Iman Shumpert, Teyana Taylor
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 15, 2025

Teyana Taylor Must Pay Iman Shumpert $70K After Being Found In Contempt Of Court

Teyana Taylor has to cover Iman Shumpert's $70,000 lawyer bill after being found in contempt of court.

Teyana Taylor’s venting session on Instagram Live about her divorce from NBA champion Iman Shumpert just cost her $70,000.

On August 5, a final ruling determined that Taylor was in contempt of court for violating their divorce agreement, Us Weekly reported. Although both parties sought to have the other held in contempt, the judge denied Taylor’s request, citing a lack of sufficient evidence that the former NBA star had leaked details of their divorce judgment to the press.

However, the judge sided with Shumpert, finding that Taylor violated the divorce agreement by sharing details of their judgment in a March 19 Instagram video, which was prohibited.

“The court finds [Taylor] in violation of the Final Judgment and Decree of Divorce and is in willful contempt,” the ruling states.

“It appears Taylor and her counsel failed to engage in even a minimal amount of diligence to determine whether her claim of contempt had any factual support at all before the petition was filed.”

While both parties requested that the other be jailed and that attorney fees be covered, Taylor eventually withdrew her request for incarceration and was denied her bid to have Shumpert pay her legal costs.

Instead, the court ordered her to pay Shumpert’s attorney $70,000 in legal fees, “to be paid in full no later than two weeks from the court order,” the ruling states.

The court order came after a July 25 hearing in which Taylor and Shumpert, along with their attorneys, appeared before the judge, who heard testimony from both parties and third-party witnesses and reviewed evidence submitted by the exes. The judge denied Shumpert’s request to hold Taylor in contempt for allegedly violating their parenting plan, stating he had not proven that her actions were “willfully contemptuous.”

Taylor was ordered to pay Shumpert’s legal fees after he argued she had the means to cover them. The judge noted that Taylor had refused to answer questions about her assets and income, claiming the information was irrelevant. However, the court found that since the divorce judgment in July 2025, Taylor has appeared, or is set to appear, in at least three films.

“Additionally, she has been cast and will appear in a television series beginning in Fall 2025,” the order states.

Taylor and Shumpert married in 2016 and separated in 2023. Taylor initially filed for divorce early that year but paused the proceedings for several months while they attempted to reconcile. Their efforts proved unsuccessful, and the divorce was finalized in July 2024. The former couple continues to co-parent their two daughters, 10-year-old Junie and 5-year-old Rue, amid ongoing disputes.

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Jenee Naylor, 12PM Studios
by Janee Bolden

August 15, 2025

From Retail Floors To Luxury Frames: How Jeneé Naylor’s 12PM Studios Sold Out In Days

Jeneé Naylor launched her eyewear brand 12PM Studios in July.

When Jeneé Naylor launched her eyewear brand 12PM Studios in July, the brand quickly became one of the hottest on the luxury accessories market. Within two weeks, the brand had pulled in $400,000 in sales, with three styles completely sold out almost instantly. Her first-year projection? A cool $2 million. What’s perhaps most impressive is that Naylor was able to accomplish all of it without paid ads or PR blitzes, but she did have the trust and loyalty of a community she’s cultivated for more than a decade.

For Naylor, known for her high-low luxe style (her original IG handle was @highlowluxxe) and deeply engaged social media following (527,000 strong), launching her own eyewear line was almost a natural calling.

“Eyewear was kind of almost too obvious,” she tells me. “I’ve always leaned heavily into sunglasses. My community was already coming to me for recommendations and reviews. And I started to notice the luxury eyewear landscape was shifting. Prices were creeping into the $500, $700, even $1,000 range, and I thought, it doesn’t have to be this way.”

At 12PM, It’s Always the Perfect Time

The inspiration behind 12PM Studios is as intentional as its designs. “At 12 p.m., the world feels in perfect balance,” reads the brand’s mission statement. “The sun is at its peak, casting a light that’s neither harsh nor fading—it’s steady, clear, and intentional.”

Built on the belief that true luxury isn’t about excess or exclusivity, 12PM Studios is about thoughtful design and meaning in every detail. Starting with eyewear, the lifestyle brand is designed to empower, inspire, and elevate everyday moments. Every frame blends timeless quality with modern sophistication to create pieces that feel personal, attainable, and deeply connected to the wearer.

Frames range from $125 to $145—priced to feel attainable but packaged to deliver a high-end experience. “I want you to feel valued the moment you receive your order,” Naylor says. “From the box, to the case, to the glasses themselves, it should feel like you got more than your money’s worth.”

