Grand Rapids Reaches Settlement With Family Of Girl, 11, Handcuffed During 2017 Police Encounter
Grand Rapids has agreed to pay $285,000 to the family of Honestie Hodges.
By Robert Hill
The city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, has agreed to pay $285,000 to the family of Honestie Hodges, an 11-year-old Black girl who was held at gunpoint by police.
In Dec. 2017, Hodges, who was 11 years old at the time, was handcuffed, held at gunpoint, and placed in a police cruiser outside of her home by police officers. The officers were allegedly searching for Hodges’ aunt, who was involved in a domestic assault.
Hodges later passed away in November 2020 at the age of 14 due to complications from COVID-19.
In Nov. 2023, Whitney Hodges, Honestie’s mother, filed a lawsuit against the city and the three Grand Rapids police officers involved in the incident.
In the lawsuit, the family alleged that officers violated Hodges’ constitutional rights by detaining her at gunpoint without justification. The lawsuit also stated that she was the victim of unreasonable search and seizure, false arrest, excessive force, assault and battery, and negligence.
Because officers were required to wear body cameras, video of the encounter later circulated publicly, and the footage garnered national attention and sparked criticism of police conduct involving minors.
During the encounter, Honestie could be heard pleading with officers to stop. The Guardianreported, “Police body camera footage from the incident showed Honestie crying and screaming, ‘No, please,’ as officers handcuffed her.” The officers involved were not disciplined because they were found not to have violated any department policies.
However, Hodges’ legal team emphasized that the encounter caused emotional trauma and raised concerns about the treatment of children during police operations.
As a result of an internal investigation conducted in 2017, the Grand Rapids Police Department implemented the Honestie Policy, which was revised to provide more straightforward guidelines for handcuffing and detaining youth.
Although the city has agreed to the settlement, the $285,000 payment must still be approved in court.
Former Bears Star Charles Tillman Walks Away From FBI Over Trump-Era Immigration Tactics
His decision to leave followed the Trump administration's deployment of ICE agents to Chicago.
By Robert Hill
Former Chicago Bears star cornerback Charles Tillman has resigned from the Federal Bureau of Investigation amid concerns about President Donald Trump’s administration’s immigration policies.
Tillman retired from the National Football League in 2016 and joined the FBI two years later, citing a sense of civic duty and a desire to continue serving the community. His decision to leave followed the Trump administration’s deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to Chicago in January 2025.
Tillman said his decision to resign came after learning more about the administration’s immigration enforcement efforts. He recalled a briefing in which agents were informed that White House border czar Tom Homan and television personality Dr. Phil McGraw would be coming to Chicago alongside ICE during immigration enforcement operations.
When he first started, he enrolled in the FBI’s 20-week training program, where he worked as an agent in downtown Chicago while also investigating drug and human trafficking.
Tillman said he was instructed to participate in arrests that extended beyond violent offenders. Daily Mail reported that Tillman described a broken system stating, “It was, ‘Some guys are working on a house outside. Let’s go sweep them up, and it will count for the quota system. To me, it felt political.”
Tillman said he chose to step away from the operation and attend Tessa, his 13-year-old daughter’s basketball game. He later decided to resign from the FBI.
Tillman’s interest in public service was influenced by his father, Donald Tillman, who served for 20 years in the United States Army as a military police officer, supply sergeant, and platoon sergeant. That background helped shape Tillman’s decision to major in criminal justice while playing football at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where he also developed his signature “Peanut Punch.”
During his final years with the FBI, Tillman served as a firearm’s tactical instructor, training agents in firearm safety and tactical operations.
Disney Parks Unveil ‘Celebrate Soulfully’ Events To Honor Black History Month
From gospel concerts and heritage exhibits to special cuisine and parades, Disneyland and Walt Disney World plan weeks of programming spotlighting Black culture, history, and creativity.
Disney Parks are preparing to mark Black History Month in 2026 with an expanded lineup of experiences designed to highlight Black culture, artistry, and history across both coasts. The annual “Celebrate Soulfully” initiative will return to Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, offering live music, food, exhibits, and performances throughout February.
At Disneyland Resort, the popular “Celebrate Gospel” concert series will return for two weekends — Feb. 20–21 and Feb. 27–28 — bringing Grammy Award–winning gospel artists to the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage. Bishop Hezekiah Walker is set to headline on Feb. 21, followed by Yolanda Adams on Feb. 28. The free concerts, which do not require park admission, will also feature community choirs from across Southern California, continuing a tradition of uplifting performances tied to Black History Month.
