by Kandiss Edwards

November 17, 2025

Go Dawgs! Quavo Creates New UGA Apparel Line In Partnership With LIDS

The collaboration is only available at the following physical locations: Mall of Georgia, Cumberland Mall, Perimeter Mall, Lenox Square Mall, and Southlake Mall.

Rapper Quavo, real name Quavious Marshall, is launching a new University of Georgia-themed clothing line in partnership with LIDS. Officially announced Nov. 14, the Quavo UGA x ’47 Collection is available in select LIDS stores: Mall of Georgia, Cumberland Mall, Perimeter Mall, Lenox Square Mall, and Southlake Mall. Additionally, the apparel will be available online.

The collection includes fitted caps, hoodies, t-shirts, and varsity jackets. LIDS said the move is part of a broader strategy to diversify its athleisure and tap into the lifestyle market.

“Quavo is one of today’s most dynamic cultural voices,” said Adam Herstig, senior vice president of marketing and partnerships at Lids. “His influence in music, fashion, and sport makes him the perfect partner to help Lids continue pushing boundaries and setting trends in headwear and lifestyle.”

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A post shared by Lids (@lids)

Quavo, a member of the hip-hop group Migos and founder of the record label Huncho TV, said that the line draws on personal nostalgia. Speaking with Sports Illustrated, the rapper expressed excitement at the opportunity to reimagine the apparel.

“It’s the second year, you know what I’m saying? Now we get some consistency going, and I just feel great. I’m excited. And doing something with Lids is a dream come true. I grew up wearing fitteds and getting fitteds on Christmas, so it’s only right that I put my swag and put my touch on it now, that I got the ball in my hands.”

Since launching Huncho TV and his clothing label Huncho Club, he has created capsule collections with multiple streetwear brands and expanded into tech investments.

According to the Streetwear Impact Report conducted by HypeBeast, hip-hop/rap music has a major impact on consumer trends. Furthermore, 65% of respondents say musicians are the most credible figures in apparel promotion.

For Quavo’s team and LIDS, early indicators show pre-orders were strong. Within hours of the announcement, several core items marked as “limited release” sold out in online exclusive drops.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 17, 2025

Chicago Protestors Urge AT&T To End Contracts With ICE-Supporting Agencies

Protesters across Chicago gathered outside AT&T stores to oppose the company’s contracts with agencies that support ICE.

Protesters across Chicago and Illinois recently gathered outside AT&T stores, urging the telecom giant to end contracts with agencies backing the Department of Homeland Security’s controversial ICE raids.

Protesters staged nonviolent demonstrations at 17 AT&T locations across Chicago and Illinois, urging customers to hold off on upgrading products or plans until the company ends contracts with agencies supporting ICE raids, according to a press release. The actions respond to AT&T’s multimillion-dollar agreements with DHS, Customs and Border Patrol, and ICE, including a $146 million contract signed in September 2024.

“No one can reach their full potential while corporations like AT&T profit from contracting with these agencies, gobble up tax breaks, and push for policies that also cut public programs that serve all of us,” People’s Action’s Sulma Arias said outside AT&T’s 15 S. Halsted location in Chicago. “No corporation should have this much power. If AT&T and their peers want our money, they have to act in the interest of our communities.”

With English and Spanish ads promoting how AT&T is “building what matters,” protesters criticized the company for what they see as hypocrisy, marketing to everyday consumers while backing ICE raids that disproportionately impact communities of color.

“AT&T has the nerve to air ads in Spanish while ICE and DHS are terrorizing our communities,” Lina Avalos, a member of The People’s Lobby, said. “We are here today, using our constitutional rights, to talk about how AT&T is selling out our communities to ICE and DHS–– or more cash in their pockets.” Avalos also spoke at the Halsted location.

The protests follow a recent ProPublica investigation into a Sept. 30 ICE raid in one of Chicago’s lowest-income neighborhoods, where agents arrived in Black Hawk helicopters, broke down doors, destroyed property, used flash-bang grenades, and dragged sleeping residents—some unclothed—into the cold. Dozens, including children and U.S. citizens, were held in zip ties for hours. Venezuelan migrants were targeted, accused of ties to the Tren de Aragua gang. While the Trump administration hailed the raid as a counterterrorism success, no charges have been filed against those detained.

