAGING FAMILY AND BUSINESS

James Harden
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 29, 2024

James Harden Shows Off Latest Adidas Sneakers Inspired By J-Harden Wines

The eighth version of the footwear made by the German sneaker brand embodies the same pink, black, and blue colors that the wine displays.

Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden has found the perfect item to go with his signature J-Harden Wines.

According to Sports Illustrated, the basketball-playing entrepreneur arrived in Toronto on Jan. 26 to play a game against the Raptors and brought a special item to Scotiabank Arena. Harden, who has his own signature wine, J-Harden Wines, debuted his latest Adidas signature sneaker to show off the colors of the Harden sneaker that match the colors from the J-Harden Wines bottle.

His eighth version of the sneaker made by the German sneaker brand embodies the same pink, black, and blue colors that the wine bottle displays.

Harden was seen walking into the arena carrying the sneakers and the wine bottle in a see-through case, showing off the footwear before going out to help his team beat the Raptors by a score of 127-107.

The newly revealed sneakers helped make James Harden the eighth player in NBA history to have 75 games where he recorded a triple-double. The latest version of Adidas Harden Vol. 8 is slated to come out on Feb. 23, 2024. It is unknown if the same colors will be available for sale to the general public.

Complex reported that the details and color of the Adidas footwear were taken from the graphic on the 2020 California Red Wine bottle, which retails for $15.99.

“The Beard” is having a good year on and off the court. Last year, before he was traded to the Clippers at the start of the season, while in China, he sold 10,000 bottles of his signature wine within 10 seconds. If you blinked and sneezed, you missed an opportunity to buy a bottle, as it sold out within 10 seconds of announcing that it could be purchased during a livestream.

Harden was in China promoting his signature sneaker during the wine sale.

RELATED CONTENT: James Harden’s Foundation Partners With Houston Housing Authority To Revitalize and Reopen Local Basketball Court

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