Even the names of the frames are personal. Styles like NYC, London, and Milan pay homage to the cities that shaped her creative vision. “Travel is when I’ve found my style,” she says. “The cities are inspiration, but they’ve also become a way to engage the community—people love suggesting new ones.”

From Target to the Runway

Before the front row seats at Fashion Week and brand collaborations, Naylor was running retail floors. She spent eight years as a store director at Target, preceded by management roles at Aldo and a top-selling stint at Nordstrom. That retail foundation shaped her as a founder.

“I thrive off having a plan and executing it,” she says. “I always say, ‘I don’t have time to waste.’ That comes with making sure I have the right people around me, the right resources, I do my due diligence, then having a plan and standing on the business of that plan. I kind of built that platform of trust.”

The Power of Partnership

Part of that success comes from the person she shares both her life and business with—her husband, Joshua Prieto. Already her longtime photographer and CFO of her creator business, Prieto became a natural collaborator for 12PM Studios.

“It was important to me that the brand be unisex,” Naylor says. “Josh brings a different perspective—everything from the packaging to the case design, he can tell me how it lands for a man. We’ve worked out the kinks of collaborating over the years, so now it’s just a natural alignment. He’s equally excited about the brand, equally stylish, and just as invested in making it a success.”

When asked who she’d most love to see in her frames, Naylor lights up. “Solange, for sure. She embodies that effortless confidence and everyday luxury our brand is all about,” she says. On the men’s side, she names Colman Domingo as a perfect fit for the brand’s timeless yet relaxed energy. And if she could put a pair on an icon from the past? “Aaliyah—she was my ultimate cool girl inspiration.”

Black Business, Bold Vision

Launching during National Black Business Month carries special weight for Naylor. “I feel like I’ve joined this super special, exclusive club,” she says. “Black founders are the sauce, the magic, the inspiration. We’re the mood. We shape the culture.”

Her advice for supporting Black-owned luxury brands goes beyond shopping: “Share. Tell people about your experience. When someone who isn’t a creator goes out of their way to post because they’re so impressed—that’s the real story.”

The brand will debut a new style during New York Fashion Week in September, celebrated with an intimate dinner. But right now, Naylor is savoring another full-circle moment—selling her frames at Nordstrom, the same retailer where she once worked.

“I can’t believe this is my life,” she says. “You can literally do anything, because I just keep thinking of stuff—and now we’re here.”

Catch 12PM Studios This Weekend At Their NYC Pop-Up:

When: Friday, Aug. 15–Sunday, Aug. 17

• Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

• Sunday: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Where: Nordstrom NYC Flagship, 225 West 57th Street, New York, NY

Why: Celebrate National Black Business Month, meet Jeneé Naylor, and shop the sold-out styles in person.

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Fitness, workout, gym, exercise
by Ahsan Washington

August 15, 2025

Black-Owned Fitness Centers That Are Serving The Community 

Health is wealth

In cities across America, a new generation of fitness entrepreneurs is changing the way we think about getting in shape. Take Atlanta, where you’ve got community-driven gyms that are as much about building each other up as they’re about building muscle. In Detroit, boutique pilates studios are popping up and offering a nontraditional take on fitness. What is admirable is that these seven Black-owned fitness centers are much more than places to work out. They are hubs of empowerment, representation, and wellness that are totally rooted in their communities. Each one is unique, reflecting the vision of its owner and blending training with a sense of pride. These Black-owned fitness centers are proof that getting fit is not about getting stronger, it’s about being part of something bigger than yourself.

E.F.F.E.C.T. Fitness

Dooley” Loucious had a vision when he started E.F.F.E.C.T. Fitness in Atlanta. It had a humble beginning with classes held in a garage. By the 2010s, the business took off. Today the fitness studio on Metropolitan Parkway in Southwest Atlanta is buzzing with high intensity bootcamps and small group training sessions. What sets them apart, though, is the sense of community. E.F.F.E.C.T. Fitness is not just about getting you in shape, its mission is about motivating clients, keeping them on track, and helping them become a better version of themselves.

Chocolate Girl Fitness / The Training Space

In Northeast Miami, Chocolate Girl Fitness also known as The Training Space, is putting in work. The fitness center has been around since 2016. What’s unique about this place is that clients get to work one-on-one with the owner, Maricarmen Hernandez. She’s a trainer certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), so gym members are in good hands, and Hernandez helps with fitness and nutrition goals. Chocolate Girl Fitness is a boutique operation. Customers don’t feel like they’re getting lost in an oversized facility. 

