• Women

by Stacy Jackson

October 10, 2024

Ohio Reporter Winnie Dortch Shot In Domestic Violence Incident

The reporter was found shot on the sidewalk on Monday morning. Family says the domestic violence incident resulted in multiple surgeries.

---

Family members of Ohio reporter Winnie Dortch are asking the public to keep the WOIO 19 News journalist in their prayers after she was shot and hospitalized, allegedly due to a domestic violence incident on the morning of October 7.

19 News reported that Dortch remains under care at MetroHealth Medical Center following the domestic violence incident, which prompted Lakewood police to a scene near Clifton Boulevard before 8 a.m. on Oct. 7. The outlet reported that after authorities responded to a caller who reported an argument between two people, they found a man and a woman on the sidewalk, who both appeared to be shot, on Chase Avenue. Authorities recovered a gun at the scene and later pronounced 34-year-old Bryant Carter dead at the scene.

Lakewood EMS transported Dortch to MetroHealth Medical Center where she underwent surgery later that morning. According to a GoFundMe organized by Precious Harris, the incident left Dortch with serious injuries, and multiple surgeries are still ahead for the reporter, who recently planned to move back home to Chicago and work for WGN9 News. Winnie is a single mother to her four-year-old daughter, Kaelie. “Winnie’s enthusiasm to reunite with her Chicago community and continue her career as a news reporter was something she eagerly looked forward to,” the fundraiser read.

As police continue to investigate the incident, the reporter’s 19 News family has sent their well wishes as she recovers from the incident.

On the morning of the incident, WOIO News Director Brian Sinclair released the following statement:

“This morning, our friend and colleague Winnie Dortch was the victim of a brutal domestic violence attack. She was immediately rushed to MetroHealth Medical Center and underwent surgery for her injuries. Our prayers are with her, her young daughter, and the many other victims of domestic violence in our community.”

Family members of the Cleveland reporter are “immensely grateful to God for sparing her life” and expect their loved ones to emerge stronger. They are asking the public to keep Dortch in their thoughts and prayers as she recovers physically and emotionally from the domestic violence incident. Contributions will help provide daily needs and support for Dortch and her daughter as she undergoes treatments and extensive therapy.

RELATED CONTENT: Domestic Violence Month Acknowledged By Between Friends Nonprofit

• Celebrity News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 10, 2024

Snoop Dogg 1993 Murder Charge Officially Sealed

Snoop Dogg can officially put his 1993 murder arrest behind him.

---

Snoop Dogg can finally put his 1993 murder charge behind him after having the records sealed earlier this year.

In late February, a court granted Snoop’s (real name Calvin Broadus) petition to have his 1993 arrest on murder charges officially sealed, TMZ reported. The motion came one month after the rapper filed to have the record sealed.

Ceasar McDowell and his nonprofit organization, Unite the People, assisted with the rapper’s legal strategy. The murder case gained widespread attention at the time, as Snoop’s arrest occurred just before his hit single “Murder Was the Case” started to rise in the charts.

In 1993, Snoop Dogg and his bodyguard faced accusations of killing a 20-year-old alleged gang member who had previously been involved in a confrontation with one of the rapper’s friends in Los Angeles. After a highly publicized trial, the rising music star was acquitted of voluntary manslaughter in February 1996.

“They made the right decision, you know what I’m saying?” Snoop said at the time. “This has been an ordeal that has affected our lives for the past 2 1/2 years. I was just trying to figure out if I was going to be here to raise my son.”

With the record now sealed, it will be concealed from public access, and in most cases, the defendant will receive their fingerprints, booking photos, and DNA samples back, according to the New York State Unified Court System.

Snoop skyrocketed into superstardom following the acquittal, with the rapper achieving platinum status and scoring his first No. 1 Billboard hit with “Drop It Like It’s Hot” in 2004. The “Gin and Juice” rapper also became a television personality, making appearances in ad campaigns for Corona beer and T-Mobile and even co-hosting a cooking show with Martha Stewart.

In April, he joined NBC’s talent competition, The Voice, making his debut on the show in September. Over the summer, he made millions serving as an official correspondent for the Paris Olympics.

Snoop was only about 22 years old around the time of his 1993 arrest. But fans have been lucky enough to watch his growth over the years.

