There’s a new, and admittedly frustrating, side effect making headlines for people taking GLP-1 weight-loss medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro: hair loss. Before you panic and start eyeing your hairbrush suspiciously, there’s an important distinction to make. Experts say the medications themselves aren’t necessarily directly causing the hair loss, but there is a strong association between GLP-1 medications, rapid weight loss and hair shedding. Here’s why.

According to Dr. Lauren Kole, who spoke with HuffPost about the issue on Aug. 9, GLP-1 medications can trigger hair shedding because of the rapid physical stress placed on the body, along with sudden calorie or nutrient deficits that can accompany fast weight loss. This can lead to a common and usually temporary form of hair loss called telogen effluvium.

RELATED CONTENT: Ozempic Users Are Freaking Out Over ‘Fishy’ New Side Effect — Doctors Warn It Starts In The Gut

Telogen effluvium happens when a shock, stressor, or significant change in the body pushes a large number of hair follicles into their resting phase. Then, two to three months later, those hairs can shed all at once,  which can make it seem like your hair suddenly decided to stage a mass exodus.

The good news? This type of hair loss is typically temporary, and hair generally grows back within six to 12 months.

“The most common reason [for hair loss] is a condition called telogen effluvium, which is when any type of stress on the body can cause the body to stop focusing on what it considers superfluous or unnecessary, such as hair growth, and focus on reducing that stress,” explained Kole, an associate professor of dermatology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, to HuffPost.

The post Not The Edges! Why Ozempic Users Are Freaking Out Over Hair Loss appeared first on MadameNoire.

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A teaser trailer for Michael B. Jordan‘s upcoming film, The Thomas Crown Affair, recently dropped, reminding us once again why he’s one of Hollywood’s hottest leading men. And if that wasn’t enough to get the internet talking, Jordan was also recently spotted at Six Flags with British singer Raye, immediately sparking rumors that the famously private actor may finally be off the market.

For many of us, the transition from him playing the sweet, chubby-cheeked, 16-year-old drug dealer in The Wire to the broad-shouldered, chiseled leading man in Creed seemed to happen in the blink of an eye. The six-pack and sculpted arms definitely caught our attention, but it’s his soft eyes, charming smile, and approachable personality that have kept us rooting for him ever since.

For most of his career, Jordan has remained publicly single—or at least incredibly private. He’s mastered the art of giving fans just enough while still keeping his personal life largely a mystery. His only high-profile public relationship was with the stunning Lori Harvey. During their year-and-a-half romance, their Instagram posts and red carpet appearances regularly broke the internet. But since their split in 2022, Jordan hasn’t publicly entered another relationship.

Now, with fans wondering whether there’s something brewing between Jordan and Raye, we couldn’t help but have a little fun. Whether the romance rumors are true or not, they inspired one question: Who else would make the perfect match for Michael B. Jordan? We’ve rounded up 35 women we think would look pretty amazing on the arm of Hollywood’s favorite leading man.

RELATED CONTENT: Michael B. Jordan Sends Drawls And Jaws Dropping With Steamy Calvin Klein Photoshoot

1. Jurnee Smollet, 39

Jurnee Smollet could be a good match for Jordan because she understand his professional life being an actress herself and she’s was also more on the private side in regards to her prior relationship, which seems to be how Jordan likes to keep things.

The post Matchmaker! 35 Women Who Could Be Michael B. Jordan’s Next Leading Lady Off-Screen appeared first on MadameNoire.

Social media timelines have not been the same since Bask & Lather hit the market. The thriving haircare brand wouldn’t exist without its founder Shaina Rainford, and her mother’s homemade growth recipe.

After her younger sister Aaliyah suffered from severe hair loss due to an intense scalp infection, Rainford’s mother formulated a recipe that grew her sister’s hair back. Rainford later used the same recipe when she experienced hair loss from having COVID-19 in 2020, and the formula also helped her grow her hair back. 

The Bronx native, a nurse practitioner at the time, knew she had something special on her hands and decided to share the product with the world.

For many, the goal of entrepreneurship is straightforward, but Shaina Rainford’s founder-journey was unexpected.

After sharing her and her family’s hair journey online, Rainford started selling the growth oils on Instagram, and Bask and Lather was born.

