by Sharelle B. McNair

December 29, 2025

Where’s The Oversight? Democrats Accuse Trump Cabinet Of Dodging Congress

Democrats question whether the Trump administration is dodging Capitol Hill hearings to keep secrets.

The pattern of Trump administration leaders not testifying publicly on Capitol Hill is causing leaders of the Democratic Party to wonder if this is another strategy to avoid the legislative branch—and keep secrets.

There are several important issues that lawmakers’ constituents want to hear about from members of the Trump administration. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. hasn’t testified before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee since May 2025 amid growing concerns on his vaccine skepticism.

Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) claims he had a commitment from Kennedy to testify once a quarter if asked, the Washington Post reports. But that has yet to happen.

Similar instances have occurred with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem, who has pushed against testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee amid growing criticism of ICE agents terrorizing the streets of metro U.S. cities. Defense—or Department of War Secretary—Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio decided to brief lawmakers privately on the administration’s controversial strikes on boats accused of carrying drugs on the Caribbean Sea. But voters have yet to hear from them about the strikes.

And Democrats want to know why.

“We’ve had no serious public congressional hearings on the threat of military conflict off the coast of Venezuela, no public testimony from defense officials on this issue,” Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) said. “Where are Senate Republicans? Where’s the oversight?”

Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, a top Democrat serving on the Senate Armed Services Committee, described December 2025 as being “entirely dissatisfied with the Trump administration’s engagement with Congress” especially regarding the boat strikes that have killed more than 100 people.

While White House spokesperson Anna Kelly released a statement that the administration communicates with lawmakers on the regular, “constantly explaining our policies and receiving real-time feedback to ensure we are most effectively implementing the agenda the American people elected President Trump to enact,” the receipts say differently.

Key figures in the administration testified more during year one of former President Joe Biden’s reign than they have since President Donald Trump took over, with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee having two full committee hearings with administration witnesses in 2025—down from 24 hearings in 2021. The House Foreign Affairs Committee made 47 appearances in 2021 alone and only 12 this year.

Of course, GOP members like Sen. James E. Risch (R-ID), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, disagree with Democrats. Risch said he is “very satisfied” with the team’s engagement and “looks forward to more hearings” in the new year.

Republicans hyping up the administration’s “engagement” could just be another strategy to keep them at the forefront of voters as midterm season is getting ready to gear up. During an appearance on Fox News, Republican strategist Karl Rove encouraged Trump leaders to hype up the accomplishments as an attempt to guarantee support in the midterms.

According to The Hill, Rove pointed out that Trump is ending the year with the “lowest approval rating in modern times for a president” and he “has got to get those numbers up. He [Trump] needs to lower the expectations, and over-deliver. Under-promise and over-deliver ought to be the goal of the next year.”

Added Rove, “Americans are not feeling the economy is great. For him to stand up and say—as he did first in Pennsylvania, then in North Carolina—that ‘everything is great,’ it does not resonate with the felt experience of ordinary American families.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 29, 2025

Russell Wilson And Ciara Donate $3M To Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital In NYC

Russell and Ciara Wilson brought holiday cheer with a $3 million donation to a New York City children’s hospital.

New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson is making a major impact at a local children’s hospital in New York City through regular visits and a massive donation.

Wilson and his Grammy-winning wife, Ciara, have donated $3 million to Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital on the Upper East Side, ABC 7 NY reported. The donation, made through the famous couple’s Why Not You Foundation, comes along with weekly visits Wilson makes to the children’s hospital.

“You know, my dad was unfortunately always in the hospital; he had diabetes. My mom was an ER nurse when I was growing up. So, for me, I felt like, ‘How could I make a difference somewhere?’” Wilson shared.

The donation will fund new therapeutic play and creative arts spaces at Kravis Children’s Hospital, including the Child Life Zone Theater —dubbed “The Zone” — where kids can enjoy movies, performances, family events, and creative arts therapy without doctors present. It will also support the Play Space in the Jack Martin Fund Inpatient Unit for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disease, the hospital’s only on-unit playroom for immunocompromised pediatric cancer patients.

Pediatric patients at the hospital have also been enjoying Wilson’s joy and thoughtful gifts during his weekly visits. The Wilsons’ foundation has maintained a long-standing partnership with the hospital through the Jack Martin Fund.

