5.4 Earthquake Hits Jamaica, No Reported Deaths Or Casualties So Far
An earthquake has occurred on the island of Jamaica, and according to the prime minister, there have been no reports of deaths, injuries, or serious damage thus far.
The Associated Press reports an earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale struck the island on Oct. 30. The tremor’s epicenter was about 2 miles (4 kilometers) west-northwest of Hope Bay in northeastern Jamaica, based on a report by the U.S. Geological Survey. It occurred at a shallow depth of 6 miles (10 kilometers).
Prime Minister Andrew Holness said no deaths, injuries, or severe damage had been reported, although there have been interruptions in electricity and communications that Holness said had been restored. He asked Jamaicans to remain calm and follow all safety protocols.
“Damage has been minor but nevertheless we are taking all precautions. I want to say to all Jamaicans, remain calm.”
He did give thanks that the damage wasn’t as bad as it could have been.
(1/2) Jamaica just experienced an earthquake. The preliminary measurement of the earthquake is approximately 5. 6 in magnitude, centered around Buff Bay in Portland.
The earthquake knocked traffic lights offline, and police officers were sent to control traffic at the intersections.
People attending a meeting at the UN’s International Seabed Authority were seen on camera panicking as the earthquake occurred. The attendees initially returned to the meeting, but it ended and was postponed over concern of the earthquake and its aftermath.
“We need some time to adjust emotionally,” said Elza Moreira Marcelino de Castro, Brazil’s representative.
The tremor sparked fear on the island, with some people rushed to hospitals for panic attacks.
The Jamaican Gleaner reported in September that the island had been hit with a 5.0 magnitude earthquake. The effects were reportedly felt in Cuba and parts of the United States.
Meet the COVID-19 mask that is as “beneficial” as it is “visible.”
KW Tech, the company behind the “1 Virus Buster Invisible Mask,” was sued by the Federal Trade Commission, according to a statement from the FTC released on Oct. 24.
The four defendants named in the suit created the mask using false claims that it would protect against variants of COVID-19 as well as 99% of viruses and bacteria, according to Popular Science. In a statement, Samuel Levine, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, said, “The defendants’ claims that their products can stand in for approved COVID-19 vaccines are bogus.
“The FTC will use every tool it has at its disposal to stop false and unsubstantiated health claims that endanger consumers,” he continued.
Customers who purchased the mask paid $29.99 and received a false “certificate of registration” with a stamped FDA logo. However, the FTC said the mask never received FDA approval.
According to the outlet, KW Tech promoted its mask by saying it was designed using “IBM’s Quantum Computer.” The misleading statements made by the company described the masks as able to create an invisible 3-foot gaseous barrier that used “ion exchange science.”
The company described the science as “lighter than air; this gas collects in a tight area close to your face and neck. When this thin layer of gas gets in contact with floating elements like common germs, viruses, and pathogens, it kills them before they are able to get into the nose, mouth, and eye.”
According to the FTC, this scientific jargon does not accurately represent the mask’s capabilities.
This is not the first time the FTC has advised KW Tech to stop selling its product. On July 28, 2020, the company received a warning letter from the FTC. Still, the company has received at least $100,000 in revenue, according to the outlet.
The FTC said three defendants in the case have agreed to stop “advertising, promoting, or selling any product claiming to prevent or treat COVID-19 unless the claims are true and supported by scientific evidence.” The defendants must also pay a $150,000 penalty and vow to never again falsify governmental approval of any of its products.
NHL’s First Black Player, Willie O’Ree, Gets His Flowers With Canada Post Commemorative Stamp
The first Black hockey player to appear in a National Hockey League (NHL) game was recently honored with his own commemorative Canadian stamp.
According to NHL.com, Willie O’Ree, who debuted with the Boston Bruins in 1958 as the first Black player in league history, has been honored by Canada Post with a postage stamp. The stamp was revealed on Oct. 28 at a brunch reception, a day before the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers met for the 2023 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton.
Willie O’Ree’s life and legacy have been honored by Canada Post with a commemorative stamp. ✉️ pic.twitter.com/vHnR7Rspgf
O’Ree, who made his league debut on Jan. 18, 1958, when the Bruins went up against the Montreal Canadiens, said, “Being honored with a Canada Post commemorative stamp is such a special moment for me and my family. Our hope is that this stamp will encourage current and future generations of Canadians to reimagine what is possible, both on and off the ice.”
You can purchase the commemorative stamp at post offices in Canada and online at store.canadapost.ca. Canada Post has printed 130,000 booklets and 780,000 individual stamps.
“For more than two decades, Willie O’Ree has served as the NHL’s diversity ambassador, traveling across North America sharing his story and experiences as the NHL’s first Black player,” Jeff Scott, NHL vice president of Hockey Development and Industry Growth, said in a written statement. “Commemorating Willie’s legacy on a stamp is a true distinction of honor that pays tribute to his tireless service promoting messages of inclusion, dedication, and confidence within the game of hockey, and we cannot think of a more deserving recipient.”
