Love should make you feel seen, supported, and appreciated, not like you’re carrying the entire relationship on your shoulders. But sometimes, the signs that a partner is taking advantage of you can be subtle, especially in the beginning. So how can you tell the difference between someone who genuinely loves you and someone who simply loves what you do for them? Are there clear signs that your partner might be using you?

During an interview with Vice published on July 24, Dr. Alexandra Foglia, DMFT, Director of Family Programs at the addiction treatment center franchise All In Solutions, explained that the warning signs usually don’t come from one major incident. Instead, they show up as repeated patterns over time.

“When someone feels that they’re being ‘used’ in a relationship, it’s usually not because there was some single, defining moment or behavior exhibited by their partner,” Foglia shared. “It’s generally due to a repeated pattern where the relationship is predominantly beneficial to one partner while the other partner carries most of the load when it comes to being supportive on an emotional, financial, and/or practical level.”

It’s possible for someone to appreciate your kindness, emotional support, or financial help without truly investing in you as a partner. If you’ve been wondering whether your relationship feels one-sided, here are six signs to pay attention to.

1. There’s No Reciprocity

Healthy relationships involve give and take. While no partnership is perfectly balanced every single day, both people should consistently show up for one another over time.

If your partner is always available when they need something, but suddenly disappears when it’s your turn to lean on them, that imbalance could be a red flag.

“A relatively subtle clue is if your partner tends to be very actively engaged when they need something from you, whether it’s a favor, emotional support, money, etc., but when your needs come up, they suddenly become distant and/or unavailable emotionally,” says Foglia. “Generally speaking, healthy relationships have a sense of reciprocity built into them. People’s needs may vary, and this doesn’t necessarily mean that everything will be perfectly equal each day, but support should be more or less evenly split over time.”

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Dry Begging’ Is The Dating Mistake No One Talks About—But It Could Be Wrecking Your Relationship

The post Love Or Leech? — 6 Signs He’s Just Using You appeared first on MadameNoire.

The body of a Black woman has been found hanging from a tree in Jackson, Mississippi, which, for Black people across the nation, will likely trigger thoughts about Trey Reed, the Black man found hanging in the same state last year, and countless other cases involving Black people mysteriously dying by hanging, which have all-too-swiftly been ruled suicides, to the dismay of family and community members, who fear these deaths are being swept under the rug.

In this case, however, the identity of the hanging victim, who was discovered Monday night, has not been revealed yet, and the investigation into her death is still underway. According to the Clarion Ledger, Hinds County Coroner Jeremiah Howard confirmed Tuesday that the woman’s body was found hanging from a tree behind a vacant home, and that the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office will perform an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.

RELATED CONTENT: Another Black Child Hanging From A Tree? — Why Juliana Nzita’s ‘Suicide’ Is Stirring Fears Of A Modern-Day Lynching

The post Another Black Woman Found Hanging From A Tree In Mississippi — Why Do These Cases Keep Ending The Same Way? appeared first on MadameNoire.

A Genesee County jury has convicted 26-year-old Alexander James Aydelotte of first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Diamonique Shardai Jackson, a Flint, Michigan, mother, according to a press release from Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton.

The verdict, returned on July 28, found Aydelotte guilty of first-degree premeditated murder, two counts of assault with intent to commit murder, and three counts of felony firearm in connection with the March 28, 2025, shooting that claimed Jackson’s life.

The post She Was Just Sitting In Her Car — Michigan Man Convicted Of Murder After Fatally Shooting Innocent Mom During Baseless ‘Self-Defense’ Claim appeared first on MadameNoire.

In the terrifying and deeply nostalgic universe of Stranger Things, the presence of Henry Creel—the troubled boy who eventually becomes the monstrous Vecna—has horrified millions of viewers worldwide. On the stage of the Marquis Theatre, inside Broadway’s Tony-winning production Stranger Things: The First Shadow, something unexpected steals the spotlight: a grounding, fiercely human love story. At the very center of that emotional core is Patty Newby, played by Ayana Cymone, who carries the heart, soul, and terrifying screams of the role eight times a week.

Ayana sat down with MadameNoire in this exclusive conversation to discuss her trajectory, stepping into this pivotal lead role, and what it truly means to occupy space on Broadway.

