by Mitti Hicks

January 16, 2026

Poll Shows Crockett Behind Talarico In Texas Democratic Senate Primary

Talarico leads with Hispanic and white voters, winning 6 in 10 from each group. Meanwhile, 80 percent of Black Democratic primary voters are supporting Crockett.

New polling shows U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett trailing Texas state Rep. James Talarico in the Democratic Senate primary in Texas.

The Emerson College Polling/Nexstar Media survey found Talarico is 9 points ahead among all likely primary voters, with 47% of the anticipated vote to Crockett’s 38%. Another 15% report being undecided.

Talarico and Crockett are vying for Sen. John Cornyn’s seat on the other side of the political aisle for the midterm election.

Since launching his Senate campaign bid, Talarico has raised more than $13 million. According to The Hill, Talarico leads with Hispanic and white voters, winning 6 in 10 from each group. Meanwhile, 80 percent of Black Democratic primary voters are supporting Crockett.

When breaking down the gender, men supported Talarico by 22 points. Women voters are split between the two Democrats.

Talarico is a former middle school teacher and a Presbyterian seminarian. He grew in popularity as one of several state Democrats who fled Texas to stall the state Republicans’ redistricting plans.

Crockett Behind In Polls

Crockett is a popular but controversial figure within her party who joined the race in December.

A University of Houston Hobby School poll from late September found Crockett leading the primary field against other senator hopefuls at 31%, but losing the general election matchup against each of the three Republican candidates.

Crockett said she believed in her own internal polling, particularly with turning out unlikely voters.

“I am very formidable, regardless of what people may want to put out into the atmosphere,” she said on MS Now. “The numbers are the numbers.”

Former Rep. Colin Allred dropped out of the race and is now running for a House seat following news of Crockett’s entry into the Senate race.

Either way, Democrats face an uphill battle in Texas. The state has not elected a Democrat for the U.S. Senate since 1988, when Lloyd Bentsen won re-election. The last time a Democrat represented Texas in the U.S. Senate was 1993, when Robert Krueger was appointed to replace Bentsen after he resigned to become U.S. Treasury Secretary.

If elected, Crockett would be the first Black woman and first person of color from Texas to serve in the Senate.

Texas’s Democratic Primary is March 3.

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 16, 2026

How The Food Stamp Junk Ban Is Causing Issues—And Confusion—In Some States

Critics of the restrictions are concerned with the bouts of confusion, contingent on the state with some feeling it could drive the numbers down of people who participate in the program.

As of Jan. 1, 2026, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — better known as food stamps — has some new rules, banning junk food purchases in some states but causing some issues, The Atlantic reports.

Soda, candy, and other tasty treats labeled as junk food can no longer be purchased with EBT cards, the prepaid cards used by food stamp recipients. States including Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah, and West Virginia all support the initiative led by new Secretary of Health & Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. During a June 2025 event, Kennedy professed “there’s no nutrition in these products” and “we shouldn’t be paying for them with taxpayer money.”

With 13 other states looking to make changes to their food stamp programs in late 2026, the Trump administration hopes to have all 50 states on board, offering incentives such as access to a $50 billion fund designed to improve rural healthcare across the country. However, there are some loopholes that states are having issues getting around.

Like, what is junk food exactly?

It can be hard to define. Baked goods, such as cookies, cakes, and even protein bars, can fall into this category — depending on the state. In Indiana, the new rules only ban candy and soda, so if a food stamp recipient wants to buy items like Oreos or Goldfish, they can.

The same goes for protein bars, which can also be purchased with food stamps in states like Iowa, and which have the same amount of sugar as chocolate-covered nuts or a candy bar. EBT cards can be swiped for very sugary canned coffee — as long as it has milk.

Food stamps purchases are determined by the state, depending on how food is taxed. In Iowa, recipients can use their EBT cards for a slice of cake but not a fruit cup that comes with a spoon.

Critics of the restrictions are concerned with the bouts of confusion, contingent on the state. Some feel it could drive down the number of people who participate in the program.