A recent picture of O’Ree, wearing his signature fedora, alongside a photo of him playing hockey in 1960 in the Bruins uniform, adorns the stamp.
Being blind in one eye didn’t stop O’Ree from playing in 45 NHL games over two seasons (1957-58, 1960-61) with the Bruins. He then played in the minor leagues until 1979.
In 2018, he was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in the Builders category for his off-ice contributions. He helped establish 39 grassroots hockey programs in North America as part of the NHL’s Hockey Is for Everyone initiative.
O’Ree’s No. 22 hockey jersey was retired by the Bruins in January 2022, during a ceremony at TD Garden. Less than two weeks later, President Joe Biden signed a bill into law to award O’Ree the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor bestowed by U.S. Congress.
Dallas Cowboys Legend DeMarcus Ware Inducted Into Franchise’s ‘Ring Of Honor,’ Team Owner Calls Him Wrong Name
Former Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Ware was inducted into the team’s coveted Ring of Honor on Sunday, Oct. 29. Ware, who holds the franchise record for all-time sacks leader, was introduced by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who mistakenly referred to him as “DeMarcus Lawrence” before fixing his error, Cowboys Wirereports.
Ware joins Cowboys fan favorites Emmitt Smith, Roger Staubach, Tony Dorsett, and Bob Lilly, who received the team’s first Ring of Honor induction on Nov. 23, 1975. In the franchise’s history, only 23 players have received this distinction.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to be here because every time I stepped into the old Cowboys stadium to the new Cowboys stadium, I told God, ‘You have six days to prepare this beast,'” Ware said during the ceremony. “Being in this ring, there [are] no words I can say of how grateful I am to have my family here because I couldn’t have done it without them.”
With Jones by his side, the Hall of Famer also paid tribute to the team’s ownership and dedicated fanbase. “To have the Jones family do the things that they have done from old Cowboys stadium to the new Cowboys stadium, blessing us with this awesome colosseum,” he continued. “And last, the greatest fans in the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys Nation!”
Ware spent nine seasons with the Cowboys before being traded to the Denver Broncos, for which he played three seasons before retiring in 2017. He is currently tied for the most seasons leading the NFL in sacks (2008 and 2010), and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in February 2023.
Dallas Track To Be Renamed After Sha’Carri Richardson
Champion sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson’s legacy will live on through one of her hometown’s track locations.
According to theOlympics, a unanimous vote by the Dallas Independent School District Board of Trustees on Oct. 19 concluded that the track at the Jesse Owens Athletic Complex field would carry on under Richardson’s name. The 23-year-old track star earned her running chops at Carter High School, located within the district.
“This means so much. If you from the city, you know the stadium is rooted in memories. I’m literally speechless,” Richardson posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This means so much if you from the city, you know the stadium is rooted in memories . I’m literally speechless https://t.co/GD4x90aDBA
The track star held the title as the fastest woman in the world after running a championship record of 10.65 in the final 100m during the track and field 2023 World Athletics Championship on Aug. 21.
The Olympicswebsite reported that the meet, hosted in Budapest, found Richardson victorious over fellow competitors Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson. “From the beginning of the journey, I’m [honored], I’m blessed, it was a great competition and brought out the best in myself. I’m not back; I’m better, and I’m going to continue to be better,” the three-time world medallist said.
As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, the Texan started her 2023 track and field season with the third-fastest 100-meter race of all time. Her win at the Miramar Invitational was her first race and solo competition of the season.
Richardson’s present honor comes amid several hiccups in her career. In January, the championship runner was kicked off an American Airlines flight for arguing with a flight attendant. However, she has climbed to the top with her winning status.
“I found my peace back on the track, and I’m not letting anything or anybody take that anymore,” she said in May, according to BE.
Sha’Carri Richardson more than deserves the honor. Congratulations!
Jackson State University Kicker Becomes First Woman To Score In HBCU Football
Jackson State University football is making history yet again. However, instead of focusing on its coaching staff, one of its players is taking the spotlight.
Kicker Leilani Armenta is the first woman to play in HBCU Division 1 football and is now the first woman kicker to score during a game, as confirmed by WLBT 3. Armenta made her debut in JSU’s match against Bethune-Cookman University but made a significant impact during her performance in the Tigers’ eighth game of the 2023 season on Oct. 28. She was added to the roster officially on Sept. 23 following an injury, as confirmed by JSU’s football program via X, formerly known as Twitter.
Armenta confirmed herself as a marker of HBCU sports history in the second quarter of the game, as she earned her historic stat by making the extra-point kick following tight end D.J. Stevens’ touchdown. The 5’7” athlete has also averaged 25 yards in her kickoff stats.
