by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 11, 2025

U.S. Postal Service Employees Allegedly Behind Many Stolen Checks

The Inspector General has confirmed that it's an issue, and they are investigating

Many checks that are stolen through the United States Postal Service (USPS) are being taken by employees of the company.

According to WSB-TV, many of the thefts occurring through the postal service are being committed by people who are working for the post office, as it was confirmed by the U.S. Postal Service Inspector General. There have been many cases showing that people are being busted performing illegal activities.

The media outlet has been investigating the issue for several years now and has spoken to victims who have been fleeced within the past year. Carol Herrmann, who is a pediatrician in Decatur, claimed that it has happened to her two times within the past six months.

“I feel there’s no sense of urgency in resolving this matter. I believe it’s just ho-hum, another day, this happens, and they move on,” Herrmann said to Channel 2 consumer investigator Justin Gray.

Another victim, Decatur business owner Narit McCrary, was also at the bank with Herrmann with a similar story of being taken by thieves via checks. McCrary and Herrmann had checks stolen from the same downtown Decatur post office.

“On the picture of the check, it’s not my handwriting. They leave only my signature, that’s it,” McCrary said. “I feel like nobody cares. It’s not their business. It’s not their problem.”

The Inspector General revealed data showing that in the six months between October 2024 and March 2025, there were 872 investigations of mail theft that led to 254 people being arrested for crimes related to it.

Pictures taken by investigators within the post office inside the Atlanta sorting facility last year revealed that workers were allowed to keep personal items nearby while they sorted mail.

“We continue to focus on postal employees who steal from the mail, with a growing emphasis on external criminal organizations that target, recruit, and collude with them to steal valuable items like checks and credit cards,” the Inspector General said to the media outlet.

by Kandiss Edwards

July 11, 2025

Kenan Thompson Is Set To Delight A New Generation Of Kids With New Book ‘Unfunny Bunny’

Kenan Thompson's comedic chops have entertained multiple generations. He's now creating space for the new generation with the release of 'Unfunny Bunny.'

Kenan Thompson, Saturday Night Live’s comedic veteran, is stepping back into children’s literature with his second book, Unfunny Bunny.

The veteran comedian, who is entering his 22nd season on the NBC sketch show, recently shared plans to release his second authorial offering. The children’s book will release in January 2026, according to Amazon.

Thompson made the announcement via Instagram, expressing excitement about continuing to connect with young readers.

“I’m excited to announce my second book for kids is coming soon,” he wrote. “Can’t wait to share it with you all.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kenan Thompson (@kenanthompson)

Thompson is best known for his sketch comedy work on Saturday Night Live and Nickelodeon’s All That and Kenan & Kel. His fan base includes a generation of adults who have followed his career since childhood. This new project reflects his growing interest in reaching audiences beyond television. Thompson’s first children’s book emphasized positivity and confidence-building. The Unfunny Bunny release is expected to follow in that spirit.

Thompson is already a trailblazer in his current field. As a cast member since 2003, Thompson holds the record for the longest tenure in SNL history. Additionally, he made show history as the first member born after the show’s 1975 debut. Over the years, he has earned widespread praise for his versatility, charisma, and staying power on a show known for constant cast turnover.

The Goodburger 2 star’s foray into publishing is a natural next step for a celebrity with his broad appeal, personable demeanor, and a growing personal brand. With nearly two decades of late-night comedy under his belt, the father of two is carving out new territory as a content creator for kids. His fans of old and their children will most likely rejoice.

Unfunny Bunny is now available for preorder.

by Sharelle B. McNair

July 11, 2025

Here’s How You Can Protect Yourself From The Increase Of Job Scams

Experts advise against engaging with unexpected texts or WhatsApp messages about jobs, despite how charming the message may come across as.

In a climate where people are struggling to gain employment, it doesn’t help that some are falling for job scams from scammers trying to take over the job pool, NBC News reports.

Data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shows scammers are using WhatsApp to start the conversation, which eventually results in eager job seekers being catfished in “a job.” Between 2020 and 2023, the scams have increased tremendously, but in 2024, job scams resulted in a $220 million loss. Close to 20,000 people have reportedly experienced gamified scams or task scams — defined as a type of online fraud where victims are lured into quick and easy jobs — in early 2024, in comparison to 5,000 in the entire year of 2023.