Protesters opposing AT&T’s contracts with ICE-supporting agencies aim to highlight how ICE has terrorized not only immigrants but also Black communities, violating constitutional and civil rights. They also point out that AT&T benefited from tax cuts under Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill and publicly supported it, despite deep reductions to funding for health, housing, and nutrition programs.

“By targeting people based on appearance and seeking to get rid of them, this administration is violating the American promise of liberty and justice for all,” Rev. Scott Aaseng, executive co-director of Unitarian Universalist Advocacy Network of Illinois, said. “And AT&T is helping them do it. As a communications company, AT&T should be helping bring people together, not helping ICE separate families and communities. I call on AT&T to do the right thing and end its contracts with ICE, CPB, and DHS now.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 17, 2025

Young Black Men Are Trading In The ‘YN’ Look For Matcha And Quarter Zip Sweaters

The trend speaks to the rise of professional but casual attire on an everyday basis.

Young Black men are giving up on the “YN” lifestyle for a more professional look.

Gone are the days of the Jordan sneakers with the Nike tech sweatsuits. The signature YN look is no longer the trend, as Black young men and teens would rather trade for a quarter zip sweater. Black Instagram users have joined the joking trend about how life feels more elevated when rocking the classic workplace attire.

In fact, some are taking things a step further with a matcha in hand, fulfilling an entirely new aesthetic in this new era.

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A post shared by Rich Soles (@richsoles3)

One content creator named Rich created a skit about the new Quarter Zip craze.

“It’s such a glorious day, the sun is shining so vibrant, so radiant. We don’t do that NIKE tech and coffee anymore, it’s straight up matcha and cashmere quarter zips around here,” he stated sarcastically.

He went on to say that he doesn’t rock the new “kicks” to pop out at an event. Instead, he’s opting for the quiet luxury look, but with designer loafers. He also no longer goes by his street name of “Rich” anymore, preferring for his homeboys to call him Joel in public.

He continued, “…My name is Joel and it’s straight cashmere quarter zips and Gucci loafer season.”

The content creator then went on to say he no longer partakes in “outside” activities, seemingly referencing the club or parties, calling them “low vibrational endeavors.”

Other online creators caught on to the “Quarter Zips and Matcha” trend.

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A post shared by 🇬🇭 (@whois.jason)

“We don’t do Nike tech. We don’t do coffee. Its straight quarter zips and matcha around here,” began a man in another viral clip.

His friend added, “Yesterday I was in the hood, today I’m wearing this sweater, and I’m in Blank Street [Coffee].”

“Techs down, quarter zips up, ya heard,” said the other man.

While still mostly a satirical trend, the viral clips do note a shift away from typical casual wear and sneakers for a more “tech bro” or young professional look. As the popularity of Nike tech suits declines, this move shows the culture is moving in a new direction.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 17, 2025

Stephen Curry Shocks Fans By Wearing Nike Mambacita Kobe 6s Post Under Amour Split

'It’s just something that I wanted to take advantage of that moment and pay tribute.'

Under Armour and Stephen Curry just announced their separation after a decade of partnership. Shortly after making the split public, Curry was seen wearing a pair of Nike “Mambacita” Kobe 6s, sparking shock and speculation during pregame warmups.

According to The Athletic, the Golden State Warriors’ shooting guard made heads turn by lacing up the Nikes while shooting around. Since he is a free agent in the sneaker game right now, he may be showing Nike that he may be interested in a partnership with the sneaker giant. However, he expressed his respect for Kobe Bryant as the catalyst for putting them on for the game against San Antonio on Nov. 14.

“I know it’s weird seeing me in anything else other than my own shoes,” Curry said after the basketball game. “But just the idea of what he meant, I’ve talked about Kobe a lot. And that specific pair, I think it speaks for itself, what it means. Other than that, it’s just something that I wanted to take advantage of that moment and pay tribute, and I think it gave me some good energy tonight.”

Curry signed with Under Armour after serving as a Nike spokesperson for four years. After a 12-year relationship, the parties agreed to part ways, with the scheduled release of The Curry 13 set for February 2026. That will be the last product released under the UA brand. He did express that he is a free agent as he is looking for a new partnership.

