Lake Worth Beach commissioner blasts Florida mayor over coronavirus emergency powers

Lake Worth Beach City Commissioner Omari Hardy blasted Mayor Pam Triolo and City Manager Michael Bornstein during a contentious meeting last Thursday over the use of emergency powers as the coronavirus spreads, particularly in Florida.

The Palm Beach Post reported that Hardy confronted Triolo and Bornstein over allegations that people were being mistreated during the global health pandemic. Specifically, Hardy stated that Bornstein was “turning off people’s lights during a global health pandemic.”

Commissioner @OmariJHardy wasn't trying to hear the nonsense from Mayor Pam Triolo & City Manager Bornstein after they shut off the lights of residents last week. I appreciate his passion & am glad he chose to let the Mayor know her actions were unacceptable. #CoronaCrisis pic.twitter.com/Io5W21IGvz

— Khary Penebaker (@kharyp) March 21, 2020

READ MORE: Kodak Black is donating books to Florida students amid coronavirus

He further accused the mayor of being complicit with those actions during the contentious two-hour meeting that has since gone viral. Despite the fact that Lake Worth Beach has not declared a state of emergency, Triolo still gave Bornstein emergency powers.

Bornstein admitted that on Tuesday, 50 customers had their power turned off. This action was taken before any statement was released about any services being stopped.

“This is a banana republic is what you’re turning this place into with your so-called leadership,” Hardy yelled at Triolo after she called a recess. “We cut people’s utilities this week and made them pay — with what could have been their last check — to turn their lights off in a global health pandemic. But you don’t care about that! You didn’t want to meet!

“You care more about your relationship with [Bornstein] than you do about the people that are out there working.”

READ MORE: Andrew Yang announces he’s donating $1M for coronavirus relief

Triolo repeatedly screamed that Hardy was “out of order” and taunted him about his upcoming election. Last November, he announced his decision to run for a seat in the Florida State House as a Democrat. She mocked him by implying that Hardy’s objection was a “dog-and-pony show” publicity stunt.

“You got a camera on that?” she asked.

Even after the recess was called, the arguing continued. Ultimately, there was a resolution passed affirming the mayor’s right to grant emergency powers. It passed 4-1.

Hardy emailed The Palm Beach Post that he regretted the back and forth that took place.

“But I had just watched our city manager lie and mislead about shutting off families’ utilities, and they didn’t want anyone to say a word about it,” Hardy wrote. “It was too hard to take.”

READ MORE: US senators sold major stock amid coronavirus fears just before market dropped

Hardy further took to social media and explained his actions which he felt were justified. He only that he should have kept his calm.

Things got heated last night, but I don't regret one word.

We could've directed the City Mgr to stop shutoffs last week, when I requested an emergency meeting for that purpose. The Mayor said no. And then we cut off lights dozens of families! #COVID19https://t.co/bR7GYXASPU

— Commissioner Omari Hardy 🚶🏾‍♂️🚲 🛴 🚉 🌳 🏘 🌇 (@OmariJHardy) March 20, 2020

“Things got heated last night, but I don’t regret one word,” Hardy tweeted.

“We could’ve directed the City Mgr to stop shutoffs last week, when I requested an emergency meeting for that purpose. The Mayor said no. And then we cut off lights dozens of families! #COVID19”

Hardy declared that he was following the principle of #GoodTrouble.

“And my colleagues didn’t want to discuss it all, didn’t want to acknowledge what we had done, and I lost my cool. But sometimes you have to get into trouble to stand up for what’s right. That’s called #GoodTrouble.”

Bornstein has since released a statement walking back the actions taken earlier in the week. All customers who contacted his office had their services restored.

“There were customers whose service was temporarily suspended during the transition period earlier in the week before the suspension was fully implemented. Most contacted the City and they were reconnected immediately, and all fees and charges are being credited back to those customers,” he said.

The post Lake Worth Beach commissioner blasts Florida mayor over coronavirus emergency powers appeared first on TheGrio.

from TheGrio https://ift.tt/2J39k36
via

K. Michelle opens up on ‘stressful’ IVF process amid coronavirus outbreak

K. Michelle is having an especially hard time dealing with the coronavirus outbreak and she took to social media to reveal why.

The singer/ reality star who is undergoing IVF treatment in hopes of having a baby girl via surrogate opened up about how hard the process has been on her mental health.

READ MORE: K. Michelle reveals painful journey to perfection and how illegal butt injections nearly killed her

She revealed she’s seeing a doctor who specializes in “designer babies,” meaning certain traits, like gender, are selected.

She posted an Instagram photo showing syringes and other items for her treatment along with a lengthy description of her struggles.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

LADIES: Going through IVF in the midst of the Corona virus, is probably one of the most stressful things I’ve had to deal with. By 11pm I will have poked myself in the stomach a total of 8 times today. This is my LAST cycle of IVF. Me and Kastan keep producing boy embryos. I desperately am praying for at least 1 little girl. I’m currently seeing Dr. Hernandez-Rey, who specializes in designer babies and can help pick the gender. If this doesn’t work I’ll be having two little boys and I’ll be a All boy mom with 3 boys. At this point i’m blessed either way. Some women can’t have kids at all so I won’t complain. My uterus is also strong enough for me to carry but i’m still going to have a surrogate for my mental health. I’m finally going to get it done this year. I’ve takin my time to do it the right way. I appreciate all the prayers keep sending them to God he’s listening. I never thought I’d be going through this in my 30’s, but it’s life and i’m proud of myself for being strong through this ride. Happy ❤️

A post shared by K. Michelle (@kmichellemusic) on Mar 18, 2020 at 4:40pm PDT

READ MORE: Waka Flocka falsely says coronavirus is ‘fake’ and ‘minorities can’t catch it’

“LADIES: Going through IVF in the midst of the Coronavirus, is probably one of the most stressful things I’ve had to deal with. By 11pm I will have poked myself in the stomach a total of 8 times today. This is my LAST cycle of IVF. Me and Kastan keep producing boy embryos. I desperately am praying for at least 1 little girl. I’m currently seeing Dr. Hernandez-Rey, who specializes in designer babies and can help pick the gender. If this doesn’t work I’ll be having two little boys and I’ll be an All boy mom with 3 boys. At this point, I’m blessed either way. Some women can’t have kids at all so I won’t complain. My uterus is also strong enough for me to carry but I’m still going to have a surrogate for my mental health,” she wrote.

