Justin Jones
Justin Jones at The Americana Music Association 22nd Annual Honors & Awards Show on September 20, 2023 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Tammie Arroyo/Variety via Getty Images)
by Sharelle B. McNair

January 15, 2026

Justin Jones Backs ‘Abolish ICE’ While Other Democrats Face Criticism For Wanting To Fund Them

While comments underneath the video showcase racist language like "little chimpanzee needs to be put in its place,” others highlight data on how several Americans agree with Jones as ICE is under high scrutiny for their performance.

With the topic of immigration being at the forefront of the new Tennessee legislative session, Democratic Rep. Justin Jones made it known where he stands by carrying a large “Abolish ICE” flag into the session. 

Met with cheers and high-fives from a crowd of supporters, Jones was seen and heard chanting “abolish ICE” while holding the flag. 

While comments underneath the video showcase racist language like “little chimpanzee needs to be put in its place,” others highlight data on how several Americans agree with Jones, as ICE is under high scrutiny for its tactics.

https://twitter.com/BillWilde388919/status/2011275372399378769

Amid the criticism of ICE agents harassing residents of some American metro cities, leaders like Tennessee state Rep. Gabby Salinas are looking to prepare safe spaces for those trying to avoid them. Her bill, HB1482, filed Jan. 8, would allow schools and churches to provide safety from ICE agents, as immigration is a hot topic for the state legislature. 

Salinas touched on the headline-grabbing death of Renee Good as one of the reasons to push the legislation forward, labeling the interactions as “dangerous.” “Incidents like the one experienced in Minneapolis, MN, yesterday demonstrate how lawless and dangerous these ICE interactions have become in our country,” the Democratic leader said, according to 4 WSMV. 

“Now is the time that we as Tennesseans come together and to reject fear and violence and recognize our shared humanity. We are all children of God.” 

But some left-leaning leaders on Capitol Hill are willing to support the agency, but with restrictions. With calls to “defund ICE” becoming more common, lawmakers are speaking out, saying they support the effort as long as guardrails are identified. “House Democrats want accountability and oversight of ICE,” Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) said. 

“They should have to continue to testify to Congress as to what they are doing. But more importantly, we need to look out for the American people right now. They are terrorizing people in the streets of this country.”

While GOP leaders like House Majority Leader Steve Scalise pushed back against Democrats, claiming their ICE complaints are just another thing for them “to yell about,” votes from their blue-sided colleagues are necessary to pass any DHS funding bill. If Republicans refuse to budge on supporting ICE restraints, DHS funding could lapse in a few weeks.

And coming off the longest government shutdown in American history, no one has the patience for that.

RELATED CONTENT: Ilhan Omar Turned Away From Oversight Visit To Minnesota ICE Detention Center

Minneapolis, George Floyd, George Floyd Square
(Photo: Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images)
by Kandiss Edwards

January 14, 2026

George Floyd’s Aunt Speaks Out After Renee Good Killed By ICE

Angela Harrelson, the aunt of George Floyd, compared the death of Minnesota resident Renee Good to the murder of her nephew.

The deaths of Good and Floyd were not similar in individual circumstances, but the loss of life by law enforcement is the same. Neither Floyd nor Good were actively committing crimes during their deaths, and neither appeared to pose potential harm. However, both were deemed threats and killed.  

Harrelson said the incident has retraumatized her in its parallels and asserted, much like Floyd, Good deserves to be alive.

“It’s been not just retraumatizing to me, what happened to Renee, but I’m sure to all the families here,” she said to a room full of Minnesotans. “Renee deserved to be here today.”

Harrelson took a bold stance against police brutality and the current Trump administration. She proclaimed to all those present, “Donald Trump is not God. He thinks he is, but he is not.”

Good was a 37-year-old mother of three. Her family released a statement describing her as a devoted parent and partner and is calling for a full accounting of the circumstances surrounding her death.