“I’m a free agent,” Curry said. “I’m out here, new beginnings. I was blessed to have an unbelievable experience and take a chance on something that meant a lot to me over the last 13 years, and extremely proud of myself, my team, everybody who’s able to touch that business for that long.”

The Warriors won the game against the Spurs, 109-108, as Curry scored 49 points.

RELATED CONTENT: Stephen Curry and Under Armour Go Separate Ways

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 17, 2025

NBA Requests Information From Several Teams As Illegal Gambling Investigation Ramps Up

In a statement, the NBA says "everyone has been fully cooperative."

The NBA has reportedly requested mobile phone records and related documents from several teams as it ramps up investigations into illegal gambling accusations.

This is taking place nearly a month after Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former NBA player Damon Jones were arrested for their alleged role in a gambling scheme that allegedly involved the mafia.

According to The Athletic, following the arrests, committees from the House and Senate asked the league how it had not uncovered credible evidence that players and coaches had participated in the alleged scheme to reveal private information to bettors.

NBA officials informed the committees that it has has hired an outside law firm, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, to lead the investigation. It has begun contacting teams to request access to cellphones, among other items.

One of the teams contacted was the Los Angeles Lakers. Jones was LeBron James’ former shooting coach and had special access to the Lakers.

Investigators have requested documents, including cellphones and phone records, from at least 10 Lakers employees, according to league sources. Lakers assistant trainer Mike Mancias and executive administrator Randy Mims, who were targeted specifically because of their relationship with Jones, have handed over their phones.

“The NBA engaged an independent law firm to investigate the allegations in the indictment once it was made public,” an NBA spokesman said in a written statement to The Athletic. “As is standard in these kinds of investigations, a number of different individuals and organizations were asked to preserve documents and records. Everyone has been fully cooperative.”

The league had prior investigations into alleged gambling schemes, including one that led to Toronto Raptors’ Jontay Porter being kicked out of the league in April 2024. NBA player Malik Beasley is also a target of a gambling investigation by federal officials.

In the NBA’s investigation of Rozier, the league cleared him of any wrongdoing before he was arrested in October.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 17, 2025

Megan Thee Stallion Missed Out On Google Brand Deal Bag Due To Milagro Gramz Harassment

The new memorandum lists several big companies that Megan had to forego partnerships with amid the harassment.

Megan Thee Stallion is sharing more into how the emotional toll of Milagro Gramz’s reported harassment messed up her own bag.

In a new memorandum sent for her lawsuit against Gramz, whose real name is Milagro Cooper, Megan’s attorneys listed Google as one of the companies the Houston rapper could not move forward with due to the harassment she faced online. The Docket Diva, a gossip blog, shared screenshots of the legal documents.

Megan initially filed a defamation lawsuit against Gramz in October 2024. Her legal team recently sent over emails confirming that a brand partnership with the tech giant was initially in the works.

However, Megan, real name Megan Pete, had to miss out on the opportunity as the incessant online bullying took a toll on her mental health. Now, she is seeking damages, using these emails to calculate an accurate amount of potential gains lost.

Her lawyers say the targeted campaign against her, allegedly fueled by Milagro Gramz, made Megan take a major backseat from the public eye. The slew of misinformation spewed by Gramz through her public platforms heightened the hatred against Megan, especially in the midst and aftermath of Tory Lanez’s trial for shooting her in the foot.

“Central to Ms. Pete’s case are the emotional damages suffered as a result of Ms. Cooper’s defamatory statements, the coordinated social media campaign with Daystar [Lanez] and Sonstar Peterson, and the promotion of the June 8, 2024, deepfake porn video.”

While a jury found Lanes guilty of the assault, as he subsequently went to prison, he reportedly paid out the celebrity blogger to continue her tirade against Megan to discredit her story and integrity. Megan’s team also asserted that Gramz’s false reporting ruined Megan’s marketing appeal to major companies, while putting future deals with Google, Activision, and the U.S. Soccer Delegation on hold as well.

“These were career-amplifying opportunities that were available to Ms. Pete, but she could not capitalize on, as she was unable to be fully present in her career due to the ongoing campaign of harassment that persisted for years.”

