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Happy Sunday! Whether you're a new subscriber or an existing subscriber, welcome back. Here are a few articles you should check out from this week!

Napheesa Collier

In a league where season-ending interviews are typically routine, Napheesa Collier used hers to deliver a clear and candid message to WNBA leadership. Reading from a prepared statement, the Players Union Vice President called out the league’s “lack of accountability,” inconsistent officiating, and failure to match rising popularity with improved player conditions and pay. She also claimed Commissioner Catherine M. Engelbert dismissed concerns about officiating as “complaining for losers.”

Players, including A’ja Wilson, Angel Reese, and Nneka Ogwumike, quickly voiced their support, while rumors about Engelbert’s resignation swirled online, rumors the league denied. Engelbert issued a statement rejecting Collier’s characterization but avoided addressing the substance of her claims. With collective bargaining negotiations underway, Collier’s statement has dramatically raised the stakes.

Read the full story for deeper context, key quotes, and what this means for the WNBA’s future.

Sean “Diddy” Combs

Sean “Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to 50 months in federal prison after being convicted on two counts of transporting individuals across state lines for illegal sexual activity. Although a jury acquitted him of racketeering and sex trafficking charges earlier this year, the judge issued a sentence of just over four years, plus a $500,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Prosecutors had pushed for more than 11 years, citing the seriousness of the crimes. Combs’s legal team has already filed a notice of appeal, arguing the judge improperly considered conduct tied to acquitted charges.

Welcome to The Shelf, our curated corner for stories worth holding onto. Each month, we spotlight a book that moves, challenges, or inspires. Discover October’s pick here.

October’s Guide is here. Your curated map to the month’s most exciting cultural moments across New York, London, and Paris. Dive in here.

"The Terminal": Where we navigate the vast sea of information to bring you the essential stops for our global Black audience. As a bustling terminal serves as a gateway to new destinations, our curated content will be your passport to knowledge, empowerment, and connection. Embark on this journey with us as we explore the world from a unique perspective—yours.

  • CultureCon happened this weekend in Brooklyn, featuring hundreds of speakers and several networking opportunities.

  • Global brands are increasingly recognizing localized African markets. Nike’s Air Afrique speaks to the rising confidence in Africa’s fashion and streetwear culture.

  • Oakland’s Black Cowboy Parade & Heritage Festival honored the contributions of Black cowboys. They made up an estimated 25% of cowboys in the 19th century but remain largely absent from popular historical narratives.

  • A new hybrid cultural space, called House of African Worlds just launched in Paris. Funded by France’s Ministries of Culture and Foreign Affairs, it aims to serve as a gallery, debate forum, and incubator for African-descent creatives.

Conversations this week

The Whitaker Group founder, James Whitner, speaks about his career with The Cutting Room Floor.

Press Picks

  • Excited - DVSN

  • Indigo - Rachel Chinouriri

  • Pieces On My Neck - YFN Lucci feat. 21 Savage

  • Skido - Victony feat. Olamide

  • Legendary - Victoria Kimani, Focalistic, DJ Stavo

Tap in to the full playlist and follow along as we update it weekly.Check out our Malindi Press Play playlist that’s updated weekly! Listen Here!

Check out the Press Room Collection in the Malindi Press store! Use the code WELCOME10 for a 10% discount! Shop here!

Song of the Week: “Just How You Are” by Leon Thomas (U.S.A)

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