Cymone’s performance speaks to a change taking place across the theater landscape—a moment where Black women are holding down major spaces across the broader New York theatrical scene. Whether observing the raw, ensemble-driven energy of The Outsiders, the high-octane spectacle of Boop! The Musical, the classic genre reinventions in Little Shop of Horrors, or the multi-generational celebration of Black female agency in The Whoopi Monologues, the standard for what Black artists can lead is expanding rapidly. Cymone’s performance as Patty reflects this growing, necessary standard: Black heroines leading stories where their humanity isn’t reduced to trauma, but elevated as the ultimate emotional force.

The post ‘I’m Who I Wanted To See’ — ‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow’ Star Ayana Cymone Is Redefining What A Black Leading Lady Looks Like On Broadway [Exclusive] appeared first on MadameNoire.

A passport, a plane ticket, and a skincare treatment might sound like the perfect vacation combo, but beauty tourism is no longer just a social media trend. It has become a booming global industry as more people travel abroad for cosmetic procedures, dermatology treatments, hair restoration, and dental work. The biggest draw is often affordability, but experts say there is much more behind the trend than simply saving money. Read more about beauty tourism and whether it’s worth the risk to get your glow up abroad. 

RELATED CONTENT: #BWHM: ‘Beauty Is Not An Aesthetic’ — Former Miss World, Jamaican Politician Lisa Hanna Launches Luxe Beauty Brand

The post The New Luxury Flex? Why Beauty Tourism Is Becoming Every Black Girl’s New Obsession appeared first on MadameNoire.

Janelle Walker, a singer and pianist, who goes by the stage name Janelle Write, went viral after sharing a video in 2025 that showed her expertly shutting down a white disruptive audience member while performing the Village People’s classic “YMCA.” Nearly a year later, after the clip was reposted by LeaveBlackPeopleAlone.TV on Aug. 1, 2026, the video is once again making the rounds online, and viewers say its message remains just as relevant: stop harassing Black women.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Girl, Do You Think I’m Trying To Ruin My Career?’ — Tyla Finally Fires Back At Yung Miami’s Song Theft Accusations

The post ‘Young Man, I Will Kick Your A– OUT!’ — Black Singer’s Genius ‘YMCA’ Clapback Dragging A White Heckler Is Pure Comedy Gold appeared first on MadameNoire.

Back-to-school season is here, and for many parents, it also means opening their wallets a little wider than they’d like for school supplies. The cost of getting kids classroom-ready continues to climb. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF) per 10 News, parents of K-12 students are expected to spend an average of $146.45 on traditional school supplies this year, including essentials like notebooks, pencils, folders, and binders.

But that’s only part of the bill. Once you add in clothing, shoes, backpacks, and electronics, the average family is expected to shell out $863.86 per K-12 student for the 2026-2027 school year—a slight increase from $858.07 in 2025.

The good news? Families don’t have to shoulder those costs alone. Across the country, charities, nonprofits, schools, and community organizations are giving away thousands of free backpacks and school supplies before the first bell rings.

RELATED CONTENT: Back To School Homeschool Edition: 12 Essential Tips for New and Returning Homeschoolers

The post Don’t Spend A Dime Until You Read This — From Backpacks To Calculators, Here’s Your Go-To Guide To Get Free Back-To-School Supplies This Year appeared first on MadameNoire.

August has arrived and we are kicking it off with more hotties.

This week, both Tyriq Withers and Love Island‘s Jeremiah Brown were cover stars for different magazines. Withers effortlessly commanded attention with his charm and flawless looks. Brown also served up looks and not just fashionably, but also with his natural features.

As the cover star for British GQ, Aaron Pierre stole the show with his perfect smile and hypnotizing green eyes.

Winnie Harlow and Chloë Bailey didn’t play fair with their swimsuit photos. And Rihanna…well she nearly made us crash with all her curves.

RELATED CONTENT: Fine AF Fridays, Vol 37 — Latto, Lex. P, & Scarlip Got Stomach On Flat Flat, Booty’s On What’s That!

1. Winnie Harlow, 32

We love how Winnie Harlow takes the opportunity to make every Instagram photo look like a real photoshoot.

The post Fine AF Fridays, Vol 38 — Warning! These Photos Of Tyriq Withers & Aaron Pierre May Ruin Your Productivity appeared first on MadameNoire.

One month after Nolan Wells disappeared and was found dead on Horn Island in Mississippi, garnering nationwide attention around the circumstances surrounding his death and the “friends” he was last seen with, a third person has been arrested for allegedly threatening witnesses in the highly controversial case.

