Dwight Howard, military service
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 17, 2023

Dwight Howard Wants Primary Custody Of 13-Year-Old Daughter After Seeing Her ‘Inappropriate’ TikTok Videos

Former NBA player Dwight Howard wants to have primary custody of his 13-year-old daughter with Tiffany Render.

Former NBA player Dwight Howard seems to be in the news more these days than when he was on the basketball court. Radar Online has acquired documents stating that the former Orlando Magic center wants primary custody of his 13-year-old daughter.

The legal paperwork reveals that Howard has filed a petition to have the current custody arrangement and child support modified for his daughter, Layla Lo’Ren Howard. Howard wants his daughter’s mother, Tiffany Render, to lose custody after their daughter posted some “inappropriate” TikTok videos and filmed a reality television show.

The former couple agreed to Howard lowering the amount of child support payments he made from $12,000 a month to $3,000 earlier this year due to a “substantial change” in his income. With that arrangement, they agreed to Render having primary custody while the former player got visitation rights. They both have joint legal custody, allowing them to be included in important life decisions for their daughter.

Now, with the current petition, Howard wants primary custody of Layla, to have the child support arrangement terminated, and wants Render to pay him child support, the outlet reports.

His reasoning for the change is due to Render relocating to Florida with Layla and not notifying him of the move. This took place in July, according to the outlet. He then claimed that she has “failed and refused” to talk to him about issues that affect his daughter, including education, healthcare, and her general well-being.

The paperwork states that she “failed and refused to provide access to the Minor Child and failed and refused to discuss, in good faith, the Minor Child’s relocation, unenrollment in her prior school or enrollment in her new school in Florida.”

What made the matter worse was when Howard saw TikTok clips posted by his daughter. In them, she is “flipping off” the camera, and there were “videos of the Minor Child, scantily clad and/or in age-inappropriate clothing, with vulgar, sexual songs playing in the background, wherein which the Minor Child is making sexually inappropriate gestures and innuendo.”

Howard says she demonstrated “an inability to maintain a healthy home environment in which to raise the Minor Child.”

According to the media outlet, Render has not responded to the petition.

Memphis Man Faces Charges for Repeated Home Depot Heists Totaling Over $5,000
by Rafael Pena

November 17, 2023

Memphis Man Faces Charges for Repeated Home Depot Heists Totaling Over $5,000

A Memphis man is now facing charges for allegedly pilfering goods worth over $5,000 from Home Depot not once but twice.

A Memphis man is now in police custody on Nov. 13, facing charges for allegedly stealing goods worth over $5,000 from Home Depot not once but twice, according to the Memphis Police Department, as reported by Action News 5.

Gary Johnson, 34, stands accused of orchestrating two separate thefts from the Home Depot on Truse Parkway. The first incident unfolded on July 30, when Johnson reportedly strolled into the store and navigated his cart through various departments, ultimately focusing on the plumbing and kitchen sections.

During this spree, police contend that Johnson loaded his cart with a considerable haul, including a kitchen sink, cabinets, and light fixtures, accumulating a total value of $1,565. Boldly, he exited the establishment without settling the bill.

Not content with his first haul, Johnson, three days later, on Aug. 3, allegedly revisited the Truse Parkway Home Depot for another round of illicit shopping. This time, he strategically guided his cart to the farthest reaches of the store, where he seized two water heaters. To add to his loot, he snatched up a kitchen sink and faucet, brazenly exiting the premises again without bothering to pay.

The Memphis Police Department estimates the cumulative value of both thefts to be an astounding $5,212, emphasizing the audacity and scale of Johnson’s alleged criminal exploits.

Following an extensive investigation, Johnson was apprehended and formally booked on Nov. 13, marking a significant development in the case. Authorities are now working to build a case against Johnson, whose repeated actions have raised concerns about the vulnerability of retail establishments.

The Memphis Police Department has yet to release details about Johnson’s charges. Still, given the significant value of the stolen items and the repeated offenses, legal consequences are anticipated to be substantial.

This incident underscores the challenges faced by retailers in maintaining security and preventing theft, prompting a broader discussion about strategies to deter and address such criminal activities in commercial establishments throughout the city.

Carmelo Anthony, The Kid Mero Launch Digital Series And Podcast, ‘7PM In Brooklyn’ 
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 17, 2023

Carmelo Anthony, The Kid Mero Launch Digital Series And Podcast, ‘7PM In Brooklyn’ 

Carmelo Anthony has joined the sports podcast circuit with a new digital series alongside The Kid Mero that's set to premiere December 7.

