by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 22, 2026

Suspect Indicted In Jets Cornerback Kris Boyd’s ‘Near-Fatal’ Shooting

Frederick Green has been indicted on charges of attempted murder, assault, and weapons possession.

A suspect has been arrested in the Nov. 16 shooting of New York Jets player Kris Boyd outside of Sei Less restaurant in New York City.

Frederick Green, 20, has been indicted on charges of attempted murder, assault, and weapons possession, Patch reports.

The Bronx resident has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Green evaded police until he was discovered hiding out in Buffalo, NY, at his girlfriend’s apartment. He was arrested on Dec. 8.

Police officials said Green and three other men got into a verbal altercation outside of Sei Less, a popular nightspot, with a group of men that included Boyd. After the disagreement escalated, a fight took place, leading to Green allegedly pulling out a weapon and shooting Green twice in the abdomen. Boyd then fled the scene.

“As alleged, Frederick Green fired two shots outside a restaurant in Midtown Manhattan, nearly turning a physical altercation into a fatal one,” District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a written statement. “Gun violence has no place in Manhattan. My thoughts are with the victim, who continues to heal from this near-fatal shooting.”

After the shooting, Boyd, 29, was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where he was originally listed in critical but stable condition. TMZ reported that Boyd, who entered the NFL in 2019, revealed he needed multiple cardiovascular surgeries.

Before the shooting, Boyd had not yet played in 2025. He injured his shoulder in the preseason and was placed on injured reserve Aug. 18. Boyd had undergone surgery and was not expected to play at all this past season.

He signed a one-year free-agent contract with the Jets in March 2025. Boyd has also played for the Minnesota Vikings, the Arizona Cardinals, and the Houston Texans.

by Kandiss Edwards

January 22, 2026

U.S. Postal Service Raising Rates For Ground Shipping

USPS Ground Advantage and Parcel Select will see increases of more than 5 percent.

USPS Ground Advantage and Parcel Select have increased by more than 5%.

Changes to the pricing structure began on Jan. 18. The price of a standard first-class mail stamp will remain the same at 78 cents. Annual postal rate adjustments are submitted to the Postal Regulatory Commission as part of the Postal Service’s regulatory process. First-class postage and other services may be updated once or twice a year to reflect operational costs and market conditions.

Postal officials have said that rate increases are designed to help the USPS cover rising expenses and work toward financial stability without sacrificing core services such as six-day delivery. Declining mail volume and higher delivery costs have placed sustained pressure on the agency’s finances in recent years.

The Postal Service has also undergone leadership changes and scrutiny over its future direction. In July 2025, David P. Steiner, who serves as the 76th Postmaster General, said he supports maintaining the agency’s independence as a self-financing entity while working to improve performance. In a letter to staff, Steiner told employees at the time that he believed the Postal Service could operate successfully under its current structure and preserve its mission while being “realistic” about financial growth and sustainability.

“A major commitment of the Postal Service is to operate in a financially self-sustaining manner. While the impacts of inflation and the dynamic and changing business environment have negatively impacted our ability to achieve financial sustainability, we must reverse that trend. The Postal Service needs to be on a realistic path to match costs to revenues on a consistent, long-term basis,” Steiner wrote.

Steiner’s remarks came amid a backdrop of political discussion about the Postal Service’s role in American life as Donald Trump and other federal officials pushed for privatization of the agency. Postal unions and some lawmakers have raised concerns that privatization or structural shifts could undermine universal service obligations that guarantee delivery to all addresses. The USPS continues with its efforts to balance affordability for consumers with the need to modernize operations and find new revenue streams in a changing postal landscape.

by Kandiss Edwards

January 22, 2026

‘Trainer Barbie’ Angel Reese Joins Netflix Show ‘The Hunting Wives’

Angel Reese is a growing presence in fashion, endorsements, media and now the small screen.

WNBA phenom Angel Reese has joined the cast of Season 2 of Netflix’s drama series The Hunting Wives.

Reese, who entered the WNBA in 2024 and quickly became one of the league’s most visible stars, will appear in multiple episodes of the upcoming season. Details about her character and storyline were not disclosed in the initial announcement by Netflix. However, the platform hinted at the WNBA sophomore’s character by switching up her collegiate nickname, “Bayou Barbie,” to “Trainer Barbie” in a post on X.

The Hunting Wives is a Netflix drama that follows a group of affluent suburban women whose relationships are shaped by secrecy, power, and rivalry. The show became a breakout hit for the streaming platform following its debut season, which drew attention for its suspense-driven storytelling and ensemble cast.

