drug prices, prescription, increase
by Mitti Hicks

April 25, 2025

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Collection Is April 26. Here’s What To Know

Leftover prescription drugs in the home that are no longer needed can have serious unintended consequences, which is why the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is partnering with communities nationwide for the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 26.

Leftover prescription drugs in the home that are no longer needed can have serious unintended consequences. That’s why the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is partnering with communities nationwide for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 26.

The national day allows people to drop off expired, unwanted, or unused tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid prescription drugs to local law enforcement, who will dispose of the drugs properly.

According to the DEA, the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs while also educating the general public about medication abuse.

Why National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Matters

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there has been an overall increase in prescription drug misuse over the past two decades. Researchers say the uptick reflects in treatment admissions for prescription drug use disorders and overdose deaths involving prescription drugs, both of which initially rose significantly before holding steady through 2020.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse says the three classes of medications most commonly misused are:

  • Opioids—usually prescribed to treat pain
  • Central nervous system [CNS] depressants (this category includes tranquilizers, sedatives, and hypnotics)—used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders
  • Stimulants—most often prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control reveal there were approximately 87,000 drug overdose deaths from October 2023 to September 2024, down from around 114,000 the previous year. This is the fewest overdose deaths in any 12 months since June 2020.

While this national decline is encouraging news, the CDC says overdose remains the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18-44, highlighting the importance of sustained efforts such as National Prescription Drug Take Back Day to ensure this progress continues. 

There are at least 4,000 collection take-back sites for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Find the nearest one at DEATakeBack.com.

The work is happening year-round as nearly 17,000 pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and law enforcement locations offer year-round drug disposal options. Click here to find a year-round location.

RELATED CONTENT: Judge Blocks ICE From Rikers Island Amid City Challenge

Gilbert Arenas, Washington. Wizards,, NBA, salary
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 25, 2025

Gilbert Arenas’ Son Recovering After Waking Up From Induced Coma After Crashing Tesla Cybertruck

The University of Southern California basketball recruit crashed into a tree and a fire hydrant

A car accident led to former NBA player Gilbert Arenas’ son, Alijah, being induced into a coma, but he is reportedly doing better as he remains intubated, as he was able to open his eyes and communicate with his family.

According to ESPN, Alijah Arenas, who is following in the footsteps of his father as a University of Southern California basketball recruit, was involved in a crash involving his Tesla Cybertruck. The vehicle crashed into a tree and a fire hydrant, and Alijah was taken to the hospital, where he was initially listed in serious condition. The accident occurred in Los Angeles just before 5 a.m. April 24 in the Reseda area of the San Fernando Valley.

After being placed in an induced coma, the family stated that he is doing better and was able to communicate with them after opening his eyes. The 18-year-old who remains intubated has “shown significant signs of progress within the last 24 hours,” according to the family. They state that he remembered the smoke from the crash and, via a handwritten note, asked, “Did anyone get hurt?”

In a written statement, the family said, “This act of courage, along with Alijah’s incredible will to survive, has been nothing short of miraculous. The family continues to ask for the public’s prayers and support as their miracle baby fights his way back to a full recovery. They remain deeply grateful for the exceptional care provided by his medical team and the overwhelming love and encouragement from the community.”

Alijah is the No. 13-ranked recruit in the class of 2025 and committed to play for the Trojans in January. He currently attends Chatsworth High School in Los Angeles, where he helped lead the team to the Division II state championship final this year. During that contest, he became the first high school boys’ basketball player in the Los Angeles area to hit 3,000 career points.

RELATED CONTENT: Grit Meets Grown Man: David Yurman Taps NBA Stars Carmelo Anthony And Jaylen Brown For Bold New Chain Campaign

Antoine Walker, bankrupt, financial literacy
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 25, 2025

Antoine Walker Teaches Financial Literacy To Athletes After Going Bankrupt

Antoine Walker is using his experience of going broke after the NBA to offer financial literacy to rising athletes.

