by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 10, 2026

Does Stephen A. Smith Have A 2028 Presidency Plan?

The sportscaster confirmed his plans.

After “teasing” people by saying that he may run for president in the 2028 election, and after going back and forth with whether he’d seriously run, sportscaster Stephen A. Smith recently revealed that he won’t pursue the office.

The controversial sports analyst, who has seemingly leaned more towards Republican views in recent years, appeared on Fox News‘ new podcast, Hang Out with Sean Hannity. Smith was the first guest of the new show, and after Hannity questioned his presidential aspirations, Smith confirmed that “it’s not happening.”

“Let me put the presidential aspirations to bed. If I have to give up my money, it’s not happening,” Smith said on the podcast.

Now that he claims he won’t be running for the highest political office in the land, Smith was asked for his choices if he had to get behind a candidate for the presidency. Surprisingly, his selection was the current Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, according to Fox News.

The registered Democrat admited that he would cross the aisle and back Rubio, stating that the politician, especially in the current Trump administration, is the adult in the room.

“He’s an adult in the room. There is no questioning his qualifications for the job,” Smith told Hannity.

He also mentioned two other potential candidates for the office, Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, as others he would consider for the position. He favored the two men over some Democrats who may run for the office in 2028, including two of Trump’s biggest foes, California Governor Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris.

Smith has been one of the most controversial commentators and has spoken more on topics outside the realm of sports in recent years, including launching a SiriusXM program titled Straight Shooter with Stephen A.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 10, 2026

Artist Redraws Wunmi Mosaku, Says The New Yorker Illustration Failed To Capture Her Essence

The New Yorker is facing backlash over its illustration of "Sinners" star Wunmi Mosaku.

The New Yorker is facing backlash over an illustration it published of Sinners star Wunmi Mosaku, with one artist arguing the image was “obviously not intended to represent her well.” The outlet drew criticism on March 8 after publishing a feature profile on the Oscar-nominated actress that included an illustration of Mosaku created by artist João Fazenda.

“Before ‘Sinners,’ Wunmi Mosaku knew ‘nothing about hoodoo.” While researching the role, she learned that hoodoo is connected to Ifá, the traditional Yoruba spirituality system,” The New Yorker wrote in its post.

Before “Sinners,” Wunmi Mosaku knew “nothing about hoodoo.” While researching the role, she learned that hoodoo is connected to Ifá, the traditional Yoruba spirituality system. https://t.co/oHaCtLgXMz
— The New Yorker (@NewYorker) March 8, 2026

However, the post’s comments were quickly flooded with criticism, as many users said the illustration “doesn’t look like Wunmi Mosaku,” among other frustrations.

“Why would @NewYorker choose to represent one of the most beautiful women in the world in such a disrespectful manner?” one X user wrote. “This is a hugely disappointing decision with systemic racism at the core. Hire more Black people and LISTEN TO THEM!”

“João Fazenda, you will pay for your crimes against Ms. Mosaku because who the hell is that supposed to be??!” added another.

One artist even took matters into their own hands, sharing a now-viral tweet featuring a reimagined version of the illustration while criticizing The New Yorker for using a reference image that was “obviously not intended to represent her well.”

Apparently, The New Yorker ran a story with an illustration of Wunmi Mosaku that was obviously not intended to represent her well, so I redid it real quick in a similar style. Took 15 minutes & a love of Black women ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Tfy1TTT0yo
— I appreciate you. (@DeeLaSheeArt) March 9, 2026

Mosaku’s illustration has reignited long-standing debates and frustrations about how Black women are depicted in mainstream media. Similar conversations emerged in 2018 when Australian cartoonist Mark Knight illustrated tennis legend Serena Williams as an exaggeratedly aggressive figure smashing her racket following her loss at the 2018 US Open. Critics argued that the cartoon went beyond exaggerating Williams’ emotions, placing her within a long history of caricatures portraying Black women as physically exaggerated or aggressive.

