by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 20, 2025

R. Kelly Doesn’t Deserve Pardon While Joycelyn Savage Remains Missing, Her Family Says

Joycelyn Savage's family is speaking out against R. Kelly's recent pardon request.

One of R. Kelly’s alleged victims, Joycelyn Savage, remains under his control, according to her family. As a result, they’re speaking out against the disgraced R&B singer’s recent request for a pardon.

The family wants to shut down any attempts at R. Kelly garnering sympathy and support for his pardon request, their attorney Gerald Griggs tells TMZ. According to Savage’s family, the last time they heard from their daughter was a short phone call in 2019. And they believe it’s because R. Kelly is still controlling her.

“We tried to reach out to Joycelyn when my father passed,” Timothy Savage said of his daughter. “We have to always reach out through his [R. Kelly] camp. Robert Sylvester’s camp.”

Each time the family has tried to contact Joycelyn, they allegedly get “no response whatsoever,” Timothy added.

They also say they haven’t been able to speak to Joycelyn directly, “it’s always through a third party,” her mother, Jonjelyn Savage, said. She also referred to the calls she has had with her daughter as “prison calls,” where the conversation comes off as “scripted.”

“I want to hear from my daughter,” Timothy declared.

Joycelyn, once engaged to R. Kelly and widely regarded as one of his victims, is believed by her family to still be alive. They remain hopeful for her well-being and say their greatest wish is to hear from her directly in a private, “one-on-one conversation.”

The Savage family’s plea comes as R. Kelly seeks a pardon from Donald Trump. On June 17, his legal team filed a motion in a Chicago court requesting his release, alleging that he overdosed on medication administered by prison staff. Kelly claims the incident was an attempt on his life and is now asking the former president for a pardon.

However, the Savage family insists that Kelly has never taken responsibility for his actions against his alleged victims. They support his conviction and want him to serve every day of his 31-year sentence.

The “Ignition” singer remains in the Federal Correctional Institute facility in Butner, North Carolina, where he’s currently serving out a 30-year sentence on racketeering and sex trafficking charges.

by Mitti Hicks

June 20, 2025

Social Security Projected To Run Out of Money By 2034

Annual reports released by the Treasury Department reveal that Social Security’s reserve funds could run out of money to pay beneficiaries by 2034.

Social Security, one of the key safety nets in America, is expected to run out a year sooner than projected.

Annual reports released by the Treasury Department on Monday revealed that the Social Security’s reserve funds, if combined, would run out of money to pay beneficiaries by 2034. In addition, the trust fund that pays Medicare’s hospital bills is expected to deplete by 2033, three years earlier than initially anticipated, Politico reported.

The change in America’s safety net and reserves was driven primarily by a bipartisan expansion of benefits to millions of people, a majority of whom worked in the public sector under President Joe Biden. The other issues are that fertility rates are remaining lower for longer, and economic projections show slow long-term wage growth.

For Medicare, finances have worsened due to higher-than-anticipated expenditures, along with increased expectations for future spending on hospital and hospice care.

“This data underscores the need for lawmakers to take action to support the long-term viability of these programs,” said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who serves as the managing trustee of the funds.

What’s concerning is that all this is happening amid the Trump administration’s priority of slashing both the federal workforce and budget.

Meanwhile, as Politico points out, Trump promised on the campaign trail to eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits. Congressional Republicans, however, have not introduced a policy bill to implement the cuts Trump promised. House Republicans are floating around giving senior citizens an extra $4,000 in tax deductions. Senate Republicans are proposing a $6,000 deduction.

An estimated 68 million people received monthly Social Security benefits in 2024. Meanwhile, Medicare provided health insurance coverage to about 67.6 million people.

Unfortunately, the Social Security and Medicare programs pay out more in benefits than the government collects in payroll taxes that fund the programs.

If Congress fails to act, the program will only have enough money to pay about 81% of the scheduled Social Security benefits. For Medicare, the program would only be able to pay 89% of benefits.

by Kandiss Edwards

June 20, 2025

Fat Joe Sued For $20M By Ex-Hype Man Alleging Years Of Abuse And Sexual Misconduct With Minors. Rapper Denies ‘Lies’

Dixon filed his lawsuit in the New York district court, and he alleges Fat Joe committed multiple sex and workplace crimes.

Joseph “Fat Joe” Cartagena is being sued for $20 million by his longtime hype man Terrance “T.A.” Dixon.

