by Sharelle B. McNair

January 7, 2026

Trump Brags On Venezuela ‘Giving’ 50M Oil Barrels To U.S.

The efforts will be led by Energy Secretary Chris Wright who said the country will “indefinitely” sell Venezuelan oil following completion of sale.

President Donald Trump proved all the thoughts from lawmakers about the sudden beef with Venezuela being about oil to be true after announcing the country’s “immediate” transfer of 50 million barrels to the U.S.

Trump made the announcement Jan. 6, just three days after America woke up to news of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro being captured by U.S. authorities. Forbes reports that the interim authorities of Venezuela, led by Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, agreed to provide the oil barrels. Trump bragged about it with a post on his Truth Social platform.

“The oil will be sold at market price, and that money will be controlled by me, as the President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States,” he wrote.

BREAKING: Trump confirms that he kidnapped Maduro and attacked Venezuela because he wants personal control over their oil.

This is so utterly pathetic in every single way possible. How can any freedom loving person support this? pic.twitter.com/xc8JEXWWMj
— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) January 7, 2026

The efforts will be led by Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who said the country will “indefinitely” sell Venezuelan oil after the sale is completed. Wright mirrored sentiments of the president, saying the funds will be “deposited into accounts controlled by the U.S. government” and will then “flow back into Venezuela to benefit the Venezuelan people.”

“Instead of the oil being blockaded, as it is right now, we’re gonna let the oil flow … to United States refineries and around the world to bring better oil supplies, but have those sales done by the U.S. government,” he said while the U.S. took over a Russian-flagged tank with ties to Venezuela, according to Politico.

“We’re going to market the crude coming out of Venezuela, first this backed-up stored oil, and then indefinitely, going forward, we will sell the production that comes out of Venezuela into the marketplace.”

Lawmakers assumed the seemingly random rift with the South American country was all about oil, since it has the world’s largest oil reserves, estimated at 300 billion barrels. While some voters would assume the seizure was about drugs, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) alleged early on that that wasn’t the case.

“It’s not about drugs. If it was, Trump wouldn’t have pardoned one of the largest narco traffickers in the world last month,” she wrote on X.

“It’s about oil and regime change. And they need a trial now to pretend that it isn’t. Especially to distract from Epstein + skyrocketing healthcare costs.”

It’s not about drugs. If it was, Trump wouldn’t have pardoned one of the largest narco traffickers in the world last month.

It’s about oil and regime change.

And they need a trial now to pretend that it isn’t. Especially to distract from Epstein + skyrocketing healthcare costs.
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) January 3, 2026

Former Vice President and presidential candidate Kamala Harris shared similar thoughts, speaking out for the people over Trump’s definition of democracy. “Donald Trump’s actions in Venezuela do not make America safer, stronger, or more affordable. That Maduro is a brutal, illegitimate dictator does not change the fact that this action was both unlawful and unwise. We’ve seen this movie before. Wars for regime change or oil that are sold as strength but turn into chaos, and American families pay the price,” she wrote.

“The American people do not want this, and they are tired of being lied to. This is not about drugs or democracy. It is about oil and Donald Trump’s desire to play the regional strongman. If he cared about either, he wouldn’t pardon a convicted drug trafficker or sideline Venezuela’s legitimate opposition while pursuing deals with Maduro’s cronies.”

Donald Trump’s actions in Venezuela do not make America safer, stronger, or more affordable.

That Maduro is a brutal, illegitimate dictator does not change the fact that this action was both unlawful and unwise. We’ve seen this movie before. Wars for regime change or oil that…
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) January 4, 2026

While Wright is scheduled to meet with oil industry executives at the White House, with Trump supervising, leaders and analysts warned of the cost of rebuilding Venezuela’s oil fields in full. Industry leaders also allege it will be challenging to get shareholders to make the massive investment when oil fields in other parts of the world offer easier returns.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 7, 2026

Guest Analyst Snoop Dogg Hilariously Calls NBA Game

Snoop had basketball fans in tears.

