JADEN SMITH, WILLOW SMITH — (Photo by Amy Sussman/WireImage)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 8, 2025

Jaden And Willow Smith Get Into Voice Acting Bag As Siblings Executive Produce Anime Films

The siblings will star and produce multiple films with N Lite, a black-owned anime studio.

Jaden and Willow Smith are jumping into voice acting as the famous siblings star and executive produce anime-style films.

The children of fellow actors Will and Jada Pinkett Smith have partnered with N Lite, a Black-owned anime studio and production company, to bring these films to life. Based in the U.S. and Tokyo, N Lite has joined forces with the famous siblings to further promote the animation style, especially for Black fans and creators.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Jaden will start with a voice role in N Lite’s Mfinda. Already in pre-production, the epic fantasy takes inspiration from Congolese folklore, with additional backing from Viola Davis and Julius Tennon’s JuVee Productions, legendary anime producer Masao Maruyama, and producer-distributor powerhouse GKIDS of Boy and the Heron fame.

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“When I met [N Lite Founder and CEO Christiano Terry], saw the artwork for Mfinda and learned more about the story, I was blown away,” Jaden said. “A lot of people have asked when I’d get back into anime; I knew immediately this was it. I’m honored to work with N LITE and the legendary producer Masao Maruyama to bring this film to life.”

For his role, Jaden will play Kozo, an ancient spirit warrior who protects both humans and the forest within the Kingdom of the Kongo. The film reportedly stands as the first anime feature created by a blended team of Black and Japanese producers and animators.

As for his younger sister, Willow will also make her mark in the anime scene. She will help produce and voice act in Webe: Spirit Detective. Described as a horror/thriller, its story is shaped from Gullah Geechee folklore. The plot focuses on an amateur sleuth’s journey down the Deep South while they investigate a pattern of murders that have disturbed the vengeful Boo Hag spirit.

“To me, Webe is more than an anime; it is a story about reconnecting with mystical ancestry and the power in discovering your roots and your tribe,” Willow said. “It is the type of film that I want to be a part of, and I’m excited to be doing this with N LITE.”

The Smith siblings have already become household names in their own right through music, fashion, and more creative avenues. Now, they are trailblazing a new path in anime, making greater space for Black anime enthusiasts to feel represented in its development. N Lite’s CEO also shared his praise for the two young actors as they bridge this path.

“They are pillars of this generation and talented storytellers at the zeitgeist of culture, art, fashion, music, and cinema. I can’t wait for the world to see what we have in store,” added Terry.

Baltimore mayor, Brandon M. Scott — Photo credit: public domain

by Sharelle B. McNair

October 8, 2025

Baltimore Strikes Back: City Sues MoneyLion, Alleging Predatory Loans Trap Black Residents in Debt Cycle

As the Trump Administration eased policies surrounding corporate oversight, Baltimore City Solicitor Ebony Thompson challenges more local governments to go after companies with “bad corporate conduct.”

The city of Baltimore announced plans to sue technology company MoneyLion Technologies Inc. over alleged discriminatory practices that the city says kept its Black residents in a continuous cycle of debt, The Baltimore Sun reported.

In an announcement by Mayor Brandon Scott, the lawsuit, in collaboration with Berger Montague, accuses MoneyLion of violating the city’s Consumer Protection Ordinance through misleading marketing initiatives, specifically by promoting high-cost, short-term loans under the guise of “Instacash Advances.”

The litigation claims that MoneyLion lured residents in by marketing Instacash Advances as a different form of payday lending, offering customers “zero-interest loans.”

However, Charm City alleges the narrative failed to alert consumers about the hidden fees that came with it and instead, encouraged users to pay “tips” that resulted in interest rates more than 10 times the 33% APR cap established by Maryland law, according to CBS News.

In a statement, Scott said the company trapped the city’s most vulnerable residents. “MoneyLion has preyed on Baltimoreans, trapping our most vulnerable residents in borrowing cycles that made it harder and harder for them to pay bills and put food on the table,” the mayor said.

