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.”

Ghost Debt, Buy now, Pay later,checkout, paying, apple pay, purchase, Credit Card, medical debt

by Kandiss Edwards

January 21, 2026

Put That Rent On Lay-A-Way: Affirm Offers Flexible Rent Payments

As BNPL products expand into new areas such as rent, consumers should understand that these options still involve taking on credit obligations.

Affirm Holdings, a provider of buy now, pay later (BNPL) financing, has begun a pilot program that allows tenants to use BNPL services to split their monthly rent payments into two equal installments without interest or hidden fees.

Affirm is working in partnership with financial technology platform Esusu. Renters who qualify can break up what is typically a single monthly rent charge into two smaller payments. The payment plan will help tenants align more closely with pay periods, Affirm said in a statement to Fox Business. Affirm is thoroughly assessing the success of the pilot to hopefully provide widespread relief to its customers.

“We’re approaching this use case thoughtfully and evaluating it alongside Esusu, which shares our focus on clear, consumer-first financial tools,” Affirm wrote in its statement.

The program is intended to offer tenants more flexibility in managing one of their largest monthly expenses. Affirm’s BNPL rent option, which initially is available to a subset of users in a pilot phase. does not charge interest and does not apply late fees or compound interest as long as payments are made on schedule. Some observers say expanding BNPL options into housing costs could change how consumers budget for essential monthly bills.

Affirm already offers BNPL plans for general purchases that allow shoppers to pay for goods and services over time rather than upfront. Those plans, often marketed as “pay in four,” have become increasingly common at online checkouts and in retail stores.

As BNPL products expand into new areas such as rent, consumers should understand that these options still involve taking on credit obligations. Industry data shows that although BNPL accounts were once excluded from standard credit scoring models, changes are underway that could integrate BNPL repayment performance into consumer credit assessments.

In 2024, BLACK ENTERPRISE reported on BNPL companies, like Affirm, partnering with credit scoring company FICO. Many are updating their scoring formulas to include information from BNPL products. Beginning with new models such as Score 10, BNPL loan data may be factored into credit scores. The new model will make on-time payments potentially beneficial and missed payments harmful for borrowers.

The evolution means BNPL users may soon see their rent or retail BNPL payment histories influence their overall credit profiles. Historically, BNPL activity was not widely reported to credit bureaus, leaving a “blind spot” that the updated scoring models aim to address.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 21, 2026

Karamo Brown Skips ‘CBS Mornings’ Appearance With ‘Queer Eye’ Cast, Cites Worry ‘About Being Bullied’

Karamo Brown distances himself from the "Queer Eye" cast as they promote the show's 10th and final season.

Karamo Brown is hinting at trouble in paradise among the Queer Eye cast after skipping out on scheduled television appearances in promotion of the show’s final season.

Brown issued a statement after he was noticeably absent when cast members Antoni Porowski, Tan France, Jonathan Van Ness, and Jeremiah Brent appeared on CBS Mornings and Today with Jenna & Sheinelle on Jan. 20, canceling his scheduled interviews just an hour before airtime, People reported. Gayle King shared the news first, reading Brown’s statement on air that explained his decision.

“Thank you to everyone around the world for welcoming me into their homes for 10 seasons. Season 10 is amazing, and I know you will fall in love with the deserving people we helped,” the statement read. “Though the show is ending, I hope everyone remembers the main theme I have tried to teach them over the past decade, which is to focus on and to protect their mental health/ peace from people or a world who seek to destroy it; which is why I can’t be there today,” the statement continued. “Thank you to the crew for being the best in business and the executives for believing in me. 10 Seasons, I’m truly humbled.”

After reading the statement, King added that Brown’s assistant had noted he was also “worried about being bullied.”

Queer Eye’s Karamo abruptly pulled out of a cast interview with CBS Mornings just one hour before airtime, citing fears of being “bullied.”

The Queer Eye cast reacted to the move live on the air as Gayle King read his statement. pic.twitter.com/66QUwradsC
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) January 20, 2026

She then brought the attention back to the Queer Eye cast, asking for responses to Brown’s absence and statement.

“Surprised is a fair understatement,” Porowski said. “I will say, our Queer Eye family, we’ve been doing this for almost a decade — which is pretty wild to believe — and families are complicated, and we’re definitely not excluded from that. But I think two things can exist at the same time. And while that is definitely true, we’re also here to showcase these incredible heroes we have and really honor the legacy of this past decade of our lives and all these wonderful heroes that we’ve had the blessing of getting to meet and have conversations with.”

Brent, who joined Queer Eye in Season 9 following Bobby Berk’s departure, spoke up, saying his experience with the group has been “transformative” and that he has “felt safe and supported” by the entire cast and crew.

The Queer Eye cast addressed Brown’s absence once more on Today with Jenna & Sheinelle, where he shared a video message after previously telling the NBC morning show that he had “felt mentally and emotionally abused for years” and that his therapist advised him “to protect himself and his peace by not attending.”

“Just like the themes of this season, I’m modeling what I believe is most important, which I want to remind you all, love yourselves and protect yourselves. That’s why I’m here at home and not there,” Brown said in a video message.

