will.i.am, work-life balance
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 7, 2026

Will.I.Am Introduces AI-Powered Electric Vehicle

'TRINITY is a next‑gen micromobility platform that aligns Human, Vehicle, and Agent, using NVIDIA as its AI brain to run conversational, goal‑tracking workflows for more of a connected urban experience.'

When Black Eyed Peas member and frontman, Will.i.am, is not in the studio, he is at his “day job” as a tech entrepreneur. At the recent CES (Consumer Electronics Show) trade show, he revealed, one of his projects, TRINITY, an electric car powered by artificial intelligence.

According to Complex, the “Scream & Shout” recording artist showcased “the future of micromobility,” powered by NVIDIA DGX Spark technology.

Only 500 units are planned to be initially offered. The vehicle is expected to debut in August 2027.

“TRINITY is a next‑gen micromobility platform that aligns Human, Vehicle, and Agent, using NVIDIA as its AI brain to run conversational, goal‑tracking workflows for more of a connected urban experience,” will.i.am said in a written statement to the media outlet. “It’s brains on wheels, built from the agent up.”

A Kickstarter campaign was launched Jan. 6 to encourage individuals to invest in the project and be involved in a pre-order interest program. The TRINITY 3-wheel electric vehicle will have a top speed of 120 mph and a weatherproof cabin with a luxury interior. People can expect studio-level audio.

“TRINITY represents the future of micromobility—where humans, vehicles, and AI agents work together seamlessly. With NVIDIA DGX Spark as its AI brain, TRINITY delivers conversational, goal-tracking workflows that transform how people interact with mobility in connected cities.”

The electric vehicle, expected to cost consumers under $30,000, is anticipated to be manufactured and headquartered in the Boyle Heights area of Los Angeles, with West Coast Customs and DEKA Research and Development being involved in key elements of the single-passenger vehicle.

The vehicle, still in the concept phase, will accommodate only one passenger.

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true stories, podcast, Kiese Laymon, Deesha Philyaw, Podcast, Reparations, NYC, Reparations
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 7, 2026

Corporation For Public Broadcasting To Shut Down After Congress Pulled NPR And PBS Funding

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting has announced it will dissolve following the Trump administration's cut to over $1 billion in funding.

After more than half a century of operation, board members for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) announced it will dissolve, following Congress’s decision to cut federal funding for NPR and PBS. The nonprofit, created by Congress in 1967, announced the organization’s end on Jan. 5, blaming the move on federal budget cuts pushed by the Trump administration, the Detroit Free Press reports.

“What has happened to public media is devastating,” said Ruby Calvert, chair of CPB’s Board of Directors. “After nearly six decades of innovative, educational public television and radio service, Congress eliminated all funding for CPB, leaving the Board with no way to continue the organization or support the public media system that depends on it. Yet, even in this moment, I am convinced that public media will survive, and that a new Congress will address public media’s role in our country because it is critical to our children’s education, our history, culture, and democracy to do so.”

The announcement comes months after Congress voted in July to slash $1.1 billion in funding for public broadcasting over the next two years, a move that led CPB to announce an “orderly wind-down” of its operations the following month. With no future funding and ongoing “attacks” from the Trump administration, the board saw dissolution as the only viable option.

“For more than half a century, CPB existed to ensure that all Americans — regardless of geography, income, or background — had access to trusted news, educational programming, and local storytelling,” CPB CEO and President Patricia Harrison said in a statement.

“When the Administration and Congress rescinded federal funding, our Board faced a profound responsibility: CPB’s final act would be to protect the integrity of the public media system and the democratic values by dissolving, rather than allowing the organization to remain defunded and vulnerable to additional attacks,” Harrison said.

Congress created the nonprofit under the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967, paving the way for CPB to build a nationwide network of more than 1,500 local public radio and TV stations. CPB helped bring iconic shows like PBS’s Sesame Street and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood to air.

But Trump’s return to office has seen CPB-funded outlets like NPR and PBS face heightened scrutiny over alleged bias and promoting liberal agendas. In March 2025, NPR CEO Katherine Maher and PBS CEO Paula Kerger defended their organizations before Congress, fielding tough questions from Republicans.

With CPB’s dissolution, PBS and NPR will continue operating, but now confront a major funding shortfall. The nonprofit’s shutdown leaves public media to rely on state budgets, donations, and corporate underwriting to survive.

Back in August, CPB announced that it would close following the funding cuts. The “orderly closure” includes distributing the remaining funds and supporting the American Archive of Public Broadcasting to preserve historic content, as well as partnering with the University of Maryland to maintain its archives, which will be made publicly accessible.

