News

Google is ordered to pay $314.6 million to Android smartphone users in California because the company misused customers’ data. A San Jose jury made the ruling on Tuesday, saying the tech giant was sending and receiving data without users’ permission while the devices were idle. Per The Guardian, the lawsuit stated that the company is liable for “mandatory and unavoidable burdens shouldered by Android device users for Google’s benefit.”

What did Google say after being accused of misusing users’ data?

Jose Castaneda, a Google spokesperson, refuted the verdict from the San Jose court. Per The Guardian, Castaneda said in a statement  that the verdict “misunderstands services that are critical to the security, performance, and reliability of Android devices.”

Google argued that the company didn’t harm any Android users by collecting data. The company also said users consented to Google’s terms of service and privacy policies before their information was collected. According to Reuters, the defense counsel said “plaintiffs’ theory is revealed as little more than a (misguided) product design claim” when the “rhetoric and hyperbole are set aside.” There is no “wrongful conversion,” the defense counsel stated, per Reuters.

What did the plaintiffs say after Google was ordered to pay for data misuse?

 Attorney Glen Summers, who is representing the plaintiffs, praised Tuesday’s verdict. Per The Guardian, Summers said the ruling “forcefully vindicates the merits of this case and reflects the seriousness of Google’s misconduct.”

The plaintiffs, who filed the class action lawsuit in 2019 representing about 14 million Android users in California, argued that Google collected information from Android phones, even when the devices were off, and used the data for targeted advertising. Android users added that Google forced them to waste the data they purchased from their carriers as it was transferring people’s information.

A separate group has also filed a case against Google for collecting data without people’s consent. The lawsuit, also filed in San Jose, represents Android users in the 49 states outside of California. That case is expected to go to trial in April 2026.

Ohio residents may have unclaimed funds to claim, as a new multi-billion-dollar plan will utilize this money for sports-related projects.

The Columbus Patch reported that Republican Gov. Mike DeWine signed a two-year state budget on Wednesday that allocates $600 million of that money toward building a new domed stadium for the Cleveland Browns in Brook Park.

The move is part of a $1.7 billion state plan, with $600 million designated for the new football stadium. Another $400 million will go toward other stadium projects, with $700 million reserved for unspecified purposes.

Although the plan calls for using unclaimed funds for these projects, it has faced opposition from state Democrats and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. The state can now assume ownership of over $4.8 million in unclaimed property, such as old paychecks and security deposits, if left unclaimed for 10 years — a shift from the previous policy.

What are unclaimed funds?

Unclaimed funds are inactive or forgotten money, such as old bank accounts, uncashed checks, or utility deposits, reported to the Ohio Department of Commerce after a period of inactivity, according to The Columbus Dispatch.

Ohio has worked to return unclaimed funds to rightful owners through several channels.

The average claim is $4,000, and in 2023, residents filed more than 43,000 claims, resulting in over $139 million returned.

How Ohio residents can check for missing money

The Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Unclaimed Funds provides a webpage that guides residents on how to check for unclaimed money, claim it, and submit the necessary forms to receive their funds.

This resource explains the entire process clearly to help people recover lost or forgotten money.

Ohio residents can search for unclaimed funds using online portals like missingmoney.com and the Ohio Department of Commerce’s website portal. They can also find out if the state has withheld any lost money by using their name and following the instructions on the site.

For those without internet access, the division also offers in-person assistance and kiosks for additional help.

What to do if you have unclaimed funds

You can claim unclaimed funds by completing a form and providing the required identification or documents. For claims over $3,000, notarization may be required.

Submit the forms online or by mail to the Ohio Department of Commerce. Processing typically takes up to 120 days, and incomplete claims may cause delays in the process. Check your claim status online.

To check the status of your claim, you can visit the division’s webpage: com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/unclaimed-funds.

The Trump administration has been cracking down on immigration through the deployment of ICE officers across the country. These initiatives have been met with backlash from people living in the United States.

Several protests have been held to call out the mass deployment of ICE across the country, while others are reporting ICE sightings on social media. A developer saw a need to gather the latter’s information and launched an app titled ICEBlock.

What is the ICEBlock app?

ICEBlock is an app that allows users to report ICE activity in real time within a five-mile radius. All reports are anonymous. The app is free to download on the App Store. ICEBlock isn’t currently available on Androids, as “achieving this level of anonymity on Android is not feasible due to the inherent requirements of push notification services,” according to the app’s website.

The app currently counts over 70,000 users, according to The Independent. This number is growing rapidly as it reached the No. 1 spot on the App Store’s most downloaded list on Tuesday. ICEBlock is available in 14 languages; it has adopted the slogan, “See something, tap something.”

“In recent years, ICE has faced criticism for alleged civil rights abuses and failures to adhere to constitutional principles and due process, making it crucial for communities to stay informed about its operations,” the app’s website indicates. “Modeled after Waze but for ICE sightings, the app ensures user privacy by storing no personal data, making it impossible to trace reports back to individual users.”