In addition to live music, Disneyland will debut a new heritage trail featuring interactive displays throughout the resort. The exhibits will honor influential Black leaders, artists, and innovators past and present, with installations spanning Frontierland to Hollywood Land. Guests can expect tributes to figures such as Leah Chase at Tiana’s Palace, Martha Blanding on Main Street, U.S.A., and animator Floyd Norman on Buena Vista Street.
Food offerings will also play a central role in the celebration. Limited-time menu items inspired by Black culinary traditions will be available from late January through early March. At Tiana’s Palace, guests can order a French Quarter fried chicken bowl featuring spicy honey-glazed chicken, macaroni and cheese, and collard greens. Lamplight Lounge will serve New Orleans-style barbecue shrimp paired with cheesy polenta and a Cajun butter sauce.
As reported by Disney Parks Blog, the celebration extends beyond Disneyland. At Walt Disney World, Black History Month festivities will officially begin Feb. 9 with a special parade moment at Magic Kingdom, led by Toya Johnson-Rushing as honorary grand marshal. The afternoon procession will feature Disney characters, music, and high-energy performances.
Throughout February, EPCOT will spotlight Black artists during the International Festival of the Arts, showcasing works by creators including Yesenia Moises, Ryan Riller, Larissa Brown, and Mark Page. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, guests can experience Caribbean-inspired performances from Viva Gaia and the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe.
Additional offerings include appearances by Princess Tiana, jazz performances inspired by Pixar’s “Soul,” and interactive experiences tied to Marvel’s Dora Milaje. Disney officials encourage guests to explore these programs as part of a broader effort to recognize Black heritage year-round, with ticket and hotel discounts also expected in early 2026.
Swishahouse Co-Founder Michael ‘5000’ Watts Dies At 52, Leaving Lasting Legacy In Houston Hip-Hop
Watts died after developing torsades de pointes, a rare and dangerous heart rhythm that can cause sudden cardiac death.
By Robert Hill
Fifty-two-year-old Houston hip-hop legend and Swishahouse co-founder Michael Watts, known as “5000 Watts,” died Jan. 30.
On Jan. 28, Watts was hospitalized due to severe health conditions. He soon passed after developing torsades de pointes, which is a dangerous and rare abnormal heart rhythm, and that this condition led to his sudden cardiac death.
Watts was a respected Houston native who contributed to the city’s hip-hop identity. He co-founded the independent record label Swishahouse with DJ OG Ron C and G Dash, designing a platform that amplified Southern rap and gave local artists national exposure.
Local artists who attribute their success to Swishahouse include Paul Wall, Mike Jones, Slim Thug, and Chamillionaire.
Swishahouse was founded in 1997 and became a bedrock of the Houston hip-hop movement. Watts was credited with popularizing chopped-and-screwed music. The label played a pivotal role in uplifting Houston’s sound.
Watts had many other talents, especially with the turntables. TheGrio reported his star moment: “Watts’ biggest moment on the national scene came in 2004, going into 2005 with the single release of ‘Still Tippin,’ from Slim Thug, Paul Wall and Mike Jones. Watts can be seen early in the song’s music video behind the turntables, steering a classic song into a classic movement for Houston and the South in general.”
Watts was also a radio personality, serving as a late-night host on Houston’s 97.5 The Box, where he played his mixtapes. He demonstrated dedication to the Houston community by using his talents to gain exposure for artists in his hometown’s music industry.
Many tributes have appeared across social media following his death, with fans and members of the Houston hip-hop community commemorating his impact on the culture.
Watts leaves behind his wife, Tammie Watts, five children, and two grandchildren.
Ex-NFL Star Tyrann Mathieu Drank Bleach In Attempt to Beat College Drug Test
"I done tried everything in the books."
On a recent episode of his In the Bayou podcast, former NFL safety Tyrann Mathieu admitted to using several methods while playing at Louisiana State University to pass his drug tests—including, yes, drinking bleach.
“I done tried everything in the books,” Mathieu said. He admitted that he even used other people’s urine and a fake penis.
None, though, seemed to have the effects of drinking something found in laundry rooms and under kitchen sinks from coast to coast.
“I remember one time, to tell you a funny story, not funny, I could have died, but a couple tests before I realized they were gonna kick me out of school, I’m sitting in a circle, and I’m on Google trying to figure out, ‘Man, how the f**k do I pass this test?’ These folks keep threatening me, right?