Assistant director of the Federal Trade Commission’s division of marketing practices Kati Daffan, breaks down exactly how innocent people are getting lured into these lucrative scams. She says it’s a game of trust. “Most of the people who end up losing money to a scammer are behaving pretty rationally,” Daffan said. “Scammers are sophisticated, and they keep changing their tactics.”

How things get started is that victims receive an unexpected text or WhatsApp message from a “recruiter” with an unknown number and an offer of online work. Common terms used are “make good money” by “product boosting” or doing “optimization tasks” for a digital platform or app, such as rating products or liking videos. Scammers promise to be paid through “commissions” per click, and once the tasks are completed, employees see a heightened tally of “earnings,” which are fake, on the platform.

According to Fox 13, scammers have impersonated major corporations, including Target and Costco. In Memphis, Tennessee, Better Business Bureau of the Mid-South spokesman Daniel Irwin said there have been nine reports of scamming in early July 2024 alone. Tina Bradshaw, who received the scamming communication, said she knew something was off when the “recruiter” offered to pay her $500 a day for only two hours of work. “They’re playing on people’s vulnerability,” she explained.

“They’re playing on people’s need for more income.”

As Eva Velasquez, CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center, said, scammers typically prey on those new to the job force and actively seeking jobs, the final app is asking employees to deposit their own money, typically in crypto, in order to complete more tasks and withdraw the non-existent earnings. The catch is, if employees don’t make the deposit, real money is lost and payment is never received. “Often the job will have an easy interview or no interview, promise to let you work from home, and let you start right away,” Velasquez said.

“Sometimes they’ll start with praise, and the person will feel their skills are recognized. ‘Oh, you think I’m great? Tell me more.’”

With Daffan saying “only 4.8% of people complain” to law enforcement or government trackers, experts feel that to avoid such instances, job seekers should ignore unexpected texts or WhatsApp messages about jobs, despite how charming the message may come across. Additionally, experts advise against trusting employers who say they’ll pay you to rate things online, particularly if the instruction does not come with a process for using the products.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 11, 2025

Deion Sanders Reemerges Publicly But Stays Silent On Recent Health Issues

'I’m not here to talk about my health,” Sanders said. “I’m here to talk about my team.'

In recent weeks, there has been talk of Deion Sanders‘ health, with no indication of what the issues were; but in a return to public view, the mystery remains, as he refuses to speak on it and prefers to focus on the Colorado Buffaloes’ upcoming season.

According to USA Today, the football head coach was at a recent press conference on July 9 for the annual Big 12 Conference preseason media session after being missing in action, and took questions from media members. He hasn’t been seen (minus social media posts) since April after he canceled several public appearances due to health reasons, which were never disclosed.

In June, Sanders assured fans and his followers that he was doing OK and planning his return to the football field after canceling several public appearances amid rumors that he was not at the school. Deion Jr. told his followers that his father was home at the family estate in Canyon, Texas, and “feeling well.”

During his most recent appearance, he made sure to inform the media that he would not comment on what had been going on in the past couple of months, and he would only respond to inquiries about the Buffaloes.

“I’m not here to talk about my health,” Sanders said. “I’m here to talk about my team.”

Although he did not go into detail about his health concerns, he did leave them with something to think about.

“First of all, I trust God with all my mind, all my soul, and with everything I have,” Sanders said. “I never waver. I never say, `Why me?’ regardless of what’s ahead of me or what I see. Like, Lord, just use me. If you could use anything, you could use me. So, I’m truly thankful. I’m truly a go-getter. I want to win at all costs. I want to win the right way. I want to set the right standards, and I want to prepare these young men for life, not just football.”

YouTube, AI, fake news, Black celebrities

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 11, 2025

YouTube Cracks Down On ‘Inauthentic’ AI-Generated Content By Removing Monetization

YouTube is working to weed out channels who rely solely on AI-generated content.

As the AI boom gains steam, YouTube is updating its creator policy to demonetize channels that rely entirely on AI-generated content.

On July 9, YouTube announced new updates to its YouTube Partner Program (YPP) guidelines aimed at cracking down on “mass-produced and repetitious content.” Starting July 15, creators will no longer be able to monetize “inauthentic” content, which has become increasingly easy to produce with the help of AI.

“In order to monetize as part of the YouTube Partner Program, YouTube has always required creators to upload ‘original’ and ‘authentic’ content,” the company wrote. “On July 15, 2025, YouTube is updating our guidelines to better identify mass-produced and repetitious content. This update better reflects what ‘inauthentic’ content looks like today.”