The post K. Michelle opens up on ‘stressful’ IVF process amid coronavirus outbreak appeared first on TheGrio.

from TheGrio https://ift.tt/2U6eBgy
via

Netflix announces $100 million coronavirus relief fund for creative community

Netflix is taking huge steps to help Hollywood cope with the coronavirus pandemic after the city has come to a halt. On Friday, the streamer announced plans to create a $100 million relief fund to help the creative community get through the crisis.

“Almost all television and film production has now ceased globally – leaving hundreds of thousands of crew and cast without jobs. These include electricians, carpenters, and drivers, many of whom are paid hourly wages and work on a project-to-project basis,” Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos said in a statement. “This community has supported Netflix through the good times, and we want to help them through these hard times, especially while governments are still figuring out what economic support they will provide. So we’ve created a $100 million fund to help with hardship in the creative community.”

A large part of the fund will go toward helping affected workers on their own productions.  “We’re in the process of working out exactly what this means, production by production. This is in addition to the two weeks pay we’ve already committed to the crew and cast on productions we were forced to suspend last week.”

READ MORE: ‘Love is Blind’ stars Lauren and Cameron on life after Netflix series

Netflix will donate $1 million to the SAG-AFTRA Covid-19 Disaster Fund, and another million is flagged for the Motion Picture and Television Fund and The Actors Fund Emergency Assistance.  $1 million more will be split between the AFC and Fondation des Artistes.

“In other regions, including Europe, Latin America and Asia where we have a big production presence, we are working with existing industry organizations to create similar creative community emergency relief efforts,” he said.

READ MORE: Netflix asked to slow down HD streaming to avoid internet crash during COVID-19

“What’s happening is unprecedented. We are only as strong as the people we work with and Netflix is fortunate to be able to help those hardest hit in our industry through this challenging time.”

The post Netflix announces $100 million coronavirus relief fund for creative community appeared first on TheGrio.

from TheGrio https://ift.tt/33IBk5K
via

Mike Tyson honors Eminem with shocker title

Former world heavyweight boxing champion turned-cannabis-entrepreneur Mike Tyson delivered a shocker to rapper Eminem on his Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson podcast, dubbing the white hip hop artist as an honorary “nigga.”

There’s been lots of debate over the use of the word. Critics say there’s no difference between the derogatory “n” word and the version that ends with the letter “a,” often used to express approval of someone. Tyson, 53, clearly meant his comment as a compliment to the Detroit rapper.

“Everything you got was … not even given to you,” Tyson told Eminem on the recently released podcast episode. “You … slaved for it, you know what I mean? Your the only White guy that knows what it’s like to be a nigga.”

READ MORE: Mike Tyson admits feeling ’empty’ now that he doesn’t box anymore

The comment appeared to stun Eminem, 47, whose real given name is Marshall Mathers.

“Not sure how to answer that,” Eminem told Tyson, later adding that it was a “super honor” to talk with him.

Earlier in the show, Eminem talked about the pleasures of raising his daughter, Hailie Jade, 24, and two nieces.

“I have a niece that I have helped raise too that’s pretty much like a daughter to me and she is 26,” Eminem said.

“And I have a younger one that’s 17 now,” he added. “So when I think about my accomplishments, that’s probably the thing that I’m most proud of … is being able to raise kids.”

READ MORE: Nick Cannon drops Eminem diss track over Mariah Carey trash talk

Earlier episodes of Tyson’s star-studded podcast feature former boxer Sugar Ray Leonard, news commentator and criminal justice advocate Van Jones and cultural critic Joe Budden.

The marketing materials for Tyson’s podcast, launched in January 2019, boasts: “Listen as Mike Tyson, the baddest man on the planet, pours his soul into conversations with fascinating minds, celebrities, and athletes in a studio full of smoke.”

 

 

 

The post Mike Tyson honors Eminem with shocker title appeared first on TheGrio.

from TheGrio https://ift.tt/3ale9Rz
via

Protect Your Crown with these Hair Tips from African Pride’s Pro Stylist

It’s no secret that haircare products with natural ingredients are better for your overall health. Over the past few years, beauty makers and consumers alike have become more mindful of the harsh chemicals in products. The transition to clean beauty products has shifted the way that companies formulate products.

That is why African Pride created the Coils Require More campaign and launched a collection of beauty aids that are made with natural ingredients like chocolate, coconuts, honey, and more.

The collection is designed with naturalistas in mind—no matter their hair type or texture. Celebrity stylist Robin D. Groover, the founder of Too Groovy Hair Salon in Atlanta, wants to help women protect their natural tresses and hair health using African Pride’s Moisture Miracle products.

If you’re looking for ways to style and protect your hair, take a look at these tips from Groover.

(Image: Instagram/African Pride)

What styling opportunities does each product offer women?

Through its newest campaign, Coils Require More, African Pride’s Moisture Miracle Collection is setting out to show the various ways to love and care for coily and curly textured hair with a regimen the brand has coined as their Coily Girl Method.

I’m a fan of this regimen because it places just as much emphasis on great technique as it does on premium, natural ingredients for coily and curly textures. The goal of this technique is simple: healthy coils and curls that flourish with maximum control, hydration, and shine. But the best part about the regimen is that it shows true styling versatility. Whether mixing, layering, or cocktailing the products in each step, the biggest opportunity for consumers lies in the reliability of a healthy hair regimen that places importance on providing premium, natural ingredients all under $5, without compromising quality.

