by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 22, 2026

Legal Gridlock: Duke Sues Quarterback To Block Transfer Portal Move

Darian Mensah stated he wanted to enter the portal, but the school has an NIL agreement with him that they want him to honor

Duke University quarterback Darian Mensah wants to enter the transfer portal to make himself available to another college, but the school filed a lawsuit to prevent him from doing so, citing his NIL (name, image, and likeness) agreement with the institution.

According to CNN, Duke filed a temporary restraining order in Durham County Superior Court in N.C., to block him from entering the portal. The school, instead, wants both sides to go through arbitration to try to iron out the unprecedented situation.

“Mr. Mensah has an existing contract with Duke, which the university intends to honor, and we expect he will do the same,” a Duke Athletics spokesperson said in a written statement to CNN Sports. “The court-ordered temporary restraining order (TRO) issued yesterday ensures he does not violate his contract. The university is committed to supporting all our student-athletes, while expecting each of them to abide by their contractual obligations.”

However, a judge denied the school’s request, but a date has been scheduled in February so both sides can litigate the situation. The ruling doesn’t prevent Mensah from entering the portal, but he is not allowed to enroll in another school until the dispute is settled. Attorneys for the quarterback have requested an earlier date.

The lawsuit states that Mensah was approached by a rival school with an alleged offer to “buyout” the contract with Duke, prompting his decision to enter the portal.

Under the NCAA rules and regulations, other schools may not contact a student-athlete, directly or indirectly, until the student-athlete has entered the transfer portal. At 2:07 p.m. ET on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, sports media reports began to circulate that Mensah was considering entering the portal and was being offered a purported ‘buyout’ of his contract with Duke University.”

ESPN reported that Superior Court Judge Michael O’Foghludha, who made the ruling, will not sit on the case due to his status as a Duke booster. Darren Heitner, Mensah’s attorney, said, “The judge, a Duke basketball season-ticket holder, and thus a booster, also recused himself from future proceedings,” Heitner said.

Another judge, Ed Wilson, will hear the case.

Mensah had a spectacular year, throwing for 3,973 yards and 34 touchdowns.

by Jameelah Mullen

January 22, 2026

Wizkid First African Artist To Surpass 10 Billion Streams

When it comes to breaking records, Wizkid is the wiz.

Afrobeats artist Wizkid is the first African artist to surpass 10 billion Spotify streams across all credits, according to Chart Data.

Asake and Wizkid’s “Jogodo” has already broken the all-time record for biggest streaming week for any song in Spotify Nigeria history (over 5 million).

With two days remaining in the tracking week. pic.twitter.com/H3K22hyK1q

— chart data (@chartdata) January 21, 2026

The online platform monitors data and provides real-time updates on music charts and sales. It also reports that as of Jan. 18, Wizkid has reached every billion-stream milestone, which range from 1 billion streams to 10 billion, on Spotify.

The achievement comes ahead of the superstar’s upcoming project, REAL Vol. 1, a collaborative EP with fellow Afrobeats star Asake. The four-track release is scheduled to arrive on streaming platforms on Jan. 23.

The duo gave fans a sneak peek with the lead single, “Jogodo.” Chart Data announced that the song set a record on Spotify Nigeria, surpassing 5 million streams.

Asake and Wizkid’s “Jogodo” has already broken the all-time record for biggest streaming week for any song in Spotify Nigeria history (over 5 million).

With two days remaining in the tracking week. pic.twitter.com/H3K22hyK1q

— chart data (@chartdata) January 21, 2026

In October 2020, the Lagos, Nigeria, native released his fourth studio album, Made in Lagos. The album, which reached number one on the Billboard World Album chart, included the hit single, “Essence.”

The collaboration with Tems became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. His sixth album, Morayo, earned the biggest streaming debut for an African album on Spotify.

Additionally, HBO premiered the documentary, Wizkid: Long Live Lagos, directed by Karam Gill, in December 2025. The film follows the artist from his hometown to London.

In 2023, Wizkid performed at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the first African artist to sell out the iconic venue.

Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, emerged on the music scene in 2010. He debuted with his breakout single, “Holla At Your Boy.” The track appeared on his first album, Superstar. It helped launch his career and elevate Afrobeats globally.

He is set to perform at July’s AfroNation Festival in Portugal.

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Gayle King, CBS News, new deal, morning show

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 22, 2026

Gayle King Rumored To Face Major CBS Pay Cut Or Begin A Yearlong Farewell Tour

New reports raise questions about Gayle King’s $15 million salary and her future at CBS News.