“I’m just scrolling, and I come across some s**t that said just put some bleach in the top,” Mathieu continued. “Put a little bleach in the top, and put it in your Coca-Cola. And so I did that, and I’m like, ‘Yo, what the f**k.’ It felt like my whole insides were just like erupting. I end up throwing that s**t up, and at that point I’m like, ‘F**k it, I’ve run out of tricks.’”
There was a reason Mathieu was trying to beat the drug test.
At LSU in 2011, according to Apple News, he was suspended for one game. A year later, he was dismissed after multiple test failures and entered a drug rehabilitation program in Houston. He did overcome his drug issues, despite an arrest for marijuana possession following his dismissal.
Things worked out for Mathieu. A third-round draft pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the “Honey Badger” retired in 2024 as a three-time All-Pro selection and a three-time Pro Bowler. He played the Arizona Cardinals, the Houston Texans, the Kansas City Chiefs (where he won a Super Bowl in 2020), and the New Orleans Saints.
Government Grinds To A Halt After Funding Deal Stalls In House, Triggering Partial U.S. Shutdown
Federal agencies furlough workers as lawmakers clash over ICE and budget priorities, with DHS receiving only temporary funding.
A partial shutdown of the U.S. federal government took effect on Jan. 31 after Congress failed to fully approve a last-minute funding agreement, forcing dozens of agencies to halt routine operations and furlough workers nationwide.
The funding lapse began at midnight Eastern time after the Senate approved a stopgap bill to keep most federal agencies operating through September. The measure, however, provides only two weeks of funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees immigration enforcement, rather than extending its budget for the remainder of the fiscal year. The House of Representatives has not yet voted on the bill and remains out of session, leaving parts of the government without authorization to spend.
As a result, nonessential federal offices closed immediately, while employees designated as “essential” were ordered to continue working without pay until lawmakers reach a final agreement. The White House confirmed that several departments, including transportation, education, and defense, had been instructed to carry out shutdown procedures.
“Employees should report to work for their next regularly scheduled tour of duty to undertake orderly shutdown activities,” a White House memo stated. “It is our hope that this lapse will be short.”
President Donald Trump urged House Republicans, who hold a majority, to approve the Senate-passed deal. The compromise followed tense negotiations with Democrats, who declined to support broader immigration funding after the fatal shooting of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis by federal agents earlier this month.
The shutdown highlights unresolved disputes over immigration enforcement, federal oversight and overall spending levels. Republicans backing the standoff argue that the disruption underscores the need for tighter budget controls and policy reforms. Democrats counter that shutdowns are a political tactic that harms federal workers and working families while doing little to solve long-term fiscal issues.
“This is about accountability,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said as negotiations stalled. Referring to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, he added, “We need to rein in ICE and end the violence. That means ending roving patrols. It means requiring rules, oversight, and judicial warrants… Masks need to come off, cameras need to stay on, and officers need visible identification. No secret police.”
Trump and Senate Democrats reached an agreement to fund most of the federal government through the remainder of the year, but the deal briefly stalled in the Senate due to opposition from Sen. Lindsey Graham. The South Carolina Republican blocked a fast vote for nearly 24 hours, calling the bipartisan package a bad deal for ICE officers and other DHS employees. Graham also objected to language that would repeal a provision allowing him and several Republican senators to sue the Justice Department over subpoenaed phone records tied to the investigation into Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election, NBC News reported.
The consequences of the shutdown are already being felt across the country. Black Americans, who are disproportionately represented in the federal workforce, face heightened economic risk from furloughs and delayed paychecks. According to U.S. Department of Agriculture data, Black Americans account for about 26% of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants despite making up roughly 12% of the U.S. population, raising concerns that service disruptions could deepen existing inequities.
This marks the second federal shutdown in the past year, coming just 11 weeks after the end of a 43-day funding impasse in late 2025—the longest in U.S. history—which disrupted air travel and left hundreds of thousands of workers without pay. Lawmakers say the current lapse is unlikely to last as long, with the House scheduled to reconvene Monday.
As reported by the BBC, attention has also focused on DHS, with lawmakers planning to use the two-week funding window to negotiate additional conditions tied to immigration enforcement. Both parties have criticized tactics used by federal agents following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse killed during an altercation with Border Patrol officers in Minneapolis. The Justice Department launched a civil rights investigation into the incident on Friday.
Despite signals from both sides that a resolution is possible, negotiations remain tense, with neither party eager to shoulder blame if the shutdown drags on.