Snoop Dogg has once again show why he is so loved after appearing on a recent Los Angeles Clippers-Golden State Warriors NBA broadcast on NBC’s Peacock.

The “Gin & Juice” recording artist, who will helm the microphone at the upcoming Winter Olympics, is known for his slick soliloquies and captivating lyrics. After more than 30 years as a recording artist, Snoop has proven he hasn’t lost a step; in fact, it seems he’s kicked up a few new tricks.

When NBC Sports announced that Snoop would be an analyst for the second half of the Jan. 5 game, alongside analysts Reggie Miller and Terry Gannon, fans geared up. And the man did not disappoint!

Fans reacted to Snoop’s commentary, which was delivered with the rapper’s typical swag. Among the highlights: Snoop’s reaction to Golden State head coach Steve Kerr, a University of Arizona alumnus, being ejected after an emotional outburst toward the referees.

“Back him up, back him up, GP [Gary Payton II, Warriors guard], back him up, Steve,” Snoop shouted. “Steve bangin’ Inglewood right now. Inglewood, G. Steve. You in Inglewood, Steve. The Arizona Wildcat that came out,” with the ‘Murder Was the Case’ emcee growling to add emphasis, as the analysts laughed at Snoop’s reaction.

https://twitter.com/NBAonNBC/status/2008405571972518357

Some X users appreciated the way Snoop handled the ejection.

https://twitter.com/Itachi_On_Chain/status/2008483802486911403

https://twitter.com/Saraboychuk_/status/2008529802605850717

https://twitter.com/StroStudios/status/2008523872363335843

https://twitter.com/TheaCamilleXO/status/2008428613985591701

In February, Snoop will have his hands full. He was recently announced as the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC)’s first-ever honorary coach, a voluntary position to help celebrate and support athletes when they are not competing. Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo are co-hosting the games.

The 2026 Winter Olympics, dubbed Milano Cortina 2026, are taking place in Italy, starting Feb. 6. Snoop will also be behind the mic to provide coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics for the Peacock Network.

Uncle Nearest , whiskey, fawn weaver, barriers business

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 7, 2026

Uncle Nearest Founders File Civil Lawsuit Against Former CFO Alleging Fraud

The Weavers claim because of the narrative, they were forced to cancel speaking engagements, which cost them more than $1 million.

Fawn and Keith Weaver, co-founders of the popular Uncle Nearest Whiskey brand, have filed a civil lawsuit against former chief financial officer, Michael Senzaki, over allegations of fraud and abuse of power, The Spirit Business reports.

In a complaint filed in Bedford County Chancery Court, the Weavers claim a massive amount of hidden information came to light following his departure in 2024. Senzaki allegedly abused his position by adjusting invoices to make it look like vendor payments were settled all while redirecting money and forging stock transfer documents using Fawn’s equity without her consent.

As a result, the company and Weavers individually, suffered personal and financial ridicule.

The litigation seeks compensatory and punitive damages in accusing the former CFO of abusing his financial authority and trust by hiding liabilities and manipulating financial systems, all while pushing the narrative that the company was thriving during a crucial growth period.

According to Tullahoma News, due to the abuse of power, the Weavers allege Senzaki constructed a false public narrative to portray the founders as being personally responsible for Uncle Nearest’s corporate debt.

In July 2025, the company’s main lender, Farm Credit Mid-America, filed a federal lawsuit claiming Uncle Nearest and the Weavers defaulted on over $108 million in loans and breaching loan terms.

In the civil complaint, Fawn and Keith alleged they never personally guaranteed loans with the lender but it was Senzaki and unnamed co-conspirators who encouraged third parties to believe otherwise.

The Weavers claim because of the narrative, they were forced to cancel speaking engagements, costing them more than $1 million, in addition to freezing almost $9.75 million in funding for Keith’s unrelated business ideas.

Amid the Weaver’s legal battles, Fawn claims most of the narratives to be a “smear campaign” against her, her husband and the company. During a fireside chat at the October 2025 “Inc. 5000 Conference,” the popular business owner spoke out on the journey of entrepreneurship, saying there will always be a time when it seems things just aren’t working out.