As speculation grows about Gayle King’s future at CBS News under new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, reports suggest the veteran anchor may be facing a steep pay cut or a yearlong farewell tour before exiting.

Amid sweeping staff changes at CBS News since Weiss took over in October, sources familiar with the network say Weiss may be aiming to cut King’s $15 million salary, citing the pressures of a weaker media economy, Variety reports.

King is reportedly weighing her options, including a special correspondent role that would allow occasional appearances without a regular hosting schedule, or a one-year on-air arrangement at a reduced salary so she could say goodbye to viewers.

The developments come as Weiss faces scrutiny over how she has been reshaping the network since her arrival. Sources say Weiss and CBS News president Tom Cibrowski are considering moving King from her co-host role on CBS Mornings to a special correspondent position or a role featuring occasional reports, allowing her to continue showcasing her celebrity interview skills.

This follows reports that King and Weiss had a “low-key” lunch to discuss her future.

King renews her contract annually; her current deal is set to expire in May. Sources say Weiss values King’s ability to secure high-profile interviews and wants to keep her on staff, but in a different, significantly cheaper role.

Weiss has been under intense scrutiny following Paramount’s $150 million acquisition of her conservative-opinion site, The Free Press. Sources say she has pushed programs like CBS Evening News and 60 Minutes to give more airtime to Trump administration officials.

Insiders describe visible dysfunction within the CBS News team, as veteran staff view Weiss and her handpicked senior team skeptically because of her limited experience managing mainstream media outlets. Weiss rose to fame as the opinions editor at The New York Times, a role that did not involve reporting.

They point to a series of missteps eroding the network’s news credibility, including rushing Tony Dokoupil into the Evening News anchor role following the exits of Maurice DuBois and John Dickerson, airing a town hall with Erika Kirk without mainstream ad support, and pulling a pre-announced 60 Minutes segment.

According to insiders, these issues can only be addressed if producers and reporters push back more regularly against Weiss.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 22, 2026

Huey P. Newton’s Niece Threatens Legal Action Against Philadelphia Chapter Of New Black Panther Party

A relative of late Black Panther Party co-founder Huey P. Newton is threatening legal action against a newly formed, Philadelphia-based faction claiming ties to the group.

Myesha Newton, the niece of the revolutionary activist, took to social media to issue a warning to Paul Birdsong, a member of a modern group using the name Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, The Grio reports. After Birdsong and the group drew attention in recent weeks for intervening to protect ICE protesters, Newton has spoken out, accusing the new Black Panther Party of tarnishing her late uncle’s legacy.

“My name is Myesha Newton. My father’s name was Walter Newton. He was the brother of Huey Percy Newton, who started the Black Panther Party in Oakland, California,” Myesha said at the start of her video. “I got birth certificate paperwork and a whole bunch of Newtons … listen, this goes out to the Black Panther Party, the New United Black Panther Party, whoever’s out there protesting with these Somalians? I’m about to get a cease and desist order against you, and I’m about to sue you. You are not going to defame my uncle’s name like that. We’re not doing that. See you in court, b-tches.”

Birdsong has drawn fresh attention as the outspoken national chairman of a contemporary Black Panther Party for Self-Defense chapter based in West Philadelphia.

His group, which says it draws on the legacy of the original 1960s Black Panther Party and received training from some of the original party’s surviving members, has been visible at recent anti-ICE demonstrations at Philadelphia City Hall while carrying legally permitted military-style firearms in support of protesters after an ICE agent fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis.

“That wouldn’t have happened if we were there,” Birdsong told reporters. “Not a single person would have gotten touched.”

Chairman Paul Birdsong from a newly formed Black Panther Party in Philly:

“An unarmed woman was killed by ICE…so we’re here to protect the community. If ICE thinks they’re going to brutalize the people on our watch? Fuck around and find out.” pic.twitter.com/GYTpWIY1Zu
— Power to the People ☭🕊 (@ProudSocialist) January 15, 2026

Critics have raised questions about the group’s use of historic Panther imagery and its tactics amid nationwide protests over immigration enforcement. The use of the Black Panther Party name has also stirred internal tension within the Newton family, with Rico Dukes—who claims to be Newton’s son—saying he personally approved the Philadelphia chapter and gave it his blessing.

“I had been watching him for a few months, and then I finally called him to give him my blessings and standing how the Panthers stood in 1966,” Dukes said in an Instagram video. “It’s many elders from the 1966 Panther Party that vouch for his chapter.”