“Singling out people who receive SNAP, policing their shopping carts, and delaying their purchases at the register would inevitably decrease participation rates,” claims an essay in Georgetown University’s Journal on Poverty Law & Policy.

This isn’t the first time a White House administration has fought to ban junk food from food stamp purchases because of the mess it can cause. In 2011, the Obama administration’s Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees SNAP, denied a request from New York to ban soda purchases, citing that the proposal “lacks a clear and practical means to determine product eligibility,” which could create problems in stores.

But several Republicans are willing to back the ban. In Georgia, lawmakers have introduced the Georgia SNAP Healthier Choices Act of 2026, which will set parameters on what food stamps can cover. According to WRDW, one in eight Georgia residents receives SNAP benefits, and the legislation supports the USDA’s goal of meeting the nutritional needs of low-income families. “The purchase of low-nutrient, high-sugar, and artificially sweetened foods undermines the public health objectives of the program,” the bill’s verbiage suggests.

Some of the restrictions include no more than four beverages or packs of carbonated soft drinks per household per month, no candy, including chocolate, gum, and “sugar-based confections,” and no juice with less than 50% fruit or vegetable juice.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 16, 2026

Docuseries On Michael Vick’s First Season As Norfolk State Football Coach To Debut Feb. 4

"This journey has challenged me in ways I never expected, and I’m proud to share it honestly."

Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick’s first season as Norfolk State University’s head football coach is the subject of an upcoming docuseries.

BET announced this week that The Coach Vick Experience will premiere Feb. 4 on BET. The series follows the hometown hero as he navigates his first year as a head football coach on any level.

Norfolk Statke took a chance when hiring Vick, who was a star quarterback with the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles.

“For me, this chapter is about giving back to the game that gave me everything. Coaching at Norfolk State isn’t just about wins and losses. It’s about restoring pride and proving that transformation is possible when opportunity meets belief. This journey has challenged me in ways I never expected, and I’m proud to share it honestly,” said Vick, an executive producer for the docuseries, in a written statement.

The project was produced by SMAC Entertainment, the company owned and operated by NFL Hall of Famer Michael Strahan and his partner, Constance Schwartz-Morini.

“I’ve known Vick for a long time, and this moment shows a different kind of greatness. Coaching is about accountability, preparation, and service. This series captures the work it takes to lead, not just play the game,” said Strahan.

According to Norfolk State University, the series will take viewers inside the inner workings of the Spartans as the school changes its philosophy and direction after years of struggle on the football. It focuses on his transition to build a positive culture on and off the field as Vick mentors the students.

There will be exclusive footage from the campus, including interviews and a look into what the athletes learn from Vick throughout the season.

Fellow former NFL player-turned-college coach, Deion Sanders, is also an executive producer on the show.

“Michael didn’t step into coaching lightly. He sought guidance, embraced the work, and committed to leading young men with purpose, especially during such a difficult season, both on and off the field. Get ready for the journey!” Sanders said.

by Jeffrey McKinney

January 16, 2026

Almost 40% Of Black Professionals Don’t Know How To Stand Out In Today’s Job Market — Check Out Tips To Help

Focusing on highlighting skills is key to helping uncover job opportunities and accelerating the hiring process.

Excessive competition, uncertainty about their job qualifications, and skills gaps are among factors why securing work now is so challenging for Black professionals.

To boot, AI-generated job searches that some claim are possibly unfair, recent higher unemployment for Blacks than other groups and supposedly being confused about the existing employment hiring process maybe exacerbating matters.

As U.S. job growth in 2025 reached its lowest point since the pandemic in 2020, Blacks have been hit extra hard. Their discharges stem from rollbacks in the federal government, DEI pullbacks, and large layoffs in areas such as education, health services and social assistance.

Now, nearly two-thirds of Blacks in the U.S. are looking for a new job in 2026. Yet, 75% feel unprepared for the job search ahead. Sixty-six percent declared it’s more challenging to find a new job over the last year, based on details on Black American provided to BLACK ENTERPRISE from the professional networking site LinkedIn. The facts are tied to the firm’s general market report.

