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Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Harrison, Graham tied at polls heading into SC Senate election

The duo are locked in a virtual tie, with the Republican lawmaker leading by just a single percentage point.

Jaime Harrison, Sen. Lindsey Graham’s Democratic challenger, could be inching closer to his goal to unseat the Republican lawmaker in their South Carolina Senate race.

The duo are locked in a virtual tie, with Graham leading Harrison by just a single percentage point, 44 percent to 43 percent, in a poll conducted by data intelligence firm Morning Consult, per The Post and Courier.

Graham’s campaign spokesman T.W. Arrighi told the publication that the poll “excludes the opinions of numerous voters” and said its findings “are far different than what our internal polling shows.” 

Read More: Sen. Lindsey Graham outraised by Dem challenger Jaime Harrison

“But one thing is consistent in all polling,” he said. “The more voters find out about how radically liberal Jaime Harrison is, the less they support him.” 

The poll was conducted July 24 to Aug. 2 from among 741 likely voters. 

Harrison shared a video on Twitter of his wife surprising him with the poll results. 

‘No one gave us a shot. Yet, here we are, giving a 25 year incumbent the fight of his political life,” Harrison said in the tweet. “Three months to go. Let’s do this.”

theGRIO previously reported, Harrison released an ad last month about the need for police reform and accountability, addressing it to his “amazing Black boys” as he seeks to challenge Sen. Graham. 

The “My Community” ad is narrated by Harrison who asks in clip: “How do I explain to my two little boys they could be treated differently because of the color of their skin?”

Read More: Trump says he may suspend evictions with executive order

He goes on to say, “It’s my worst nightmare to know what could happen someday while they’re walking home from the store, jogging in the neighborhood or being pulled over by the police. How do I tell them that this prejudice could incite those who are sworn to protect and serve them to one day hurt and kill them? How do I tell them?”

The Georgetown University alum says he is running for Graham’s seat in the reliably red state in order to be a difference-maker.

Harrison has vowed to put into action proposals that will bring relief to those who need it most and not just offer “lip service” which he thinks Graham has done.

Harrison, the first Black American chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party, has raised nearly $30 million for his campaign, according to reports.

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Rapper FBG Duck killed in drive-by shooting: report

There were four gunmen and police say the shooting ‘was specifically targeted for these individuals.’

Rapper FBG Duck was shot and killed along Chicago’s Gold Coast on Tuesday afternoon.

His rep confirmed with XXL Magazine that Duck, (born Carlton Weekly) was the victim of a triple shooting in his hometown, that left three others injured. Graphic photos and videos from the scene are circulating social media, showing people lying on the ground shot. A crowd forms as word spreads that a celebrity has been gunned down broad daylight.

Daniel O’Shea, Deputy Chief for the Chicago Police Department, announced in a press conference on Tuesday (Aug. 4) that a 26-year-old Black male was killed by four gunmen who pulled up on him in two vehicles and opened fire. 

Read More: Newly promoted Chicago police chief dies by suicide in department facility

“At approximately 16:37 hours today, right here in the 100 block of East Oak Street, we had three individuals shopping,” O’Shea said of the shooting. “Two vehicles pulled up. Four individuals exited those vehicles, two from each vehicle, and began firing at the individuals that were on the sidewalk outside of one of the stores here. They also struck a female that was in one of the vehicles, which was also parked outside one of the stores here.”

Chief O’Shea added, “Right now we have one male, Black, 26 years old, transported to Northwestern Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased,” he stated. “We have one female, Black, 26 years old, who was also transported to a hospital. She’s currently in serious condition. And we have an additional male, Black, 36 years old, also in serious condition at Northwestern Hospital.”

According to police, three people were shopping when two vehicles pulled up and four people hopped out, two from each car, and “began firing at the individuals who were on the sidewalk outside one of the stores.” 

There were “multiple shots” and four shooters, police said, noting that the shooting  “was specifically targeted for these individuals.” 

The crime occurred in an area that is “well-policed,” and the gunmen were able to flee the scene. Investigators are now collecting video evidence and seeking witnesses, per Heavy.com.

Read More: Five arrested in Brooklyn rapper Pop Smoke’s death

Ja’Mal Green, a former Chicago mayoral candidate, criticized the CPD over  how the crime scene was handled. He wrote on Twitter, “Popular rapper FBG Duck has just been pronounced dead after being shot in the Gold Coast an hour ago. Prayers up for his family, bring justice to them after this senseless act.”