Dukes also dismissed Myesha Newton’s threats of legal action, saying the only person with standing to sue would be Huey P. Newton’s widow, Fredrika Newton.

“If anybody who probably could [sue] is Fredrika. She can’t do it because the trademark wiped up, so you’re on here just talkin’,” Dukes said.

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 22, 2026

Zohran Mamdani Deads Hotel ‘Junk Fees’ Making It More Affordable To Enjoy NYC

In Mamdani’s mind, “the price you see is the price you pay.”

In less than 30 days, newly elected New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has made good on his campaign promises to expand free childcare and public bathrooms. Now, he is taking it a step further by tackling the hospitality industry and getting rid of annoying hotel “junk fees.”

Mamdani made the groundbreaking announcement at The Whitney Museum of American Art, adding the rule that applies everywhere outside city borders, to ban hotel resort fees, surprise deposits, and others that the mayor calls “junk fees.” Going into effect by mid-February, Newsday reports the rule extends to any place a New York City resident wants to stay at an advertised-in-NYC hotel, Airbnb rental, or other temporary lodging.

In Mamdani’s mind, “the price you see is the price you pay.” “I speak of the hidden fees that plague New Yorkers’ lives anytime they have the audacity to book a hotel room, not only when they’re in our city, but when they’re booking that room from here for wherever they’re traveling around the country,” he said.

If you book a hotel for $200, you should pay $200.
⁰Today, we shut down hotel junk fees and surprise credit card holds. The price you see is the price you pay. pic.twitter.com/7TOfrXbwRn
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) January 21, 2026

Under the rule, once developed by the former Mayor Eric Adams’ administration, hotels and other temporary lodging spaces must include the entire cost of a night’s stay in the advertised fee. In addition, hotels can no longer add a surcharge under names like resort fee or destination fee, ridding guests of surprises by the actual cost that was never advertised.

During the press conference, the city’s youngest mayor said, “Life in our city does not need to be defined by hardship,” and noted that the rule will benefit not only New Yorkers but tourists as well. In preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer, the city anticipates an estimated one million visitors.

Commissioner of the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, Sam Levine, labeled the rule as “the strongest hotel consumer protection anywhere in the country,” as hundreds of people have complained about the “junk fees.” In 2025 alone, the city received 300 complaints in correlation to hidden hotel fees or unexpected credit card holds, according to The Gothamist. The new rule will require hotels to disclose the fees upfront.

Mamdani said the rule is a “warning” for “those who have long approached business as an opportunity to mistreat those who they serve,” simply seeking “transparency.”

Mayor Mamdani is at the Whitney announcing a new city rule banning “junk fees” on hotel stays.

“To those who have long approached business as an opportunity to mistreat those who they serve: let today be a warning,” he says. pic.twitter.com/TqVk3CmFzM
— Josie Stratman (@JosieStratman) January 21, 2026

The move is being celebrated by unions across the city as they are still getting used to the new mayor and his administration. Rich Maroko, president of the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, representing 40,000 hotel workers, celebrated the crackdown and praised Mamdani for tackling “corporate lawbreakers.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 22, 2026

Suspect Indicted In Jets Cornerback Kris Boyd’s ‘Near-Fatal’ Shooting

Frederick Green has been indicted on charges of attempted murder, assault, and weapons possession.

A suspect has been arrested in the Nov. 16 shooting of New York Jets player Kris Boyd outside of Sei Less restaurant in New York City.

Frederick Green, 20, has been indicted on charges of attempted murder, assault, and weapons possession, Patch reports.

The Bronx resident has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Green evaded police until he was discovered hiding out in Buffalo, NY, at his girlfriend’s apartment. He was arrested on Dec. 8.

Police officials said Green and three other men got into a verbal altercation outside of Sei Less, a popular nightspot, with a group of men that included Boyd. After the disagreement escalated, a fight took place, leading to Green allegedly pulling out a weapon and shooting Green twice in the abdomen. Boyd then fled the scene.

“As alleged, Frederick Green fired two shots outside a restaurant in Midtown Manhattan, nearly turning a physical altercation into a fatal one,” District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a written statement. “Gun violence has no place in Manhattan. My thoughts are with the victim, who continues to heal from this near-fatal shooting.”

After the shooting, Boyd, 29, was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where he was originally listed in critical but stable condition. TMZ reported that Boyd, who entered the NFL in 2019, revealed he needed multiple cardiovascular surgeries.

