• News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 12, 2024

City Hall Bomb Threat Received In Ohio City Trump Falsely Accused Haitian Immigrants Of Eating Pets

"Due to a bomb threat that was issued to multiple facilities throughout Springfield today, City Hall is closed today."

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Reports are coming out of Springfield, Ohio, that Springfield City Hall was evacuated on Sept. 12 because city officials received a bomb threat. This is the same city where former President Donald Trump falsely accused Haitian immigrants of eating the resident’s pets during his debate on Sept. 10 with Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris.

Government officials took to social media to inform the town’s citizens that City Hall was closed. On the Facebook page of the City of Springfield, Ohio – Government, a statement was released:

“Due to a bomb threat that was issued to multiple facilities throughout Springfield today, City Hall is closed today.”

“City of Springfield received a bomb threat that has prompted an immediate response from local and regional law enforcement. As a precautionary measure, the building has been evacuated, and authorities are currently conducting a thorough investigation. Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our employees and residents. We are working to address this situation as swiftly as possible.”

10 WBNS reported that the city has been getting national attention ever since Republican Vice Presidential candidate JD Vance started spreading rumors that Haitian immigrants have been seen abducting pets and eating them.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 12, 2024

Tragedy Strikes Illinois After 6-Year-Old Boy Allegedly Stabs 2-Year-Old Brother To Death

The boys' mother and grandmother were present in the home when the incident occurred but not in the room where it occurred.

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People in an Illinois town are shocked and saddened after hearing that a 6-year-old boy allegedly stabbed his 2-year-old brother to death on Sept. 6.

According to a Facebook post by the Joliet Police Department, police officers received a report of a 2-year-old child being stabbed at 5:04 p.m. Officers went to the home in Illinois and discovered the 2-year-old boy with multiple stab wounds and immediately tried to save the child until the Joliet Fire Department Paramedics arrived. The boy was taken to Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Investigators determined that the boy was stabbed by his 6-year-old brother, who used a kitchen knife while both were in the family room. The mother of the brothers saw that the 2-year-old had been stabbed and called 911.

The 6-year-old was taken to the Joliet Police Department and placed into protective custody. The parents cooperated with the police, and the child was picked up by The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, where he was taken to a local hospital for a mental health evaluation.

“Our community is reeling from this devastating incident as I am unable to come up with a sufficient statement that can adequately express the sorrow and pain we all feel following this heartbreaking event. Most importantly, I wish to express our thoughts and deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones that have been deeply impacted by such a tragedy,” Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans said in a written statement.

The boys’ mother and grandmother were present in the home when the incident occurred but not in the room where it occurred.

CBS News Chicago reported that an autopsy was performed on Sept. 7, and the cause of death will be determined after reports from the autopsy, police, and toxicological results.

The media outlet stated that police officers have been summoned to the home several times since 2021. They were domestic-related incidents, but it is unclear if the calls involved any children and if they were in danger or threatened.

• Fashion & Beauty

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 12, 2024

Pharrell Sends Love To PETA Activist Who Interrupted His TIFF Film Premiere

Pharrell sends blessings to PETA activist who interrupted his film premiere at TIFF.

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Pharrell responded with love to one PETA activist who interrupted his biopic premiere to blast his fashionable looks, which included animal fur.

The music mogul was premiering his Lego biopic “Piece by Piece” at the Toronto International Film Festival on Tuesday when a PETA activist stormed the stage to protest Louis Vuitton pieces introduced during his current reign as the men’s creative director, Variety reports. The protestor shouted as Pharrell walked on stage for the Q&A portion of his premiere and held a sign that read, “Pharrell: Stop Supporting Killing Animals for Fashion.”

“Your Louis Vuitton collection…Pharrell’s collection is made from their blood,” the activist shouted. “Pharrell, stop torturing animals! Ostriches are being hung upside down, electrocuted with their necks slit!”

Pharrell responded calmly to the disruption by telling the protestor, “You’re right, you’re right, God bless you, it’s OK.” The “Happy” singer even encouraged the audience to applaud the protester as she was escorted out of the theater and continued to shout, “Pharrell, stop torturing animals.”