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Pastor Jamal Bryant, Black Friday, Black Business Maket
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 7, 2026

Pastor Jamal Bryant Jokingly Claps Back At Wife’s Ongoing Dress Controversy

Pastor Jamal Bryant wants naysayers to focus on bigger battles within the church community.

Pastor Jamal Bryant, the lead pastor at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, is letting the saints have it over their opinions regarding his wife’s now-infamous formal dress.

The couple sparked controversy when Karri Turner Bryant wore a black and flesh-colored gown worn at the UNCF Atlanta Mayor’s Ball in December. Bryant decided to take a lighthearted approach to the conversation on church respectability politics, posting a photoshopped version of their outfits from the evening, including Turner in “church-approved” dress.

“Saints, y’all win… come on @mzkarribaby we now are church approved! Thanks to our new stylist @mannie_35 … Let God ARISE. Happy New Year, everybody. Let’s move forward with the whole armor of God. The kingdom has bigger fish to fry,” captioned the Pastor.

Bryant also aimed to let the conversation die down, emphasizing that the community has bigger issues to address. At his New Year’s Eve service, he called out the “false barometer of holiness” that people have placed on his partner.

But the continued chatter prompted Bryant to make another comment, albeit with more humor, to finally close the chapter.

Others weren’t quite ready to do that. Another clergy critic had harsher words for the pastor’s wife and her choice of attire. COGIC Pastor Bishop Patrick Wooden condemned the outfit, saying Turner looked like a “$2 whore” in the gown.

“And there is nothing classy about that. There’s nothing modest about that,” shared Wooden of Bryant’s defense of the outfit.

Bryant has yet to address Wooden and his remarks directly,.

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ICE, Hampton Inn, federal contract, DEI
by Kandiss Edwards

January 7, 2026

Minnesota Hampton Inn Turns Away Ice Agents And Loses Federal Contract

Hilton, backed ICE, saying its hotels are a "welcoming place for all."

The U.S. General Services Administration has removed a Hampton Inn by Hilton in Lakeville, Minnesota, from its list of approved federal lodging programs.

The move came after the Hampton Inn refused to lodge Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on Jan. 5. Administrator of the General Services Administration, Ed Frost, said after the refusal that he investigated the Hilton’s compliance with the GSA FedRooms program and found the establishment lacking.

Frost detailed his findings in an X post. 

“After I was informed that a local Hilton property canceled rooms reserved for @DHSgov ICE, @USGSA immediately reviewed the matter and found the hotel to be in clear violation of its government lodging program requirements. The property has been removed from the programs and booking tools effective immediately. GSA unequivocally supports our federal law enforcement partners.”

The removal means the Minnesota hotel is no longer used in the GSA FedRooms program, which provides discounted accommodations for federal employees and contractors. GSA officials said the decision to refuse service was based on violations of program requirements. 

DHS publicly shared screenshots on social media of what it said were emails from the hotel indicating it would not house “any ICE or immigration agents.”

The DHS did not specify which person in the organization sent the letter. In one message shared by DHS, the sender wrote that reservations for agents would be canceled due to an influx of government bookings.

The agency accused the hotel and its employees of supporting “rapists” and “murderers” because of the refusal. 

“This is UNACCEPTABLE. Why is Hilton Hotels siding with murderers and rapists to deliberately undermine and impede DHS law enforcement from their mission to enforce our nation’s immigration laws?”

In a statement on X, Hilton Worldwide Holdings said the Lakeville property is independently owned and operated, and that actions did not reflect corporate values. The company reaffirmed its policy of welcoming all guests and emphasized that it does not tolerate discrimination.

Additionally, Hilton said it has removed that Minnesota Hampton Inn from its systems.

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Trump, oil, barrels, Venezuela, canada
by Sharelle B. McNair

January 7, 2026

Trump Brags On Venezuela ‘Giving’ 50M Oil Barrels To U.S. 

The efforts will be led by Energy Secretary Chris Wright who said the country will “indefinitely” sell Venezuelan oil following completion of sale.

President Donald Trump proved all the thoughts from lawmakers about the sudden beef with Venezuela being about oil to be true after announcing the country’s “immediate” transfer of 50 million barrels to the U.S. 

Trump made the announcement Jan. 6, just three days after America woke up to news of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro being captured by U.S. authorities. Forbes reports that the interim authorities of Venezuela, led by Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, agreed to provide the oil barrels. Trump bragged about it with a post on his Truth Social platform.

