by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

January 30, 2026

6 Money-Saving Tips For People Struggling With High Prices

Here, Current, a consumer fintech banking platform, shares six moves to make now that can help you save.

You probably felt the sting of high prices during your holiday shopping or last trip to the grocery store. You’re not alone.

The latest government data shows that inflation has continued to decline from its post-COVID-19 highs, but wage growth is also slowing. And more Americans are struggling to pay for everyday essentials: A recent analysis from the Brookings Institution found that as of 2023, one-third of the American middle class cannot afford basic necessities.

Groceries, gas, housing, insurance, and even the little things that used to feel manageable now seem to cost noticeably more, says Alex Barnes, a wealth manager at Savvy Advisors. She says that for many households, the challenge is not reckless spending — it is that expenses have simply outpaced what individuals and families bring home from work.

“The affordability crisis is hitting everyone hard, and if you are feeling stretched, you are not alone,” Barnes says. “The good news is that while we cannot control inflation or the rising cost of goods and services, there are practical steps that can help restore some breathing room.”

Here, Current, a consumer fintech banking platform, shares six moves to make now that can help you save.

1. Strategize at the grocery store

While food is a necessity, what you buy and where you shop can make a meaningful difference in how much you save. For instance, frozen meat and produce can be less expensive than fresh alternatives, allowing you to buy in larger quantities without worrying about them spoiling quickly. Canned goods also often last longer and reduce food waste, Barnes says.

She says that if you prefer to stick with fresh options, swapping one item for another — like chicken thighs instead of chicken breast or chuck roast instead of ribeye — can significantly lower your grocery bill without sacrificing your plan.

Meal planning and prepping early in the week can also help.

“Planning ahead allows you to buy ingredients that work across multiple meals, review store sales before shopping, and reduce impulse purchases,” Barnes says. “Buying nonperishable items from stores like Walmart, Target, or warehouse clubs such as Costco or Sam’s Club can also lower costs, as these retailers are often able to price items more competitively than traditional grocery stores.”

2. Turn price volatility into an advantage

Many people lose money because they shop emotionally, not strategically — but when prices fluctuate, the flexible household wins, says Gabriel Shahin, founder and CEO of Falcon Wealth.

He recommends tracking prices on staples you already buy and stocking up when prices drop.

“Rotate brands instead of staying loyal, buy generic when quality is comparable, and plan purchases around sales cycles,” Shahin says. “Over a year, this doesn’t feel dramatic, but it can quietly save thousands without changing your lifestyle.”

3. Improve your debt situation

Credit cards with double-digit interest rates or other high-interest lines of credit can quietly undo a lot of the hard work you do to save, Barnes says. In some cases, she adds that consolidating debt can help free up monthly cash flow while still keeping you on track to pay it down. This may include personal loans with lower fixed interest rates or secured options if you have equity in a home or vehicle.

Promotional interest rates can also be helpful in the right situation, she adds. Credit card companies and banks often offer loans or balance transfers with low or even zero-percent interest for a limited time, usually with an upfront fee.

“These offers can save a significant amount in interest, but it is important to understand the terms and required payments,” Barnes says. “This option works best when you have a clear path to paying off the balance within the promotional period.”

Chipping away at your debt via the snowball or avalanche method can also help. The snowball method involves paying off your debts from lowest to highest balance, then moving on to the second-lowest balance, and so on. The avalanche method entails paying off your debts according to their interest rates (highest to lowest), no matter what the balance is. If you need to build up your credit history due to impacts from your debt, secured charge cards can help you build credit history from your everyday spending. You can only spend the amount of money available in your account, which minimizes the risks of adding any debt. You’ll want to look for a card that reports to all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and has a low or no required minimum deposit.

4. Simplify your finances to reduce mistakes

The complexity of these high prices causes overspending. The more accounts, cards, and subscriptions you have, the more likely money leaks out unnoticed, Shahin says. Fewer decisions mean fewer mistakes, and fewer mistakes mean more money staying in your account.

“Start by consolidating credit cards to one or two, closing unused accounts, and turning on autopay for essentials only,” he adds. “Review subscriptions quarterly and cancel anything you haven’t used in 60 days.”

Some banking and fintech apps offer money management tools that make it easy to see what type of items and services you spend on most often.

5. Review your tax plan

When reviewing your income, taxes are one of the first areas worth examining — they’re a major expense, but often receive less attention throughout the year than other areas of your finances, Barnes says. Start by revising your withholdings if you consistently receive a large tax refund.

“While a refund can feel nice, it represents money you paid throughout the year and did not have access to when you could have used it,” Barnes says. “Adjusting withholdings can increase take-home pay, which can then be used to pay down debt or cover ongoing expenses, reducing the need to rely on credit.”

If your withholdings are already fairly accurate, the next step to deal with high prices is reviewing ways to lower your tax bill. Contributing to tax-advantaged accounts such as health savings accounts (HSAs) and certain retirement accounts can lower taxable income, reduce overall tax liability, and improve cash flow throughout the year.

6. Shop around

When it comes to services you pay for, such as insurance, internet, cellphone plans, subscriptions, and even medical bills, it often pays to shop around more frequently than people expect, Barnes says.