Byron Allen And Ava DuVernay Tackle MLK Assassination In New Film
Allen and DuVernay confirmed a new feature film collaboration titled 'King vs. the United States of America.'
By Robert Hill
On Jan. 30, media mogul Byron Allen and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Ava DuVernay confirmed a new feature film collaboration titled “King vs. the United States of America.”
The film focuses on Coretta Scott King’s journey and decades-long pursuit to get to the truth surrounding the 1968 assassination of her husband, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., who was killed on April 4, 1968, at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee.
The project revisits the longstanding questions surrounding King’s assassination, which was officially blamed on James Earl Ray. However, Coretta Scott King and her family never accepted this conclusion.
“King vs. the United States of America” will analyze Mrs. King’s independent investigation, including a 1999 civil trial where the jury concluded King’s assassination involved a broader conspiracy, hinting at the involvement of government agencies.
The two collaborators bring passion and a sense of truth to their documentation of African American history. DuVernay previously directed the 2014 film “Selma” and created the series “When They See Us,” bringing a long history of telling stories centered on Black history and civil rights. With the help of Allen’s Allen Media Group, he will help expand the company’s presence in film and television productions.
As reported by Deadline, Allen is ready to get to work. “My passion and dedication to exposing the historic secret trial regarding King’s assassination is unshakable.”
Coretta Scott King emerged as a political force like her husband, but in her own right, advocating for civil rights, feminism, and LGBTQ equality following her husband’s assassination.
It takes more than two people to make a film. Other collaborators for “King vs. the United States of America” include producers Carolyn Folks, Jennifer Lucas, Chris Charalambous, and Matthew Signer.
The announcement was shared on a special day for the King family, especially since Coretta Scott King passed away on this day 20 years ago, and as her son, Dexter King, would have been celebrating his birthday.
The NAACP and allied groups say recent fatal encounters tied to immigration enforcement reflect a national crisis, not an isolated incident.
NAACP civil rights leaders in Detroit joined with community organizations on Jan. 30 to denounce recent deadly confrontations involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement, framing the violence as a nationwide issue that demands urgent federal response.
Speaking at a gathering organized by the NAACP Detroit Branch, Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, the chapter’s president, said the clashes linked to immigration enforcement in Minneapolis should not be viewed as a local matter. “This is not just a Minneapolis problem,” Anthony said. “This is an American problem — not a Minneapolis tragedy. This is an American tragedy. This is not law and order. This is chaos and disorder.”
Anthony referenced fatal shootings earlier this month involving ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agencies during protests in Minneapolis. American citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti were killed amid demonstrations opposing federal immigration actions, according to organizers.
Community advocates emphasized that the deaths highlight broader concerns about civil liberties and accountability. Nabih Ayad, founder of the Arab American Civil Rights League, invoked the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while criticizing the current state of the country. “As the great Martin Luther King Jr. said, ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,’” Ayad said. “With all due respect, what is going on in this country — this is not the America that we know.”
Speakers repeatedly stressed that their concerns transcend party politics, urging lawmakers to address immigration enforcement practices through legislative reform. Detroit leaders called on Congress to reconsider policies governing ICE and the Department of Homeland Security, arguing that current approaches endanger lives and erode public trust.
“We gather today united in our belief that the value of human life and the value of law must be upheld throughout this nation we all call home,” said Mary Carmen Munoz, executive director of La SED.
Organizers concluded by framing the issue as a matter of fundamental rights rather than ideology, saying the deaths tied to immigration enforcement underscore the need for accountability, transparency, and humane policy nationwide.
Demond Wilson, Beloved ‘Sanford And Son’ Actor, Dies At 79
The veteran television and film actor passed away at his Palm Springs home following cancer-related complications, according to his family.
Demond Wilson, the actor widely recognized for his role as Lamont Sanford on the groundbreaking NBC sitcom “Sanford and Son,” has died, according to TMZ. He was 79.
Wilson passed away the morning of Jan. 30 at his home in Palm Springs, California, according to his son, Demond Wilson Jr., who confirmed the death to TMZ. The actor died from complications related to cancer, though the specific type was not disclosed.
“I loved him. He was a great man,” his son said.
Born Grady Demond Wilson, the actor rose to national prominence in the 1970s as the level-headed and long-suffering son of Fred Sanford, portrayed by comedian Redd Foxx. “Sanford and Son” aired from 1972 to 1977 and became one of the most influential sitcoms of its era, helping redefine how Black families and relationships were depicted on American television.