“Not only is that wrong, it’s illegal. We’re committed to holding MoneyLion accountable — as we’ve done for other big corporations trying to take advantage of our residents.”

Data to support Baltimore’s debt claim was included in the lawsuit. Research from the Center for Responsible Lending showed that Americans who use apps such as MoneyLion are prone to incurring more overdraft fees and taking out multiple advances within weeks of establishing an account. The city argues that patterns revealed by the data prove how consumers become trapped in recurring debt. Berger Montague attorney James Hannaway says the suit is the “first step in stopping MoneyLion from preying on Baltimore’s most financially vulnerable residents.”

As the Trump Administration eased policies surrounding corporate oversight, Baltimore City Solicitor Ebony Thompson issued a call to action for local governments to follow in Baltimore’s footsteps, which has targeted other major corporations, challenging “bad corporate conduct.” “Actions like these are unfortunately necessary to protect consumers from bad corporate conduct,” Thompson said.

“With the federal government now abdicating its responsibilities to consumers, states and localities must pick up the slack.”

Former Baltimore City Solicitor Andre M. Davis celebrated the city’s views, saying he can’t remember the consumer protection law ever being tested to this caliber.

Adding MoneyLion to the list, the city has pending litigations against sports betting giants, DraftKings and FanDuel, amid accusations that the companies use unfair and deceptive advertising practices to exploit vulnerable communities, luring them into gambling addiction.

In partnership with the state of Maryland, both governments issued a suit against Austrian firearms manufacturer Glock, alleging the company doesn’t do enough to stop products from being transformed into illegal machine guns with auto sear devices often referred to as “Glock switches.”

Housing market, southern metros, Atlanta, Florida, equity — (Photo: gopixa/Getty Images)

by Mitti Hicks

October 8, 2025

Research Shows Foreclosure Activity Is Up—Here’s Why

Recent data from the real estate platform Redfin revealed Black homeownership rates are at their lowest level since 2021.

A new report from Marketplace shows that foreclosure activity, which includes default notices, auctions, and bank repossessions, increased by 18% in August compared to the same period last year.

It’s a trend that has been steadily on the rise across the United States for the past six months.

While foreclosure activity is not back to pre-pandemic levels, the increase is a sign of a troubled economy, according to experts.

According to CBS News, approximately 188,000 properties had foreclosure filings, putting the United States on track to surpass the more than 322,000 properties that went into foreclosure in 2024.

What’s Causing The Rise In Foreclosure Activity?

The uptick in foreclosure activity follows another trend: employment has slowed in the United States. Many Americans, particularly Black women, are finding themselves unemployed.

A report from Investopedia found that employers cut more than 54,000 jobs in September. There were 202,118 cuts in the third quarter, the most since 2020.

Black Americans were among the hardest hit among those unemployed. As of September, the unemployment rate for Black men was 7.1%. The number for Black women was 6.7%.

Marketplace chief economist Mike Fratantoni attributed the homeowner trouble to economic weakness, including rising unemployment and fewer job opportunities.

“People pay on their mortgages when they’re employed,” he said. “They lose their job, they’re much more likely to become delinquent…And it’s not like a lot more folks are becoming delinquent on their mortgage, but for folks that are falling behind, they’re having a more difficult time catching up.”

Other factors that are hurting homeowners include student loans and rising consumer delinquencies in auto loans and credit cards.

Recent data from the real estate platform Redfin revealed the lowest level in Black homeownership rates since 2021.

RELATED CONTENT: Million-Dollar Home Foreclosures On the Rise

Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, $1M, homeownership — Photo by Scott Eisen/Getty Images for Abercrombie & Fitch

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 8, 2025

Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum Appointed ‘Chief Basketball Officer’ For Duke Men’s Basketball

Tatum will assist the head coach and guide the players in this newly created (volunteer) role.

As Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum recovers this season from a ruptured right Achilles tendon he suffered in last season’s NBA playoffs, he has been named the “Chief Basketball Officer” for the men’s basketball program at Duke University.

Duke announced Tatum will serve as a special advisor to basketball head coach Jon Scheyer in this newly created volunteer position.

Excited to welcome a 6x NBA All-Star to the staff!!

🤝 CBO @jaytatum0 pic.twitter.com/HF4midmiqO

— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) October 7, 2025

“I am ecstatic about the opportunity to be Duke’s first Chief Basketball Officer,” said Tatum in a written statement. “This program means so much to me, and I had an unbelievable time here. I already watch every game, come back whenever I can, and connect with Coach Scheyer often. To have the chance to formalize my relationship with the program and broaden my ability to impact the players and culture means the world to me. As former players, we all share the responsibility of supporting the next generation of Duke Basketball.”

In Tatum’s role, he will help guide Duke player, sharing insights on player development and team culture, while advising players on career management, personal brand building, and balancing life on and off the court.

Tatum, a Duke alumnus, will participate in virtual sessions with the team and coaching staff during the season. as well as assist Scheyer with roster and development trends, drawing on his professional experience as an NBA player. Tatum will also provide feedback on the players.

“This program has always been about pushing the game forward,” Scheyer said. “Jayson has been incredibly loyal to Duke since the day he committed, and this evolution represents the next step in connecting The Brotherhood to the future of our players. Jayson is the ultimate professional. His ability to inspire, motivate, and guide our student-athletes is unmatched, and I could not be more excited to see the impact he will have on our team and our culture.”

Universal Music Group, TikTok, Music Licensing Deal — (Pavlo Gonchar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images; Photos from left: Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 8, 2025

Universal Music Group Silently Launched Influencer Marketing Hub

Creators can participate in the app through direct briefs for specific campaigns with guaranteed fees, or challenge-based competitions where performance metrics determine payment.

Universal Music Group is elevating its influencer marketing strategy with a new app designed to centralize and manage all of its promotional content creation in one platform.

Quietly launched in the United Kingdom in September 2024, Universal Music Group’s new House of Carmen app enables the entertainment powerhouse to collaborate directly with content creators, eliminating the need for third-party intermediaries.

The platform, set to expand to Germany before hitting the United States, allows Universal to manage relationships with micro-influencers (individuals with at least 1,000 followers on TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube) and creators, handling everything from outreach and campaign tracking to payment processing.

“As creator marketing has continued its growth trajectory, we realized there was a real need to bring it in-house,” Janey Stride, director, Commercial and Creative Innovation at Universal Music UK, told Music Business Worldwide. “Somewhere we could house a global creator database, appropriately categorize creators, effectively and directly communicate with them, deliver prompt payment for activity, and integrate all of our data sources to enable effective and timely analysis of campaigns. House of Carmen is our answer to this.”

Creators can participate in the app through direct briefs for specific campaigns with guaranteed fees, or challenge-based competitions where performance metrics determine payment. The gamified format encourages creators to compete for top-performing content tied to Universal’s artist roster and new releases.

The app’s debut highlights the music industry’s growing shift toward creator marketing and away from traditional celebrity endorsements to more grassroots influencer collaborations.

The low-key rollout occurred as the app operated in “stealth mode” while UMG established the necessary legal and tax compliance frameworks to support multiple markets. Its reach is set to expand even further, with new functionality allowing entire talent agencies and their full creator rosters to be onboarded, not just individual influencers.

Donald Trump, Black, female reporter — (Photo: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

by Mitti Hicks

October 8, 2025

Trump Administration Threatens No Back Pay For Furloughed Employees Amid Shutdown

Interestingly enough, it was President Donald Trump who signed a law in 2019 that guaranteed retroactive pay after a shutdown.