Carmelo Anthony has joined the sports podcast circuit with a new digital series alongside The Kid Mero that’s set to premiere December 7.

The retired NBA star has teamed up with former Bodega Boy to host 7PM in Brooklyn, a new digital series and podcast produced by Wave Sports + Entertainment, the same company behind a series of athlete- and sports-driven shows, as noted by The Hollywood Reporter. The show will feature Anthony and Mero offer their takes on basketball, Anthony’s 19-year NBA career, and current happenings in sports and culture.

“7PM in Brooklyn is not just a sports show; it’s an immersive journey that dives into the heart of the game and the rich culture that surrounds it,” Anthony said. “As co-host and executive producer, I’m looking forward to bringing a unique blend of storytelling to fans, merging our passion for sports and culture with our commitment to creating intentional, purpose-driven content.”

Anthony will also serve as executive producer of the show through his Creative 7 Productions, along with co-founder Asani Swann. It will be available every Thursday on YouTube and across streaming platforms.

The show is likely in good hands as Wave Sports + Entertainment is behind a number of popular athlete- and sports-driven shows like New Heights With Jason and Travis Kelce, Podcast P with Paul George, and The Right Time with Bomani Jones as well as a host of digital and social media brands.

“We’re excited to welcome Melo and Mero to the WSE team. Melo’s iconic NBA status and Mero’s groundbreaking entertainment career makes them the most authentic duo to host 7PM in Brooklyn,” Tunde St. Matthew-Daniel, executive vice president, original content, at Wave Sports + Entertainment said. “It’s the best of both worlds and the perfect project to continue WSE’s mission of delivering industry-leading sports and culture shows to all fans.”

It’s also the perfect return for Mero. The former Desus and Mero host has loved sports since childhood.

“Growing up in the Bronx as a die-hard Knicks fan, basketball was everything,” Mero said. “Getting a chance to use my 10-plus years of success in entertainment to cook up some magic with a legend like Melo and my guys at WSE is a no-brainer. 7PM in Brooklyn is gonna be a must-watch for all basketball fans, Merodamus told you!”

RELATED CONTENT: ESPN Host Stephen A. Smith Shares Career Advice At 9th Annual Black Professionals Summit

Basquiat Family Faces Criticism Over Commercialization of His Art
by Rafael Pena

November 17, 2023

Basquiat Family Faces Criticism Over Commercialization of His Art

Friends of Basquiat are furious with the late artist’s relatives, who have been commercializing his art on products he wouldn't approve.

In a report by the New York Post on Nov. 15., friends of Jean-Michel Basquiat are furious with the late artist’s relatives, who have been commercializing his art on products he would never approve of.

Some people felt like Jean-Michel Basquiat’s legacy diminished as his work found its way onto scented candles, flip-flops, high-end bourbon, and even a welcome mat. Friends of the renowned artist, who passed away in 1988, expressed their discontent, accusing his sisters, Lisane Basquiat and Jeanine Heriveaux, of diluting his artistic legacy for financial gain.

“I personally think Jean-Michel would be horrified,” shared Claudia Summers with the Post, a friend and collaborator of Basquiat. She accuses his sisters of commercializing his work out of greed, stating, “They say they want to make Jean available to everyone. But they are diluting the power of his art.”

Despite attempts to reach out for comment, Lisane Basquiat and Jeanine Heriveaux did not respond to the outlet’s request.

While the commercialization of artists’ work is not uncommon, Al Diaz, an old-school graffiti artist who collaborated with Basquiat on the infamous SAMO tag, believes the Basquiat sisters have taken it further than most. Diaz, who had a legal dispute with the sisters over SAMO’s copyright, criticizes their merchandise handling, claiming, “The Basquiats have set the bar lower than anyone else.”

Critics argue that the Basquiat sisters have crossed boundaries by using his art on various consumer goods.

Diaz pointed out, “They take bits and pieces of a work and cut it up. That would bother most artists — unless they do the cutting. Someone else does it, and, seriously, that could be grounds for a fistfight.”

Summers took to Instagram to express her disdain for “the appalling greed of the Basquiat sisters,” prompting sharp responses from Basquiat’s former crew and beyond. Actress Debi Mazar and film director Katherine Dieckmann joined the chorus of disapproval, calling the commercialization “awful” and “sooo tone deaf.