“On behalf of the Why Not You Foundation, we are extremely grateful for the opportunity to support and be part of the expansion of patient and family programs and facilities at Kravis Children’s Hospital,” Wilson said. “Ciara and I created the Why Not You Foundation, inspired by my father’s ‘Why Not You’ attitude, for kids to follow their dreams, and we believe every child deserves a safe space where they can thrive….[We’re] honored to help provide these kids with the resources they deserve.”

by Mary Spiller

December 29, 2025

Popular Tech YouTuber Lamarr Wilson Dies At 48

The longtime content creator, known online as the “Tech Lifestyle Entertainer,” was remembered by loved ones and fans for his energy, creativity and influence across the tech community.

Lamarr Wilson, a well-known technology influencer and veteran YouTuber with millions of followers across social media, has died at the age of 48, according to officials and statements from his family.

As reported by the Daily News, public records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirm that Wilson died on Nov. 21 at a residence in Los Angeles. The cause of death was listed as asphyxia and suffocation. Authorities did not release additional details surrounding the circumstances.

Concerns about Wilson’s well-being first began circulating in mid-November, when followers noticed a sudden halt in his typically frequent online activity. Wilson, who often posted multiple times per week, had not shared new content for several days. His final video was uploaded on Nov. 12.

The family publicly confirmed his death on Dec. 13 in a Facebook post, expressing both grief and pride in his accomplishments. “We, the Wilson Family, are heartbroken with this news of Lamarr’s passing,” the statement read. “He had so many projects in the making, scheduled and contracted with various tech and media companies requesting his expertise.”

The family also acknowledged the outpouring of support following the announcement. They thanked Wilson’s management team and “all the fans he mentored, helped or inspired” throughout his career.

Known to his audience as the “Tech Lifestyle Entertainer,” Wilson built a following of nearly 3.5 million people across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. His content blended humor with accessible reviews of consumer technology, including smartphones, computers, gaming consoles, and smart home products.

Over the years, Wilson collaborated with major technology companies such as Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Nintendo. He was also a longtime contributor to the Daily Tech News Show podcast, where he appeared regularly for more than a decade. In addition, Wilson hosted and produced two digital series for Mashable — YouTube Weekly and Socially Awkward.

Shortly before his death, the YouTube influencer had been selected to serve as a judge for the upcoming CES Innovation Awards in Las Vegas, scheduled for January. This role reflected his standing within the tech industry.

Following news of his passing, fans flooded social media with tributes and personal reflections. “Rest in peace, man, you were always so energetic and entertaining,” one follower wrote. Another shared how Wilson’s videos helped them through a difficult time, crediting him with bringing light during a “dark moment.”

As messages continued to circulate online, many described Wilson as both influential and deeply human — a creator whose enthusiasm left a lasting impression well beyond the screen.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 29, 2025

Stefon Diggs Catches Another $500K Bonus With 80th Reception Of Season

The bonus occurred one week after Diggs landed a $500,000 stat-based bonus.

A week after earning an additional $500,000 to his annual salary, New England Patriots’ Stefon Diggs made another $500,000 after reaching 80 receptions for the season.

According to CBS Sports, the wide receiver entered the contest against the New York Jets with 76 receptions, only needing four to reach the financial bonus. He did so in grand fashion with a little over three minutes remaining in the first quarter of the game. Quarterback Drake Maye threw the ball to him while at their own 34-yard line. Diggs caught the ball over a defender and tapped both feet along the sideline to get his bonus and keep the Patriots’ drive alive.

Diggs ended the game with six catches, 101 receiving yards, and one touchdown. For the season, he has 82 receptions for 970 yards, setting him up for another incentive in the last week of the regular season. If he gets 30 yards in the next game, hitting 1,000 for the season, he will walk away with another $500,000.

With its blowout 42-10 blowout win against the Jets, the Patriots improved to 13-3 for the season. If they beat the Miami Dolphins next week, their 14-3 record would be their best since 2016, when the Tom Brady-led Pats finished 14-2 and won the Super Bowl.

If they win and the Los Angeles Chargers beat the Denver Broncos, the Patriots will end the season as the AFC’s No. 1 seed, earning a first-round bye. This is a remarkable turnaround from last season, when they went 4-13.

Diggs’ presence on the team has helped the franchise become an elite team again. After suffering a torn ACL during his lone season with the Houston Texans, Diggs inked a three-year, $63.5 million deal with the Patriots in March, with $22.6 million guaranteed.

by Mary Spiller

December 29, 2025

The Ultimate Betrayal: Oklahoma Man Believes Date Orchestrated Failed Christmas Morning Home Robbery

Two women were arrested in connection with an alleged burglary plot, while multiple male suspects remain at large and are considered armed and dangerous, police said.

