by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 29, 2025

Ryan Coogler’s ‘Eyes of Wakanda’ Series Coming To Disney+

Ryan Coogler will expand on the world of Wakanda in new Disney+ series.

Ryan Coogler will expand on the world of Wakanda in his new Disney+ animated series, Eyes of Wakanda.

Marvel dropped the official trailer for its upcoming four-part limited series on July 28, giving MCU fans a preview of what’s to come. Building on Coogler’s two Black Panther films, the series delves into the history of Wakanda and follows its heroes on secret, globe-trotting, action-filled missions.

Centered on courageous Wakandan warriors throughout history, the animated series follows these heroes as they embark on high-risk missions across the globe to recover Vibranium artifacts from Wakanda’s enemies.

“They are the Hatut Zaraze and this is their story,” a logline states.

With the series building off Coogler’s two box office–smashing Black Panther films, it brings on a new level of star power with a voice cast featuring Winnie Harlow, Cress Williams, Patricia Belcher, Larry Herron, Adam Gold, Lynn Whitfield, Jacques Colimon, Jona Xiao, Isaac Robinson-Smith, Gary Anthony Williams, Zeke Alton, Steve Toussaint, and Anika Noni Rose.

For MCU fans wishing the series had more than four episodes, this is just the beginning for Coogler. The project marks the first installment in a multi-year TV deal between Coogler’s Proximity Media and The Walt Disney Company, with additional MCU series already in development.

Todd Harris, a longtime collaborator of Coogler, serves as both director and executive producer of the series. Harris previously worked as a storyboard artist on Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and later contributed as an illustrator on Sinners, before stepping into the director’s chair for Eyes of Wakanda.

Coogler executive produced the film alongside Brad Winderbaum, Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, and Dana Vasquez-Eberhardt. The visual for Wakanda first came to life in 2018’s Black Panther, a Best Picture nominee. Coogler later expanded the story with 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which featured the returns of Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong’o, Angela Bassett, Winston Duke, Danai Gurira, and Martin Freeman.

Wakandan characters have also appeared elsewhere in the MCU, including Ayo (played by Florence Kasumba) in the Disney+ series The Falcon and The Winter Soldier and in Captain America: Civil War. The Eyes of Wakanda trailer comes one month after Denzel Washington teased his casting in the upcoming Black Panther 3 film.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 29, 2025

Howard Business Students Win $50K ‘She Has A Deal’ Pitch Competition To Develop Hotel Project

The two students gained $50,000 in equity from the She Has A Deal investment fund.

Two Howard Business students are one step closer to hotel ownership with a $50,000 prize to their name.

Brooklynn Tucker and Kayden Edwards won the “She Has A Deal” pitch competition using their hotel development plans to wow judges. They entered the contest in the early careerist category.

According to The Dig, the duo’s winning pitch granted them the $50,000 prize. However, the funding comes in the form of equity from the She Has a Deal investment fund. Now, they will also take part in developing projects with a stake in ownership.

The 2026 graduates gained sponsorship through Howard’s Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership. Omari Head, the center’s executive director, aided the students in their pitch development while connecting them with resources and professionals from Synergy Hospitality Group and Paramount Capital Advisors.

Head emphasized how Black people, especially women, have lacked access to the hotel industry. The former hotel owner and consultant broke barriers himself in leading over 300 hotel transactions totaling over $1 billion.

“When you layer gender on top of that, it’s even worse for Black women,” explained Head. “These students now have equity experience in their twenties. By the time they’re in their thirties, they’ll have a decade of exposure and lessons learned. That’s how you build future owners.”

The She Has A Deal competition amplifies women as leaders in the hospitality industry. The organization helps interested women learn more about sourcing deals, developing pitches, and acquiring properties for hotels.

“Black women are not highly represented on the investment side of hospitality,” said Kemi Omisore, the Marriott-Sorenson Center’s senior program manager. “They’re often in operations—front desk managers, event planners, things like that. This competition helps change that narrative by giving access to capital and networks our communities have historically lacked.”

Tucker and Edwards aced their winning pitch by putting branding and market feasibility at the forefront. They chose a boutique hotel development in New Orleans as their selection while researching the property and its location’s viability as a profitable enterprise.

The duo believes their time at Howard has sharpened their leadership abilities and built confidence in their skillset. The college seniors have led multiple organizations at the HBCU.