“The oil will be sold at market price, and that money will be controlled by me, as the President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States,” he wrote. 

The efforts will be led by Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who said the country will “indefinitely” sell Venezuelan oil after the sale is completed. Wright mirrored sentiments of the president, saying the funds will be “deposited into accounts controlled by the U.S. government” and will then “flow back into Venezuela to benefit the Venezuelan people.”

“Instead of the oil being blockaded, as it is right now, we’re gonna let the oil flow … to United States refineries and around the world to bring better oil supplies, but have those sales done by the U.S. government,” he said while the U.S. took over a Russian-flagged tank with ties to Venezuela, according to Politico. 

“We’re going to market the crude coming out of Venezuela, first this backed-up stored oil, and then indefinitely, going forward, we will sell the production that comes out of Venezuela into the marketplace.” 

Lawmakers assumed the seemingly random rift with the South American country was all about oil, since it has the world’s largest oil reserves, estimated at 300 billion barrels. While some voters would assume the seizure was about drugs, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) alleged early on that that wasn’t the case.

“It’s not about drugs. If it was, Trump wouldn’t have pardoned one of the largest narco traffickers in the world last month,” she wrote on X. 

“It’s about oil and regime change. And they need a trial now to pretend that it isn’t. Especially to distract from Epstein + skyrocketing healthcare costs.”

Former Vice President and presidential candidate Kamala Harris shared similar thoughts, speaking out for the people over Trump’s definition of democracy. “Donald Trump’s actions in Venezuela do not make America safer, stronger, or more affordable. That Maduro is a brutal, illegitimate dictator does not change the fact that this action was both unlawful and unwise. We’ve seen this movie before. Wars for regime change or oil that are sold as strength but turn into chaos, and American families pay the price,” she wrote. 

“The American people do not want this, and they are tired of being lied to. This is not about drugs or democracy. It is about oil and Donald Trump’s desire to play the regional strongman. If he cared about either, he wouldn’t pardon a convicted drug trafficker or sideline Venezuela’s legitimate opposition while pursuing deals with Maduro’s cronies.”

While Wright is scheduled to meet with oil industry executives at the White House, with Trump supervising, leaders and analysts warned of the cost of rebuilding Venezuela’s oil fields in full. Industry leaders also allege it will be challenging to get shareholders to make the massive investment when oil fields in other parts of the world offer easier returns.

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Snoop Dogg, exhibit
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 7, 2026

Guest Analyst Snoop Dogg Hilariously Calls NBA Game

Snoop had basketball fans in tears.

Snoop Dogg has once again show why he is so loved after appearing on a recent Los Angeles Clippers-Golden State Warriors NBA broadcast on NBC’s Peacock.

The “Gin & Juice” recording artist, who will helm the microphone at the upcoming Winter Olympics, is known for his slick soliloquies and captivating lyrics. After more than 30 years as a recording artist, Snoop has proven he hasn’t lost a step; in fact, it seems he’s kicked up a few new tricks.

When NBC Sports announced that Snoop would be an analyst for the second half of the Jan. 5 game, alongside analysts Reggie Miller and Terry Gannon, fans geared up. And the man did not disappoint!

Fans reacted to Snoop’s commentary, which was delivered with the rapper’s typical swag. Among the highlights: Snoop’s reaction to Golden State head coach Steve Kerr, a University of Arizona alumnus, being ejected after an emotional outburst toward the referees.

“Back him up, back him up, GP [Gary Payton II, Warriors guard], back him up, Steve,” Snoop shouted. “Steve bangin’ Inglewood right now. Inglewood, G. Steve. You in Inglewood, Steve. The Arizona Wildcat that came out,” with the ‘Murder Was the Case’ emcee growling to add emphasis, as the analysts laughed at Snoop’s reaction.

https://twitter.com/NBAonNBC/status/2008405571972518357

Some X users appreciated the way Snoop handled the ejection.

https://twitter.com/Itachi_On_Chain/status/2008483802486911403
https://twitter.com/Saraboychuk_/status/2008529802605850717
https://twitter.com/StroStudios/status/2008523872363335843
https://twitter.com/TheaCamilleXO/status/2008428613985591701

In February, Snoop will have his hands full. He was recently announced as the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC)’s first-ever honorary coach, a voluntary position to help celebrate and support athletes when they are not competing. Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo are co-hosting the games.