The Coily Girl Method can be explained in 5 necessary steps:

Step 1: Moisture Miracle Aloe & Coconut Water Pre-Shampoo. Incorporating a Pre-Shampoo into your regimen helps to minimize breakage and defines coils.

Step 2: Moisture Miracle Honey & Coconut Oil Shampoo and Honey, Chocolate, & Coconut Oil Conditioner. This moisturizing combination removes dirt and buildup from hair without stripping hair of its natural oils to deeply penetrate coils, leaving the hair soft, nourished, and with shine.

Step 3: Moisture Miracle Coconut Milk & Honey Leave-In Conditioner. This deep penetrating leave-in conditioner uses a nourishing blend of Coconut Milk & Honey to impart lasting moisture while helping to protect against breakage.

Step 4: Moisture Miracle Shea Butter & Flaxseed Oil Curling Cream. This versatile curling cream blends Shea Butter and Flaxseed Oil to provide deep moisture, lasting definition, and radiant shine, leaving coily styles smooth and bouncy with a soft hold.

Step 5: Moisture Miracle 5 Essential Oils. Protect your coils and style definition with this restorative hair and scalp oil. It uses a nourishing blend of 5 essential oils and Vitamin E to replenish natural nutrients, help protect against breakage and promote natural growth; leaving coils with body and shine.

Confidence is Key

RDB: I also love that the possibilities of the Moisture Miracle Collection extend past healthy haircare. Consumers can feel confident creating nourished and hydrated wash-n-go’s, twist-outs, braid outs, finger coil styles, rod sets, and any coily-curly style desired.

How can women use the products from the new collection to achieve fun go-to looks?

Fun go-to looks start with great care and creativity. Refresh old curls with the leave-in conditioning spray and re-work rod sets to add more definition and volume using the curling cream. Or, fluff out a puff with the Leave-In Conditioner.

As we transition into the Spring from the Winter, what are some protective styles that women can create to protect their hair using the products?

Protective styles are easy to maintain. For optimal protective care for natural coils and curls, use the Moisture Miracle Leave-In Conditioner for scalp nourishment throughout the longevity of the style without creating build-up. Another rule of thumb is to refresh any type of curls with a leave-in vs water.

To learn more about the Coils Require More campaign, click here.

from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/2wr4sCd
via

Mom relieved daughter, Spelman international student, returning safely from Morocco

In the midst of the worsening coronavirus crisis, one worried mom has received welcome news that her daughter, a Spelman College junior, will return home from her study abroad program in Morocco.

Valda Valbrun says she was not only concerned for her daughter’s health amid the COVID-19 pandemic but also how Arianna Valbrun was being treated in North Africa. Arianna left the United States at the end of January for her program, administered by the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES).

Her time in Morocco was not as welcoming as she’d hoped, Valda Valbrun, an educational consultant based in North Carolina, told WSB-2 in Atlanta.

“She was referred to as the ‘n’ word,” Valda Valbrun said.

READ MORE: These ads are brilliantly using Trump’s own words on Haiti against him

“One of her friends happens to be of Asian descent and so they were really experiencing a lot in terms of not being treated nicely,” the elder Valbrun explained, referring to anti-Asian bias that has emerged due to reports that the coronavirus came from China.

“I guess many people there have concerns about Americans,” Valda Valbrun continued. “The host family has a small child and so they were expressing concerns that made her feel uncomfortable.”

The mom said her concern reached a peak when her daughter sent her video showing violence in the streets of Morocco. Multiplying the mom’s worry was that authorities were shutting down international air traffic to and from the country.

READ MORE: Hate group plans to protest at Spelman, Morehouse, and Clark graduations

Valda Valbrun turned to that global means of communication: Twitter. From her account, @vsquared613, she tweeted to Spelman, an all-female HBCU in Atlanta, and asked if they could help.

On Friday, Valbrun learned that her daughter would be boarding a flight Friday, and she should be arriving at Miami International Airport Saturday afternoon, according to WSB.

“When there’s chaos in a country, you want your kid nearby,” Valda Valbrun said, adding that she is keeping the experience in perspective. “There’s so much to be grateful for and I’m just going to sit in that space.”

Arianna’s LinkedIn profile indicates she is majoring in international/global studies with a concentration in marketing and a minor in photography.

The post Mom relieved daughter, Spelman international student, returning safely from Morocco appeared first on TheGrio.

from TheGrio https://ift.tt/2QBo5OJ
via

Data Reveals the True Impact of the Coronavirus Outbreak

In some countries, satellite images, internet speed, and traffic information reveal what governments won’t.

from Wired https://ift.tt/2Up3oa2
via

Space Photos of the Week: Earth Looks Peaceful From Up Here

Let us gaze down upon our dear Pale Blue Dot.

from Wired https://ift.tt/2J1KZe9
via

MIT community encouraged to respond to request for personal protective equipment

With a surge in Covid-19 cases anticipated in the coming days and weeks, frontline medical teams and hospitals are working to prepare. However, many area facilities have limited supplies of the personal protective equipment (PPE) they need to do their jobs and stay safe. This equipment provides a first line of defense for health care workers against the virus, allowing the workers to continue serving patients and the hospitals to maintain staffing levels as the number of cases increase.

“Local hospitals and medical centers currently have an acute need for PPE, including surgical masks, face shields, N95s, sanitizer, gloves, safety gowns, and transport media,” Elazer Edelman wrote in a recent email to the MIT community. As the director of the Institute for Medical Engineering and Science (IMES), the Edward J. Poitras Professor in Medical Engineering and Science, and a senior attending physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Edelman says that medical professionals throughout the region have reached out to him directly with requests for any PPE that can be donated. “These hospitals are desperate for any of these supplies,” he wrote.

To respond to this unprecedented need, a cross-campus team at the Institute is working to solicit and collect any extra, unopened PPE from laboratories at MIT. Specifically, this team is looking for donations of unopened and unused face masks (including N95) including clinical, surgical, or other types; face shields; gloves; powered air-purifying respirators; gowns; cleaning wipes with bleach; hand sanitizers; swabs including Dacron, rayon, or nylon swabs; and culture media.