This also isn’t the first time The New Yorker has faced backlash over its depictions of Black public figures. In 2008, the magazine came under fire for a cover illustration depicting Michelle Obama with an afro, holding a machine gun, and fist-bumping a turban-clad Barack Obama. Though the magazine framed the image as satire tied to coverage of Obama’s political rise, the campaign condemned the cover as “tasteless and offensive.”

Debates about representation have also surfaced in discussions about how Black women are photographed, edited, and visually framed in media. With award season in full swing and in the wake of the recent N-word controversy at the BAFTA Awards, public scrutiny around how the Sinners cast is portrayed appears stronger than ever.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 10, 2026

Catch A Ride In Comfort: New Women-Only Uber Feature Launches Across U.S.

The feature will help combat the ongoing issue of sexual assault reports for the ride-sharing company.

The latest rollout from Uber is not a self-driving car, but a women-only one.

The women-only drive is a new feature from the ride-sharing company. It allows both women riders and drivers to match with one another in this expansion of the pilot program. According to ABC News, the features will aim to address safety concerns from women Uber riders and drivers.

Uber shared the news of the nationwide rollout in a new blog post, announcing its timely launch for International Women’s Day.

“When women riders and drivers told us they wanted more control over how they ride and earn, we listened. That feedback led to Women’s Preferences, features designed to give women the choice to ride with other women. Since our first pilots last summer, we’ve heard just how much that choice matters—from feeling more comfortable in the back seat to more confident behind the wheel,” shared Uber in the March 9. post.

Now, women in cities such as New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. can request a female driver whenever they order a trip. If the wait time feels too long, riders can select another ride if they see fit. This feature also works for scheduled rides, allowing women to reserve a trip in advance that fits their needs.

Moreover, the app’s female users can set their preference for women-only rides moving forward. Similar benefits also extend to drivers as well, with female contractors prioritizing requests from women riders. Families can also opt in to this feature for teen accounts.

The expansion came following a successful pilot program, first prompted by Saudi women gaining the right to drive in 2019. The global initiative for women-only rides revealed widespread appeal for the gender-empowering venture, helping curb violence while allowing women to experience Uber at their highest comfort level.

The safety update is especially relevant, given the thousands of sexual assault reports over the years. Uber and other ride-sharing apps, such as Lyft, faced criticism for their handling of these sexual assault cases, leading to new measures to combat this ongoing issue.

However, the news of its official launch comes on the heels of legal opposition. Male Uber drivers in California filed a class action lawsuit over the gender-based matter, stating that the feature discriminates against male drivers. Despite the legal concerns, Uber remains adamant that the Women’s Preferences is a “common sense solution” to help women customers feel at ease while on the road.

“This feature is a common-sense solution to a long-standing request from both women Drivers and Riders who told Uber they would feel more comfortable and safer if they could choose to ride with another woman,” the company said in the court filing.

The growth of women behind the wheel at Uber, which claims one-fifth of its contracted workers identify as female, also led to this pilot program becoming a nationwide reality. With this step toward safety, women across most U.S. cities and 40 other countries will have access to the Women’s Preferences feature.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 10, 2026

Woman Who Allegedly Shot Up Rihanna’s Home Previously Placed On Involuntary Psychiatric Hold Years Prior

The woman gunman, revealed as Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, also lost custody and all contact with her child.

The woman who allegedly shot at the Beverly Hills home of Rihanna reportedly has some prior mental health issues.

The woman, a Florida resident named Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, previously underwent an involuntary psychiatric hold in Florida a few years ago. TMZ received the tip from her ex-husband’s attorney, Jed Nikko Valdez Sangalang. The lawyer, Hal Roen, revealed that Ortiz was involuntarily committed under Florida’s Baker Act before 2023, resulting in a 72-hour hold for a mental health evaluation and treatment.

Roen also shared more about Ortiz’s mental health woes. Ortiz is accused of firing several shots at Rihanna’s home. He called the 35-year-old “articulate” yet was concerned with her actions.