Kory Kantenga, head of economics, Americas at LinkedIn, reflected by email what tools — along with AI —should Black applicants be using to best position themselves in front of job recruiters across industries such as technology, financial services, and healthcare.

For those planning a change this year, Kantenga says focusing on skills is key to uncovering opportunities and accelerating the hiring process. That means knowing which skills are most in demand—such as AI literacy, conflict mitigation, and adaptability — the skills driving the fastest-growing jobs across industries and showcasing them at every stage of the job search to stand out from the competition.

To help job seekers target roles where they’re most qualified for — and most likely to hear back—LinkedIn created a job match tool. It shows how you match any job and highlights skills you lack so you can upskill. To make the tool work best and be discovered for your skills, he suggests keeping your profile complete: showcase in-demand skills in the skills or experience sections, and craft a current, engaging headline, about, and experience section, and add a photo.

Further, Kantenga says one is not clearly signaling skills in ways recruiters search for. He says some applicants have the right experience but fail to highlight their skills effectively. His advice: List your most relevant skills and reinforce them throughout your experience, projects, education, and volunteer work. “Recruiters increasingly source talent by skills, so show clearly how in-demand skills shaped past work to improve discoverability and strengthen your unique profile.”

Another flaw is staying passive instead of visible within their network: Keep communication active with simple check-ins or comments on posts. Network opens doors, makes connections, and provides insights about companies and roles. Kantenga noted increasing LinkedIn activity— including sharing project insights and participating in groups— can showcase expertise and raise visibility.

He cited that casting a wide net without considering role fit lowers your chances as recruiters sift through a barrage of applicants. As such, focus on quality over quantity: prioritize roles where your skills and experience align. Further, use tools like Job Match to assess fit, decide whether to apply, or identify skills to develop for future opportunities.

Kantenga supplied tips on how Black professionals can become more noticeable in today’s highly competitive labor market:

Build a personal brand that extends beyond your resume.
Reach out to recruiters directly. Messaging a hiring manager can nearly triple your chances of getting hired; LinkedIn’s AI tools can help draft messages if you’re unsure what to say.
Join the conversation. Members are more likely to connect with those engaging with their content. Commenting, sharing insights, and participating in discussions can expand visibility.
AI can help you navigate your job search. LinkedIn’s AI-powered job search allows you to type “I’m specifically hunting for an accounting position in the fashion industry.” That action could help you find opportunities that otherwise may have been missed.

Aligned with networking, you can use an AI-powered people search to find professionals as well as hiring managers in roles or companies you want to connect with. For example, you can search for “someone who has grown a small business” or an “expert in digital marketing” who can help you find a job that you’re pursuing.

Additionally, LinkedIn just released its Jobs on the Rise for this year, calling it one of the fastest-growing job ranking in the U.S., It includes trends on entrepreneurship and freelance work as well as the continued rise of AI jobs from technical to infrastructure roles.

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by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 16, 2026

Fresh Prince’s Bel-Air Mansion Up For Sale

The property can be bought for under $30 million

The mansion featured in the Will Smith-helmed The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air television sitcom has been listed for sale.

According to TMZ, that infamous property will be up for sale at the end of January for under $30 million. The home, built in 1937, is listed by Sasha Rahban, and Josh and Matt Altman of The Altman Brothers.

The property, located in Brentwood Park, was posted on The Altman Brothers’ Instagram account on Jan. 13.

“YO HOMES TO BEL-AIR! 👑

“One of the most iconic homes in Los Angeles is about to hit the market.

“For the first time in decades, the original exterior façade of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, a globally recognized Georgian Colonial estate, will be offered for sale. (AND BELIEVE IT OR NOT, IT’S IN BRENTWOOD, NOT BEL AIR)”

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A post shared by The Altman Brothers (@thealtmanbrothers)

Based on the post, the famous mansion sits on a 38,510 square foot corner lot.

TMZ reported that the Georgian Colonial estate has six bedrooms and seven and a half bathrooms, spanning approximately 10,000 square feet.