The 2026 Winter Olympics, dubbed Milano Cortina 2026, are taking place in Italy, starting Feb. 6. Snoop will also be behind the mic to provide coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics for the Peacock Network.

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Uncle Nearest , whiskey, fawn weaver, barriers business
by Sharelle B. McNair

January 7, 2026

Uncle Nearest Founders File Civil Lawsuit Against Former CFO Alleging Fraud 

The Weavers claim because of the narrative, they were forced to cancel speaking engagements, which cost them more than $1 million.

Fawn and Keith Weaver, co-founders of the popular Uncle Nearest Whiskey brand, have filed a civil lawsuit against former chief financial officer, Michael Senzaki, over allegations of fraud and abuse of power, The Spirit Business reports.

In a complaint filed in Bedford County Chancery Court, the Weavers claim a massive amount of hidden information came to light following his departure in 2024. Senzaki allegedly abused his position by adjusting invoices to make it look like vendor payments were settled all while redirecting money and forging stock transfer documents using Fawn’s equity without her consent. 

As a result, the company and Weavers individually, suffered personal and financial ridicule. 

The litigation seeks compensatory and punitive damages in accusing the former CFO of abusing his financial authority and trust by hiding liabilities and manipulating financial systems, all while pushing the narrative that the company was thriving during a crucial growth period. 

According to Tullahoma News, due to the abuse of power, the Weavers allege Senzaki constructed a false public narrative to portray the founders as being personally responsible for Uncle Nearest’s corporate debt. 

In July 2025, the company’s main lender, Farm Credit Mid-America, filed a federal lawsuit claiming Uncle Nearest and the Weavers defaulted on over $108 million in loans and breaching loan terms.

In the civil complaint, Fawn and Keith alleged they never personally guaranteed loans with the lender but it was Senzaki and unnamed co-conspirators who encouraged third parties to believe otherwise. 

The Weavers claim because of the narrative, they were forced to cancel speaking engagements, costing them more than $1 million, in addition to freezing almost $9.75 million in funding for Keith’s unrelated business ideas. 

Amid the Weaver’s legal battles, Fawn claims most of the narratives to be a “smear campaign” against her, her husband and the company. During a fireside chat at the October 2025  “Inc. 5000 Conference,” the popular business owner spoke out on the journey of entrepreneurship, saying there will always be a time when it seems things just aren’t working out. 

However, she encouraged the audience to look at the silver lining.

“Every entrepreneur is going to have a moment in time where it looks like all is lost,” Weaver said. “The only difference between those who have been the most successful entrepreneurs in American history and those who have failed are those who gave up in the in between.”

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Menopause
by Mitti Hicks

January 7, 2026

Black Women’s Health Imperative Is Ending The Silence On Menopause

Research shows that Black women tend to enter menopause about 8.5 months earlier than white women and have worse symptoms.

Black women experience menopause differently from white women. Research shows that Black women tend to enter menopause about 8.5 months earlier than white women and have worse symptoms, such as hot flashes, depression, and sleep disturbances. Black women are also less likely to receive hormone therapy and other medical and mental health services.

The Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI) is saying, enough is enough.

BWHI, the nation’s only national nonprofit solely focusing on the critical health needs of Black women and girls, is bringing perimenopause and menopause to the forefront of the conversation in our communities through its latest initiative, “Power in the Pause.”

“Too often, this transitional stage in life is something that has been shrouded in secrecy or shared. It’s just something we don’t talk about,” Joy D. Calloway, BWHI president and CEO, tells BLACK ENTERPRISE. “We want to take this opportunity to redefine what menopause and perimenopause are, redefine this midlife period, and not just survive.”

Power in the Pause has fostered community nationwide. BWHI’s initiative brings women together nationwide for community events where health experts in medicine, nutrition, sexual health, and mental health share research and information for Black women navigating perimenopause and menopause.

BWHI Releases Groundbreaking Study

In 2025, BWHI conducted the largest-ever cross-sectional online survey of U.S.-based Black women aged 30 and older to understand their experiences, needs, and knowledge related to menopause. More than 1,500 Black women responded, representing an educated, insured, and professionally active group with strong earning power and access to care.

A few standout findings from the study include:

  • 43% of Black women report being discriminated against or mistreated when seeking healthcare
  • Black women experience menopause symptoms for an average of nine years —far longer than most expect
  • Even among highly educated, insured women, more than half say they don’t know which recommendations to follow.

“If this group of Black women said they didn’t have enough information, don’t know which recommendations to follow, what about our sisters who aren’t as well educated, formally educated, who aren’t able to be in this higher socioeconomic class?” Calloway says.