After the protestor was removed, Pharrell addressed PETA’s concerns about Louis Vuitton’s use of fur under his direction. According to the mega-producer/entrepreneur, he’s been holding meetings to make “changes” that would make the animal rights organization happy.

“Rome wasn’t made in a day. And sometimes, when you have plans to change things and situations, you have to get in a situation of power and of influence where you can change people’s minds and help progression,” Pharrell told the crowd.

“That is not necessarily the way to do it, and sitting in my position, when I have conversations on behalf of organizations like that unbeknownst to them, they come out here and do themselves a disservice,” he added. “But that’s OK; when that change comes, everybody in this room will remember that I told you; we are actually working on that. And if she would’ve just asked me, I would’ve told her. But instead, she wanted to repeat herself.”

PETA reposted a video of the moment to boast about interrupting Pharell’s movie premiere.

“We CRASHED @pharrell’s @piecebypiecefilm premiere at @tiff_net to remind the @louisvuitton men’s creative director that animals suffer for fur & wildlife skins,” the organization wrote. “Do the right thing and switch to faux & vegan alternatives NOW!”

Pharrell’s innovative LEGO biopic hits theaters on Friday, Oct. 11. The animated film features LEGO figures of Pharrell, Gwen Stefani, Kendrick Lamar, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Busta Rhymes, Jay-Z and Snoop Dogg.

RELATED CONTENT: Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition Initiative Announces 4th Annual Prize Competition For Black and Latino Entrepreneurs

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 12, 2024

Beyoncé Recalls Using ‘Calling Cards And Skype’ When She And Jay-Z Were Falling In Love

Technology has advanced greatly since Beyoncé and Jay-Z started dating back in 2001.

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Technology has advanced greatly since Beyoncé and Jay-Z started dating back in 2001. While FaceTime calls have become a normal resource in today’s tech-driven society, there was a time when long-distance couples had to resort to “calling cards and Skype,” Beyoncé says.

The superstar mother of three is opening up about her 23-year-old romance with her husband, Jay-Z, and the lengths they took to communicate in the early 2000s. While her children, Blue Ivy, 12, and twins Rumi and Sir, 7, can “FaceTime and see their friends at any given moment,” Beyoncé tells GQ, their parents couldn’t “afford” such luxuries 20 years ago.

“My husband and I? We used calling cards and Skype when we were falling in love,” the “Crazy In Love” singer admitted. “I couldn’t afford the international hotel bills, so I literally would get international calling cards to call him.”

Acknowledging the advancements in technology amid the rise of artificial intelligence, Beyoncé believes the ability AI has to replicate actual human beings is a bit frightening.

“Just recently, I heard an AI song that sounded so much like me it scared me. It’s impossible to truly know what’s real and what’s not,” she said.

Beyoncé also addressed how seriously she takes her at-home privacy and why it’s important for her children to live as normal of a life as possible despite their parents being global superstars.

“One thing I’ve worked extremely hard on is making sure my kids can have as much normalcy and privacy as possible, ensuring my personal life isn’t turned into a brand,” the “Single Ladies” singer noted.

“It’s very easy for celebrities to turn our lives into performance art. I have made an extreme effort to stay true to my boundaries and protect myself and my family. No amount of money is worth my peace.”

She added: “I build my work schedule around my family. I try to only tour when my kids are out of school. I always dreamt of a life where I could see the world with my family and expose them to different languages, architecture, and lifestyles.”

Normality and privacy are a priority for the Carters. But not every 12-year-old is lucky enough to join their mom on a world tour and land voiceover roles in Disney films.

Blue Ivy was a standout during the Renaissance world tour, with fans coming to shows with signs bearing her name and shouting her praise after each performance. What some would call nepotism, Beyoncé sees as a “natural” for Blue Ivy.

“Blue is an artist. She has great taste in music and fashion. She is a fantastic editor, painter, and actress. She has been creating characters since she was three,” she explained.

“She’s a natural, but I did not want Blue on stage. Blue wanted it for herself. She took it seriously, and she earned it. And most importantly, she had fun! We all watched her grow more and more every night before our eyes.”

