by Sharelle B. McNair

January 26, 2026

Justin Pearson On New Wave Of Leadership and Why This ‘New Moment’ Requires ‘Different Ideas’

Pearson is one of several new Black leaders running in hot-ticketed midterm elections, seeking to take over for incumbent leaders who have been glued to their elected seats for sometimes decades.

Democratic Tennessee State Rep. Justin Pearson is known for speaking his mind about the current state of politics, at home and across the country. Still, he’s taking it up a notch, touching on the need for change that requires new faces — even if that means challenging the members who paved the way.

Pearson is one of several new Black leaders running in hot-ticketed midterm elections, seeking to take over for incumbent leaders who have been glued to their elected seats for sometimes decades.

And in the second running of the Trump administration’s controversial policies, Pearson says it’s time for some to step aside. “This is a new moment that requires different ideas, requires new energy and new perspectives, and you cannot be a part of the system for 40 years and also be the one who’s going to change it for the next 40,” the 31-year-old told Politico.

“You’ve done the best that you could, and it’s time for other folks to be able to do the best that they can for the present and for the future.”

As Pearson launched a campaign to challenge incumbent Rep. Steve Cohen, 76, the ideology has trickled into territories that have served Black communities and beyond — the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC).

Since its 1971 establishment, the group has grown significantly, with a current roster of 62 members and an average member age of 60. While 60 should not be deemed “old” or out of touch, Pearson feels there needs to be a sense of adaptation to carry on, especially for the betterment of Black people.

“The Democratic Party has to adapt to survive. That work starts right now,” the once expelled leader said.

“Black folks in this country are still suffering disproportionately in every single category, and without leadership to elevate those concerns, those worries, those issues in a meaningful way, we’re never going to see that change.”

Some of the oldest House Democrats serve as CBC members, like Rep. Jim Clyburn, 85, who has represented South Carolina for more than 30 years, and California Rep. Maxine Waters, 87, who was first elected in 1990. Both have plans for reelection bids. It’s candidates like Pearson and Evan Turnage, the former senior staffer to Democratic Sens. Chuck Schumer (NY) and Elizabeth Warren (MA), who launched a primary campaign to take over for Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), 77, who have expressed their concerns.

“When I was born in 1992, this was the poorest district in the poorest state in the country,” Turnage, 33, said.

“Congressman Thompson was elected in ’93, and now today, I’m 33, and this is still the poorest district in the poorest state in the country.”

He agreed with Pearson’s sentiments on the need for fresh and new leadership, saying it’s time for long-serving members who have “failed” younger generations. “Just because you’ve been around the block for 30 years doesn’t mean you’re delivering results for the district, doesn’t mean you’re delivering results for your constituents,” Turnage said.

The wave of new leadership featuring Black faces seems never-ending from the West to the East Coast. In Georgia, Everton Blair, who made history as the youngest, first Black, and first openly gay person elected to the Gwinnett County Board of Education, is eyeing the congressional seat of the state’s 13th District.

According to ABC News, Blair launched a primary bid against incumbent Rep. David Scott, who has held the seat for 22 years.

His goal is to serve as an “agile and present” leader, something the 32-year-old no longer sees in Scott. “I’m running because District 13, my home turf, deserves better leadership. And I think we learned a vital lesson in November. We need to respond immediately to the chaos of this administration with stronger, more competent, and forceful leadership,” Blair said.

“When somebody’s served in elected office for over 50 years, there comes a time when you have to ask when you’re actually ready to prepare the next generation of leadership.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 26, 2026

Ye Apologizes To Jewish People, Black Community In WSJ Ad Addressing ‘Those I’ve Hurt’

Ye says his offensive remarks stemmed from improper treatment of his 2002 car crash.

Ye has made an official apology for his past ways in a new public advertisement.

The rapper formerly known as Kanye West shared the apology in the Wall Street Journal Jan. 26, buying up the ad space to do so. Titled “To Those I’ve Hurt,” the father of four addressed his previous anti-semitic and racist remarks that offended multiple groups, especially the Jewish and Black communities. His offensive commentary led to his disgrace in the public eye, including the separation of his fashion brand, Yeezy, from its primary distributor, Adidas.