NBA champion Antoine Walker uses his experience from earning over $100 million during his career to declaring bankruptcy by 2010 to provide today’s rising professional athletes with essential financial literacy and guidance.

The NBA All-Star joined Ross Mac on the Financial Freestyle podcast, where he opened up about his path to financial rock bottom and how that experience led him to a new career in finance. Now, he works as a consultant, helping up-and-coming athletes steer clear of the pitfalls he once faced.

“When you’re making money…everything is going good — you’re buying cars, you got houses, you got jewelry, you got all these things going on,” Walker said. “But at some point, the money’s going to stop coming in the way it came in the beginning. Are you able and are you prepared to maintain that lifestyle?”

Walker was a dominant force in the NBA during the 1990s and early 2000s. Drafted by the Boston Celtics as the 6th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft at just 19 years old, he quickly rose to stardom, signing a six-year, $71 million contract by age 21. Over his 13-year career, he earned an estimated $108 million. However, a series of poor financial decisions and limited financial education ultimately led him to file for bankruptcy.

“The money came so fast without the education,” Walker said.

After losing it all, Walker began sharing his work as a consultant with Edyoucore, a financial literacy company dedicated to helping athletes take control of their finances. With college athletes now earning millions through NIL deals before even turning pro, Walker is eager to offer his guidance to the next generation of athletes, helping them navigate the financial challenges he once faced.

“I think it’s my job to kind of use the things that I did wrong and just help [others] out,” Walker told Mac. “I know the things that they want to do. I know the things that they’re buying. I know the things that they’re overlooking. … I try to put that back in their face and understand that this basketball career or any sports career is going to be short-lived, and you got a whole life to live after your career is over with.”

RELATED CONTENT: Cardi B Wins Big, But Waits Big: Tasha K’s $1.2M Delivery? Think Amazon Prime, But, Like, Five Years

NyU, Elori Belcher,urination,
by Kandiss Edwards

April 25, 2025

Urination Violation: NYU Student Says University Is Doing Piss-Poor Job In Response To Roommate Harassment

Eloni Belcher claims NYU failed to protect her after roommate relieved herself on Belcher's bedding and body.

A New York University student has accused the school of failing to properly address a disturbing incident in which she alleges her roommate urinated on her while she was asleep.

 Eloni Belcher, a sophomore at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, publicly criticizes the university’s handling of the situation and shares her story on social media.

Belcher said the incident occurred in the early hours of April 12 in her dorm room at Carlyle Court. She claims she woke up to find her roommate squatting over her and urinating on her arms and bedding.

“I said, ‘What the f**k are you doing?’ and then she says, ‘Oh, sorry,’ like she wasn’t expecting me to wake up. I was utterly disgusted, and I did not know what to do,” Belcher recounted in a TikTok video that has since gone viral.

https://www.tiktok.com/@loveeloni/video/7492984869484563758?_t=ZT-8vpXjbP0YrT&_r=1

She contacted the Department of Campus Safety at NYU. She met with two officers, who, according to Belcher, filed a report but advised her that it was unnecessary to wait for the New York City Police Department, reportedly stating, “it wasn’t worth waiting for the police.” Belcher later filed her police report, and the incident was categorized as harassment.

The university offered to transfer Belcher to another dorm room after initially stating via email, “Temporary spaces are not available at this time.”  However, she disputes claims made by Assistant Director of Student Conduct Jorgé Almonte-Florimon that she declined temporary housing. Belcher said she was forced to leave her room out of fear and discomfort.

https://www.tiktok.com/@loveeloni/video/7495459728504458538?_t=ZT-8vpXblmSBKd&_r=1

In a statement to Washington Square News, NYU spokesperson John Beckman later stated that the university had taken the matter seriously from the outset. 

“Given the concerns raised, we want to emphasize that the university has taken this matter seriously since it came to our attention,” Beckman said. “Safety is our top priority — always.” 