Now, in 2026, the brand has expanded its offerings with collections that include its signature Scalp Stimulator Oil, as well as an array of products catered to various hair needs like shampoo, conditioner, styling products, and a new Scalp Therapy System designed to nourish the scalp, which is often neglected.

“Customers are like, ‘Oh, which one should I get?’ It’s not ‘Which one should I get?’ It’s when you should use one or the other, and you should have both because scalp care and hair care are not separate. They are different parts of your hair care journey,” Rainford told HelloBeautiful.

Bask and Lather is set to generate nine figures in revenue without investors, and it still remains a family-operated business

As of August 2026, Bask and Lather is available for retail in 1,900 Walmart stores across 48 states. Now, that’s a founder flex.

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

The post From Mixing Hair Oil In Her Kitchen To Building A Nine-Figure Empire — Meet, Shaina Rainford, The Black Woman Behind Bask & Lather appeared first on MadameNoire.

Hosted by business growth strategist and entrepreneur Dr. Darnyelle Jervey, the podcast helps leaders build wealth, expand their impact, and create lasting legacies.

The Urban One Podcast Network is proud to welcome the Move to Millions Podcast, hosted by renowned business growth strategist, bestselling author, speaker, and entrepreneur Dr. Darnyelle Jervey, to its growing lineup of empowering audio content.

As the podcast prepares to launch its next season, listeners can expect insightful conversations and transformational teachings designed to help entrepreneurs, CEOs, and business leaders elevate their approach to wealth, leadership, and legacy.

RELATED CONTENT: Joy Taylor Returns To ‘Radio Roots’ With Launch Of ‘The Daily Play With Joy Taylor’

The post Entrepreneur Dr. Darnyelle Jervey Launches ‘Move To Millions’ Podcast On Urban One Network appeared first on MadameNoire.

Florence “Flo” Anthony, a pioneering entertainment journalist, former national syndicated radio host, TV contributor, and the author of several books, who broke down barriers for Black women, died after a battle with cancer on August 6. She was 74.

The news was confirmed by Jack Hirsch, the biographer of her husband, Olympic and pro boxing champ Michael Spinks, to New York Amsterdam News, which published her weekly “Go With The Flo” column dating back to 2001. She also had a nationally syndicated radio segment called “Gossip to Go With Flo” and another called “Flo Anthony’s Big Apple Buzz.”

Anthony and Hirsch collaborated on Michael “Jinx” Spinks: An Authorized Biography, which was released in March. He shared that she had recently disclosed to him that she had cancer.

RELATED CONTENT: Claudette Colvin, Unsung Civil Rights Pioneer, Passes Away At 86

The post She Broke Stories, Barriers & The Boys’ Club — Trailblazing Journalist Florence ‘Flo’ Anthony, Who Proved Black Women Belong In Every Newsroom, Dead At 74 appeared first on MadameNoire.

Dearest Whitney Houston, yesterday (August 9) would’ve been your 63rd birthday, and it’s been 14 years since you departed this earthly realm.

Where do we even start? 

You were dubbed the voice for a reason. Your unmatched vocal power, not to mention that enormous three-octave range and crystalline tone, coupled with precise pitch control – Whitney, you were born to share your voice with the world, and we are grateful that you accepted the call.

Whether it was the time you performed “How Will I Know” at the 1986 American Music Awards, or the seamless execution of “Saving All My Love For You” (the same year by the way) at the 1986 Grammy Awards, and let’s not forget the way you completely transformed the national anthem when you sang “The Star-Spangled Banner at Super Bowl XXV in 1991, you more than earned your nickname and being referred to as one of the greatest singers of all time.

RELATED CONTENT: Coco Jones Channels Whitney Houston With A Black National Anthem Super Bowl Performance That Felt Bigger Than Football

The post Whitney Houston, A Love Letter — The Voice, The Beauty, The Blueprint… And Now, A Barbie To Match appeared first on MadameNoire.

When new fathers take paternity leave, they’re helping the mother avoid physical strain and avoid getting back on her feet too soon. Involved dads give mom as much-needed care as the newborn by preventing the isolation and exhaustion that can spike her cortisol, which elevates postpartum risk, especially in Black women. However, American law doesn’t guarantee that parental time off for fathers will be paid, leaving them to rely on the FMLA or potentially access a private employer’s generous benefits.