P. Frank Williams, who covered Snoop Dogg’s murder trial for the Los Angeles Times and co-authored the book Chosen by Fate: My Life Inside Death Row Records with the rapper’s co-defendant McKinley Lee Jr., praised Snoop’s marketability during the Paris Olympics, reflecting on his evolution from a gangster rapper to a global brand.

“He worked hard and loves what he does,” Williams said. “Snoop has this likability and charm that you can’t buy.”

RELATED CONTENT: Snoop Dogg Releases 2 New Flavors To Celebrate First Anniversary Of Dr. Bombay Ice Cream

• Celebrity News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 10, 2024

Scarface ‘Grateful’ After Undergoing Open-Heart Surgery

'To be upright and smiling today shows you that God ain't nothing to play with'

---

The 2025 Grandmaster Awards took place on Oct. 5 in Las Vegas, and Grandmaster Caz, Kool Moe Dee, and Roxanne Shanté were honored. Last year’s recipient, Brad Jordan, known to the hip-hop world as Scarface, was also in attendance. On his social media profile, he revealed his recent surgery and updated his status.

The former “Geto Boys” group member showed a photo of himself suited up at the event, smiling, and told his nearly 400,000 followers about a recent health scare and let them know them know that “God ain’t nothing to play with.”

“Six weeks ago, I underwent open heart surgery. To be upright and smiling today shows you that God ain’t nothing to play with… and again, I say, I’m grateful. It could’ve went either way, yet I’m still alive.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Brad Jordan (@brothermob)

A day after posting that joyful message, the “Mind Playing Tricks On Me” lyricist then showed a picture of the doctor who performed the surgery, saving him from “Certain death.”

He stated that the unnamed doctor was one of the most sought-after surgeons in the world, having been told that he was hard to get but was scheduled to be seen by him. He went on to say that there was a planned aortic aneurysm and a leaky valve repaired, but something unexpected took place.

“when he got me cut open, my aneurysm had torn the entire circumference of my aorta ( certain death ), but nope, no surprise to him. I woke 24hrs+ later and asked him, why me, doc? Out of all the people you could’ve worked on? He looked up to the heavens and he did this ☝🏻 wow, and again I say I’m grateful….”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Brad Jordan (@brothermob)

In August, it was reported that the Houston rap legend had been hospitalized via an Aug. 24 Instagram post that showed him in a hospital bed with electrode wires across his chest and a breathing tube in his nose.

The Houston Chronicle reported that the rapper and producer appeared to be in an ICU cardiovascular unit based on a badge visible on a nurse who appeared in Scarface’s Instagram post.

• Sports

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 10, 2024

Former NFL Quarterback Cam Newton Joins ESPN’s ‘First Take’

'I’ve always brought passion and energy into everything I do, and that won’t change at ESPN.'

---

Former NFL quarterback Cam Newton, who hosts the Funky Friday Podcast, has added additional duties as a host on ESPN’s First Take.

The network announced that the colorful commentator will be joining the team of Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim on the top-rated sports program. He is scheduled to appear on his first show as part of the team on Oct. 11. The team will be filming on location at Tennessee State University in Nashville for the latest school scheduled to be featured for “First Take on The Road.”

In a written statement, Newton said, “I’ve always brought passion and energy into everything I do, and that won’t change at ESPN. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to share my perspective and go toe-to-toe with the best in the business. Fans can expect the same intensity I brought to the field, along with real talk, bold takes, and good fun.”

Newton is the latest personality to grace the ESPN broadcast booth, along with the likes of Shannon Sharpe, Sirius XM’s Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo, and many others who voice their opinions on the latest sports news.

“Cam Newton’s addition to First Take brings an electrifying presence, enhancing our roster of top-tier personalities,” said David Roberts, Executive Vice President and Executive Editor of Sports News and Entertainment at ESPN, in a written statement. “His dynamic charisma, combined with the high-profile debates alongside Stephen A. Smith, will create compelling, must-watch television for fans.”

This announcement was made before ESPN aired the 2024 WNBA Finals, featuring the two top teams in the league, the No. 1 seed New York Liberty and the No. 2 seed Minnesota Lynx. The series starts on Oct. 10, at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN at the Barclays Center as they try to do what they couldn’t do at last year’s championship, win the title.

First Take airs weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on ESPN.

RELATED CONTENT: Cam Newton Claims A $250K Investment In UFC Netted Him More Than $1M

• Health and Wellness

by Jameelah Mullen

October 10, 2024

This Test Can Predict Your Risk Of Mortality, Study Shows

You can read your biological clock with a simple swab of the cheek.