Despite the university’s assurances, Belcher claims she has continued to face harassment, including messages from her roommate’s friends and family who accuse her of fabricating the incident and threatening legal action. She also alleges the roommate’s mother contacted her directly to complain about the public backlash her daughter has received.

The incident has sparked concern about how universities respond to student misconduct and support victims in crisis. NYU has not issued additional statements since Beckman’s remarks.

RELATED CONTENT: College Students Of Color Feel Effects Of DEI Cutbacks On Campuses

Gayle King, CBS News, new deal, morning show
by Jameelah Mullen

April 25, 2025

Gayle King’s Space Trip Boosted ‘CBS Mornings’ Ratings And Now They Tanked

Ratings were out of this world till they weren’t

Gayle King’s space escapade helped CBS Mornings secure the top position on the Nielsen ratings list. But like the space adventure, the high ratings were short-lived. 

Approximately 3.9 million viewers tuned in to witness the galactic joyride April 14, compared to ABC’s Good Morning America and NBC’s Today, which drew 2.7 million and 2.5 million viewers, respectively. This has been the show’s highest rating since March 2021, when King’s best friend, Oprah Winfrey, interviewed Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, drawing in 4.82 million viewers.

Following the soaring ratings, CBS Mornings dropped back to third place this week behind Good Morning America (2.7 million) and Today (2.5 million). 

King joined Katy Perry and four other women for an 11-minute ride to space on Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin rocket, which aired live on the show. 

Despite the high ratings, Bezos’ televised joyride garnered harsh criticism from social media users and television personalities such as Olivia Munn, who referred to the galactic jaunt as “gluttonous.” Other critics accused the women of taking visibility away from women astronauts. King and Perry, arguably the most famous of the six honorary astronauts, received the brunt of the backlash. 

“People have been in agony about gas, eggs, jobs, mortgages, civil rights & their 401, but Gayle King thinks it’s inspiring right now for Women to see millionaires go to space on behalf of the oligarch Jeff Bezos, who blocked the Washington Post’s Female candidate endorsement.” RealDealChris wrote on X.

Gayle King responded to the criticism in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. 

“Space is not an either/or; it’s a both/and, and because you do something in space, it doesn’t mean you’re taking anything from Earth,” the award-winning journalist told the outlet. “So I wish people would do more due diligence. And then my question is, have y’all been to space? Go to space or go to Blue Origin and see what they do and then come back and say, ‘This is a terrible thing.’”

King’s response sparked even more backlash, but the morning news anchor remains firm in her decision. 

RELATED CONTENT: Nielsen Study Reveals the Purchasing Power of Multicultural Millennials

Lil Durk, rapper, murder for hire
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 25, 2025

Lil Durk Converted 13 Inmates To Islam While Incarcerated: ‘He In There Converting’

While incarcerated, Lil Durk is staying rooted in his faith by guiding fellow inmates on their journey to Islam.

Lil Durk is staying grounded in his faith while awaiting trial from behind bars and using his time to help fellow inmates convert to Islam.

The Chicago Drill rapper’s father, Dontay Banks, made a recent appearance on The Breakfast Club where he shared how his son is making a positive impact on those around him during his time in prison.

“What Allah is doing for us right now, building us to be a better man, is greater than what they trying to do to us and trying to tear us down,” Banks said. “[Durk] was telling me that when he came in, there was, like, four Muslims on the block. He said now it’s 17 Muslims on the block, so he in there converting.”

It’s a way to stay positive and focused on a light at the end of an uncertain tunnel, Banks explained.

“As a human, you sitting in there looking at four walls … it’s gonna have this effect on you but you know you always bounce back, you always look at the greater picture,” he said.

Lil Durk, real name Durk Devontay Banks, is awaiting trial in a murder-for-hire case stemming from an alleged 2022 plot against rapper Quando Rondo, which ultimately resulted in the death of Rondo’s cousin, Saviay’a Robinson (aka Lil Pab). The attack was reportedly to avenge the 2020 death of Lil Durk’s artist King Von.