“If you sit down with her, she’s very convincing. But she does bizarre things,” Roen shared in his take on the Rihanna incident.

However, Ortiz’s struggles reportedly went further, prompting her to lose custody of the child she shares with Sangalang. The news outlet obtained court documents proving her ban from any in-person or virtual contact with the child, issued in April 2024.

A Florida judge also expressed fears that Ortiz would not return the child to their father while under her care, even noting a “concerning testimony” regarding the state of her mental health. The woman even reportedly tried to get a domestic violence injunction against her ex-husband. However, one of the incidents led to her own arrest for domestic violence while she was on probation.

With a slew of mental health incidents and criminal offenses, Ortiz adds a new arrest to her record over the Rihanna home shootout. Local police found and detained Ortiz shortly after she’d fled the scene, with the woman now facing a charge for attempted murder. ABC7 also reported that Ortiz allegedly used an AR-style weapon to conduct the shooting.

While several news outlets reported that Rihanna was home at the time of the firing, along with her three children, no injuries were reported. As for Ortiz, her bail remains set at over $10 million.

Pharrell Williams, Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo,

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 10, 2026

Chad Hugo Adds New Claims To Lawsuit Against Former Producing Partner, Pharrell Williams

Hugo says recent songs done by Pharrell excluded him from production credits.

The financial dispute between music producers Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams, formerly known as the songwriting/production duo The Neptunes, has taken another turn, with Hugo filing an amendment to the lawsuit against his former business partner.

According to Forbes, after initially filing a lawsuit claiming that the “Happy” singer owes him $1 million for nonpayment for songs he produced, Hugo has now stated that some of the songs Pharrell produced in recent years (eight songs released in 2022) were not credited to him.

Several of those songs include Rosalía’s “Motomami” and “La Combi Versace” from her 2022 album, Motomami, and Latto’s “Real One.”

Yet, the media outlet points out that the court may have an issue with that amendment. Hugo may not be able to make a claim because the three-year statute of limitations under the U.S. Copyright Act would nullify the accusation, as the songs were released in 2022 and Hugo filed the legal paperwork in January 2026.

The case, depending on the ruling of U.S. District Judge Andre Birotte, may have to be moved from federal to state court. After Hugo’s team filed the suit, Birotte issued an order requiring Hugo’s attorneys to show why this is a federal matter. Hugo’s initial claims, which were breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty, belong in state court. A copyright infringement would fit federal status, which is what the amended charges are.

In the suit, Hugo states that he was “principal composer, arranger, multi-instrumentalist, and producer responsible for programming, instrumentation, and overall sound design, while Defendant Williams more frequently appeared as the public-facing member of the duo.”

“Williams engaged in self-dealing, concealed material information, and … diverted revenues owed to plaintiff,” Hugo’s attorney, Brent J. Lehman, said. “Such willful, fraudulent, and malicious conduct warrants the imposition of punitive damages.”

The initial matter was related to the duo’s group with another member, Shay Haley, N.E.R.D. (No-one Ever Really Dies).

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 10, 2026

Jesse Jackson Jr. Bashes Biden, Obama, Clinton For Making Politically Fueled Speeches, Claims They ‘Didn’t Truly Know His Father’

On social media, users shared indifferent feelings about Jackson Jr.’s stance, with one calling the remarks “tasteless and unnecessary.”

As civil rights and former U.S. leaders gathered to pay tribute to civil rights icon Jesse Jackson, his son made bold claims: after hearing several speeches, he realized there was one thing in common: they didn’t really know his father.

Jesse Jackson Jr. slammed former presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and Joe Biden during the March 7 memorial service, stating that his father’s life was about more than politics, as he felt the leaders made the speeches political. “Yesterday I listened for several hours to three United States presidents who do not know Jesse Jackson,” Jackson Jr. said.

