• News

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

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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.

People have been in agony about gas, eggs, jobs, mortgages, civil rights & their 401K 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 😒💀 pic.twitter.com/EZqLaNZXkQ

— Chris (@RealDealChris) April 16, 2025

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

• Celebrity News

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.

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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

• News

by Jameelah Mullen

April 25, 2025

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

Put the handcuffs on her immediately.

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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. 

 

 

 

 

 

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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

• Sports

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.

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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.”

pic.twitter.com/jsVyWA1xbI

— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) April 24, 2025

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?

• Entertainment

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.

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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

• Celebrity News

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

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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

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:

• Business

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 25, 2025

Small Business Administration Loan Approvals Are ‘Surging’

Manufacturing being a target comes from the Made in America Manufacturing Initiative launched by the agency in March 2025.

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The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) released data that shows manufacturing loans, the 7(a) business loan, are being approved in big numbers under the Trump administration for small businesses, Entrepreneur reports. 

Seventy-four percent more business owners were approved for the flagship program in the first 90 days of President Donald Trump’s administration, in comparison to the first 90 days of the Biden-Harris administration in 2021. The loan gives business-owners the opportunity to buy real estate, purchase machinery, and receive furniture and supplies. It also guarantees up to 85% of 7(a) loans of $150,000 or less, and 75% of loans above $150,000.

Manufacturing being a target comes from the Made in America Manufacturing Initiative launched by the agency in March 2025 last month, with a goal to eliminate $100 billion worth of regulations to provide manufacturers with the  opportunity to create a pipeline of skilled workers to take on jobs.

Between Jan. 20 to Apr. 17, the SBA approved over 1,120 7(a) manufacturing loans, racking up a total of $677 million. SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler called it a sign of growth. “Loan applications and approvals for small manufacturers are surging — a clear sign that American manufacturing is roaring back,” she said. The agency approved less than 650 loans back in 2021. 

However, the SBA was doing just as well when former President Joe Biden was in office. With 21 million new business applications filed during his term, Biden held the title of the most new business applications of any Presidential administration, according to Globe News Wire. The Biden-Harris Administration oversaw the fastest rate of new business applications on record, with an average of more than 440,000 applications being filed by  entrepreneurs every month. The numbers showed a rate over 90% faster than pre-COVID-19 averages. 

Former SBA Administrator Guzman labeled the numbers as the team being able to “meet small businesses and startups where they are with the resources they need to start, grow, and thrive.” 

A combination of tax cuts, deregulation, and trade policies such as tariffs up to 145% on imports from China, and a blanket tariff of 10% for other countries, is the way Trump has promoted his Made In America initiative. He highlighted his plans in his March 2025 Congress address. “As part of our tax cuts, we want to cut taxes on domestic production and all manufacturing,” Trump said. 

Deemed an important element of the economy, the SBA’s Office of Advocacy highlighted how close to 98% of American manufacturers are labeled as small businesses and employ 4.8 million U.S. workers as a whole.

RELATED CONTENT: Report Reveals Best Lenders For Black Business

• News

by Kandiss Edwards

April 25, 2025

NAACP Responds To ‘Colored Only’ And ‘Whites Only’ Sign At Georgia School

A teacher at Honey Creek Elementary in Rockdale County used the signs as teaching materials.

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The NAACP has denounced the appearance of “For Whites Only” and “For Colored Only” signs at a Rockdale County elementary school.

The incident occurred at Honey Creek Elementary School and has sparked widespread outrage after a teacher posted the signs as part of a history lesson, Fox 5 reported.

The NAACP’s Georgia State Conference issued a statement condemning the act, describing it as an “act of ignorance” that harks back to the era of segregation. The organization called for comprehensive measures to address the incident, including a thorough investigation, appropriate disciplinary actions, and implementing educational programs to prevent future occurrences.

The Georgia NAACP and The Rockdale County NAACP are appalled and heartbroken by the deeply disturbing incident at a Rockdale County school, where a water fountain was defaced with a sign reading ‘White Only.’ This isn’t just an act of ignorance—it’s a chilling echo of our nation’s darkest chapters. It is a stark reminder that the legacy of segregation is not history for many—it is still a lived reality.”

According to school officials, the signs were discovered on April 14 and were promptly removed. The unnamed teacher hung the signs as part of a lesson on Ruby Bridges. Honey Creek administrators claim the signs were not included in the educator’s lesson plans. The materials were displayed without prior knowledge. 

“Please know that this activity was not included in the teacher’s submitted lesson plans and was not approved by school administration. While we do not believe there was ill intent, we do expect all faculty to follow the plans that are submitted and approved,” the school stated in an email.

In 2022, Warner Robins High School officials removed signs reading “Whites here” and “Colored here” from above water fountains. The student responsible was identified and dealt with, though the school did not elaborate on the disciplinary measures taken. 

The NAACP and other civil rights organizations continue to advocate for policies and practices that promote equity and respect within educational institutions.​

The Rockdale County School District has pledged to review its policies and provide additional training to staff and students to prevent similar incidents in the future. Community leaders and parents also call for open forums to discuss the impact of such actions and develop strategies for fostering a more inclusive school environment.

RELATED CONTENT: Rockdale County, GA’s First Black-Woman Fire Chief Resigns