Currently staffed labs with any of these items in any quantity are encouraged to sort them as best as possible and email donate-ppe@mit.edu to arrange collection. Labs that have received appeals for donations can also forward requests to this email address to coordinate responses.

Labs are not required to donate, and each lab should assess its own needs going forward and retain items needed to safely complete approved laboratory maintenance and Covid-19-related research. Teams at the Institute will be working to ensure donations are distributed to local facilities equitably and according to need. For any additional questions about donations, email donate-ppe@mit.edu.

from MIT News https://ift.tt/2J2ihK0
via

Ransomware Groups Promise Not to Hit Hospitals Amid Pandemic

Plus: iPhone cracking, credit card skimming, and more of the week's top security news.

from Wired https://ift.tt/2U6rEyK
via

Do We Really Need More *Willow*?

Ron Howard is reportedly developing a series based on the  movie for Disney\+. Is that necessary? 

from Wired https://ift.tt/39cxLWq
via

U.S. Extends Tax Filling Deadline to July 15, Are You Happy?

In a move many saw coming, the IRS has delayed the April 15 deadline to file taxes for three months to July 15 while the government finds new ways to deal with the coronavirus outbreak.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced the change Friday on Twitter.

“We are moving Tax Day from April 15 to July 15,” Mnuchin said. “All taxpayers and businesses will have this additional time to file and make payments without interest or penalties.”

The announcement comes just days after Mnuchin announced the IRS would defer $300 billion in IRS payments for 90 days. The delays give individuals and corporations more time to file and pay before they would owe interest and penalties for late filing.

Many states have also delayed their filing and payment deadlines, including New York and California but that could end up hurting states if the virus outbreak lasts past the summer because states will not receive the money they need to pay for resources such as medical equipment to deal with the virus outbreak.

The agency is encouraging those who are expecting refunds to file on time and the IRS recommends filing electronically and opting for direct deposit to get the money within about three weeks.

Part of the reason for the delay is that it may be difficult or unsafe for people to meet with their tax preparer before April 15. With many businesses and most schools shut down to prevent the spread of the virus, tax preparers are also shutting their doors.

“It’s welcome news and it will put the minds of millions of taxpayers and preparers at ease,” Cindy Hockenberry, director of tax research and government relations at the National Association of Tax Professionals, told Bloomberg on Friday.

The coronavirus outbreak has affected many parts of everyday life for Americans. Republicans are pushing to make direct payments to American homes. More than 15% of employees have either lost their jobs or have seen their hours significantly reduced.

from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/3dj30T4
via

Walmart Will Pay Cash Bonuses To Hourly Employees During Coronavirus

Walmart announced Thursday it would use more than $350 million to pay cash bonuses to its hourly employees for working during the coronavirus outbreak.

According to MSN, the bonuses will amount to $300 for full-time hourly associates and $150 for part-time hourly associates. Every employee hired as of March 1 will be eligible for the bonus. Additionally, the supermarket chain will pay out a separate quarterly bonus to employees 30 days earlier than scheduled and plans on hiring 150,000 new associates through the end of May to fulfill increasing demand in stores, clubs, distribution centers, and fulfillment centers.

“Not only are we not laying off people, but we are in a position where we are also going to be hiring an additional 150,000 new associates,” Dan Bartlett, Walmart’s executive vice president of corporate affairs, said on a call with reporters. “They’re doing Herculean work in our stores and serving customers in frankly a tense environment.”

In order to hire that many people quickly, Walmart has streamlined its hiring process to 24 hours between filling out an application and being hired. Bartlett said the hiring spree “contributes a bit to easing the pain of this broader economic downturn that the coronavirus is causing.”

Business Insider is also reporting Walmart is working with the federal government to set up drive though coronavirus testing centers at its locations. Bartlett added that the first centers should be up and running within 72 hours.

“We have teams on the ground, we have tents, and everything’s ready,” Bartlett said. The sites are waiting on supplies of personal protection equipment and swabbing test kits to get up and running.”

Other supermarket chains are also contributing during the coronavirus outbreak. Stop & Shop has set specific hours for elderly and disabled customers to shop. Trader Joe’s has a bonus at each of its locations to share its increased profits with workers.

The coronavirus outbreak has infected more than 200,000 people around the world. More than 89,000 have recovered and been released but more than 10,000 people have succumbed to the virus.

from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/2J3NZXt
via

Fallout from Australia’s Huge Wildfires Is Choking Rivers

Ash and debris from the massive January fires are now clouding Australia's waterways, killing aquatic life and threatening drinking water supplies.

from Wired https://ift.tt/2J72B8d
via

How Surveillance Could Save Lives Amid a Public Health Crisis

Smartphones could be a powerful weapon against the novel coronavirus. But tracking people's movements would offend many Americans' sense of privacy.

from Wired https://ift.tt/2UoJDzo
via

20 Best Weekend Deals: Games, Kindles, Home Theater, and More

For everyone stuck at home, these are our favorite videogames, gadgets, and gift subscriptions for adjusting to a new reality.

from Wired https://ift.tt/2QyTSju
via

Coronavirus: A father's fears in Kenya's crowded Kibera settlement

A family of seven in one room in Kenya's largest informal settlement fear the spread of Covid-19.

from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/2QBXKjD
via

Coronavirus: How will Covid-19 affect African economies?

BBC's Maya Hayakawa explains how the virus might affect African countries' economies.

from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/3a8whOp
via

How Collective PAC’s $1 million dollar donation will help families impacted by coronavirus

Quentin James, founder, and president of The Collective Political Action Committee isn’t waiting for someone else to fill the gap left by the federal government in its response to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“We can’t expect Donald Trump and The White House to solve this problem,” James tells theGrio. “We gotta solve this ourselves.”

Together with Andrew Yang and his non-profit Humanity Forward, James is helping families in need by providing $1 million in funds. James launched the COVID Response Team to provide assistance to households in the Bronx and hopes to grow the initiative nationwide.