“He maintained a tense relationship with the political order, not because the presidents were White or Black, but the demands of our message, the demands of speaking for the least of these — those who are disinherited, the damned, the dispossessed, the disrespected — demanded not Democratic or Republican solutions, but demanded a consistent, prophetic voice that at no point in time sold us out as a people.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom)

After his father’s Feb. 17 death sent sad shockwaves around the world, the grieving son held a press conference requesting politics be kept out of the services, and asked for the focus to be on Jackson’s legacy.

“Do not bring your politics out of respect to Rev. Jesse Jackson and the life that he lived, to these ongoing services. Come respectful, and come to say thank you,” he said following the leader’s death, according to Fox News.

“But these ongoing services are welcome to ALL—Democrat, Republican, liberal, and conservative. Right-wing, left-wing. Because his life is broad enough to cover the full spectrum of what it means to be an American.”

That didn’t seem to happen as Obama took digs at President Donald Trump during his time at the podium, saying “every day we wake up to some new assault on our democratic institutions.”

Despite Jr.’s claims that leaders didn’t know him well, Clinton referred to Jackson as a “friend” and reminisced on a conversation that took place during his dark impeachment days.

Other leaders in attendance who gave speeches included former Vice President Kamala Harris, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, but it seems the service put the spotlight on the president’s presence from the very start.

“Put your hands together for the three presidents: President Bill Clinton, President Joe Biden, and the Southside’s own, President Barack Obama,” the speaker announced as they entered the memorial service.

On social media, users shared indifferent feelings about Jackson Jr.’s stance, one even questioning why they were invited to speak in the first place. “Why did they invite them as speakers at his funeral if he didn’t know them?” @__ex0tica wrote on IG.

Others called the remarks “tasteless and unnecessary.” And some pushed Biden and Clinton aside to stand up for Obama. “Son or not, that was tacky, and the mere fact Obama showed up makes it clear he’s a man of integrity and the bigger man,” @diancaglamqueen_ said.

T'yanna Wallace, Biggie, Notorious B.I.G., steakhouse

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 10, 2026

Big Poppa Lives On: Biggie’s Daughter Hosts Tasting For New Caribbean Steakhouse

The event was held on the anniversary of Biggie's death.

T’yanna Wallace, the daughter of legendary recording artist Christopher Wallace — better known as The Notorious B.I.G.— recently hosted a private tasting for her newest venture, Big Poppa’s Caribbean-Infused Steakhouse, a restaurant named after one of her father’s well-known aliases. The event carried special meaning, taking place on March 9, the anniversary of the death of the iconic rapper also known as Biggie Smalls.

T’yanna Wallace, a serial entrepreneur, adds this business to her list of endeavors, which includes a clothing store, a pop-up museum, and a pizzeria co-owned with Run-DMC DJ Jam Master Jay’s daughter, Tyra Myricks.

She posted on Instagram, “Thank you to everyone who came to my private tasting yesterday! I had this event to get some opinions on the food & figure out exactly what I wanted to keep on my menu! Thank you all for your honest reviews and everybody stay tuned for the grand opening of Big Poppa’s the end of the year ! 👑🥩”

Photos shared on Wallace’s Instagram offer a glimpse inside the restaurant’s elegant interior, where guests gathered for the private tasting. The images also showcase some of the dishes set to appear on the menu, including French fries served in boxes branded with the restaurant’s name and sliders topped with an image of Biggie’s face crowned in tribute. While a full guest list wasn’t released, Lil Cease — Biggie’s close friend and a member of Junior M.A.F.I.A.— was among those in attendance.

According to the Instagram account of EMPOWERED PRESS, the restaurant serves Caribbean cuisine as a tribute to Biggie’s and his mother’s Jamaican heritage. Big Poppa’s Caribbean-Infused Steakhouse is located in New York City and is planning an official public opening later this year, with a date yet to be announced.

The Brooklyn rapper, hailed by many as one of the greatest emcees, was shot and killed in Los Angeles on March 9, 1997. Nearly three decades later, his murder remains unsolved.

