by Rafael Pena

January 20, 2024

Texas Bus Company Sues Chicago Over Migrant Ordinance

The ordinance's measures include potential "seizure and impoundment" of buses, and $3,000 fines for unloading migrant passengers outside designated hours and locations.

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Wynne Transportation LLC, a Texas-based bus company, has initiated legal action against the city of Chicago, challenging the constitutionality of an ordinance that imposes restrictions on dropping off migrants, according to CNN. The lawsuit, which was filed Jan. 5, contends that the Chicago ordinance violates both the U.S. Constitution and the Illinois Constitution, and seeks declaratory judgment and injunctive relief from the city.

The December ordinance imposes stringent measures, including potential “seizure and impoundment” of buses, $3,000 fines, and towing and storage fees for unloading migrant passengers outside designated hours and locations without a permit. Bus companies are also required to provide advance notice and obtain approval from the city before dropping migrants off at designated landing zones.

Wynne Transportation contends that the ordinance hampers migrants’ entry into Chicago by imposing excessive requirements and harsh penalties. The company also says the ordinance infringes on constitutional rights and impedes migrants from reaching their desired destination in Chicago.

The lawsuit asserts that the ordinance violates the supremacy clause of the U.S. Constitution and interferes with the federal government’s authority to set immigration policy. It also alleges a violation of the Illinois Constitution’s prohibition of special legislation.

“This case is about allowing immigrants the opportunity to call Chicago home,” states the lawsuit, which also emphasizes the broader implications for migrants seeking sanctuary in that city.

Attorney Mike Kozlowski, who’s representing Wynne Transportation, expressed surprise at Chicago’s enforcement of an ordinance he considers unconstitutional. “I’m a little surprised, quite frankly, to see that the city has passed an ordinance, which is so clearly unconstitutional, and then is aggressively pursuing enforcement of that ordinance by filing 95 different lawsuits against these companies.”

The legal dispute unfolds against the backdrop of Texas Governor Greg Abbott busing nearly 30,000 migrants to Chicago since summer 2022, despite Chicago being a sanctuary city.

The bus company is not only seeking injunctive relief but also compensatory damages, attorney’s fees, and costs. The case highlights the complexities and legal challenges arising from the intersection of state and local regulations in the context of immigration and sanctuary city policies.

RELATED CONTENT: Suburbs Of New York And Chicago Pump The Brakes On Migrant Buses

by Daniel Johnson

January 20, 2024

The FBI Attempted To Honor Dr. Martin Luther King And Got Absolutely Destroyed On Social Media

Users noted that the FBI was involved in surveillance, the discrediting of King’s work, and attempts to stop him from organizing.

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The FBI attempted to join the chorus of individuals and groups remembering the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a post on X/Twitter on Jan. 15. However, the organization’s post would soon be served with a fact-checker’s version of a clapback. Using the social media platform’s Community Notes feature, users pointed out that the FBI had been involved in surveillance, the discrediting of King’s work, and attempts to stop him from organizing, before finally noting that the King family believed the FBI was responsible for his death. 

The FBI tweeted, “This MLKDay, the FBI honors one of the most prominent leaders of the Civil Rights movement and reaffirms its commitment to Dr. King’s legacy of fairness and equal justice for all.”

Underneath the post was a community note reading, “The FBI engaged in surveillance of King, attempted to discredit him, and used manipulation tactics to influence him to stop organizing. King’s family believe the FBI was responsible for his death.”

Users of the platform also rated the note as helpful, saying it was a clear and concise rebuttal of the FBI’s post. 

Pollard also commented on an anonymous letter sent to King that appeared to have been written by someone close to King. “They were trying to make it sound like it was not only a former associate but a ‘Negro’ who wrote that letter,” said Pollard. “This is supposed to be the nation’s police, that’s supposed to be doing the right thing, and this is the lengths they’ll go to destroy a human being? It’s awful.”

A second, older source cited a CBS News report from 1999, in which Coretta Scott King responded to a jury that determined Dr. King was the victim of a vast conspiracy against his life and not merely the actions of lone shooter James Earl Ray. Scott King implored the Justice Department to take up a new investigation into her husband’s murder, telling CBS’ “Early Show” anchor Bryant Gumbel, “I think that if people will look at the evidence that we have, it’s conclusive and I think the Justice Department has a responsibility to do what it feels is the right thing to do, the just thing to do.”