The Collective PAC was founded in 2016 to amplify Black voices in politics and build Black political power. James has temporarily set aside political agendas to lead in giving the community hope and financial stability in a crucial time. 

READ MORE: Andrew Yang announces he’s donating $1M for coronavirus relief

Partnering with Yang and Humanity Forward, James and The Collective PAC are able to donate $1 million in donated funds to assist minority families in the Bronx which James notes was the poorest county in New York before the virus. “They’re going to be hit the hardest,” he explains. 

The two organizations are working with Neighborhood Trust, a local credit union, to provide for approximately 1000 families already struggling to make ends meet. The COVID Response Team directly steps in where the founders say the federal government lacked. 

“Part of it is we’re seeing such a lack of concern from some of our elected leaders and the federal government,” says James.  “Just the thought that people can just stay at home, work from home, or kids can stay home from school… They’re not taking into account the condition they’re putting people in, in real life. Right now, we don’t feel like our lives are being considered in a real way.” 

“The country should have been preparing months ago when we first learned about this virus back in December,” James continues.  “The delay in action has impacted everyone’s lives but [has] hit Black and Brown [people] the most. We have to step up in this moment to deal with that and then we can get back to politics.”

Donors raised money and approached James, seeking to support people in need through the pandemic. 

READ MORE: (WATCH) Black political power couple, Quentin and Stefanie James are true partners

“A lot of donors around the country were concerned about how the pandemic impacted those on the front lines,” says James. “These businesses are closing and unfortunately because of missteps from the federal government, people are suffering. We wanted to figure out a way to cut through the red tape and help people survive. Some donors approached us to help and we partnered with Andrew Yang and group and we are still raising money,” he continues. 

Partnering with Andrew Yang came organically. A staffer on Yang’s presidential campaign who was handling finances also worked behind the scenes for Collective PAC. Both were looking for partnerships and their visions aligned.  

“We are only in week one of this economic shutdown. By the time you get to week four or five, many people will be in desperate circumstance(s) and that is what we need to prevent as soon as possible,” Yang said during an interview with CNN. 

Collective PAC and Humanity Forward are still collecting funds to support the COVID Response Team. Hopefully, continued funds and measured community impact will carry their mission beyond the Bronx to New York’s other boroughs and across the country. 

“The pilot project now is specifically for people in the Bronx. Hopefully (it will) inspire folk to donate and the initiative can grow across the country,” James said.

Residents of the Bronx can currently apply for assistance. To donate, sign up, volunteer, or learn more, click here.

The post How Collective PAC’s $1 million dollar donation will help families impacted by coronavirus appeared first on TheGrio.

from TheGrio https://ift.tt/2UlxdrU
via

Scholly Launches COVID-19 Student Relief Fund to Provide Families In Need With Cash

Scholly, a popular scholarship-matching platform, is giving back to students in need in midst of the coronavirus crisis.

On Thursday, the tech-based educational app launched the Scholly COVID-19 Relief Fund, which provides low-income students and parents with $200 to help get supplies and groceries on a rolling basis. With the support of family foundations and individual donors, the initiative aims to help as many families as possible in light of the global pandemic, which has shut down school systems and businesses throughout the nation.

“By providing $200 in cash assistance, we aim to provide essential financial help to buy groceries, health supplies, and other necessities to those in need,” reads a statement on the company’s website.

For the last five years, Scholly claims to have helped students win $100 million dollars in scholarships. Hence, Scholly CEO Christopher Gray described the relief fund as “a no brainer.”

“Scholly’s brand and product has been built by students for students so the company feels it is our duty to step in and help as many students as possible,” he said in a statement. “We are working with foundations, brands, and other startups to raise as much as we can to make a real impact.”

Self-described as the no. 1 rated scholarship app in the world, Scholly provides students with access to hundreds of scholarships, for college or graduate school. The platform also uses artificial intelligence to proofread and edit academic papers, essays, and other writing assignments.

Gray created Scholly to empower students with the same techniques that helped him earn $1.3 million in scholarships while he was in college. His company received national attention when it was featured on Shark Tank and landed a deal with Daymond John and Lori Greiner, while also sparking one of the biggest fights in the show’s history.

In January, Scholly partnered with Grammy Award-winning artist Lil Nas X to provide three deserving high school and current college students with $10,000 each in scholarships.

Students can apply at  COV1D-19 Student Relief Fund here. If approved, applicants will be sent instructions on how to access funds.

 

 

from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/39eedkJ
via

Vanessa Bryant files docs to rush probate case amid coronavirus pandemic

It appears Vanessa Bryant doesn’t want coronavirus to slow down her probate case, as the grieving widow forges on to update his trust for their three daughters.

READ MORE: Vanessa Bryant asks judge to amend Kobe’s trust to add their baby, Capri

According to TMZ, Bryant filed legal documents asking a judge to appoint a guardian for Bianka and Natalia Bryant, as well as their youngest daughter, Capri, so that she can proceed in her attempts to modify the NBA legend’s trust to include the 9-month-old baby.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

My girls and I want to thank the millions of people who’ve shown support and love during this horrific time. Thank you for all the prayers. We definitely need them. We are completely devastated by the sudden loss of my adoring husband, Kobe — the amazing father of our children; and my beautiful, sweet Gianna — a loving, thoughtful, and wonderful daughter, and amazing sister to Natalia, Bianka, and Capri. We are also devastated for the families who lost their loved ones on Sunday, and we share in their grief intimately. There aren’t enough words to describe our pain right now. I take comfort in knowing that Kobe and Gigi both knew that they were so deeply loved. We were so incredibly blessed to have them in our lives. I wish they were here with us forever. They were our beautiful blessings taken from us too soon. I’m not sure what our lives hold beyond today, and it’s impossible to imagine life without them. But we wake up each day, trying to keep pushing because Kobe, and our baby girl, Gigi, are shining on us to light the way. Our love for them is endless — and that’s to say, immeasurable. I just wish I could hug them, kiss them and bless them. Have them here with us, forever. Thank you for sharing your joy, your grief and your support with us. We ask that you grant us the respect and privacy we will need to navigate this new reality. To honor our Team Mamba family, the Mamba Sports Foundation has set up the MambaOnThree Fund to help support the other families affected by this tragedy. To donate, please go to MambaOnThree.org. To further Kobe and Gianna’s legacy in youth sports, please visit MambaSportsFoundation.org. Thank you so much for lifting us up in your prayers, and for loving Kobe, Gigi, Natalia, Bianka, Capri and me. #Mamba #Mambacita #GirlsDad #DaddysGirls #Family ❤️