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A post shared by TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle (@jennasheinelle)

Brown’s separation from the cast comes after former Queer Eye star Bobby Berk announced his departure following eight seasons. In a 2024 Vanity Fair interview, Berk spoke about tensions within the Fab Five, specifically noting conflicts with image expert Tan France.

by Mitti Hicks

January 21, 2026

Supreme Court Debating Whether States Can Limit Gun Carry On Private Property

At the heart of this case is Hawaii, but at least four other states, including California, Maryland, New York, and New Jersey, have similar laws.

Do private property owners have the right to decide whether they want guns on their private property? That’s the question the Supreme Court is currently deciding. It’s a case about whether states can limit firearms on private property that’s open to the public without first receiving the property owner’s consent.

At the heart of this case is Hawaii, but at least four other states, including California, Maryland, New York, and New Jersey, have similar laws.

State lawmakers have set strict “default rules” that prohibit the possession of handguns in privately-owned places where members of the public might gather, unless the owner explicitly gives permission, ABC News reports.

“This law is extremely restrictive. It bans public carry in 96.4% of the publicly available land in the County of Maui,” Alan Beck, an attorney for three Maui residents and members of the Hawaii Firearms Coalition who are challenging the law, told the outlet.

He adds, “They’d like to carry dropping off money at the ATM late at night or just going to have lunch at a restaurant. They are unable to carry on any private business that is open to the public, that is unwilling to put up a sign saying ‘guns ‘allowed.’”

Gun Laws In Other States

In the 45 other states, lawmakers allow handgun owners to presume that they can legally carry weapons onto private property that is open to the public, unless the owner explicitly says otherwise with verbal instructions or by posting a sign.

Gun control groups say this is more of a property rights case, not a Second Amendment dispute. Advocates argue that it has been a longstanding tradition in the United States to allow property owners to set rules for their property.

However, challengers say it’s unconstitutional for Hawaii to impose “default” rules that prohibit firearms in privately owned public spaces. They argue that the laws would mean that gunowners would have to presume that guns are banned in most public spaces.

Hawaii leaders are pushing back. They argue that there has never been a “right to armed entry onto private property without consent.” They say the law is meant to protect the property owners’ right to exclude guns.

But it also appears that the six conservative Supreme Court justices are expressing skepticism about Hawaii’s gun laws, CNN reports.

Justice Samuel Alito said Hawaii’s defense of the law is “relegating the Second Amendment to second-class status.”

A decision in this case is expected by June.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 21, 2026

Applications Open For 2026-27 Nasir Jones Hip-Hop Fellowship At Harvard University

You have until Jan. 30 to apply for the 2026-27 school year.

Queens recording artist Nasir “Nas” Jones recently announced that Harvard University is now accepting applications for the 2026-27 Nasir Jones Hip-Hop Fellowship.

The fellowship, named after the “Hip-Hop Is Dead” lyricist, was established over a decade ago, making it the first academic fellowship named after a hip-hop artist.

Applications must be received by Jan. 30 for the 2026-27 school year.

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A post shared by Nasir Jones (@nas)

When the fellowship was launched in July 2013 to honor the Queensbridge rapper, the mission was “to facilitate and encourage the pursuit of knowledge, art, culture, and leadership through the exchange of artists and scholars in residence at the Du Bois Research Institute.”

At the time, Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr., the Alphonse Fletcher University Professor and Director of the Hutchins Center for African & African American Research, said, “Nas is a true visionary, and he consistently shows how boundaries can be pushed and expanded to further the cause of education and knowledge. The work of the Du Bois Institute is enriched by the addition of the Nasir Jones Hiphop Fellowship.”

Nas, who recently released his latest project with DJ Premier, Light-Years, and performed at a recent NBA game, has been.

The label that released his album, Mass Appeal Records, is owned by the rapper. Mass Appela has also released albums by legendary emcees who began their careers around the time Nas started his.

Seven albums were released throughout 2025: De La Soul’s Cabin in the Sky; Slick Rick’s Victory; Wu-Tang Clan member Raekwon’s The Emperor’s New Clothes; fellow Wu-Tang Clan brother Ghostface Killah’s Supreme Clientele 2; Mobb Deep (featuring vocals from deceased member, Prodigy)’s Infinite; and another rapper, and the late Big L’s Harlem’s Finest: Return of the King.

LeBron James, Cleveland, Ohio, Los Angeles Lakers

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 21, 2026

LeBron James Won’t Start in NBA All-Star Game, Breaking 2 Decade Streak

The Lakers player has been selected as a starter every year since 2005.

The NBA announced the starting lineups for the upcoming All-Star Game, and for the first time in over 20 years, future Hall of Famer LeBron James was not selected to start.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo were the leading vote-getters for the 2026 All-Star Game, which will take place Feb. 15 at the Inuit Dome in Los Angeles.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the competition.

According to ESPN, the Lakers forward had been selected as a starter for the All-Star game a record 21 times. LeBron can still play in the contest if the NBA coaches select him as a reserve. The league will announce those players on Jan. 25.