Uptown Strength

Uptown Strength is a gem in the heart of New York City. This community-driven fitness studio helps locals build strength that they can use in everyday life. Since opening its doors in 2024, the studio has been a breath of fresh air for the neighborhood, providing coaching and open gym time that’s actually affordable. Thomas Boatswain, the owner and head strength coach is passionate about what he does. He’s put together a team that shares his vision for a supportive community. Uptown Strength is located at 754 St. Nicholas Ave. in Harlem. It’s a spot to get fit and feel connected to the people around you.

Level One Fitness

Level One Fitness is located in Houston. Ken Jones wanted to get people in the community moving, so he set up boot camps. The bootcamps were a hit, and before long, Jones decided to open up Level One Fitness, providing tons of services, from bootcamps to one-on-one training sessions. If you’re looking to improve your speed and agility, they’ve got programs for that too. 

Studio Push 

Studio Push, a venture born out of Alexis Hull’s passion, found a home in Ferndale, Michigan, in 2024. What’s notable about this studio is that it’s one of the Pilates studios in the state that is Black-owned. Studio Push keeps things intimate with groups and one-on-one sessions.

UBC Gym

UBC Gym in downtown Chicago is one of a kind. The gym is owned by Tyrone Walton and has been a fruitful addition to the area since it opened its doors in 2022. UBC Gym focuses on intense training. Boxing and hardcore conditioning are led by Walton himself.

The Collective STL

The Collective STL is a place that gets it. The fitness center knows how important it is to create a welcoming space for Black people to focus on their well-being. Founded in 2017, this organization is run by community leaders who are passionate about helping others heal. They offer all sorts of classes and workshops from yoga to breathing exercises; all designed to help members relax and take care of themselves. STL is not only about individual healing. It is also about building a sense of community and looking out for one another. Find them at 1400 N. Market St. In St. Louis or get in touch with them through their website and book a class. 

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Justin Madubuike, Chris Jones, NFL, CTE
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 15, 2025

Appeals Court Rules Brian Flores’ Discrimination Lawsuit Against NFL Can Proceed

The former head coach also included the Miami Dolphins, the Denver Broncos, and the New York Giants in the lawsuit.

After suing the National Football League for discrimination in 2022, Brian Flores’ lawsuit can proceed after the league tried to solve the litigation through arbitration.

According to ESPN, Flores sued the NFL and three teams, the Miami Dolphins, the Denver Broncos and the New York Giants. The Minnesota Vikings’ defensive coordinator, who was dismissed from the Dolphins as a head coach, alleged discrimination based on his firing.

He also sued the Broncos and Giants, citing the interview processes there.

After receiving the suit, the NFL told the court that it would prefer to go to arbitration with league commissioner Roger Goodell as the arbiter. Flores and his attorneys would like a neutral person to settle the matter.

In March 2023, Judge Valerie Caproni ruled in favor of Flores, calling the NFL’s “long history of systematic discrimination toward Black players, coaches, and managers—are incredibly troubling.”

“Although the clear majority of professional football players are Black, only a tiny percentage of coaches are Black,” she said.

The NFL appealed Caproni’s ruling, but the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan upheld it, deciding that the league’s constitution’s arbitration provision “contractually provides for no independent arbitral forum, no bilateral dispute resolution, and no procedure.”

“Instead, it offends basic presumptions of our arbitration jurisprudence” by forcing claims to be decided by the NFL’s “principal executive officer,” the appeals court added.

NFL spokesperson Brian McCarty said the league “respectfully disagree(s) with the panel’s ruling, and will be seeking further review,” according to ESPN. No further information has been released regarding what the next step is in the lawsuit.

Before heading to Minnesota, Flores previously worked as a coach for the New England Patriots from 2008 to 2018, the Miami Dolphins from 2019 to 2021 and the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022. He joined the Vikings in 2023.

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lil yachty
by Sharelle B. McNair

August 15, 2025

Lil Yachty Catches Heat From Stephen Jackson and Social Media Over Tasteless George Floyd Lyric 

Jackson called out the new generation of rappers that use names of victims of police brutality for clout.

Rapper Lil Yachty thought he would climb the charts with a new song he previewed on social media. Instead, he climbed on people’s nerves with a bar referencing the senseless murder of George Floyd. 

