Friday Notes for July 18th, 2025

The Nigerian singer’s strong ambition of global superstardom is expected to be boosted by this strategic partnership with Roc Nation, along with the continued support of Mavin and Universal Music Group.

The National Urban League presented its reports “State of Emergency: Democracy, Civil Rights, and Progress Under Attack.”

Madison J. Gray has been hired as the new executive editor of the New York Amsterdam News, taking the baton from Damaso Reyes.

The US Senate voted 51-48 on Thursday to eliminate federal funding for public broadcasting, removing $1.1 billion previously allocated to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The vote followed party lines, with all 51 Republican senators supporting the cuts and Democrats opposing. Two

Justice and Kaytranada just announced a co-headlining fall tour that represents everything discerning music lovers want from live electronic music. The 13-date North American run launches October 16th at Vancouver’s Rogers Arena and concludes November 16th at Miami’s Kaseya Center, with stops at venues like Chicago’s United Center, Brooklyn’s Barclays

Beyond the Fabric: Inside Seed2Shirt’s BLACKollective© with Co-Founders Deandra Eubanks and Tameka Peoples At the heart of Act II: The Reclamation, A Ma Maniére’s second chapter of Every Summer Tells a Story, lies a story of reclamation, power, and truth, stitched into the very fabric of the collection. In partnership

The Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Total Orange” release is part of Nike’s Protro series, which stands for “Performance Retro,” indicating upgraded technology within classic silhouettes that maintain their original aesthetic integrity. The release coincides with WNBA All-Star Weekend 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Sneaker fans will be able to get the

The Harris Tweed x Nike Dunk Low WMNS “Multicolor” partnership brings together Nike’s iconic basketball silhouette with authentic Harris Tweed fabric. Harris Tweed, protected by the Harris Tweed Act of 1993, can only be produced in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland using traditional hand-weaving methods. The fabric has supplied luxury

In what he’s calling his “most important” offseason, Joel Embiid responds to his critics.

The WNBA’s biggest draw sits out her home showcase.

The nine-time NBA All-Star is finalizing a three-year, $42 million contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers. The deal includes a player option for the 2027-28 season and a no-trade clause, making Lillard only the second player in the NBA with such protection alongside LeBron James. This reunion marks

The Pittsburgh Steelers secured their defensive cornerstone today, agreeing to a three-year, $123 million extension with linebacker T.J. Watt that makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. The deal averages $41 million annually and includes $108 million fully guaranteed at signing. Watt’s new contract surpasses Cleveland Browns pass

A $12 million legal battle exposes the NFL’s backroom dealings — and the NFLPA’s questionable transparency

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice received his sentence Thursday for the multi-car crash. A Dallas judge handed down five years’ probation and 30 days of jail time, though Rice can serve those 30 days at any point during his probation period. Rashee Rice was racing his Lamborghini SUV

Von Miller, the eight-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl champion, has signed a one-year deal with Washington

The former No. 7 pick’s sudden retirement at 30 Mike Williams, the former Chargers wide receiver selected seventh overall in 2017, is walking away from football at 30 after eight seasons that promised more than they delivered. Williams’ agent informed the Chargers Wednesday night of the decision, shocking an organization

Netflix, the streaming giant reported earnings per share of $7.19 versus the expected $7.08, while revenue hit $11.08 billion against estimates of $11.07 billion. Net income surged to $3.1 billion, or $7.19 per share, up from $2.1 billion, or $4.88 per share,

The first federal crypto legislation marks a watershed moment for finance, and what it means for your portfolio Congress just delivered the crypto industry’s biggest victory since Bitcoin’s creation, passing groundbreaking federal legislation that legitimizes stablecoins and fundamentally alters the financial landscape. The bill, which sailed through both chambers with

When Hollywood success meets streaming strategy: How Apple’s F1 movie triumph is driving a quarter-billion-dollar content play Apple’s pursuit of Formula 1 streaming rights represents far more than another expensive content acquisition — it’s a test of vertical integration that transforms a $300 million box office success into a potential streaming

Substack announced a $100 million Series C funding round Thursday, bringing its valuation to $1.1 billion — a 70% increase from its 2021 valuation of $650 million. The round was led by technology investment firm BOND and Peter Chernin’s The Chernin Group, with participation from Andreessen Horowitz, Klutch Sports Group

Uristocrat Crewneck. Materials: 80% organic cotton, 20% recycled polyester