However, she encouraged the audience to look at the silver lining.

“Every entrepreneur is going to have a moment in time where it looks like all is lost,” Weaver said. “The only difference between those who have been the most successful entrepreneurs in American history and those who have failed are those who gave up in the in between.”

by Mitti Hicks

January 7, 2026

Black Women’s Health Imperative Is Ending The Silence On Menopause

Research shows that Black women tend to enter menopause about 8.5 months earlier than white women and have worse symptoms.

Black women experience menopause differently from white women. Research shows that Black women tend to enter menopause about 8.5 months earlier than white women and have worse symptoms, such as hot flashes, depression, and sleep disturbances. Black women are also less likely to receive hormone therapy and other medical and mental health services.

The Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI) is saying, enough is enough.

BWHI, the nation’s only national nonprofit solely focusing on the critical health needs of Black women and girls, is bringing perimenopause and menopause to the forefront of the conversation in our communities through its latest initiative, “Power in the Pause.”

“Too often, this transitional stage in life is something that has been shrouded in secrecy or shared. It’s just something we don’t talk about,” Joy D. Calloway, BWHI president and CEO, tells BLACK ENTERPRISE. “We want to take this opportunity to redefine what menopause and perimenopause are, redefine this midlife period, and not just survive.”

Power in the Pause has fostered community nationwide. BWHI’s initiative brings women together nationwide for community events where health experts in medicine, nutrition, sexual health, and mental health share research and information for Black women navigating perimenopause and menopause.

BWHI Releases Groundbreaking Study

In 2025, BWHI conducted the largest-ever cross-sectional online survey of U.S.-based Black women aged 30 and older to understand their experiences, needs, and knowledge related to menopause. More than 1,500 Black women responded, representing an educated, insured, and professionally active group with strong earning power and access to care.

A few standout findings from the study include:

43% of Black women report being discriminated against or mistreated when seeking healthcare
Black women experience menopause symptoms for an average of nine years —far longer than most expect
Even among highly educated, insured women, more than half say they don’t know which recommendations to follow.

“If this group of Black women said they didn’t have enough information, don’t know which recommendations to follow, what about our sisters who aren’t as well educated, formally educated, who aren’t able to be in this higher socioeconomic class?” Calloway says.

“What about these women who don’t have the time to focus on their health because they’re too busy trying to care for children, or working multiple jobs, or trying to make ends meet? That is what struck me.”

Where BWHI Plans To Go From Here

Calloway says BWHI will continue to educate Black women on menopause and perimenopause. Her team will bring “Power in the Pause” events to at least six cities in 2026, along with virtual events.

BWHI also plans to open more conversations about menopause as a workplace and economic issue and help companies understand that menopause can impact productivity and retention. The goal is to educate workplaces so that women’s needs are better met.

Change can only happen when everyone is involved, so BWHI is also working with state legislators in developing policies that support Black women.

Jasmine Crockett, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Bleach blond bad built butch body

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 7, 2026

Jasmine Crockett Encourages America To Give MTG Grace Despite ‘Cowardly’ Retirement

"At the end of the day, calling it out is so important, so I applaud her for that."

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) wants Americans to extend Majorie Taylor Greene grace for speaking out against President Donald Trump before she retired from Congress this week.

Crockett, who is running for Senate, shared her thoughts on the former Georgia Congresswoman while appearing on ABC’s The View.

“I can only hope that she’s changed. I don’t quite believe it, but I do want people to give her grace to the extent that she is doing something that, honestly, most of the boys are too afraid to do,” Crockett told the co-hosts. “I will give her credit when credit is due. She is willing to call out what is wrong. Now her motivations behind it, who knows … but at the end of the day, calling it out is so important, so I applaud her for that.”

Rep. Jasmine Crockett's message to her former colleague Marjorie Taylor Greene after her retirement from Congress: "I do want people to give her grace to the extent that she is doing something that, honestly, most of the boys are too afraid to do." pic.twitter.com/92SCrxfyxl
— The View (@TheView) January 6, 2026

Greene seemingly did a complete 180 amid the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, fighting for the victims of the convicted sex offender and pushing for the release of the co-conspirators’ names.

