Tennis star Naomi Osaka is set to take a break from the game as she starts her family. Osaka and rapper Cordae, who have dated since 2019, are expecting a baby. The announcement comes as the Australian Open is underway. In a Twitter post, Osaka told fans she can't wait to be on the court and has plans to return to competition next year for the tournament Down Under.
Pamela Anderson's Doc
Netflix is gearing up to release a new documentary focused on model Pamela Anderson. Pamela, A Love Story, which is slated to be released later this month, is Anderson's counter to last year's Hulu limited drama series titled Pam and Tommy. Anderson reportedly didn't watch the project because of how she was portrayed and instead decided to tell her own story.
Harry Styles' MCU Future
After his debut in Eternals in 2021, Harry Styles is set to become a fixture in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. According to Marvel Studios producer Nate Moore, Styles' future in the MCU will go beyond his debut performance. "Styles, he is as charming as you want him to be. And I think there's no limit to how good that character's going to be once we get to bring him back," Moore told Deadline.
Abbott Keeps on Winning
After winning the best musical or comedy series award and individual wins by Quinta Brunson and Tyler James Williams, ABC's Abbott Elementary was renewed for a third season. The show is currently in the midst of its second season, which gained a 100 percent rating from Rotten Tomatoes, according to Variety. "Abbott Elementary is the gift that keeps on giving, and I look forward to many more magnificent episodes of this brilliant, authentic and just plain funny series," Channing Dungey, chairman and CEO of Warner Bros Television Group, told Variety.
The Chinese government brought the sitcom "Friends" back to its streaming services. However, it had instances of LGBTQ+ references left out, after the series had been banned on Chinese streaming platforms for years.
Season 13 "Shark Tank" contestant Tania Speaks secured a $400,000 deal for her Speaks Organic Skincare brand with "Shark" Mark Cuban while also being named one of the best pitches in the history of the show — all at 19 years old. Now 20, Speaks joined Cheddar News to talk about the skincare line, the clean beauty industry, and the moment that host Cuban was moved by her pitch. "I couldn't believe that he got emotional. I'm surprised I held back my tears that long," the young entrepreneur revealed. "It's just amazing for someone else to be inspired by your story, especially Mark Cuban himself."
The media giant formerly known as ViacomCBS has officially rebranded itself as Paramount Global with a focus on its streaming service, Paramount Plus. Naveen Chopra, chief financial officer at Paramount, joined Cheddar to discuss the company’s name change and streaming wars. "There are components of content licensing that we continue to do, either historical arrangements or opportunities to license content that don't really impinge on what we're trying to do with our owned and operated services and that continues to be an important ingredient in our broader financial model," he said. "But our number one priority is putting our best assets on Paramount Plus." Chopra also discussed theatrical release windows before feature films hit its service and the platform's subscription goals.
In efforts to help support black-owned brands. Ulta Beauty says it will make a commitment to not only give these brand shelf space but also help them navigate the ins and outs of growing a business. Last week, the beauty retailer announced in order to reach those goals, the company will spend $50 million on diversity and inclusion programs, including an accelerated program to mentor entrepreneurs of color. CEO of Ulta Beauty, Dave Kimbell, joined Cheddar to discuss more.
For black history month, Cheddar is highlighting black business leaders who are driving the need for representation forward. On February 10, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce hosted an event called 'Developing the Black-Owned Business Ecosystem.' The virtual event was organized under the lobbying group's two initiatives -- the Equality of Opportunity Initiative, and the Coalition to Back Black Businesses. The event highlighted the developments needed to develop more black-owned businesses in the U.S. Dr. Anthony Wilbon, Dean of the School of Business at Howard University, joined Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss his experience as a speaker at the event.
While Black History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements of Black Americans, it's also a time to reflect on how they can be better heard and supported.
Black Americans are still fighting for voting rights, facing more severe impacts from COVID-19, and experiencing gaps in workforce representation and pay. Alexandra Schrecengost, hybrid work expert and CEO of "Virtual With Us" and "Culture With Us,' joined Cheddar News to discuss.