Police in Newcastle, Oklahoma, are asking for the public’s help after an attempted home invasion early Christmas morning that authorities say involved multiple suspects, two of whom have already been arrested.

According to the Newcastle Police Department, officers responded to reports of a burglary in progress at a residential home, but several male suspects fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. Investigators say the incident appears to have been planned, with surveillance footage showing activity that escalated into an attempted forced entry.

Homeowner Arthur Jones said he became alarmed when he noticed suspicious behavior outside his residence. “They were running around, running back and forth in my front yard, trying to figure out how they could penetrate or try to make their arrangements to get inside my house,” Jones said.

Jones described the experience as frightening, saying several men attempted to kick in his front door while he was inside the home. Earlier that evening, Jones said he had invited a woman over to spend time with him on a date.

“We were listening to music, watching videos, and having a few drinks,” he said. Jones now believes the date was part of a coordinated effort to rob him.

Video from Jones’ doorbell camera captured the moments leading up to the attempted break-in, showing the two women repeatedly entering and exiting the home before several men arrived at the door. At one point, one of the women appeared to tell the men to leave.

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“I was getting alerts from my phone that they were walking out my door, and I realized that they were trying to rob me,” Jones said.

Shortly afterward, police say the men attempted to force their way inside. Officers later canvassed the area and located the two women believed to be involved in the incident. Both were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit a felony and first-degree burglary.

“The subjects had fled prior to the officer’s arrival, and they canvased the area and were able to locate two females that were involved, and they arrested them,” said Detective Kevin Morrissey of the Newcastle Police Department.

Authorities say the women are not cooperating with the investigation. Jones said he hopes accountability follows. “I mean, they need to come to justice,” he said. “I need them to be punished and notified, you know, that this wasn’t cool, this wasn’t right.”

Police say the male suspects are still at large and are considered armed and dangerous. They are described as four Black men, three wearing black hooded sweatshirts and one wearing a blue hoodie. Detectives are seeking help identifying at least three suspects captured on surveillance video.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Newcastle Police Department or dial 911. Members of the public are advised not to approach the suspects.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 29, 2025

All I Want Is Records: Mariah Carey’s Christmas Classic Makes ‘Billboard’ Hot 100 History

"All I Want for Christmas Is You" remains an unstoppable yuletide force more than 30 years after its release.

Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is the gift that keeps on giving. This time it has helped the Grammy-winning singer reach a set of milestones on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

With the 2025 holiday season in full effect, Carey’s signature 1994 Christmas classic is once again leading Billboard’s ranking of the most-played songs nationwide. With its latest climb to No. 1, Carey has now logged 100 total weeks atop the Hot 100—the second-highest total in history behind The Beatles, and the most ever for a female artist or solo performer, Forbes reports.

Within the next month, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” will have spent more time at No. 1 than any of Carey’s other hits. The holiday classic has notched its twenty-first week at the top of the Hot 100, marking another first in her career.

After hitting 20 weeks at No. 1, Carey’s holiday classic surpassed both Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Old Town Road” and Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which had previously shared the record after each spending 19 weeks at the top. Among all artists in Hot 100 history, Carey stands far ahead when it comes to total weeks spent at No. 1—a lead she’s held for years.

Elvis Presley follows with 79 weeks, while Rihanna, The Beatles, and Drake round out the top five with 60, 59, and 56 weeks at the summit, respectively.

So far this holiday season, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has ruled the Hot 100 for three straight weeks. The holiday classic is one of three Carey singles to enjoy double-digit weeks at No. 1. “One Sweet Day” with Boyz II Men and “We Belong Together” topped the chart for 16 and 14 weeks, respectively. Her early ’90s hits, “Fantasy” and “Dreamlover” each spent eight weeks in the No. 1 spot.

Brian_Moynihan, CEO, Bank Of America, Federal Reserve

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 29, 2025

BofA’s CEO Brian Moynihan: Maintaining An Independent Fed Is ‘Paramount’ To Economic Stability

Despite the numerous attempts to shake things up at the Fed and consumers feeling the weight of Trump’s policies, Moynihan feels the economy is on the upswing.

While President Donald J. Trump searches for a new chair of the Federal Reserve, banking leaders like Bank of America Chairman and CEO Brian Moynihan say that without independent banking systems, the market will push back, CBS News reports.

In an interview on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” Moynihan suggested there is “too much fascination with the Fed” right now amid interest rates being cut down for the third time in a row, reducing the federal funds rate. He warns there will be consequences and that the market “will punish people if we don’t have an independent Fed.” “And everybody knows that,” he told Brennan.