She called out Trump and her then Republican colleagues to do more, resulting in Trump starting a smear campaign against her.

Crockett and Greene were not publicly fans of each other, starting with the viral moment that gave rise to the “Bleach Blonde Bad Built Bleach body” insult and continuing through her retirement.

“I also feel like it’s a bit cowardly, though, to then just quit. Because the heat that she’s facing because she’s on the opposite side of him — imagine what I get,” Crockett said in reference to the personal insults from Trump.

“You get your protection, you get your detail because of your elected status and caucus,” Crockett added. “You don’t get it because you necessarily have a whole lot of death threats. So, you know, I say good luck to her. I say do better in the future. And I say go and talk to other folk that may be feeling like you, and tell them that he is not the leader that you need in this moment, and even if that means voting for a Democrat, do what is best for this country.”

Ultra-processed Foods, Mortality, Junk food, Health, ULTRA PROCESSED

by Mitti Hicks

January 7, 2026

STUDY: Ultraprocessed Foods Linked To Mortality In Black Breast Cancer Survivors

In the study, the mortality rate was higher among Black women breast cancer survivors who consumed more ultraprocessed foods.

A new study shows that consuming ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) could be detrimental for Black breast cancer survivors. The study, published in the January issue of eClinicalMedicine, reveals that high consumption could adversely affect breast cancer prognosis.

Researchers from the Rutgers Institute in New Brunswick, New Jersey, examined the UPF-mortality relationships among 1,733 Black women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2005 and 2019. When looking at the mortality rates, researchers identified a total of 394 deaths, 206 of which were breast cancer-related.

These deaths were higher among women who averaged 8.1 servings of UPFs per day compared to women who consumed 2.6 servings each day.

“Maybe it’s too complicated for breast cancer patients to think about how to reduce consumption of ultra-processed foods in general,” Tengteng Wang, an assistant professor at the university, said in a statement. “But we find processed meat is the top worst contributor among all UPF subgroups. So maybe a more detailed takeaway is to avoid this one thing.”

Breast Cancer For Black Women

As researchers point out in the study, breast cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality for women in the United States. However, mortality rates remain disproportionately high among Black women. These poor breast cancer outcomes for Black women are due, in part, to the critical gap and priority in cancer research.

There is mounting evidence that suggests an unhealthy diet may significantly worsen cancer outcomes, particularly with UPFs, food products that have undergone extensive industrial processing and contain multiple additives. They also lack adequate nutrients and are highly energy-dense.

Unfortunately, in the United States, UPFs account for roughly 60% of the daily caloric intake nationwide. Consumption has increased significantly over the last two decades, according to researchers.

To limit UPFs, cook at home. Swap sugary snacks with fruit, use whole ingredients, and include more plants, lean proteins, and whole grains in your cooking.

H-E-B driver, truck, Lakeshia Brown, 19, Myunique Johnson, Taylor White, Breanna Brantley

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 7, 2026

Girlfriends’ Road Trip Turns Tragic After Police Say Truck Driver Was Distracted By Phone

Their families are now seeking legal action against H-E-B and the trucker for negligence.

Four girlfriends returning from a road trip looking to take in Colorado’s mountain views were killed in a crash involving a truck driver who authorities say was distracted by his phone.

Lakeshia Brown, 19, Myunique Johnson, 20, Taylor White, 27, and Breanna Brantley, 30, were driving down US Highway 87 in the Texas Panhandle on Nov. 5 when a trucker contracted with popular grocery chain H-E-B struck their car from behind.

According to a police report obtained by the Daily Mail, the black Nissan Altima swiftly flew into the median, becoming crushed when the 18-wheeler flipped over. The semi-truck’s driver, Guadalupe Daniel Villarreal, also hit the median, was injured.

Villareal was taken to a local hospital for his injuries. He was reportedly distracted by his phone, which prompted the deadly crash.