Durk has pleaded not guilty, and his legal team is pushing for the case to be dismissed, arguing that the grand jury was misled by false information sourced from YouTube fan pages. However, if convicted, Durk could face a life sentence in federal prison.

His trial was postponed in January and scheduled to begin on October 17. The delay followed an unsealing of a 2024 FBI affidavit, which accuses Durk of being involved in a second murder-for-hire plot that he hasn’t been charged for.

The affidavit references text messages and social media posts between two individuals discussing a payment from the rapper for the 2022 killing of Stephon Mack, a 24-year-old believed to be a Gangster Disciples leader, a group Lil Durk allegedly suspects was behind the 2021 murder of his brother, Dontay Banks.

RELATED CONTENT: Rick Ross Advises Young Boys To Pursue Blue- Collar Work

tip, tipping, braids, refuse, service, hair, Dosso Beauty, Hypoallergenic Braiding
by Jameelah Mullen

April 25, 2025

Louisiana Hairstylist Cut A Child’s Braids Over Late Fee Dispute

Put the handcuffs on her immediately.

A family is seeking justice after a stylist cut off an 11-year-old girl’s hair when the mother refused to pay a $25 late fee. An unidentified mother and daughter arrived for their appointment at Draft Picks Barbershop in Baton Rouge at 5:10 pm, which was 10 minutes after their scheduled appointment. The stylist charges a $25 late fee for any client who arrives more than 10 minutes after their scheduled time. 

The child’s grandmother, Conchota Singleton, told WBRZ News that her daughter told the stylist: “Well, your grace period states that I’m late after ten minutes. I was here at 5:10.”

According to Singleton, who shared details about the confrontation on her Facebook page, the mother and the unnamed stylist had a heated exchange over the $25 fee. At that point, the stylist began cutting the child’s hair. The mother, who is pregnant, attempted to pull her daughter away, leading to a physical altercation in which the stylist cut the mother’s hand with the scissors. Witnesses intervened to break up the fight, which was captured on surveillance video. 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

“My granddaughter is traumatized, y’all,” Singleton wrote on the Facebook post.

Singleton stated that the family called the police but was told there was nothing they could do because the hairdresser didn’t intentionally cause harm. The grandmother believes the Baton Rouge police department failed them.  

“ I’m NOT letting this go!  I want her charged!”

Draft Picks addressed the incident in a statement to the Daily Mail and confirmed that the hairstylist no longer works for the company. 

“We want to be clear: we do not condone or tolerate the actions that this stylist displayed,” owner, TJ Malveaux, told DailyMail

“We extend our sincerest apologies to the client and family affected, and to anyone who may feel uneasy as a result of this situation. This incident does not reflect the values or standards we uphold at Draft Picks. At Draft Picks Barbershop, the safety, comfort, and satisfaction of our clients are our top priorities,“ the statement read. 

Currently, no charges have been filed; however, Singleton stated that she intends to report the incident to the district attorney’s office.

RELATED CONTENT: Advocates Urge FDA To Ban Formaldehyde In Hair-Straightening Products

shannon sharpe, lawsuit
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 25, 2025

Shannon Sharpe Will ‘Step Aside’ From ESPN While Fighting Sexual Assault Allegations

ESPN released a statement agreeing with Sharpe's decision to take a break while this dispute plays out.

After being hit with a $50 million sexual assault lawsuit, ESPN analyst Shannon Sharpe has stated he will “step aside temporarily” from his duties on the network as he plans to “return to ESPN at the start of the NFL preseason.”

In a statement posted to his social media account, the NFL Hall of Famer expressed his innocence once again while stating he will not be appearing on ESPN. He intends to spend time with his family as he fights the allegations leveled against him by a woman he said he was in a relationship with.

“My statement is found here and this is the truth. The relationship in question was 100 % consensual.

“At this junction I am eliciting to step aside temporarily from my ESPN duties.

