• Celebrity News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 24, 2025

Beyoncé Celebrates Malcolm-Jamal Warner For Being ‘A Big Part Of Our Shared Television History’

Beyoncé sends a heartwarming tribute to actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner amid tragic news of his sudden passing.

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Beyoncé shared a touching tribute honoring Malcolm-Jamal Warner, following his tragic drowning on a beach in Costa Rica.

While on tour for her Grammy-winning Cowboy Carter album, Beyoncé took to her official website to honor Warner, remembering him as someone who “played a big part in our shared television history” as fans mourn his sudden passing.

“Rest in power, Malcolm-Jamal Warner,” the website reads in all caps. “Thanks for being a big part of our shared television history. You will be missed.”

Warner tragically drowned on July 20 after being swept out to sea while vacationing in Costa Rica, local authorities confirmed. A source close to The Cosby Show star shared that he had been traveling with his wife and young daughter when the accident occurred. As of July 21, Warner’s wife was working to have his body returned to the U.S. for funeral arrangements.

The celebrated television actor was swimming at Playa Cocles in Limón province when a powerful current swept him away, Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department said. Though bystanders managed to pull him from the water, paramedics found him unresponsive upon arrival. The Costa Rican Red Cross confirmed in a statement that another man involved in the “water incident” was transported to a hospital in critical condition.

Warner rose to fame in the role of Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show from 1984 to 1994. He continued working in television, starring in sitcoms Malcolm & Eddie and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and even directing several episodes of Kenan & Kel and All That.

Hollywood is mourning Warner’s sudden passing, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from those who knew and worked with him. His Reed Between the Lines co-star Tracee Ellis Ross shared that her heart feels “so sad” over his death, while his TV dad, Bill Cosby, called the loss “devastating,” comparing it to the pain of losing his only son in 1997. Other stars, including Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Holly Robinson Peete, and fellow Cosby Show alum Geoffrey Owens, have also shared their condolences and memories.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Cowboy Carter’ NFL Halftime Show Scores Emmy Noms For Queen Bey—and Ocean of Soul

• News

by Mitti Hicks

July 23, 2025

Judge Rules in Favor of Journalists. Nearly 300 Pages Of Atlanta’s ‘Cop City’ Records Released

Two plaintiffs filed a lawsuit, claiming that the police foundation was violating Georgia’s open records law.

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The controversial public safety training center proposed in Atlanta, known as “Cop City,” is at the heart of why a Fulton County judge ordered the Atlanta Police Foundation (APF) to release nearly 300 documents to the public. Judge Jane Barwick ruled for APF to turn over records related to the Atlanta Public Safety Training City, often referred to as “Cop City.”

The lawsuit all started with the two plaintiffs, the Atlanta Community Press Collective (ACPC) and Lucy Parsons Labs, a Chicago-based research group, requesting emails, APF board meeting minutes, and other documents. When APF failed to do so, the plaintiffs filed a lawsuit, claiming that the police foundation was violating Georgia’s open records law.

“This court concludes that APF was under a duty to provide records to ACPC and Lucy Parsons Labs pursuant to the Open Records Act,” Barwick wrote in her 12-page order months after a two-day bench trial. “Under the authority explained in this order, no exemptions applied.”

Why The Case on Atlanta Cop City Matters

According to the Guardian, the lawsuit was the first of its kind nationwide. While the case centered on the Atlanta Police Foundation, some say the judge’s ruling could have implications for whether police foundations are subject to open records laws.

Every major city has a private foundation that supports the police. A report from Police Foundations shows there are an estimated 250 nationwide. Because these foundations are not public agencies, there have been questions around whether the nonprofits that exclusively support a government agency are subject to public record laws.

The judge’s ruling “opens the door to what we want. It’s a guide stone for getting records from police foundations, so they can’t be a black box,” Matt Scott, executive director of Atlanta Community Press Collective (ACPC), told the Guardian. “A city can’t use police foundations as a way of getting around providing public records.”

However, according to the Atlanta Civic Circle, Judge Barwick clarified that the order does not designate APF a public entity, which means that all its records are not declared public and accessible.

It’s unclear if the APF will appeal the judge’s ruling.

• Politics

by Kandiss Edwards

July 23, 2025

An Atlanta Community Organizer Is Running For Mayor

Eddie Meredith believes he can offer Atlanta the best path forward by focusing on the unhoused community and economic development.

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Eddie Andrew Meredith wants to be Atlanta’s next mayor.