---

Tally Health, A New York-based biotechnology company, has launched Cheek Age, an epigenetic clock that uses DNA data collected from cheek cells. Last month, Tally Health scientists published their research in Frontiers in Aging. According to their findings, CheekAge can accurately predict mortality risk. CheekAge predicts age by using methylation marks in the DNA.

Scientists used cheek swabs from participants aged from 18 to 93. They paired patterns of DNA methylation in the cheek cells to determine an overall health score, which also considers factors such as a person’s body mass index (BMI), stress levels, and other lifestyle factors. 

“The fact that our epigenetic clock trained on cheek cells predicts mortality when measuring the methylome in blood cells suggests there are common mortality signals across tissues,” Maxim Shokhirev, Ph.D., head of Computational Biology and Data Science at Tally Health in New York, said in an interview with Neuroscience News.

“This implies that a simple, non-invasive cheek swab can be a valuable alternative for studying and tracking the biology of aging,” Shokhirev, who co-authored the study, told the outlet.

Shokhirev and his team also used data from the Lothian Birth Cohorts (LBC), a long-term research program that tracks participants’ aging from childhood through adulthood. In the LBC, scientists collected blood samples from 15,000 people every three years and tracked changes in DNA methylations. 

One goal of the LBC study was to link differences in cognitive aging to lifestyle factors and biomedical, genetic, and brain imaging data. Researchers tested the CheekAge technology using blood samples from the LBC study. 

”Using cheek cells to predict aging and related health issues is fascinating and could be a promising method. It’s especially intriguing because it is less invasive than traditional blood tests, potentially making it a better choice for routine health checks and keeping us healthy,” Brittany Ferri, Ph.D., an occupational therapist with the National Council on Aging, told Medical News Today.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Black Female Therapists’ Creates Mental Health Directory For Black Communities

• Education

by Stacy Jackson

October 10, 2024

$2M Entergy Grant Helps Fund JSU’s Critical Power Grid Network Security Lab

The creation of the lab will provide JSU students resources and hands-on opportunities in the cybersecurity field.

---

As Jackson State University (JSU) expands its cybersecurity education curriculum, the Mississippi HBCU is establishing a Critical Power Grid Network Security Lab with a $2 million grant from the Entergy Charitable Foundation.

JSU President Marcus Thompson, Ph.D., was presented with a check from the Fortune 500 company during an Oct. 7 press conference at the university. “This gift will have a lasting impact on the lives of our students and the future of the energy sector,” Thompson said in a press release. “…This lab will not only benefit Jackson State University and our students, but it will also play a critical role in shaping the broader energy landscape.”

The creation of the Critical Power Grid Network Security Lab aims to get JSU students in front of the resources and opportunities necessary to succeed in the cybersecurity field. A report by Cybersecurity Ventures highlights the growing record of cyberattacks. By 2025, global cybercrime costs are projected to increase to $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. With the innovation hub, students will become highly trained with valuable technical skills to contribute to society and safeguard national infrastructure. JSU students will understand the cybersecurity workforce and become equipped to accommodate electrical cooperatives and companies that explore and produce nuclear, electric, and natural gas.

Entergy Mississippi President and CEO Haley Fisackerly said the company aims to provide opportunities and build a diverse workforce in cybersecurity by “investing in local talent and competing to keep them here.” A 2023 report by the McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility reveals that only 8% of tech employees in the U.S. workforce are Black, and an analysis of Fortune 500 executives reveals the percentage decreases to 3% in the C-suite. By 2032, technology jobs across data science, engineering, cybersecurity, and software development are expected to grow by 14%. However, Black talent in those roles is expected to increase by only 8%. “The Black wage gap in tech is projected to increase 37% by 2030, resulting in more than a cumulative $350 billion in lost wages for Black families in eight years,” the report states.

The Critical Power Grid Network Security Lab is a “game-changer” for JSU students, according to Wilbur Walters, Ph.D., dean of the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology. The lab will allow students to directly engage with common challenges that working professionals face in the energy sector. “This hands-on experience makes their education more relevant and impactful,” Walters said. Entergy Chair and CEO Drew Marsh said the company is dedicated to increasing diversity in the workforce and creating opportunities for students.