The Georgia-based artist previewed a song on a streamer Plaqueboymax’s platform and drew immediate attention from social media users and former NBA star and All The Smoke podcast co-host Stephen Jackson. Yachty can be seen vibing to a song that uses the lyric, “Put my knee up on her neck, I went George Floyd,” putting a disturbing sound in viewers’ ears. 

https://twitter.com/Glock_Topickz/status/1956058299712868601

Jackson caught on and condemned the “One Night” rapper from using Floyd’s name in a song, calling it “wack” and “weak.” “You been wack, my n****, but you think you saying George Floyd’s name in a bar that’s gonna make people like your whack ass music, my n****? That sh*t weak,” he said. 

He called out other rappers of the new generation of hip-hop who use the names of victims of police brutality for clout. “Y’all the only era that feel like demeaning the dead and saying that sh*t is cool, my n****. It ain’t. Don’t ever say his name, bro. Not none of y’all knew G, knew nothing about him, but y’all wanna say his name for clout…but let somebody die in your family, we gonna do a whole skit about it and see how funny it is, bro.” 

Floyd was killed in May 2020 by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin after he kneeled on his neck for almost nine minutes while Floyd could be heard saying, “I can’t breathe.” His tragic death sparked worldwide protests and launched the Black Lives Matter movement. 

Jackson, who was a close friend of the victim, often referred to him as a “twin,” was outspoken about Floyd’s death and called for all parties of the Minneapolis Police Department to be held accountable during a Nightline interview at the time. 

Social media users stood with Jackson on his sentiments, with some even claiming that Yachty needs to make music like this to appeal to a White audience. “He gotta appeal to the racist white ppl now cause he knows us niggas know his music is ass,” @NiqoNguyenn wrote on X. 

Another said, “Yachty might genuinely be one of the worst rappers that went mainstream ever” and questioned “how does he still have a platform…As Hip-Hop has evolved, music has gone from uplifting social change to potentially adding to the problem. However, to get back in decent graces, all it takes is accountability.

Think about Lil’ Wayne. The New Orleans Hot Boy received major pushback for a lyric in his 2013 featured verse on Future’s “Karate Chop” remix after referencing Emmett Till. In a letter to the Till family, Wayne, apologized, saying he has “always been interested in word play,” recognized his influence, and supported the record label’s decision to remove the lyric.

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Robin Kelly, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem
by Kandiss Edwards

August 15, 2025

Jotaka Eaddy Believe Illinois Can Win With Robin Kelly In The Senate

Jotaka Eaddy, #WInWithBlackWomen founder, will support Illinois Rep. Robin Kelly in the 2027 Senate race.

Jotaka L. Eaddy, founder of the social impact consultancy Full Circle Strategies, announced her endorsement for the Illinois Senate seat. 

Eaddy is lending her support to Rep. Robin Kelly in her bid for the U.S. Senate. Eaddy is known for spearheading the #WinWithBlackWomen network. The organization was instrumental in raising millions of dollars for presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris. Her decades of advocacy on voting rights and equity issues make her endorsement politically valuable. The tech maven announced her support alongside Kelly during a panel at the Black Women’s Expo in Chicago, Suburban Chicagoland reported.

“All of us win when we elect Robin Kelly to the U.S. Senate,” Eaddy said. Robin is a proven fighter for Illinois and all Americans who shows us every day how to lead with grace, dignity, and a long record of experience in Washington. Robin doesn’t just say she’ll fight — she’s made history by taking on special interests and winning and lifting up workers and families across the state.”

Eaddy’s career includes senior roles with the NAACP and other voting rights advocacy groups. Additionally, she has a robust background in corporate responsibility and philanthropic advising. Through Full Circle Strategies, she partners with nonprofits, foundations, and corporations on initiatives aimed at racial justice, economic opportunity, and civic engagement.

Kelly, who has served Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District since 2013, graciously accepted the endorsement. In an X post, she praised Eaddy’s accomplishments. “A dynamic and trailblazing national leader.” 

Also, she expressed gratitude for Eaddy, saying her support “means the world” to the campaign. 

Kelly has built a coalition that includes gun violence prevention advocates, labor organizations, reproductive rights groups, and elected officials from across the Democratic Party.

Her campaign has received backing from Brady PAC, the political arm of one of the nation’s most prominent gun violence prevention organizations. Furthermore, Kelly has secured endorsements from members of the Congressional Black Caucus, Elect Democratic Women, and leaders from the LGBTQIA+ community. 

Kelly’s platform focuses on expanding access to healthcare, strengthening gun safety laws, investing in infrastructure, and closing racial wealth gaps.