The shooting has drawn public attention as federal and local officials review ICE enforcement practices and the agency’s use of force. Community members have gathered near George Floyd Square since the incident. Minneapolis Mayor Frey and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz issued sharp statements condemning the violence and requesting the removal of ICE from their city and state, respectively. 

Harrelson knows the fight for justice and accountability is not easy and will take multiple communities, voices, and actions to see progress. However, she is committed and is asking others to join the fight.

“If you stand for humanity, you know what to do,” she added. “The tide is going to turn. And it’s going to be rough for a while, but we will get there. I know the pain. You guys know the pain. We all know the pain. We know this pain together. But we will see the light again,” she said.

RELATED CONTENT: Minnesota AG Keith Ellison Leads Coalition Against Trump Administration In Effort To Suspend SNAP Benefit Pause

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(Photo: Pixabay/Pexels)
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 14, 2026

Instagram Users: Beware Fraudulent ‘Password Reset’ Emails As App Expands AI Features

The case of fraud password resets comes as the app integrates more AI into its user experience.

For avid Instagram users, a wave of fake password reset emails has put some accounts at risk.

Instagram, owned by Meta Platform, confirmed the matter on social media. On a post to X, the app let its users know about the fraudulent attempt, which could have impacted its more than two billion accounts.

“We fixed an issue that let an external party request password reset emails for some people,” Instagram wrote. “There was no breach of our systems, and your Instagram accounts are secure. You can ignore those emails — sorry for any confusion.”

Users initially reported that they received unexpected emails to reset their passwords, despite not initiating the requests themselves. However, the app’s management deemed the matter a glitch in their security system.

Coincidentally, the security mishap also aligns with new rollouts from the photo-and-video-sharing platform, particularly using AI. According to Afrotech, the AI-powered “Your Algorithm” tool helps identify users’ interests as they scroll on the app.

Instagram also spotlighted its evolving Reels addition, aimed to help users tailor the short-form video consumption “brick by brick.” With the update, users can further dictate exactly what they wish to see as AI summarizes topics they will likely engage with. The tech giant has even collaborated with A$AP Rocky to further promote the revolutionized Reels platform.

The rapper and father of three appeared on Instagram’s new “Algo Confessions” to reveal what content he views most on the app. Rocky spoke about how fashion innovation, jazz music, and film are his main interests while building his own “algo.”

Instagram has also hinted at more AI implementation on its interface. This includes AI-suggested content on its explore page as well, further integrating the technology on the media platform.

However, as artificial intelligence becomes more prominent through social media and other fields, users must remain vigilant in keeping their profiles safe from hackers and indiscernible scams.

RELATED CONTENT: Tourists From 42 Countries May Have To Submit 5 Years Of Social Media Content To Visit The U.S.

Martin Lawrence, Martin show
(Photo: Angela George, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
by Kandiss Edwards

January 14, 2026

Martin Lawrence Says Jokes On The 90s Show Modeled ‘How Black People Joked’ Not Colorism

Martin explained that his dynamic with Arnold was rooted in the accurate depiction of Black culture at the time.

Martin Lawrence added his take on the colorism discourse surrounding ’90s sitcom Martin after singer Ari Lennox attributed the show’s jokes to colorism.

Lennox’s remarks, made in July 2025, focused on how Lawrence’s character teased Tichina Arnold’s character, Pam. As Tichina is a brown-skinned woman, she described herself as “chocolate.” Lennox asserted the jokes “drew the line” for her.

On Jan. 12, in an interview with Fox 5, Lawrence addressed Lennox’s critique. The comedian said he did not view or intend for the show’s humor to be harmful.

“No, I never had that concern because I knew they were jokes,” Lawrence said.

He explained that his dynamic with Arnold was rooted in the accurate depiction of Black culture at the time. The Bad Boys star respects Lennox’s view, stating, “she has a right to her opinion.”

“That’s the way Black people joke. We go hard. And me and Tichina were just having a lot of fun, and we were keeping it real. And I was keeping it real.”