Meredith believes he can offer Atlanta the best path forward. The mayoral candidate has laid out several policy priorities, including building affordable housing, expanding access to health care, and boosting economic development. He announced his intent to run for mayor in January 2025 via Instagram. 

Meredith is a community organizer in College Park and Atlanta. Career information for the candidate has not been documented on his LinkedIn or official campaign website. However, the candidate’s Facebook page lists him as the former pastor for the Church of Hope and an Oakland-native.  Recently, the candidate took to Instagram to thank those who have supported his months-long campaign.

“I’m not just running for office—I’m running for the people. Atlanta, it’s time for real change. With deep gratitude, I thank every supporter, follower, and believer in this movement. Together, we can build a better Atlanta. Vote Eddie Meredith for mayor 2025,” Meredith’s post read.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Eddie Andrew Meredith (@meredith_for_mayoratl)

Meredith’s social media highlights his community activations. He is deploying resources directly to neighborhoods, asking supporters to donate bottled water, hygiene kits, and nonperishable foods to sustain campaign events and outreach drives.

His campaign website states, “We are igniting a mission rooted in dignity, opportunity and unity for all Atlantans,” and says the effort is “more than a political movement.” It’s a mission-driven push for participatory governance.

The community organizer’s plan places emphasis on the city’s unhoused population. Additionally, he also aims to create solutions for Atlanta-natives that are being priced out of the city by investors and transplants. The Homes First Atlanta proposal aims to create and preserve 25,000 affordable units over five years.

In a message posted to his site, Meredith wrote, “Atlanta is not just a city of buildings — it’s a city of people.” 

Current Mayor, Andre Dickens, has already declared for re-election. Additionally, Andre Helmut Domagalski, Kalema Jackson, Marcus Lamar, Walter Reeves, and Larmetria Trammell have officially declared their intent to run. As of July 21, Meredith has not officially filed declaration paperwork. Still, there is time before the Aug 21 deadline.

RELATED CONTENT: Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens Announces Re-Election Bid

• News

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 23, 2025

Georgia Mother Accuses County Officials Of Covering Up Serial Abuse At Youth Shelter

The shelter has since shut down due to bankruptcy.

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A Georgia mother is taking action against a county district attorney and child services for an alleged cover-up of a serial child abuser.

The mother claims that her 13-year-old daughter was sexually assaulted by an employee at a youth shelter. The filing states that the abuse occurred at the Clayton County nonprofit in 2022, according to Atlanta Black Star. The woman took legal action against the employee, Caleb Randolph, and his mother, Mia Kimber. Kimber was the former director of the shelter, formally called Rainbow House.

Not only is the woman suing the mother and son for assault and negligence, but also claiming that several state and local officials were involved in covering up these abuse allegations from multiple young girls. The plaintiff, listed as “A.C.,” alleges that Tasha Mosley, the current Clayton County district attorney, and Jeffrey Turner, the former chair of the Clayton County Commission, were involved in an alleged conspiracy to conceal the abuse. While the commission funded Rainbow House, Mosley previously served as a board chair.

Randolph was later convicted of statutory rape in May of 2024 for the grooming and sexual exploitation of a teen girl at the shelter, listed as “A.C.” The complaint also states the defendants systematically failed to report abuse claims, resulting in the racketeering allegations.

“This case isn’t just about one predator; it’s about a network of power that enabled him. The District Attorney knew, Rainbow House leadership knew, the Department of Family & Children Services knew, and many others knew. They didn’t just look the other way – they actively covered up the repeated sexual abuse of a 13-year-old girl. This wasn’t just negligence; it was complicity,” shared the plaintiff’s attorneys in a joint statement.

Rainbow House served as an emergency shelter for children before its closure in 2023. Child Services initially relocated A.C. to a facility in May 2022. It aimed to provide safe housing, support, and resources for children who had been removed from their family situations.

However, A.C. reportedly endured sexual abuse and exploitation at the facility at the hands of Randolph. Instead of reporting the molestation, Randolph was fired for “violation of policy” and then rehired a week later.

The mother claims that these individuals knew of the abuse yet took no steps to remove the employee. Randolph reportedly molested another young girl at Rainbow House as well. The filing also states Mosley did not launch a proper investigation into the claims. The woman was a prosecutor for Clayton County at the time.

However, Mosley told Fox 5 Atlanta that she denies any wrongdoing on her end.

“The Board of Directors was not responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Rainbow House; thus, it was not involved in any manner with staffing other than the hiring of the Executive Director,” she said. “I was not the Chair of the BOD when M. Kimber was hired, but the BOD was notified by the Chair at the time that Ms. Kimber passed all required background screens.”