The mansion is currently being used as a filming location for a Netflix series.

Over five years ago, Smith teamed up with Airbnb to give fans the opportunity to stay at the “iconic Fresh Prince mansion.” The partnership allowed interested parties to rent a room for $30 a night in recognition of the 30th anniversary of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Fans were told that guests will be treated to some old school fun, “Big Willie Style.”

While promoting it, Smith said to potential renters, “Ready for the freshest staycation ever? If this place looks familiar, that’s because it’s just as fly as it was when I first rolled up the driveway. I’m back. And this time, I’m handing you the keys so you’ll have my wing of the mansion all to yourself – but my sneaker collection is off limits, aight?”

Tiger Woods, Luxury Apparel, Sun Day Red, Golf

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 16, 2026

Tiger Woods Celebrates 30th Anniversary Of Non-Profit, TGR Foundation, Announces $50M Raised

"I am excited for what’s next as we expand alongside our great supporters to reach more young people from communities in need."

World Golf Hall of Famer Tiger Woods announced a $20 million donation from Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank to his nonprofit, the TGR Foundation, as it celebrates its 30th anniversary.

The foundation, established in 1996, marked its anniversary with an event, “RED: Celebrating Legacy,” at which Blank announced his contribution, and the organization stated that more than $50 million has been raised to support TGR Foundation’s mission. A new TGR Learning Lab in Atlanta was recently opened. Blank’s donation will help develop the latest educational facility.

Tiger Woods’ legacy extends far beyond the course.

For 30 years, his vision has driven access, opportunity and pathways for young people through education; our impact continues to grow with every student reached.#TigerWoods #TGRFoundation pic.twitter.com/cz7kqoiKBA
— TGR Foundation (@TGRFound) January 14, 2026

“Tonight was a reminder that the legacy I’m most proud of isn’t on the golf course; it’s the work we’ve done to positively impact the lives of students through TGR Foundation,” said Woods in a written statement. “I am excited for what’s next as we expand alongside our great supporters to reach more young people from communities in need.”

All proceeds from donations will be used to develop and scale new programs and expand into more under-resourced communities. With these resources, the TGR Foundation will reach more young people and have a greater impact.

“I have immense respect and admiration for Tiger, not only for his legendary career, but for the way he continues to lead with purpose off the course,” said Blank, chairman of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.

“It’s truly an honor to partner with someone who believes so deeply in the power of education and community. Seeing the impact of TGR Foundation, from the Learning Labs to the hundreds of thousands of students empowered through its programs, is incredibly inspiring, and I look forward to seeing the impact the TGR Learning Lab Atlanta makes on our community.”

Since its inception, TGR Foundation has served more than 217,000 students, continuing its mission to empower them to pursue their passions through education.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 16, 2026

Community Labs Brings Harun Coffee Back To LA’s Historic Leimert Park

Harun Coffee originally closed in 2023.

Harun Coffee has returned to Los Angeles’ historic Leimert Park Village after Community Labs stepped in to help stem the wave of closures among minority-owned businesses in the traditionally Black neighborhood.

On Jan. 9, Harun Coffee celebrated its grand reopening, drawing a long line of locals nearly three years after its 2023 closure, the Los Angeles Times reports. Led by Community Labs, founded by Prophet Walker and Cheron Hall, the firm has been working to support and preserve the legacy of underrepresented communities.

“We are one part of a really powerful movement to pour into this community to create commercial revitalization and beautiful spaces where we can identify ourselves,” Hall said.

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A post shared by Los Angeles Times Food (@latimesfood)

Opened in 2019 by veteran entertainment executive Chace Johnson, Harun quickly became a hub for artists, entrepreneurs, and tastemakers before closing in 2023 due to operational challenges.

Now, through a partnership with Community Labs, the coffee shop has been completely reimagined to blend speakeasy vibes with functional art, including a bi-level table and spool stools by designer Shin Okuda.