“Companies know customers have options, and discounts are often available for those who ask,” she asks. “Even if you do not switch providers, having a conversation with your current provider about pricing and available options can lead to savings.”

This story was produced by Current and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

January 30, 2026

Federal Childcare Subsidies By State

According to the latest data from 2022 from the federal government’s Office of Child Care, just over $29 billion was spent on childcare subsidies

With recent fraud investigations ongoing in Minnesota and beyond centered on childcare businesses and other programs for low-income children, and following a new announcement of free daycare from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, taxpayers may be eager to understand where their tax dollars go with regard to childcare.

According to the latest data from the federal government’s Office of Child Care, just over $29 billion was spent on childcare subsidies in fiscal year 2022, with funds disbursed from both federal and state sources over the last few years. This funding can be assigned to a multitude of categorical intents, including ensuring quality programs, staff training, administrative costs, and more.

With this in mind, SmartAsset ranked each U.S. state based on the number of federal dollars spent on subsidies to childcare centers per resident younger than five years old.

Key Findings

New Mexico has the highest federal childcare subsidies at $1,782 per child. A total of $187.1 million in federal subsidies was spent in 2022 on behalf of 104,994 children under age five residing in the state. West Virginia had the second-highest childcare subsidies per capita at $1,651 for each of 87,469 young children.
Federal childcare subsidies are lowest in these states. South Dakota reported the lowest subsidies per capita in 2022 at $482 spent for each of 57,246 children under five. Virginia had the second-lowest rate of subsidies at $546 per child, followed by Nevada at $564 and Minnesota at $629.
Massachusetts and Minnesota are among the most expensive states for childcare. Nationwide, the weekly median cost of childcare ranges from $108 to $462, depending on location and age of the child. Infant care is most expensive, with Massachusetts and Minnesota ranking first and second-highest in this metric at $462 and $390 per week, respectively. Toddler prices in these states come in at $409 and $348 per week, while preschoolers cost a median of $310 in Massachusetts and $309 in Minnesota.
Median childcare is less than $150 per week in these states. Regardless of child age, weekly median childcare costs clocked in lowest in Mississippi, where a week of infant care is $119, while a week of toddler or preschooler care is $108. Alabama is the second most affordable, with infant care at $136, toddler care at $134, and preschooler care at $126 weekly. In South Dakota, the median price is $150 for infants and toddlers, and $136 for preschoolers.

A table ranking federal subsidies by state. — SmartAsset

Federal Childcare Subsidies and Cost of Childcare by State

States are ranked based on the federal subsidy money spent on childcare purposes per resident under age five in fiscal year 2022.

New Mexico

Federal subsidies per resident child: $1,782.21
Resident children under 5: 104,994
Total federal subsidies: $187,121,763
Weekly median price, infant care: NA
Weekly median price, toddler care: NA
Weekly median price, preschool care: NA

West Virginia

Federal subsidies per resident child: $1,651.20
Resident children under 5: 87,469
Total federal subsidies: $144,429,085
Weekly median price, infant care: $167.49
Weekly median price, toddler care: $159.10
Weekly median price, preschool care: $164.85

Massachusetts

Federal subsidies per resident child: $1,424.21
Resident children under 5: 342,252
Total federal subsidies: $487,438,791
Weekly median price, infant care: $461.55
Weekly median price, toddler care: $408.50
Weekly median price, preschool care: $310.00

Delaware

Federal subsidies per resident child: $1,308.53
Resident children under 5: 54,058
Total federal subsidies: $70,736,572
Weekly median price, infant care: $280.28
Weekly median price, toddler care: $199.21
Weekly median price, preschool care: $210.26

Michigan

Federal subsidies per resident child: $1,300.33
Resident children under 5: 536,805
Total federal subsidies: $698,023,298
Weekly median price, infant care: $173.20
Weekly median price, toddler care: $173.20
Weekly median price, preschool care: $155.65

Idaho

Federal subsidies per resident child: $1,287.86
Resident children under 5: 111,816
Total federal subsidies: $144,003,566
Weekly median price, infant care: $166.41
Weekly median price, toddler care: $154.45
Weekly median price, preschool care: $140.26

New Jersey

Federal subsidies per resident child: $1,282.96
Resident children under 5: 513,333
Total federal subsidies: $658,584,991
Weekly median price, infant care: $313.73
Weekly median price, toddler care: $302.99
Weekly median price, preschool care: $302.99

Arkansas

Federal subsidies per resident child: $1,247.05
Resident children under 5: 177,765
Total federal subsidies: $221,682,300
Weekly median price, infant care: NA
Weekly median price, toddler care: NA
Weekly median price, preschool care: NA

Louisiana

Federal subsidies per resident child: $1,234.15
Resident children under 5: 270,937
Total federal subsidies: $334,377,637
Weekly median price, infant care: $153.33
Weekly median price, toddler care: $147.27
Weekly median price, preschool care: $140.89