Dixon filed his lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, June 19. According to Dixon, he was forced to watch the “Lean Back” rapper have sexual relations with minors, amongst other actions. He also alleges being subjected to multiple physical, sexual, and workplace abuses. Additionally, Dixon claims he witnessed the rapper engage in pedophilia with two minors. He is asking for $20 million for his suffering.

The lawsuit names multiple defendants in Cartagena’s camp, including Pete “Pistol Pete” Torres, Richard “Rich Player”Jospitre, and Roc Nation as defendants, the Independent reported.

Dixon and Cartagena worked together for 16 years. He claims during his employment, the Grammy-nominated rapper did not credit him for his music contributions. The former hype man says he often gave input on multiple facets of Fat Joe’s popular songs including adding background vocals and lyrics to “Congratulations,” “Ice Cream,” and “Money Over B—hes.”

According to the suit, Dixon is “asserting civil claims for violations of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act,” “fraudulent concealment, fraud, intentional infliction of emotional distress and money laundering.”

https://twitter.com/JewelMansy/status/1935824799550288240

The lawsuit also provides specific allegations about Cartagena’s behavior with two underaged Dominican girls. Cartagena allegedly paid for clothing and cell phone payments for a 16-year-old girl who he was sexually involved with. Additionally, he claims Fat Joe financed a Brazilian Butt Lift for a young girl he met overseas. After their meeting, Fat Joe allegedly transported the minor to New York. Along with the BBL, Cartagena, claims the lawsuit, began to finance the 15-year-old’s lifestyle. This included paying for a Florida condo and all bills associated with her maintenance, the suit states. Similarly, the suit named a third 15-year-old “Minor Doe” who received the same treatment.

“[Fat Joe] began having sexual relations with Minor Doe 2 when she was 15 years old after a concert overseas. Defendant flew Minor Doe 2 to New York City and Miami, Florida, on multiple occasions. Due to Minor Doe 2’s body being adolescent and not fully formed, Defendant paid for her to get a Brazilian Butt Lift. Minor Doe 2 eventually left Defendant and is now married to a professional athlete,” the complaint states.

https://twitter.com/diddydocket/status/1935848234112762002

The alleged sexual abuse did not end with the young girls. The Independent reported on the sexual abuses allegedly endured by Dixon himself.

Reportedly Fat Joe subjected Dixon to “a wide spectrum of sexual coercion, psychological control, forced exhibitionism, and surveillance-based humiliation, including being compelled to perform sex acts under observation, being filmed, or directed by [Fat Joe] in the presence of others — tactics designed to control Plaintiff’s body, erode his autonomy, and ensure silence.”

The lawsuit says Dixon was allegedly forced “into humiliating situations, including sex acts performed under duress and surveillance, accompanied by threats of abandonment in foreign countries if (he) refused compliance.”

Fat Joe’s legal team has vehemently denied all accusations. Lawyers for the rapper contend the suit was brought in retaliation. In April 2025, Cartagena sued Dixon for defamation of character. Cartagena believes the claims made by Dixon are an attempt to extort money from the rapper.

Joe Tacopina, Fat Joe’s attorney, gave a statement to The Independent denying the defamatory allegations.

“The allegations against Mr. Cartagena are complete fabrications — lies intended to damage his reputation and force a settlement through public pressure. Mr. Cartagena will not be intimidated. We have taken legal action to expose this fraudulent campaign and hold everyone involved accountable.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 20, 2025

Detroit Man Faces Charges In Deadly 105 MPH Crash

Dwayne Proctor was allegedly driving at a speed of 105 miles per hour when he struck the car carrying the two women

A Detroit man, Dwayne Proctor, has been charged after allegedly running a red light and hitting a vehicle that had two women inside, killing one and leaving the other woman critically injured.

According to Click on Detroit, Proctor, who was also injured in the car accident, was allegedly driving at a speed of 105 miles per hour on Detroit’s west side when he struck the car carrying the two women. The woman who died was 68 years old, while the injured one is 44.

Surveillance footage from a local business captured the deadly accident.

Proctor suffered injuries in the crash, including multiple spinal fractures and a collapsed lung. There was reportedly a four-year-old child in the car when the incident took place, but the child did not have serious injuries. When police officers arrived on the scene, they stated that they smelled alcohol on Proctor. A toxicology report is forthcoming.

As he is still hospitalized, he was arraigned when he appeared virtually from the hospital. The judge denied giving Proctor a personal bond, and he is being held on a $500,000 cash bond as he is scheduled to appear in court on June 25.