The letter, paid for by Yeezy, has Ye describing his own reasoning for his mental decline. He claims the rants stemmed from his 2022 car crash, which allegedly caused neurological damage that went untreated for years. X user Kurrco reposted the full letter.

Ye took out a Wall Street Journal ad to apologize for past antisemitic remarks.

In an open letter paid for by Yeezy, Ye apologized for his past remarks, which he claims stemmed from neurological damage after a 2002 car crash:

"To Those I’ve Hurt:

Twenty-five years ago, I was… pic.twitter.com/R2lGi1dGF8
— Kurrco (@Kurrco) January 26, 2026

“Twenty-five years ago, I was in a car accident that broke my jaw and caused injury to the right frontal lobe of my brain. At the time, the focus was on the visible damage—the fracture, the swelling, and the immediate physical trauma. The deeper injury, the one inside my skull, went unnoticed.”

Ye explained how he never received a proper diagnosis until 2023, which caused “serious damage” to his mental state. He also stated that the “medical oversight” led to his bipolar disorder.

He explained how the disorder impacted his behavior, leading him not to heed others’ warnings about his actions. The Yeezy founder shared that he “lost touch with reality” and said things he “deeply regret[s].”

Ye continued, “The scariest thing about this disorder is how persuasive it is when it tells you: You don’t need help. It makes you blind, but convinced you have insight. You feel powerful, certain, unstoppable.”

The 48-year-old then addressed the “poor judgment” behind his anti-semitic remarks and accompanying fashion statements. He reaffirmed his love for Jewish people while asserting that he is not a Nazi, before speaking directly to another group he disappointed, the Black community.

“To the black community, which held me down through all of the highs and lows and the darkest of times. The black community is, unquestionably, the foundation of who I am. I am so sorry to have let you down. I love us,” wrote the rapper.

Confirming that he underwent a four-month-long manic episode, he thanked his wife, Bianca Censori, for helping him get help as he reached rock bottom. This latest apology marks a previous attempt to make amends with the religious group, previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE.

Now, Ye intends to rebuild his relationship with the public as he hopes to lead a new path.

“As I find my new baseline and new center through an effective regime of medication, therapy, exercise, and clean living, I have newfound, much-needed clarity. I am pouring my energy into positive, meaningful art: music, clothing, design, and other new ideas to help the world.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 26, 2026

African TikTok Star Khaby Lame Inks $900M Partnership To Revolutionize Influencer Deals

The partnership will grow Lame's brand into the e-commerce sector.

Khaby Lame is already a trailblazer on TikTok, but is now using his platform to transform the influencer landscape.

The Senegalese-born TikToker has inked a $900 million acquisition and strategic partnership deal with Rich Sparkle Holdings. As the content creator enters the deal with the U.S.-based company, Rich Sparkle will gain exclusive commercial rights to Lame’s expansive brand, as reported by Business Insider Africa. Lame already boasts an over 160 million following on TikTok alone.

In the innovative partnership, Lame sold part of his company, Step Distinctive Limited, to the firm. While Rich Sparkle will oversee operations to scale Lame’s influential brand for a 36-month period, it will do so with Lame remaining in the driver’s seat as controlling shareholder.

Rich Sparkle Holdings will manage Lame’s brand partnerships, endorsements, licensing, and e-commerce ventures, proposing $4 billion in expected sales from the joint venture. Lame will not only remain a creative force driving his brand, but a managing voice in the direction of the company.

However, the growth drivers also stem from implementing supply chain infrastructure to the platform’s marketing reach and Lame’s own content strategy. Evolving Lame’s influence from content curation to creator-led e-commerce, the new deal could transform how influencers interact with their widespread following for years to come.

“This is not just an equity acquisition, but a revolution in the global content e-commerce model,” explained Rich Sparkle Holdings on the news.

However, this deal will also extend to technological advancements as well. Lame also signed on for a AI-generated version of himself to take shape, allowing for more “round the clock” and multi-lingual content for the influencer to entertain the world. The deal will also reach into the beauty, fragrance, and apparel sectors, placing Lame at the forefront of new media avenues to capitalize on.