“Robin Kelly is a candidate who understands the intersections of our struggles and will fight for solutions that leave no one behind,” Eaddy said.

The Illinois Senate race will take place in 2027. Current Senator Dick Durbin will retire after 30 years in office. Kelly is currently running against the current Lieutenant Governor, Juliana Stratton, and Representative of Illinois’s 8th District, Raja Krishnamoorthi.

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Vizz eye drops
by Mary Spiller

August 15, 2025

FDA Approves Vizz, First Daily Eye Drop For Age-Related Blurry Vision

Presbyopia is defined as age-related loss of near vision that affects nearly everyone over age 45.

The FDA has approved Vizz, an aceclidine ophthalmic solution 1.44%, making it the first and only aceclidine-based eye drop cleared to treat presbyopia in adults, according to Lenz Therapeutics.

Unlike traditional treatments, Vizz works primarily on the pupil rather than the eye’s ciliary muscle. By contracting the iris’s sphincter muscle, the drop creates a pinhole effect that narrows the pupil to under 2 millimeters, extending the depth of focus and improving near vision without inducing a myopic shift.

Presbyopia is the gradual, age-related loss of near vision that affects nearly everyone over the age of 45. As the eye’s crystalline lens stiffens with age, it becomes less able to focus on close objects. Although the decline is progressive, many patients notice sudden difficulties in daily activities by their mid-40s, prompting the use of over-the-counter reading glasses or prescription corrective lenses.

“This FDA approval represents a disruptive paradigm shift in treatment options for millions of people who are frustrated and struggling with the inevitable age-related loss of their near vision,” said Marc Bloomenstein, OD, FAAO, clinical investigator at Schwartz Laser Eye Care Center in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“I believe this will be a welcome solution for both optometrists and ophthalmologists who will now be able to offer a highly effective and sought-after presbyopia treatment that could immediately become the standard of care, with a product profile that will meet our patients’ needs.”

Approval was supported by results from three phase 3 randomized, double-masked, controlled trials, including CLARITY 1 and CLARITY 2, which met all near vision improvement endpoints. Among 466 participants treated once daily for 42 days, Vizz improved near vision within 30 minutes and lasted up to 10 hours. Data from April 2024 showed that 71% of participants achieved at least a three-line improvement at both 30 minutes and three hours, while 40% maintained that improvement at 10 hours.

Across more than 30,000 treatment days in all three trials, Vizz was well tolerated, with no serious treatment-related adverse events reported. The most common side effects were mild and temporary, including instillation site irritation, dim vision, and headaches.

“The FDA approval of Vizz is a defining moment for LENZ and represents a transformative improvement in the available treatment options for the 128 million adults living with blurry near vision in the United States. We are ready and excited to launch the first and only once-daily eye drop with proven efficacy for up to 10 hours into the market,” said Eef Schimmelpennink, president and CEO of LENZ Therapeutics.

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english only, school bus
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 15, 2025

Dayton Public Schools Board Of Education Sues State Of Ohio Over Change To Bus Pass Policy

The Dayton Public Schools Board of Education is fighting back against Ohio's newest state budget.

Ohio’s newest state budget has sparked a lawsuit over the blocking of Montgomery County students using school-issued bus passes for their commutes.

The Dayton Public Schools Board of Education has filed a lawsuit against the state of Ohio to challenge a new budget provision that prevents DPS students in Montgomery County from using school-issued bus passes at the downtown Dayton bus hub, the Dayton Daily News reported. With the hub serving as a transfer point for numerous RTA routes across the city, the law effectively stops Dayton Public from providing bus passes to its students, forcing them to get to school on their own.

“While DPS is not required to transport high school students to and from school, the practical reality is that if DPS does not provide transportation to its students, many of them will not have a safe means of transportation to and from school,” the lawsuit states.

Other Montgomery County districts, like Huber Heights City Schools, don’t provide busing for high school students and also don’t purchase bus passes. Comparing median household incomes, $61,942 in Montgomery County versus $74,947 in Huber Heights, highlights how families in Huber Heights are more likely to afford transportation costs than those in Dayton Public Schools.

“This effect will be harmful to students and families who do not have the financial capabilities to provide their own forms of transportation to and from school,” the lawsuit adds.

The lawsuit labels the state law amendment as unconstitutional under Ohio’s Uniformity Clause because it targets only DPS students. The district is seeking a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction to block enforcement of the law.

“We have heard from many individuals through their interactions with board members and staff members, and there is a consensus that, as a school district, we must partner with the community to assist and defend children,” DPS Superintendent David Lawrence said. “We continue to explore all of our options in an attempt to support our students and their families.”