The decision to deny Proctor a bond is based on his prior driving record, which includes several charges related to reckless driving.

“He has a drinking, either drinking or narcotics conviction, which resulted in an accident from 2018. Not only that, the allegations are that he was going well past the speed limit. This court does find Mr. Proctor to be a danger,” the judge said.

There were three charges just in 2025 alone. He has been charged in three separate incidents since February. The first one he was charged with was reckless driving. He was able to plead it down to drag racing. In April, he was charged with driving with a suspended license, and in May, Procor was charged with careless driving once more.

by Kandiss Edwards

June 20, 2025

T.I. And Tiny Harris Are Being Sued Over Their New Film ‘Situationships’

Cylia Senii initiated the suit claiming the Harrises' use of the title infringes upon her previously established web series of the same name.

Clifford “T.I.” Harris Jr. and his wife, Tameka “Tiny” Harris, are facing a lawsuit for titling their new film Situationships.

Cylia Senii initiated the suit claiming the Harrises’ use of the title infringes upon her previously established web series of the same name and constitutes unfair competition. Senii had previously distributed her work to multiple streaming platforms, including YouTube, Amazon Prime, and Tubi, Baller Alert reported.

Senii’s lawsuit states that she produced her work, Situationships, from 2019 – 2024. Her legal team contends that the Harrises’ decision to use the same title for their project has caused confusion in the marketplace. Furthermore, it asserts the use of “Situationships” unjustly capitalized on the recognition Senii had already garnered for her work.

“Defendants are engaging in a common scheme and effort to take advantage of the public’s association of Featherstone’s ‘Situationships’ brand by marketing their own film and entitling it ‘Situationships,’” reads the complaint, filed by her Atlanta-based company, Featherstone Entertainment.

The legal complaint additionally points out that T.I. did not respond to a cease-and-desist notice sent in December. Furthermore, it states that one of his recent trademark applications received an initial denial because of the strong likelihood of it being mistaken for her existing brand

Senii claims that she had built a significant following and brand around her film before the Harrises’ production. The title is used in multiple Featherstone Entertainment properties, including the web series and a podcast of the same name. Senii is seeking damages and an injunction to prevent the Harrises from further using the Situationships title on the already released BET+ movie.

T.I. and Tiny Harris, notable figures in music and reality television, have yet to issue a public statement addressing the allegations. The married couple is currently embroiled in a lawsuit with MGA Entertainment over accusations of copying the likeness of the OMG Girlz group. Though the couple was recently awarded $71 million, MGA is seeking to overturn the judgment.

by Jameelah Mullen

June 20, 2025

The Ghanaian Cedi, Once Africa’s Best-Performing Currency, Faces Setback; The U.S Dollar Is To Blame

Currently, the cedi ranks as the fourth-strongest currency in Africa.

In early June, the cedi, Ghana’s currency, was recognized as Africa’s best-performing currency.

But its reign was short-lived due to a sudden surge in demand for U.S. dollars, along with a sharp decline in the availability of physical U.S. dollars at local banks.

In the past week, several financial institutions in Accra and other major cities have reported a shortage of physical dollars. Bank officials have either turned away customers attempting to withdraw dollars for travel and business transactions or have informed them to wait indefinitely. This shortage has created a gap between official and parallel market rates, further weakening confidence in foreign exchange stability.

“There simply isn’t enough dollar liquidity in the system right now,” a bank official told Business Insider Africa. “We’re telling clients to wait until next week when we expect some fresh inflows from correspondent banks and central bank interventions.”

Cedirates, an online currency monitoring platform, reported an increase in dollar rates this week as banks and foreign exchange facilities struggled to meet customer demands.

Ghana’s inflation rate fell to a three-year low in May, reaching 18.4% compared to 21.2% in April. Experts attribute this decline to a stronger currency and lower import costs. However, the recent dollar shortage threatens that progress. Experts warn that if the physical dollar shortage persists, it could fuel inflation and hinder Ghana’s economic recovery. Nonetheless, according to Cedirates, Ghana is expected to receive a new supply of dollars next week, which could provide short-term relief.

The financial climate in the West African country may soon take a positive turn. In December 2024, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a $360 million disbursement to Ghana under its Extended Credit Facility (ECF) program. This approval followed the successful completion of the country’s third performance review. Financial experts anticipate that the disbursement will stabilize the cedi and bolster the economy.

by Jameelah Mullen

June 20, 2025

Trump Administration To Cut Suicide Prevention Hotline For LGBTQ+ Youth

Trump's latest DEI rollback threatens a life-saving initiative.