The mother and son were only arrested following a whistleblower complaint. Currently, Kimber faces a charge for one count of Cruelty to Children. Her son is currently serving a 17-year prison sentence.

“This little girl was a child in crisis, placed in state care to be protected, but instead, was exploited, hidden away, and ignored,” added the plaintiff’s attorneys. “Rainbow House and multiple people in power preyed on the most vulnerable — children with no stable homes, no consistent records, and often no one looking out for them. These weren’t just isolated failures; this was a deliberate targeting of kids who could disappear without anyone asking questions. That’s what makes this so dangerous and so evil, and we believe there are many more victims.”

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• Sports

by Roz A. Gee

July 23, 2025

Why Robert Golden Walked Away From The NFL To Build A School In His Hometown

Following retirement, the former NFL player dedicated himself to a new project with a similar game plan in mind. He put everything he had into opening a school in his birthplace, so kids of all ages can succeed.

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Most people know Robert Golden from his seven seasons in the NFL, first with the Pittsburgh Steelers and later with the Kansas City Chiefs, but if you ask Golden what he wants to be known for, he doesn’t always talk about football. Instead, he lights up when discussing his hometown of Fresno, California, the city where he grew up, and where he’s set his sights currently.

Following retirement, the former NFL player dedicated himself to a new project with a similar game plan in mind. He put everything he had into opening a school in his birthplace, so kids of all ages can succeed.

“I always knew football was something I did. It was never who I was,” Golden said. “At some point, I felt like there was something bigger waiting for me.”

That next chapter turned into Golden Charter Academy, a public TK-8 school in Fresno. The school focuses on teaching leadership, science, and environmental education to a wide variety of students.

What makes it different exactly? Here, students learn through hands-on experiences that let them interact with nature. Golden has partnered with local spaces like the Fresno Chaffee Zoo to create what’s being dubbed the first Environmental Stewardship Zoo School in the country.

“For me, it was never about just opening a school,” he said. “I wanted to create something lasting that gives kids in my community opportunities I didn’t always have growing up.”

Golden’s journey hasn’t been smooth sailing 24/7, something he speaks openly about, such as the mental adjustment that came after leaving the NFL. At first, in post-retirement, he struggled with depression and felt unsure about what was to come next, but he credits his faith and the hard-working mindset football instilled in him to help push him forward, in spite of struggles.

“Football taught me how to prepare, how to adapt, and how to keep moving no matter what,” Golden said. “That’s the same energy I bring to running a school and running a business.”

As for his advice to any athletes left navigating life after sports, he is honest and direct. Golden believes the key to post-athletic success is really knowing yourself outside the game and a willingness to start fresh.

“You have to create your own playbook,” he said. “Life is not going to put you in the game if you don’t know what play you are running.”

He also reminds athletes not to chase money and, instead, to focus on their purpose. It’s a stronghold belief that guided him to leave behind a professional football career to then focus on education and community work in his hometown and the wider area.

At Golden Charter Academy, students come from neighborhoods that don’t always have access to the same resources seen at other schools. Golden wants his students to receive a well-rounded education, not only in math and science but also in leadership and responsibility.

“I tell them, be GOLDEN. Give respect. Be obligated. Love learning. Show dedication. Elevate others. Never quit,” he said.

That guiding principle is not just something written on a motivational poster; it’s how Golden approaches his own life and leadership, whether it involves raising over $26 million to fund the school or mentoring kids one-on-one.

Looking back, Golden said he wouldn’t change anything, even the hard parts, as they’ve helped inform his decisions today. He believes the difficult moments are what shape you and help you to appreciate the wins, big and small.

“If you never face tough times, how can you really appreciate the good ones?” he questioned.

For Golden, his wins look different now. They’re less touchdown-oriented. Instead, they’re focused on the next generation of students and maybe potential NFL athletes. In helping a student discover something new or helping someone realize their own potential, Golden is cementing his own legacy.

To learn more about Golden Charter Academy and Robert Golden’s work, visit goldencharteracademy.org.

RELATED CONTENT: Travis Hunter Becomes First Non-Quarterback To Receive Entire NFL Signing Bonus Up Front

• News

by Kandiss Edwards

July 23, 2025

CLOCK IT! You Can Still Get Flown Out Without A Real ID

Real ID requirements are in effect for air transportation. However, travelers may still be able to clear TSA security checkpoints without it.

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Real ID requirements are in effect for air transportation. However, if travelers are not up to date, they may still be able to clear TSA security checkpoints.