The app’s developer added that he saw parallels between the current deportation of immigrants in the U.S. with those that occurred in Nazi Germany in the 1940s.

“When I saw what was happening in this country, I wanted to do something to fight back,” Joshua Aaron told CNN. “We’re literally watching history repeat itself.”

ICEBlock “does not condone violence of any kinds,” he also told The Independent. “We state this multiple times in the app, and I have reiterated this in every interview I have given. ICEBlock serves to ‘inform, not obstruct’ and its goal is to allow people to avoid potentially harmful encounters with ICE.”

The Trump administration is alleging the ICEBlock app condones violence

Several members of the Trump administration have criticized the app and have alleged it promotes violence against ICE officers.

“What they’re doing is actively encouraging people to avoid law enforcement activities, operations, and we’re going to actually go after them and prosecute them,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said, per The Independent. “What they’re doing is illegal.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt added that ICEBlock “sounds like this would be an incitement of further violence against our ICE officers.”

ICE acting director Todd M. Lyons called out coverage of the app’s popularity by CNN, saying that it is “reckless and irresponsible.”

“Advertising an app that basically paints a target on federal law enforcement officers’ backs is sickening,” he said. “Going on live television to announce an app that lets anyone zero in on their locations is like inviting violence against them with a national megaphone. CNN is willfully endangering the lives of officers who put their lives on the line every day and enabling dangerous criminal aliens to evade U.S. law. Is this simply reckless ‘journalism’ or overt activism?”

CNN published a response, which indicated reporting on the app is not illegal: “This is an app that is publicly available to any iPhone user who wants to download it,” the network wrote in a statement, according to The Independent. “There is nothing illegal about reporting the existence of this or any other app, nor does such reporting constitute promotion or other endorsement of the app by CNN.”

“We will not be intimidated,” Aaron said in response to the Trump administration’s claims. “As long as ICE agents have quotas, and this administration ignores people’s constitutional rights, we will continue fighting back.”

“No human is illegal,” he added.

The seven-week trial of disgraced music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is nearing completion. While the jury reached a verdict Tuesday on four of five charges, they were initially deadlocked on the main racketeering charge. On the third day of deliberations, the panel acquitted him of racketeering and sex trafficking but found him guilty on lesser charges.

NBC News reported that the 12-person jury found Combs, 55, not guilty of one count of racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion but guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.

At sentencing, the prostitution transportation charge carries up to 10 years per count. Prosecutors plan to seek 20 years in prison.

Will Combs remain in jail?

Combs’ defense lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, asked Judge Arun Subramanian to release Combs on bail after the jury delivered its verdict.

“He has been acquitted of very, very serious charges. He has been convicted of a far less serious charge,” Agnifilo said, according to USA Today.

Meanwhile, prosecutor Maurene Comey argued that Combs is abusive based on his behavior in his past relationships and stressed to Subramanian that he should remain behind bars.

“It is clear that the defendant does pose a danger,” Comey said.

The jury, comprised of eight men and four women, in the New York federal court had initially decided on the earlier charges on Tuesday. Subramanian told them to continue deliberating on the racketeering charge, the most serious count, which carried a possible life sentence if Combs was convicted, the BBC and USA Today reported. Subramanian said he would review whether to release Combs later Wednesday, and the judge will determine his sentence at a later date.

Here’s a breakdown of the racketeering charge and its role in Combs’ federal trial.

What is racketeering?

Racketeering conspiracy, under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, involves directing a criminal enterprise to commit offenses such as sex trafficking, kidnapping, and obstruction of justice, per the BBC.

Initially used to target mob bosses, the law has since been applied in high-profile cases, such as those involving R. Kelly and President Donald Trump.

To convict Combs, prosecutors would have proven that he used his inner circle to orchestrate crimes, including organizing coerced sexual encounters known as the “freak-offs.” Blavity reported that authorities had found drugs, baby oil and other evidence at his Los Angeles and Miami homes during the FBI raid.

When was Combs initially indicted, and what charges did he face?

Combs was arrested on Sept. 17 following a New York grand jury indictment on sex trafficking and racketeering charges. He is accused of running a criminal enterprise that “engaged or attempted to engage in activities including sex trafficking, forced labor, interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution, drug offenses, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice,” according to Blavity and The Associated Press.

The Harlem native has since denied the charges and maintained his innocence. Since the start of the trial, both sides have presented their cases to the jury, with testimonies from those who were closest to Combs, including his former girlfriend, Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura-Fine.

Last week, federal prosecutors dropped several significant charges against Combs, including kidnapping, arson and aiding in sex trafficking, before closing arguments. The Department of Justice said it chose to focus on charges it could reasonably prove, citing concerns about witness reliability and the extensive evidence required for a conviction.