Production for Season 2 is underway, with Reese joining an ever-growing lineup of returning and new cast members.

Bayou Barbie ➡️ Trainer Barbie

Angel Reese joins the cast of The Hunting Wives in the co-starring role of "Trainer Barbie" 👀 Season 2 is now in production! pic.twitter.com/hZqb5rIAHw
— Netflix (@netflix) January 20, 2026

Reese is best known for her on-court career, first as a standout collegiate player and now as a WNBA forward. Since being drafted into the league, the young businesswoman has capitalized on her fame. She is a growing presence in fashion, endorsements, and media. Her casting marks her first scripted television role and represents a crossover from professional sports into entertainment. Reese has previously stated she will seize her moment in the spotlight. A fan of Hunting Wives, the forward shot her shot to the show’s team on X. After praising the show, calling it “crazy” and a “good watch,” she was thanked by the creator, Rebecca Cutter.

In response, Reese took a chance to pitch herself, stating, “Just let me know if you need me for season 2.”

just let me know if you need me for season 2 😉 https://t.co/jnZ6f1svjg
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) August 6, 2025

Reese has previously appeared in commercials, interviews, and brand campaigns but has not held a scripted acting role prior to The Hunting Wives. In the comments of the announcement, reactions have been largely positive, with fans praising Reese’s continued expansion beyond basketball.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 22, 2026

Good Look, De La Soul! Rap Group Hosts ‘Good Health’ Summit At Morehouse For Black Men’s Wellness

The summit will bring out leaders across health, science, entertainment and sports.

Hip-hop group De La Soul is launching a summit at Morehouse College to address health inequities for Black men.

The inaugural event, titled, “Good Health: Mind, Body & Soul Summit,” will go down Feb. 19 at the all-men’s HBCU. The exclusive event will connect community leaders and innovators across the health, science, sports, and entertainment sectors, sparking conversations surrounding Black men’s health and wellness.

Powered by LIXTE Biotechnology Holdings Inc., a pharmaceutical company specializing in clinical cancer treatment, the event will highlight health topics, providing facts and insights with the culture in mind. Inspired by the group’s latest hit “Good Health,” from the 10th studio album “Cabin In The Sky,” the Good Health Summit will champion the group’s advocacy beyond hip-hop. Members of the iconic rap trio also emphasized their evolving mission to help Black men live longer and better.

“This Summit is about turning pain into purpose,” explained Kelvin Mercer (Posdnuos) in a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE. “We’ve always used our music to speak life—and Good Health is about making sure our people live long enough to tell their own stories.

Since their breakout in New York’s hip-hop scene, De La Soul, comprised of members Posdnuos, the late Trugoy the Dove, and Maseo, have held their own in the rap game with their creative lyrics and infusion of jazz and alternative sounds. The Grammy-winning group has gone on to receive widespread critical acclaim and recognition from fellow hip-hop greats alike.

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A post shared by Snowbombing (@snowbombingofficial)

The summit will host sessions in three facets, focusing on mental, physical, and emotional health. The mind sessions will address grief and anxiety while unpacking trauma placed on Black men. The summit’s body sessions will speak on physical illnesses that disproportionately impact Black men, such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, amplifying ways of prevention. Lastly, and aligned with De La Soul’s purpose, the soul sessions will explore how our cultural, communal, and familial bonds can be their own form of healing.

As the summit kicks off at Morehouse, the invite-only occasion will provide a new way for Black men to holistically engage with one another and champion their own wellness.

Vincent Mason (Maseo) added, “Good health is real wealth. We’re creating space for Black men, families, and communities to own that truth—together.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 22, 2026

Rising Beauty Founders Move Past Retail Goals As Shelf Life Becomes Less Rewarding

Amid a shaky economy, many beauty founders are finding that traditional retail shelf space isn't that rewarding.

With economic uncertainty rising and foot traffic at major retailers slowing, emerging beauty founders are shifting away from big retail deals and rethinking their growth strategies.

New industry research indicates that geopolitical and economic uncertainty, market saturation, and changing consumer preferences are expected to slow the beauty and personal care sector to around 5% annual growth through 2030, Forbes reports. This is a sharp drop from the roughly 7% annual growth the global beauty market experienced between 2022 and 2024, prompting companies to rethink growth strategies instead of relying on straightforward retail expansion.

Amid the current economic climate, beauty founders are skipping the traditional path to growth, following the example of many millennial entrepreneurs who build long-term leverage without giving up equity or control.