Lame has already become a major player for TikTok creators, accruing millions in followers and paychecks from his content style of comedic, silent videos. From Fortnite collaborations to UNICEF ambassadorships for his native country, Lame will continue elevating what it means to be a global entertainment influencer.

The rollout of this commercial strategy will begin in several regions, including the United States, with an additional global partnership with a China-based content commerce operator to drive its e-commerce sector.

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 26, 2026

Target CEO Along With Other Minnesota Executives Call For ICE Brigade To End As Workforce Dwindles As A Result Of Raids

Target staffers at roughly two stores have told managers they’re too afraid to come into work.

As ICE agents continue to cause havoc in the city of Minneapolis and throughout the state of Minnesota, CEOs of companies, such as Target, are finally speaking out as it’s starting to affect business.

Before he steps down for new leadership to take over, the retail giant CEO Brian Cornell is scheduled to meet with agents Jan. 29 as The Los Angeles Times reports local faith leaders and activists are demanding the company ban ICE from stores and parking lots as they have scared some employees from coming to work amid a few being detained.

Using internal Slack channels, workers have expressed their grievances about the company’s silence. When Renee Good was gunned down by a federal agent in early January 2026, the company remained silent. Now, people are seeking a clear statement condemning the operation. However, incoming CEO Michael Fiddelke, who is set to start Feb. 1, is focused on regaining company trust with revitalized sales while the company is still dealing with the massive backlash of dialing back on its DEI initiatives that have put so many Black entrepreneurs on the national stage.

Chief Human Resources Officer, Melissa Kremer, released a memo highlighting company plans to seemingly address concerns, revealing the security teams are increasing communication with workers based in the Twin Cities area. “While we can’t control everything happening around us, we are focused on what we can control,” the memo read.

“We’re listening and working to de-escalate where possible — while staying clear on what we need to safely operate our business and care for our team.”

Fear has spread amongst Target employees after ICE snatched two U.S. citizen employees from a store in Richfield, Minnesota. Staffers at roughly two stores have told managers they’re too afraid to come into work. But Target isn’t the biggest sufferer in the matter.

Hotels and restaurants have been hit the hardest during ICE’s takeover tactics. Adam Duininck, CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown Council, called it “a really complicated issue,” highlighting that the decrease in foot traffic will have a “chilling impact” on the local economy as a whole. He touched on the city still rebuilding after the unrest suffered following George Floyd’s 2020 murder at the hands of police. “I expect that the longer this lasts, the more business leaders will speak out,” Duininck said.

Seems like the time is now. Sixty CEOs of Minnesota-based companies such as Target, Best Buy, and General Mills, signed a letter to the Trump Administration, ICE, and officials at the state and local level for an “immediate de-escalation of tensions” after Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, was added to the list of citizens killed by federal agents. “With yesterday’s tragic news, we are calling for an immediate deescalation of tensions and for state, local and federal officials to work together to find real solutions,” the letter read, highlighting communication with Gov. Tim Walz, local mayors, President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, according to USA Today.

NEW: The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce released this letter on behalf of more than 60 CEOs of Minnesota-based companies today. https://t.co/n4x7yJGoJv pic.twitter.com/uzXg0tzjIm
— Minnesota Chamber of Commerce (@MN_Chamber) January 25, 2026

“The recent challenges facing our state have created widespread disruption and tragic loss of life. There are ways for us to come together to foster progress.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 26, 2026

Chicago Bulls Retire Hometown Hero Derrick Rose’s No. 1 Jersey

The Chicago native retired in 2024.

Former Chicago Bulls player Derrick Rose announced his retirement from the NBA after 16 seasons in 2024, shortly before the season started, and the team honored him on Jan. 24 by hanging his jersey number in the rafters of the United Center.

According to NBA.com, the hometown hero is the fifth Bulls player to have his number retired, joining Jerry Sloan (No. 4), Bob Love (No. 10), Michael Jordan (No. 23), and Scottie Pippen (No. 33). His uniform number was 1. Rose was unfortunately plagued with injuries throughout his NBA career.