It has been a longstanding policy that federal furloughed employees will receive back pay during a government shutdown. The Trump administration, however, is warning that there is no guarantee that furloughed workers will receive back pay by the end of the first week of the shutdown, according to a White House memo.

Interestingly enough, it was President Donald Trump who signed a law in 2019 that guaranteed retroactive pay for federal employees after a shutdown. The memo, prepared by the Office of Management and Budget, now says that the law does not apply to employees who have been temporarily asked not to report to work.

“Depends on who we’re talking about,” Trump told reporters on Tuesday.

There are approximately 750,000 employees who are currently working without pay. The current shutdown began on Oct. 1, as Senate Democrats and Republicans failed to reach an agreement on reopening the government.

Why Democrats and Republicans Are In A Shutdown Standoff

Democrats are hellbent on a resolution to address healthcare, particularly with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), widely known as Obamacare. Democrats are demanding short-term funding to extend ACA subsidies, which will help reduce health plan costs for families.

Enhanced premium tax cuts under the ACA are slated to end at the end of 2025. Since the introduction of the improved premium tax credits, KFF reports that enrollment in the Healthcare Marketplace has more than doubled from 11 million people to over 24 million, who receive enhanced premium tax credits. If these tax credits expire, some plans will more than double in cost.

Republicans, however, say they want “clean” legislation that addresses only the federal budget.

In the OMB’s memo, first reported by Axios, Democrats were criticized for their role in the shutdown, despite Republicans’ control of both the House and the Senate. The OMB states that the 2019 law, known as GEFTA, is being misinterpreted. Sources told the publication that, based on their interpretation of the law, furloughed employees are not automatically entitled to compensation.

Some analysts argue that the memo is a threat by the Trump administration to strong-arm Democrats into passing the federal budget. That could be risky for Democrats. OMB Director Russ Vought, a key author of Project 2025 that Trump said he knew nothing about during his 2024 Presidential campaign, touted that the administration is withholding as much as $28 billion in infrastructure and energy-related projects in mostly Democratic states as a result of the shutdown.

Bank of America, employee, disabled client — (Photo: vladans/Getty Images)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 8, 2025

Georgia’s Judicial Watchdog Urges Removal Of Fulton County Judge Who Illegally Jailed Witness

The report detailed multiple infractions on Williams' part, including ethical violations and unlawful detainment.

A judicial panel in Georgia has recommended the removal of a Fulton County judge for multiple counts of professional misconduct, including illegally jailing a witness.

The Georgia Judicial Qualifications Commission has accused Superior Court Judge Shermela Williams of several violations in her handling of cases. In a 66-page report released Oct. 2, the commission listed the allegations against Judge Williams, recommending that the courts remove her in light of these findings.

According to the Georgia Gazette, the three-person panel delved deeper into its investigation of Williams. They detailed how Williams often delayed multiple cases that disrupted the lives of those depending on her rulings.

“From a man who was hungry and homeless and could not get necessary medical treatment, to a mother who mightily struggled financially for almost three years awaiting a child support ruling, to a father whose entire relationship with his children for years was a single ten-minute FaceTime call per week, the consequences were significant and outsized,” summarized the report. These parties were denied the certainty, stability, and relief that they deserved from the judicial system.”

One case in particular included the “inexcusable” jailing of 21-year-old Molly Dennis in October 2023, who was a witness in her parents’ divorce case. The panel emphasized how Williams recklessly jailed the young woman despite knowing of the investigation into her rulings.

“Either she just did not care, or that was her best behavior,” added the panel.

While the Fulton County judge acknowledged her wrongdoing in detaining Dennis, she testified that the effort was intended to serve as a lesson for her. The panel described the ordeal as a grave example of Williams’ misuse of her power, also emphasizing how their inquiry with the judge led to further deflection and deception.

“Given the level of untruthful testimony Judge Williams offered throughout, we are left with little option but to seek the ultimate sanction of removal. A judge that cannot be trusted to tell the truth cannot be trusted to remain in office.”