That’s the approach Shaina Rainford took with her natural haircare brand, Bask and Lather Co. The nurse practitioner-turned-entrepreneur bypassed chasing retail shelf space to focus on building direct relationships with consumers and platforms, avoiding the traditional gatekeepers.

“TikTok allows us to get in front of consumers,” Rainford said. “Instagram allows us to nurture those relationships. They serve two different purposes.”

Rainford’s approach matches that of many millennial and Gen Z founders who paved their own lanes by generating demand on their own, maintaining control over distribution, and entering retail only when it won’t hurt margins or compromise product quality.

For her, it’s paid off.

“By March of 2021, we were selling so much product that our monthly revenue replaced my one-year salary,” Rainford said of Bask and Lather’s early growth. “We haven’t even touched retail yet, and we are one of the largest, if not the largest, Black-owned textured hair care companies.”

For decades, retail was long seen as the fastest route to scale and to access millions of weekly shoppers. But that model relied on steady in-store demand and predictable growth—assumptions now challenged by tariffs, inflation, and politically-fueled retailer boycotts.

With foot traffic and online visits declining at many big-box stores, digitally native brands are leveraging social influence to drive cultural impact and long-term growth, giving founders the power to enter retail on their own terms rather than out of necessity.

“When you move too quickly, people end up having to sell off pieces of their business or take on debt,” Rainford said. “Once you have other stakeholders, they’re not going to care about your customer the way you do.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 22, 2026

Jordan Brand X Levi’s Air Jordan 3 Release Dates Revealed

The footwear collection will be available initially in China before making its way to the States in time for the Super Bowl and NBA All-Star Game

NBA Hall of Fame SuperFan Spike Lee revealed the Levi’s Air Jordan 3 collaboration while watching the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 9, 2025. Now, the new Jordan Brand x Levi’s Collection will be available for purchase starting Jan. 24.

The denim collection debuts exclusively in China on Jan. 24, then in Japan and Korea on Jan. 30. The Black and Rigid colorways will debut Super Bowl LX weekend on Feb. 5 in San Francisco. After that, on Feb. 13, the LA Exclusive colorway will be available for purchase during NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles.

Here's What to Expect from the Levi's x Air Jordan 3 Collection 👖

Details: https://t.co/ouOrm024HG pic.twitter.com/F1afMYutTd
— House of Heat° (@houseofheat) January 20, 2026

Lee is featured in the promotional campaign, which also stars artist Rio Amor; skater Josh Velez; and bucket drummer Jay Wright, whose father, Larry Wright, appeared in the original Levi’s “Button Your Fly” ad.

The collection has four different colorways:

The Rigid colorway entails indigo denim with a black-on-black elephant print.
The Black colorway has pebbled black leather, black denim panels, and an embroidered black denim heel piece embedded with the Nike Air branding.
The Year of the Horse colorway, which is being launched in time for the Lunar New Year in China, Japan, and Korea, has an unbleached rigid ecru denim, premium pony hair panels, a jacquard heel tab with red “Year of the Horse” chain stitch embroidery.
The LA Exclusive colorway features pebbled leather, strategic blue denim accents, and red “City of Angels” chain-stitch embroidery.

“Jordan Brand and Levi’s are more than just icons in fashion and sport — they are cultural leaders who have continually set the standard for creativity and self-expression,” says Nico Fearn, Jordan Brand GM of Energy, in a written statement. “As two of the most globally recognized American heritage brands, our history together speaks to the power of authentic partnership and innovation. From our beginnings, both brands have obsessed creating quality products that stand up to the demands of the daily hustle. Together, this partnership honors our shared legacy while turning the page, inviting new generations to redefine what it means to be original, what it means to be great.”

The full Jordan Brand x Levi’s collection will be available at Levi.com, the Levi’s App, SNKRS, and select Levi’s and Jordan Brand stores globally on Feb. 20.

chef, global, international, Ebenezer Smith

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 22, 2026

Chef Marcus Samuelsson Launches Fellowship Retreat For Mid-Career Culinary Professionals

James Beard-winning chef Marcus Samuelsson has launched a fellowship retreat for mid-career culinary professionals.

Renowned chef and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson is giving back to the culinary community with a new fellowship program that provides culinary professionals with a two-week experience at the Denniston Hill retreat in the Catskills.

The Red Rooster head chef took to Instagram on Jan. 15 to announce the launch of his Rise Residency at Denniston Hill, a mentorship program giving mid-career culinary professionals — including chefs, food writers, sommeliers, entrepreneurs, and recipe developers — a two-week stay at the Catskills artist retreat, along with a $5,000 stipend.

“Time to reflect, develop ideas, and build meaningful connections is rare in this industry,” Samuelsson wrote.