Before the game against the Boston Celtics, which the Bulls won, 106-103, he stated, “It was unreal. It still didn’t hit me. All of this, I’m still taking in and trying to process in real time. Even with the weather conditions outside, knowing it’s a Chicago thing to show up, to fight, to show up to an event, that’s huge.”

The team raised the banner and made it official after the Bulls’ victory.

At the start of the ceremony, former Bulls players Taj Gibson and Luol Deng delivered opening remarks, and about 20 of Rose’s former teammates, including Joakim Noah, Ben Gordon, Kirk Hinrich, and coach Tom Thibodeau, were in attendance.

As he accepted his honor, with the uniform raised to the rafters alongside the other legends who made history in Chicago, he expressed gratitude to the franchise and the fans, telling them the journey wasn’t about him.

“This journey was never about me,” he said. “Right from the jump, it was about creating a synergy that somehow people from the city can pull from. And somehow, I was that beacon or that vessel for the movement. But now, being 37 and looking at the totality of it, it never was about me. It was about everybody that found ways to come to my games. Somehow, we had some type of vibration that connected. … It was always meant to be.”

Now that he is no longer playing, he wants to concentrate on other passions, including his flower shop, as he contemplates what’s next for his career.

“Who knows what’s next?” he said. “My goal isn’t being around the game like that. I want to curate things, the flower shop, chess, to separate myself. I want to be in lanes nobody else is in. You’ll see.”

According to NBA.com, Rose entered the NBA after being selected No. 1 overall by the Chicago Bulls in 2008. The Chicago native won the Rookie of the Year award and was chosen for the All-Star team in three of his first four seasons. He became the league’s youngest MVP when he won the award in 2011. He was just 22 years old at the time.

The point guard played his last season with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he also played his collegiate career at the University of Memphis. It wasn’t lost on him when he returned to the city that year. He also played for the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minneapolis Timberwolves, and Detroit Pistons.

You can check out his full speech below:

Nicki, Minaj, pink Friday 2, album, pure sales, streaming, billboard

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 26, 2026

Nicki Minaj To Continue Riding MAGA Train With Appearance At Trump Summit

Minaj is continuing to align herself with MAGA as she supports Trump at his upcoming summit.

Nicki Minaj is still trading in her pink wig for a red MAGA hat.

The controversial rapper will appear as a guest on behalf of President Donald Trump at an upcoming summit. The event, set for Jan. 28, is about the president’s latest eponymously named venture, the Trump Account.

According to Complex, the summit plans to encourage parents to set up retirement accounts for their children, a provision initially included in Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill. While the event’s headlining speakers are Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trump himself, the Head Barb-in-Chief made her own announcement of her expected appearance.

Minaj opted to confirm the news to the “Barbz,” her dedicated fan base, herself. The “Barbie Tingz” rapper reposted a flyer Jan. 24 that listed her as a special guest at the Trumps Account Summit.

The true meaning of paying it forward.

Early financial literacy & financial support for our children will give them a major head start in life.

In some cases, they will end up teaching their very own parents how to invest & what to invest in.

This makes me very happy. 🎀 https://t.co/s8jkp8O9lu
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) January 24, 2026

As for her involvement in the MAGA event, Minaj called it a way of “paying it forward” for the next generation of baby Republicans. She deemed it as “financial support” for American youth, a cause she proudly stands for.

“The true meaning of paying it forward,” wrote Minaj on X, “Early financial literacy & financial support for our children will give them a major head start in life. “

However, given who she is standing with, fans and general hip-hop enthusiasts have side-eyed Minaj’s MAGA antics. The New York artist, however, has still shown up to amplify her new conservative platform. She previously appeared at a Turning Point USA event to speak with Erika Kirk, widow of the late Charlie Kirk.

While explicitly stating she will be there, Minaj made a slight jump scare with her continued support for MAGA. Before posting actual words, she used a meme of the fictional doll Chucky to scare critics about her involvement.

https://t.co/iTvw2976hb pic.twitter.com/P64sz0b1H7
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) January 24, 2026

Minaj, however, is trying to rise above the backlash. She further explained how the Trump Account is a good way for parents and children to learn about investing.

The mother of one added,” In some cases, they will end up teaching their very own parents how to invest & what to invest in. This makes me very happy.”