RELATED CONTENT: Beyoncé Shouts Out Blue Ivy For BET YoungStars Award Win

• Women

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

September 12, 2024

Discover Exciting Connections with Mature Women Nearby on MilfsMap.com

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In the world of online dating, finding the right platform to meet mature, confident women can make all the difference. MilfsMap.com is designed for individuals who appreciate the allure of mature women—women who know what they want and aren’t afraid to seek meaningful connections. With its intuitive features and secure platform, MilfsMap.com is quickly becoming a popular choice for those interested in dating milfs.

Why Choose MilfsMap.com?

Unlike many general dating platforms, MilfsMap.com is focused specifically on connecting individuals with mature women, often known as “milfs.” These are women who value genuine connections and bring a level of experience and confidence that’s incredibly attractive. Whether you’re looking for friendship, romance, or a more passionate encounter, MilfsMap.com makes it easy to meet like-minded people in your area.

Key Features of MilfsMap.com

MilfsMap.com is more than just a dating site; it’s a community that prioritizes user satisfaction, privacy, and connection. Here are some standout features that make it unique:

1. Location-Based Connections
   With advanced geolocation tools, MilfsMap.com helps users find mature women nearby, making it convenient to connect with someone who’s in close proximity. Whether you’re at home or on the go, you can meet people who are genuinely close enough for real-life encounters.
2. Privacy and Security
   Safety and privacy are top priorities on MilfsMap.com. The site employs strong security measures and allows users to control what information they share. This creates a safe space for meaningful interactions, letting members relax and enjoy the experience.
3. Easy-to-Use Interface
   MilfsMap.com is designed to be simple and user-friendly. Setting up a profile, browsing potential matches, and messaging others are all straightforward, ensuring that even those new to online dating can quickly become comfortable with the platform.
4. Community of Like-Minded People
   One of the best parts about MilfsMap.com is the community. Here, members share similar interests, from genuine companionship to exciting, passionate encounters. Whether you’re interested in chatting, casual dates, or deeper connections, you’ll find a welcoming space at MilfsMap.com.

Why Mature Women Are So Appealing

Many younger men and women alike are drawn to mature women for their confidence, life experience, and authenticity. Mature women know who they are, what they want, and they bring a refreshing openness to relationships. They appreciate partners who are respectful and enjoy life, making every interaction exciting and fulfilling. MilfsMap.com offers the perfect place to meet such women, connect, and explore the potential for something special.

How to Get Started on MilfsMap.com

Getting started on MilfsMap.com is simple. Here’s how you can join and start meeting mature women today:

1. Sign Up: Creating an account on MilfsMap.com only takes a few minutes. Simply enter your details, verify your account, and you’re ready to start browsing profiles.
2. Complete Your Profile: To make the most out of the experience, take the time to fill out your profile with interests, preferences, and a photo. This helps you attract members with similar interests and increases your chances of meaningful connections.
3. Explore and Connect: Use the location-based search feature to find members nearby, browse profiles that catch your interest, and start a conversation. MilfsMap.com makes it easy to connect with someone special!
4. Stay Safe and Enjoy: Remember that your privacy and safety are important. Take the time to get to know someone through the site before moving conversations elsewhere, and always trust your instincts.

Experience a Unique Dating Journey with MilfsMap.com

MilfsMap.com offers a unique dating experience for those interested in connecting with mature, confident women. It’s the ideal place to find exciting, local connections and enjoy the thrill of meeting women who bring a wealth of life experience and passion to their relationships. Whether you’re new to the idea of dating milfs or are looking for a trusted platform to continue your journey, MilfsMap.com is here to help.

Ready to experience something new? Visit MilfsMap.com and discover the possibilities today.

• Health and Wellness

by Sharelle B. McNair

September 12, 2024

Women Will Soon Be Able To Find Out The Density Of Their Breasts During Routine Mammograms

This is game-changer.....

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Mammograms will soon be able to determine the density of women’s breasts as dense breasts put women at higher risk of breast cancer, CNN reports. 

