outpost set to serve as a community hub and job training center for local residents.
Powell claims that he agreed to lease a property in the Shaw neighborhood to Banks at a discounted rate, with the understanding that she would invest in renovations and operational costs. However, he alleges that Banks failed to uphold her end of the deal, leading to financial losses and reputational damage for Powell’s real estate business. The lawsuit seeks to recover the costs associated with the failed lease agreement, as well as damages for lost income and legal fees.
Representatives for Banks have not publicly commented on the lawsuit, which comes at a time when the supermodel-turned-entrepreneur is expanding her Smize & Dream brand to new markets across the country. The D.C. location was intended to be a flagship store for the innovative ice cream concept, which features liquid nitrogen-frozen desserts in a range of flavors and toppings. Despite the legal challenge, Banks remains committed to growing her business and empowering communities through the Smize & Dream mission of creativity, inclusivity, and social impact.
5. AFCON to be held every four years from 2028
The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be held every four years starting from 2028, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced. The decision to change the tournament’s schedule follows a review of the competition format and calendar, aimed at enhancing the quality and competitiveness of African football on the global stage. AFCON has traditionally been held every two years, with the next edition scheduled for January 2026 in Cameroon.
Under the new four-year cycle, AFCON will align with the FIFA World Cup schedule, allowing African players to participate in both tournaments without overlapping commitments. The move is expected to benefit clubs, national teams, and players by reducing fixture congestion and ensuring adequate preparation time for major international competitions. CAF president Patrice Motsepe emphasized the importance of strategic planning and long-term sustainability in shaping the future of African football, noting that the decision to shift AFCON to a quadrennial format reflects the organization’s commitment to excellence and innovation.
The revised AFCON schedule will also impact qualification criteria for the tournament, with CAF set to introduce new pathways for teams to earn berths in the flagship event. The changes are part of a broader effort to modernize and streamline African football governance, with a focus on enhancing fan engagement, commercial opportunities, and grassroots development initiatives. As preparations begin for the inaugural four-year AFCON cycle in 2028, stakeholders across the continent are eager to see how the revised tournament format will shape the future of the beautiful game in Africa. The concept of blending dessert retail with youth education initiatives is a unique and innovative idea that has the potential to make a significant impact on the community. The flagship store envisioned for this global concept would not only offer delicious desserts but also provide educational opportunities for young people.
Unfortunately, a legal dispute has arisen surrounding a proposed flagship store in the Eastern Market area. Powell claims that a 10-year commercial lease was signed in April 2024, but Banks and her team abruptly abandoned the project two months later and failed to pay rent. Banks and Martin, on the other hand, argue that they withdrew after not receiving access to the full space they believed they had leased and provided advance notice to Powell.
As the legal battle unfolds, Banks continues to expand the Smize & Dream brand, with a flagship store already operating in Sydney, Australia. The vision for the flagship store is to create a space where young people can not only enjoy delicious desserts but also engage in educational programs that will empower them to succeed in their future endeavors.
In other news, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be held every four years starting in 2028, marking a departure from the traditional biennial schedule that has been in place since 1968. This decision aims to ease fixture congestion and raise the prestige of the tournament by aligning it with global tournament cycles.
The announcement was made by Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe following a CAF executive committee meeting in Morocco. The decision to move AFCON to a four-year cycle was made in consultation with FIFA president Gianni Infantino and FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafström. In addition to the change in schedule, CAF will introduce an African Nations League starting in 2029 and increase the prize money for AFCON champions.
Overall, these developments in the dessert retail and sports industries indicate a shift towards innovation, growth, and a commitment to providing opportunities for young people to thrive. It will be interesting to see how these initiatives unfold and the impact they have on their respective communities.