After celebrating July 4 with his friends, the 18-year-old, a student and wide receiver at Southwest Mississippi Community College, was found dead on the northwest end of the island on July 6 and identified using dental records.

Since then, his family has received death threats and faced online abuse, with Nolan’s mother, Christine Wonsley, revealing that they have received anonymous hate mail.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Not Bold Enough To List Your Return Address’ — Nolan Wells’ Mother Claps Back At Hate Mail Mocking Ben Crump & Al Sharpton

The post Another Arrest, Still No Justice — Third Person Charged In Nolan Wells Case As Family Waits For Answers appeared first on MadameNoire.

Two toddlers, ages 1 and 3, are now in the custody of Child and Youth Services, after being found home alone with the bodies of their dead mother and her ex-boyfriend for two days before the bodies were discovered, police say.

On Monday, Aug. 3, the toddlers’ late mother, Lamara Baldwin, and her ex-boyfriend Lamont Dunlap were found deceased in their home in Wilkinsburg, Pa., local outlets WTAE, KDKA and WPXI reported, citing local authorities. The Allegheny Police Department said based on the scene, the couple appears to have died on July 31, WTAE reported.

Baldwin, 31, and Dunlap, 42, were dead in the home on Franklin Avenue for two days before authorities found their bodies. Although there were no indications of trauma, the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting an autopsy to determine their cause of death.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘I Just Want My Babies’ — Ohio Mom Loses All 4 Children And Their Grandmother To Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The post ‘This Is A Mystery’ — Toddlers, Ages 1 And 3, Survive 2 Days Alone With Mom And Her Ex-Boyfriend’s Dead Bodies appeared first on MadameNoire.

Do y’all remember back in 2007 when then-presidential candidate Barack Obama said, “We have more work to do when more young Black men languish in prison than attend colleges and universities across America?”

That emotionally powerful statistic went viral and kept being repeated for years across social media and beyond even though it wasn’t true. In fact, Howard University professor Ivory Toldson pulled the receipts and found that more than 1.4 million Black men were enrolled in college compared to around 840,000 who were incarcerated.

You would think folks would have learned from that episode to fact-check and stop repeating catchy statistics just because they make us feel good or because they fit a certain narrative we want to believe.  

But here we are again.

RELATED CONTENT: Racist Fox News Host Called Rep. Jasmine Crockett A ‘Dumb-Dumb’— Because She’s Terrified Of A Smart Black Woman [Op-Ed]

The post ‘Ghetto Shanaynay?’ How Jasmine Crockett’s Statistical Slip Gave Racists An Excuse To Change The Conversation [Op-Ed] appeared first on MadameNoire.

Jay-Z is back with a new verse, joining Beyoncé on the remix of her latest single.

It was just last month that Beyoncé surprised fans with the previously unreleased, cult-favorite song “Morning Dew (Donk)” in honor of the 20th anniversary of her sophomore album, B’Day album. On Aug. 6, Bey released a new remix of the track, which features a brand new verse courtesy of her husband, Jay-Z.

The post ‘We Just Gettin’ Rich’ — Jay-Z Drops His First New Verse In 5 Years On Beyoncé’s Steamy ‘Morning Dew (Donk)’ Remix appeared first on MadameNoire.

A former U.S. Army soldier has been found guilty in the 2020 stabbing deaths of his girlfriend and their infant son by a Hawaii jury.

On Friday, Kendall Ramsey, 28, was convicted of first-degree murder in the killings of Kayla Holder, 23, and their 6-month-old son, Kainoa Ramsey, according to Hawaii News Now, KHON2 and the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Jurors also convicted Ramsey of an assault charge stemming from a car crash with another driver after, prosecutors said, he drove in the opposite direction of Kunia Road and collided with an oncoming vehicle hours after the murders, according to Hawaii News Now and KHON2.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Her Daughter Watched You Do This!’ — Rapper Judy World, 28, Dead After Boyfriend’s ‘Jealous’ Sister Stabs Her With Butcher Knife In Front Of 10-Year-Old Child

The post He Stabbed Her 38 Times — Ex-Soldier Guilty Of Brutally Murdering Girlfriend, 23, & Their 6-Month-Old Son appeared first on MadameNoire.

Nearly 20 years later, the lyrics to the theme song for Girlfriends, one of the culture’s most beloved comedies, still ring true as the TV show’s leading ladies reunited for Tracee Ellis Ross’ Broadway debut in Every Brilliant Thing at New York City’s Hudson Theatre on July 16.