The Basquiat welcome mats, in particular, draw extra criticism. Diaz asserts that Basquiat would have been upset about people wiping dirt onto his paintings. At the same time, Eszter Balint, who knew Basquiat and was writing a play about the downtown scene, stated, “His essence is so embedded in his art. This kind of flattening and fetishizing takes people further away from the art.”

Using Basquiat’s art and name on labels for Great Jones Distillery’s $45 bottles of bourbon also sparked controversy. Balint notes the connection between the promotion of alcohol and Basquiat’s death from a drug overdose, stating, “He believed that his art should be taken seriously. It’s been turned into kitsch.”

Representatives for Great Jones Distillery did not respond to requests for comment from The Post.

Joseph Sheridan, who ran in the same circles as Basquiat, emphasizes that the artist would not have approved of a liquor ad. “Jean-Michel would have thought it was tacky. He would have known those boundaries, sober or high.”

Summers sums up the sentiment of many critics, expressing anger not only for a friend but also for Basquiat’s family’s trivialization of great art.

homosexuality
by Jameelah Mullen

November 17, 2023

It’s Illegal To Be Gay In This Tennessee City

The City of Murfreesboro has banned "indecent behavior," which includes homosexuality.

Located about 30 miles outside of Nashville, the city of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, recently passed an ordinance that prohibits homosexuality in public. 

Passed in June 2023, the ordinance bans “indecent behavior” which includes “indecent exposure, public indecency, lewd behavior, nudity or sexual conduct.” Erin in the Morning reported that the document mentions Section 21-72 of the city code, which specifically says that “sexual conduct” includes homosexuality.

The decree also states that the local community has the right to “establish and preserve contemporary community standards,” which means city officials can ban acts they deem “indecent.”

City officials met on Nov. 6 to discuss the removal of books from the Rutherford County Library that contain LBGTQ+ content, also considered “indecent” under the recent city ordinance. 

According to Erin in the Morning, the library board has removed four books: Flamer by Mike Curato; Let’s Talk About It by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan; Queerfully and Wonderfully Made: A Guide for LGBTQ+ Christian Teens by Jennifer Knapp; and This Book Is Gay by Juno Dawson. 

In October, a judge temporarily blocked a ban that would have made it illegal for the Tennessee Equality Project to host its annual BoroPride festival.   

A lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union forced Judge Waverly Crenshaw Jr. to ban the city from enforcing the ordinance.

“We are relieved that the court has taken action to ensure that Murfreesboro’s discriminatory ordinance will not be enforced during the BoroPride festival,” Tennessee Equality Project Executive Director Chris Sanders said in a statement. 

This controversial ordinance makes things even more complicated for same-sex married couples in Murfreesboro. Since 2014, gay marriage has been legal in Tennessee; but in March, the state House of Representatives passed a bill that would allow officiants to refuse to perform a gay marriage if they disagreed with the union. The bill has been introduced to the Senate and deferred until 2024.

holiday shopping, handbags, purses
by Rafael Pena

November 17, 2023

NYC Record-Breaking Bust: $1 Billion in Counterfeit Luxury Goods Seized

​​New York City authorities executed a record-breaking bust, seizing more than $1 billion worth of counterfeit luxury goods.

​​New York City authorities have executed a record-breaking bust, seizing over $1 billion of counterfeit luxury goods, including faux designer handbags and shoes. The fakes were found in a Manhattan storage facility, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York on Nov. 15.

Approximately 219,000 counterfeit items, including bags, clothes, and shoes, were confiscated in what U.S. Attorney Damian Williams called “the largest-ever seizure of counterfeit goods in U.S. history.” The goods, with an estimated retail value of $1.03 billion, were found in a New York City storage facility allegedly used by defendants Adama Sow and Abdulai Jalloh as a distribution center for their large-scale trafficking operation.

Williams stated, “As alleged, the defendants used a Manhattan storage facility as a distribution center for massive amounts of knockoff designer goods. The seizures announced today consist of merchandise with over a billion dollars in estimated retail value, the largest-ever seizure of counterfeit goods in U.S. history. This is a testament to the commitment of this Office and its law enforcement partners to combat counterfeit trafficking in New York City.”

The charges against Sow and Jalloh include trafficking in counterfeit goods and carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Allegedly running their operations from January 2023 to Oct. 20, 2023, the defendants are accused of trafficking goods out of the Manhattan storage facility and an offsite location.