Vermont

Federal subsidies per resident child: $1,187.22
Resident children under 5: 27,875
Total federal subsidies: $33,093,721
Weekly median price, infant care: NA
Weekly median price, toddler care: NA
Weekly median price, preschool care: NA

Oklahoma

Federal subsidies per resident child: $1,070.86
Resident children under 5: 240,173
Total federal subsidies: $257,190,682
Weekly median price, infant care: $215.46
Weekly median price, toddler care: $186.45
Weekly median price, preschool care: $186.45

Hawai‘i

Federal subsidies per resident child: $1,037.10
Resident children under 5: 78,927
Total federal subsidies: $81,855,243
Weekly median price, infant care: $365.77
Weekly median price, toddler care: $263.08
Weekly median price, preschool care: $263.08

Alabama

Federal subsidies per resident child: $1,021.00
Resident children under 5: 284,064
Total federal subsidies: $290,028,771
Weekly median price, infant care: $136.01
Weekly median price, toddler care: $134.35
Weekly median price, preschool care: $125.60

Georgia

Federal subsidies per resident child: $1,007.30
Resident children under 5: 621,126
Total federal subsidies: $625,660,993
Weekly median price, infant care: $205.00
Weekly median price, toddler care: $187.80
Weekly median price, preschool care: $179.00

Mississippi

Federal subsidies per resident child: $1,004.25
Resident children under 5: 169,303
Total federal subsidies: $170,022,469
Weekly median price, infant care: $118.68
Weekly median price, toddler care: $108.02
Weekly median price, preschool care: $108.02

Florida

Federal subsidies per resident child: $983.38
Resident children under 5: 1,101,350
Total federal subsidies: $1,083,048,050
Weekly median price, infant care: $225.00
Weekly median price, toddler care: $180.00
Weekly median price, preschool care: $165.00

Connecticut

Federal subsidies per resident child: $967.03
Resident children under 5: 178,453
Total federal subsidies: $172,569,544
Weekly median price, infant care: $350.00
Weekly median price, toddler care: $350.00
Weekly median price, preschool care: $285.00

Maine

Federal subsidies per resident child: $962.89
Resident children under 5: 61,018
Total federal subsidies: $58,753,751
Weekly median price, infant care: $230.00
Weekly median price, toddler care: $213.33
Weekly median price, preschool care: $194.00

Washington

Federal subsidies per resident child: $959.66
Resident children under 5: 421,722
Total federal subsidies: $404,708,430
Weekly median price, infant care: $357.31
Weekly median price, toddler care: $249.06
Weekly median price, preschool care: $249.06

Montana

Federal subsidies per resident child: $956.68
Resident children under 5: 57,024
Total federal subsidies: $54,553,556
Weekly median price, infant care: $220.81
Weekly median price, toddler care: $230.06
Weekly median price, preschool care: $197.31

Rhode Island

Federal subsidies per resident child: $949.44
Resident children under 5: 51,955
Total federal subsidies: $49,328,142
Weekly median price, infant care: $289.59
Weekly median price, toddler care: $279.20
Weekly median price, preschool care: $245.26

Iowa

Federal subsidies per resident child: $921.33
Resident children under 5: 180,010
Total federal subsidies: $165,849,363
Weekly median price, infant care: $165.98
Weekly median price, toddler care: $143.02
Weekly median price, preschool care: $143.02

Indiana

Federal subsidies per resident child: $918.42
Resident children under 5: 399,031
Total federal subsidies: $366,477,545
Weekly median price, infant care: NA
Weekly median price, toddler care: NA
Weekly median price, preschool care: NA

Alaska

Federal subsidies per resident child: $916.78
Resident children under 5: 46,497
Total federal subsidies: $42,627,462
Weekly median price, infant care: $361.90
Weekly median price, toddler care: $337.18
Weekly median price, preschool care: $289.75

North Dakota

Federal subsidies per resident child: $890.47
Resident children under 5: 47,844
Total federal subsidies: $42,603,558
Weekly median price, infant care: $213.81
Weekly median price, toddler care: $194.98
Weekly median price, preschool care: $181.00

Oregon

Federal subsidies per resident child: $875.07
Resident children under 5: 199,584
Total federal subsidies: $174,649,784
Weekly median price, infant care: $329.44
Weekly median price, toddler care: $302.47
Weekly median price, preschool care: $237.04

South Carolina

Federal subsidies per resident child: $848.53
Resident children under 5: 281,426
Total federal subsidies: $238,797,466
Weekly median price, infant care: $198.93
Weekly median price, toddler care: $185.03
Weekly median price, preschool care: $181.12

Tennessee

Federal subsidies per resident child: $835.30
Resident children under 5: 402,215
Total federal subsidies: $335,971,131
Weekly median price, infant care: $211.67
Weekly median price, toddler care: $146.35
Weekly median price, preschool care: $146.35

Missouri

Federal subsidies per resident child: $828.27
Resident children under 5: 349,648
Total federal subsidies: $289,603,974
Weekly median price, infant care: NA
Weekly median price, toddler care: NA
Weekly median price, preschool care: NA

Wisconsin

Federal subsidies per resident child: $824.92
Resident children under 5: 309,244
Total federal subsidies: $255,101,936
Weekly median price, infant care: $293.00
Weekly median price, toddler care: $258.75
Weekly median price, preschool care: $258.75