Jemele Hill, ESPN, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, basketball, rivalry

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 26, 2026

Jemele Hill Calls Out The ‘Consequences’ Of Normalizing Sports Betting Culture

Jemele Hill speaks candidly about the risks of a normalized sports betting culture and its growing influence on younger fans.

Between nonstop ads across screens to branded stadiums and team jerseys, today’s sports landscape has made sports betting almost impossible to ignore. With wagering now woven into nearly every part of the fan experience, Jemele Hill is stepping into the conversation, raising concerns about what she views as the growing dangers of an increasingly normalized sports betting culture.

The veteran sports commentator dives deep into the matter in VICE TV’s Out of Bounds: The Sports Betting Boom, the third installment of the Out of Bounds series that examines the changing landscape of modern sports and sports betting culture. In the episode, Hill reflects on her own experiences with sports gambling and explores how its rapid rise has altered the way fans and players engage with professional sports.

“Once the Supreme Court made sports gambling available everywhere, I think we have seen a number of scandals, gambling scandals related to sports across different sports,” Hill told BLACK ENTERPRISE.

The Jemele Hill is Unbothered host compared the rapid growth of sports betting to the tobacco industry, noting how cigarettes once became deeply normalized through constant promotion across popular culture.

“I think we need to think very carefully about where and how this is being normalized,” Hill explained. “You know, tobacco cigarettes became cool because movie stars did it. Because, you know, people in movies smoked, because smoking seemed like something that was alluring and sexy and those kinds of things.”

And so I think we need to be very clear and very cognizant of how this is being marketed, especially to younger people, because I think that’s where the real danger lies, you know, young people being able to access sports gambling on their phone, you know, when they turn 18. I’m not sure if that’s a good idea.”

In recent years, several professional athletes across major sports leagues have been caught up in gambling-related scandals, underscoring the risks tied to the rapid expansion of sports betting.

From players betting on games to violations involving insider information and betting accounts, the growing number of incidents reflects how deeply betting has seeped into sports culture and how normalization may be blurring ethical lines for both players and fans alike, Hill says.

“I think we’re just going to have to get accustomed to hearing about players betting on themselves, betting on their sport, betting on other sports, and running into these situations that used to be considered to be something that was a cardinal sin in sports,” she explained.

“Gambling on the game, you know, compromising your professional integrity as it relates to sports gambling, you know, was something that destroyed a player’s career. And so, but I think now we’re in the age that gambling has become so normalized and so accepted that we’re going to be living in the consequences of it.”

In Out of Bounds, Hill and other sports insiders examine the point at which fandom turns into addiction through sports betting, and how gambling has seeped into the daily lives of both fans and players, as reflected in recent headlines.

Hill says the trend highlights a growing dehumanization of athletes themselves.

“It’s a common blind spot, I think most fans have, is that in their minds, the players aren’t real people to them. They are just entertainment vessels,” she explained. “And so because of that, I think they have, their default mode is to dehumanize the players. And, you know, they don’t understand that, yes, many of them lead great lives in the sense that they have money, they have adulation, they have fame, but often those things come at a price and a cost.”

As a prominent voice in sports media, Hill openly acknowledges her experiences with sports gambling but notes that she’s able to keep it in check.

Still, she worries about how today’s betting-saturated culture is shaping younger sports fans, who are growing up with gambling woven into nearly every part of the game.

“I’m not gonna be on a high horse and act like I’ve never gambled on sports. I do maybe once or twice a year, maybe,” Hill admitted. “But what you are seeing is that younger and younger sports fans are, because they have access to this so early, that I think, you know, a nation, there’s gonna be a generation of sports gambling addicts that pretty much have developed right under our nose.”

The author and sports journalist points to fan engagement platforms like Fantasy Football as clear examples of how betting culture has reshaped the way fans experience the NFL. What was once a Sunday spent simply enjoying matchups between teams has become an increasingly high-stakes pursuit, with fans focused on individual outcomes and potential payouts tied to their bets.