The United States Census Bureau reported that the percentage of fathers with a first-born child who didn’t use leave decreased from 77% prior to 1994 compared to 35% between 2014 and 2022. Furthermore, today’s first-time dads were 37% more likely to use their vacation benefits than mothers within the first 12 weeks after birth. Whatever method a new father takes to spend some time at home during this period can have positive effects on a Black mother’s mental and physical health, from acting as her ride-or-die advocate at medical appointments to providing unspoken emotional support.

RELATED CONTENT: An Era Of Weak Men Is Making The World More Dangerous For Women — And Fathers Need To Pay Attention [Op-Ed]

Why Does Paternity Leave Matter in Postpartum Care?

A Black mom’s mental health needs as much protection as her physical recovery during this fragile time. New moms are less likely to face complications from being overburdened with a child when help and emotional support from her partner are there.

When new fathers utilize their parental leave rights, it’s a big step in preventing one of the biggest issues in Black Maternal Health: postpartum depression. A 2023 study by James, Smith, Robinson, et al., for the Journal of Clinical Medicine reported that 29 to 44% of Black women experienced postpartum depressive symptoms, many of whom didn’t receive mental health care services.

The discussion around the high Black female maternal death rate often focuses on the delivery room, but death can occur once mom and baby seem warm and snug at home. 

With dad around more, there’s someone who may notice signs not only of postpartum depression, but potentially fatal hemorrhage or preeclampsia. 

According to the Population Reference Bureau, the statistics are severe, as black mothers are:

• 5 times more likely to die from postpartum cardiomyopathy
• 5 times more likely to die from preeclampsia
• 2 times more likely to die of hemorrhage or embolism

From prenatal visits to post-delivery follow-up exams, a new father can advocate for mom (and baby’s) health at all stages.

The Breastfeeding Link

Babies also benefit from early dad bonding, especially at dinner time. For example, the 2025 study by Parker, Simon, and Garfield for BMC Public Health showed a higher rate of breastfeeding at the 8-week postpartum mark when dad had work leave beyond 2 weeks. 

Consequently, how long paternity leave is indirectly affects how much comprehensive nutrition and lowered disease risk the little one will have. As the CDC reports, breastfeeding protects from asthma and childhood leukemia in addition to transferring antibodies from the mother.

When Black mothers can breastfeed with ease, it also reduces their:

• Risk of breast and ovarian cancer
• High blood pressure
• Type 2 diabetes

The post His Paternity Leave Is Your Postpartum Plan appeared first on MadameNoire.

A video of a Black girl allegedly being beaten and dragged while unconscious by a group of young white women is stirring calls for justice on social media. According to the Atlanta Black Star, the victim has been reportedly identified as Audrey Masarik, but it’s unclear what led to the disturbing incident. 

Authorities in St. Johns, Michigan, are investigating the incident.

An investigation is underway. According to authorities, the incident happened in St. Johns, Michigan. On Aug. 7, the St. Johns Police Department issued a statement on their Facebook page, stating that it was “aware” of the shocking social media video “depicting an assault,” and that all of the individuals involved had been identified. Notably, they did not mention Masarik’s name in their update.

The department continued, “The video has been widely shared across social media platforms, resulting in numerous calls, messages, and tips being submitted to the St. Johns Police Department. All individuals involved in the incident have been identified. Once this investigation is complete, the case, along with all relevant evidence, including available video footage, will be submitted to the Clinton County Prosecutor’s Office for review and a determination regarding any potential criminal charges.”

They added, “At this time, no additional information will be released while the case is under prosecutorial review.”

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Audrey Masarik alleged beating: What happened?

The shocking video is hard to watch. At the beginning of the clip, which was reposted by psychotherapist Elliot Connie on Friday, a seemingly unconscious Black girl, purported to be Audrey Masarik, can be seen passed out on the bed as the three white girls walk around her.

“What are you going to do, Audrey?” one girl asked.

“No, because I’m really going to kill her,” another said. “Where can we hide the body?”

The women continued to threaten Masarik, telling her they would drag her out of the house by her hair. During the confrontation, they also repeatedly brought up a phone call Masarik had previously had with them, claiming she was “talking sh*t” during the phone conversation.

“What is you finna do,” one girl shouts before punching Masarik.