The Grammy winner also claimed that the online turmoil left her unable to perform for shows, a major part of her career advancement and money generation. Megan has since taken back her own narrative and brand, and now wants Gramz to pay up for her role in jeopardizing her career and mental state.

The jury trial officially begins Nov. 17 in Florida, with both Gramz and Megan expected to testify.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 17, 2025

Trina Braxton’s Journey Into Real Estate Has Been ‘Challenging But Fun’

Trina Braxton is opening up about her "challenging but fun" venture into real estate.

Trina Braxton is sharing how her move into real estate has pushed her beyond her usual celebrity comfort zone.

Season two of WeTV’s The Braxtons has been following Trina’s move into real estate, and the Nov. 14 episode featured her first home showing with friend and actor Faizon Love.

“I think it’s a little different for me only because—and I’m not going to say it has anything to do with celebrity—but I have to decipher through,” Trina Braxton shared with People. “Because you have your cards and you have your telephone number and stuff on there, and then you’ll get people calling, ‘Oh my gosh, is this really Trina?’ I’m like, ‘Dude, you trying to buy or what?’”

Trina says the job comes with plenty of perks, including meeting new people and stepping into a field she won’t age out of.

“If WeTV decided tomorrow, ‘Well, we’re going to cancel the show…’— you guys better not cancel the show—but if they say, ‘We’re going to cancel the show,’ I am still a real estate agent,” Trina Braxton said, referring to her and her family’s revamped realty series.

She also plans to pursue her passion for cooking next. “I’m still a Realtor, and I’m also going to be licensed in culinary arts,” she added. It’s important for her to explore new ventures and pursue opportunities beyond reality television.

“I’m not going to allow myself to be pigeonholed into something that I do enjoy, by the way, but if they decide that they no longer want to continue on with doing The Braxtons as a show, I’m creating other shows, I am being a Realtor, I am a culinary artist reopening up a bar because I was very successful,” she said. “I’m just one of those people. I look toward the future. I can’t sit in the right now.”

by Kandiss Edwards

November 17, 2025

NYC Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani Stands With Striking Starbucks Workers, Supports Boycott

In a post on X, Mamdani supported workers' rights to fair labor and fair contracts.

New York City’s mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani publicly urged a boycott of Starbucks in solidarity with striking baristas.

Mayor-elect Mamdani’s support for Starbucks employees aligns with the progressive, pro-labor stance he touted during his campaign. In a post on X, Mamdani supported workers’ rights to fair labor and fair contracts.

“Starbucks workers across the country are on an Unfair Labor Practices strike, fighting for a fair contract. While workers are on strike, I won’t be buying any Starbucks, and I’m asking you to join us. Together, we can send a powerful message: No contract, no coffee,” he wrote on Thursday, Nov. 13.

Mamdani, a self-described Democratic socialist and longtime labor advocate, has aligned with other known advocates Elizabeth Warren and Lina Khan.

Starbucks workers across the country are on an Unfair Labor Practices strike, fighting for a fair contract.

While workers are on strike, I won’t be buying any Starbucks, and I’m asking you to join us.

Together, we can send a powerful message: No contract, no coffee. https://t.co/Cw0WMf2hVW
— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) November 14, 2025

The strike, organized by Starbucks Workers United and timed to coincide with Starbucks’ annual “Red Cup Day” promotion, began with about 1,000 employees. Over 65 Starbucks locations were affected by employee walkouts; the number could expand to more than 500 stores. The union accuses Starbucks of unjust labor practices and stalled contract talks.

Starbucks, which operates nearly 17,000 stores in the United States, said the action affects roughly 4 percent of its retail labor force. Jaci Anderson, Starbucks Director of Global Communications, told Fox Digital the company was unaffected by the dissent.

“In terms of our annual Reusable Red Cup Day—we actually had a great day—99% of our coffeehouses remained open and welcoming customers and we exceeded our sales expectations across company-operated coffeehouses in North America, making it the best Red Cup Day ever.”

Red Cup Day was on Thursday, Nov. 13.

Some unionized Starbucks locations have alleged retaliation and closures tied to their organizing efforts.

India Arie, natural hair, Michelle Obama

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 17, 2025

India Arie Joins Threads Debate Over Michelle Obama’s Comments On Black Hair

India Arie weighed in on the ongoing debate sparked by Michelle Obama’s remarks about Black women straightening their hair.