“My advice to incoming freshmen is simple: Do not wait to get involved,” Edwards said. “Put yourself out there. The people who take chances early gain the most. Freshman year is the perfect time to make mistakes, learn, and grow.”

schools on wheels, The Weeknd, Abel Tesfaye

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 29, 2025

Toronto Honors The Weeknd With Key To The City

'Toronto is where I found my voice, and I’m committed to helping the next generation find theirs.'

Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd, was presented the key to his hometown of Toronto.

The City of Toronto acknowledged the pop star on July 26, and declared July 26 and July 27, “Weeknd Weekend.” The Weeknd was back home to perform a series of sold-out concerts at Rogers Centre.

Mayor Olivia Chow awarded the key to the city in a private ceremony.

In The Weeknd’s acceptance speech, he announced that he is throwing his support behind the Boys & Girls Club of West Scarborough and Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute, the high school he attended.

“I’m deeply honored to receive the Key to the City. It feels good to be home,” The Weeknd said. “Toronto is where I found my voice, and I’m committed to helping the next generation find theirs. That’s why I’m proud to support the Boys & Girls Club of West Scarborough and my former high school, Birchmount Park, providing youth with the means to unlock their full potential.”

Live Nation is also contributing to both institutions.

Giving back is not a new thing for The Weeknd. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he donated $500,000 to the Scarborough Health Network. He has also made contributions to the University of Toronto’s Ethiopian Studies program and is the co-founder of HXOUSE, a not-for-profit innovation hub that empowers emerging creatives and entrepreneurs.

He has donated $10 million to a range of humanitarian causes. In 2021, he received the Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award from the Black Music Action Coalition for his advocacy and global impact.

“Born in Toronto, Abel’ The Weeknd’ Tesfaye represents the best of our city,” Chow said. “From Scarborough to the global stage, he has reshaped modern music while using his platform to support health and humanitarian causes at home and around the world. I am proud to honor one of our city’s greatest artists with a Key to the City to celebrate his contributions to music, society, and our culture.”

The Weeknd will return to Rogers Centre for two sold-out shows on Thursday, Aug. 7, and Friday, Aug. 8.

Kendell Morris, Texas, Illinois Sheriff, Sonya Massey, Murder

by Sharelle B. McNair

July 29, 2025

Former Police Officer Receives 15 Years To Life For Killing Black Man Holding Phone, Keys; Believes ‘Actions Were Justified’

Adam Coy was immediately fired after the ordeal but his lengthy history of citizen complaints came to light.

Former Columbus, Ohio, police officer Adam Coy plans on appealing his mandatory 15-year-to-life sentence as he feels his “actions were justified” after killing Andre Hill, a Black man who was simply holding his phone and keys, Associated Press reports.

In December 2020, Coy shot Hill four times, claiming he feared for his life after he mistook Hill’s phone and keys for a silver revolver.

Coy, who is suffering from Hodgkin lymphoma, told the jury before being convicted of murder that he feared for his life and acted accordingly.

“I feel my actions were justified,” Coy said. “I reacted the same way I had in hundreds of training scenarios. I drew and fired my weapon to stop a threat, protect myself and my partner.”

Police body camera footage showed Hill coming out of the garage of a friend’s house with a cellphone in his left hand just seconds before being fatally shot by Coy. Approximately 10 minutes passed before officers at the scene offered medical assistance. Prosecutors successfully argued that the victim obeyed police commands and was never a threat to Coy.

During a time when cases of police brutality such as George Floyd and Breonna Taylor took over the nation, Hill’s death caused an uproar in the Columbus community. Coy became the first Columbus police officer to receive a conviction in an on-duty death, according to The Columbus Dispatch.

Before Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge Stephen McIntosh handed down the mandatory sentence during the July 28 hearing, Hill’s only child, Karissa Hill, spoke on the hardship she was dealt with having to explain to her children that their grandfather, who they called “Big Daddy,” was killed.

Her three children, she said, had seen the body camera footage.

“To explain to them that a police officer took their Big Daddy away, it’s the hardest thing to do,” Karissa Hill said. “Those are the people they tell us to rely on. If stuff happens, you’re supposed to call the police. Someone thought they were doing the right thing and called the police, and now my dad’s not here.”

Andre Hill’s sister, Shawna Barnett, remembered her brother as being “a source of joy, laughter and strength” and said the sentencing is more about justice for her brother, but holding someone accountable.