Williams also reportedly used her status as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. to persuade another judge to favor her uncle in his child custody case. Despite the findings, the controversial Judge Williams did not take calls for her removal lightly.

Williams’ lawyers have asserted that she will challenge the case built against her. The attorneys stated that her removal would result in a significant loss to Fulton County and the voters who appointed her. Williams has served in the role since 2021.

“If the Supreme Court adopts the Panel’s recommendation, Judge Williams’ removal would be against the will of the voters and a loss to the citizens of Fulton County,” stated her legal team.

If pursuing the challenge, Williams will have to convince the Supreme Court of Georgia to let her stay on the bench.

LeBron James, Beverly Hills, mansion — (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 8, 2025

LeBron James ‘Decision’ Announced Extended Partnership With Hennessy

'Our first collection was about a shared pursuit of excellence and boundary pushing, and this new limited edition is another chapter in that story.'

Instead of a retirement announcement with all the hype around LeBron James’ “The Second Decision,” the Los Angeles Lakers player has announced the latest collaboration with the Hennessy brand.

In a promo released Oct. 7, the future NBA Hall of Famer recreated the scene from his announcement from his special, The Decision, when he decided to join the Miami Heat in 2010 to join fellow basketball stars, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. In the new clip, he “announced” that he is taking his talents to . . . Hennessy.

The Decision has been made. Cheers to year 23.@KingJames #HennessyxLeBron #TheSecondDecision #HennessyVSOP pic.twitter.com/WnXMZTiEPS

— Hennessy (@Hennessy) October 7, 2025

The Hennessy V.S.O.P Limited Edition by LeBron James will be available in select markets in October, furthering the partnership that James has had with the cognac brand since 2024.

“It’s an honor to continue this partnership with Hennessy. Our first collection was about a shared pursuit of excellence and boundary pushing, and this new limited edition is another chapter in that story. The design features my crowning gesture, which is special for me and stands for celebration and connection. That’s what this bottle is made for.”

Due to the teaser clip posted earlier this week, fans speculated that LeBron was possibly going to announce his retirement from the game, setting off a price surge for the Lakers’ last home game of the season against the Utah Jazz.

Before LeBron posted that announcement on social media, the lowest price for one ticket for that game, taking place April 26, 2026, was listed at $82, according to Vivid Seats. After word got out, that amount shot up to $850 for a single ticket.

LeBron will be entering his 23rd NBA season, which will break former Toronto Raptors’ Vince Carter’s record of 22 seasons, which he currently shares with him.

The Lakers will start their regular season on Oct. 21 against their Western Conference rival, the Golden State Warriors, at Crypto.com Arena.

rapper, Birdman, Cash Money, Cash Money's Birdman — (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 8, 2025

Cash Money Records Verzuz No Limit Records Battle Set For Vegas Show

No word yet on who will participate.

Two legendary independent hip-hop labels based in New Orleans, Cash Money Records and No Limit Records, will face off in the Verzuz Battle arena.

This battle marks the return of the Verzuz series, which pits recording artists against each other for bragging rights, and was started by music producers Swizz Beatz and Timbaland

The highly matchup will take place Oct. 25 in Las Vegas at ComplexCon.

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No details have been released regarding who will participate, but the rich rosters of both labels promises to yield a star-studded line-up.

Cash Money Records has featured artists like Birdman, Lil Wayne, Juvenile, Turk, and Mannie Fresh. Drake, Nicki Minaj, DJ Khaled, and Busta Rhymes were also on the roster at one time.

The No Limit Records roster has included Master P, Silkk the Shocker, Mia X, Mystikal, Snoop Dogg, and Choppa.

The battle is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. and is expected to last until 10 p.m Anyone interested in attending can visit www.complexcon.com for more information.