Arizona

Federal subsidies per resident child: $820.57
Resident children under 5: 393,413
Total federal subsidies: $322,824,548
Weekly median price, infant care: $270.00
Weekly median price, toddler care: $210.00
Weekly median price, preschool care: $210.00

Kentucky

Federal subsidies per resident child: $812.13
Resident children under 5: 260,433
Total federal subsidies: $211,504,429
Weekly median price, infant care: $151.30
Weekly median price, toddler care: $134.40
Weekly median price, preschool care: $134.40

Wyoming

Federal subsidies per resident child: $798.51
Resident children under 5: 30,444
Total federal subsidies: $24,309,836
Weekly median price, infant care: $161.17
Weekly median price, toddler care: $155.62
Weekly median price, preschool care: $155.62

Pennsylvania

Federal subsidies per resident child: $793.10
Resident children under 5: 668,734
Total federal subsidies: $530,372,101
Weekly median price, infant care: NA
Weekly median price, toddler care: NA
Weekly median price, preschool care: NA

North Carolina

Federal subsidies per resident child: $788.08
Resident children under 5: 584,492
Total federal subsidies: $460,627,170
Weekly median price, infant care: $202.52
Weekly median price, toddler care: $168.77
Weekly median price, preschool care: $133.82

Utah

Federal subsidies per resident child: $785.12
Resident children under 5: 228,464
Total federal subsidies: $179,371,727
Weekly median price, infant care: $226.27
Weekly median price, toddler care: $183.87
Weekly median price, preschool care: $168.06

Kansas

Federal subsidies per resident child: $782.32
Resident children under 5: 176,673
Total federal subsidies: $138,214,795
Weekly median price, infant care: $157.33
Weekly median price, toddler care: $148.00
Weekly median price, preschool care: $137.60

New York

Federal subsidies per resident child: $781.84
Resident children under 5: 1,055,455
Total federal subsidies: $825,191,780
Weekly median price, infant care: $300.00
Weekly median price, toddler care: $277.00
Weekly median price, preschool care: $259.00

Ohio

Federal subsidies per resident child: $767.78
Resident children under 5: 661,196
Total federal subsidies: $507,652,972
Weekly median price, infant care: $295.00
Weekly median price, toddler care: $265.00
Weekly median price, preschool care: $232.00

Texas

Federal subsidies per resident child: $748.03
Resident children under 5: 1,881,718
Total federal subsidies: $1,407,574,435
Weekly median price, infant care: $185.00
Weekly median price, toddler care: $172.00
Weekly median price, preschool care: $167.00

Colorado

Federal subsidies per resident child: $727.51
Resident children under 5: 305,063
Total federal subsidies: $221,937,618
Weekly median price, infant care: $377.40
Weekly median price, toddler care: $325.50
Weekly median price, preschool care: $276.35

California

Federal subsidies per resident child: $695.28
Resident children under 5: 2,118,386
Total federal subsidies: $1,472,877,994
Weekly median price, infant care: $379.21
Weekly median price, toddler care: $236.33
Weekly median price, preschool care: $224.99

Maryland

Federal subsidies per resident child: $693.79
Resident children under 5: 349,193
Total federal subsidies: $242,267,667
Weekly median price, infant care: $327.39
Weekly median price, toddler care: $230.78
Weekly median price, preschool care: $230.78

Illinois

Federal subsidies per resident child: $690.94
Resident children under 5: 674,211
Total federal subsidies: $465,839,492
Weekly median price, infant care: $278.33
Weekly median price, toddler care: $220.00
Weekly median price, preschool care: $189.17

Nebraska

Federal subsidies per resident child: $659.58
Resident children under 5: 121,107
Total federal subsidies: $79,879,421
Weekly median price, infant care: $243.75
Weekly median price, toddler care: $226.13
Weekly median price, preschool care: $205.00

New Hampshire

Federal subsidies per resident child: $635.52
Resident children under 5: 62,666
Total federal subsidies: $39,825,235
Weekly median price, infant care: $300.05
Weekly median price, toddler care: $284.61
Weekly median price, preschool care: $249.47

Minnesota

Federal subsidies per resident child: $629.42
Resident children under 5: 328,095
Total federal subsidies: $206,510,840
Weekly median price, infant care: $390.00
Weekly median price, toddler care: $347.56
Weekly median price, preschool care: $309.00

Nevada

Federal subsidies per resident child: $564.24
Resident children under 5: 172,575
Total federal subsidies: $97,374,354
Weekly median price, infant care: $275.63
Weekly median price, toddler care: $240.47
Weekly median price, preschool care: $229.27

Virginia

Federal subsidies per resident child: $546.17
Resident children under 5: 481,682
Total federal subsidies: $263,081,360
Weekly median price, infant care: $246.72
Weekly median price, toddler care: $194.52
Weekly median price, preschool care: $186.75

South Dakota

Federal subsidies per resident child: $481.98
Resident children under 5: 57,246
Total federal subsidies: $27,591,155
Weekly median price, infant care: $150.00
Weekly median price, toddler care: $150.00
Weekly median price, preschool care: $136.40

Data and Methodology

Federal subsidy expenditure data for the duration of fiscal year 2022 comes from the federal government’s Office of Child Care. Data includes total expenditures (which may include leftover monies from previous award years) across several intent categories for childcare, including staff training, program quality, and more. Median weekly childcare costs come from the Department of Labor’s National Database of Childcare Prices. Population data for children under age five in each state comes from the U.S. Census Bureau 1-Year American Community Survey for calendar year 2022.