Dexter King, a son of Dr. King, led his family‘s search for the truth, telling CBS News at the time, “It’s been painful and also has been bittersweet. Bitter because of the tragedy, obviously, but liberating in the sense and sweet that we have been vindicated and ultimately that the significant of this historical verdict that really rewrites history is liberating. Now we can move on with our lives, have a sense of closure and healing.”

HuffPost contacted the FBI’s national press office for comment and received a statement from the organization reading, “The FBI has long acknowledged the abuses of power that took place under Director J. Edgar Hoover and the deplorable actions taken against Dr. King and others involved in the civil rights movement. Today, the FBI honors Dr. King’s life and legacy and uses those lessons from our past to reaffirm our commitment to equal justice, fairness, and diversity.”

Users on X/Twitter didn’t seem to buy the FBI’s attempts at honoring King. Nor were others with questionable commitments to the social justice espoused by the Civil Rights icon spared. President Joe Biden, Senator Mitch McConnell, and Texas Governor Greg Abbott were among the political figures who tweeted MLK posts and received pointed commentary from users on the social media platform. 

RELATED CONTENT: National Park Service Seeks Public Participation In Safeguarding MLK Home In Atlanta

by Rafael Pena

January 20, 2024

Judge Denies Speedy Trial Request For White Woman Accused Of Fatally Shooting Black Neighbor In Florida Dispute

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Marion County, Florida’s Susan Lorincz, 59, faced a setback in her legal proceedings when a judge rejected her request for a speedy trial during a court appearance on Jan. 18, according to WESH. Lorincz, who is white, is charged with manslaughter in connection with the fatal shooting of her neighbor, Ajike Owens, a Black 35-year-old mother of four from Ocala, Florida, on June 2, 2023. The shooting was allegedly a culmination of a prolonged dispute over where Owens’ children played outside.

Originally scheduled for trial in November 2023, Lorincz’s case was postponed to June 2024 after her defense team sought additional time for deposition scheduling.

Lorincz’s request for a speedy trial was responded to in court this week, and it was made known that she had written a personal letter to the judge instead of filing a proper motion.

In her letter, Lorincz cited inadequate care in jail as well as ongoing medical issues. During the proceedings, her attorney asserted that she was not prepared for trial and did not recommend a speedy one. The judge concurred with the attorney and advised Lorincz to heed her legal counsel. She could potentially file for a speedy trial later, but no such request has been made at this time. Pretrial activities remain scheduled for June.

The tragic incident occurred when Owens was fatally shot through a locked door after approaching Lorincz to address a previous altercation. Investigators reported that the dispute began when Lorincz allegedly threw a pair of skates at one of Owens’ children.

Bodycam footage captured the chaotic aftermath as deputies arrived at the scene on SW 108th Lane. Lorincz was handcuffed, and a voice off-camera could be heard urging Owens to wake up.

Prior to the shooting, neighbors had reported several altercations between Lorincz and Owens, with claims that Lorincz would insult and use slurs at Owens’ children as they played in a common area she believed to be hers.

RELATED CONTENT: 2 Teenagers In Custody After Fatal Christmas Eve Shooting Of Sister

by Mary Spiller

January 20, 2024

Disabled Atlanta Teen Reported Missing In DeKalb County

Shawn Ward takes medication several times a day for a condition called fragile X syndrome.

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A disabled 17-year-old boy has gone missing in Atlanta’s DeKalb County. The nonverbal teen, whose name is Shawn Ward, takes medication regularly for his condition; authorities in the area say that locating him is high priority.

DeKalb police, as reported by Fox 5 Atlanta, said that Ward was last seen on Jan. 18 at 9 p.m. near the 1000 block of North Hairston Road in Decatur. 

Ward is around 5 feet tall and weighs 134 pounds, according to his family. The clothes he was last seen wearing were a black sweatshirt that read “Billion Status” on the front of it, gray sweatpants, and a pair of gold Nike sneakers with no laces.

Ward is required to take medication several times a day because he was diagnosed with fragile X syndrome, or FXS. Despite being 17, he has the IQ of a child between the ages of 7 and 9. 

The DeKalb Police Department reiterated important information on its Facebook page and again requested help in locating the boy. The department wrote, “Help us find Shawn Ward, 17, who was last seen 1/18 at his home near 1000 N. Hairston Rd in Stone Mountain. He’s 5ft, 134 Ibs. w/ brown eyes & black hair. He was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt with ‘Billionaire Status’ on the front, gray sweatpants, & Nike sneakers with no laces. If you see him call 911 or SVU at 770-724-7710. #WeAreDKPD.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, FXS is a genetic disorder that causes protein deficiencies in children. While boys and girls can develop FXS, it tends to be more severe in boys. Symptoms include not sitting, walking, or talking at the same time as other children the same age, learning disabilities, and social and behavioral problems.