Two people have died and two others were injured in a shooting that occurred at a picnic organized by a group of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. members in Atlanta. The incident happened after an individual showed up uninvited, according to law enforcement.

The group of fraternity members organized a picnic on Saturday at Coan Park in Atlanta. A man who was uninvited showed up at the event, which led to an argument. Per WSB-TV, the uninvited man had on a face mask.

What happened at a Kappa Alpha Psi picnic in Atlanta?

The dispute escalated, and at least two people pulled out guns and started shooting around 8 p.m., law enforcement told FOX 5 Atlanta.

“From what we know at this point, there was an uninvited guest that arrived to the location, which led to a confrontation which led to guns being produced and shots being fired between the two individuals,” Atlanta Police Department Homicide Commander Lt. Andrew Smith said.

One person, who was later identified as 33-year-old Anthony Pearson, died after being shot in the head. He was not involved in the altercation, according to police. Another person, 23-year-old Justin Minnitee, was shot several times and was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital in critical condition before dying of his injuries. He is believed to have started the dispute.

Two other people were injured and were admitted into the hospital. One is in stable condition and the other suffered a graze wound.  

Anthony Pearson’s family is grieving him

“He was going to make you feel like family. Everybody was family to him,” his sister told Fox 5 Atlanta. “His aura is unmatched, it’s always going to be unmatched.”

“When our dad passed, Anthony stepped up. He was the one,” she added. “That’s why I call him my little big brother—because let him tell it, he’s the oldest and we have to listen to him.”

Pearson decided to attend the fraternity picnic to celebrate brotherhood.

“It just was brotherhood—it was another extension of his family,” she said.

The Atlanta Police Department is currently investigating the incident and has asked the public to bring forward any helpful information.

Remy Ma was involved in an intense verbal exchange on June 24 at a courthouse in Queens, New York, with the daughter of the man her son, Jayson “Jace” Scott, is accused of murdering.

Vibe reported that the heated confrontation occurred on the steps of the courthouse, where 23-year-old Scott faces charges stemming from the 2021 death of 47-year-old Darius Guillebeaux. According to People magazine, Scott was arraigned in June 2024 on a seven-count indictment, including first and second-degree murder, reckless endangerment, and four counts of criminal possession of a weapon.

What happened between Jazmin Dior and Remy Ma?

The Shade Room posted a video Jazmin Dior shared of the dispute after she approached the Bronx rapper. In the clip, she accused Remy Ma of “trying to act tough” and told her to “go around the corner,” implying that she wanted to confront the 45-year-old physically without involving law enforcement.

After Dior called her out, the “Conceited” artist appeared unfazed by her comments and responded, “Come on, beat me up,” as she walked down the steps and set her belongings down before the video ended. While there is no confirmation that the pair fought physically, a separate clip showed Remy Ma being handcuffed and escorted by police officers. As of now, the reason for her detention remains unknown.

In a follow-up post, Dior candidly shared her side of the story, saying, “You would have thought I did something to you,” she said in the clip to Remy Ma, stating that the rapper did not appear to be remorseful over Scott’s actions. “Realistically, I can never speak to my father again. You can see your son.”

Dior also accused the MC of staring at her “with a whole attitude… as if her son was the victim. Like miss, where’s your remorse?” she asked.

Scott’s alleged role in the 2021 murder case, explained

Prosecutors allege that Scott was hired to kill Guillebeaux in Queens on June 7, 2021, and shot him multiple times, including after he had already fallen, AllHipHop and Blavity reported.

Richard Swygert, 22, who is accused of conspiring with Scott, faces similar charges and is already imprisoned for a separate 2021 killing.

After a probe into the incident, investigators arrested both Scott and Swygert on June 18, 2024, as they determined that they were both involved in the shooting based on surveillance and phone records.

Remy Ma has supported her son through his legal issues

Since then, Remy Ma has supported her son through his legal proceedings. At the time, a spokesperson for the rapper released a statement regarding the charges against Scott.

“As many have heard, Remy Ma’s son, Jayson Scott was recently arrested and very serious unfounded allegations have been made,” the statement read, per People. “Remy Ma wished to address this situation personally, but has been strongly advised by our office not to say anything publicly — as most people in this situation are, as the case is still active. To be clear, Jayson Scott is innocent and Remy Ma is committed to proving his innocence and fully supporting her child during this time.”

If convicted, Scott faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s larger-than-life Venetian wedding has rubbed many the wrong way, including Rosie O’Donnell.

The actor, comedian and TV personality host penned a poem-styled message condemning the A-listers who went to the days-long shindig, calling out Oprah Winfrey in particular for attendance.

O’Donnell said the wedding ‘turned my stomach’

On Monday, O’Donnell shared her disdain for the wedding, which she said made her sick to her stomach.