LeBron missed the first 14 games due to a bout of sciatica. As his career winds down, injuries appear to be taking a toll in his 23rd season. In December, he scored under 10 points, breaking a streak of 1,297 games with double-digit points. LeBron has not revealed if this is his last season, as his contract also ends when it’s over.

Joining Dončić and Antetokounmpo on this year’s roster are Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry for the Western Conference. Starting for the Eastern Conference are New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey, Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham, and Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown.

The starters were chosen by a formula that weighted fans’ votes (50%), current NBA players (25%), and a media panel (25%). The top five players with the highest scores in each conference were named starters.

Three voting groups determined the starters for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game:

▪️ Fans (50%)
▪️ NBA players (25%)
▪️ Media panel (25%)

Complete voting results are available here: https://t.co/0YQtBsIaGp

Below are the overall rankings for the top finishers in each conference. pic.twitter.com/W21e8EOvpH
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 19, 2026

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 21, 2026

Naomi Osaka Takes Big Swing In Fashion With On-Court Appearance At Australia Open

Osaka appeared on the court with an eye-catching outfit ahead of her match.

Naomi Osaka took a big swing in fashion at the Australian Open.

The tennis champion, who won the tournament in 2019 and 2021, paid tribute to her past victory and her daughter with a grand fashion statement. Ahead of her first-round match against Antonia Ruzic, the Japanese player arrived wearing a wide-brimmed hat, a parasol, and a veil as she appeared on court.

The iconic walk onto the tennis court caught the attention of spectators and the internet. While many players have broken away from the formulaic tennis skirt uniform, Osaka has taken things up a notch with a set all of her own.

The mother of one also paraded the “wun of one” outfit, designed by Robert Wun, to her Instagram.

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A post shared by 大坂なおみ🇭🇹🇯🇵 (@naomiosaka)

The outfit also references fond memories of Osaka’s time in Melbourne Park.

According to NBC News, the hat and umbrella feature butterfly motifs, a reference to when one of the winged creatures landed on her during a 2021 match. As for her playing outfit, its mixture of blue and green represents her daughter, Shai, and her love of jellyfish.

“Honestly, it came together quite beautifully because I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived here,” Osaka said. “Then it just felt like everywhere I looked, the theme was water. Obviously, the walkout was like seeing the ocean and waves. I thought that it was really beautiful. Really amazing coincidence.”

Osaka has made the tennis courts her own runway in recent years, as fellow Black tennis stars have also expressed their femininity and strength through traditional outfits. Legends like Venus and Serena Williams have made the arenas their own fashion shows, showcasing their own style.

“When I look back at the players who came before me, I think about how those moments—those looks—have become memories that live forever,” Osaka explained to Vogue. “So much of the time, other people get to write our stories for us. This felt like a moment where I could write a little bit of my own.”

The outfit was not Osaka’s only win of the day as she triumphed over Ruzic 6-3, 3-6, and 6-4.

“When I was playing today, I just told myself, like, ‘Keep your head on the path. If she beats you, then that’s unfortunate. But, hey, at least you’re trending,” she wrote on social media.

Osaka, who is looking to secure her fifth Grand Slam title, playing next against Sorana Cirstea.

by Kandiss Edwards

January 21, 2026

Greenland Isn’t Here For Trump’s Hostile Takeover & ‘Make America Go Away’ Hats Prove It

The slogan is a satirical take on former President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan.

A Greenland-based group is selling red baseball hats emblazoned with the phrase “Make America Go Away.”

The slogan is a satirical take on former President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan, and donating the proceeds to charity. The hats, which parody the iconic Make America Great Again headwear, are part of a protest movement against Trump’s renewed interest in acquiring the Arctic island of Greenland from the Kingdom of Denmark.

The initiative has gained popularity as tensions between the United States and Denmark over Greenland’s sovereignty have risen.

Victor Schøtt, founder of the group Greenland Support that is selling the hats, told Business Insider that the design is intended to reject Trump’s foreign policy approach rather than express dislike for the United States itself. He said the slogan aims to underscore Greenlanders’ desire for autonomy amid escalating diplomatic pressure.

Greenland sell out of MAGA Make America Go Away hats pic.twitter.com/x4O9snGRkS
— RT (@RT_com) January 20, 2026

Schøtt said sales began about a month ago and have grown to hundreds of orders per week. The United States accounts for the largest share of purchases. Denmark and other European nations follow closely behind, Business Insider reported.

The retail site also offers hats bearing the phrase “Nu det NUUK,” a play on words referencing Nuuk, Greenland’s capital. The words loosely translate to “that’s enough.” Jesper Rabe Tonnesen, creator of the “Nu det NUUK” cap, says he only just realized that Trump was no longer speaking about Greenland’s acquisition in jest.

“We started to understand that this is probably not a joke, and it’s not reality TV, it’s actually reality. Then I said, ‘What can I do to contribute?'” Tonnesen said to a local outlet.

Both designs have been seen at protests in Nuuk and Copenhagen amid demonstrations opposing Trump’s rhetoric about Greenland.

All profits from the “Make America Go Away” hat sales are being donated to a Greenlandic children’s charity, Schøtt said, linking the protest merchandise campaign to fundraising for social causes in the territory.