“His life was taken in the most brutal and unjust way. Without cause, without mercy,” Barnett said. “He died alone, unarmed and undeserving of what happened to him. Our lives are split into before and after, and we are left with pain that does not fade.”

After the city settled with Hill’s family for $10 million, the largest in city history, Columbus lawmakers passed a law requiring police to give immediate medical attention to injured suspects.

Coy was fired after the shooting, but his lengthy history of citizen complaints came to light, resulting in the mayor forcing the police chief out of the position following a pattern of fatal police shootings of Black people.

Dr. Dre, Brain Aneurysm, stroke, Hollywood Walk of Fame,

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 29, 2025

Dr. Dre’s Mixing Console Sold For Record $165K

The recording item was used for songs by the likes of Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, and 50 Cent.

A mixing console used by legendary hip-hop producer Dr. Dre was sold for $165,000, an auction record for a hip-hop instrument or studio item.

According to Variety, the sale price bested the $69,000 paid for an E-mu SP-1200 drum machine once owned and used by Wu-Tang Clan’s chief architect, RZA.

Dr. Dre’s old console was auctioned off on the auction website, The Realest.

The person who purchased the SSL 4000 G+ mixing console, which played an integral role in classic hip-hop records by Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent, was Ryan Zurrer, who announced the news on social media.

“Grateful to pick up the signature instrument that Dre took the time to perfect the beat…brought the oldies, taught you to smoke trees…still DRE.”

He added that the console, currently housed at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, will be relocated to The Hip-Hop Museum, scheduled to open in the Bronx in New York City in 2026.

Still the same OG, but low key.

Grateful to pick up the signature instrument that Dre took the time to perfect the beat…brought the oldies, taught you to smoke trees…still DRE.
This iconic part of hip hop history will be available to the public @thhmuseum because it ain’t no… pic.twitter.com/PrLjbOvTNL

— Ryan Zurrer (@kukulabanze) July 25, 2025

The Realest listed that the mixing console, which received 46 bids, was used by Dr. Dre at Record One Studios (Room B) in Los Angeles. The auction house said the SSL 4000 G+ was received from the former general manager of Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment, longtime Dr. Dre collaborator and producer Che Pope.

Earlier this year, NBC Los Angeles reported that the producer and city officials unveiled The Andre “Dr. Dre” Young Performing Arts Center at Compton High School. Dr. Dre donated $10 million for the performing arts center.

100 Black Entrepreneurs, Biden, Harris, Funeral, Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman,,Marcyliena H. Morgan

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 29, 2025

Family Sues Two Funeral Homes After Deceased Veteran’s Brain Found Stored In A Box

Two funeral homes are facing a lawsuit over the handling of a deceased veteran's remains.

The family of a fallen veteran is suing funeral homes in Philadelphia and Georgia after they were given their deceased son’s brain in a cardboard box.

Lawrence and Abbey Butler filed the lawsuit against Nix & Nix Funeral Homes in Philadelphia and Southern Cremations & Funerals in Georgia, alleging that their son, Timothy Garlington’s, remains were mishandled after he died in November 2023, Fox 5 Atlanta reports. Garlington, 56, a Philadelphia native, passed away in Georgia, and his parents arranged for his funeral services to be held in his hometown.

According to the lawsuit, the Butlers hired Southern Cremations & Funerals in Georgia to prepare and transport Garlington’s body to Nix & Nix Funeral Homes in Philadelphia on Nov. 20, 2023. When they later received their son’s personal belongings from Nix, they discovered a sealed, unmarked box.

The couple said they unknowingly transported the box in their car for days before noticing a foul odor and leaking fluid. Only after contacting the Georgia funeral home did they learn the box contained their son’s brain.

“After a few days the box started smelling like what they said death, and when they grabbed the box it was covered in a fluid that got all over them and they took it in the home and put it on the back porch,” the family’s Attorney, L. Chris Stewart, said during a July 24 press conference. “Not knowing what it was, they inquired with Southern Cremations in Georgia, and they were informed that it was their son’s brain.”

The family is suing both funeral homes, accusing them of gross misconduct and emotional distress. Stewart says the grieving parents were left devastated.

“The family has been destroyed twice,” he said.

“It was and it is still in my heart,” Lawrence Butler said through tears. “That I got in my car and I smelled death. I just, again, as our attorney said, we just pray that this doesn’t ever happen to anyone else again. And it’s just, I had to get rid of that car. I just couldn’t stand the idea that the remains were in that car.”