“I will be devoting my time to my family, and responding and dealing with these false and disruptive allegations set against me. I plan to return to ESPN at the start of the NFL preseason.

“I sincerely appreciate the overwhelming and ongoing support I have received from my family, friends and colleagues.”

Sharpe has decided to step away from his hosting duties after a woman filed a suit under the pseudonym Jane Doe, accusing the host of Club Shay Shay of sexually assaulting her while the two were in what she described as a “rocky consensual relationship.”

In her lawsuit, she claims to have been abused by the former football player through physical force and emotional distress. She stated that he became increasingly controlling, verbally abusive, and violent. She alleges that he threatened to kill her and recorded their sexual encounters without her permission.

ESPN released a statement agreeing with Sharpe’s decision to take a break while this dispute plays out.

“This is a serious situation, and we agree with Shannon’s decision to step away.”

Sharpe is a three-time Super Bowl champion who has been an analyst on FS1 and ESPN as well as hosting his own podcasts, Club Shay Shay and Nightcap. Sharpe did not mention if those two shows will also be on hiatus.

RELATED CONTENT: Is Shannon Sharpe’s ESPN Career Over After Offering At Least $10 Million To Sexual Assault Accuser?

BLEXIT, Candace Owens, Segregation, Donald Trump,
by Sharelle B. McNair

April 25, 2025

Candace Owens’ Has A Come-To-Jesus Moment Calling Out Trump For Attacks On Free Speech

Owens called Trump “messy” for disguising his moves as correlating to DEI and highlighted how it will have lingering effects long after he leaves the White House.

In a shocking turn of events, far-right commentator and President Donald Trump advocate Candace Owens spoke out against the indicted president over his war against Harvard University and free speech on America’s college campuses. 

During a segment on YouTube’s “The Candace Podcast,” Owens began to criticize Trump over his stance on free speech on college campuses and his targeting of Harvard University for not bowing down to him. “I never thought I would see a day where I would be rooting for a university about Donald J. Trump and his administration, but I don’t recognize this administration right now,” she said. 

“I don’t recognize what’s happening. How could Trump be such a free speech enthusiast and allowing these things to happen? Going after college universities, trying to suppress speech while pretending that you’re not suppressing speech.”   

The media personality is referring to the Ivy League school’s refusal to change its hiring and admission policies amid Trump’s executive order targeting anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. As a result, the president froze over $2 billion in multi-year grants and contracts. Harvard’s President Alan Garber wrote a formal letter to the White House announcing the school won’t submit to the list of demands to eliminate DEI programs, ensure “viewpoint diversity” in its hiring process, and screen international students who are “supportive of terrorism or anti-Semitism.” “No government — regardless of which party is in power — should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue,” Garber wrote. 

The university has since sued the administration and asked a judge to block the freeze, calling the move “unlawful and beyond the government’s authority,” according to ABC News. Harvard’s legal team argues the administration is violating the First Amendment by unlawfully using funding as “leverage to gain control of academic decision-making at Harvard.”

Owens called Trump “messy” for disguising his moves as correlating to DEI and highlighted how it will have lingering effects long after he leaves the White House. “It’s so messy, it’s so obvious, everyone knows what you’re doing. People who are still trying to grift…are not willing to challenge you on this, which is ridiculous,” she explained. 

“Because when you are out of office, we are going to have to live with these consequences. Our children are going to have to grow up in this America. So when you threaten our speech, it’s not worth it…so you better buck up and root for Harvard University in this fight. You better hope they defeat the Trump administration.”

Social media users were shocked to hear Owens support far-left ideologies, some saying, “Never thought we’d see the day we must agree with Candace Owens!” Another user claimed this is the end of times if “she and I agree on something.” 

However, not everyone is falling for Owens’ new take on Trump. Many Black social media users like actress Rachel True remember her gaslighting ways of the past, like calling Fulton County DA Fani Willis a “ghetto superstar.”