Guests enter by pulling open a canary-yellow wall disguised as a merch display. By day, it’s a spot for casual conversation; by night (6–11 p.m., it transforms into a hub for Black social justice, poetry, politics, and performance, honoring the historic role of coffeehouses in Black culture.

“The idea for us to stay open until 11 o’clock at night really came from studying coffee movements in Black communities and what it meant to us in the civil rights era,” Johnson said “A lot of our coffee shops flourished at night, where people had a chance to gather together and talk about whether they were going to be protesting and exchanging ideas.”

The reopening of Harun Coffee is part of Community Labs’ revitalization work in Leimert Park. The firm has funded and advised on other projects the upscale Lore bookstore next door to Harun Coffee, and the spacious Ora Cafe across the street on Degnan Boulevard. Hall calls the area a “gold mine of culture, community, and creativity,” noting that the roughly $300,000 invested in the coffee shop is small compared with its potential impact.

“When we look at commercial assets and small businesses, all of these things revolve around and are anchored by that cultural vibrancy,” Hall said. “Mandate number one is how do we preserve and protect that as we grow.”

by Kandiss Edwards

January 16, 2026

Finger Licking Fried Chicken Candle Is Coming To Bloomingdale’s

The Fried Chicken Candle is created by Gohar World, a design brand known for unique and playful household objects that reinterpret everyday items.

Major retailer Bloomingdale’s is selling a novelty home décor item that blends food culture with design: the Gohar Fried Chicken Candle.

The candle is modeled to resemble pieces of fried chicken. For those looking to decorate their homes with realistic appearing food items, the Gohar Fried Chicken Candle is priced at $38. The decor is sold as a set of four and is unscented, according to the retailer. The candles are made of soy wax and are designed as decorative objects rather than traditional fragrance candles. Each piece is shaped to look like a different cut of fried chicken.

According to Bloomingdale’s, the product is created by Gohar World, a design brand known for unique and playful household objects that reinterpret everyday items. The listing describes the candles as imported and intended for tabletop or display use.

The candles have drawn attention online as part of a broader trend of food-inspired décor appearing in high-end retail spaces. Bloomingdale’s has previously carried novelty home items that reinterpret common objects through luxury design. While the company advertises luxury, in this creation, it cannot boast originality. Fried chicken candles, as well as candles sculpted to look like other food items, are available from independent sellers. Many of the creations are up to 30% cheaper.

BigFanArtStudio sells a chicken and waffle-themed unscented candle for $29.99. The seller also offers a fried chicken candle without the waffle for $9.99. For those who are less enthused by design and more enraptured by the smell, fried chicken scented candles are also available from multiple online stores. Printerval offers a soy scented candle for $18.95. Additionally, Homesick offers a KFC Bucket of Chicken scented candle that boasts the aroma of multiple spices, including a hint of garlic.

If Gohar is the goal, then its fried chicken candle is available for purchase through Bloomingdale’s website. Shipping and availability may vary.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 16, 2026

Altadena’s Historic Little Red Hen Café Facing Landlord Woes Year After Devastating Fire

The future of the iconic restaurant remains uncertain as its owners struggle to secure the land where the restaurant once stood.

As Altadena, California, continues rebuilding a year after the devastating Eaton Fire, the owners of the town’s Little Red Hen Café are confronting uncertainty about the landmark restaurant’s future.

Barbara Shay and her daughter, Annisa Shay, the co-owners of The Little Red Hen, say efforts to reopen the restaurant have stalled. Despite donations from Paris Hilton, the 15 Percent Pledge, and a GoFundMe, Annisa tells BET that funding remains the biggest hurdle.

Rebuilding costs are estimated at $2 million because “everything costs more.”

“We have to rebuild. When you’re trying to buy a space and own the building, that’s how much it’s gonna take,” she explained. “Probably even more, but that’s the minimum.”

For more than 50 years, as Altadena emerged as a hub for first-time Black homeowners, The Little Red Hen on Fair Oaks Avenue became a beloved community-gathering spot known for its comfort food, lively atmosphere, and frequent celebrity visitors. That reputation ended when the historic restaurant was destroyed in the Eaton Fire.

