by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 13, 2024

NYPD Warns US Healthcare Executives About Online ‘Hitlist’ After UnitedHealthcare CEO Assassination

US healthcare execs are on high alert amid the assassination of United Healthcare's CEO.

The New York Police Department has issued a warning to U.S. healthcare executives about an online “hitlist” targeting them, following the recent assassination of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO.

The healthcare industry is on high alert following the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City last week, The Guardian reported. The NYPD has issued warnings to healthcare executives about an increased risk to their safety after discovering an online “hit list” that surfaced in the aftermath of Thompson’s murder.

The NYPD issued a bulletin citing viral posts circulating online that publicize the names and salaries of various health insurance executives. The bulletin also noted that “wanted” signs targeting corporate chief executives have been spotted throughout Manhattan.

Wanted posters of healthcare CEOs are reportedly starting to pop up in NYC, per Reddit: pic.twitter.com/YH1K4nSEnD
— unusual_whales (@unusual_whales) December 11, 2024

In response to Thompson’s murder, which has been disturbingly praised in some corners of social media, corporations are rushing to enhance security measures for their senior executives to guard against potential copycat attacks.

Luigi Mangione, the suspect in Brian Thompson’s killing, has garnered unsettling support on social media, raising concerns that the crime could inspire others. The NYPD bulletin urged companies to enhance security measures, warning that the allegations against Mangione have the “capability to inspire a variety of extremists and grievance-driven malicious actors to violence.”

“Both prior to and after the suspected perpetrator’s identification and arrest, some online users across social media platforms reacted positively to the killing, encouraged future targeting of similar executives, and shared conspiracy theories regarding the shooting,” the bulletin states.

The bulletin referenced several posts that defended Thompson’s December 4 shooting outside a Hilton Hotel in central Manhattan, citing perceived injustices within the U.S. health insurance industry as justification.

“The politicians are compromised, and the corporations are suffocating us – all CEOs should be considered. Sucks when your government is bought by these CEOs who immediately impact the masses,” one Reddit post read.

Executives from industries beyond healthcare have expressed concern following Thompson’s murder. Global Guardian, a security firm, reported receiving 70 inquiries from concerned companies within 36 hours of Thompson’s murder, as executives sought to enhance security measures at corporate offices and private residences.

“Corporate America is nervous. People are on high alert,” Keith Wojcieszek, global head of intelligence at Kroll, a financial risk and advisory firm, told CNN. “Companies want to elevate their security posture. Healthcare is the target now, but who’s next?”

“It’s a huge wake-up call,” Seth Krummrich, Global Guardian’s vice president, said. “The mood changed dramatically in a very short period of time.”

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 13, 2024

Florida State Attorney Walks Back Comments Claiming He Won’t Help Monique Worrell Transition Into Post

He knew better!

Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Andrew Bain has stepped back on his comments alleging he won’t help newly elected attorney Monique Worrell smoothly transition into office, Florida’s Voice reports.

In a shift of tone, Bain says he and his team will welcome Worrell into office as he transitions out on Jan. 6 and she enters on Jan. 7. “It is my intention to provide any assistance I can to ensure the office continues to operate smoothly for the benefit of our community during this transition,” he said.

“It is also my expectation that every member of the office will do the same.”

Days prior, the Gov. Ron DeSantis-appointee sent an email titled “The Future is Uncertain,” pushing a narrative that he wouldn’t help with the transition since Worrell was once suspended by the Republican governor. “While I accept the results of the election and wish to do everything I can to ensure the Office is successful going forward, I do not yet feel I can assist her in that transition because of the clear [suspension of] Ms. Worrell pursuant to Article IV, Section 7 of the Florida Constitution,” Bain wrote.

He claimed that neither the executive order nor the state Constitution provided a time limit on the Democrat’s suspension. “I have not yet received an order from the governor rescinding [the executive order], and Ms. Worrell never requested a Senate hearing. Without one of these things, I do not feel I can lawfully assist in a transition to an individual whose lawful suspension was affirmed by the Florida Supreme Court,” Bain said.

“We are living through an unprecedented legal event without clear answers,” he wrote. “While I will immediately comply with an order of the Governor rescinding his prior executive order, I do not know if or when that will come.”