Photographs released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office depict storage units within the facility piled high with handbags and shoes, emphasizing the scale of the operation. Images of boxes containing seized counterfeit goods provide a visual testament to the extent of the illicit operation.

NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban emphasized the impact of counterfeit goods trafficking on legitimate businesses, governments, and consumers, stating, “The trafficking of counterfeit goods is anything but a victimless crime because it harms legitimate businesses, governments, and consumers. Today’s indictments show how seriously the NYPD and our federal partners take this offense. And we will continue to work hard to hold accountable anyone who seeks to benefit by selling such items on the black market.”

Interview: André 3000 reveals why his new solo album has no bars — and no boundaries
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 17, 2023

Black Twitter Got Jokes About André 3000’s All Flute Album

André 3000's "New Blue Sun" was released on Friday and Black Twitter wasted no time cracking jokes about the woodwind-filled EP.

André 3000’s fully instrumental album, New Blue Sun, was released on Friday, and Black Twitter wasted no time cracking jokes about the woodwind-filled EP.

The Outkast rapper has been open and honest about his lack of inspiration in releasing a rap album. Still, considering his standing as one of the greatest lyricists of all time, hip-hop fans were hopeful that 3000’s first album in nearly 20 years would include some layered bars and dope beats.

But that wasn’t where the wind was blowing for the “Hey Ya!” musician. 3000 returned to the music scene with an album that will take you on a tranquil walk through the park to watch the birds and butterflies rather than a funkdafied Cadillac ride through the hood.

“I’ve worked with some of the newest, freshest, youngest and old-school producers. I get beats all the time. I try to write all the time.” But rap is not what comes, he told GQ.

“Even now people think, ‘Oh, man, he’s just sitting on raps, or he’s just holding these raps hostage.’ I ain’t got no raps like that. It actually feels … sometimes it feels inauthentic for me to rap because I don’t have anything to talk about in that way.”

https://twitter.com/raptalksk/status/1725190019768303634

Now, with the release of 3000’s flute-focused album, Black Twitter is showing their support but in a way only Black Twitter can. Comical memes and video clips highlight the good reception true André 3000 fans are having to New Blue Sun.

There’s that infamous “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” scene when Uncle Phil forces Will, Carlton, and Jeff to sit through a classical song. Many have credited the scene to how they’re reacting to 3000’s new album.

https://twitter.com/phiwo_dladla/status/1725391782337249472
It seems that with any content that’s flute- or woodwind-related, Black Twitter has found a funny way to liken it to 3000’s new album. There are even video clips fans added flute sounds to just to make their point. Check out some of the most out-of-pocket tweets below.

New Blue Sun is certainly a high-vibrational album. Considering the week we’ve had in the media, it might be just what we need.

RELATED CONTENT: André 3000 Releasing His First Album In 17 Years, Will Include No Rapping

Byron Allen Looking Into Purchasing Scripps TV Stations
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 17, 2023

Byron Allen Looking Into Purchasing Scripps TV Stations

Successful entrepreneur Byron Allen is looking to expand his extensive empire by purchasing television stations from E.W. Scripps.

Comedian and successful entrepreneur Byron Allen is looking to expand his extensive empire by pursuing a purchase of several television stations from E.W. Scripps.

According to Seeking Alpha, the Allen Media Group is in search of possibly $200 million financing from private lenders to buy some of the television properties from the broadcasting entity, based on a report by Bloomberg TV. Allen is purportedly looking for stations that are not located in major markets.

The news comes after Allen attempted to bring the BET Network back under Black ownership several months ago when he, Tyler Perry, Sean “Diddy” Combs, and others tried to purchase the network from Paramount. After toying with the idea for several months, the company decided not to sell BET to anyone.

More recently, in September, Allen placed a $10 billion bid to acquire Disney’s ABC Network, according to Bloomberg. Allen made the offer after reports of Disney looking to get rid of what it considers “non-core assets” and looking to focus their efforts on streaming services.

A source familiar with the offer said it centers specifically on ABC’s broadcast network, FX and National Geographic.

According to the outlet, the Allen Media Group recently brought back two recently canceled courtroom favorites and premiered a new one in September.

Judge Mathis is starring in Mathis Court With Judge Mathis; Judge Milian, formerly of The People’s Court, continues to bang the gavel for Justice for the People with Judge Milan,” and the newest addition to the slate of court shows on television is Eboni K. Williams (The Real Housewives of New York City) debuted Equal Justice with Judge Eboni K. Williams.