“It turned my stomach

Seeing all these billionaires

Gathering in the gross excess of it all

The show of it,” she wrote on Instagram alongside then-and-now images of Sánchez, appearing to criticize the newlywed bride’s plastic surgery.

She added, “Is Oprah friends with Jeff Besos

Really – how is that possible

He treats his employees with disdain

By any metric he is not a nice man

And his fake fem bot wife

Who looks like that

Why would he choose her

After the salt of the earth Mackenzie

Sold his soul

Is what it looks like from here

The devil is smiling

At all his conquests,” before inviting users to read the rest of her thoughts on the wedding in her Substack newsletter.

Oprah attended the glitzy bash with Gayle King, who joined Sánchez on Bezos’ Blue Origin company all-female space flight in April. As Blavity reported, Katy Perry, NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe and bioastronautics research scientist Amanda Nguyen were also a part of the history-making all-women crew.

Charlize Theron said wedding attendees ‘suck’

O’Donnell isn’t the only celebrity to criticize the billionaire wedding. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Charlize Theron called out the luxurious nuptials while hosting the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project Annual Block Party on Saturday.

“I think we might be the only people who did not get an invite to the Bezos wedding. But that’s OK because they suck and we’re cool,” she told attendees.

Like O’Donnell and Theron, many have been outraged by the Bezos’ wedding. Weeks before the event, Italian anti-tourist activists, members representing Greenpeace Italy and “Everyone hates Elon,” a U.K.-based group against the Tesla CEO, protested the affair. They argued that city authorities facilitating the enormous event, with celebrity attendees such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Bill Gates, Kendall, Kris and Kylie Jenner, Kim and Khloé Kardashian, Usher and many others, were ignoring locals’ needs in favor of the A-list bash, Reuters reported.

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income recipients will receive their benefits on a regular calendar schedule for July.

When will SSI recipients receive their benefits?

SSI recipients typically receive their benefits on the first of each month. However, as Blavity reported, beneficiaries received two payments in May, on the 1st and the 30th, because June’s payment was issued early due to the first falling on the weekend.

More than 7.4 million Americans receive SSI payments each month. For July and August, recipients can expect to receive them on Tuesday, July 1, and Friday, August 1, as expected, according to the SSA’s calendar schedule.

Here is the complete 2025 schedule for SSI benefits:

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 (Check for July 2025)

Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 (Check for August 2025)

Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 (Check for September 2025)

Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 (Check for October 2025)

Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 (Check for November 2025)

Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 (Check for December 2025)

Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 (Check for January 2026)

July Social Security payment schedule

Social Security payments are issued to recipients on the first Wednesday of each month. Beneficiaries with a birthdate between the 1st and 10th will receive a payment on the second Wednesday of the month on July 9.

Those with a birthdate between the 11th and 20th will receive a payment on the third Wednesday, July 16.

For recipients with a birthdate after the 20th, payment will be made on the fourth Wednesday of the month, which is July 23, according to the Social Security Administration’s payment calendar.

Beneficiaries who began receiving Social Security benefits before May 1997 are paid on the 3rd of each month.

While Social Security and SSI benefits can vary from month to month due to calendar dates, specifically weekends and holidays, recipients can still expect to receive their benefits.

Abe Diaw, the music producer who accused Chris Brown of attacking him with a glass bottle of alcohol in a London club, is deciding not to move forward with suing him. Billboard reported that Brown received a break in the lawsuit. Diaw, who was seeking justice after allegedly being assaulted at London’s Tape Nightclub on Feb. 19, 2023, seems to have had a change of heart.

Why was the London assault lawsuit against Chris Brown dropped?

Diaw has decided to submit a petition to dismiss the case on the grounds of prejudice, which means the matter is considered permanently closed and cannot be refiled—this follows Brown’s not guilty plea in June.

The reason why Diaw made this decision is currently unknown. There are several possible reasons why this can occur, including a settlement being reached, a lawyer or party involved misbehaving or insufficient evidence. There have been no statements from Brown or Diaw’s legal counsel indicating that they settled outside of court.

Initially, Abe Diaw alleged that Chris Brown attacked him in London

As Blavity reported, Diaw claimed that Brown struck him multiple times with a bottle of tequila before kicking him while he was down on the ground. He went to the hospital to treat his injuries and left on crutches. This led to Brown’s arrest ahead of his Breezy Bowl, which celebrates the 20th anniversary of his self-titled debut album. The Grammy winner posted a hefty $6.75 million bail, but he was forced to surrender his passport and remain in the UK except for his scheduled tour dates.

Brown’s next court appearance in London is scheduled for July 11, with the full trial set to start on Oct. 26, 2026. He’s in the middle of his Breezy Bowl XX Tour with upcoming stops in Glasgow and Paris. After that, Brown is set to kick off the U.S. leg in Miami on July 30.