Brian Moynihan, Bank of America CEO: “The market will punish people if we don't have an independent Fed. And everybody knows that.”

Principles are principles. The independence of the Federal Reserve is one we can’t afford to discard. pic.twitter.com/AaW330OGrL
— Principles First (@Principles_1st) December 29, 2025

During the COVID-19 pandemic, interest rates fell to almost zero, but in 2022 they began rising again to curb inflation. Following the agency’s meeting in early December, the benchmark interest rates reached their lowest since November 2022.

Moynihan may be correct in his stance on the fascination with the Federal Reserve, thanks to Trump bringing the independent agency to the forefront. Since taking office, the president has expressed displeasure with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, who is retiring in May 2026. Then there was his attempt to remove Lisa Cook, who serves on the Board of Governors, and his unsuccessful claim that she committed mortgage fraud.

A 1935 Supreme Court ruling found that Congress may limit the grounds on which the president can fire Fed members, but that didn’t stop the high court from giving Trump the power to fire members of federal labor boards. However, the limit was the Federal Reserve, which was called a “uniquely structured, quasi-private entity that follows in the distinct historical tradition of the First and Second Banks of the United States.”

Despite numerous attempts to shake things up at the Fed and consumers feeling the weight of Trump’s policies, Moynihan feels the economy is on the upswing — it may just take some time for consumers to feel it. “It’s pretty solid right now,” he said, according to the Washington Times, while highlighting spending in November being higher than in 2024, wages going up, and unemployment remaining “very low.”

“They saw the inflation in ‘20 and ‘23 and ‘24 that was on their minds, and they want to see it subsist, and it’ll take a little while to subsist, but as you go into 26, having come through 25, the incremental hit of that [inflation] would be lower,” the banking CEO continued.

Meanwhile, Republicans are crossing their fingers that a strong economy and consumer optimism will work in their favor ahead of the 2026 midterm election season, when the Democratic Party has the opportunity to snatch back the House majority. Trump and GOP lawmakers have remained steadfast in telling voters the economy is all thanks to the Biden administration and Democrats.

Anthony Joshua, Nigeria, car crash, Boxer,

by Keka Araújo

December 29, 2025

Breaking! Ex-Boxing Champ Anthony Joshua Injured In Deadly Car Crash In Nigeria

Two died in the Monday collision on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua sustained minor injuries Monday in a fatal vehicle collision in Nigeria on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, just nine days after his high-profile knockout victory over YouTube star Jake Paul.

Local authorities confirmed that two other passengers in the vehicle were killed in the accident, which occurred at approximately 11 a.m. local time near Sagamu, Joshua’s ancestral hometown in Ogun State, according to ESPN.

The 36-year-old British-Nigerian boxer was a rear-seat passenger in a Lexus SUV when the vehicle suffered a tire failure. According to Ogun State Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo, the burst tire caused the driver to lose control, sending the car into a stationary commercial truck parked along the shoulder of the highway.

“He was seated in the rear of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and is receiving medical attention,” the Ogun State Police Command said in a statement. “Tragically, two other passengers in the vehicle lost their lives at the scene.”

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Joshua was transported to an undisclosed hospital in Nigeria for evaluation. While photos circulating on social media showed the boxer being assisted from the wreckage and appearing to be in pain, his representatives have offered an optimistic outlook.

“Early indications are he is OK but waiting on further official news,” a spokesperson for Joshua told ESPN.

The crash comes during a period of professional resurgence for Joshua. On Dec. 19, he delivered a commanding sixth-round knockout against Paul in Miami, a win that moved him to a 29-4 professional record. The victory also reignited talks of a massive 2026 domestic showdown with British rival Tyson Fury.

Promoter Eddie Hearn, who was on vacation with family at the time of the incident, expressed relief regarding Joshua’s condition while acknowledging the severity of the crash.

“We are trying to contact Anthony, and in the meantime, we don’t want to speculate on how he is, but thankfully, he appears OK from what I have seen in the images,” Hearn told Daily Mail Sport. “We are awaiting more information on what has happened and will update in due course.”

Preliminary findings from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) suggest that excessive speed may have played a role in the collision during an attempted overtaking maneuver. Five adult males were reportedly involved in the crash; two died at the scene, while two others escaped without injury.

The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is one of Nigeria’s most critical and congested arteries, frequently cited by local authorities for accidents involving stationary vehicles and high speeds.

The Ogun State Police Command said that a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the crash is underway.

by Keka Araújo

December 29, 2025

DOJ Leverages Civil War-Era Fraud Statute To Investigate DEI Initiatives At Google, Verizon, And Defense Firms

The False Claims Act (FCA), a 162-year-old statute originally designed to combat fraud by defense contractors during the American Civil War.