India Arie jumped into a Threads discussion about Michelle Obama’s recent comments on Black hair, reminding everyone she’s been championing natural hair for over 20 years.

Debates around Black women’s hair heightened over the weekend after Michelle Obama, during a book tour stop with Tracee Ellis Ross, urged white people to recognize the extreme measures Black women take to straighten their hair and conform to Eurocentric beauty standards.

“Let me explain something to white people. Our hair comes out curly. When we straighten it to follow your beauty standards, we are trapped by the straightness,” Obama said in a clip shared on X.” That’s why so many of us can’t swim, won’t go to the gym because we’re trying to keep our hair straight for y’all!”

Dear White People
Please leave Black Women’s hair alone.
Sincerely,
Michelle Obama pic.twitter.com/VQ1lS8fgkm
— greg (@mistergeezy) November 15, 2025

The discussion carried over to Threads, where a user named Chanel Coco Five shared a now-viral post explaining why she disagrees with the former first lady’s stance on Black women straightening their hair.

“Dear Michelle Obama, newsflash, Black women do not straighten their hair because of white people’s beauty standards,” the Threads user wrote. “As a Curly natural myself, most black women straighten their hair because they choose to, and it’s easier to manage for them. Let’s drop this narrative that we do anything for the white beauty standard; black women are the true beauty standard. Why get on stage and say that nonsense?”

The post sparked a major debate, racking up more than 6,000 comments and over 2,000 likes. As reactions poured in, many users tagged “I Am Not My Hair” singer India Arie, prompting her to join the conversation. While Arie appreciates seeing the natural hair discussion persist nearly two decades after her 2006 hit helped elevate the topic, she suggested that Chanel Coco still has more to understand.

“I want to thank everybody in these comments who is trying to educate this woman,” Arie wrote. “I did my 25-year bid of trying to help people awaken. Maybe the path we laid made it too easy to walk down. But I’m gonna thank y’all for doing this work. As far as I’m concerned, she can be rude and miseducated in peace. And I, too, will remain …. in peace. She’ll learn when she learns. I guess it won’t be today.”

After a brief exchange, Arie and Chanel Coco agreed to disagree with respect and sisterhood. Chanel Coco even showed support by buying Arie’s latest single and urging others to do the same.

Louisiana, courthouse, New Orleans, Clifton Davis

by Kandiss Edwards

November 17, 2025

Exonerated Man Now Clerk Of Criminal Court In New Orleans

Duncan believes time is of the essence to many inmates when dealing with documents that can assist in exonerations.

Calvin Duncan, who spent more than 28 years in prison before his murder conviction was overturned, was elected as Orleans Parish Criminal Court Clerk by the citizens of New Orleans.

Duncan, an advocate and attorney, secured 38,681 votes, about 68% of the vote, in the Nov. 15 run-off election, according to the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office.

Duncan said he ran for clerk because he saw first-hand how long it took incarcerated people to get basic documents and to have their cases reviewed.

In a press conference, he spoke candidly about his time as an inmate and the difficulties he faced while navigating his case. Duncan believes time is of the essence to many inmates when dealing with documents that can assist in exonerations.

“Tonight is a dream that’s been 40 years in the making,” Duncan said. “I hope that all those people who died in prison because we couldn’t get their records are looking down now. I hope they’re proud of me. We never stopped fighting for each other’s rights, and I will never stop fighting for yours. Thank you for this privilege.”

Incumbent Darren Lombard quickly conceded the race on election night.

“I want to congratulate Calvin Duncan on his victory,” Lombard said. “I stand ready to support a smooth and professional transition so that the important work of this office continues without interruption.”

Duncan spent decades fighting to clear his name in a 1981 fatal shooting, all while maintaining his innocence.

After years of searching, Duncan and other investigators uncovered evidence that police officers lied in court. His conviction was tossed by a judge in 2021. Duncan has since become known for helping fellow inmates file their appeals and understand court procedure.

In 2020, his advocacy helped drive the Supreme Court decision that ended non-unanimous jury convictions in Louisiana and Oregon. The states were the last two states that still allowed the Jim Crow–era practice.