Lawrence’s remarks come as Martin continues to be a subject of renewed interest among audiences examining classic Black art, especially comedy, which is now seen as not being politically correct. The Big Momma’s House actor said Lennox is entitled to her perspective but maintained his view that the show’s spirit was “just keeping it real.”

Arnold also weighed in on the discussion during an appearance on comedian Deon Cole’s podcast. She agreed with Lawrence, saying that jokes about her character were never meant to be rooted in colorism.

“Those jokes were never written from [a place of] malice,” she said, adding that the dynamic was about “who’s got the best joke” and not about color. Arnold said she understood how some viewers might feel differently based on their own experiences.

RELATED CONTENT: Revisiting the 90s: Tichina Arnold Pushes Back At Ari Lennox’s Critique Around Colorism And ‘Martin’

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(Photo: All-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 14, 2026

Kevin Durant Prepares To Open First Restaurant In Austin, Texas

The restaurant, Austin Sports Club, is expected to open in Spring 2026

NBA player Kevin Durant is returning to the town of Austin, Texas, where he played collegiate basketball, to open a restaurant.

According to the San Antonio Express-News, Durant, who currently plays for the Houston Rockets, will open a restaurant called Austin Sports Club. The future NBA Hall of Famer played one season (2006) at the University of Texas at Austin, where he had one of the best seasons of the school’s history. He ended that season as the Collegiate National Player of the Year.

Durant’s first venture into the restaurant business will be with his Boardroom Hospitality partner, Rich Kleiman; Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia; and Lobos Hospitality. Austin Sports Club is expected to open during Spring 2026.

Lobos Hospitality gave a statement about the new restaurant to My San Antonio.

“Conceived as a timeless restaurant reimagined for the modern athlete, executive, and tastemaker, Austin Sports Club blends elevated food and beverage with purposeful programming and a refined social atmosphere, designed as a place to gather, connect, and catch a game. Lobos Hospitality will oversee day-to-day operations, concept execution, and ongoing programming, collaborating with partners who will shape select experiential and cultural elements of the space.”

Although he played only one year at the University of Austin, he still has ties to the college. Durant donated $3 million in 2018 to build a practice facility. The school named the facility after him.

Durant has been having a good season in his first year with the Houston Rockets. He recently broke the record for the most points by a player age 35 or older through the first 30 games with a new team. Durant accomplished the feat against the team he played with last season, the Phoenix Suns, as the Rockets won 100-97.

The record was previously held by former Washington Wizards player Michael Jordan. The 37-year-old Durant has scored 771 points in his first 30 games with the Rockets in his first year with the franchise, which breaks Jordan’s record of scoring 737 points at the age of 38 when he played his first year with the Wizards.

RELATED CONTENT: Kevin Durant Scores Game-Winning 3-Point Shot While Breaking One Of Michael Jordan’s Records

telomeres, shortening, cancer, Gynecologic Cancers, Black Women, Death Rates, cervical cancer, NAACP
(Photo: FG Trade/Getty Images)
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 14, 2026

Americans’ 5-Year Survival Rate For All Cancers Increases For The First Time

New data shows the U.S. five-year cancer survival rate has risen, highlighting the importance of research despite Trump’s billion-dollar funding cuts.

New data shows the first-ever increase in America’s five-year cancer survival rate, highlighting the impact of early prevention and detection strategies.

On Jan. 13, the American Cancer Society’s annual report revealed that for the first time, the five-year survival rate for all cancers has reached 70%, with the biggest gains seen in more deadly cancers like myeloma, liver, and lung cancer, The Washington Post reports. The report underscores the value of cancer research, especially in light of the Trump administration’s cuts to millions in health research funding, including grants designated for cancer studies.