Some creators expressed concern that the new policy might affect their ability to monetize content, such as reaction videos or those using existing clips. However, YouTube’s Head of Editorial & Creator Liaison, Rene Ritchie, released a video on July 8 clarifying that the change is simply a “minor update” to the platform’s longstanding YPP guidelines to weed out mass-produced or repetitive content.

“This type of content has already been ineligible for monetization for years, and as content viewers often consider spam,” he explained.

The update comes amid a growing surge of AI-generated content, often referred to as “AI slop,” flooding the platform. This term refers to low-quality media generated using generative AI tools.

A quick search on the platform reveals countless videos featuring AI voices narrating over photos, video clips, or recycled content. Many of these channels, built using text-to-video tools, have gained millions of subscribers by producing AI-driven content on current events and history, or even utilizing AI-generated music as a backdrop for videos featuring AI-generated imagery.

As AI-generated content continues to surge, YouTube seems to be taking steps to protect its reputation by introducing clearer guidelines aimed at removing low-quality “AI slop” creators from the YouTube Partner Program.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 10, 2025

Nina Parker Reveals TMZ Pay Disparity That Led Her To Quit ‘I Didn’t Have Nothing’

Nina Parker opens up about the pay disparity that led to her exit at TMZ.

Nina Parker is opening up about the pay disparity that led her to quit her editorial and on-camera role at TMZ.

The famed journalist and fashion designer took a candid trip down memory lane during her recent appearance on The Breakfast Club alongside comedian Kevin Fredericks to promote the new season of TBS’ Friday Night Vibes. As the new season highlights her continued influence in pop culture, the CBS alum looked back on her early days in onscreen commentary at TMZ and what led to her exit.

“When I left TMZ, I did not have a job. I quit because they did not want to pay me,” Parker revealed.

@breakfastclubam 🗣️ @theninaparker ♬ original sound – The Breakfast Club

Parker said it all started when she “accidentally” caught a glimpse of a white male coworker’s paycheck and discovered he was earning significantly more. The revelation pushed her to request a meeting to negotiate her salary. She recalled that while her coworker was earning six figures, she was making just $50,000.

“I was making well under that, and I had been there, and I was contributing,” Parker explained. “I was breaking stories. I was a part of Michael Jackson’s death, being broken. I was a part of major stories. Bernie Mac’s death. I was the managing editor on weekends, so it was just me and Harvey in that office and a PA.”

Reflecting on the sacrifices she’d made and the commitment she brought to the job, Parker felt a promotion wasn’t just deserved — it was “owed.”

“I gave up my weekends for three years, and I was like, ‘I put in the work.’ It was my life. I didn’t have a boyfriend. I didn’t have friends. I wasn’t going to the club, and I felt like I was owed this money,” Parker said.

Ahead of her time, Parker acknowledged that conversations on gender pay disparity weren’t really a thing around the time she decided to quit. But knowing her worth and the connections she had already made, she decided to quit and pursue new opportunities.

“I did not have an agent. And I was like, ‘I quit.’ I didn’t have nothing, but I knew people liked me,” Parker shared.

After her time on CBS’ Insider, Parker moved on to high-profile hosting roles at E! and launched her own fashion line, the Nina Parker Collection. Today, fans can enjoy her signature energy and insight on Friday Night Vibes, where she dives into all things film and pop culture.

by Mitti Hicks

July 10, 2025

Wage Gap Will Cost Each Black Woman $1 Million Over Time, Study Shows

On average, a Black woman makes $50,470 annually at the median compared to $79,950 for a White man. This gap persists across states, educational levels, and occupations.

A new wage gap study shows that a Black woman working full-time year-round will likely lose more than $1 million over a 40-year career compared to a white man. As the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) study points out, the lost wages could have supported a down payment on a home, retirement savings, and education for children. Instead, the loss weakens stability and limits long-term wealth for Black families.

According to IWPR’s report, the wage gap remains wide and persistent. At the current rate, it could take over 200 years—until at least 2227— to close this gap.

Black women are the most educated working class in America, earning more college degrees than other racial and gender groups. Unfortunately, the pay doesn’t match that of their counterparts or their educational backgrounds. Despite an increase in educational attainment and workforce participation, Black women only earn 64.4 cents for every dollar paid to white men.

On average, a Black woman makes $50,470 annually at the median compared to $79,950 for a white man. This gap persists across states, educational levels, and occupations.