The Trump administration will shut down the national LGBTQ+ youth suicide lifeline next month, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced this week.

After July 17, the agency “will no longer silo LGB+ youth services, also known as the ‘Press 3 option,’ to focus on serving all help seekers, including those previously served through the Press 3 option.” The agency noticeably left the “T” from the acronym, which represents transgender people.

The Press 3 option launched as a pilot program in 2022 in partnership with the Trevor Project, a suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ people. Those in crisis could dial 988, and they had the option to “press 3” to connect with counselors trained to assist people up to age 25. SAMHSA notes that affected youths can still receive help, but they will now receive it through the general hotline number.

The program, initially signed by President Donald Trump during his first term, acknowledges the disproportionately high suicide rates among LGBTQ individuals under the age of 25.

Previously the sole provider of youth-centered services, the Trevor Project is now one of seven centers in the LGBTQ+ Youth Subnetwork.

Trevor Project CEO Jaymes Black condemned the decision, emphasizing that suicide prevention should not be politicized.

“The administration’s decision to remove a bipartisan, evidence-based service that has effectively supported a high-risk group of young people through their darkest moments is incomprehensible. The fact that this news comes to us halfway through Pride Month is callous—as is the administration’s choice to remove the ‘T’ from the acronym ‘LGBTQ+’ in their announcement. Transgender people can never, and will never, be erased,” Black said in a statement.

Black emphasized that despite the Trump administration’s decision, The Trevor Project will still offer support to LGBTQ+ youth in crisis.

“The Trevor Project’s crisis counselors are here for you 24/7, just as we always have been, to help you navigate anything you might be feeling right now,” Black said.

Additionally, Black encourages citizens to help reverse what he calls a ‘fatal decision’ by making a donation and signing a petition that will urge Congress to continue supporting the Trevor Project.

Black History Month, Permission slip, parents, Florida, students

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 20, 2025

Free Digital Syllabus Shares New Orleans’ Black Educational History ‘To Reimagine Schooling’

A new digital syllabus explores Black education in New Orleans history in an effort to "reclaim" space.

There’s a new freely available digital syllabus on the market that shares the history of Black education in New Orleans in an effort to “learn from the past” and “reclaim” inclusive educational spaces of belonging.

BE NOLA, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening Black-led educational efforts in New Orleans, recently released the 2025 edition of the Black Is Brilliant Digital Syllabus—a 43-page resource highlighting the city’s rich legacy of Black educational excellence and the transformative power of Black education.

Inspired by historian Robin D. G. Kelley’s concept of “freedom dreaming,” the syllabus honors the impact of Black educators and institutions in New Orleans while addressing today’s policy challenges that put progress at risk. Using five key themes: “Belonging,” “High Expectations with Love,” “Exposure (Culturally Relevant Learning),” “Legacy (Cultural Retention),” and “Rigorous Sight,” the syllabus highlights how the Black educational experience has shaped New Orleans’ past, present, and future.

“Black education in New Orleans has never been just a dream,” the syllabus reads. “It is a hard-won reality, built and rebuilt through centuries of strength, ingenuity, and intentionality.”

Photos throughout the syllabus highlight Black educators and Black students who see themselves reflected in the classroom. Quotes throughout the document underscore the importance of education, vision, and leadership. The syllabus stresses the relevance of visionary thinking amid today’s educational challenges, which it notes are “rooted in systemic racism.”

“Research shows that Black teachers, often the heart of these schools, help drive holistic student outcomes by providing culturally responsive education from an ethos of deep care,” the document states.

Much like historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have contributed greatly to social justice movements and producing Black leaders across industries, that same greatness extends beyond HBCUs to New Orleans historically Black K-12 schools, “which have fueled the city’s movements and protected cultural traditions,” the syllabus reads.

Yet despite data showing the success of Black educators leading Black schools, the document emphasizes that post-Katrina efforts have continued to under-support these institutions. By crafting the syllabus and making it available to everyone, BE NOLA hopes to advance Black education in New Orleans by promoting Black-led and Black-governed schools in the predominantly Black city.

Black bank, Milwaukee, Redemption, West Coast

by Kandiss Edwards

June 20, 2025

Redemption Bank Is The First Black-Owned Banking Institution In The West

Redemption Bank is the first Black-owned bank in the expansive "Black-banking desert" that stretches from Houston to Los Angeles.

Redemption Holding Co. has finalized its acquisition of Utah-based Holladay Bank & Trust, making the newly named Redemption Bank the first Black-owned bank in the Western United States.