This story was produced by SmartAsset and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Lauryn Hill, the miseducation of Lauryn Hill, Lauryn Hill, music, Apple Music, Jazz in the Gardens Festival

by Kandiss Edwards

January 29, 2026

Lauryn Hill Will Perform Grammy Tribute For Roberta Flack And D’Angelo

Recording Academy confirmed Hill’s participation as part of the tribute honoring late music figures.

Lauryn Hill, the Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and former member of the Fugees, will perform during the “In Memoriam” segment of the 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony.

Hill is set to honor late music icons D’Angelo and Roberta Flack. The Recording Academy confirmed Hill’s participation as part of the tribute honoring the late music figures. The segment is scheduled to air during the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, which will be held Feb. 1, at Crypto.com Arena.

For some, the choice is somewhat confusing given Hill’s reputation. The trailblazing creative is known for arriving late and canceling shows often. So much so that it has become a running joke amongst her fans. However, the Recording Academy’s choice seems fitting once considered.

Both Flack and D’Angelo contributed to the rise of Hill’s star, ultimately making her the first Black woman and hip-hop artist to win the coveted Album of the Year Award. During her time as a member of the hip-hop group The Fugees, the band covered Roberta Flack’s Killing Me Softly With His Song. The single was the first off their debut album, The Score. The group turned Flack’s serene and whimsical R&B tune into a coming-out party for Ms. Hill’s talent.

As with Flack, D’Angelo also played a role in the rise of Hill. While the two would be deemed contemporaries in the neo-soul era, D’Angelo debuted as a solo act nearly five years before. A master pianist and sultry singer. His duet on The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’s Nothing Even Matters, showed that Hill could hang with the best that musical genius D’Angelo had to offer.

Black artists receiving nominations this year include SZA, Clipse, Doechii, and Leon Thomas. The Recording Academy has also confirmed that all nominees in the Best New Artist category will perform during the broadcast. The lineup includes Leon Thomas, whose nomination makes him among the youngest Black artists to appear on the Grammy stage this year.

by Keka Araújo

January 29, 2026

Ex-Deputy Sean Grayson Gets 20-Year Maximum Sentence For Sonya Massey’s Murder

He was looking at 45 years originally.

The former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy who shot and killed Sonya Massey in her home was sentenced Thursday to 20 years in prison, the maximum penalty allowed under a second-degree murder conviction.

Sean Grayson, 31, appeared handcuffed in a Seventh Judicial Circuit courtroom as Judge Ryan Cadagin handed down the sentence. Under Illinois law, Grayson is required to serve 50% of the term, resulting in a 10-year prison sentence once credit for time already served is applied. Following his release, he will undergo two years of mandatory supervised release.

The sentencing marks the conclusion of a case that ignited national outrage and localized protests in the Cabbage Patch neighborhood, where Massey, a 36-year-old Black mother of two, was killed in July 2024.

The hearing was defined by emotional testimony from Massey’s family. Her mother, Donna Massey, faced Grayson directly, echoing her daughter’s final moments by telling the court, “Sean Grayson, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” She later expressed gratitude that the judge applied the maximum possible sentence.

Massey’s son, Malachi Hill-Massey, told the court his “soul is ripped” by the loss. At the same time, his sister, Jeanette “Summer” Massey, described the death as a traumatic experience that had fundamentally altered her life.

Grayson, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer that has spread to his liver and lungs, spoke briefly before the sentence was read. He asked the family for forgiveness, stating there were “no words I can say to take back the anger and hurt I caused.”

Grayson was initially charged with first-degree murder by Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser, a conviction that would have carried a minimum of 45 years. However, jurors were provided with a second-degree murder instruction and returned that lesser verdict on Oct. 29 after 12 hours of deliberation.

Despite the lower conviction, Massey’s father, James Wilburn, noted that Grayson remained unrepentant until his courtroom apology. Wilburn added that while he is satisfied with the state’s sentence, he is calling for federal authorities to charge Grayson with civil rights violations.

Attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, who represent the Massey family, called the sentence a step toward accountability.

“Accountability has begun, and we now hope the court will impose a meaningful sentence that reflects the severity of these crimes and the life that was lost,” the attorneys said in a joint statement. “We will continue to fight for Sonya’s family and for reforms that protect everyone from unlawful use of force.”

Outside the courthouse, protesters who braved sub-freezing temperatures erupted in cheers as the news of the 20-year sentence reached the street.