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da brat
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 15, 2025

Da Brat And Judy To Share Their Love Story In New Memoir, ‘The Way Love Goes’

Da Brat and Judy are sharing their love story in the form of a memoir and relationship guide.

Da Brat and wife Jesseca “Judy” Harris-Dupart remain an open book with their love story and will go more in-depth in their upcoming memoir.

The trailblazing hip-hop star and her beauty mogul wife will share the full story of their inspiring relationship in The Way Love Goes: A Guide to Building a ‘Beaurtiful’ and Everlasting Relationship. Scheduled for release in early 2026, the book will explore how the couple navigated the challenges of high-profile life to build a lasting bond through marriage, parenthood, and multiple business ventures.

“Guess who wrote a book 🤭🤗 and we are so excited for all of y’all to read it,” the pair announced on Instagram. “It’s literally been about 2 years in the making 🫶🏽🫶🏽 but it’s here. THE WAY LOVE GOES ❤️🤭 a book about us and how we have navigated our relationship over the years.”

Designed as a memoir and relationship guide, the book will trace Da Brat and Judy’s journey from the beginning of their relationship in 2017, through a brief breakup during which Da Brat came out as LGBTQ+, to the birth of their son, True Legend Harris-Dupart, in 2023, a journey the couple shared on their WeTV series Brat Loves Judy.

“We’re beyond excited to finally share our story in this book,” Da Brat and Judy told People. “It’s raw, it’s real, it’s us–full of love, lessons, laughter, and everything in between.”

The couple “have poured our hearts into these pages just being ourselves and living our lives as we do daily,” they said.

“True love and longevity is about commitment, communication, understanding, and sacrifice. We hope readers thoroughly enjoy our journey and how we sustain a happy and successful partnership,” Brat and Judy added.

The couple admitted that the book has been years in the making, and fans are celebrating the new project. One even recalls a past Brat Loves Judy episode where Judy tried to convince Da Brat to write a book.

“Yayyyy Love This yall finally did it I remember the episode where you were trying to get Brat on board with doing a book and it’s finally here can’t wait to get my copy Love you both Congratulations 🙌🏾❤️❤️❤️,” they wrote.

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YouTuber, Phone
by Kandiss Edwards

August 15, 2025

YouTube May Lean Into AI Use To Monitor Age Verification

YouTube is slowly rolling out an AI program that scans users search history and personal data to verify age.

YouTube will soon be implementing an age-verification process — leadership claims the move is aimed at ensuring minors are subject to appropriate online protections. Just in case a minor misstates their age at the time of sign-up, the AI feature will catch the error and implement safety measures. 

The company announced its intent to move forward in a blog post written by James Beser, YouTube’s director of product management. For now, a small control group across the U.S. will take part in the AI age estimation technology. The company did not indicate whether or not the beta testers will need to opt in to the trial. 

“Over the next few weeks, we’ll begin to roll out machine learning to a small set of users in the U.S. to estimate their age, so that teens are treated as teens and adults as adults,” Beser said.

He added that the platform will “closely monitor this before we roll it out more widely,” highlighting the company’s cautious approach.

The system does not rely on the birthdate entered during account creation. Instead, it analyzes a range of behavioral signals. These include monitoring the types of videos watched, video searches, account age, and viewing categories. Based on the search, the AI program infers whether the user may be under 18.

If flagged as a minor, users will automatically receive protections similar to those existing under-18 settings. This includes disabling personalized ads, activation of digital wellbeing tools like “take a break” reminders, limitations on sensitive content recommendations, and privacy prompts.

https://twitter.com/CultureCrave/status/1955513548018422138

YouTube users may be mistakenly misclassified as underage. They can verify their true age using one of three methods: uploading a government-issued ID, submitting a selfie, or providing a credit card.

The YouTube announcement comes after Spotify implemented its own age verification system. After the passing of the UK Online Safety Act, platforms that host “adult content” are now required to implement youth safety measures. Unlike YouTube, platforms in the UK are using more than AI content searches and analysis. 

The UK Online Safety Act expands the scope of verification options.  As well as face verifications, platforms are allowed to use banking information, online banking age verification, use of a digital identity wallet, age checks via credit card, age estimation via email address, and Photo-ID, which may require consumers to upload both a selfie and a copy of their government ID.

The U.S. has not yet adopted any government policy surrounding verification, yet it appears companies, like YouTube, are being preemptive in their company policy. 

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