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A post shared by Marcus Samuelsson, Chef & Restauranteur (@marcuscooks)

After the two-week retreat, fellows receive six months of mentorship with Samuelsson and other industry leaders, including Dawn Padmore, vice president of the James Beard Foundation Awards; and Chip Wade, CEO of Union Square Hospitality. Supported by the Mellon Foundation, the program aims to give creative leaders in the food space the opportunity to engage in artistic practice at a pivotal point in their careers.

“In partnership with @DennistonHill, the artist retreat co-founded by my good friend @juliemehretu, we are creating space for two individuals (whether food writers, sommeliers, chefs, or anyone else currently in the field with five or more years of experience), to experiment, learn, and grow,” Samuelsson explained.

The program aims to give creative leaders in the culinary world a chance to explore artistic practice at a pivotal moment in their careers. At the heart of the fellowship is exclusive access to The Rise Residency’s extensive food archive, highlighting the foundational role of Black culinary heritage in American cuisine.

Fellows also engage in garden-based sustainability practices at Denniston Hill. The program concludes with a community conversation series and a pop-up restaurant, where fellows present their innovative culinary projects alongside Chef Samuelsson. The James Beard Award-winning chef aims to use the fellowship to emphasize the value of shaping the next generation of culinary leadership.

“In my 30 years as a chef in the US, I’ve learned firsthand how making systemic, sustainable change in the industry starts by elevating the next generation,” Samuelsson said in a statement. “The Rise Residency at Denniston Hill represents exactly that: building a culinary residency program within a historic artist community, where professionals can develop breakthrough projects that honor Black food heritage and shape the future of American cuisine. This collaboration with Denniston Hill, with the support of the Mellon Foundation, creates something unprecedented in hospitality education. We’re not just offering kitchen space—we’re offering what every emerging culinary leader needs: intensive mentorship, a community of creative peers, and the time to think big about impact.”

by Kandiss Edwards

January 21, 2026

Derrick ‘Rose’s Flower Shop’ Is Open For Business

Rose’s Flower Shop operates on a limited “bloom drop” model, with fresh floral arrangements made available weekly.

Derrick Rose, the former NBA star and Chicago native, has launched a family-owned flower shop in his hometown.

Rose’s new business, Rose’s Flower Shop, opened in early January and was developed alongside his wife, mother, and children.

On the shop’s site, Rose said roses have “always meant more to me than something simply beautiful” and represent “love and appreciation,” citing memories of sending roses to family, friends, and supporters after his NBA retirement on Sept. 26, 2024.

That gesture, he said, “planted the seed for something bigger.”

Rose’s Flower Shop operates on a limited “bloom drop” model, with fresh floral arrangements made available weekly. Bouquets are named after Chicago-inspired themes such as Chicago Red, Morning on Michigan, and City Lights, and a standard 12-stem arrangement is priced at about $89.99, according to the shop’s website.

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A post shared by Derrick Rose (@drose)

The venture builds on earlier community-oriented efforts. A one-day pop-up version of Rose’s Flower Shop drew long lines in downtown Chicago in January 2025 and gave away flowers to fans and residents.

The new shop plans to offer limited online drops nationwide. Most importantly, the brick-in-mortar location aims to remain rooted in Chicago’s neighborhoods. In an Instagram post, Rose says he hopes to bring knowledge to the next generation.

“I want Rose’s Flower Shop to be an agricultural platform for kids where they can learn about agriculture, business and what’s possible when you invest in your own neighborhood and believe in what you’re building.”

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A post shared by Pooh (@shop.rfs)

While Rose provides flowers to the community, he is still receiving his own.

The one-time NBA Most Valuable Player will have his No. 1 jersey retired by the Bulls on Jan. 24. Rose’s number will join Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and other legends in the rafters.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 21, 2026

Mike Colter Talks Possibility Of Marvel’s Luke Cage Returning

‘I have some unfinished business there.'

A decade after his character, Luke Cage, debuted on Netflix in 2016, the actor who played him, Mike Colter, teased a possible return, saying that there is “some unfinished business” with Cage.

While appearing on Shawn Stockman’s On That Note podcast, the Marvel star spoke about talks to reprise the popular character, eight years after the series was canceled. Luke Cage may have been his most popular role over the years, though he has had several others since then. He also played Cage in another Netflix crossover series, The Defenders, which combined the characters of Luke Cage, Daredevil, Iron Fist, and Jessica Jones, fighting as one unit against criminals through the streets of New York City.