“F—k off,” Masarik yells from face down on the bed.

“Shut the f—k up,” one of the girls barks back, before she covers Audrey’s face with a comforter, punches her several more times before jumping on her back with her knees. The video abruptly cuts off afterward. But the alleged assault did not end there.

Another video shared by a social media user named ReggieArt appears to show Masarik being dragged up a flight of stairs by the same white girls who were captured beating her on the bed.

Rumors and unverified claims have been circulating about the Audrey Masarik incident.

As the video spread online, rumors and unverified claims about the incident quickly followed. A video showing what appears to be two of the alleged suspects downplaying the attack has surfaced online, but the video has not been verified by authorities. Additionally, photos showing Masarik while pregnant began circulating on Instagram alongside a lengthy statement that was reportedly written by her and described her account of what happened. However, the Atlanta Black Star reported that it could not verify the post or find a record of it on her social media accounts.

The Atlanta Black Star was able to locate Masarik’s social media profiles and reported that she is a 22-year-old mother from St. Johns, Michigan. However, the publication found no evidence on those accounts confirming that the widely circulated statement had actually been posted by her.

According to the message attributed to Masarik, she alleged that the white girls lured her to the house, gave her alcohol and then attacked her. She also reportedly said that she has epilepsy and was experiencing an episode during the assault.

Masarik further claimed that she was taken to the hospital following the incident and suffered a seizure while there. She reportedly said she was working with a counselor as she considered taking steps toward filing charges in connection with the attack.

This story is still developing.

RELATED CONTENT: Must See! — SC Woman Sues White Circle K Clerk After Attack Allegedly Caused Miscarriage

The post ‘Where Can We Hide The Body?’ — Viral Video Of Black Woman Allegedly Beaten By Three White Women While Unconscious Sparks Outrage appeared first on MadameNoire.

Hermès has spent decades as one of fashion’s most coveted luxury houses. Its handbags, scarves, clothing and accessories come with hefty price tags, exclusivity and a level of status few brands have been able to match.

But in 2026, it might be time to reconsider whether Hermès is still worth our attention — or our money. A recent mishap with Savannah James and April McDaniel brings this topic to the forefront.

The friends recently talked about trying to shop at Hermès in Milan while appearing on Danielle Robay’s “Question Everything” podcast.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Women Built It. Now Let’s Buy It — 5 Businesses To Support This Black Business Month

According to the friends, April had scheduled shopping appointments as they traveled through Europe. But when they arrived at Hermès, they say they were turned away despite having an appointment.

“We had an appointment,” the ultimate WAG said, recounting the experience. “And they tried to act like it was…”

April said she immediately pushed back. She also made it clear that Savannah is “very nice,” while she had no problem taking the situation further. “I said baby you caught the wrong one today,” April recalled.

According to April, the saleswoman was eventually fired. The “Everybody’s Crazy” podcast stars eventually returned to the store and everything was different.

“We was in the private room with champagne and caviar,” April said. “I said how many bags you got? Ten?”

“They brought out everything,” Savannah added.

The post You Can Afford The Birkin — But Can You Ever Buy Their Respect? Savannah James’ Hermès Story Says No [Op-Ed] appeared first on MadameNoire.

Latto and 21 Savage can’t seem to escape the internet’s obsession with their relationship, and this time it’s Charleston White stirring things up. The social media personality went after Latto while defending Claressa Shields amid backlash over her relationship with Papoose, arguing there’s a double standard when it comes to how the two women are treated online. In an online response, Latto wasn’t having it.

According to HotNewHipHop, White pointed to the criticism Shields and Papoose have faced and asked why Latto doesn’t get the same treatment for her relationship with 21 Savage. He argued that colorism plays a role in the discrepancy, suggesting Shields wouldn’t be facing the same backlash if she had lighter skin, and used Latto as his comparison point. He didn’t stop there either, going on to claim Latto was the “side” while 21 Savage was allegedly still married.

RELATED CONTENT: Lil Mama! — Latto Debuts Beautiful Baby Girl, Admits She ‘Underestimated’ Postpartum Depression Amid Premature Retirement Announcement

The post ‘Loud & Wrong B–ch’ — Latto Obliterates Charleston White After He Calls Her A ‘Side B—ch Who Got Pregnant’ By 21 Savage appeared first on MadameNoire.