Starting in September 2024, all mammography reports and result letters within the United States will be required to include an assessment of breast density. Breast density measures how much fibroglandular tissue is found in a woman’s breast compared to fatty tissue. The more fibroglandular tissue, the denser the breast. It also makes it more difficult for medical professionals to spot cancer on a mammogram. 

Radiologist, Interim Chief of the Breast Imaging Service and Head of the Breast Imaging Quality Assurance at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Dr. Kimberly Feigin, says nearly half of women older than 40 in the United States have dense breast tissue. Feigin feels there are two significant reasons why density reports are necessary. “One is that breast density can make it more difficult to spot cancer on a mammogram because dense breast tissue -– the glandular elements and connective tissue supporting elements -– looks white on a mammogram and cancer also looks white on a mammogram,” Feigin said.

“The second reason that breast density is important is because having dense breast tissue raises a woman’s level of risk of developing breast cancer.”

The US Food and Drug Administration (USDA) made the final ruling that mammography facilities will be required to notify patients about the density of their breasts. According to CBS News, states like Colorado and Minnesota already have such regulations in place; however, this will be the first regulation to be mandated nationwide. 

There are common misconceptions about dense breasts, including how they are determined, but doctors say dense breasts can’t be determined by self-exams or clinical exams, meaning it doesn’t depend on how a breast “feels.” It also doesn’t matter whether breasts are “perky” or “saggy.” “A lot of people will say, ‘I know I have dense breasts because it feels lumpy to me.’ That was actually not accurate,” said breast imaging radiologist at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. Toma Omofoye. 

“It is not something that you can see or feel or touch. It is something that a radiologist will tell you based on what they see on a mammogram.”

The National Cancer Institute says dense breasts are often inherited but are also influenced by menopausal hormone therapy and having a low body mass index. JoAnn Pushkin, a breast cancer survivor, has been an advocate for more than 10 years, vying for it to be a national requirement for women to be notified about their breast density. She said the new rule has been coming for a long time. “I feel that because I wasn’t told I have dense breasts, I was effectively denied the opportunity for an early-stage diagnosis,” Pushkin said. 

The new guidelines don’t provide specific next steps for patients with dense breasts but recommend that women talk with their medical providers to get a better sense of their individual risk and to determine the proper screening plan that suits their needs.

• Money

by Shanique Yates

September 12, 2024

Aldi Set To Hire 13,000 Holiday Workers With Wages Up To $23 An Hour

Earlier this year, the grocer announced plans to open 800 new stores in the U.S.

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With the holiday season rapidly approaching, Aldi wants to add more employees while raising its hourly wage.

According to AL.com, the grocery retailer known for its discounted prices aims to add 13,000 workers in time for the holiday season. Positions are available in its stores and warehouses. Employees can expect the hourly wage to be between $18 and $23.

“Whether it’s our in-store team filling shelves with fresh produce, warehouse staff managing logistics, or drivers delivering our trending ALDI Finds, our employees fuel the quicker, easier, and more affordable shopping experience our shoppers know and love,” said Aldi President Atty McGrath, in an official statement. “Our ability to attract and retain talent has always been key to our success, and we look forward to helping our new team members grow in their careers.”

Aldi could be an excellent start for people looking to grow their careers from the bottom up. With its headquarters in Illinois, the grocer has a track record of promoting heavily from within. Moreover, 70% of its assistant store managers and 43% of its managers all start as associates.

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A post shared by ALDI USA (@aldiusa)

Aldi currently has 49,000 employees across 2,000 stores in 36 of America’s 50 states, and the grocery retailer continues to expand. Earlier this year, the grocer announced plans to open 800 new stores in the U.S. In August 2023, Aldi also disclosed plans to acquire Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket, currently under the ownership of Southeastern Grocers. 

Interviews for the open positions will be conducted during National Hiring Week, which runs until Sunday, Sept. 15. Employees working 30 hours or more have access to the following benefits: flexible scheduling, health insurance, paid time off, and 100% parental and caregiver leave.