Travelers who arrive at the airport will be subject to enhanced security screenings to board, according to the official website. TSA agents may ask passengers to provide additional personal details, such as their full name, current address, and other verifying information. The traveler may also fill out Form 415, known as the Certification of Identity, which triggers the TSA’s identity verification process. Once public databases confirm the passenger’s identity, they will be allowed to proceed.

Other acceptable alternatives to a Real ID include valid U.S. passports, passport cards, military IDs, permanent resident cards, and federally recognized tribal IDs.  Much like the enhanced verification protocol, tribal identification will be manually verified by looking through federal databases 

Statistics indicate that 81 % of passengers currently present acceptable ID, but 17 states lag in Real ID compliance, meaning many could experience delays this summer. 

The TSA stated that arriving early will allow travelers without ID the necessary time to complete the verification process. The organization advises arriving at least three hours before departure.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem, confirms, “If [IDs] are not compliant, they may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step, but people will be allowed to fly.” 

Easy travel may be a concern for many. However, many international travelers are opting out. In June 2025, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) projected the U.S. would lose $12.5 billion in travel revenue. The decline is attributed to the aggressive immigration and travel policies implemented by the Trump administration. The administration has enacted a new $250 VISA integrity fee for international travelers. 

The VISA integrity fee will be applied in addition to all current fees. Erik Hansen, senior vice president of the U.S. Travel Association, said the cost of implementation is a barrier to travel and economic gain.

“Raising fees on lawful international visitors amounts to a self-imposed tariff on one of our nation’s largest exports: international travel spending. These fees are not reinvested in improving the travel experience and do nothing but discourage visitation,” Hansen said. 

RELATED CONTENT: Nigerian Immigrants Feel The Impact Of Trump’s Travel Restrictions

Walmart is once again opening its doors to American entrepreneurs and manufacturers, announcing its annual Open Call event for 2025. This initiative, now celebrating 40 years of Sam Walton’s enduring legacy, serves as a cornerstone of the retail giant’s commitment to bolstering U.S. production and innovation. Aspiring suppliers can submit applications from June 24 to July 25, 2025.

The company is actively seeking “shelf-ready products” that not only offer compelling value but also resonate with the evolving needs of Walmart customers and Sam’s Club members. 

Beyond consumer goods, Walmart is expanding its search to embrace “manufacturing innovations/technologies.” 

These sought-after advancements aim to reduce complexity, cut costs, or lessen environmental impact across U.S. manufacturing. Examples include breakthroughs in yield insights, shelf-life extension, alternative materials, and advanced manufacturing processes, with San Francisco-based Unspun highlighted as a prime example of the kind of innovation they’re looking for.

Businesses with products or technologies made, grown, or assembled in the U.S. are encouraged to register for a chance to pitch directly to Walmart and/or Sam’s Club merchants. 

The main event is scheduled for October 7 and 8, to be held in person at Walmart’s Open Call is facilitated by RangeMe and ECRM Connect, platforms designed to streamline the product discovery and sourcing process. Prospective suppliers are advised to set up a free account on RangeMe.com now to build a robust product portfolio and supplier profile, which will significantly simplify the required steps once the Open Call application window opens.

This annual event highlights Walmart’s deep commitment to U.S. manufacturing. Building on a previous commitment, Walmart’s new pledge to invest an additional $350 billion by 2030 in products that support U.S. jobs is estimated by Boston Consulting Group to support over 750,000 jobs. 

Luke Schneider, Founder & CEO of Fire Department Coffee, captured the sentiment, stating, “Walmart is the #1 retailer. It was our #1 goal to get into Walmart, and I think this is just a massive opportunity, and I’m excited for everyone.”

Beyond the Open Call, Walmart offers additional avenues for businesses to collaborate, notably through its Marketplace on Walmart.com. This platform provides professional online sellers with tools for seamless catalog integration, efficient order management, and robust customer care. Approved sellers gain access to an ecosystem of innovative solutions, including Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) for best-in-class fulfillment and Sponsored Products ad campaigns to boost brand visibility among millions of shoppers. Applicants for the Marketplace should have a proven history of e-commerce success, the ability to manage their own catalog, and a range of products with standard identifiers, such as GTINs or UPCs.