RELATED CONTENT: New York Family Pleads For Public’s Help To Locate Missing 26-Year-Old Man

by Rafael Pena

January 20, 2024

Costco Says No More Membership Sharing, Pilots New Technology To Tackle Problem

Costco will now match members to their cards at the door prior to shopping.

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Costco, the popular shopping club, is exploring measures to curb membership-sharing practices where individuals without an annual membership capitalize on paying members. Traditionally, Costco members show their cards at store entrances for access, and while memberships are nontransferable, households can obtain one extra membership card. With basic membership costing $60 annually and an executive membership, offering perks like a 2% cash-back reward, priced at $120 per year, the club is testing a strategy to address the issue, according to Fortune.

In an effort to combat membership sharing, Costco is initiating a trial whereby shoppers are required to scan their membership cards at store entrances. This move follows the introduction of self-checkout registers At Costco, which have created opportunities for nonmembers to slip through undetected. A Costco spokesperson explained the purpose of the test was “to match members to their cards at the door prior to shopping for an improved member experience.”

Last summer Costco implemented a new policy requiring its shoppers to present their photo identification along with their physical membership card at its self-checkout registers, aligning with the existing practice at regular checkout lanes supervised by staff. Costco emphasized the importance of ensuring that its nonmembers did not receive the same benefits and pricing as its legitimate members.

Photos of the new system in action were shared on Reddit by a shopper who witnessed the technology at a store in Issaquah, Washington, where Costco is headquartered. A sign placed near a scanner notifies shoppers, “You will be asked to scan your membership card before entering the warehouse,” while a store worker oversees the process.

With 871 warehouses globally, including 600 in the United States, Costco’s trial reflects its commitment to maintaining the exclusivity of membership benefits and preventing unauthorized access. The outcome could shape how the club addresses membership-sharing challenges across its extensive network of locations.

RELATED CONTENT: Costco CEO Craig Jelinek Wraps Up Tenure With Robust $16.8 M Package

by Rafael Pena

January 20, 2024

Judge Rejects Dismissal: Marine Veteran To Face Charges In Fatal Subway Chokehold Case

The incident occurred on the F train in Manhattan when subway performer Jordan Neely engaged in what witnesses described as a "somewhat aggressive speech."

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A New York City judge has ruled against dismissing the case of Daniel Penny, the Marine veteran accused of placing subway performer Jordan Neely in a fatal chokehold last year. Penny, 25, had pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide in connection with Neely’s death on May 1, NBC News reports. The incident occurred on the F train in Manhattan when Neely, a known subway busker performing as Michael Jackson, engaged in what witnesses described as “somewhat aggressive speech” about being thirsty and hungry.

Video evidence captured by witness Juan Alberto Vazquez revealed Penny holding Neely in a chokehold on the ground, with two other passengers assisting in restraining him. The chokehold reportedly lasted about 15 minutes. Penny, who is white, claimed self-defense, asserting that Neely had become threatening towards passengers. In October, Penny’s attorneys sought a dismissal, arguing that Neely’s behavior had created a fear among passengers, but the judge ruled against it.

At the time of the altercation, Neely was homeless and struggling with mental health issues, having faced challenges since his mother’s murder in 2007. The judge’s decision not to dismiss the case was welcomed by Dante Mills, an attorney for Neely’s family, who emphasized the significance of holding Penny accountable for the charges. Mills expressed confidence in a guilty verdict when the trial resumes in March.

Attorneys for Penny expressed disappointment with the judge’s decision but expressed confidence that a jury, aware of Penny’s actions in protecting fellow riders, would deliver a just verdict. They stressed that Penny put aside his own safety to intervene during the incident. Neely was found unconscious when officers arrived at the subway station and was pronounced dead at the hospital. The medical examiner ruled his cause of death as “compression of neck (chokehold)” and classified it as a homicide.

The case has sparked a national debate on issues such as homelessness, mental health, and violence within the subway system. Penny is scheduled to appear in court on March 20, and the proceedings are expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Neely’s tragic death.

RELATED CONTENT: Prosecution Says Jordan Neely Was Held In Chokehold By Former Marine After He ‘Ceased All Purposeful Movement’ In NYC Subway Incident

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 20, 2024

Diddy Files Motion Asking Court To Not Allow ‘Jane Doe’ To Keep Identity From Public Records In Alleged Assault Case

His attorneys state that his accuser has a "public-facing identity that could be potentially determined from the content" of his motion.