The grocery retailer isn’t the only company that emphasizes hiring for the peak holiday season. Other companies that typically look to take advantage of this time of year include Kohl’s, Walmart, Amazon, Target, and a host of others.

RELATED CONTENT: Fed Up With High Prices, Consumers Are Helping To Bring Down Costs Associated With Inflation

by Keka Araújo

September 12, 2024

Fearless Fund Shuttered in Settlement: Conservatives Declare Victory, Black Women Business Owners Get the Shaft

The Fearless Fund may have lost this round, but it’s hardly waving a white flag.

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In yet another win for conservatives, the Fearless Fund, a venture capital firm lauded for supporting Black women entrepreneurs, has scrapped its signature $20,000 Strivers Grant Contest. According to the Associated Press, the decision came as part of a settlement agreement after a lawsuit from the American Alliance for Equal Rights, spearheaded by conservative figure Ed Blum, alleged the program was discriminatory.

A federal court had already hit the brakes on the contest two months ago, ruling 2-1 that Blum’s team would likely win their case. Their argument? The Strivers Grant violated the Civil Rights Act by “discriminating” based on race. Blum, who also helped dismantle affirmative action in college admissions, cheered the settlement, claiming race-exclusive programs like the Fearless Fund’s are “illegal and divisive.”

Arian Simone, the Fearless Fund’s CEO, framed the settlement as a tactical retreat, emphasizing that the fund is still laser-focused on helping women of color business owners.

Meanwhile, civil rights attorney Ben Crump patted himself on the back, claiming victory in avoiding a potentially disastrous Supreme Court ruling. But the reality? Yet another diversity initiative was sidelined without any landmark legal protections.

“By strategically avoiding a Supreme Court ruling that could have eliminated race-based funding, we protected vital opportunities for the entire Black and brown community,” Crump told AP.

Blum claimed he encouraged Fearless Fund to open its grant to all women, not just Black women, but Fearless wasn’t having it.

Blum said, “It is hoped that race-exclusive programs like the one offered by the Fearless Fund will be stopped and opened to everyone, regardless of their race.”

Instead, they shut the program down altogether — a move critics claim reinforces the conservative agenda to gut corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs one lawsuit at a time. Meanwhile, big names like Lowe’s and John Deere are quietly scaling back their DEI efforts under similar pressure.

The Fearless Fund may have lost this round, but it’s hardly waving a white flag. The firm announced a new $200 million debt fund for under-resourced founders. But let’s be honest — when one of the few funding programs for Black women founders bites the dust, is that really a win for diversity?

This legal fight also highlights the judiciary’s deep divide on DEI. While two Trump-appointed judges were all-in on Blum’s argument that the program violated the 1866 Civil Rights Act, Obama appointee Judge Robin Rosenbaum wasn’t buying it. In a fiery dissent, she compared Blum’s plaintiffs to soccer players “faking an injury” to win the match.

In the end, the settlement might stave off a Supreme Court ruling, but make no mistake: conservative activists have already declared victory in the war against DEI. And as more companies cave to legal pressure, the future of diversity funding hangs in the balance.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

September 12, 2024

CookLkeMe: The Ultimate Social App For Foodies To Unleash Their Inner Chef

Download the app today to embark on an exciting food adventure that will ignite your passion for cooking and tantalize your taste buds.

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A new app dedicated to uniting foodies has hit the digital streets.

CookLkeMe is more than just a recipe app—it’s a thriving community designed for food lovers to connect, share, and explore their culinary creativity. As the ultimate foodie’s social companion, CookLkeMe offers a mouthwatering journey that inspires users to whip up everything from quick weeknight dinners to gourmet masterpieces. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, CookLkeMe is the go-to destination for all things food.

“Unleash Your Inner Chef” with CookLkeMe

With its signature phrase, “Unleash your inner chef,” CookLkeMe sparks inspiration right in your kitchen. The app celebrates food, offering endless tantalizing recipes, captivating cooking techniques, and genius kitchen hacks. Whether you want to master simple dishes or dive into more elaborate creations, the vibrant community of fellow foodies ensures you’ll never run out of culinary inspiration.