It is the first Black-owned bank in the “Black-banking desert,” which stretches from Houston to Los Angeles. Redemption Bank’s geography also makes it the first Black bank not located in an economically vulnerable community and the first Black bank located in the Rocky Mountains.

The acquisition, announced in 2023, faced delays. Many were due to the economic instability caused by the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. Despite these hurdles, Ashley Bell, CEO and chairman of Redemption Holding, expressed gratitude for the transaction’s completion, according to the Associated Press.

Headquartered in Salt Lake City, a city with a Black population of less than 3%, Redemption Bank intends to focus on commercial lending. Additionally, it will specialize in facilitating small business loans. With approximately $65 million in assets, the bank is poised to launch a fully digital platform by late summer.

“We are committed to competing in Utah to earn the business of customers from all backgrounds,” Bell said.

The Redemption Bank leadership team includes Dr. Bernice A. King. King is the youngest daughter of the late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. She is expected to serve as Redemption Bank’s senior vice president for corporate strategy and sit on its advisory board. This aligns with the broader mission of Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs), which is to provide financial services to Black Americans who are often denied access by mainstream banks.

Redemption Bank became the 24th Black-owned bank in the nation, following the establishment of the last MDI, Adelphi Bank, in 2023. MDIs have historically played a crucial role in fostering economic opportunities in underserved communities.

by Kandiss Edwards

June 19, 2025

Dooky Chase Receives ‘America’s Classic’ James Beard Award

The Chase family attended the ceremony.

Dooky Chase, the New Orleans landmark restaurant, was honored Thursday, June 18, at the 2025 James Beard Awards in Chicago.

The restaurant received the James Beard Award for America’s Classic. The Chase family attended the ceremony to receive the award and honor the restaurant’s founders, Emily and Dooky Chase Sr. At the ceremony, Stella Chase, the Chases’ daughter, spoke about the legacy of the New Orleans staple.

“To have this award means a lot for my entire family because we have been in business 84 years, and it was about my grandparents, parents, and now we’re the third, fourth generation, so we had a strong foundation and we just feel so blessed,” she said.

Dooky Chase’s Cultural Contributions

Just ahead of Juneteenth, the James Beard Awards sought to recognize the contributions of Dooky Chase in Black, Creole, and American culture. The restaurant received the award for the American Southern region.

In a statement, the James Beard Foundation acknowledged Dooky Chase’s contributions, its role during the Civil Rights Movement, and the restaurant’s commitment to preserving the legacy of Black people and the city of New Orleans.

During the 1960s, Dooky Chase became a haven for civil rights leaders, politicians, and activists. Figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall, and Jesse Jackson were known to dine at Dooky Chase, where the restaurant provided a venue for crucial strategy sessions and discussions.

Black Women Winners In Literature

The Chase family was not the only representation of Black talent at the awards. Lyndsay C. Green received an award for excellence in journalism. The Detroit Free Press writer explored the history of urban agriculture in “As Detroit sees a future in urban agriculture, some pushback harkens to a dark past,” examining the vacant landscapes of Detroit’s East Side.

Another standout author and chef, honored for their literary contribution, was Ashleigh Shanti. As a Black American, queer woman, raised in Appalachia, Shanti explored the “distinct flora and fauna, dialects, and traditions” of niche American communities in her 2024 cookbook, Our South: Black Food Through My Lens—A Cookbook.

R. Kelly Doesn’t Deserve Pardon While Joycelyn Savage Remains Missing, Her Family Says

Social Security Projected To Run Out of Money By 2034

What’s At Stake For Social Security

Fat Joe Sued For $20M By Ex-Hype Man Alleging Years Of Abuse And Sexual Misconduct With Minors. Rapper Denies ‘Lies’

Detroit Man Faces Charges In Deadly 105 MPH Crash

T.I. And Tiny Harris Are Being Sued Over Their New Film ‘Situationships’

The Ghanaian Cedi, Once Africa’s Best-Performing Currency, Faces Setback; The U.S Dollar Is To Blame

Trump Administration To Cut Suicide Prevention Hotline For LGBTQ+ Youth

Free Digital Syllabus Shares New Orleans’ Black Educational History ‘To Reimagine Schooling’

Redemption Bank Is The First Black-Owned Banking Institution In The West

Dooky Chase Receives ‘America’s Classic’ James Beard Award

Dooky Chase’s Cultural Contributions

Black Women Winners In Literature