A post shared by Vanessa Bryant 🦋 (@vanessabryant) on Jan 29, 2020 at 4:59pm PST

Capri was born when the arrangements were last amended.

While this is a standard move, it seems the filing was an attempt to speed things along because she’s not sure how the coronavirus epidemic will affect the courts.

READ MORE: Vanessa Bryant shares photo of daughter Natalia honoring Kobe and Gianna mural

The world has been rooting for Kobe Bryant’s widow ever since news of his tragic death alongside their daughter Gianna, and nine others broke. She shared a touching tribute to both of them at the public memorial at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles on February 24.

“First, I’d like to thank everyone for coming today. The outpouring of love and support that my family has felt from around the world has been so uplifting. Thank you so much for all your prayers. I’d like to talk about both Kobe and Gigi. I’ll start with my baby girl Gianna Bryant, an amazingly sweet and gentle soul,” she said at the packed event before describing her relationship with Kobe.

READ MORE: LA county sheriff admits deputies took, deleted Kobe Bryant crash photos

“He was mine. He was my everything. Kobe and I had been together since I was 17.5 years old. I was his first girlfriend, his first love, his wife, his best friend, his confidante and his protector,” she reflected.

“He was the most amazing husband. Kobe loved me more than I could ever express or put into words. He was the early bird and I was the night owl. I was fire and he was ice, and vice versa at times…We balanced each other out. He would do anything for me,” she continued. “I have no idea how I deserved a man that loved and wanted me more than Kobe.”

The post Vanessa Bryant files docs to rush probate case amid coronavirus pandemic appeared first on TheGrio.

from TheGrio https://ift.tt/2J2EHLb
via

New York To Freeze Student and Medical Debt Payments

New York Attorney General Letitia James and Gov. Andrew Cuomo have announced New York State will not be collecting student or medical debt in an effort to help citizens during the coronavirus outbreak.

“Effective immediately, I’m temporarily halting the collection of state medical and student debt owed to [New York State] that was referred to my office,” James said in a tweet Tuesday. “In this time of crisis, I won’t add undue stress or saddle [New Yorkers] with unnecessary financial burden.”

In a follow-up tweet, James provided a link for New Yorkers with “non-medical or non-student debt owed to the State of New York” to apply for collections to be paused due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Cuomo added to James’ tweet Tuesday, saying all collections would be suspended for at least 30 days.

“As the financial impact of this emerging crisis grows, we are doing everything we can to support the thousands of New Yorkers that are suffering due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Cuomo added in a statement. “This new action to temporarily suspend the collection of debt owed to the state will help mitigate the adverse financial impact of the outbreak on individuals, families, communities, and businesses in New York State, as we continue to do everything we can to slow the spread of the virus.”

According to James, the freeze impacts 165,000 individual debts. James also added that after the 30 days expires, she will reassess the situation and determine whether the freeze needs to be extended.

The coronavirus outbreak is affecting millions across the country and is already leading to layoffs. President Trump, who said the outbreak could last through the summer, is working on a plan to make direct payments to citizens. The outbreak has lead to more than 241,000 cases and more than 10,000 deaths across the world and has affected everything from the stock market to food shopping.

 

from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/2whyQz3
via

Amazon Worker Tests Positive for Coronavirus, Customers Begin To Worry

After an Amazon warehouse worker tested positive for the coronavirus earlier this week, customers are beginning to wonder if the packages they are receiving from the retail giant may have the virus on them.

According to Fox Business, a study published last week determined that the coronavirus can live in the air for several hours and on cardboard for up to a day, leaving some Amazon customers worried about bringing packages inside their residence.

“For cardboard, I’ve been actually opening my packages outside,” Fox News medical contributor Dr. Nicole Saphier said Thursday. “I take scissors, I open it, and I empty the package outside. The cardboard never actually comes into our house.”

Dr. Saphier added people should “pretend that everything has the virus on it,” saying, “If you treat it that way, you’re going to give you and your family the best bet of not bringing it into your home.”

As for the individual who tested positive, Amazon said he is getting medical treatment and its cleaning processes in warehouses are being changed to deal with the virus.

“We are supporting the individual who is now in quarantine,” an Amazon spokesperson said in a statement. “We have implemented proactive measures to protect employees including increased cleaning at all facilities, maintaining social distance, and adding distance between drivers and customers when making deliveries.

“In addition to our enhanced daily deep cleaning, we temporarily closed the Queens delivery station for additional sanitation and sent associates home with full pay,” the spokesperson added.

According to Saphier, the majority of cases happen from person to person contact. The New England Journal of Medicine said the virus can stay on copper for up to four hours and on plastic and stainless steel for up to 72 hours.

“The reason we’re seeing [an increase in] cases is likely because they believe it’s not only respiratory transmission, but it’s starting to aerosolize, which is why so many health care workers are getting it because it stays in the air longer.”

The coronavirus outbreak has affected the stock market, the job market and even rent payments. More than 200,000 people across the world have been diagnosed and more than 10,000 have died.

from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/3dk32Ks
via

Victor Olaiya: Nigeria's 'evil genius' trumpeter who influenced Fela Kuti

Nigerian Victor Olaiya, who died last month, was a musical pioneer and mentor to the Afrobeat legend.

from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/2wq3y92
via

Senate Democrats propose bailout for student loan borrowers

Realizing the economic impact that the coronavirus crisis is already causing and what it might bring down the line, Senate Democrats say student loan borrowers need quick relief in the form of loan forgiveness and debt cancellation. They are proposing slashing a minimum of $10,000 in debt for all federal student loans, according to The Washington Post.