Before the shooting, Boyd had not yet played in 2025. He injured his shoulder in the preseason and was placed on injured reserve Aug. 18. Boyd had undergone surgery and was not expected to play at all this past season.

He signed a one-year free-agent contract with the Jets in March 2025. Boyd has also played for the Minnesota Vikings, the Arizona Cardinals, and the Houston Texans.

by Kandiss Edwards

January 22, 2026

U.S. Postal Service Raising Rates For Ground Shipping

USPS Ground Advantage and Parcel Select will see increases of more than 5 percent.

USPS Ground Advantage and Parcel Select have increased by more than 5%.

Changes to the pricing structure began on Jan. 18. The price of a standard first-class mail stamp will remain the same at 78 cents. Annual postal rate adjustments are submitted to the Postal Regulatory Commission as part of the Postal Service’s regulatory process. First-class postage and other services may be updated once or twice a year to reflect operational costs and market conditions.

Postal officials have said that rate increases are designed to help the USPS cover rising expenses and work toward financial stability without sacrificing core services such as six-day delivery. Declining mail volume and higher delivery costs have placed sustained pressure on the agency’s finances in recent years.

The Postal Service has also undergone leadership changes and scrutiny over its future direction. In July 2025, David P. Steiner, who serves as the 76th Postmaster General, said he supports maintaining the agency’s independence as a self-financing entity while working to improve performance. In a letter to staff, Steiner told employees at the time that he believed the Postal Service could operate successfully under its current structure and preserve its mission while being “realistic” about financial growth and sustainability.

“A major commitment of the Postal Service is to operate in a financially self-sustaining manner. While the impacts of inflation and the dynamic and changing business environment have negatively impacted our ability to achieve financial sustainability, we must reverse that trend. The Postal Service needs to be on a realistic path to match costs to revenues on a consistent, long-term basis,” Steiner wrote.

Steiner’s remarks came amid a backdrop of political discussion about the Postal Service’s role in American life as Donald Trump and other federal officials pushed for privatization of the agency. Postal unions and some lawmakers have raised concerns that privatization or structural shifts could undermine universal service obligations that guarantee delivery to all addresses. The USPS continues with its efforts to balance affordability for consumers with the need to modernize operations and find new revenue streams in a changing postal landscape.

by Kandiss Edwards

January 22, 2026

‘Trainer Barbie’ Angel Reese Joins Netflix Show ‘The Hunting Wives’

Angel Reese is a growing presence in fashion, endorsements, media and now the small screen.

WNBA phenom Angel Reese has joined the cast of Season 2 of Netflix’s drama series The Hunting Wives.

Reese, who entered the WNBA in 2024 and quickly became one of the league’s most visible stars, will appear in multiple episodes of the upcoming season. Details about her character and storyline were not disclosed in the initial announcement by Netflix. However, the platform hinted at the WNBA sophomore’s character by switching up her collegiate nickname, “Bayou Barbie,” to “Trainer Barbie” in a post on X.

The Hunting Wives is a Netflix drama that follows a group of affluent suburban women whose relationships are shaped by secrecy, power, and rivalry. The show became a breakout hit for the streaming platform following its debut season, which drew attention for its suspense-driven storytelling and ensemble cast.

Production for Season 2 is underway, with Reese joining an ever-growing lineup of returning and new cast members.

Bayou Barbie ➡️ Trainer Barbie

Angel Reese joins the cast of The Hunting Wives in the co-starring role of "Trainer Barbie" 👀 Season 2 is now in production! pic.twitter.com/hZqb5rIAHw
— Netflix (@netflix) January 20, 2026

Reese is best known for her on-court career, first as a standout collegiate player and now as a WNBA forward. Since being drafted into the league, the young businesswoman has capitalized on her fame. She is a growing presence in fashion, endorsements, and media. Her casting marks her first scripted television role and represents a crossover from professional sports into entertainment. Reese has previously stated she will seize her moment in the spotlight. A fan of Hunting Wives, the forward shot her shot to the show’s team on X. After praising the show, calling it “crazy” and a “good watch,” she was thanked by the creator, Rebecca Cutter.

In response, Reese took a chance to pitch herself, stating, “Just let me know if you need me for season 2.”

just let me know if you need me for season 2 😉 https://t.co/jnZ6f1svjg
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) August 6, 2025

Reese has previously appeared in commercials, interviews, and brand campaigns but has not held a scripted acting role prior to The Hunting Wives. In the comments of the announcement, reactions have been largely positive, with fans praising Reese’s continued expansion beyond basketball.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 22, 2026

Good Look, De La Soul! Rap Group Hosts ‘Good Health’ Summit At Morehouse For Black Men’s Wellness

The summit will bring out leaders across health, science, entertainment and sports.