“What about these women who don’t have the time to focus on their health because they’re too busy trying to care for children, or working multiple jobs, or trying to make ends meet? That is what struck me.”

Where BWHI Plans To Go From Here

Calloway says BWHI will continue to educate Black women on menopause and perimenopause. Her team will bring “Power in the Pause” events to at least six cities in 2026, along with virtual events.

BWHI also plans to open more conversations about menopause as a workplace and economic issue and help companies understand that menopause can impact productivity and retention. The goal is to educate workplaces so that women’s needs are better met.

Change can only happen when everyone is involved, so BWHI is also working with state legislators in developing policies that support Black women.

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Jasmine Crockett, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Bleach blond bad built butch body
by Sharelle B. McNair

January 7, 2026

Jasmine Crockett Encourages America To Give MTG Grace Despite ‘Cowardly’ Retirement

"At the end of the day, calling it out is so important, so I applaud her for that."

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) wants Americans to extend Majorie Taylor Greene grace for speaking out against President Donald Trump before she retired from Congress this week.

Crockett, who is running for Senate, shared her thoughts on the former Georgia Congresswoman while appearing on ABC’s The View.

“I can only hope that she’s changed. I don’t quite believe it, but I do want people to give her grace to the extent that she is doing something that, honestly, most of the boys are too afraid to do,” Crockett told the co-hosts. “I will give her credit when credit is due. She is willing to call out what is wrong. Now her motivations behind it, who knows … but at the end of the day, calling it out is so important, so I applaud her for that.” 

Greene seemingly did a complete 180 amid the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, fighting for the victims of the convicted sex offender and pushing for the release of the co-conspirators’ names.

She called out Trump and her then Republican colleagues to do more, resulting in Trump starting a smear campaign against her.  

Crockett and Greene were not publicly fans of each other, starting with the viral moment that gave rise to the “Bleach Blonde Bad Built Bleach body” insult and continuing through her retirement.

“I also feel like it’s a bit cowardly, though, to then just quit. Because the heat that she’s facing because she’s on the opposite side of him — imagine what I get,” Crockett said in reference to the personal insults from Trump. 

“You get your protection, you get your detail because of your elected status and caucus,” Crockett added. “You don’t get it because you necessarily have a whole lot of death threats. So, you know, I say good luck to her. I say do better in the future. And I say go and talk to other folk that may be feeling like you, and tell them that he is not the leader that you need in this moment, and even if that means voting for a Democrat, do what is best for this country.”

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Ultra-processed Foods, Mortality, Junk food, Health, ULTRA PROCESSED
by Mitti Hicks

January 7, 2026

STUDY: Ultraprocessed Foods Linked To Mortality In Black Breast Cancer Survivors

In the study, the mortality rate was higher among Black women breast cancer survivors who consumed more ultraprocessed foods.

A new study shows that consuming ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) could be detrimental for Black breast cancer survivors. The study, published in the January issue of eClinicalMedicine, reveals that high consumption could adversely affect breast cancer prognosis.

Researchers from the Rutgers Institute in New Brunswick, New Jersey, examined the UPF-mortality relationships among 1,733 Black women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2005 and 2019. When looking at the mortality rates, researchers identified a total of 394 deaths, 206 of which were breast cancer-related.

These deaths were higher among women who averaged 8.1 servings of UPFs per day compared to women who consumed 2.6 servings each day.

“Maybe it’s too complicated for breast cancer patients to think about how to reduce consumption of ultra-processed foods in general,” Tengteng Wang, an assistant professor at the university, said in a statement. “But we find processed meat is the top worst contributor among all UPF subgroups. So maybe a more detailed takeaway is to avoid this one thing.”

Breast Cancer For Black Women

As researchers point out in the study, breast cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality for women in the United States. However, mortality rates remain disproportionately high among Black women. These poor breast cancer outcomes for Black women are due, in part, to the critical gap and priority in cancer research.

There is mounting evidence that suggests an unhealthy diet may significantly worsen cancer outcomes, particularly with UPFs, food products that have undergone extensive industrial processing and contain multiple additives. They also lack adequate nutrients and are highly energy-dense.

Unfortunately, in the United States, UPFs account for roughly 60% of the daily caloric intake nationwide. Consumption has increased significantly over the last two decades, according to researchers.

To limit UPFs, cook at home. Swap sugary snacks with fruit, use whole ingredients, and include more plants, lean proteins, and whole grains in your cooking.

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