READ MORE: Two Morehouse grads make plans to give back in a big way thanks to Billionaire’s gift paying off their student loans

“The coronavirus outbreak brought with it crushing economic uncertainty, and students and borrowers need targeted, quick relief from payment burdens,” Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), said as he introduced his plan on Thursday, alongside Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio).

The senators want to shift the loan payments to the Education Department in the months ahead while the United States grapples with the pandemic, and start a three-month grace period where borrowers get a reprieve on making payments without any penalty.

Big for America’s students right now. @PattyMurray, @SenSherrodBrown, @SenWarren, and I are announcing our bold new plan to #CancelStudentDebt for the duration of the coronavirus emergency and provide a minimum $10k payoff for federal student loan borrowers.

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) March 19, 2020

Under the plan, the government would not be able to seize tax refunds or garnish borrowers’ wages or reduce their Social Security benefits to repay past debt. In addition to this, President Trump’s order last week waiving interest on federal education loans would still be applied.

Warren was the first to suggest forgiving student loans as a way to stimulate the economy. Since last week, her aides say she has been meeting with Senate colleagues to work on getting the plan included in the Senate Democrats’ $750 billion stimulus package, according to The Washington Post.

READ MORE: Joy Reid calls out GOP for holding up coronavirus stimulus package

“Last time our economy crashed, this country made a devastating mistake: we turned our backs on students and families to bail out the giant banks,” Warren said yesterday, according to The Post. “Student loan borrowers — especially students of color — never fully recovered from that economic punch to the gut. This time around, by canceling student debt payments for millions, we will fix the mistake that still holds back a generation of people and dragged down our economy.”

The post Senate Democrats propose bailout for student loan borrowers appeared first on TheGrio.

from TheGrio https://ift.tt/2xfF6ra
via

Study: Black and Hispanic Workers Much Less Likely to Work From Home

The coronavirus has left almost every industry reeling as many Americans look to work from home. However, many African American and Hispanic workers do not have this option.

According to a study from the Economic Policy Group, fewer than one in five black workers and roughly one in six Hispanic workers can work from home. At the same time, 30% of white workers, 37% of Asian workers, and 31% of non-Hispanic or Latino workers can telecommute.

The study also features a chart showing that the higher the wage an individual earns, the more likely it is that they can telecommute. Only 9.2% of low-wage workers can work from home. More than 60% of higher-wage workers can telecommute.

Low-wage workers tend to work in the hospitality and service industries where, the study observed, less than 10% of workers can telecommute. More than half of workers in the financial activities, professional and businesses services, and information industries can telecommute.

“To make matters worse, those who have children have to navigate continuing to work while also providing adequate care for their children as schools shut their doors,” the study said. “Among all workers, only 34.9% of parents in households with children can telework. This means that not only are their jobs vulnerable, but the care of their children may be as well.”

The government is taking steps in the right direction, passing the Family First Coronavirus Response Act this week. The bill will provide limited increases to paid sick leave coverage, nutrition assistance, and unemployment insurance among other benefits. However, the Economic Policy Group believes the bill does not go far enough.

“There are substantial loopholes in the paid sick coverage provided,” the study states. “It will do little to help the estimated 3 million workers, including 900,000 leisure and hospitality workers, who we estimate will lose their jobs by this summer.”

Low-wage workers have been hit the hardest by the coronavirus outbreak in the chances of catching the virus, retaining employment during the outbreak, and potentially acquiring new employment once American life returns to normal.

from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/2xb1FwX
via

27 Best Nintendo Switch Accessories (2020): Docks, Cases, and More

Have this two-in-one game console? These are our picks for the best screen protectors, chargers, controllers, and more.

from Wired https://ift.tt/2F8sPXG
via

Black Lives Matter coronavirus campaign demands government to do more

Black Lives Matter is calling for the government to immediately pass a coronavirus relief package to aid all homeless and poor Americans.

The movement has launched a petition that outlines a list of demands amid the viral outbreak that has prompted state and city officials to take steps in shutting down schools, churches, bars, restaurants, and other non-essential businesses. The CDC has also urged the public to practice social-distancing to curb the spread of the deadly virus.

READ MORE: L.A. County DA’s husband pulls gun on Black Lives Matter activists in video

“At the current rate, the United States is at risk of experiencing not only a deadly healthcare crisis but one that has the potential to result in massive social, economic, and political upheaval as systems reach crisis points and begin to fracture,” the petition states.

Chris Rock and others have taken to social media to support this effort to encourage the government to be more proactive in adopting their progressive demands on how to deal with COVID-19.

It’s time to demand protection from our government in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Sign BLM’s petition urging our government to protect the most vulnerable. https://t.co/UwqAyFIhat #WhatMatters2020 #Blacklivesmatter

— Chris Rock (@chrisrock) March 18, 2020

While President Donald Trump has signed an economic relief bill to help businesses and certain hourly workers combat the coronavirus crisis, the BLM movement says it’s not enough.

Black Lives Matter is calling on more advocates, influencers, and supporters to join in their demand for the following:

• Immediately pass a coronavirus relief package now that provides emergency funding assistance to cover expenses to massively test the population in the millions and provide emergency food and shelter to all homeless and poor.
• Provide a protection and testing plan for incarcerated people while in custody and upon release.
• Expand SNAP and unemployment for the duration of the pandemic.
• Immediately legislate fully paid sick leave for all workers.
• Implement an immediate moratorium on evictions and utility shut-offs.
• Emergency funding for family and community-based childcare for families who cannot work from home.