The former castmates, Golden Brooks, Jill Marie Jones, Persia White, and Ross, gathered for the special occasion with more of Black Hollywood’s finest also in the house, including Gabrielle Union, Sherri Sheppard, and Jocelyn Bioh.

Following the performance, White shared behind-the-scenes photos and footage on her Instagram where she gushed over her former co-star’s “epic” and “mind blowing performance,” writing, “I feel so blessed to have experienced this with my lovely Girlfriends and some beautiful faces, I haven’t seen for years.”

RELATED CONTENT: On Her Mama — Regina Hall Talks ‘Scary Movie,’ Her Famous Friendships, Riding For Black Women & Staying Fine At 55 [Exclusive]

The post ‘There Through Thick And Thin!’ — The ‘Girlfriends’ Cast Reunited For Tracee Ellis Ross’ Broadway Debut And It Feels Like The Ending We Never Got appeared first on MadameNoire.

It seems like at least several times a year, we come across a fresh story about a young Black person found mysteriously hanging from a tree or other structure, and before the headlines have even had time to make the rounds in the news cycle, a medical examiner has already determined it was a suicide, and law enforcement is already spreading the word.

This appears to be the case for 16-year-old Juliana Umba Nzita, whose lifeless body was found hanging from a tree in Charlotte, North Carolina, in early May, just a few days before it was determined that she took her own life.

RELATED CONTENT: Another Black Child Hanging From A Tree? — Why Juliana Nzita’s ‘Suicide’ Is Stirring Fears Of A Modern-Day Lynching

The post ‘We Cannot Let Juliana’s Death Be In Vain’ — Two Months After 16-Year-Old Was Found Hanging From A Tree, Her Family Is Still Waiting For Answers appeared first on MadameNoire.

It’s officially Black Business Month, and Mompreneurs is back with brand-new episodes to spotlight the incredible women proving that motherhood and business can thrive together. Kicking off the series, our host Nancy Redd sits down with Angelina Spicer to talk about her inspiring journey from comedian to “accidental activist.” The writer, producer, actress, wife, and mother shared how her postpartum struggles set her on the unexpected path to becoming a global advocate for postpartum support.

“I went into the psych ward at eight months postpartum.”

Spicer reflected on the “identity shift” she experienced during pregnancy. “My identity was wrapped up in my career as an artist, actress, comedian, and writer,” she told Redd. “I was hustling, and that was the crux of my identity, my work.”

Suddenly, life was on pause. One day she was working the Hollywood comedy scene; the next, she was preparing for a newborn. “I was struggling to understand this new role,” she said. “For me, it was bad. It got worse when we got home with the baby. But luckily for me, I had a therapist … long before I had even gotten pregnant.”

Spicer recalled a pivotal moment while performing standup at the Comedy Store on Sunset Boulevard. “I talked about how much I hated being a mom, and the audience worried about me,” she said. “And that’s when I thought to myself, I need to take a step back, because clearly I have not healed enough and the audience is not laughing—they’re concerned.”

Eight months after the birth of her daughter, the comedian was diagnosed with postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety. Her therapist recommended she seek treatment at a psychiatric facility, which she fondly refers to as “The Waldorf Hysteria,” the title of her comedy special. “I went willingly, I went happily,” she said. “It was the perfect excuse to get away.”

RELATED CONTENT: Ashanti Doesn’t Owe You A Snatched Postpartum Body — The Cruel Obsession With Women’s ‘Bounce-Back’ Bodies [Op-Ed]

The post Mompreneurs S05E01: ‘I Went Into The Psych Ward At 8 Months Postpartum’ — How Angelina Spicer Turned Her Darkest Chapter Into A Global Movement For Moms appeared first on MadameNoire.

Black teachers have long been the backbone of our education system, helping shape generations of students into leaders, thinkers, and decision-makers. They do more than teach lessons; they provide mentorship, representation, and a sense of belonging for students who often see themselves reflected in their classrooms for the first time.

RELATED CONTENT: Teacher Appreciation Week: She Got ‘Kicked Out’ In 8th Grade — Now She Runs The School As Athletic Director

But across the country, Black educators remain severely underrepresented. As schools continue to struggle with teacher shortages and retention challenges, a critical question remains: What happens when the educators who have historically played such an important role in student success begin disappearing from classrooms? How many Black teachers are there in the United States, and what can be done to ensure they are supported, valued, and protected?