Green wrote in a follow-up tweet, “I’m super questioning how long it took for the ambulance to arrive on scene. Someone on the scene, please dm me and tell me how long you were there before paramedics arrived. I saw way too many videos of Officers scared to approach and not enough paramedics there to help!”

He added, “Police neglected to offer basic medical aid to FBG Duck and I’m sure their excuse is going to be “Covid”. He laid there needing help and it took way too long for him to get help. How many black men and women die because of time everyday after being shot? SICKENING!”

FBG Duck reportedly leaves behind a young daughter.

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Kevin Hart defends Ellen DeGeneres against workplace accusations

The comedian took to social media to fire back at accusations that the talk show host abuses her staff.

Kevin Hart has come to the defense of Ellen DeGeneres amid criticism that she fosters a toxic workplace environment on her daytime talk show. 

The Jumanji took to social media to fire back at accusations that DeGeneres  mistreats and abuses her staff, Entertainment Weekly reports. Comedian Kevin Porter and TV writer Ben Simeon are among those to publicly speak out in recent weeks about her alleged rude and diva-like antics as host of The Ellen Show.

“It’s crazy to see my friend go thru what she’s going thru publicly. I have known Ellen for years and I can honestly say that she’s one of the dopest people on the f—ing planet,” Hart wrote in a lengthy Instagram message. “She has treated my family and my team with love and respect from day 1.”

Read More: Ellen DeGeneres responds to allegations of toxic work environment

WarnerMedia is conducting an internal investigation into claims of an “abusive” work environment on the nationally syndicated program, including allegations of sexual misconduct against top producers. 

The investigation was launched following a bombshell Buzzfeed report, in which current and former employees dish about the bullying behavior behind the scenes of the Emmy-winning talk show. 

DeGeneres is not the focus of WarnerMedia’s ongoing investigation, but staffers reportedly want her to be held accountable since it’s her show.

She issued a statement last week claiming she was completely unaware of the problems on set, but she accepts overall responsibility. 

“As we’ve grown exponentially, I’ve not been able to stay on top of everything and relied on others to do their jobs as they knew I’d want them done,” she said. “Clearly some didn’t. That will now change and I’m committed to ensuring this does not happen again.”

DeGeneres said she’s “glad the issues at our show were brought to my attention” and that she and her team are “taking steps … to correct them.”

Read More: Kevin Hart shares details on his new audiobook ‘The Decision: Overcoming Today’s BS for Tomorrow’s Success’

Hart, meanwhile, made time to call out the negativity that permeates social media in his statement about the controversy.

“The internet has become a crazy world of negativity….we are falling in love with people’s downfall. It’s honestly sad…When did we get here? I stand by the ones that I know and that I love,” he wrote on IG.

“Looking forward to the future where we get back to loving one another….this hate s— has to stop. Hopefully, it goes out of style soon….This post is not meant to disregard the feelings of others and their experiences….It’s simply to show what my experiences have been with my friend. Love you for life Ellen,” Hart added. 

Meanwhile, Ellen DeGeneres will return to host season 18 of her talk show, despite speculation that she is stepping back when the show returns in the fall.

A production insider has confirmed that “no one is stepping in or taking over.”

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Odell Beckham Jr. says it doesn’t make sense to have an NFL season

The NFL star says that he doesn’t believe that the NFL season should go on and that it’s all about money

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. says he doesn’t believe there should be an NFL season this year. He told the Wall Street Journal he thinks it’s only happening because of money.

Read More: Simone Biles debuts new NFL boyfriend Jonathan Owens on Instagram

We’re not ready for football season,” he told the Journal.

Odell Beckham Jr. thegrio.com
Odell Beckham Jr. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

“So why are we trying to push forward? It’s obviously for their money. And that bothers me because there’s always been this—and I hate saying it like that—but the owners’ [attitude is], ‘Oh, we own you guys,’ and just kind of that unfairness going on that they don’t see us as human. I just feel like the season shouldn’t happen and I’m prepared for it to not happen and I wouldn’t mind not having it.”

Beckham is a star in the league despite the lack of on-field success his team had last year with Freddie Kitchens as coach and Baker Mayfield as the quarterback. Kitchens has been dispatched for Kevin Stefanski, the former offensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings and the team has a new African American GM, Andrew Berry.