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The latest woman to file a lawsuit against Diddy accusing him of sexual assault listed her name as “Jane Doe” in order to keep her identity secret. However, attorneys for the Diddy have requested that she reveal her identity but keep the motion sealed.

According to Radar Online, the No Way Out producer recently discovered the identity of the woman filing the suit. In the motion, he revealed that the woman’s attorney informed him of who she was. Diddy said he did not want the accuser’s name revealed, but “it does refer to certain facts about Plaintiff that the Combs Defendants have learned because her identity was disclosed by Plaintiff’s counsel.” He also said that his accuser has a “public-facing identity that could be potentially determined from the content” of his motion.

Diddy’s lawyers say the woman suing him for sexual assault “has a public-facing identity” that could become obvious if a new legal brief isn’t sealed from public view. https://t.co/XDGRRc2zVH pic.twitter.com/rnKnClZDS0

— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) January 18, 2024

Diddy’s latest legal maneuver comes after he and Diageo announced that their partnership has officially come to an end after Diddy filed a lawsuit against the spirits distributor, according to Variety. The Bad Boy founder’s May 2023 lawsuit accused Diageo of racism for failing to support marketing agreements for his Cîroc vodka and DeLeón tequila compared to the other spirit brands it owns.

A joint statement was recently released confirming the end of the business relationship between the two.

“Sean Combs and Diageo have now agreed to resolve all disputes between them. Mr. Combs has withdrawn all of his allegations about Diageo and will voluntarily dismiss his lawsuits against Diageo with prejudice,” read the statement attributed to both parties.

“Diageo and Mr. Combs have no ongoing business relationship, either with respect to Cîroc vodka or DeLeón tequila, which Diageo now solely owns.”

RELATED CONTENT: Diddy Settles Legal Dispute With Diageo, No Longer Has Ties To Cîroc Or DeLeón

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 19, 2024

Ava DuVernay, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Niecy Nash-Betts Amplify The Power Of Community In New Film, “Origin”

Academy Award-winning director Ava DuVernay and actresses Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Niecy Nash-Betts sat down with BLACK ENTERPRISE to share the underlying theme of their new film, "Origin." 

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Academy Award-winning director Ava DuVernay and actresses Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Niecy Nash-Betts sat down with BLACK ENTERPRISE to share the underlying theme of their new film, Origin.

The movie tells the story of author Isabel Wilkerson (Ellis-Taylor) as she writes her seminal 2020 book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents while also coping with personal tragedy. Both the book and film describe racism in the United States as an aspect of a caste system.

Origin was written, directed, and produced by DuVernay, who decided to turn the book into a film after reading it at the suggestion of Oprah Winfrey. Speaking with BE, DuVernay explains what might’ve motivated Wilkerson to write and release the book during the heightened racial tensions of 2020.

“In the film, our character, Isabel Wilkerson, is based on a real woman named Isabel Wilkerson who won the Pulitzer Prize and wrote a book called Caste,” DuVernay shares.

“Our film Origin really follows the making of that book. You’re able to chronicle or watch Isabel Wilkerson chronicle, investigate, uncover the mysteries of this social phenomenon, and while doing so, also see that she’s grappling with some deeply personal challenges, particularly some issues around grief and loss.”

The film sees Wilkerson traveling to Germany and India as part of her research into the interconnectedness of American racism and caste systems. Through deep dives with German academics and Dalits in India, Wilkerson unravels the link and lays it out in her award-winning book. 

“I’ve always wanted to go to India but never had,” Ellis-Taylor says. “And the great part of that, the extension of that, is that I was there talking to real Dalits and sitting down with them and hearing their stories and being around them and immersed in their lives.”

Niecy Nash’s character, Marion, plays a pivotal role in the film as the beloved cousin of Wilkerson who supports and encourages her research despite the personal battle she’s enduring.

“I think that oftentimes in life, especially as a Black woman, multitasking is what we do,” Nash-Betts says.

“You got the baby on the hip, you standing at the stove, you got the phone up to your shoulder. I mean, there’s so many things that we do at one time. So the fact that she was going through all of the things and still moving forward in greatness and wanting to share this story is just a testament to her own personal strength.”

Press play below for the full interview, and be sure to see Origin in theaters starting Friday, Jan. 19.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 19, 2024

Charlie Wilson To Receive Star On Hollywood Walk Of Fame

“Charlie Wilson’s timeless music has brought joy to millions across generations. His upcoming star ceremony will shine as a testament to his extraordinary talent, resilience, and unwavering dedication to his craft,” said Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez.