The football squad bested the Arkansas Pine-Bluff Golden Lions in a win of 40-14 with the help of their unique kicker. After her first successful point-after-touchdown (PAT), Armenta cemented two more attempts to score additional points for her team.
This is the Ventura, California native’s first year on the roster, and already she is proving a formidable kicker. Armenta is an All-Star athlete who also plays for the HBCU’s soccer team.
The freshman is showcasing her transferable skill in the sport as JSU makes strides to become ahousehold name in college football after the departure of Coach Deion Sanders.
While Armenta is not the first female football player to appear in the NCAA, she is part of the expansion for women to play a significant role, especially in male-dominated sports at HBCUs.
The team is set to take on Texas Southern University next in a home game on Nov. 4.
Tamia and Grant Hill Become Part Owners Of Two Orlando Sports Teams
On Oct. 27, Orlando City Soccer Club, in a significant move that combines the realms of entertainment, sports, and philanthropy, celebrated R&B artist Tamia Hill and NBA Hall of Famer Grant Hill becoming limited partners in the ownership group for Orlando City SC and the Orlando Pride.
The announcement was made by club owner and chairman Mark Wilf, who expressed excitement about the new additions and the positive impact they bring to the organization.
“Tamia and Grant have shown passion and support for our teams for many years, including staunch supporters of the Orlando Pride since day one, so we are looking forward to continuing to build our organization through their influence and dedication,” Wilf said.
The Hills expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to join the ownership group and become part of the extended Orlando City and Orlando Pride family. They were inspired by the Wilf family’s vision for the clubs and commitment to giving back to the Central Florida community, a cause close to their hearts.
“The future is very promising for both teams, and we are excited to support Orlando City, as well as the opportunity to be a part of the Orlando Pride and elevate women in sports,” said the Hills.
Tamia, a six-time Grammy-nominated artist, has enjoyed a career in the R&B genre spanning more than two decades. Her contributions to the music industry include chart-toppers like “You Put a Move on My Heart,” “So Into You,” and “Beautiful Surprise.” The singer’s achievements include two Grammy nominations and a NAACP Image Award for the hit “Spend My Life With You.”
In addition to her music career, Tamia founded Plus 1 Music Group, which produced her last three albums, including Love Life, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart.
Grant enjoyed 19 seasons in the NBA, six of which were with the Orlando Magic, and was part of the 1996 Olympic gold medal-winning USA Basketball “Dream Team.” His professional career included seven NBA All-Star selections and 1995 Rookie of the Year.
Beyond the court, Grant has ventured into ownership roles within the Atlanta Hawks organization and holds various positions on the boards of notable institutions. He’s an NBA broadcaster, managing director for the USA Men’s National Basketball Team, and a successful businessman through Hill Ventures, a commercial real estate company.
Both Tamia and Grant have actively participated in philanthropic endeavors, including the founding of the Tamia & Grant Hill Foundation, which supports children’s and educational charities, food security, and the arts. They have contributed to nonprofit organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Make-A-Wish, Special Olympics, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.
Shar Jackson Shares Her Side Of Love Triangle With Kevin Federline And Britney Spears
Britney Spears is speaking her truth in her new memoir, which has prompted Shar Jackson to recall the betrayal she felt by the pop star and Kevin Federline.
Britney Spears is speaking her truth in her new memoir, which has prompted Shar Jackson to recall the betrayal she felt by the pop star and Kevin Federline.
Jackson is speaking out against Spears amid the release of The Woman in Me, Spears’ memoir in which she shares details about their shared ex, Kevin Federline (K-Fed). While the “Baby One More Time” pop star speaks on how “clueless” she was about Federline’s situation with Jackson, the Moesha star is calling out Spears for starting her three-year romance with Federline while Jackson was six months pregnant with their second child.
“When Kevin met Britney we had three kids and one on the way and we were living in a six-bedroom house in Orange County, California,” Jackson told Daily Mail in an interview published Friday.
“One day, when I had bad morning sickness and was about six months pregnant, Kevin had an audition for a Coke commercial or something in LA … then I didn’t hear from him for three days.”
According to Jackson, she soon learned that Federline met Spears that same night.
“I felt angry and betrayed and I went numb. I went onto autopilot,” she recalled.
Spears claims she had already been dating Federline for “a while” before a friend revealed to her he was still involved with Jackson and shared three children with her. Federline and Jackson already had a daughter named Kori, and he helped raise her two children from a previous relationship. They were expecting their second child together (Jackson’s fourth) at the time Federline embarked on a public high-profile romance with the international pop star.
However, according to Jackson, Spears was well aware of Federline’s relationship status and even waited outside the Orange County hospital when he and Jackson welcomed their son Kaleb. Spears and Federline would go on to get engaged days after Kaleb was born.