A Thriving Community for Food Lovers

CookLkeMe goes beyond just food content. It’s a space where users can connect with like-minded food enthusiasts, exchange tips, tricks, and ideas, and celebrate the joy of cooking together. The app has quickly gained popularity among foodies, influencers, and professional chefs, creating a supportive, interactive space to stream, post, and monetize cooking content.

The Vision Behind CookLkeMe

NardLiveFree, the founder of CookLkeMe, began his culinary journey as a student, and his passion for the food industry evolved into a vision for an innovative app. About eight years ago, he noticed a gap in food-focused content and created a platform where culinary cultures, backgrounds, and ethnicities could come together. His vision is expansive, incorporating everything from grocery stores to restaurants and even delivery services like Uber—all tied into the CookLkeMe ecosystem.

“I’m trying to take over. I want to have the #1 app in the world,” NardLiveFree explains. “The food industry is massive, and we can have fun with food in so many ways.”

Download CookLkeMe Today and Start Your Culinary Adventure

Officially launched in July 2024, the app is now available on all platforms for download. This dynamic app offers stunning visual content through engaging short videos where home cooks and professional chefs alike can showcase their talents. From easy weeknight dinners to show-stopping gourmet desserts, CookLkeMe has everything a food lover needs to elevate their kitchen game.

Why Choose CookLkeMe?

CookLkeMe is more than just an app—it’s a community that welcomes everyone, whether you’re an experienced chef or just starting your culinary journey. With endless recipe ideas, innovative cooking techniques, and a network of food lovers to connect with, CookLkeMe will help you become the culinary star you’ve always dreamed of being. Download the app today to embark on an exciting food adventure that will ignite your passion for cooking and tantalize your taste buds.

About CookLkeMe

Founded by NardLiveFree of Elevating Freely, CookLkeMe is a groundbreaking app that centralizes food content, recipes, and inspiration for food lovers of all skill levels. From culinary experts and restaurant owners to beginner chefs, CookLkeMe offers a user-friendly experience to elevate your cooking game. Launched in July 2024, the app continues to grow, bringing food enthusiasts together in one deliciously inspiring space.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 12, 2024

Jay-Z And Michael Rubin Team Up To Host $250K Blackjack Event In Atlantic City

Jay-Z and Michael Rubin are teaming back up to host another one of their lavish blackjack events in Atlantic City.

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Jay-Z and Michael Rubin are teaming back up to host another one of their lavish blackjack events in Atlantic City.

This year, a $250,000 blackjack tournament will take place on Sunday to celebrate Jay and Rubin’s Fanatics brand launching the Fanatics Sportsbook at Ocean Casino Resort, Page Six reports. Following their 2023 blackjack party with a $1 million pot, this year’s soiree is an invite-only event where A-listers and top-tier Fanatics Sportsbook customers and friends are expected to attend.

On football Sunday, guests will also participate in a live watch party of NFL games at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. The new Fanatics Sportsbook is a 12,000-square-foot gaming and bar space housed within Ocean Casino Resort’s “The Gallery.” The location will serve as the casino’s centerpiece and feature a 100-foot elevated bar and lounge, along with 140 feet of LED video walls displaying games and events, including UFC fights.

Jay-Z, real name Shawn Carter, is a co-founder and owner of Rubin’s Fanatics brand. Just last month, Jay-Z previewed a new iteration of his legendary 40/40 Club during Fanatics Fest in New York City. The new reimagined 40/40 will reopen in 2025 and feature an integrated Fanatics Sportsbook, where patrons can place live bets while enjoying the games in real time.

Last year’s blackjack event raised funds for the Reform Alliance. Board members, including Robert Kraft, Meek Mill, and Rubin, helped host the event.

Jay reportedly had the idea “to make a really small, incredibly exclusive event with the best people in the world,” an insider shared. It wasn’t a cheap ticket as players agreed to $100,000 as a buy-in to play in the blackjack games and non-players had to pay $50,000 for entry. Guests included Kim Kardashian, DJ Khaled, Emily Ratajkowski, Megan Thee Stallion, and several NBA superstars, private equity players, hedge funders, and top CEOs.