Sophie Cunningham is at the center of another WNBA controversy.

But this time it was initiated on the court at the hands of an opposing player during Saturday’s game at United Center. 

Her Indiana Fever were taking on the Chicago Sky when, in the first quarter, she went up for a layup, and then DiJonai Carrington refused to let her have the easy two points.

So instead she hit Cunningham in the cheek and appeared to wrap her arm around her head, causing her to fall to the ground.

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Cunningham immediately jumped up, and the two got into each other’s face and grabbed at each other before Cunningham’s teammate Makayla Timpson dragged her away.

The post ‘The Worst Human Roaming The Earth!’ — DiJonai Carrington Claims ‘White Privilege’ After Ejection For Sophie Cunningham Foul: 16 Split Social Media Reactions appeared first on MadameNoire.

Michael B. Jordan and singer Raye recently sparked romance rumors as the pair were spotted at Six Flags getting onto a rollercoaster together.

The talented duo were spotted having a grand ole time as they took in the rides at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Los Angeles. Onlookers posted photos and videos of the pair who seemed to be enjoying each other’s company. They were seen being strapped in to multiple rides with one photo showing the singer looking smitten at the actor as he hopped in.

RELATED CONTENT: Keke Palmer Manifests Michael B. Jordan As Her Next New Boo

The post The Girls Are In Mourning — Michael B. Jordan Sparks Romance Rumors After Cozy Six Flags Rollercoaster With British Singer Raye appeared first on MadameNoire.

The sun was shining, the curls were flourishing, and Randall’s Island was overflowing with Black joy as another unforgettable CURLFEST took over New York City. MadameNoire was on the scene for another edition of the beloved festival, hosted by the Curly Girl Collective, and from the moment the gates opened, it was clear this wasn’t just another summer event, it was a celebration of community, culture, and unapologetic Black Girl magic.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Beauty Was The Main Character At CURLFEST 2026

Held on July 25, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., the annual festival once again transformed Randall’s Island into a vibrant playground dedicated to natural hair, Black beauty, entrepreneurship, and self-expression. As a 100% Black woman-owned event powered by community, CURLFEST continues to be much more than a festival. Every ticket purchased helps invest in a movement created to celebrate and empower Black women.

MadameNoire’s Managing Editor Danica Daniel spent the day exploring the festival grounds, stopping by some of the incredible Black woman-led businesses that are changing the face of the natural hair and beauty industry one product, one story, and one dream at a time. Here are 5 businesses that stood out and that you should be shopping with as we celebrate Black Business Month throughout August.

1. DHair Boutique

Her first stop was DHair Boutique, where founder Sasha showcased her luxury hair extension brand based in Brooklyn. Surrounded by gorgeous textured bundles designed to blend seamlessly with natural hair, Sasha explained that her mission has always been to help women embrace versatility without sacrificing authenticity.

“We have hair textures that match most hair textures, and they can look as close to your authentic texture, so that you don’t have to do as much manipulation, or you can still enjoy your hair type,” she told Daniel.

For Sasha, being at CURLFEST wasn’t just about growing her business—it was about expanding the definition of beauty itself.

“I really want to show women that there are multiple standards of beauty,” she shared. “I would say most women feel most confident when their crown is well taken care of, and you look good, you feel good, and that’s what it’s all about.”

The post Black Women Built It. Now Let’s Buy It — 5 Businesses To Support This Black Business Month appeared first on MadameNoire.

An Indiana Tim Hortons employee will not face criminal charges after a 75-year-old woman died following a physical altercation with the worker at the fast-food restaurant. 

Three months ago, Anita Grayson died of acute exacerbation of congestive heart failure after the encounter with an employee at the Tim Hortons in Fort Wayne. Now, the Allen County Prosecutor’s Office has determined that “criminal charges will not be filed” as a result of the incident. 

“This is a heartbreaking situation for everyone involved and especially for Ms. Grayson’s family,” officials wrote in a social media statement. “We have given this case a fair and thorough review, and evaluated it on the evidence and the law, the same standard we apply to every case that comes before this office.”