Worrell caught wind of Bain’s statements and labeled them as a “betrayal of democratic principles,” arguing the executive order expired with the 2024 election. “No executive order, no political maneuver, and certainly no personal grievance can override the will of the people,” Worrell said in a statement, according to the Associated Press.

“Any delay in the transition process is a direct affront to the very people this office serves.”

Worrell was re-elected to the post over Bain in November 2024 after being the second elected state prosecutor to be suspended by DeSantis. In August 2022, DeSantis suspended Tampa-area prosecutor Andrew Warren after Warren vowed that he wouldn’t bring charges under Florida’s new 15-week abortion ban.

Before Worrell’s re-election, DeSantis’ office listed her suspension surrounding claims of the prosecutor avoiding minimum mandatory sentencing for gun crimes and drug trafficking offenses. She also was accused of limiting child pornography charges and ignoring “valid and applicable” sentencing enhancements.

by Jameelah Mullen

December 13, 2024

Dry Promotion: When Climbing The Corporate Ladder Seems Like A Step Down

In lieu of a pay increase ,employers compensate workers with new job titles.

A dry promotion is when an employee receives an upgraded title and takes on additional job responsibilities without a pay increase. This trend has become more common as companies react to inflation and stagnant profit growth.

According to a study by Pearl Meyer, 13% of companies reported giving employees new job titles without an increase in pay in 2023.

“We have all heard and experienced so much turmoil in the job market over the last few years, and much of the emphasis has been on a combination of compensation and flexibility in this war for talent,” said Rebecca Toman, vice president of the survey business unit at Pearl Meyer.

Toman says companies increasingly depend on job titles to attract and retain employees. According to the data, 54% of companies surveyed leverage job titles to attract prospective employees— a 35% increase from 2018.

Additionally, studies suggest that women are more likely to be affected by this phenomenon. Mercer’s 2024 Women In The Workplace Report showed that women are more likely to remain at jobs without raises, while men are likelier to leave for higher-paying jobs. This often leads to women taking on more job responsibilities without compensation.

Eric Anicich, associate professor of management and organization at the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business, says that companies are becoming more strategic in incentivizing employees, but he suggests that dry promotions are not sustainable.

“These types of things can be motivating to certain types of employees, but over time, organizations run the risk of burning out their employees,” Anichich told USA Today.

Anichich advises workers who accept a dry promotion to request a commitment from their employer to revisit compensation in three to six months. Employees should also negotiate perks such as time off and flexible work hours. Anichich also suggests that elevated titles can make an employee more marketable in the job market. He recommends that employees leverage their titles to seek new employment with more favorable compensation.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 13, 2024

NASCAR Driver Rajah Caruth Will Graduate From WSSU Motorsports Program

He is the third Black driver to win a national series race and was named a Wendell Scott Trailblazer Award recipient and voted Most Popular Driver in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series

Winston-Salem State University announced that Rajah Caruth will be graduating from its renowned motorsports management program on Friday, Dec. 13, at the Lawrence J. Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

Caruth, a rising NASCAR driver, enrolled in WSSU in 2020 after being drawn to the university’s Bachelor of Science degree in motorsports management, where WSSU is the only historically Black college or university (HBCU) and the only public university in North Carolina to offer the program. He has earned his degree and will be walking with nearly 600 other graduates at WSSU’s Fall Commencement Ceremony.

When he enrolled, Caruth was also taking his first steps in NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program. Four years later, his achievements have made history. Read the full story: https://t.co/SzR9hBywUh pic.twitter.com/fWzpTcAQoq

— WSSU (@WSSURAMS) December 12, 2024

“I have seen a significant increase of interest in our program as well as the university at large,” said Dr. Clay Harshaw, associate professor and motorsports management program coordinator at WSSU, in a written statement. “Rajah’s success has played a major role in that.”

The graduate has achieved several accomplishments while attending the university. He was involved in NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program and is now the third Black driver to win a national series race; he was named a Wendell Scott Trailblazer Award recipient and was voted Most Popular Driver in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series.

Caruth said, “It’s important for a program like this to have tangible and legitimate pathways for a student to get involved in the sport. The school has provided me a lot, not only on the professional side but personally – helping me grow as a Black man in this country and learning how to carry myself in professional environments.”