The interview was done two weeks ago according to sportswriter Mary Kay Cabot who covers the Browns. This was prior to the NFL Player’s Association agreeing on safety protocols which included daily testing and no preseason games.

Players can opt out of the 2020-2021 season for both personal and health reasons, and several have, including New England Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower, star running back Damien Williams of the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and Marquise Goodwin of the Philadelphia Eagles.

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ᴡʜʏ ɪ’ᴍ ᴏᴘᴛɪɴɢ ᴏᴜᴛ ғʀᴏᴍ ᴛʜᴇ 2020 ɴғʟ sᴇᴀsᴏɴ By Marquise Goodwin – husband, father, son, brother, football player @nfl . Before I get into the specifics, hear me out. It is truly a blessing and privilege to be able to play football, a game that I love so much and have been blessed to play since the age of 9. The NFL Organization provides my family and I with many opportunities that wouldn’t have presented itself in other industries. Traveling to several States multiple times a year and internationally to play on foreign soil has allowed me to gain an appreciation for different cultures and a wider world view perspective. The NFL Football organization has allowed me to create a platform I always dreamed of and it allows me to reach numerous people on different stages of life. Three years ago, I made a decision that affected my whole life. I chose to leave my wife at the hospital after prematurely birthing our first baby boy (due to incompetent cervix) which resulted in a fatality, to play in a football game. I felt like I had to prove to my coaches and new team that I was dedicated to winning and I wouldn’t let anything keep me from the goal, not even my family. The following year in the same month, same week, our lives took another traumatic turn. Two weeks after learning her abdominal cerclage was failing, my wife called me shortly after we landed and arrived to our team hotel in Tampa, Florida to inform me she was having painful contractions, and my grandma (who flew up to help take care of Morgan while I would go to work and away games) had to rush her to the emergency room. Here we are again in the same predicament as a year ago, except I was almost 3,000 miles away this time. Anxiety weighed heavily on me because I once again had to decide – will I choose to play a game again like everyone may expect me to, or do I go home and tend to my ailing wife? After much prayer and discussion, I told our team GM that I absolutely had to fly back and take care of my wife, in attempt to honor my wedding vows that I made to both her, myself, and God. He and the 49ers organization… [ᴛᴏ ʟᴇᴀʀɴ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʟɪᴄᴋ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪɴᴋ ɪɴ ᴍʏ ʙɪᴏ]

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Players have until Thursday to make their decision, reports Fox News.

Read More: Eagles wide receiver Marquise Goodwin opts out of NFL season over COVID-19 concerns

Beckham has not opted out nor is he expected to. Berry says he talked to Beckham and that he realizes he needs to be more conscientious with his words according to Cabot.

“We’re really happy with everything that the NFL and the PA (Player’s Association) have agreed upon and everything that we’ve done in Cleveland,” Berry said to the media.

As it relates to Beckham, “He’s really focused on having a great year.”

Numerous NFL players have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus including Browns backup quarterback Garrett Gilbert. The NBA and WNBA have so far largely escaped any COVID setbacks as they’ve been isolated to “bubbles” in Orlando and Bradenton, Florida respectively.

Detroit Lions v Cleveland Browns
Quarterback Garrett Gilbert #3 of the Cleveland Browns during the first half of a preseason game against the Detroit Lions at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Major league baseball, playing outside a bubble and traveling to various team cities as the NFL is expected to do, has been struggling to complete a truncated season as positive COVID-19 tests keep coming.

The Miami Marlins had 18 players test positive for the virus forcing the cancellation of multiple games and have not played since July 2. Today, the season was upended again when 13 St. Louis Cardinals players tested positive. All of the players have been asymptomatic or have had mild cases, say multiple reports.

Eagles head coach Doug Pederson recently tested positives and New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton recovered from the virus earlier this year.

Beckham may have a valid point as the NFL has the largest roster of players of any of the four leagues with 60, not including staff and team personnel. As far as spectators for games, each of the 32 teams has so far taken a different tack.

According to ESPN, The Eagles, Jets, and Giants, for example, play in states (Pennsylvania and New Jersey) that have restricted large outdoor gatherings for the near future. It most likely means no spectators, while others like the Dallas Cowboys have said they will allow spectators with capacity limits.