A year later, the Shays are now working to secure ownership of the land where it once stood. In the days following the fire, they were offered the chance to buy the property from landowner Perry Bennett for a significant sum, but the offer was later withdrawn.

The Shays say Bennett initially quoted them $500,000 for the property and assured them the sale could move forward, but later reversed course, calling back to say, “We’re not selling the property. We’re just going to keep it.”

“She just hung up the phone because she was like, ‘You’re playing games. He wanted all the money up front,” Annisa recalled. “My mom was really pissed off because he knows the family and the situation.”

The Shays say the experience left them feeling manipulated during one of the restaurant’s most vulnerable moments, and they fear that even if they rebuild and lease the space, Bennett could later raise the rent significantly.

“He said one thing, then double-backed,” Annisa said. “So, why would we wait to rebuild when he’s probably going to charge us crazy [rent]?”

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A post shared by The Little Red Hen Coffee Shop (@thelittleredhencoffeeshop)

The Shays are now searching for a temporary location and hope to open later this year while trying to return to their longtime home on Fair Oaks Avenue.

“I just feel like we need to be back where we were on Fair Oaks. So if we can buy that property, then that’s what we will do,” Annisa said.

Annisa is hopeful Altadena will preserve its historic character and avoid gentrification, noting that many longtime residents “aren’t leaving” and won’t “let anybody come in and infiltrate our stuff.”

She’s confident that The Little Red Hen will again stand as one of the community’s most cherished dining spots.

“We’re definitely gonna be back up and running somewhere,” she said. “The business will be popping. Everybody’s pulling up like usual. That’s what it’s gonna look like. We’ll be back in motion.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 16, 2026

A’Ja Wilson Gifts Nike A’One Sneakers To Entire Benedict College Women’s Basketball Team

A’Ja Wilson paid tribute to her father’s HBCU by gifting the Benedict College women’s basketball team each a pair of her signature A’One Nikes.

WNBA star A’Ja Wilson is celebrating her family’s HBCU legacy by giving her signature Nike A’One sneakers to every player on the Benedict College women’s basketball team.

Las Vegas Aces champ and 2025 TIME Athlete of the Year paid tribute to her dad’s legacy at Benedict College by gifting the women’s basketball team each a pair of her signature sneakers, HBCU Game Day reports. The squad showed love on social media on Jan. 12, thanking the WNBA star for the generous gift.

“The Benedict College Women’s Basketball team extends a heartfelt thank you to A’ja Wilson, multi-time MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, TIME Magazine’s 2025 Athlete of the Year, and WNBA All-Star, for blessing our program with her Nike A’One signature shoes,” the team wrote.

The Benedict College Women’s Basketball team extends a heartfelt thank you to A’ja Wilson, multi-time MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, TIME Magazine’s 2025 Athlete of the Year, and WNBA All-Star, for blessing our program with her Nike A’One signature shoes.

Your impact goes… pic.twitter.com/GQelJu66Gm
— Benedict College (@BenedictEDU) January 12, 2026

The gift honors Wilson’s father, Roscoe Wilson Jr., a standout Benedict College Tiger in the 1970s. A dominant big man in the SIAC and NAIA, he earned multiple all-conference and All-American honors, played at Rucker Park alongside legends like Julius Erving, had a pro career overseas, and later coached at Benedict and Morris College.

Wilson carried on her father’s basketball legacy while forging her own path. After a dominant high school career at Heathwood Hall Episcopal, she joined Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks and became one of college basketball’s most decorated players. In the WNBA, she rose to superstardom with the Las Vegas Aces, winning three championships (2022, 2023, 2025) and two Finals MVPs. A four-time league MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and two-time Olympic gold medalist with Team USA, Wilson has firmly cemented her status as a basketball superstar.

“Your impact goes far beyond the hardwood,” Benedict College wrote. “You continue to inspire the next generation of women who play with purpose, power, and pride. We’re honored to lace up greatness and carry the standard forward.”