Cory Booker, Senate Democrats, Keep Your Pay Act, IRS

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 10, 2026

Cory Booker Proposes Scrapping Federal Tax On First $75K Of Income

His 'Keep Your Pay Act' plan aims to boost key tax credits for working families.

New Jersey Democratic Sen. Cory Booker has introduced a new proposal aimed at easing the tax burden on Americans by eliminating federal income tax on the first $75,000 of a taxpayer’s income, Fox News reported.

His “Keep Your Pay Act” proposal would expand pivotal tax credits for working families by increasing the standard deduction to $75,000 for married couples who file jointly, in addition to substantial relief for single filers and heads of household. Booker’s plan is projected to reduce federal income tax on the median American family by roughly 85%.

“So here’s the big idea I want to share with you. No household in America should pay federal income tax on their first $75,000 of earnings. Keep your money,” Booker said in a video posted on X.

“…The tax system, we all know this, is rigged. It’s rigged against working people and all full of things that help people with a lot of money, whether its corporations or billionaires avoid paying taxes. It’s what happens because of the corruption down in Washington that lets the wealthiest and most powerful write our tax code.”

The first $75,000 of income for every American family should be tax-free. pic.twitter.com/7MkY8jEhGr
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) March 9, 2026

Not only would the legislation offset costs to the fullest extent by generating more tax revenue from corporations and the wealthy, it also includes a plan to increase the corporate tax rate, taxes on stock buybacks, and zoning in on executive compensation deductions and strengthening corporate tax enforcement.

By launching an online calculator that would allow tax payers to get an estimate on their potential savings with the bill, the proposal leans on expanding the Child Tax Credit to $3,600 per child between the ages of six and 17 and $4,320 for children under six. With a “baby bonus” worth $2,400 in the year of a child’s birth, the credit would be fully refundable.

NBC News describes Booker’s legislation as “a sweeping plan to address a constellation of economic concerns from high costs to wages failing to keep up with necessities like health care and housing.”

The outspoken senator is pushing for the bill at a time when Democrats are focused on regaining control of the House. “Americans are working harder and harder, and they’re making less and less relative to their parents and grandparents,” Booker said.

“The economy is not working. So we need big ideas that could redeem the dream of America.”

Recently, the Trump Administration has leaned on the trigger word of affordability, but has vaguely put together a plan that has worked for every American. Gary Cohn, chief economic adviser to President Donald Trump, claims the tax plan of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” targets middle-class families.

But when asked if he could guarantee that middle-class families would not get a tax increase, Cohn said, “There’s an exception to every rule.”

Michael Jordan, lawsuit, NASCAR, antitrust

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 10, 2026

Michael Jordan’s First Sports Illustrated Cover Sets Record Sale Of $229,360

The basketball legend appeared on the cover while attending the University of North Carolina with teammate Sam Perkins

Another record has been broken regarding NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan. The former Chicago Bulls legend’s very first appearance on a Sports Illustrated cover has netted that cover a record $229,360 at a recent auction.

According to The Athletic, the Noc. 28, 1983 cover featuring the University of North Carolina Tar Heels’ teammates, Jordan and Sam Perkins, was sold for the record price on March 7 through Goldin Auctions. The sale bested the previous record (for a graded magazine): another Jordan Sports Illustrated cover (Dec. 10, 1984), which sold for $126,000 in 2023.

The record copy of the “College Basketball Preview” issue was graded by CGC (Certified Guaranty Company, LLC.) as a 9.6 out of 10. The Dec. 10, 1984, Sports Illustrated cover, “A Star is Born,” also received a grade of 9.6. CGC, which also grades comic books, has been grading magazines since 2009. Goldin Auctions, through its listing, stated that the “A Star Is Born” cover has four CGC 9.8s, five 9.6s, four 9.4s, and three 9.2s.

The auction house described the cover:

“Before Jordan’s 1984-85 Star Rookie Cards. Before his 1986-87 Fleer RC. Before his “Star Is Born” 1st S.I. Cover in a Bulls uniform. Yes, before any of those iconic MJ masterpieces, back when His Airness still wore Converse at UNC, it was this Sports Illustrated issue, with this “No. 1“ cover, that marked the start of it all for the now billion-dollar business of Jordan collectibles.