Stockman, a self-proclaimed Marvel fan, asked him the question most Luke Cage fans have been wondering for years: Is there a possibility that we will see Luke Cage on screen again?

Colter responded, “Listen, I will say this, I’ve had conversations, and I’ll leave it at that.”

He explained that after the series was canceled by Netflix, as most actors do when they lose work, he was on to the next project. He admitted that fans and people who approached him would ask him the same question, but, in his mind, that answer was always “no,” because he was looking for his next memorable role. But now, his mindset has changed. He now wonders if there should be a return of Luke Cage.

“It’s been years now, so I’m doing other projects but, now, I think to myself, ‘I have some unfinished business there. Now I’ve reached the point where I’m like, ‘I have some unfinished business,’ and I think Daredevil’s back so, come on … Jessica’s back.”

The long layoff from the series and the fans’ demands for another crack at it, he feels, place them in a better negotiating position to bring it back.

“I would say we’re in a better position to see this come into fruition faster than we think.”

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 21, 2026

Justin Jones Lets Fox News’ Sean Hannity Have It Over List Of Trump Administration ‘Wrongs’

The back-and-forth interview took place Jan. 20 when Jones joined the Trump-favored host as a guest on “Hannity.”

Tennessee State Democratic Rep. Justin Jones gave Fox News anchor Sean Hannity a piece of his mind during a chaotic interview where Hannity criticized Jones’ stance on ICE while the congressman bashed the popular media personality for hanging with “pedophiles and perverts.”

The back-and-forth interview took place Jan. 20 when Jones joined the Trump-favored host as a guest on “Hannity.” Things went left almost immediately as Hannity blasted Jones for comparing ICE agents to members of the Ku Klux Klan, with disturbing pictures to correspond. After the host took jabs at the leader for failing to list crimes committed by illegal immigrants in Tennessee, Jones decided to flip the script to the Epstein files, claiming he can list names of “perverts” that hang out at President Donald Trump’s Mar-A-Lago estate. “So my question remains…can you name a single victim of crime in your state by illegal immigrants, yes or no?” Hannity asked.

“I can name the people who have been criminalized by this administration and masked agents who are kidnapping people in this community,” Jones said while the host attempted to interrupt.

Successful, Jones decided to change the terms of the exchange. “You want to go through a list? Go through the list of pedophiles and perverts who hang out at Mar-A-Lago. Go through that list.”

Jones: You want to go through a list? Go through the list of perverts who hang out at Mar-A-Lago. Go through that list. pic.twitter.com/46dzUVKAX1
— Acyn (@Acyn) January 21, 2026

Both Trump and ICE agents have been under fire for different things: ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the unrest occurring in U.S. cities such as Minneapolis at the hands of federal officers. Just days ago, Jones was seen carrying an “Abolish ICE” flag while walking into the new Tennessee legislative session.

Then things got personal after Hannity accused Jones of being “lazy” and not having a full understanding of what white supremacy was or is. In response, the lawmaker accused Hannity of being out of touch. “They ran my grandparents out of Tennessee,” Jones educated him, according to The Independent.

“My father was a U.S. Marine; he fought for this country. Who have you served, Sean, other than your pocketbook?” Jones said.

The Democratic leader continued to scold Hannity for projecting that he knows what the American people want, being out of touch by using fear tactics, and simply working for the wealthy. “You never got off your ass and picked up the phone to talk to one constituent ever to talk to them and give them condolences because you are making them less safe and secure,” Hannity said, pointing his finger.

“All you do is use the same talking points to keep people fearful because you make $45 million a year to keep these people that watch your show fearful so they don’t pay attention to CEOs taking their healthcare, for letting their farms close….you don’t care about the American people,” Jones said in a heated rebuttal.

“All you have is fear, Sean. You want people to be fearful, but it’s not immigrants, it’s the corporate CEOs who are screwing them over and making it so they can’t afford groceries or their healthcare. That’s who we need to go after.”

🔥🚨HOLY SMOKES: Hannity just got absolutely smoked on live TV.

Jones: You make $45 million a year keeping people scared so they don’t notice CEOs stripping their healthcare.

“You don’t care about the American people. All you have is fear.” pic.twitter.com/dbKAj3Ghnz
— Brian Allen (@allenanalysis) January 21, 2026

Jones’s criticism is supported by reports of grocery prices being sky high. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed the cost of food at home has gone up 2.4% in total over the past 12 months of Trump’s presidency. In December 2025, prices went up 0.7%, which was the fastest single-month increase since October 2022.

However, the president continues to falsely take credit for dropping the prices of groceries by “400, 500, and even 600 percent.”