RELATED CONTENT: Jackson State University, Getty Images Join Forces For Photo Exhibition Celebrating JSU’s Homecomings

• Health and Wellness

by Daniel Johnson

October 10, 2024

Healthcare Remains A Barrier In America, It Is Worst In These Five States

According to Forbes Advisor, the ability to access healthcare in America largely depends on the state in which a person is seeking healthcare

---

The American healthcare system has long been tied to employment and is one of the most inefficient and costly in the developed world, which makes it challenging to navigate. According to a recent Gallup and West Health survey, 55% of adult Americans can access and afford quality healthcare when needed.

According to Forbes Advisor, the ability to access healthcare in America largely depends on the state in which a person is seeking healthcare. Furthermore, inequality also shapes who gets access to quality healthcare.

As Uché Blackstock, a medical doctor and thought leader on bias and racism in healthcare, writes in her recently released book, Legacy, Black and Latinx patients have a history of being denied equitable access to healthcare in America.

In their comparison, Forbes Advisor ranked states according to where they stood across 14 metrics: the number of hospital beds per 1,000 residents, the number of primary care physicians per 10,000 residents, the number of specialist physicians per 10,000 residents, the number of nurse practitioners per 10,000 residents, the number of physician assistants per 10,000 residents, the percentage of need met in primary care provider shortage areas, the percentage of residents who lack health insurance coverage, the number of community health centers per 100,000 residents, the average annual premium for employees with single coverage through employer-provided health insurance, the percentage of annual health insurance premium covered by employers for employees with single coverage, the average annual deductible for employees with single coverage through employer-provided health insurance, the percentage of residents who chose not to see a doctor at some point in the past 12 months due to cost, the number of critical care physicians per 10,000 adults, and the number of critical care nurses and CRNAs per 10,000 adults.

Using this rubric, the five states with the least access to healthcare are Utah, Nevada, Texas, Arizona, and Georgia.

According to Zoi Galarraga, the Senior PR Digital Manager of Forbes Advisor, “Accessing affordable healthcare is a challenge for many Americans nationwide,” Galarraga told Newsweek. “Additionally, over 100 million Americans—nearly one-third of the nation— do not have access to a usual source of primary care, according to the National Association Of Community Health Centers.”

Galarraga continued, offering potential solutions to the problem, “According to The Department of Health and Human Services, digital solutions such as telehealth can improve access to primary care by reducing barriers related to transportation and expanding the ability to offer services in languages other than English.”

Galarraga concluded, “Having the best health insurance can also increase access to and reduce the cost of essential healthcare. Uninsured adults are less likely than those with health coverage to receive preventive and screening services on a timely basis and are less likely to have a primary healthcare provider.”

• Celebrity News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 10, 2024

Black Men Are Taking Over The 2025 Met Gala With ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’ Theme

Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and LeBron James will co-chair the 2025 Met Gala.

---

Black Male Excellence will helm the ship at the 2025 Met Gala, where “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” will serve as the theme.

Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour has enlisted a distinguished group of stylish Black male icons to co-chair the prestigious Met Gala. The lineup includes actor Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, and Pharrell Williams, with LeBron James serving as honorary chair, according to Vogue.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art announced the Costume Institute’s spring 2025 exhibition, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” on Wednesday. The exhibition, inspired by Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, will display garments, paintings, photographs, and more, exploring the timeless style of Black men through the lens of dandyism from the 18th century to the present—making the 2025 chairs a perfect match for the event.

Domingo has been blazing up red carpets after sweeping the award season with his 2023 lineup of standout onscreen roles in Academy Award-nominated films like Rustin and The Color Purple. He made his Met Gala debut earlier this year. Lewis Hamilton, a regular at the event since 2015, joins A$AP Rocky and Pharrell, who has attended six times and co-chaired the 2017 gala themed “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between.” Meanwhile, LeBron James will make his stylish Met Gala debut, serving as honorary chair for the occasion.

Following the announcement, Hamilton shared how “honored” he is to chair next year’s Met Gala.

Amid the announcement of the 2025 Met Gala theme, Black Twitter has been sharing their reactions, with many of them being comical in nature.

“Because the Met Gala is focused on Black culture, I need the invites to reflect that,” one person tweeted. “I need the designers to respect black culture. This can be one of the most iconic themes if done correctly.”

“Can’t think of anyone more deserving of being named a co-chair for the Met Gala than Colman- always have that sh*t on- Domingo,” added a fan who sang Domingo’s fashion-forward praises.