“Seven in 10 people now survive their cancer five years or more, up from only half in the mid-70s,” said Rebecca Siegel, senior scientific director of surveillance research at ACS and lead author of the report. “This stunning victory is largely the result of decades of cancer research that provided clinicians with the tools to treat the disease more effectively, turning many cancers from a death sentence into a chronic disease.”

Recent data show cancers mortality has continued to decline through 2023, preventing an estimated 4.8 million deaths since 1991. In 2026, the U.S. anticipates over 2 million new cases and more than 626,000 deaths, with incidence and mortality generally higher among men than women.

William Dahut, chief scientific officer for the ACS, credits improvements in survival rates to reduced tobacco use, earlier detection, and more effective treatments. He emphasized that advancements such as novel therapies that help patients live longer wouldn’t be possible without continued research funding.

“The thing to focus on is really the importance of scientific funding and scientific discovery to really drive improvements in five-year survival,” Dahut said, noting the “particularly striking” trends being observed in patients with metastatic cancer, where the disease spreads to other parts of the body.

After Trump slashed $4 billion in funding for medical research at universities, hospitals, and scientific institutions, health experts stress the urgent need for continued investment to better understand various types and develop effective treatments.

“Decades of research and work in this area have led to longer, better lives for millions of Americans with cancer,” said Cardinale Smith, chief medical officer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. “This continued progress also depends on the sustained investment that we’ve had in the research that has gotten us here.”

RELATED CONTENT: Thousands Needed For Cancer Study To Improve Black Women’s Health

Howard University, 14th Amendment Center For Law And Democracy
(Photo by Salwan Georges/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 14, 2026

Howard University Gets Into AI Game With New Course Dedicated To Engineering Careers

The class will equip students with the necessary tools to land AI career opportunities.

Howard University is expanding its academic offerings with a new AI course for engineering students.

The Washington, D.C. HBCU will launch its Intro to Artificial Intelligence this spring semester. According to Afrotech, the institution will partner with tech nonprofit CodePath. Together, they developed the course to focus on data structures, AI literacy, and agentic workflows.

In the program, Howard students will learn AI-assisted software development, using the lessons to support their post-graduate careers. Enrolled students will also gain access to Claude Code. The AI tool will help them complete a project to add to their portfolios and become more competitive candidates.

With the Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s financial involvement, this course will give Howard scholars a leg up in the evolving workforce. Familiarizing them with prevalent AI practices will broaden their professional opportunities in today’s job market.

“Our work is rooted in the idea that HBCUs are not only equipping students for coursework but also building skills vital to succeeding and leading in the workplace,” said Dr. Harry L. Williams, TMCF president and CEO, in the press release. “Through programs like this and professional development such as what our Innovation & Partnership arm provides, our HBCUs are elevating excellence and creating pathways to opportunity in the fields that are defining the economy of the future.”

The course will aid students within the College of Engineering and Architecture at Howard. As fears loom over the already disproportionate amount of Black tech workers in the age of AI, as reported by Amsterdam News, the HBCU course will ensure diverse workers remain represented in the STEM fields.

“Howard has a long history of preparing students to not just succeed in today’s jobs, but to become leaders in the economy of tomorrow,” said Dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture Kimberly L. Jones, Ph.D., according to the news release.

Jones added, “Building on many years of introducing students to traditional AI concepts, this course has been reimagined to reflect AI’s ongoing evolution and respond to what our students are asking for, and what employers now expect.”

Class is now in session as these Howard students embark on a technologically advanced landscape.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘BE PRESIDENTIAL:’ Long Island Man Sues Ex-Boss And Medical Center For $100M Over Alleged Obama-Fueled Sex Extortion

FORMALDEHYDE,relaxer, hair, Back women, straightener
Photo by Ron Lach via pexels
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 14, 2026

FDA Called Out For Repeated Refusal To Ban Harmful Chemicals In Hair Relaxers

A health justice group has called out the FDA for its stalled regulation.

A health justice organization is calling out the Food and Drug Administration for dragging its feet on banning harmful chemicals in hair straightening products.