Earlier this year, Walmart took its Open Call initiative on a cross-country tour, hosting pop-up pitch events in various cities. These stops — including Los Angeles (April 3); Orlando (May 1); Kansas City, Missouri (May 9); Baltimore (May 13); Austin, Texas (May 21); Columbus, Ohio (June 18); Atlanta (June 24); and New Orleans (June 26) — provided innovators and entrepreneurs with direct access to Walmart buyers, offering real-time feedback and potential “fast passes” to the main event in Bentonville.

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• News

by Kandiss Edwards

July 23, 2025

FICO Integrates Buy Now, Pay Later Loans Into Credit Scoring Models

FICO announced it will begin factoring Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) loans into scoring models.

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FICO, the creator of America’s most widely used credit-score system, will begin factoring Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) loans into select credit-scoring models later this year. 

The company released a statement explaining its decision and the benefits to consumers. The change “acknowledges the evolving landscape of consumer financing.” BNPL has become increasingly popular, particularly among younger Americans and limited credit consumers. While intended to help, the change may hinder consumers who cannot keep up with payments.

FICO’s new scoring methods will group BNPL data but not penalize consumers opening multiple short-term loans. The models, FICO Score 10 BNPL and 10T BNPL, will group the short-term BNPL loans together.

FICO vice president Julie May said this shift could help financially underserved groups. Most notably younger borrowers or those lacking traditional credit history can improve their credit scores.

“Buy Now, Pay Later loans are playing an increasingly important role in consumers’ financial lives,” said May. “By expanding our FICO Score 10 Suite with new models designed to incorporate BNPL data, we’re enabling lenders to more accurately evaluate credit readiness, especially for consumers whose first credit experience is through BNPL products. This innovation also supports our mission to expand financial inclusion by helping more consumers gain access to credit.”

The move comes after BNPL company Affirm began reporting to major credit bureaus Experian and TransUnion on April 1.

Early findings from a FICO-Affirm study suggest more than 85% of users’ credit scores benefit as a result of the calculations. Many consumers maintain or even boost their scores when making on-time BNPL payments. 

Conversely, consumers who miss BNPL payments or take on multiple plans are sometimes hindered in the quest to build a positive credit rating. A Reuters analysis noted growing late-payment trends and fears of “loan stacking,” which can adversely influence lending decisions. 

Some financial institutions are now flagging BNPL usage. Companies deem the usage risky. Major banks like JPMorgan Chase and Capital One have restricted using credit cards to pay BNPL loans regardless of a positive repayment history. 

With BNPL accounting for an estimated $108 billion in U.S. transactions this year, lenders will now have clearer insight into consumer debt profiles. 

As FICO’s BNPL-inclusive models roll out in the fall, consumer advocates warn that on-time repayment is critical.

RELATED CONTENT: A New Way To Help Some College Students: Zero Percent, No-Fee Loans

• News

by Kandiss Edwards

July 23, 2025

Mayor Kamau’s Spending Was Audited; He Thinks South Fulton Council Members’ Should Be, Too

South Fulton Mayor Khalid Kamau’s spending using city credit cards revealed $109,000 in total spending and multiple questionable charges.

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An examination into South Fulton, Georgia, Mayor Khalid Kamau’s use of city credit cards revealed $109,000 in total expenditures and multiple questionable charges.

Kamau, who is finishing his last term in South Fulton, is under scrutiny after an internal audit. Auditors flagged multiple charges made with his city-issued credit cards.

The audit results, which spanned 25 months, were presented at the July 22 South Fulton council meeting.

The evidence showed Kamau made multiple “luxury” purchases, including a convertible desk that doubles as a pool table. Additionally, the mayor paid $1,800 for flight upgrades and travel expenses to Paris and Ghana. The audit also reveals ancestry DNA services, over $2,600 in food purchases and Apple Music charges.

And only some of the purchases.  

During the council meeting, Kamau hinted that other council members had made questionable purchases, though he did not elaborate. “A petty person would say, ‘We need to do a $55,000 audit of each of the 7-council people.’ But I’m not petty.”

When asked about his actions, Kamau said he “may have” violated policy. Still, he believes, if he did, it was unknowingly.

“I will say this: all of my expenses were approved. The city manager did not approve the travel. People in her department approved without her knowing,” Kamau told WSBTV.

While contending that the majority of his purchases were legitimate, Kamau argued that anything not in line with policy was not his fault. He said the city’s policies lacked clarity, which allowed them to be easily misinterpreted.

“I do not believe what I did was unethical,” Kamau said. “What I will apologize for is our city’s name being dragged through the mud by people who are so anxious to get into this seat.”

RELATED CONTENT: Georgia Mayor Khalid Kamau Says Farewell To South Fulton After A Slew Of Controversies