The report confirmed that the driver, 20-year-old Johnson, was traveling slowly due to a flat tire. Additional footage submitted by another car’s dashcam showed the slow-moving car as the 18-wheeler crashed into it.

The friends’ unexpected deaths have rocked their loved ones’ world. The victims’ families field a $1 million Dec. 23 against H-E-B, its subsidiary Parkway Transport, Inc. and Villarreal for their roles in the fatal crash.

“There are four beautiful girls who are no longer with us; it really is a damn shame,” said Keith Bakker, the families’ lawyer. “What’s even more heartbreaking is that they were coming back from a girls’ trip from Colorado. They were all friends.”

Bakker noted that the flat terrain of Texas gave the 18-wheeler a clear vantage point to see the women’s vehicle driving cautiously, leaving open questions about the severity of the collision.

“It wasn’t hilly, there weren’t obstructions to the view, and unfortunately, that tractor-trailer just violently impacted the back of our client’s vehicle and caused a serious, serious collision,” expressed the attorney.

He added, “When you’re driving an 18-wheeler on flat land, you can see much further ahead of you… You can see it from the video, you don’t even see it [the truck] try to get out of the lane, go to the next lane, or it looks like it didn’t even slow down. This just shouldn’t have happened.”

Although the women could not drive at the speed limit, Bakker emphasized how this does not justify the truck driver’s alleged recklessness.

“18-wheeler drivers, they’re held to a higher standard than that of a normal pedestrian driving around because there are federal rules they are regulated by,” he said. “It doesn’t excuse somebody, not only just to hit somebody, but at such a rate of force that it would cause an 18-wheeler to flip on its side.”

H-E-B has distanced itself as Villareal’s employer.

“The incident involved a third-party vendor driver, not an H-E-B Partner. H-E-B and the contractor are fully cooperating with the investigation,” a spokesperson said.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 7, 2026

Skateboarder Terry Kennedy Paroled Months Before End Of 5-Year Prison Sentence

Kennedy was released New Year's Eve

Skateboarder Terry Kennedy is currently on parole after being released from prison after serving a portion of his sentence for an assault that led to the death of another skateboarder, Josiah Kassahun.

According to TMZ, the man known as “Compton-Ass Terry” was released Dec. 31, after being sentenced to spend five years in prison for his role in the assault on Kassahun. Kennedy was arrested in July 2021 after an altercation with the skateboarder and was found guilty of two counts of aggravated battery.

https://twitter.com/TMZ/status/2008244649920467083

Kennedy was also charged with first-degree murder, but the judge acquitted him during the trial. In 2022, after being convicted of the other two charges, he had been sentenced to two five-year sentences, which were “to be served consecutively at 50 percent.”

The media outlet previously reported that, according to the Illinois Department of Corrections, the 40-year-old “was eligible for and received sentence credit,” leading to his release last year.

The incident took place on July 21, 2021, at the Comfort Suites Motel in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. Prosecutors claimed that Kennedy, who was friends with Kassahun, was leaving the motel with him and Kennedy’s former girlfriend.

As they all walked to Kennedy’s vehicle, he became irate, and when Kassahun tried to calm him down, Kennedy punched him in the face. The action caused Kassahun to fall to the ground and hit his head on the pavement.

Kassahun later died from the punch that preceded the fall. The medical examiner’s office stated that the 23-year-old died from the multiple internal injuries that he suffered because of the incident.

Hip Hop Wired reported that Kennedy worked with fashionista music producer Pharrell Williams and his Billionaire Boys Club fashion label and skate team. He was also a competitor in events such as the X Games.

According to Complex, Kennedy also co-founded the clothing brand Fly Society, and he appeared in several MTV series, including “Viva La Bam,” “Bam’s Unholy Union,” and “Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory.”

He will be on parole until June 30, which was his original release date.

by Mitti Hicks

January 7, 2026

Trump Adds 24 African Nations In Controversial $15,000 Visa Bond Policy

Of the 38 countries on the list, 24 are African.

The Trump administration has expanded its controversial visa bond program, requiring certain visitors to post a refundable $15,000 bond before traveling to the United States. Of the 38 countries on the list, 24 are African.