The Department of Justice has launched an expansive investigation into the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs of several of the nation’s most prominent corporations, signaling a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle race-conscious policies in the private sector.

According to a Dec. 29 report by The Wall Street Journal, federal investigators have issued demands for documents and internal information from companies, including Google and Verizon, targeting hiring and promotion initiatives that critics argue may violate federal law.

The probes are being conducted under the False Claims Act (FCA), a 162-year-old statute originally designed to combat fraud by defense contractors during the American Civil War. By utilizing this specific legal mechanism, the administration appears to be testing a theory that companies receiving federal contracts may have defrauded the government by misrepresenting their compliance with neutral hiring standards or by utilizing federal funds to support prohibited diversity quotas.

The investigation is not limited to the tech and telecommunications sectors. According to sources familiar with the inquiry, the Justice Department’s Fraud Section has extended its reach into the automotive, pharmaceutical, defense, and utility industries. Several executives from these sectors have reportedly met in person with DOJ officials in recent weeks to discuss their workplace programs.

Spokespeople for Google, Verizon, and the Department of Justice did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Using the False Claims Act is a high-stakes tactical shift. Under the statute, any entity found to have “knowingly” submitted false claims to the government can be held liable for triple the damages sustained by the government, plus substantial inflation-linked penalties. Perhaps more critically, the FCA allows for “qui tam” lawsuits, enabling private citizens—often referred to as whistleblowers—to file suits on behalf of the government and share in the financial recovery.

This legal framework allows the relator to receive a share—typically 15% to 30%—of any recovered funds as an incentive for reporting the misconduct. Covering fraud in healthcare, defense contracts, education, and now potentially corporate diversity compliance, these suits serve as a crucial tool to combat government waste and corruption by holding wrongdoers accountable through the eyes of internal insiders.

The move follows a series of executive actions taken by President Donald Trump shortly after his inauguration in January, aimed at purging DEI frameworks from federal agencies. Those efforts have included the termination of diversity officers and the rescinding of grant funding for programs deemed to prioritize identity-based metrics over merit.

Legal experts suggest that by targeting private-sector firms through the lens of government contracting, the administration is seeking to create a de facto ban on DEI initiatives for any company doing business with the United States.

“The administration is clearly signaling that DEI is no longer just a cultural debate, but a financial and legal liability,” said one industry consultant who requested anonymity due to ongoing litigation. “By framing these initiatives as potential fraud against the taxpayer, they are putting every major federal contractor on notice.”

The DOJ remains aggressive in its use of the FCA, having obtained more than $2.9 billion in settlements and judgments related to civil fraud cases in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2024. While the vast majority of those cases have historically involved healthcare and defense spending, the pivot toward workplace diversity represents a novel and potentially lucrative application of the law for the Treasury.

As the investigation continues, legal observers expect a wave of corporate policy shifts as firms weigh the benefits of their diversity initiatives against the risk of multi-million dollar federal penalties and the loss of government contracts.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 29, 2025

Holiday Tragedy: Boy, 15, Arrested In Fatal Christmas Shooting of 13-Year-Old Girl

Emony Nicole Jackson died at a local hospital in Orange County, Florida.

In Orange County, Fla., 13-year-old Emony Nicole Jackson was shot at home on Christmas before dying from her injuries at a local hospital, WTOC reports.

Officials from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) said a 15-year-old boy told police officers that he was responsible for the shooting and that it was an accident.

The boy was arrested and charged with manslaughter.

“She would never go to prom,” said Tremaine Henderson, Jackson’s cousin. “She would never get to go to college. He’s a child, but at the end of the day, his family will get to see him. My family won’t get to see Emony anymore.”

Jackson had two close family members die in a 2017 car crash.

“She went through a lot in her life with her mother passing away, a few years back, and her baby sister, but the lemons she was given, she made lemonade of it,” Henderson said.

People reported that the incident took place around 4:45 p.m. Police officers were summoned to the scene after being informed that someone had been shot at the 2200 block of Okada Court in Orlando.

“At 15, you should not have a gun,” Chrissy Boyce, who was mentoring Jackson through a nonprofit organization, Elevate Orlando, said. “I think there needs to be some accountability.”

Boyce said Jackson was looking forward to starting high school and wanted to become a cheerleader. “I talked to the coach,” Boyce said, according to People. “But unfortunately, I won’t be able to get that information to Emony.”

No details have been released regarding the suspect’s court date.