“Yeah, but big time No NOPE never to normalizing Randace Owens,” the “Half and Half” star wrote on X. 

@FinisLDaileyIII proclaimed, regardless of the switch-up, many are still not rocking with her. “So… Let’s not try to normalize this lady. We’re STILL not f*%king with Candace Owens,” he said. 

RELATED CONTENT: Trump Rescinds HBCU Support: A Dismantling Of Opportunity For Our Youth

Jeezy To Celebrate 20th Anniversary Of ‘Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101’ With Symphony Tour
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 25, 2025

Jeezy To Celebrate 20th Anniversary Of ‘Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101’ With Symphony Tour

The rapper’s debut album takes on a classical spin

Jeezy fans will get a different view for the celebration of the recording artist’s 20th anniversary of his 2005 album, Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101, when it takes on a classical spin.

According to Variety, the Atlanta rapper and businessman is taking an orchestra on tour with him, TM:101 Live, to celebrate his third solo studio album. It’s being labeled a “black-tie symphonic tour” and will also have DJ Drama as a special guest.

“This is for all my day ones!!! We’re celebrating the journey—highs, lows, setbacks, and triumphs. It doesn’t get easy. WE JUST GET BETTER 🫥 #20yearsofmotivation
“Presale starts Thursday, 4/24 at 10:00AM EST / 9:00AM CST (Use code: TM101)
“General on sale begins Friday, 4/25 at 10:00AM EST / 9:00AM CST
“Tickets will be available on tm101live.com“

The summer tour is hitting the road on June 27 in Miami and will go across the country until the last date, Sept. 12 in Detroit. The shows are produced by Grammy-winner Adam Blackstone and the Color of Noize Orchestra, with bassist and composer Derrick Hodge as the conductor. Fans will have a different experience as the symphony will be playing the music for the former Boyz n da Hood rapper.

“I’m incredibly grateful that we’re here celebrating 20 years of motivation! This album is cemented in the cultural zeitgeist that serves as the soundtrack to modern-day storytelling of the genre,” said Jeezy in a written statement. “This album had the impact it does because it was raw without hidden truth. I can’t wait for the fans to experience the album in a new way with this tour.”

Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101 debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and was No. 1 on the Top Rap Albums chart.

The tour will play in the following cities:

TM101: Live Dates

Jun 27 – Miami, FL – James L. Knight Center
Jun 28 – New York, NY – Apollo Theater
Jul 11 – Raleigh, NC – Raleigh Memorial Auditorium
Jul 12 – Charlotte, NC – Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
Jul 18 – Birmingham, AL – BJCC Concert Hall
Jul 19 – Nashville, TN – Tennessee Performing Arts Center
Jul 25 – Savannah, GA – Johnny Mercer Theatre
Jul 26 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre
Aug 1 – Baltimore, MD – The Lyric Baltimore
Aug 2 – Greensboro, NC – Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts
Aug 8 – St. Louis, MO – Stifel Theatre
Aug 9 – Chicago, IL – The Chicago Theatre
Aug 15 – Richmond, VA – Altria Theater
Aug 16 – New Orleans, LA – Saenger Theatre
Aug 22 – Orlando, FL – Dr. Phillips Center Walt Disney Theater
Aug 23 – Jacksonville, FL – Moran Theatre
Aug 28 – Dallas, TX – Music Hall at Fair Park
Aug 29 – Houston, TX – Sarofim Hall
Aug 31 – Washington, DC – DAR Constitution Hall
Sept 5 – Cincinnati, OH – Aronoff Center for the Arts
Sept 6 – Cleveland, OH – TempleLive at Cleveland Masonic
Sept 7 – Newark, NJ – New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)
Sept 12 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre

Jeezy hinted at a monumental announcement for the 20th anniversary of Thug Motivation 101 during an in-depth conversation with BLACK ENTERPRISE in 2024. Get into the cover story below:

Self-Preservation Turned Adversity Into Purpose & Prosperity
×