Nix & Nix Funeral Home owner Julian Nix has cleared his business of any wrongdoing, saying he contacted state officials after discovering the condition of the remains.

“Any body parts should be in the body. I don’t understand why they would send his brains in a box, a regular box,” Nix said. “We immediately reported it to the state board and the medical examiner for inspection. When the state board investigated, they said that we did everything correct.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 29, 2025

‘Top Boy’ Star Michael Ward Charged With Rape And Sexual Assault

British actor Michael Ward faces rape charges in London amid his next film release.

BAFTA Award-winning actor Michael Ward is professing his innocence after being charged with rape and sexual assault in London, England.

The British screen star, best known for his starring role in Netflix’s hit Top Boy and Steve McQueen’s Small Axe, was charged with two counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault, London’s Metropolitan Police announced on July 25. The charges stem from an incident in January 2023 involving an unidentified woman.

Ward has since released a statement saying, “I deny the charges against me entirely,” and confirmed that he is fully cooperating with authorities throughout the investigation, expressing confidence that his name will be cleared when the case is finalized, the BBC reports.

The actor is due to appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court in London on Aug. 28. The Metropolitan Police have extended their support to the woman who came forward with the allegations.

“Our specialist officers continue to support the woman who has come forward — we know investigations of this nature can have a significant impact on those who make reports,” Metropolitan Police Detective Superintendent Scott Ware said.

Other authorities say the charges were filed after a review of sufficient evidence against Ward.

“Having carefully reviewed a file of evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Micheal Ward, 27, with two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault against a woman in January 2023,” said Catherine Baccas, deputy chief crown prosecutor for CPS London South.

“We remind all concerned that proceedings against the suspect are active and he has a right to a fair trial,” she added. “It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Ward’s onscreen performances continue to earn praise from audiences. His breakout role in the 2019 cult hit Blue Story earned him the Rising Star award at the 2020 BAFTA Film Awards. He later portrayed Jamie in Netflix’s Drake-produced hit series Top Boy from 2019 to 2022 and was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the 2021 BAFTA TV Awards for Steve McQueen’s Small Axe.

The Jamaican-born actor also appeared in the acclaimed 2022 drama Empire of Light and will next star in the upcoming U.S. pandemic-era Western Eddington, set to premiere in the UK on Aug. 22.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 29, 2025

Philadelphia Eagles’ Jalen Hurts Becomes 1st NFL Player Featured In A Sprite Commercial

The latest ad continues the "Obey Your Thirst" campaign started in 1994

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts continues making history, even off the football field, as he becomes the first NFL player to be featured in a Sprite commercial.

The soft drink company just released a commercial featuring the Super Bowl quarterback. In the promotional spot, an interviewer is seen constantly asking Hurts questions as he appears in various settings, including a press conference, a restaurant, and a suit fitting at a tailor’s. In the last scene, in what appears to be a public place, the same reporter notices the Sprite that Hurts is drinking and says, “Wait, you always have a Sprite, is that the key to your success?”

As the Eagles player smiles, he responds, “Nah, but it tastes good.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sprite (@sprite)

“Jalen shows up as his true self at all times, which is the main check-box for us when pursuing talent,” said A.P. Chaney, senior creative director, Sparkling Flavors, Coca‑Cola North America, in a written statement. “His leadership and refusal to conform and cave to pressure make him a perfect fit for Obey Your Thirst.”

The “Success Hurts” campaign can be seen anywhere that features ads, including social media, television, streaming platforms, and online video channels. The quarterback has signed a multi-year partnership with Sprite.

The Hurts partnership thrives on the “Obey Your Thirst” campaign, which was brought back last year with NBA guard Anthony Edwards and track and field superstar Sha’Carri Richardson. The campaign first debuted in 1994.

The ad debuts less than two months before Hurts and the Eagles get back on the field to defend their Super Bowl title Sept. 4. They open the season against the Dallas Cowboys after they avenged their previous Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs when they annihilated the team by a score of 40-22. Hurts won the MVP Award after throwing for 221 yards and two touchdowns while also running for 72 yards and scoring another touchdown.

by Sharelle B. McNair

July 29, 2025

Suspected NYC Gunman’s Suicide Note Blamed Brain Condition for His Actions

CTE, a brain disease, is frequently linked to the roughness of the NFL.

Shane Tamura, the 27-year-old suspected of killed four people in a July 28 mass shooting in Manhattan, had a note in his pocket claiming he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

ABC News also reports that another person was injured in the shooting at 345 Park Avenue, the home of NFL headquarters.