Grayson has remained in custody since his arrest. Before sentencing, Judge Cadagin denied the defense’s motion for a new trial.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 29, 2026

Ex-Nigeria Oil Minister, Accused Of Corruption, Lived ‘A Life of Luxury’ In The UK

The trial began Jan. 26 at London’s Southwark Crown Court.

A high-profile trial began Jan. 26 at London’s Southwark Crown Court involving former Nigerian oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, who faces charges of bribery and conspiracy during her 2010–2015 tenure, BBC reports.

Prosecutors allege she enjoyed “a life of luxury in the United Kingdom,” including multimillion-dollar homes, a chauffeur-driven car, private jet travel, and £100,000 in cash, all funded by businessmen seeking contracts with Nigerian state-owned oil and gas companies.

Prosecutors allege that Alison-Madueke, first charged in 2023, received additional perks, including £4.6 million for property refurbishments in London and Buckinghamshire and over £2 million ($2.75 million) on luxury goods at Harrods, courtesy of businessman Kolawole Aluko.

Aluko, head of his company Tenka Limited, also bought a mansion outside London for her family, covering bills, staff salaries, and renovations. Prosecutors say these benefits were given in expectation that Alison-Madueke would use her official influence to favor the givers, though there is no evidence she directly awarded contracts improperly.

Jurors were told that Alison-Madueke, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges, spent part of her time in the U.K., where she was provided with a housekeeper, nanny, gardener, and window cleaner. The salaries and other household expenses were reportedly covered by owners of energy companies holding lucrative contracts with the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

“This case is about bribery in relation to the oil and gas industry in Nigeria during the period 2011 to 2015,” said prosecutor Alexandra Healy KC. “During that time, those who were interested in the award and retention of lucrative oil and gas contracts with the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation or its subsidiaries, the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company and the Pipelines Product Marketing Company, provided significant financial or other advantages to Alison-Madueke.”

Alison-Madueke is on trial alongside oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde, accused of bribing her and the former NNPC managing director, Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, who is not facing trial. Her brother, Doye Agama, charged with conspiracy to commit bribery, is attending via video link for medical reasons. All three have pleaded not guilty in the trial expected to last 12 weeks.

Oil is a major part of Nigeria’s economy, yet the broader population often sees little benefit. During the trial, Healy explained why the case is being heard in the U.K., despite alleged bribery connected to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

“We live in a global society. Bribery and corruption undermine the proper functioning of the global market,” Healy said. “There is an important public interest in ensuring that conduct in our country does not further corruption in another country.”

by Jameelah Mullen

January 29, 2026

Wynton Marsalis To Step Down As Artistic Director At Jazz at Lincoln Center

The end of an era.

Wynton Marsalis, founder of Jazz at Lincoln Center, announced that he is stepping down as artistic director of the organization he founded nearly 40 years ago.

What started as a summer concert series in 1987 started by then then-26-year-old Marsalis grew into a full-scale organization dedicated to performing, educating, and promoting jazz music.

“Our goal was to build an enduring jazz institution that would both entertain and educate by exposing multi-generational audiences to an often-overlooked aspect of American culture. I am proud of the tremendous progress we’ve made,” Marsalis said in a statement on his website. “JALC and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra have always been my main artistic priority as a musician and a citizen. As JALC approaches its 40th anniversary, there couldn’t be a better time for this transition.”

To support the transition, JALC’s board of directors has formed two committees. The first will work with Marsalis to identify candidates as a replacement. The second will oversee the search for JALC’s next executive director.

Greg Scholl, who currently holds the position, will step down in June 2026. The organization plans to fill these roles by spring 2026.

In a career spanning nearly five decades, Marsalis has recorded over 100 jazz and classical albums. The nine-time Grammy winner has collaborated with jazz legends such as Sarah Vaughan and Dizzy Gillespie. In 1997, he became the first jazz artist to receive the Pulitzer Prize for music. The musician has also received the National Medal of Arts and holds numerous honorary doctorates.

Located in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, JALC has been a stepping stone in the early careers of many notable jazz greats, including Jon Batiste, Samara Joy, and Roy Hargrove.

Jazz At Lincoln Center will dedicate its 2026-27 season to celebrating Marsalis’ career. The organization plans to announce the full season lineup next month.

Kentucky, Louisville, Small Business, grant

by Jeffrey McKinney

January 29, 2026

6 Tactics Black Businesses Can Apply To Spur Revenue Growth In A Post-DEI World

Black small business have been forced to explore new revenue streams due to cuts in DEI initiatives.

Here’s a breathtaking statistic: Black-owned small businesses are among the firms that have lost $217 million in federal contracts since the DEI rollbacks started around a year ago.

The staggering number is according to a new analysis of federal government data provided to BLACK ENTERPRISE by the online community business platform Orisunn. The figures are from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Business Development 8(a) federal contracting program.

Many Black small businesses are among the largest groups that rely on the program. When the funding flow drops, those firms typically experience large revenue declines. These businesses are now being forced to explore new revenue streams, no longer just relying on Fortune 500 DEI firms for growth as they have for decades.

Further, the $217 million does not include needed aid from areas like SBA loans, corporate supplier diversity programs, state and local contracts, or the private sector.