The Met Gala has been under Anna Wintour’s leadership since 1995. Always held on the first Monday in May, next year’s gala will return to New York City on May 5, 2025. The dress code will be revealed in early 2025, while the exhibit, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, will be on display from May 6 through October 26, 2025.

RELATED CONTENT: A$AP Rocky, Colman Domingo And Pharrell Williams, Among The ‘Superfine’ Men To Co-Chair Met Gala

• Sports

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 10, 2024

Michael Jordan Purchases Private Jet, The Price Tag Is $65M

Jordan dropped 65 Ms on the Gulfstream G650ER, jet

---

Being a billionaire allows the joy of making purchases small countries can’t afford, and Michael Jordan proves that with his latest buy. Reportedly the NBA Hall of Famer has copped himself a $65 million private jet.

According to Private Jet Clubs, Jordan is now the owner of a new private jet, a Gulfstream G650ER, that is valued at approximately $65 million. The recognizable Jumpman logo is prominently featured on the back of the jet, showcasing the tail number, N236MJ. The aircraft was recently seen in Florida at Palm Beach International Airport as it was viewed via social media on the tarmac. The aircraft is reportedly registered under MJ Air LLC.

@seanpalmbeach Michael Jordan’s brand new jet is a Gulfstream G650ER, registered 01OCT24 #goat #pj #michaeljordan #fyp ♬ M83 Solitude – Grace

The media outlet detailed that the private jet’s custom paint job totaled around $500,000 and can accommodate up to 19 people, with the possibility of up to 10 passengers being able to sleep comfortably. It also has a maximum range of 8,630 miles.

Business Insider reported that Jordan is not alone in owning a Gulfstream G650ER. Other elite billionaires in possession of one include Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg. Jordan’s latest aircraft is an upgrade from his previous just, the Gulfstream G550.

Jordan can definitely afford the aircraft but has recently filed an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR. He, along with another car owner, Front Row Motorsports, are suing the sports organization and CEO Jim France, stating that it has used anti-competitive practices to prevent fair competition in the sport. According to CNBC, the lawsuit alleges that NASCAR and France operate without transparency and in such a way that it doesn’t benefit team owners, drivers, sponsors, partners, and fans.

• News

by Kandiss Edwards

October 10, 2024

Georgia Soil And Water Board Member Dies After Biolab Fire Testimony

After his testimony, Johnson struggled to breath he later passed away at the hospital.

---

On Oct. 8, the Rockdale County Soil and Water Conservation District State Board Chairman Kenny Johnson passed away. According to 11 Alive News, Johnson was at the Coverdell Legislative Office Building, across from the Georgia Capitol, to speak about the impact of the fire and the plume of chlorine-filled smoke on Georgia residents.

The AP reported, “Johnson reportedly complained of shortness of breath and subsequently collapsed in the hallway.” He was given CPR by state Rep. Viola Davis. Johnson would later pass away in the hospital.

It is unclear if Johnson was one of the Georgia residents that inhaled the hazardous levels of chlorine emitted as a result of the fire. Though his symptoms are consistent with those listed in environmental warnings, the 62-year-old’s cause of death has not been determined. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is Investigating the cause of death for Johnson.

🚨Rockdale County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor Kenny Johnson collapses and dies near Georgia State Capitol after delivering a powerful testimony relating to the massive fire that took place at a Georgia BioLab on September 29. Johnson is heard repeatedly asking… pic.twitter.com/OeFDNbAQYY

— Sasswatch (@SasswatchReport) October 10, 2024

Johnson was vocal in his opposition of BioLab’s Conyers location. After the Sept. 29 incident Johnson became more vocal. He often called for shuttering the facility. Johnson believed the production plant posed a significant health risk to the surrounding community.

“Rockdale County been out of compliance for four decades… I’ve been fighting for six years. I’ve been fighting and saying that, that company was going to explode. No one listened. We’ve got to remove this company out of this community,” Johnson said.

Rockdale County, located 20 miles outside of Atlanta, is still dealing with the impact of the BioLab fire that caused multiple counties to issue hazard and shelter-in-place orders. The company is facing a class action lawsuit by local residents. Rockdale County schools have converted to virtual learning through Oct. 18.

The full impact of the incident has not been fully assessed. It is unknown whether Biolab will be allowed to remain in the Georgia County.

RELATED CONTENT: Georgia Lawmakers To Hear From Residents Impacted By Biolab Chemical Fire