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R&B crooner Charlie Wilson is the latest recording artist to be immortalized through a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Wilson, the lead singer of funk group The Gap Band, will be getting the 2,770th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame later this month, on January 29 at 11:30 a.m. PT. His star will live at 6201 Hollywood Boulevard.

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Legendary producer Jimmy “Jam” Harris will be the host for the ceremony, while producer and recording artist Babyface, weed connoisseur and hip-hop artist Snoop Dogg, and president and CEO Michael Paran of P Music Group, Wilson’s record label, will be speakers at the ceremony.

“Charlie Wilson’s timeless music has brought joy to millions across generations. His upcoming star ceremony will shine as a testament to his extraordinary talent, resilience, and unwavering dedication to his craft,” said Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez in a written statement. “I must also add that Charlie’s incredible journey from homelessness and return to show business is a true testament to his indomitable human spirit!”

Wilson’s voice can be heard on many classic recordings from the Tulsa, Oklahoma’s Gap Band. For more than a decade, his voice has graced such songs as “Outstanding,” “Yearning for Your Love,” “Burn Rubber on Me,” and “Early in the Morning.” As a solo artist, he has amassed 13 No. 1 songs on the R&B charts while earning 13 Grammy nominations, a BET Lifetime Achievement Award, a Soul Train Icon Award, a Soul Train Certified Soul Award, and a NAACP Music Makes a Difference Award.

He was named Billboard’s Top Adult Male R&B Artist two times (in 2009 and 2020) and is currently Billboard’s Top Adult R&B Male Artist with the most No. 1s of all time.

Wilson will have yet another reason to celebrate on January 29: It’ll be his 71st birthday on the day he receives this honor.

RELATED CONTENT: New Edition, Charlie Wilson, And Jodeci Bring Old-School Block Party To Atlanta

by Atiya Jordan

January 19, 2024

Study: Single Women Are Owning More Homes In These States

According to LendingTree, single female homeownership outpaces single male homeownership in 47 states.

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Single women own 2.7 million more homes than their male counterparts, according to recent data from LendingTree. And where do they call home? The study reveals the states with the highest share of homes owned by single women and men.

According to LendingTree, single female homeownership outpaces single male homeownership in 47 of 50 states. For instance, Delaware and Louisiana are the leading states with rates of female homeownership — as high as 15%. Though women face incredible barriers, including sexist policies in mortgage lending, single women are likely to pull ahead of single men in homeownership.

Single males, on the other hand, owned and occupied more homes than their female peers in Alaska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Jacob Channel, senior economist at LendingTree and author of the report, told CBS MoneyWatch that males are more likely to own homes in those states due to the male-dominated industries situated there.

“A home for most people is going to represent the biggest portion of their overall net worth,” Channel told the news outlet. “Owning a home helps you access considerably more wealth.

He continued: “If there’s one really important thing about this study, it’s that there’s a lot going on here that’s influencing women’s wealth, and we’ll need a lot more information before we can really definitively say why things are the way they are.”

TOP TEN STATES WITH MORE SINGLE FEMALE HOMEOWNERS

1. Delaware
2. Lousiana
3. Mississippi
4. Alabama
5. Florida
6. New Mexico
7. South Carolina
8. West Virginia
9. Maryland
10. Illinois

Here’s a breakdown of the top three:

DELAWARE

Delaware, with the highest share of homes owned by single women, has the largest homeownership gap and has 15.34% of owner-occupied households in the state that are owned by single women. This rate is 5.89% higher than the share of homes owned by single men.

LOUISIANA

The Pelican State comes in second, with 15.19% of owner-occupied households owned by single women who live alone. However, single men own 10.71% of owner-occupied households in the same state.

MISSISSIPPI

Mississippi is home to 803,857 owner-occupied households. 14.84% of them are owned by women who live by themselves in the Magnolia State. In comparison, 10.85% of owner-occupied households are owned by men.

LendingTree’s study is based on an analysis of data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 American Community Survey. The results account for homeowners’ age, income, education, and racial background.

“While women generally earn less than men, that isn’t always the case — especially among younger generations,” according to the Pew Research Center. Women younger than 30 earn at least as much as men the same age in 22 U.S. metropolitan areas, including New York, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles.

RELATED CONTENT: Report: 63% Of Black Millennials Willing To Pay Higher Interest Rates To Become Homeowners