The post Where Did All The Black Teachers Go? The Alarming Crisis Threatening The Future Of Black Students appeared first on MadameNoire.

The conversation about who gets credit online is back again after ADHD content creator Brianne Saturdays accused another creator of copying one of her videos word for word. Watch the viral video and read the discourse inside.

The dispute quickly gained traction across social media after Brianne shared a side-by-side comparison of the two videos — one of her and another of creator Laurie Faulkner. The video showed what many viewers see as striking similarities in the wording, pacing, sentence structure, and delivery. According to Yahoo Entertainment, the comparison sparked widespread debate about originality, creator ethics, and whether educational content creators have a responsibility to credit the people whose work inspires them.

RELATED CONTENT: From TikTok To Top Shelf: 10 Viral Beauty Products I’m Not Letting Go Of In 2026

The post Black ADHD Creator Brianne Saturdays Accuses White Influencer Of Copying Her Video ‘Word For Word’ — And Black Women Are Calling Out A Familiar Pattern appeared first on MadameNoire.

Transgender reality television personality Sidney Starr was arrested on Aug. 2 in Georgia and is facing multiple felony charges, including aggravated child molestation, sodomy, and sexual battery involving an alleged incident with a child under the age of 16, according to reports from TMZ, People, Atlanta News First, and multiple other outlets. She’s fiercely denied the allegations.

Court records reviewed by People and Atlanta News First allege that the former Love & Hip Hop star was allegedly involved in the sexual assault of an underage minor following her arrest on Aug. 2, however, Starr released a statement to TMZ on Aug. 3 denying all of the allegations.

RELATED CONTENT: Sidney Starr Reflects On Her Self-Growth As A Trans Woman: ‘I’m Loud And Proud Now’

The post ‘Love & Hip Hop’ Alum Sidney Starr Arrested After Allegedly Molesting Teen Boy In Hotel Room, Faces Felony Child Sex Crime Charges appeared first on MadameNoire.

Tyla is finally addressing rumors that she copied Yung Miami’s song concept.

Last year, the former City Girls rapper suggested that the “Water” singer borrowed the idea for her “Put Me In Chanel” record after hearing Miami’s unreleased snippet, “Take Me To Chanel.” In a series of tweets, Yung Miami wrote, “this girl really ran off with my song and ion know how to feel about it mind you I played this song for this girl.”

She later made it even more obvious who she was referring to, adding, “Take me to Chanel > Put me in Chanel.”

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Not The Flea Market Chanel!’ Yung Miami Takes Shots At Tyla Over Alleged Song Theft — And Fans Are Losing It

The post ‘Girl, Do You Think I’m Trying To Ruin My Career?’ — Tyla Finally Fires Back At Yung Miami’s Song Theft Accusations appeared first on MadameNoire.

Grand Kadooment queen Rihanna is proving once again that nobody does Crop Over quite like her.

The Fenty founder returned to her native Barbados for the island’s annual Crop Over Festival, closing out the celebration during the Grand Kadooment Day Parade on Monday, Aug. 3.

The singer, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty, hit the streets in a jaw-dropping carnival costume dripping in crystals, jewel tones, and vibrant peacock-colored feathers as she danced and greeted fans with kisses and waves.

RELATED CONTENT: Barbados Crop Over Changed Me — How A Carnival Costume Helped Me Embrace My Body, My Freedom, And My Roots [Op-Ed]

The post Bow Down — Rihanna Brings A Lil’ Spice & Lots Of Sparkling Sex Appeal To Barbados Crop Over In A Barely-There Crystal Carnival Costume appeared first on MadameNoire.

Brandy and Ray J appear to be on the mend. After spending time apart, the siblings reunited in Atlanta, signaling what could be a positive step forward in their relationship, much to the delight of Norwood family fans.

Just a few months after Brandy revealed she was creating some distance from her younger brother to “protect her peace,” the siblings had fans smiling after reuniting in Atlanta over the weekend. Their heartfelt reunion quickly made the rounds online, with many celebrating what appeared to be a genuine moment of sibling love.

According to The Shade Room, Ray J shared a sweet video of the reunion on Instagram that showed the two embracing, laughing, and exchanging affectionate words.

The viral clip opens with Brandy recording herself before panning over to Ray J standing behind her.

“Look. Who. It. Is,” Brandy says with a smile before noticing the Band Aid on his face. “With a Band Aid on,” she jokes.