“This evidence further validates what researchers and Black women have long known,” said Dr. Jamila K. Taylor, president and CEO of IWPR. “The wage gap isn’t new, and it’s not confined by geography, education, or occupation.”

She adds, “For Black women, there is no amount of time we can wait, no place we can go, no degree we can earn, and no rung on the career ladder that we can climb to help us reach pay equity.”

Key Highlights From The Study

In Washington, DC, Black women earn $66,000 annually, while white men earn $125,000, resulting in a $59,000 pay gap—the largest in the country.
Black women with a bachelor’s degree earn 62.7% of what white men with the same degree earn.
Even at the highest levels of education, the gap persists: Black women with professional degrees earn 59.0% of what their white male counterparts make.

What IWPR Recommends For Change in Wage Gap

IWPR is calling on policymakers to act with urgency. Some recommendations from the institute include mandating salary transparency, banning the use of salary history in hiring decisions, raising the federal minimum wage, and increasing investment in low-wage, care-based sectors.

Other recommendations are expanding access to paid family and medical leave, increasing funding for affordable child and elder care, and strengthening enforcement of anti-discrimination laws related to pay, hiring, and promotion.

“In this political climate where inequality is often misrepresented or simplified as individual performance-based, this research provides necessary context,” Taylor adds. “Our findings demonstrate that the wage gap Black women experience is not the result of personal choices, but rather systemic racism and sexism embedded in US labor market structures and workplaces. My hope is to make these barriers more visible through our data so policymakers can respond with informed solutions.”

by Kandiss Edwards

July 10, 2025

Failure To Launch: ‘Akon City’ Scrapped After Rapper Allegedly Abandoned The Project

Rapper and Millionaire, Akon's planned Akon City will no longer be a reality. The Senegalese government will now build a resort in its stead.

Plans for a futuristic African city backed by New Jersey-born music mogul and entrepreneur Akon have been scrapped, and the site in Senegal will now be developed as a $1 billion resort, Bloomberg reported.

Senegal’s tourism agency rescinded Akon’s multibillion-dollar “Akon City” plan in early July and shifted course toward a luxury resort model with private investment, Business Insider Africa reported.

The original vision, a $6 billion “real‑life Wakanda” powered by Akon’s cryptocurrency, Akoin, failed to materialize. To date, the property has only built a welcome center. In August 2024, Akon was warned that failure to meet deadlines and payment schedules to the tourism agency ,Sapco, could result in the forfeiture of the property.

In a statement, Senegal lawmakers said Akon City had stalled. The land has returned to state control, and the resort project will prioritize overnight tourism and hospitality infrastructure over urban development.

Akon City has been scrapped in Senegal, after 7 years of delay for a more realistic project.

Akon is working on a new project in the area. pic.twitter.com/doNJfncwp2
— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) July 9, 2025

“That project no longer exists,” said Serigne Mamadou Mboup to Senegal’s national press agency.

The collapse of Akon City is a setback for the developing nation. Pivoting towards large-scale tourism will allow the country to capitalize on the beautiful landscape. Yet, local community-centered development will take a backseat. Akon, whose net worth is estimated at $80 million, first unveiled his Senegal blueprint in 2018. The “Locked Up” rapper partnered with the Senegalese government on a plan that included a hospital, university, solar grid, and high-tech infrastructure. Despite enthusiastic launch events, construction never progressed beyond a foundational marker set in 2020.

The pivot to a resort model reflects a more conventional approach to attracting foreign capital and generating revenue. Senegal’s tourism agency emphasized that the new project will be “realistic and sustainable.” Details about developers and construction timelines are expected to be released later this month. Akon’s dream of building a high-tech megacity in his ancestral homeland has ended, but the revised resort plan offers a more tangible opportunity for economic impact.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 10, 2025

Trump Faces Backlash After Telling President Of Liberia He Has ‘Such Good English’

Donald Trump is under fire after complimenting the President of Liberia's "good English."

President Donald Trump sparked backlash once again after complimenting the President of Liberia on speaking “such good English,” despite English being the country’s official language.

Trump made the remark during a July 9 White House meeting with leaders from several African nations, NBC News reported. After Liberian President Joseph Boakai spoke briefly, Trump interrupted to praise his English, despite it being Liberia’s official language.

“Well, thank you,” Trump said after Boakai spoke. “And such good English, that’s beautiful. Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?”

“Where were you educated? Where? In Liberia? Well, that’s very interesting. It’s beautiful English,” he added. “I have people at this table can’t speak nearly as well.”