Weaving Voices for Health and Justice shared a press release condemning the FDA for refusing to ban formaldehyde and other formaldehyde-inducing chemicals in hair products. WEAVE called the matter a gross negligence that can severely impact the health of Black women and salon workers, who primarily use these products as hair relaxers.

Given the proven risks of using these products, health justice advocates and salon workers have urged the government to ban these chemicals for years. However, after five consecutive missed deadlines to enact regulations initially promised in 2023, WEAVE has made a public outcry, criticizing the FDA’s stalled action.

Leaders at WEAVE have emphasized their concerns that the delayed banning is not only jeopardizing Black women’s health but signaling that their well-being is not a priority for the FDA.

“The FDA has known about the dangers of formaldehyde in hair straightening products for over a decade,” said Debra Erenberg, co-executive director of Weaving Voices for Health & Justice, in a news release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE. “Failing to release this rule yet again raises serious questions about whose health is being prioritized and whose is being sacrificed.”

Despite open letters to the FDA, as well as initiatives and social action dedicated to awareness and prevention, no new legislation has been made to safeguard women from these harmful chemicals. As these products remain readily available for public use, in addition to these harmful companies specifically marketing to women of color, the risk of cancer and other illnesses will persist.

“Every delay in releasing this rule allows continued exposure to a known carcinogen, particularly for Black women and salon workers who bear the greatest risk,” added Jayla Burton, director of Programs at Weaving Voices for Health & Justice. “The science is clear and well-documented. The continued inaction only leads to more serious damage.”

WEAVE, alongside salon workers, continues to make grassroots efforts to prevent future victims of these chemicals; they will continue to apply pressure on the FDA and government for federal support. Although the current administration has scaled back on science-based advocacy, WEAVE continues to fight for this legislation amid the misinformation crisis.

“At a time when public trust in health protections is already fragile, continued delay only reinforces the perception that the FDA does not care about the lives of salon workers and consumers,” Erenberg continued. “Federal leadership requires action, not excuses and continued delays on critical regulations.

In the meantime, to combat this systemic health disparity, WEAVE will continue its Beautiful Hair with the Scare campaign, expanding its outreach to reach more women to straighten the facts about these chemicals.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘BE PRESIDENTIAL:’ Long Island Man Sues Ex-Boss And Medical Center For $100M Over Alleged Obama-Fueled Sex Extortion

trespassing,
Photo by Glenn Langhorst: https://www.pexels.com/photo/sign-forbidding-entry-10179826/
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 14, 2026

Minnesota Vikings’ Jordan Addison Arrested For Trespassing In Florida

This is his second arrest in two years

NFL player Jordan Addison was recently arrested in Florida on a trespassing charge, but was released after posting a $500 cash bond. This was his second arrest in the last two years.

According to The Minnesota Star Tribune, the Minnesota Vikings wide receiver was picked up Jan. 12 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa, Florida, at 3:46 a.m. Police officers charged him with first-degree misdemeanor trespassing, and he was released after posting bond the next afternoon.

https://twitter.com/NFL_DovKleiman/status/2011124580971127069

At a press conference on Jan. 13, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell commented on the arrest.

“I just learned about that very, very recently. I don’t want to speculate on that in any way, shape, or form. I do think we have to get as many facts and find out exactly what happened.”

NFL.com reported that the 23-year-old player, months after being drafted at No. 23 in the 2023 NFL Draft, was arrested in Los Angeles on suspicion of driving under the influence. He pleaded no contest to “wet reckless,” a lesser charge. Addison had to pay a fine and complete two online courses. After doing so, his probation would be shortened from 12 to six months. The league suspended him for three games at the start of the 2025 season for violating its personal conduct policy.

In July 2023, the wide receiver was issued a summons for speeding and reckless driving in Minnesota after allegedly going 140 mph in a 55 mph zone.