“For sh*t’s and giggles,” Ray J replies.

Brandy simply laughs before telling the camera, “I don’t even know. I don’t even wanna know. But I just love this guy.”

“I love you,” Ray J responds before the siblings share a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

Ray J captioned the post, “In ATL with my best friend since I was born!! @brandy LOVE YOU 4 LIFE AND EVEN IN MY AFTER LIFE!” Brandy returned the love in the comments, writing, “Love you love you bro.”

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Everyone Is Carrying A Story’ — Brandy Gracefully Claps Back At Body-Shamers After Viral Weight Debate

The post ‘This Is The Healing We Needed To See’ — After Choosing To ‘Protect Her Peace,’ Brandy’s Emotional Reunion With Ray J Has Fans Rooting For The Norwoods appeared first on MadameNoire.

A Black teenage girl who went missing four years ago while in Chicago has finally been found.

NBC News reports that Joniah Walker was kidnapped outside a Chicago movie theater on June 23, 2022. Walker, who’s originally from Milwaukee, took an Uber to Chicago that was arranged by a man she had been speaking to online for multiple years. Walker was only 15-years-old at the time of her abduction. Police have identified the man who allegedly abducted her as 37-year-old Owen Anderson. Anderson was allegedly holding Walker captive in a small home in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Authorities have alleged that Anderson turned off her cellphone and threw it away with a burner phone he used to contact her shortly after meeting her. Her parents immediately knew something was wrong when her phone kept going to voicemail. Walker’s disappearance was well publicized throughout Milwaukee, and her parents were continually critical of Milwaukee law enforcement for the lack of efficiency in their investigation. 

RELATED CONTENT: ‘She Never Got A Chance To Live’ — Shani Coke, 10, Found Raped & Dead, Sparking Outrage In Jamaica As Repeat Sex Offender Killed By Mob Seeking Jungle Justice

The post She Vanished At 15, 4 Years Later, Black Teen Was Found Alive — Now Her Family Wants Answers About Why It Took So Long appeared first on MadameNoire.

We’re officially in the final full month of summer, but luckily, Women Crush Wednesday is filled with queer queens who continue to bring the heat!

Last week, the women of the WNBA kept us fed, and as they keep posting All-Star Weekend content, we keep eating. In addition, our favorite content creators like Tia Hogue are keeping us privy to the lesbian dating scene, Michelle are teaching us a lesson or two of curing boredom in Atlanta with a range of activities to tap into outside of hookah and a lounge.

Moreover, the bisexual baddies continue to show up and out. Whether it’s Keke Palmer slaying in the New York City streets or Megan thee Stallion showing us why she’s the captain of Hot Girl Summer, their duality is something we’ll admire forever.

Check out 50 of the hottest queer queens, gracing our timelines, streets, and everything in between!

RELATED CONTENT: Beyoncé Hits Another Homerun In Custom Luar Yankees Gear — See The Dress Everyone Will Want To Add To Their Wardrobe!

1.DiJonai Carrington

The post #WCW — 50 Queer Queens Serving Main Character Energy Only This Women Crush Wednesday, Vol. 34 appeared first on MadameNoire.

Former X Factor contestant Gabrielle Carrington has pleaded not guilty to murdering influencer Klaudia Zakrzewska following an alleged road rage incident in London’s Soho district on April 19, according to reports from BBC, The Independent and People.

Gabrielle Carrington murder charge: former X Factor star pleads not guilty. 

Carrington, who appeared on the U.K. edition of The X Factor in 2013 as a member of the group Miss Dynamix, is accused of driving into Zakrzewska before allegedly striking security guard Anoush Chyche during the incident.

According to The Independent, Carrington appeared at the Old Bailey via video link from Bronzefield prison on Aug. 3. Wearing a low-cut black outfit with her long black hair pulled back, the former X Factor finalist denied murdering the social media influencer by allegedly running her over with a car in central London.

RELATED CONTENT: Man Facing Murder Charges For Killing Wife Nothabo Zandile Tshuma & Their Two Daughters

The post Former ‘X Factor’ Star Gabrielle Carrington Pleads Not Guilty In Alleged Road Rage Murder Of Influencer Klaudia Zakrzewska appeared first on MadameNoire.