Texas, though, is one of the states with spiking coronavirus cases at the moment.

Read More: Roger Goodell announces cancellation of NFL preseason games

The challenges of playing this NFL season may be best described by Kelly Stafford, wife of Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford who was quarantined after a coronavirus test came back with a false positive. He has since tested negative. Kelly described their experience on Instagram.


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Rihanna covers all 26 international editions of September’s Harper’s Bazaar

The Bajan superstar has been on hiatus but she took the time to appear on more than a few Harper’s Bazaar covers

As if she isn’t already winning at life, this week it was revealed that Rihanna has snagged the cover of not just one September issue, but all 26 editions of Harper’s Bazaar being released around the world.

Tuesday, the U.S. edition of the publication dropped featuring both a cover and an accompanying spread featuring the 32-year-old icon in a collection of portraits shot by Gray Sorrenti with creative director Jen Brill.

READ MORE: Tiffany Haddish confirms she’s dating Common: ‘Best relationship I’ve ever been in’

Inside the Fenty Beauty founder models designs from Chanel and Miu Miu along with some of her very own Fenty and Savage x Fenty pieces. While sitting down for the cover story with writer Kahlana Barfield Brown, the pop star turned mogul opens up about Fenty Skin, the latest addition to her beauty empire.

“I’ve always seen the Fenty brand as more than just makeup and I knew I wanted to make skin care from the very beginning,” she explained. “It was just about getting it right. You have to live with the formulas for a while and test them in different ways. It’s very different from makeup in that sense. It takes a long time.”

“Rihanna’s unapologetic determination to make beauty an inclusive industry—and her insistence that beauty be democratic—changed the game,” actress Tracee Ellis Ross, who last year launched her own beauty brand, Pattern, is quoted as saying in the piece. “She seems to imagine from a world where there are no limits, inviting us all to do the same.”

READ MORE: Rihanna cheered for using body positive curvy mannequins at Fenty pop-up shop

The nuanced profile echoes Ross’ sentiments, taking note that, “Rihanna has opened doors for women of all races, sizes, orientations, and creeds to be both seen and heard, which is not just a concept she has grasped and capitalized on but a reality she has lived. Like the hug from one Black girl to another, you can’t fake that. Not with all the foundation or concealer in the world.”

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@graysorrenti you baaadddd!!!

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Rihanna also shared her personal nighttime skincare routine with Harper’s Bazaar. Watch below:


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Monday, August 3, 2020

Taylor Swift changes ‘Folklore’ design after being dragged for copying Black woman’s brand

After catching heat on social media for stealing a Black girl’s magic, the singer decided to change her logo design.

Following accusations that she ripped off a Black woman’s brand, Taylor Swift has changed the design of her “Folklore” merchandise.

Swift wasted no time taking action after entrepreneur Amira Rasool, owner of New York City-based The Folklore, noted on July 24 that the singer’s logo on her new album merch was quite similar to her own brand’s trademark, New York Daily News reports.

“I am sharing my story to bring light to the trend of large companies/celebrities copying the work of small minority-owned business owners,” Rasool wrote in an Instagram post. “I am not going to let this blatant theft go unchecked.”

Read More: Taylor Swift breaks silence on leaked ‘Famous’ call with Kanye West

After catching heat on social media for allegedly stealing a Black girl’s magic, Swift decided to change the design for the merchandise promoting her seventh album, “Folklore,” which dropped July 24. 

In the statement, Swift’s rep explained that the “The” in the phrase “The Folklore Album” was removed on four merch items following Rasool’s criticism. 

“Yesterday, we were made aware of a complaint that the specific use of the word ‘the’ before ‘folklore album‘ on some of the folklore album merchandise was of concern,” the statement read. “Absolutely no merchandise using ‘the’ before the words ‘folklore album’ has been manufactured or sent out.”

The statement continued, “In good faith, we honored her request and immediately notified everyone who had ordered merchandise with the word ‘the’ preceding ‘folklore album’ that they will now receive their order with the design change.”

Rasool responded to the statement in a follow-up post.

“I commend Taylor’s team for recognizing the damage the merchandise caused to my company,” Rasool wrote post. “I recognize that she has been a strong advocate for women protecting their creative rights, so it was good to see her team is on the same page.”

Swift responded to the tweet, saying she donated to the Black in Fashion Council, which launches Aug. 3. 

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