Under the policy, travelers applying for a standard B1/B2 business or tourism visa may be asked to post a refundable bond. The bonds range from $5,000 to $15,000. Payments do not guarantee a visa. However, the money will be refunded if the application is denied or if the traveler complies with the U.S. visa terms, Business Insider Africa reports.

U.S. officials say the bond program is intended to discourage people from overstaying their visits. They also say it ensures that applicants return home once their visas expire. The expanded list will take effect on Jan. 21 this year.

In addition to the visa bond program, Trump has implemented a travel ban that blocks people from at least 19 countries, and those with Palestinian Authority-issued travel documents from entering the U.S.

Critics Argue That Bonds Create Financial Barriers For Families

Those who oppose the Trump administration’s bond policy argue that it creates financial barriers that make traveling to the United States impossible for families and entrepreneurs.

The newly added countries include: Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Burundi, Cape Verde, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Fiji, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Nigeria, Senegal, Tajikistan, Togo, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe. Previous countries include Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, the Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Malawi, Mauritania, Namibia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, Turkmenistan, and Zambia.

The move by the Trump administration is its latest attempt to tighten US visa policies. Recently, the administration said that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) would review travelers’ social media histories and travel records more closely. The change would affect visitors eligible for the Visa Waiver Program. People from at least 42 countries can travel to the United States for up to 90 days with an electronic travel authorization. As the New York Times reports, listing social media has always been optional. If the proposal is approved, it would require social media information.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 7, 2026

Dying For The Perfect Body? Donated Cadavers Latest Go-To For BBLs, Breast Implants

The donated fat can help patients who lack their own to undergo these cosmetic procedures.

For those dying for an hourglass figure, this unexpected hero can help with certain plastic surgeries.

The use of donated cadavers, a dead human body used for medical study or other purposes, has become the newest trend in many cosmetic procedures. The popular “Brazilian Butt Lifts,” also known as BBLs, now seem possible for many who once could not qualify.

According to the New York Post, the cadavers play a role by turning the bodies’ donated fat into injectable fillers for various procedures, including breast implants as well. This filler, under the brand name AlloeClae, remains in limited use across the country. Its website even describes the product as “sterilized donor-derived adipose tissue.”

However, the company’s owners did note that each donor consented to their fat’s usage for cosmetic procedures. The fat also undergoes a multi-step process to ensure it is clean and safe for insertion into another body.

“We ensure all our tissue is consented to for aesthetic use… The donor material is meticulously screened in accordance with regulated and high-quality tissue practices,” explained Caro Van Hove, president of Tiger Aesthetics, the company behind AlloClae, in an interview with The Cut.

Doctors who use the fillers consider it a game-changer for clients. Many of these patients would otherwise have lacked the fat needed to undergo the surgeries. Furthermore, the real-life fat also helps trigger the body’s production of collagen.

The filler even makes the option of body and breast augmentation possible for a wider range of potential clients. AlloClae injections even help with correction, especially for those with botched surgeries.

“We are also getting a lot of patients coming to us that have had, unfortunately, poorly done liposuction with tons of contour irregularities that need fat grafting back in because of grooves, contour irregularities, over-resection,” explained Dr. Sachin M. Shridharani, a doctor based in Manhattan.

However, the work goes beyond overcorrection or limited body composition. The use of these human products can also help breast cancer survivors. The injections offer a biocompatible solution for women wanting breast tissue reconstruction.

Tissue engineering has gained traction for women wanting to reshape their breasts post-mastectomy, according to a study by the Yale School of Medicine. Now, the inclusion of these biocompatible fillers could be a game-changer in reconstructive surgery.

Keeping clients informed about the history of these fillers, and donors aware of their fat’s future, still remains the priority.

“I think transparency is key,” added Dr. Shridharani. “It’s tissue that’s been gifted in kind, and it’s no different from situations where a patient needs additional cartilage but doesn’t want to undergo a rib graft and the scarring that comes with harvesting their own tissue — in those cases, we use cadaver cartilage grafts.”