On July 28, the stars of Diarra From Detroit lit up Los Angeles as they celebrated the highly anticipated Season 2 premiere of the hit Paramount+ comedy. Hosted by Scene & Heard, the exclusive evening brought together the cast, creatives, and industry insiders for a private screening, immersive fan experiences, and an intimate “Process” conversation that offered a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the new season, which made its official debut on July 29.

The post ‘Diarra From Detroit’ Felt Like An ‘Insecure’ Reunion — Inside The Mystery-Filled Premiere Party With Issa Rae, Jay Ellis, Yvonne Orji & Kendrick Sampson appeared first on MadameNoire.

*Spidey senses tingling*

Everyone’s buzzing over movie-of-the-moment, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which made history with a MASSIVE $936 million global debut, surpassing Avengers: Endgame as the biggest box office opener of ALL-TIME, per THR.

As expected, the highly anticipated event film brought out everybody and their mama to theaters while inspiring iconic red carpet moments, hype-fueled shenanigans, and viral slays from cosplaying Spider-Baes across the Spider-Verse.

RELATED CONTENT: Zendaya Is A ‘Student Of Fashion’ — But Her Controversial Iranian Earrings Have Critics Asking If She Did Her Homework [Op-Ed]

According to AMC, the film propelled the theater chain to its highest total revenue ever for a single weekend, Wednesday through Sunday, including new records for admissions revenue and new records for food & beverage revenue.

The post Spidey Senses Tingling — These 20 Spider-Baes Swung Into ‘Brand New Day’ Weekend Serving Zendaya-Level Style appeared first on MadameNoire.

Thinking about starting your loc journey? Whether you’ve been saving inspiration photos for months or you’ve finally decided it’s time to embrace the beauty of locs, one thing is certain: patience is the secret ingredient. Locs aren’t just a hairstyle; they’re a journey. From choosing the installation method that’s right for your hair to learning how to properly care for your scalp and strands, every stage plays a role in creating healthy, thriving locs. The good news? With the right routine and a little consistency, your locs can flourish for years to come. So, how do you start locs and maintain them?

If you’re just getting started, watching a licensed loctician demonstrate the dos and don’ts of starter locs is always a great first step. In the meantime, here’s everything you need to know before taking the plunge.

RELATED CONTENT: Low-Maintenance Hair Style Ideas For Busy Black Women

The post The Truth About Starting Locs 101 — What No One Tells You About The ‘Ugly Stage,’ Retwists & Real Growth appeared first on MadameNoire.

There is never a bad time for a warm chocolate chip cookie, but National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day is the perfect excuse to discover a few new favorites. Check out these notable Black-owned cookie brands worth ordering for National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day. 

Beyond satisfying your sweet tooth, ordering from Black-owned bakeries and cookie brands is a delicious way to support entrepreneurs who are putting their own spin on a timeless dessert. From stuffed gourmet creations to allergy-friendly treats, these cookie companies prove there is something for every kind of cookie lover.

RELATED CONTENT: Slay In Style: 8 Black-Owned Fashion Brands That Craft Chic & Culturally Inspired Summer Dresses

According to Travel Noire, Black-owned cookie brands continue to shape the dessert industry by blending family traditions, creative flavors, and community-centered missions. If you are looking to refresh your snack stash, check out five brands worth adding to your cart.

Buy Black Main Street also notes a variety of Black-owned businesses that offer different chocolate chip varieties, from vegan to gluten-free options. They also offer a directory for customers to search for other great Black-owned brands beyond the cookie business. Scroll down for decision Black-owned cookie brands to support on this National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day.

The post National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day — Indulge In 15 Black-Owned Cookie Brands Your Sweet Tooth Will Thank You For appeared first on MadameNoire.

Dr. Erica Schwartz, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), advanced through a key Senate committee vote on Thursday. 

The Washington Post reports that the Senate health committee voted 13-10 to advance Schwartz’s nomination to the Senate floor. Schwartz is the Trump administration’s third nominee to lead the CDC. Former congressman Dave Weldon (R-Fla.) was the first nominee before the administration retracted the nomination. Susan Monarez was the second nominee and was actually confirmed. She didn’t last long in the role, though, as she was fired after clashing with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over his obsession with vaccines. 

RELATED CONTENT: Jasmine Crockett’s ‘STOP TRUMP’ Act Explained — And Why MAGA Is In Full Meltdown Mode

The post Representation Or Red Flag? Trump’s Black Female CDC Pick, Dr. Erica Schwartz, Faces Backlash Over RFK Jr. Loyalty Questions appeared first on MadameNoire.