Following the show’s success, Wilson continued working steadily in television. He starred as Raymond Ellis on the NBC sitcom “Baby… I’m Back!,” which aired for one season, and later took on a leading role in ABC’s “The New Odd Couple” in 1982, another short-lived series that nonetheless showcased his range as a comedic actor.
Wilson also appeared in film, including the 1993 comedy “Me and the Kid,” marking one of his most notable big-screen roles. Though his acting career slowed in later years, he returned to the screen for his final performance in the 2023 drama “Eleanor’s Bench,” closing a career that spanned more than five decades.
Beyond individual performances, Wilson often reflected on the cultural importance of Sanford and Son and the legacy he shared with Foxx. In his 2009 autobiography, he emphasized the show’s historic role in television history.
“Redd and I were making history back in those days,” Wilson wrote, as reported by The Sun. “We were the first Blacks to be on television in that capacity and we opened the door for all those other shows that came after us.”
That partnership helped pave the way for future generations of Black-led sitcoms, reshaping network television in the process.
After stepping away from acting for nearly 20 years, Wilson focused on writing, ministry, and personal pursuits before making his brief return to film late in life. His work remains a cornerstone of American television history, remembered both for its humor and its cultural impact.
‘I Will Not Stop Ever’: Don Lemon Vows To Keep Reporting After Arrest For Covering Anti-ICE Church Protest
Minnesota journalist Georgia Fort was also released.
Former CNN anchor and now independent journalist Don Lemon forcefully defended his career in journalism on Jan. 30 after being released from federal custody a day following his arrest for reporting on an anti-ICE protest in a Minnesota church, vowing that the incident would not silence his work.
A U.S. district judge ordered Lemon released on his own recognizance, with no monetary bond required, according to The Hill. Lemon faces accusations stemming from a protest at a Minnesota church, where authorities claim worshippers’ constitutional rights were disrupted.
Speaking outside a downtown Los Angeles courthouse, Lemon thanked supporters and framed the arrest as a direct challenge to press freedom. “I will not stop now. I will not stop ever,” Lemon said. “In fact, there is no more important time but right now, this very moment, for a free and independent media that shines a light on truth and holds those in power accountable.”
Lemon argued that federal authorities targeted him for doing his job. He said the Department of Justice sent officers to arrest him “for something I’ve been doing for the last 30 years, and that is covering the news.” He added that the First Amendment “protects that work for me and for countless other journalists who do what I do,” insisting, “I will not be silenced. I look forward to my day in court.”
During Lemon’s court appearance, U.S. Attorney Alexander Robbins accused him of participating in what he described as a “mob that terrorized people in a place of worship.” As part of his release conditions, Lemon is barred from contacting witnesses or alleged victims and must seek court approval to travel outside the United States.
The charges are tied to a protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, where demonstrators believed the pastor was connected to Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Minnesota. The Trump administration has sought charges against Lemon and seven others related to the incident. Attorney General Pam Bondi described the event as “a coordinated attack on Cities Church,” though no sealed federal indictment has yet been made public.
Lemon, who was dismissed from CNN in 2023 after years as a prime-time host, now runs “The Don Lemon Show” independently on YouTube and Substack.
His arrest drew swift reactions from prominent figures. Former Vice President Kamala Harris called it “another affront to our rights and freedoms.” Sen. Bernie Sanders wrote that “arresting journalists is what happens in tin-pot dictatorships,” adding, “We must fight back against authoritarianism.”
ICE is occupying communities and shooting Americans.
Now, former CNN anchor Don Lemon has been arrested for covering what ICE is doing.
Arresting journalists is what happens in tin-pot dictatorships.
Lemon was not alone. Minnesota journalist Georgia Fort was also released Jan 30. Trahern Jeen Crews, a co-founder of Black Lives Matter Minnesota, and Jamael Lydell Lundy, who works for the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, were also taken into custody and released.
“To all the media that made a statement on behalf of me, thank you so much,” Fort said shortly after her release. She added, “Documenting what is happening in our community is not a crime.”
“I should be protected under the First Amendment…do we have a constitution, that is the pressing question.”
Georgia Fort has been released and has a message for the country:
"Do we have a Constitution? That is the pressing question. Documenting what is happening in our communities is NOT a crime.”
The Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists echoed that sentiment, showing its support of Fort and Lemon by stating that journalists have “the responsibility to observe and report events in the public interest,” regardless of where a protest occurs.
The organization continued to condemn the arrests, stating, “It is not illegal to document a protest against the federal government. The fact that the protest took place in a church does not negate journalists’ First Amendment rights to report.”
