A $25m scam comes full circle
Remember that viral “Blessings” craze a few years back? The one wrapped in faith language, urgency, and promises of quick returns? One such “blessing” has now ended where many of us suspected it would: In a federal courtroom.
A North Texas couple, Marlon Moore and LaShonda Moore, has been convicted for orchestrating a massive $25 million pyramid scheme. Prosecutors revealed the scale of the deception was staggering, targeting more than 10,000 victims during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when families were facing job losses and economic uncertainty, the Moores launched “Blessings In No Time” (BINT), a program that leaned heavily on church networks, community trust, and the couple’s reality TV visibility to sell a lie of “risk-free” wealth.
The demographic data in the case is particularly sobering. Federal investigators found that the scheme specifically sought out Black investors, leveraging shared cultural values and spiritual language to lower people’s guard. The Moores promised that a $1,400 investment could turn into $11,000, claiming the “blessing” was a form of collective economics. In reality, it was a classic pyramid. While the couple lived a life of luxury, approximately 90% of participants lost money.
The Moores now face decades in prison. But the real cost was paid long ago by families who trusted familiar faces, invested hard-earned stimulus checks or savings, and walked away with nothing. It’s a sobering reminder: Anything that requires you to recruit your friends, your church, or your community to get paid is most likely not a blessing – it’s a business model built on loss.
Racism is the new normal on X
Since Elon Musk acquired X (formerly Twitter), many Black users have noticed something unsettling…not just more racist content, but how quickly it became normalized. Slurs surged, disinformation spread, and outrage fatigue set in. That complacency should end now.
The data support the “vibe shift” many have felt. Research from groups like the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) reveals that in the months following the takeover, the use of the N-word on the platform increased by nearly 500%. This wasn’t just a glitch in the algorithm; it was a byproduct of a “free speech” policy that effectively dismantled the teams responsible for curbing hate speech and protecting marginalized groups.
Musk recently endorsed a white nationalist post arguing that “white solidarity” is necessary for survival, amplifying language that mirrors extremist talking points. This comes as he re-enters GOP political funding circles ahead of the 2026 midterms and as the platform continues to host anti-Black rhetoric with little consequence – often promoted by Musk’s own high-profile “likes” and “retweets.”
Platforms shape culture. When the owner of a global town square engages with content that suggests Black people are “low IQ” or “inherently violent” – claims that have seen a resurgence on the platform – it signals to others that the guardrails are down. Silence enables harm. The question isn’t just whether Black users should stay or leave; it’s also whether they should stay or leave. It’s whether we’re paying attention to what’s being normalized right in front of us.
Megan Thee Stallion is THAT girl
From a Popeyes franchise owner to a protein-powered pop culture icon, Megan Thee Stallion continues to demonstrate how star power, business savvy, and joy can coexist.
Her latest move? Teaming up with Dunkin’ for its playful new “Dunk N’ Pump” campaign, promoting the brand’s Protein Milk menu. In the ad, Megan appears as “Pro-Tina,” a retro workout instructor who serves up 1980s aerobics energy, signature humor, and, of course, Hot Girl confidence. The campaign is a masterclass in modern marketing; it recognizes that Megan’s audience values fitness and strength just as much as they value a good beat.
It’s fun. It’s strategic. And it’s another reminder that Megan isn’t just the face of campaigns — she’s shaping how brands talk to culture. Her business portfolio is becoming as diverse as her discography. She recently opened her own Popeyes franchise in Miami, proving she understands the value of brick-and-mortar ownership and passive income.
Beyond the “bag,” there is the impact. In an industry that often tries to put women in a single box, Megan is successfully navigating the worlds of luxury fashion, fast food, health, and hip-hop simultaneously. She is doing what she’s always done: Showing up, getting the bag, and redefining what success looks like on her own terms. Yes, THAT girl is representing H-Town well, proving that being a mogul is the ultimate workout.