“Even though people look at this harmlessly, I mean, let’s be honest, fantasy football is really just gambling at the core of it,” Hill declared. “It may not be as intense as, say, prop betting, but you know, I did fantasy football for a while, and I was even the lead commissioner a couple of times, and I saw then how it changes how you watch the game because you become much less interested in like teams and more interested in individual players.”

“And you even run into uncomfortable situations where you’re rooting against your own team because you want to win your fantasy game.”

With sports betting heavily promoted in an era when younger college-level athletes can profit from their name, image, and likeness through NIL deals, Hill believes the moment calls for stronger oversight of sports gambling.

She is emphasizing the need for safeguards to protect both young fans and athletes navigating an increasingly betting-driven sports culture.

“I think we need to be conscious and not pretend that we are marketing something that is, you know, we’re not marketing something that’s gonna necessarily be positive over the course of time,” she said. “There are plenty of people, I get it, that gamble responsibly, but I think how appealing we’ve made this for young people is something that we really ought to put in check.”

Catch more of Jemele Hill’s take on the issue when Out of Bounds: The Sports Betting Boom premieres on VICE TV Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 9:00 PM ET.

by Mary Spiller

January 26, 2026

South African Court Clears Path For Sale Of Nelson Mandela Memorabilia

The items are owned by Mandela’s daughter Makaziwe and former Robben Island warden Christo Brand.

A South African appeals court has ruled against a government heritage agency’s attempt to prevent the sale and overseas export of dozens of personal items once belonging to Nelson Mandela, dealing a blow to efforts to classify the objects as protected national heritage.

As reported by the BBC, the Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed an application by the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA), which had sought to block the auction of about 70 artifacts tied to the anti-apartheid icon. The collection includes a prison cell key from Robben Island, where Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years behind bars, along with personal effects such as a tennis racket, aviator sunglasses, and one of his distinctive patterned shirts.

The items are jointly owned by Mandela’s eldest daughter, Makaziwe Mandela, and Christo Brand, a former Robben Island prison warden who worked closely with Mandela during his incarceration. They were initially slated to be auctioned in the United States.
SAHRA argued that the objects formed part of South Africa’s cultural heritage and were therefore protected from being sold or removed from the country under the National Heritage Resources Act. The agency became aware of the planned sale after a British newspaper reported in late 2021 that the prison key alone could fetch more than $1.35 million.

Following that report, SAHRA contacted the U.S.-based auction house Guernsey, requesting that the sale be halted and the items returned to South Africa. The broader collection also includes a copy of the 1996 South African Constitution signed by Mandela, one of his charcoal sketches, his identification card, gifts from international leaders, and memorabilia from his time on Robben Island.

Makaziwe Mandela has said she intended to use funds raised from the auction to create a memorial garden at her father’s gravesite in Qunu, in South Africa’s Eastern Cape.

In its ruling, the appeals court found that SAHRA’s reading of the heritage law was “overly broad.” The judges noted that while Makaziwe Mandela and Brand had provided detailed explanations for why their possessions should not be classified as heritage objects, the agency “made no attempt” to clearly justify its position.

Makaziwe Mandela welcomed the judgment, criticizing the agency for presuming “to know my father’s last wishes better than those who were beside him at the end — his family.” She added, “Nobody is more invested in ensuring Tata’s legacy endures in the way he would want to be remembered than those who carry his name.”

She said no final decision has yet been made about whether the items will still go to auction.

The ruling has reignited debate in South Africa, with some arguing that artifacts linked to Mandela should remain in the country for public preservation, while others maintain that his family has the right to decide their fate.

Mandela, who died in 2013 at age 95, led the African National Congress in the struggle against apartheid, was released from prison in 1990, and became South Africa’s first democratically elected president in 1994 after winning the Nobel Peace Prize the year before.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 25, 2026

Winter Storm Ravages Across U.S. With Threats Of Power Outages And ‘Catastrophic’ Ice Levels

Several states are preparing for historic ice levels and days-long power outages.

As a historic winter storm makes it way across the southern and eastern parts of the United States, millions prepare for power outages and ice accumulation.

Weather experts have expressed warnings about the potential impact of Winter Storm Fern as it hit the U.S. this weekend. As millions expect to face the storm, those across numerous states have already faced travel disruptions and dangerously low temperatures.