His troubles aren’t just off the field. This past season, he had career lows in catches (42), yards (610), and touchdowns (three).

In his three NFL seasons, Addison has 175 catches for 2,396 yards and 22 touchdowns. In 2023, he led the Vikings in touchdown catches with 10, while also having two rushing touchdowns.

The team can add another year to his rookie contract in May, but Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah did not say whether the team would do so.

“Jordan is unique because 99 percent of the days that Jordan Addison is a Viking, he is a joy to be around,” Adofo-Mensah said. “He is incredibly intelligent, confident, responsible. Then, like all of us, it’s what are you like on those 1 percent of those days? Is it the type of thing that draws attention or not?

“Obviously, that’s something we have to consider when you’re talking about long-term ramifications of a contract extension or different things like that.”

RELATED CONTENT: End Of The Swipe: Unserious NYC Commuters Bid Farewell To the Iconic MetroCard

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Washington, DC – Frances Perkins Building ***Official Department of Labor Photograph*** Photographs taken by the federal government are generally part of the public domain and may be used, copied and distributed without permission. Unless otherwise noted, photos posted here may be used without the prior permission of the U.S. Department of Labor. Such materials, however, may not be used in a manner that imply any official affiliation with or endorsement of your company, website or publication.   Photo Credit: Department of Labor Shawn T Moore
by Sharelle B. McNair

January 14, 2026

Looks Familiar? Department of Labor Gets Side-Eye For Messaging Mirroring Nazi Slogan

Director of research at Data & Society Alice Marwick touched on the shift of extremist language and media coming from MAGA loyalists saying it's now coming directly from the Trump Administration.

Nazi symbolism seemingly keeps appearing within the Trump administration as the Department of Labor (DOL) is under fire for its new slogan, “One Homeland. One People. One Heritage. Remember who you are, American,” similar to a slogan used in the early 20th century, USA Today reports. 

When the agency posted the slogan on X with a montage video of what American life once was, criticism poured in, expressing concern that it mimicked one of the central slogans of the Nazi Party and its leader, Adolf Hitler, saying: “One People, One Realm, One Leader.”

Social media users started reposting and responding to the imagery, highlighting the comparisons and recalling learning about the slogan in schools. “Hey, I remember this one, there’s history books written about it,” @dannyonpc wrote. “And those who coined it aren’t the good guys.”

While the agency has yet to respond to the backlash, this isn’t the first time a federal agency or leader under the Trump administration has seemingly embraced Nazi ideology. 

Just one day before the DOL post, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted an odd image of a man riding through a snowy mountainous terrain beneath a stealth bomber in the air. The caption read, “We’ll have our home again,” with a website link encouraging people to become members of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency – better known as ICE. 

British historian, Third Reich and Nazi Germany expert Adam Tooze reposted the imagery, labeling the phrase as coming from a “white nationalist anthem.”

ICE agents continue to be under fire for their actions that have resulted in violence and deaths in some of America’s metro cities. Most recently, in Minneapolis, an agent, Jonathan Ross, is being accused of fatally killing Renee Good during a controversial enforcement operation. 

And former Department of Government Efficiency Director Elon Musk was accused of using Hitler’s famous arm salute during a Donald Trump presidential campaign rally.

Director of research at Data & Society, Alice Marwick, touched on the shift in extremist language and media coming from MAGA loyalists, saying it’s different from President Donald Trump’s first term. “There was a sense of plausible deniability before,” Marwick said, according to The Intercept. 

“Those dog whistles were being done by supporters. Now they’re being done directly by the administration.”

In late 2025, the U.S. Coast Guard revealed a new policy no longer labeling swastikas, nooses, and other extremist emblems as symbols of hate. In the interim, the team will now categorize them as “potentially divisive.” 

RELATED CONTENT: Op-Ed: Coded In Red, White, And Blue; The Dept. Of Labor Posts A Confederate-Like Flag On ‘X’ And The Nation Stayed Silent

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