“I think [Spears’] relationship with Kevin was a fantasy for both of them,” Jackson said. “I never hated Kevin because if you really love someone you can’t hate them.”
Spears and Federline were married from 2004 to 2007 and had two sons, Sean Preston, 18, and Jayden James, 17.
The film stars Diddy and model Eva Apio and is likely to be a visual of his 27-track album that includes features from A-listers including 21 Savage, Summer Walker, Mary J. Blige, Burna Boy, Justin Bieber, Bryson Tiller, Coco Jones, and Teyana Taylor. No official release date has been announced.
Released last month on Diddy’s new Love Records label, the album, his first solo release in 17 years, was inspired by the “love era” he’s currently in.
“It’s been three years in the making and I stepped away from music for a while — just going through life’s peaks and valleys,” he told USA Today. “And to be able to return back to music, my first love, and to put out some great R&B music for y’all today is incredible.”
For Diddy, who legally changed his name to Love, he wanted to bring the love back to the R&B scene and created the album on his new R&B-focused record label.
“In R&B, as far as the genre of music, I feel it was missing that love frequency, that baby-making music,” Diddy said. “Yeah, something for your wife, your significant other to enjoy.
“I’m in a love era,” he added. “That’s the frequency that I’m in and I’m giving the world.”
Fans are expressing their support for the new romance-driven film that highlights the beauty of Black love.
“It looks like Off the Grid will be Queen & Slim 2023!🔥🔥🔥,” one person wrote.
“This whole movie look like a music video,” added someone else.
Ye Wasn’t Allowed Mental Health Treatment Under Contract With Adidas
As reported by Fast Company, back in 2013 Ye signed a groundbreaking contract with Adidas, one that promised him 15% of royalties from Yeezy sales, ultimately propelling him into billionaire status. Fast-forward to 2016, when West sought to extend that contract and Adidas inserted a morals clause into the agreement. That clause allowed Adidas to terminate the contract based on specific behaviors, including felony conviction, bankruptcy, mental health issues, or any actions that could bring “disrepute, contempt, scandal” to Ye or tarnish the Adidas brand, according to The New York Times.
What makes this situation unique is the inclusion of an additional clause that raised eyebrows: “30 consecutive days of mental health or substance abuse treatment.”
In essence, Ye, who later revealed his diagnosis of bipolar disorder in 2016, received a month of care for his mental health and well-being. He risked losing a significant portion of his Yeezy empire, amounting to billions.
While Adidas was legally within its rights to end the deal, many question the ethics of including such a provision, especially when it’s a public figure grappling with mental health issues. Alexandra Roberts, a professor of law and media, noted that it’s unusual to see a mental health clause in a contract, suggesting that Adidas may have formulated its morals clause based on what it already knew about Ye.
During the partnership with Adidas, reports emerged detailing Ye’s erratic behavior, anti-Semitic comments, and incidents of exposing employees to explicit content. Despite this, Adidas stuck by him longer than many believed it should have. But Adidas never invoked the morals clause following Ye seeking mental health or substance abuse treatment.
Morals clauses are a common feature in celebrity endorsements and high-level white-collar contracts, designed to provide a legal exit should a scandal damage a brand’s reputation. There is technically no limit to what such clauses could cover, with potential reputational harm dictating their scope.
While these clauses may seem awkward, not having them can lead to regrets, as evidenced by Amazon’s reluctance to part ways with Woody Allen after his #MeToo scandal. A well-drafted morals clause could have protected the company’s interests.
In the case of Adidas and Ye, it’s unclear how the rapper’s mental health treatment could have harmed Adidas’s reputation, especially considering his history of controversial comments and erratic behavior. Mental health, an increasingly vital concern for many, had become a central theme in Ye’s public persona. Adidas and Ye had already witnessed his struggles with mental instability, which he openly discussed in his album Life of Pablo.
In a world where 37% of people report feeling anxious or depressed, mental health has taken on new importance. This may explain why 42% of individuals with access to mental health benefits are more likely to stay with their employers. However, celebrities like Ye face different rules compared to traditional employees. They might encounter moral clauses that regular employees wouldn’t, given the unique nature of their endorsements.
“Mental health counseling? I don’t have empirical data on this, but…I don’t think I’ve seen it [in a contract] before,” said Roberts, professor of law and media at Northeastern University School of Law. “It feels like Adidas was defining its morals clause in part based upon what they already knew about Ye.”
The very existence of such a clause remains a matter of concern, especially given the broader implications for mental health treatment. While we can’t ascertain if this clause impacted Ye’s decisions regarding treatment, it sheds light on a legal and ethical problem surrounding public figures and their mental health. Ultimately, it raises crucial questions about the rights and treatment of individuals in various employment arrangements.