Donald Trump asks the President of Liberia, “Such good English. Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?”

The official language of Liberia is English. pic.twitter.com/YYXDFOYBwB
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) July 9, 2025

After a clip of the exchange surfaced online, Trump faced widespread criticism, with many accusing him of exhibiting a long-standing form of racism and microaggression.

“This is sooooo racist…. Why does he think so low of Africans????” one viewer wrote.

“He’s culturally insensitive and embarrassing,” added someone else.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly has responded to the backlash and defended Trump’s remarks as “a heartfelt compliment during a meeting that marked a historic moment for U.S.-Africa relations.”

The history of English being Liberia’s official language is rooted in the country’s unique and complex history. Many Liberians are descendants of freed African American slaves who were relocated to West Africa in the early 19th century. The country’s capital, Monrovia, was named after James Monroe, the fifth U.S. president, a slaveholder, and a supporter of efforts to resettle freed Black Americans abroad.

The West African country was established during a time when both American abolitionists and slaveholders pushed for the resettlement of free Black people amid rising debates over their racial integration in the U.S. In the 1820s, the American Colonization Society purchased land along Africa’s west coast and began transporting free African Americans to what would become Liberia.

By 1847, Liberia adopted a Constitution modeled after that of the United States and declared its independence from American colonial rule. Today, Liberia stands as Africa’s oldest modern republic and the world’s second-oldest Black-led republic, following Haiti, which gained independence in 1804 after a successful revolt against French colonial rule.

Trilith Live, A 700-Acre Entertainment Complex, Is Coming To South Georgia

by Kandiss Edwards

July 10, 2025

Trilith Live, A 700-Acre Entertainment Complex, Is Coming To South Georgia

South Georgia is adding to the state's entertainment culture with the erection of 'Trilith Studios', scheduled to open by the end of 2025.

Trillith Live, a mass entertainment space, is coming to southern Georgia.

The 530,000-square-foot space, located in Fayette County, Georgia, is set to rival some of Atlanta’s largest multipurpose structures. According to Trill Entertainment, the space will feature a 2,300-square-foot theatre, banquet and concert spaces, two sound stages, and office space. Matt McClain, general manager and director of Trilith Entertainment, has ambitious goals for the space, including integrating television and community initiatives. Speaking to Channel 2 news, McClain is eager to create a space that eliminates the need for Southern Georgians to take the approximately 21-mile drive “up to Atlanta.”

“Trilith Live is designed to serve as a hub for creativity, production, and live entertainment,” said McClain. “We are building the infrastructure to support everything from concerts to live TV tapings to conventions and meetings to community and arts events, all in one place.”

FACEBOOK LINK FOR EMBED:

Trilith LIVE is bringing world-class entertainment to Fayetteville! Experience concerts, festivals, and live audience tapings at our stunning new multi-use entertainment complex, complete with a 1,800-seat auditorium, luxury cinema, and creative spaces. Coming in Spring of 2026! | Town at Trilith | Facebook

Construction is ongoing, but Trilith Live has already opened the two 25,000-square-foot sound stages to the public. The 700-acre property is referred to as the Town at Trilith. However, multiple buildings on the property were once home to Pinewood Atlanta Studios. The Pinewood Atlanta Studio is most known for hosting the production starring the cast and crew of Avengers: Endgame.

Each level of the complex boasts multiple amenities according to Trill Entertainment’s floor plans:

Stages

(2) 25,000 sq ft stages
(2) 5,000 sq ft insert stages
(2) 1,400 sq ft green room / flex space

Main Venue

2,400 seated | 3,000 with GA Floor
Banquets up to 800
Immersive Sound System
LED Walls, IMAG Screens
Full Broadcast Suite
Full house lighting with 400+
fixtures

Second Floor

3,700 sq ft wardrobe/production space
3,000 sq ft catering/dining with warming kitchen
6,500 sq ft production office
4,700 sq ft VIP suites, conference room, and workrooms

Georgia is making a lasting impression in the entertainment landscape. The Mercedes-Benz Stadium is hosting the 2025 World Cup, and Covington, Georgia, is home to the production of The Walking Dead and The Vampire Diaries television series. Also, Georgia is home to one of the largest movie studios in the country, Tyler Perry Studios. The addition of Trilith adds to the state’s robust offerings. Trilith Live is scheduled to open, in its entirety, by the end of 2025.