NASCAR has already announced that it was expanding its Campus Lab program to WSSU, making it the first university in North Carolina to participate.

“We’re excited about Rajah’s success on and off the track. Winning a NASCAR race and receiving your degree in the same year is impressive,” said Brandon Thompson, NASCAR’s Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion. “Rajah sets a great example for what’s possible. We’re excited to continue seeing him grow and add to the fabric of NASCAR.”

by Jameelah Mullen

December 13, 2024

Financial Institution Helps Parents Teach Their Children Financial Literacy

New initiative helps children develop practical money management skills.

According to a November 2024 report from Moneyzine, 74% of teens feel they lack financial knowledge, but nearly all those surveyed say they want to learn. The report also showed that Gen Z and Gen Y had the lowest financial literacy rates among US generations.

Bank of America has created a tool to help bridge the gap. In September, the financial giant released its SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking initiative, a digital platform designed to teach children about money management.

“Family Banking offers the foundation young people need for managing money, with support for parents seeking to help their children on the path to financial health and independence,” said Mary Hines Droesch, head of Product for Consumer, Business, and Wealth Management Banking and Lending at Bank of America in a press release.

Parents can open a SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking account for children under 16. They can set spending limits and receive alerts; children cannot overdraft these accounts.

Holly O’Neill, president of Retail Banking for Bank of America, says that teaching children how to budget and save early prepares them to make healthier financial choices. O’Neill told the outlet that most children only see their parents using cards to pay for purchases. So, teaching them how to manage a debit card is an important life lesson.

“Less than half of kids when they go to college feel prepared, but parents feel responsible to make sure they’re set up for success. So, the combination of the two, getting to them earlier and giving parents a partnership and a hands-on approach with family banking really were the drivers to our design,” O’Neill told WCJB News.

The SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking account has no monthly maintenance fees. The “Account Graduation” feature allows parents to add their child as the account’s owner, and the account then transitions into a traditional bank account.

by Jameelah Mullen

December 12, 2024

A Love Supreme: Coltrane’s Iconic Album Turns 60

The 33-minute album consisted of four parts: "Acknowledgement," "Resolution," "Pursuance," and "Psalm."

Love Supreme, the critically acclaimed album by John Coltrane, debuted on Dec. 9, 1964. To celebrate the diamond jubilee of one of the most influential jazz albums, Impulse! Records is releasing A Love Supreme: 60th Anniversary Edition.

Coltrane and his band members recorded the renowned album in one afternoon. Coltrane’s quartet included bassist Jimmy Garrison, drummer Elvin Jones, and pianist McCoy Tyner.

In a 2012 interview with NPR, Tyner reflected on the recording session, saying Coltrane gave them minimal verbal direction when recording the masterpiece.

“You see, one thing about that music is that it showed you that we had reached a level where you could move the music around. John had a very wonderful way of being flexible with the music, flexing it, stretching it. You know, we reflected that kind of thing. He gave us the freedom to do that, “ Tyner told the outlet.

In addition to the re-release, The Winter Jazzfest will hold a special event celebrating the album. “Impressions: Improvisatory Interpretations on A Love Supreme” will occur on Jan. 12 at the Roulette music venue in Brooklyn. Guest musicians Ravi Coltrane, son of John and Alice Coltrane, will headline the show with his quartet. The event will feature other musicians, including Angelica Sanchez, Ben Williams, James Brandon Lewis, Joel Ross, Kalia Vandever, Kassa Overall, Kenny Warren, Nasheet Waits, Rafiq Bhatia, Sam Newsome, and Tomoki Sanders.

A Love Supreme still profoundly impacts Black culture. Director Spike Lee pays homage to Coltrane in his 1990 film Mo’ Better Blues, initially called A Love Supreme. Lee changed the name at the request of Coltrane’s widow, Alice Coltrane.

“I wanted to call it “Love Supreme,’ but the movie is associated with so much profanity that Mrs. Coltrane did not like the idea of using her husband’s best song,” Lee told The Oklahoman.

Coltrane recorded over 40 albums and collaborated with countless other musicians, including fellow jazz legends Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk.

The limited edition diamond vinyl record is available to pre-order. The album will be available on Feb. 7, 2025—60 years after the original A Love Supreme release.