“Byron and I are both from Detroit, and it’s exciting to see him build the Motown of court programming by bringing together all of my fellow judges from his eight court shows – who are the best of the best,” Mathis said before his show went on air.

The court shows debuted on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023.

Deion Sanders, Colorado
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 17, 2023

Deion Sanders Claims Schools Are Misleading Recruits By Saying He Won’t Be At Colorado For Long

Says schools are using rumors about him going to Texas A & M to tell students he won't be at Colorado

Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders is claiming there are schools trying to use an unfounded rumor that he is leaving the University of Colorado Boulder to gain an advantage with prospective student-athletes in their recruiting efforts.

According to CBS News, during Sanders’ weekly radio show, he said that some schools were trying to detract recruits from going to the Buffaloes by saying that Sanders wouldn’t be in Colorado for long, even though he hasn’t completed his first year at the university. It was brought up because Texas A&M University recently fired its football coach, Jimbo Fisher, and Sanders has been linked to that job.

Sanders says he has no interest in the position.

“I don’t talk about any other coaches or teams or staffs. I don’t believe in that,” Sanders said on Nov. 15, according to 247Sports. “I am not going to put you down so I can stand up. I’ve never been that type of player or person in my life. But all these other schools are telling these young men and their families I am not going to be [at Colorado].”

He continued, “They think that we’re going to be so successful that I am going to leave. So they understand what we possess and the potential we possess. But that’s not true.”

Although the Buffaloes have a losing record of 4-6 and are currently in last place in the Pac-12 Conference with a 1-6 win-loss total, Sanders has resurrected the program after his team went 1-11 last season.

His presence at the school has helped pack the stadium after the lackluster play of its football team in recent years. Being the football coach has brought the school a financial windfall through ad deals, promotions, celebrity endorsements, and sightings, not to mention increased media coverage. The NFL Hall of Famer has reportedly generated $90.6 million in revenue for the Division I school, according to Yahoo Finance.

RELATED CONTENT: Coach Prime Deion Sanders Scores Guinness World Record With Massive Football Lesson

Snoop Dogg Shocks Fans with Smoke-Free Declaration
by Rafael Pena

November 17, 2023

Snoop Dogg Shocks Fans with Smoke-Free Declaration

Snoop Dogg announced his latest project was to 'give up smoke.' Now everybody is confused.

According to USA Today, iconic rapper and entrepreneur Snoop Dogg caught fans off guard with a recent social media announcement on Nov. 16 that declared his decision to give up smoking marijuana. The revelation, conveyed in a black-and-white Instagram post, left fans wondering what has happened.

Snoop Dogg wrote, “After much consideration & conversation with my family, I’ve decided to give up smoke. Please respect my privacy at this time.”

In the accompanying caption he emphasized the decision, stating simply, “I’m giving up smoke.”

The “Gin and Juice” rapper didn’t explain his decision.

Snoop Dogg’s declaration to “give up smoke” puzzled fans, especially following his joint product launch with Martha Stewart called “Best Buds Bags.” A social media user, @nicholaszazula, highlighted what seemed to be a contradiction, commenting, “Didn’t he announce he stopped smoking 20 mins ago?”

Snoop clarified to hip-hop music magazine The Source that the limited-edition crossbody bag is tailored to his preferences, boasting secret stash pockets designed for his favorite herbs.

Despite the public proclamation, Snoop Dogg’s ties to the world of marijuana are evident in his involvement in the cannabis industry. From his renowned weed line, Leafs by Snoop, to his participation in the cannabis investment fund Casa Verde, the rapper is a prominent figure in the culture.

Even after his surprising announcement last month, Snoop employed the lit candles on his birthday cake to reignite a joint onstage at a Los Angeles benefit show co-hosted by Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly. The enthusiastic endorsement from Reilly and the audience underscored Snoop Dogg’s unapologetic and enduring connection with cannabis culture. “That’s what I’m talking about,” Reilly exclaimed, capturing the essence of Snoop’s presence in the marijuana industry.

T-Pain, who recently collaborated with Snoop Dogg on the music video for “That’s How We Ballin,” issued a disclaimer on X (formerly Twitter), noting that the video was filmed before Snoop quit smoking.

T-Pain offered words of encouragement to the California rapper, writing, “Stay strong, Unc #support.”

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