The fresh focus is being driven largely by anti-DEI attacks by the Trump administration, which has changed how the federal government, federal contractors, and many companies engage in DEI. The DEI bans have cost small businesses megabucks, created uncertainty, and choked their growth.

Orisunn founder and CEO Bek Sunuu said the 8(a) program is the federal government’s main channel for routing contract dollars to disadvantaged and disproportionately Black firms. When the channel is cut, he explained, it can create dire setbacks for Black firms such as fewer new awards with anchor customers, reduced access to credit, and less commercial growth.

“In Trump’s first two months of controlling federal contracting, hundreds of millions of dollars that would have flowed through the 8(a) pipeline did not,” Sunuu said.

Sunuu’s firm helps Black-owned businesses with access to capital, mentorship, and growth opportunities. It also connects Black entrepreneurs with new clients, mentors, and investors in a growing post-DEI world.

Before starting Orisuun in late 2024, Sunnu worked in corporate law and finance for 10 years. He is a former product leader at financial intelligence firm S&P Global. By launching his firm, he shifted his focus to building long-term infrastructure for Black-owned enterprises.

To counter the scale back from DEI, Sunuu offered some tactics Black business owners can pursue:

Target mid-sized businesses that still have budgets, growth incentives, and are not government-influenced or -dependent.
Join regional and national Black chambers of commerce to revitalize them and grow their influence. Also, enter referral programs and discount networks to boost revenue, lower costs, and increase exposure.
Reframe language in your proposal that mentions minority- or Black-owned as that may trigger increased legal scrutiny. Use other options like “local” or “U.S.-based.” For consumer brands, propose the specific customer base you reach.
Focus your efforts on such areas as procurement and community investment. ESG and innovative partnerships when dealing with companies. That will help you shift from referencing DEI, a traditional business infrastructure that is essentially dead.
If your product/service can be adapted to be customer-facing, then seek out and cultivate direct-to-consumer channels and let go of traditional thinking when considering and evaluating potential partners. The bottom line: Black-owned businesses should be doing more business with each other, intentionally. Do more business with other minority-owned firms.
Be mindful that not all companies have rolled back their supplier diversity programs. These corporations still have needs that your business may be able to supply and support. If your business has a product or service that fits their needs, or if you have an existing relationship with the corporation, you should keep pursuing those corporate partnerships.

RELATED CONTENT: How To Master The Art Of The Follow-Up

by Kandiss Edwards

January 29, 2026

School Counselor Found Dead After Accusations of Messaging A Minor

Court records show Dixon had been placed on administrative leave about two weeks earlier after allegations.

A counselor at Westdale Middle Magnet School, who was accused of inappropriately messaging a minor, was found dead.

Quinton Dixon’s body was found at the abandoned school, formerly Glen Oaks Middle School, hours after an arrest warrant was issued in the case. Police identified the counselor on Jan. 27 inside an unused building on the campus. The Baton Rouge Police Department said investigators believe Dixon died by suicide. The official cause of death remains under investigation pending autopsy results.

The former Glen Oaks Middle School campus, where Dixon was found, has been closed for years and is no longer used for instruction. Neighbors in the area told WBRZ they were shocked by the discovery and by the circumstances surrounding the case. One resident described the situation as “tragic all the way around, something that you really can’t explain about.”

Police said no foul play is suspected and that no other individuals are being sought in connection with Dixon’s death. Authorities declined to release additional details about the scene or the timeline leading up to the discovery.

UPDATE ‼️‼️‼️

According to officials, 44-year-old Quinton Dixon was found dead at the location of the former Glen Oaks Middle School. The cause and manner of death are still under investigation

Quinton Dixon was placed on administrative leave after messaging a minor https://t.co/CkllBWAeAt pic.twitter.com/ZxOAO4RRA4
— Shannonnn sharpes Burner (PARODY Account) (@shannonsharpeee) January 28, 2026

Court records show Dixon had been placed on administrative leave about two weeks earlier after allegations were made that he was inappropriately messaging a minor, one of his students, on Instagram. According to reports, the messages were sent between early November 2025 and early January 2026. The communications allegedly included comments about the student’s appearance and offers to give her rides home from school. The arrest warrants charged Dixon with four counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile, according to WBRZ.

Though the investigation was newly underway, a man, who goes by @lionhearted__ on Instagram, has identified himself as the victim’s brother. In a post discussing the crime’s nefarious nature, he expressed hope that justice and “karma” were served.

“These kids need to be protected from Pedophiles like this weak a** ni**a @coachq220. . . . IM BIG BROTHER & I stand on that. My little sister will be dealt with the way a 14-year-old should, but as for this weak ass ni**a hopefully karma deal with him in the worst way. It be the ones you least expect. IDC if this ya friend, uncle, cousin, brother, daddy, we can handle it whatever way you see fit. I’m entertaining it behind the family.”

The East Baton Rouge Parish School System confirmed it was notified of Dixon’s death later that day. In a statement to WBRZ. The district said it was “deeply saddened by the loss of life” and extended condolences to the school community and Dixon’s family. District officials said they could not comment further on the ongoing investigation but emphasized that student safety is a top priority. Investigators said the criminal case related to the allegations will not proceed further due to Dixon’s death.