In the note, Tamura, who took his own life after the mass shooting, requested for his brain to be studied. Police said Tamura suffered from mental health issues and died by suicide in the Rudin Management offices, located on the 33rd floor.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said Tamura may have been targeting the football league’s offices but got confused.

“He appeared to have blamed the NFL for his injury,” Adams said.

According to Fortune and the Associated Press, the fire department was called to the scene due to a report of someone being shot, arriving at approximately 6:30 p.m.

The building also includes the offices of Blackstone, an alternative investment management company and the consulate general of Ireland. Blackstone executive Wesley LePatner was identified as one of the victims.

CTE is defined as a brain disease, often linked to the roughness of the NFL as it correlates to repeated hits to the head. It has also been identified in military veterans, hockey players and boxers.

There is no way a living person can be diagnosed with CTE, but doctors can suspect it based on the history of head trauma and certain symptoms such as memory loss, mood changes, confusion, and having trouble thinking clearly.

Tamura once was a rising football star at Granada Hills Charter in Southern California. Former NFL player Aaron Hernandez, who was convicted of first-degree murder in 2015, was diagnosed with CTE after taking his own life in prison.

#BREAKING A former Southern California football standout has been identified as the gunman who killed four people inside a Midtown Manhattan building Monday, including an off-duty police officer.

The 27-year-old gunman, identified as Shane Tamura, played football while attending… pic.twitter.com/JmGRRwt5ZJ
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) July 29, 2025

Law enforcement sources say the gunman had two Mental Health Crisis Holds—in 2022 and 2024 —on his background in Nevada. Such holds typically permit a person to be detained for up to 72 hours if they are labeled as being a potential threat to the public or to themselves. In Nevada, those subjected to the hold are transported to a hospital. The medical staff then decides how long to hold the person.

Surveillance footage showed Tamura walking into the building with what looks to be a firearm. Las Vegas police confirmed Tamura received his concealed carry license in 2022 and was previously arrested for trespassing.

by Mitti Hicks

July 29, 2025

Trump Administration Cracks Down On Nigerians To End Birthright Citizenship Trend

Nigeria reportedly ranks among the top countries where citizens seek birthright citizenship for their children in the U.S.

The U.S. government is putting Nigerians on notice when it comes to birthright citizenship: don’t do it. The U.S. Department of State warns that using a visitor visa for the sole purpose of obtaining citizenship for a child born on American soil is considered visa fraud and will lead to automatic denial of entry or future visa ineligibility.

It’s a message that comes amid increased scrutiny of global “birth tourism” trends and tightening immigration controls in the U.S.

Birthright citizenship is a constitutional right in the U.S. under the 14^th Amendment. It guarantees U.S. citizenship to anyone born on American soil, regardless of their parents’ immigration status. It has recently come under the spotlight during President Donald Trump’s second term after he signed an executive order to end birthright citizenship.

Trump insists that at least one parent must be a citizen or a legal resident for a baby also to become a citizen.

Trump Administration Announces New Visa Rules For Nigerians

As Business Insider Africa reports, Trump’s stance is significant for Nigeria. The West African nation ranks among the top countries where people seek birthright citizenship for their children in the U.S.

U.S. consular officials have strict instructions to assess an applicant’s travel intent when applying for a visa. If there is any suspicion that a Nigerian applicant is seeking to exploit the birthright citizenship provision, the person’s visa application could be rejected.

“Using your visa to travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States so that your child will have U.S. citizenship is not permitted,” a warning reads on X from the U.S. Mission Nigeria. “Consular officers will deny your visa application if they have reason to believe this is your intent.”

Using your visa to travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States so that your child will have U.S. citizenship is not permitted. Consular officers will deny your visa application if they have reason to believe this is your intent. #VisaWiseTravelSmart… pic.twitter.com/9qaPSmpJLL
— U.S. Mission Nigeria (@USinNigeria) July 28, 2025

The Trump administration is also cracking down on Nigerians who wish to travel to the U.S. in the non-immigrant and non-diplomat categories. There are new visa rules for Nigerians. The U.S. will issue a single-entry visa that is valid for three months, rolling back the previous five-year multiple-entry visas that Nigerians previously enjoyed. It comes after Trump signed a directive banning citizens from 12 countries, regardless of their reasons for travel. All of the countries are made up of citizens of color.

Seven are African countries.