In a lengthy statement as part of the petition, BLM calls out the government’s disastrous response to testing kits and testing citizens as the COVID-19 pandemonium rages on, and due to the lack of significant action from health officials, “the true rate and magnitude of the coronavirus in the United States remain illusory and fragmented at best and a deadly moral and political catastrophe at worst,” the statement reads.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are least 209,839 global coronavirus cases, and the global death toll has risen above 10,000, according to Johns Hopkins University, CNBC reports.

READ MORE: Boston Police Union blasts Black Lives Matter observance

While the public is constantly being urged to remain in their homes, with exceptions only for essential travel, the BLM petition notes that the economic impact of these restrictions will affect Black workers the hardest.

“Among the working poor, Black workers will be harmed the most. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Black, and Hispanic workers are more than twice as likely to earn poverty-level wages compared to their white counterparts,” reports Kristin Myers in Yahoo Finance.

The post Black Lives Matter coronavirus campaign demands government to do more appeared first on TheGrio.

from TheGrio https://ift.tt/2U5lte2
via

Tamera Mowry-Housley recalls husband catching his fingers in her weave

On one particular make-out session, Tamera Mowry-Housley said she learned her then white boyfriend, Adam Housley, was down for the cause.

In a pre-recorded episode of The Real, Mowry-Housley dished on Adam running his hands through her weave and coming to a halt when he landed on her tracks.

READ MORE: Tamera Mowry-Housley celebrates Tinder’s new interracial couple emojis

“I had a weft in my hair. For those who don’t know what that means, that is like tracks. And you know when you’re like making out and you’re really, really into it. I remember at one point, he was so sweet, he just stopped. He didn’t say anything because I don’t think he wanted to hurt my feelings. He just didn’t understand,” Mowry-Housley said in the clip. “I said, ‘Oh baby, that’s okay. That’s a weft. Just keep on going.’”

The conversation came up when the ladies were responding to a question on Ask Reddit about whether they would break up with someone if they weren’t “woke” enough for you. The question delved into a woman who realized that she and her boyfriend would always get into fights about topics like feminism, politics, and cultural appropriation but that she discovered it wasn’t because he was ignorant to those topics, he wasn’t willing to listen and grow to other points of view.

The ladies determined that it’s one thing to be ignorant about an issue but it’s entirely another to be disinterested or unconcerned.

That’s when Mowry-Housley piped up with another story about watching her then-boyfriend at her sister, Tia’s wedding to Cory Hardrict, to see how he intermingled with her Black family members. She said her family members came up to her and confirmed he was a keeper. She said they told her “Yes, we love Adam. He feels comfortable with us.”

READ MORE: WATCH: Tamera Mowry-Housley defends her man ‘My husband is not a racist!’

“He’s also open to learning. And on his side, I learned about wine … you know, the wine culture,” she added about her husband of seven years.

The women of The Real are taking a four-week break because of the coronavirus. They pre-recorded a few episodes before they left to keep their audience engaged less on the news and more on some relationship and topical issues while they are out.

The post Tamera Mowry-Housley recalls husband catching his fingers in her weave appeared first on TheGrio.

from TheGrio https://ift.tt/2vGkrvU
via

Get Counted in the Census While You’re Quarantined During the Coronavirus Crisis

While the world is counting on America to find a solution for the coronavirus, communities and organizations are depending on people to be counted in the Census for funding. American’s response to the Census helps direct billions of dollars in federal funds to local communities for schools, roads, and other public services. Results will also be used to determine the number of seats each state has in Congress and political representation at all levels of government.

Traditionally, it has been difficult getting black and brown people counted in the Census due to a number of access-related issues. Now, the Census questionnaire is available online, by phone, or by mail. The 2020 Census questionnaire takes about 10 minutes to complete depending on the number of people in your household. If you have not received a questionnaire in the mail, you can be counted online. The information that you submit online is privacy protected.

Related: Civil Rights Leader Marc Morial Warns Black People to Stay ‘Woke and Aware’ in 2020

What you need to know before you get started:

• You must complete your questionnaire once you begin. If you leave the questionnaire and return later, you will have to start over.
• Do not use the web browser buttons (back, forward, or close browser). Use the buttons within the questionnaire to navigate.
• For best results, use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, or Safari. Enable cookies.

Key Dates for the US Census

• January 21: The U.S. Census Bureau started counting the population in remote Alaska. The count officially began in the rural Alaskan village of Toksook Bay.
• March 12 – 20: Households began receiving official Census Bureau mail with detailed information on how to respond to the 2020 Census online, by phone, or by mail.
• March 30 – April 1: The Census Bureau will count people who are experiencing homelessness over these three days. As part of this process, the Census Bureau counts people in shelters, at soup kitchens and mobile food vans, on the streets, and at non-sheltered, outdoor locations such as tent encampments.
• April 1: Census Day is observed nationwide. When you respond to the census, you’ll tell the Census Bureau where you live as of April 1, 2020.
• April: Census takers will begin visiting college students who live on campus, people living in senior centers, and others who live among large groups of people. Census takers will also begin following up with households that have not yet responded in areas that include off-campus housing, where residents are not counted in groups. [This is subject to change given the Coronavirus outbreak]
• May – July: Census takers will begin visiting homes that haven’t responded to the 2020 Census to help make sure everyone is counted.
• December: The Census Bureau will deliver apportionment counts to the President and Congress as required by law.

2021

• March 31: By this date, the Census Bureau will send redistricting counts to states. This information is used to redraw legislative districts based on population changes.

                                 [Source: U.S. Census Bureau]

To get counted, Visit my2020census.gov 

from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/3dgLoHr
via

How Fast Does a Virus Spread? Let’s Do the Math

Infectious diseases grow exponentially, not linearly. The number of cases seems small—until they're not, and then it's too late.

from Wired https://ift.tt/2J3X4PW
via

Has the Coronavirus Killed the Techlash?

Plus: Larry Page’s predictions on regulation, Elon Musk’s brain chip, and an unthinkably bad day for Utah.

from Wired https://ift.tt/2wojadb
via