RELATED CONTENT: 75-Year-Old Black Woman Dead After Violent Altercation With White Teen Employee At Tim Hortons — Racists Online Label Her ‘Ghetto’ And Worse

The post ‘This Is A Heartbreaking Situation For Everyone’ — No Charges Filed Against White Tim Hortons Employee After Black Woman, 75, Died Following ‘Physical Altercation’ appeared first on MadameNoire.

The loved ones of a woman hit by a car driven by two brothers, ages 4 and 7, have revealed she will spend the rest of her life recovering from the accident.

Kiara Bowling was walking a dog on the sidewalk on 35th Avenue in Oakland on Thursday, Aug. 6, when she was struck by a Toyota sedan driven by the young children, reported ABC7 Eyewitness News. Her family told the outlet that she suffered a brain bleed, facial fractures, and will require multiple surgeries.

According to a GoFundMe created to raise money for Bowling’s medical expenses from the injuries she sustained in the incident, she faces “a long and difficult road ahead.”

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The post ‘Lifelong Recovery’ — Black Woman Hit By Car Driven By Two Brothers, Ages 4 And 7, Suffers Brain Bleed, Facial Fractures, And Several Surgeries appeared first on MadameNoire.

If your weekend plans involve staying inside with the AC blasting and your favorite snacks within reach, the streaming gods have answered your prayers. This week’s lineup is packed with everything from nostalgic animation and addictive true crime to romance, comedy, science fiction, and long-awaited franchise returns. Check out our weekend watch list inside. 

According to TheWrap and Mashable, nearly every major streaming platform has something worth adding to your queue. Whether you are looking for an easy binge, a nostalgic favorite, or a conversation starter, there is no shortage of fresh content to dive into before Monday rolls around.

Scroll down for 10 titles that deserve a spot on your weekend watch list.

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

The post What To Watch This Weekend: 10 Must-See Movies & Shows To Stream appeared first on MadameNoire.

The Black woman whose body was found hanging from a tree in Jackson, Mississippi, this week has been identified, although medical examiners are still reportedly working on determining her cause of death.

According to the Mississippi Free Press, the Hinds County Coroner’s Office said Thursday that the woman who was discovered hanging behind a vacant home is 29-year-old Tasia Fortune. The Jackson Police Department said earlier this week that community members in the predominantly Black Jackson neighborhood contacted police after finding her body, though it is not clear how long it had been there. So far, the coroner’s office hasn’t said whether foul play is suspected.

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 Tasia Fortune, Say Her Name! — Black Woman Found Hanging From Tree In Jackson, Mississippi Identified appeared first on MadameNoire.

Brandy’s unreleased music is more legendary than some artists’ entire discographies.

I know how that sounds coming from somebody who would comfortably describe herself as the biggest Brandy fan in the world. “Fooled by the Moon,” the Diane Warren-penned ballad recorded during the Never Say Never era, was never officially released, yet Brandy fans have carried it for years like a classic.

After more than three decades of music, television, film, and culture-shifting representation, people found a way to look directly at Brandy Norwood and miss what was standing in front of them.

RELATED CONTENT: An Angel In Disguise She Was —Why Brandy Is One Of The Most Underrated Icons Of Her Generation

The post Why Are People Scrutinizing Brandy’s Physical Body When Her Extraordinary Body Of Work Is Right There? [Op-Ed] appeared first on MadameNoire.

On  Dec. 27, 2025, a 19-year-old white man in Charlotte, N.C., killed two Black women and seriously injured a child while driving more than double the speed limit in his  BMW coupe, resulting in a high-speed crash. He was convicted on two criminal charges, for which he will spend six months in jail.

Yes, you read that correctly: six months is all the lives of two Black women were worth.

According to WBTV 3, on June 28, Jason Anthony Scott pleaded guilty to two counts of involuntary manslaughter and assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury in the deaths of 45-year-old Lorin Manley and her mother, 81-year-old Gloria Manley, and the injury of an unidentified 12-year-old girl, who was in the passenger seat of the vehicle the Manleys were driving.

RELATED CONTENT: He Stabbed Her 38 Times — Ex-Soldier Guilty Of Brutally Murdering Girlfriend, 23, & Their 6-Month-Old Son

The post White Man Gets 6-Month In Jail For Killing Two Black Women in High-Speed Crash? That’s A Slap On The Wrist, Not Justice! [Op-Ed] appeared first on MadameNoire.

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.