ICE, immigrants, citizens, video, agents

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 29, 2026

Anti-ICE Strike Goes National As Protesters Stage Economic Blackout Across America

The National Shutdown will take place Jan. 30 as all against ICE prepare for the economic blackout.

A general strike against ICE, set for Jan. 30, is gaining momentum as organizers hope to expand the event.

The strike aims for all participants to skip work, school, and shopping in protest of ICE raids taking place across many U.S. cities, especially in Minneapolis. The economic blackout hopes to show opposition toward immigration law enforcement’s activities, some of which have led to the death of two demonstrators.

According to Business Insider, the general strike comes on the heels of Minnesota’s own ICE OUT protest, which took place Jan. 23. As ICE agents’ enforcement activities continue to spread fear across American cities, with the latest death of ICU nurse Alex Pretti causing even more outrage, those against the violence will now band together nationwide.

The movement has even garnered celebrity attention, with some star-studded supporters promoting the protest on their social media accounts. “The Last Of Us” star Pedro Pascal and “Hacks” actress Hannah Einbender have shared the flyer as anti-ICE advocates continue to spread the message.

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A post shared by @hannaheinbinder

The national shutdown’s official website also listed several endorsers of its cause, including various unions, student groups, and social justice organizations dedicated to stopping ICE’s reign in America.

“The people of the Twin Cities have shown the way for the whole country – to stop ICE’s reign of terror, we need to SHUT IT DOWN,” detailed the site. “On Friday, January 30, join a nationwide day of no school, no work, and no shopping.”

The website also asserted that the President’s “racist agenda” will continue to spark violence across communities. Thus, the protest aims to demonstrate a hard stance against this initiative, which it claims jeopardizing people’s lives, regardless of their legal status.

“Every day, ICE, Border Patrol, and other enforcers of Trump’s racist agenda are going into our communities to kidnap our neighbors and sow fear. It is time for us to all stand up together in a nationwide shutdown and say enough is enough,” it continued.

Its inspired protest in Minnesota saw multiple businesses shut down in support of the blackout, using the dip in the U.S. economy to prove their discontent with the Trump administration’s ICE rollout. For those wishing to participate, the National Shutdown has a list of actions across several cities to ensure anyone can take part.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 29, 2026

JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo To Match $1,000 Contributions to Employee ‘Trump Accounts’

JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America join a growing list of major U.S. corporations matching contributions to enroll employees in the new "Trump Accounts" program.

Major U.S. banks are supporting President Donald Trump’s newly announced “Trump Accounts” by contributing $1,000 for each of their employees.

On Jan. 28, JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo announced they will match the U.S. government’s one-time $1,000 contribution to their employees who open a children’s retirement account, known as “Trump Accounts,” CNBC reports. The moves coincide with Trump’s promotion of his pilot program, which deposits $1,000 from the Treasury into tax-advantaged accounts for children born in the U.S. between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028.

“JPMorgan Chase has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the financial health and well-being of all of our employees and their families around the world, including more than 190,000 here in the United States,” CEO Jamie Dimon said in a release. “By matching this contribution, we’re making it easier for them to start saving early, invest wisely, and plan for their family’s financial future.”

Partly conceived by hedge fund manager Brad Gerstner, the program reportedly seeks to narrow the U.S. wealth gap by promoting long-term saving and investing from birth. Since its unveiling, it has drawn commitments from high-profile figures, including billionaires Michael and Susan Dell, Ray Dalio, and, most recently, rapper Nicki Minaj.

Bank of America announced it will match the government’s $1,000 contribution for eligible employees and allow workers to make pre-tax contributions to their children’s Trump Accounts. In a memo to staff, the bank praised the government’s “innovative solutions” for employee savings.

“We applaud that the federal government is providing innovative solutions for employees and families to plan for their future, and we welcome the opportunity to participate,” Bank of America said.

JPMorgan and Bank of America, the nation’s two largest banks by assets, join other major financial firms—including BlackRock, BNY, Robinhood, SoFi, and Charles Schwab—in matching contributions for the new accounts. Other companies and individuals have made similar commitments to fund employees’ Trump Accounts.

Erika Kirk, widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and CEO of Turning Point USA, announced on social media that the organization will match the government’s $1,000 contribution for every eligible employee’s newborn. Visa said cardholders can use rewards from everyday purchases to contribute, while Intel pledged to help employees’ children get a head start with its own contributions.

“By matching the federal government’s contribution, Intel is reinforcing our longstanding commitment to investing in our people and expanding the ways we support employees’ families as they prepare for the future,” the company said in a statement.

At a Treasury Department event, Trump encouraged U.S. employers to fund employees’ Trump Accounts, saying they will bring “hope and prosperity to every community.” The accounts are reportedly designed to help families save for college, homes, retirement, and other financial needs. Contributions can begin July 4, with families able to deposit up to $5,000 per child annually (excluding the government’s $1,000). Employers can contribute up to $2,500 per year on a tax-free basis, and funds generally cannot be withdrawn before the child turns 18.