For those unable to attend in person, the battle will be streamed live on social media via Instagram Live (@verzuztv), YouTube (Verzuz Official Channel), as well as the Triller App and website.

ComplexCon will take place Saturday, Oct. 25, and Sunday, Oct. 26, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Firefighter, lawSuit , Racist Harassment, Noose — (Photo: LorenzoT81/Getty Images)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 8, 2025

Jayvon Givan’s Family Demands Investigation Into His Alleged Suicide By Hanging ‘This Is A Coverup’

A family is demanding answers regarding Jayvon Givan’s alleged suicide and the police-ordered cremation they only learned about more than a year later.

The family of Jayvon Givan is demanding answers and a reopening of the investigation into his death, which police ruled a suicide without their knowledge.

Police reports state that Givan was found hanging by a metal chain from a commercial building in Corrales, New Mexico, on Sept. 17, 2024. But, it wasn’t until Oct. 1, 2025, over a year after his death, that his twin sister, Jaivryon Walker from Kansas City, filed a missing persons report in Albuquerque and learned the police had sat on his case file the entire time.

Now the family has received support from local advocacy groups to demand a full investigation, including answers on why Givan was cremated without their knowledge.

“That is not negligence. And it’s not a rumor like we’ve heard people online say. This is a cover-up,” organizers from Building Power for Black New Mexico, Millions for Prisoners New Mexico, Albuquerque Save the Kids, and the SouthWest Solidarity Network told The Kansas City Defender.

After reviewing police reports, researchers allege that the Albuquerque police had no intention of properly investigating Givan’s death. However, amid public outcry over the racial implications surrounding deaths by hanging, the department now plans to conduct a thorough investigation.

“I am arranging for an independent review to look into the initial investigation of Mr. Givan’s death,” APD Chief Harold Medina said in a statement. “Our field officers rely on medical investigators to determine the cause and manner of death, which informs the department’s decision to pursue a criminal investigation. While this death appears to be a death by suicide, the fact that it involved a hanging is enough reason for further scrutiny.”

Police reported that Givan was wearing a hospital bracelet when found, indicating a recent medical visit. His last known address was an emergency housing shelter in Santa Fe. At the time of his death, he had an active warrant for conspiracy to commit armed robbery linked to a Cricket Wireless theft investigation, accused of stealing phones to exchange for cash at Eco ATMs.

However, his twin sister, Jaivryon Walker of Kansas City, is suspicious about her brother’s alleged suicide.

“I feel like if he was going through something, he would have reached out to me,” his sister said.

The reports make no mention of any attempt to contact Jayvon’s family in Kansas City. The only person listed in the “Relationships Addendum” is Martin Ulloa, whose connection to Jayvon is marked as “UNKNOWN.”

Walker says Detective Lorenzo Apocada, who finally called the family on Oct. 1, offered almost no information and later refused to return their calls. When another detective eventually called to deliver the news, the family says they received vague answers to basic questions about the autopsy and photos of Givan’s body, which police had cremated without their knowledge.

”He just said that his body was cremated and that we could get the police report online,” Jada said. “He never gave us any details. He never said, ‘Hey, I’m gonna be sending you over some photos so you can identify him.’ My cousin was literally identified from the name, only name, and birthday.”

Organizing groups have rallied behind Givan’s family to demand a transparent investigation into his death, which they are ruling as a lynching pending a final investigation.

”This department concealed the lynching of a Black man for over a year, and had the audacity to label it a ‘suicide.’ We reject that narrative outright,” a statement from the advocacy groups reads. “Black people do not hang themselves in public in America. We know this because the history is written in blood. From Reconstruction to Jim Crow to right now, police and coroners have covered up racial terror by calling it ‘self-inflicted.’ These are not isolated incidents; they are continuations of state-sanctioned violence.”

Organizers have demonstrations planned, in addition to putting pressure on the Albuquerque Police Department. I

f you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S.) or use the 988 Lifeline Chat via 988lifeline.org.