Hip-hop group De La Soul is launching a summit at Morehouse College to address health inequities for Black men.

The inaugural event, titled, “Good Health: Mind, Body & Soul Summit,” will go down Feb. 19 at the all-men’s HBCU. The exclusive event will connect community leaders and innovators across the health, science, sports, and entertainment sectors, sparking conversations surrounding Black men’s health and wellness.

Powered by LIXTE Biotechnology Holdings Inc., a pharmaceutical company specializing in clinical cancer treatment, the event will highlight health topics, providing facts and insights with the culture in mind. Inspired by the group’s latest hit “Good Health,” from the 10th studio album “Cabin In The Sky,” the Good Health Summit will champion the group’s advocacy beyond hip-hop. Members of the iconic rap trio also emphasized their evolving mission to help Black men live longer and better.

“This Summit is about turning pain into purpose,” explained Kelvin Mercer (Posdnuos) in a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE. “We’ve always used our music to speak life—and Good Health is about making sure our people live long enough to tell their own stories.

Since their breakout in New York’s hip-hop scene, De La Soul, comprised of members Posdnuos, the late Trugoy the Dove, and Maseo, have held their own in the rap game with their creative lyrics and infusion of jazz and alternative sounds. The Grammy-winning group has gone on to receive widespread critical acclaim and recognition from fellow hip-hop greats alike.

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A post shared by Snowbombing (@snowbombingofficial)

The summit will host sessions in three facets, focusing on mental, physical, and emotional health. The mind sessions will address grief and anxiety while unpacking trauma placed on Black men. The summit’s body sessions will speak on physical illnesses that disproportionately impact Black men, such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, amplifying ways of prevention. Lastly, and aligned with De La Soul’s purpose, the soul sessions will explore how our cultural, communal, and familial bonds can be their own form of healing.

As the summit kicks off at Morehouse, the invite-only occasion will provide a new way for Black men to holistically engage with one another and champion their own wellness.

Vincent Mason (Maseo) added, “Good health is real wealth. We’re creating space for Black men, families, and communities to own that truth—together.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 22, 2026

Rising Beauty Founders Move Past Retail Goals As Shelf Life Becomes Less Rewarding

Amid a shaky economy, many beauty founders are finding that traditional retail shelf space isn't that rewarding.

With economic uncertainty rising and foot traffic at major retailers slowing, emerging beauty founders are shifting away from big retail deals and rethinking their growth strategies.

New industry research indicates that geopolitical and economic uncertainty, market saturation, and changing consumer preferences are expected to slow the beauty and personal care sector to around 5% annual growth through 2030, Forbes reports. This is a sharp drop from the roughly 7% annual growth the global beauty market experienced between 2022 and 2024, prompting companies to rethink growth strategies instead of relying on straightforward retail expansion.

Amid the current economic climate, beauty founders are skipping the traditional path to growth, following the example of many millennial entrepreneurs who build long-term leverage without giving up equity or control.

That’s the approach Shaina Rainford took with her natural haircare brand, Bask and Lather Co. The nurse practitioner-turned-entrepreneur bypassed chasing retail shelf space to focus on building direct relationships with consumers and platforms, avoiding the traditional gatekeepers.

“TikTok allows us to get in front of consumers,” Rainford said. “Instagram allows us to nurture those relationships. They serve two different purposes.”

Rainford’s approach matches that of many millennial and Gen Z founders who paved their own lanes by generating demand on their own, maintaining control over distribution, and entering retail only when it won’t hurt margins or compromise product quality.

For her, it’s paid off.

“By March of 2021, we were selling so much product that our monthly revenue replaced my one-year salary,” Rainford said of Bask and Lather’s early growth. “We haven’t even touched retail yet, and we are one of the largest, if not the largest, Black-owned textured hair care companies.”

For decades, retail was long seen as the fastest route to scale and to access millions of weekly shoppers. But that model relied on steady in-store demand and predictable growth—assumptions now challenged by tariffs, inflation, and politically-fueled retailer boycotts.

With foot traffic and online visits declining at many big-box stores, digitally native brands are leveraging social influence to drive cultural impact and long-term growth, giving founders the power to enter retail on their own terms rather than out of necessity.

“When you move too quickly, people end up having to sell off pieces of their business or take on debt,” Rainford said. “Once you have other stakeholders, they’re not going to care about your customer the way you do.”