The storm’s major impact began to affect cities the morning of Jan. 25. As a wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain pummeled streets, forecasters warned people to remain at home and off the roads. According to NPR, states like Texas, Louisiana, and Tennessee are among those worst affected.

For many, the greatest concern lies in the ice accumulations, making travel nearly impossible across the South. The ice totals remain especially perilous, as it could impact travel for days with slippery roads and broken power lines.

“Whenever we see these big ice events, we’ll see various hazards; obviously, bridges and overpasses being frozen over, and with trees and various different things that could fall into the roadways or potentially fall on houses,” said Nicholas Price, an NWS meteorologist in Texas.

Other states along the northeastern coast could also experience nearly one to two feet of snow, with wind chills potentially reaching 50 below zero in some upstate New York counties.

Even airports have faced immense cancellations, with Washington, D.C.’s Ronald Reagan airport cancelling all flights scheduled Jan. 25. However, experts told the news outlet of several ways to navigate the impact of the winter storm, even as some elements remain unavoidable.

People were encouraged to stock up on items to get them through the roughest days of the storm, staying mindful to only purchase necessities as emergency officials work to re-open operations. Several schools, such as the University of Georgia in Athens, have encouraged students to stay home through the weekend in light of the storm.

With outages expected, officials also warned for individuals to keep devices charged before power cuts. Many states have also provided information regarding shelters and warming centers for those at risk in unhoused situations.

Most importantly, officials from New Mexico to Mississippi are emphasizing the importance for residents to heed these concerns. Remaining off roads and taking an abundance of caution could make a vital difference as the storm takes shape across America.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 25, 2026

Cristina Payne Speaks Out After Footage Of Alleged 2024 Assault By Comedian Corey Holcomb Is Released

Payne claims Holcomb had a gun on him as the event took a violent turn.

Cristina Payne is speaking out about an alleged assault involving fellow comedian Corey Holcomb.

Newly released surveillance footage of the incident has stunned viewers — and Payne herself. She alleges that Holcomb became enraged during a roast outside the Hollywood Improv comedy club in Los Angeles in December 2024, leading to the confrontation.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Bizi Room (@thebiziroom)

The just-released video showed the confrontation between a man and woman, who appeared to be Payne and Holcomb, as fellow attendees surrounded them.

As tensions escalated, the man then walked up to the woman, punching her in the face. A male bystander then grabbed Holcomb and attacked him after Payne was stuck. This resulted in others getting involved in the fight.

She spoke to TMZ on Jan. 23 about the ordeal, becoming visibly shaken as she recalled the attack.

“It is hard even seeing that right now, seeing that playback and having to relive all of this all over again,” shared the emotional Payne.

Payne, however, explained that the video does not show the full recount of the incident. The California native also alleged that Holcomb had a gun on him, handing it off as things got heated.

“There’s a gun involved that he passed off to another comedian…before he hit me,” she said as began to choke up. “So literally I am fighting with my mouth for my life roasting this dude…”

TMZ host Harvey Levin asked if Payne will take legal action against Holcomb. In response, Payne choked up about her experience since the assault. She explained how she feels silenced in the aftermath, despite initially filing a battery report with the LAPD.

“I feel like Corey [Holcomb]’s threatened or tried to silence me. I’ve been in fear for my life literally, not able to leave the house sometimes.”

However, police did not make any arrest of Holcomb, who also unsuccessfully tried to get a restraining order against her. In the interview, Payne clarified that the two actually filed restraining orders against each other. However, the legal process came to a halt due to apparent harassment of Payne’s attorney.

“Literally, it’s horrible, the way he treats women, the way he talks about us. And to the point where it’s like ‘really you’re going to hit me because I’m telling you about God and you need to change your ways.'”

Payne then also shared how the LAPD’s lack of action led to no further progress on the matter. However, the video’s public release has brought attention back to the assault, potentially relaunching Payne’s own quest for justice.

Although questioned on whether Holcomb’s own allegations that she sparked the incident are true, Payne remained adamant that she did not do anything to warrant the violence against her.

“Basically, at the end of the day, he put his hands on me,” she asserted. “I didn’t do anything to him.”

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