RELATED CONTENT: Radio Pioneer Hal Jackson Dead at 96

by Kandiss Edwards

December 12, 2024

Latto Opens ‘Big Mama’s Mini Market’ In Collaboration With Drake

Drake called in Latto and Sha’Carri Richardson to promote his new Nike Nocta AF1s.

Drake teamed up with Latto to promote his Nocta Nike Air Force 1s. Latto kicked off the partnership by launching “Big Mama’s Mini Market” on Dec. 10.

“Big Mama’s Mini Market” was a pop-up convenience store in Miami. The market showcased multiple Nocta-themed wares, including the shoe’s logo emblazoned on various home goods. The advertisement featured Nocta-branded snacks, deodorant, cereal, mouthwash, and even car rims.

In the promotional videos on Instagram, the Big Energy rapper stands in the center of a bubble gum pink market, telling her audience that everything is available and nothing is off limits. In between Latto’s talking points, a voiceover reminiscent of a ’50s broadcaster plays. In the caption, the rapper lets consumers know that if they can’t attend the event, they can still purchase Drake’s Nike Nocta online on Dec. 10.

“Dave, you a pair? Not at Big Mama’s…First come,. First Serve. Can’t make it?

We got everything you need, and you can get your nails done on Big Mama.

Don’t trip — Tech Fleece and AF1 ‘Love You FOrever’ go live 12.10.24 at midnight EST on Nocta.com.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Big mama (@latto)

Olympic silver medalist Sha’Carri Richardson joined in on the promo with a separate Instagram video promoting “Mama’s Salon.” In the video, the Olympian speeds through the salon with her signature long embellished nails, speaking to and taking care of customers.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nike Sportswear (@nikesportswear)

BLACK ENTERPRISE reported on Drake’s previous promotion for the Nocta Nike collab in December 2023. The Family Matters rapper tapped his son, Adonis, as his on-air talent. The father-son duo were seen getting their hair braided and rocking Nike Nocta apparel. Drake’s Nike line has called in major stars to help promote the brand over the last year. Before Adonis and Drake, NBA star Kevin Durant was the face of the ‘I Love You Forever’ campaign.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 12, 2024

Memphis May Be Getting A Hip-Hop Museum

Memphis recording artist Al Kapone said, “Listen, we need that hip-hop museum in Memphis because the history runs deep."

Memphis, Tennessee, has a rich history in soul music, but over the past couple of decades, hip-hop has also made an indelible mark. So much so that the city is proposing a permanent museum that will celebrate the music and the culture behind the genre that has come from Bluff City.

According to WREG, at a Shelby County Commission meeting that took place on Dec. 11, the topic was brought up for discussion. Former Greater Memphis Chamber president and former executive director of the Civil Rights Museum, Beverly Robertson of Trust Marketing, spoke to the city commissioners to discuss the proposal for a Memphis hip-hop museum.

“We’ve had a thriving music culture for years, but it’s revving back up after Stax closed down,” she said.

With a hip-hop museum in place, it could potentially be visited by more than 43,000 people each year. They are also projecting that it will have yearly operating expenses of $1.8 million, with an anticipated revenue of $1.14 million. However, it could require more funding, to the tune of more than $700,000.

“Once we get anchored, we will figure out how to generate the revenue to be able to sustain and grow the museum long-term,” Robertson added.

Memphis recording artist Al Kapone, who was responsible for a song on the Hustle and Flow soundtrack, “Whoop That Trick,” likes the idea of a museum.

“The Memphis music scene, especially the hip-hop scene, has been dominating for a long time. We’ve been just as unique as the soul music era.”

The commissioners wanted to know if artists, musicians, and historians from Memphis could be involved in the project if given the ok. They also questioned if there could be an educational component for children, with a possible job-training program in music for young adults. The organizers stated that it could be and there can also be master and production classes, as well as performance and wellness spaces.

Al Kapone added his thoughts and believes that a hip-hop museum can drive more tourists to the city.

“Listen, we need that hip-hop museum in Memphis because the history runs deep,” he said.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 12, 2024

Travis Hunter Becomes First College Athlete To Win Back-To-Back Paul Hornung Awards

The Paul Hornung Award is given to the football player who is the most versatile player at the college level.