$229,360: Record sale for Michael Jordan's first Sports Illustrated cover, graded 9.6 by @PSAcard, through @GoldinCo.

Result is the highest ever for any graded magazine and the most for any magazine or comic holdered by PSA.

PSA began grading the category last July. pic.twitter.com/6CPFK7TqpU
— Ben Burrows (@BenMBurrows) March 8, 2026

The rarity of the cover is that it showed Jordan as a college athlete who did not have the expectations of being a legendary basketball player, unlike LeBron James, who was heralded as “King James” while he was still in high school (James never attended college, jumping straight to the NBA after completing high school).

There was no publicly available information about the person with the winning bid.

Atlanta Hawk, Magic City, T.I., State Farm Arena

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 10, 2026

NBA Shuts Down Atlanta Hawks ‘Magic City Night’ After Concerns From Basketball Community

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed the league's decision to scrap the event.

The NBA has officially intervened to end the Atlanta Hawks’ upcoming “Magic City Night” amid concern from various members of the basketball community.

The NBA released a statement on March 9 regarding its decision to cancel the themed event. Taking place March 16, the game was a nod to the famed Atlanta strip club, Magic City, as the Hawks played against the Orlando Magic. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver explained the rationale behind canceling the highly anticipated event.

The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/jzbUW8t73Y
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) March 9, 2026

“When we became aware of the Atlanta Hawks’ scheduled promotion, we reached out to Hawks leadership to better understand their plans and rationale,” wrote Silver. “While we appreciate the team’s perspective and their desire to move forward, we have heard significant concerns from a broad array of league stakeholders, including fans, partners and employees. I believe canceling this promotion is the right decision for the broader NBA community.”

The game’s theme caused an uproar throughout the basketball community, with some deeming the team’s celebration of a strip club inappropriate for the league. Magic City Night meant to highlight Atlanta culture at large, including the club’s specialty, “Lou Will” lemon pepper wings, a special themed hoodie, and a performance by T.I. However, others found that it recognized an industry that is often harmful to women.

While Silver also mentioned complaints from stakeholders and fans, former and current NBA players also publicly condemned Magic City Night. Luke Kornet, a forward for the San Antonio Spurs, initially sparked debate after writing a letter asking the Hawks to cancel the theme, citing that it perpetuates disrespect towards women. Former Hawks player Al Holford chimed in to agree with Kornet’ss concerns.

However, supporters of Magic City Night emphasized how the themed game is more about celebrating the city and its cultural institutions that influence pop culture. They argued that the criticism and cancellation represent a misunderstanding of how Atlanta and Magic City influenced hip-hop and Black Culture.

One naysayer of the league’s decision called it “dramatic,” especially given that the theme would not explicitly promote strip dancing.

kids don’t even know what Magic City is. so unless strippers were performing at halftime — this is mad dramatic of the league. people upset over hoodies and chicken wings? lol https://t.co/GT5UfAepd3
— Ashley Nicole Moss (@AshNicoleMoss) March 9, 2026

The theme had also skyrocketed attention and ticket sales for the Monday night game, as the Hawks used this event to bring more fans out. In response, the team noted their disappointment, but ensured that a celebration of Atlanta would happen regardless.

pic.twitter.com/ARpFImHcaQ
— Atlanta HaWWWWWWks (@ATLHawks) March 9, 2026

“As a franchise, we remain committed to celebrating the best of Atlanta — with authenticity — in ways that continue to unite and bring us all together,” wrote the franchise.

While the game will no longer proceed as Magic City Night, fans who already bought tickets can still expect a performance by T.I. Attendees can also grab wings, though it’s unclear whether they’ll be from the strip club’s famed kitchen. As for the coveted Magic City peach hoodie, only those who pre-ordered it will still receive it, as no club promotion will appear at the game.