Colorado’s two-way football player (meaning he plays both offense and defense), Travis Hunter, who is sure to be a lock to be in the NFL, made history when he was named the winner of the 2024 Paul Hornung Award. He is the only player in the award’s history to win it twice and in consecutive seasons.

The Louisville Sports Commission (LSC) says the Paul Hornung Award is given to the football player who is the most versatile player at the college level.

The JR CB/WR, Travis Hunter, perhaps the most prolific two-way player at the FBS level, has been named the first collegiate back-to-back winner of the Paul Hornung Award, given to the nation’s most versatile player in major college football. @CUBuffsFootball @TravisHunterJr pic.twitter.com/3L1pjPaDhn

— Paul Hornung Award (@hornungaward) December 11, 2024

“I’d like to thank all of my teammates and believe the awards I’m winning are team awards,” said Hunter in a written statement. “Especially the Paul Hornung Award for the most versatile player. I couldn’t do it without each of my teammates. I want to thank the Louisville Sports Commission and the Paul Hornung Award voters for blessing me with this award twice. I’d also like to thank Coach Prime for allowing me to do what I do and all the coaches and staff surrounding the CU football team. This is for all of us.”

Hunter had an incredible historic season as he was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, was given an honorable mention for Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, and first-team All-Big 12 receiver and defensive back. He made conference history by becoming the first player to earn first-team honors on both offense and defense.

“Travis is HIM. A one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-lifetime player,” said Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders. “Thank you to the selection committee because they saw how special he was last year. This year, he took it to another level, and the rest of the nation is taking notice, but the Hornung Award and its selectors will be remembered for recognizing it before others. God bless you all.”

Other players who have won the Paul Hornung Award and went on to play in the NFL are DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley, Odell Beckham Jr., and Jabrill Peppers.

Brian Thompson, UNITED HEALTHCARE, UnitedHealthcare, CEO, CEO

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 12, 2024

Healthcare Stocks Plummet Amid CEO Assassination And Targeted Legislation From Lawmakers

Think there is more behind the stock drop?

Stocks from UnitedHealth Group, Cigna, and CVS Health dropped 5% following the assassination of CEO Brian Thompson and a new bill that seeks to eliminate pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), CNBC reported.

The three companies operate as the nation’s largest private health insurers and drug supply chain middlemen. They also own pharmacy businesses. The stock drop is being labeled as a response to a new bipartisan bill targeting the break up of PBMs after facing decades-long backlash from lawmakers and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) due to allegations they cause an increase of drug costs for patients to boost their profits.

A Senate bill, sponsored by Massachusetts’ Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, forces companies that own PBMs to divest their pharmacy businesses within three years. In a statement, Warren said the legislation would “untangle” certain conflicts of interest, such as UnitedHealth Group’s OptumRx, CVS Health’s Caremark, and Cigna’s Express Scripts, which are either owned by or connected to health insurers. “PBMs have manipulated the market to enrich themselves—hiking up drug costs, cheating employers, and driving small pharmacies out of business,” the Senator said.

“My new bipartisan bill will untangle these conflicts of interest by reining in these middlemen.”

Another stock drop reason seemingly falls behind the assassination of United Health’s CEO Brian Thompson. Thompson was allegedly murdered by 26-year-old Luigi Mangione in early December 2024 in what is believed to be a targeted attack in New York City. On the day the shooting took place, according to The Independent, United Healthcare’s stock opened at $610.79. One week to the day of the incident, the stock took close to a 13% decline to $537.82.

Fellow insurers like Humana and Centene also took hits in their stock, and had a 3% decline. Healthcare equity strategist for Mizuho Financial Group, Jared Holz, thinks the drop is a response to “renewed rhetoric” surrounding insurance companies. “I think the response investors have had is, ‘Do we want to own this category of stocks if there’s going to be this now renewed negative focus on the industry?’” Holz said.

The FTC has been investigating PBMs since 2022 and found they collectively sent out approximately 80% of the nation’s prescriptions, sitting in the middle of the center of the drug supply chain in the U.S. It was found the groups negotiated rebates with drug manufacturers on the insurer’s behalf in addition to large employers and federal health plans. They also create lists of medications covered by insurance and reimburse pharmacies for prescriptions.