• Women

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 4, 2026

New York County Appoints First-Ever Black Woman Sheriff In State History

Jackie Salvatore was sworn-in as New York's first ever Black woman sheriff.

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New York has a new appointment to celebrate, electing its first-ever Black woman sheriff in the state’s history.

A swearing-in ceremony in Columbia County held more historical resonance than usual, as it marked the beginning of Jackie Salvatore’s tenure as Sheriff. According to MidHudson News, the ceremony took place Jan 2. at the Columbia County Courthouse while local leaders attended the milestone.

Salvatore brings almost three decades of experience to this promotion, having served 28 years with the New York State Police. With her established resume, Salvatore will take on this new leadership role as a beacon of diversity, and dedicated to serve-and-protect communities.

New York Assemblywoman Didi Barrett, who represents the Hudson area, also administered the oath of office to Salvatore. She called the newly sworn-in sheriff a “pioneering public servant” as she entered this new phase of her law enforcement career.

“Today I had the great honor of administering the oath of office to my friend and partner in government, Columbia County Sheriff Jackie Salvatore,” Barrett said in a statement. “Jackie is a pioneering public servant with a long and outstanding track record of keeping our families and communities safe, and is making history as the first Black woman to serve as sheriff in New York State history.”

Salvatore, a Democrat, opted to run for sheriff upon the retirement of Sheriff Donald Krapf. Previously serving as undersheriff, she defeated her Republican opponent, Lt. John Rivero, to assume the role.

As a lifelong Columbia County resident, Salvatore remains an embedded member of its community. She ran on a platform of hands-on leadership to further crime prevention and officer preparedness. The seasoned officer also aims to address the opioid crisis while advancing equity and fairness in the criminal justice system.

Upon her successful run, Salvatore shared how “humbled” she felt by her win. Now, she may begin the work she envisions for her county as its historic sheriff.

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A post shared by Jackie Salvatore for Sheriff (@jackieforsheriff)

She wrote, “I will continue doing what I’ve done for the past three decades-serving with integrity, supporting my peers, and upholding the law enforcement oath of honor for everyone in this county.”

RELATED CONTENT: Georgia City Welcomes First Black Woman Police Chief In Cobb County History

• News

by Kandiss Edwards

January 4, 2026

Wells Fargo Refuses To Reimburse 83-Year-Old’s Fraud Claim

In May 2025, Wells Fargo denied Young’s fraud claim, saying her report was untimely.

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An 83-year-old Texas grandmother said Wells Fargo has refused to reimburse her for nearly $15,000 stolen through check fraud, a dispute her family and local police say continues to cause distress more than a year after the theft was first discovered.

Billie Young, a Dallas elder, wrote a check for $14,952.52 in August 2024 to pay off her car loan. A second check for her electric bill was processed normally. However, she did not get the same confirmation for the loan payment. Young later learned that someone had altered the payee name and cashed it, her family told WFAA-TV.

Young’s family said she contacted Wells Fargo on Sept. 6, 2024, to inquire about the unresolved loan payment and was told the check had cleared. A bank representative did not tell Young that the payee’s name had been changed or that the check appeared altered. Young asked for a stop payment on the utility check during that same call.

After Young obtained a copy of the cashed check in October 2024 showing the payee’s name had been changed and her signature appeared to have been forged, her family reported the incident to Dallas police and filed a fraud claim with Wells Fargo.

In May 2025, Wells Fargo denied Young’s fraud claim, saying her report was too late, her family told the outlet.

“The claim will remain denied, and we will not reimburse you for the disputed transactions,” the bank’s letter said, according to her family.

Young’s granddaughter, Kecia Byars, said the protracted dispute has taken an emotional toll, leaving her grandmother stressed and tearful during bank visits. Out of concern for her well-being, Young closed her Wells Fargo account after more than 25 years as a customer.

Following renewed media coverage, Wells Fargo said it would re-review Young’s case, and the Dallas Police Department also said it is once again examining the matter.

RELATED CONTENT: Bank Of America Employee Accused Of Stealing Over $500K From Disabled Client, Could Face Life Sentence

• Food

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 4, 2026

Mc-What? McDonald’s Sued Over Claims Its McRib Has No Actual Rib Meat

The lawsuit says the fast food chain has misled customers to pay for a false premium meat cut.

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Some McDonald’s customers are fed up and alleging that the restaurant chain’s famous McRib has deceitful marketing.

Four disgruntled customers argued that the McRib’s rib-shaped patty is being sold under false pretenses. The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois received the 45-page complaint, filed Dec. 23.

According to The Independent, the fast food eatery has dismissed the claim made in a federal class action lawsuit against them. However, an apparent ingredient list for the sandwich argued otherwise, leading to the legal action.

The filing dictates that the “McRib” actually consists of restructured pork. Instead of legally-confirmed rib meat, this pork allegedly comes from the animal’s shoulder, heart, tripe, and scalded stomach.

Since its debut in 1982, the McRib has become a fascination amongst McDonald’s lovers for its limited releases throughout each year. Although considered a more premium menu item, the complaints suggests that McDonald’s deceives buyers through the marketing of the sandwich.

The lawsuit claims McDonald’s is liable for fraud, breach of warranty, contract violations, and violations of state consumer protection laws. The filing aims to represent all U.S. consumers who bought the sandwich in the past four years, in addition to subclasses in California, New York, Illinois, and Washington.

However, McDonald’s has denied the claims about the McRib’s alleged ingredients. A spokesperson told the news outlet that the sandwich meat consists of “100 percent [boneless] pork,” not including any animal organs.

“This lawsuit distorts the facts and many of the claims are inaccurate. Food quality and safety are at the heart of everything we do – that’s why we’re committed to using real, quality ingredients across our entire menu,” the spokesperson said.

The statement continued, “Our fan-favorite McRib sandwich is made with 100 percent pork sourced from farmers and suppliers across the U.S. We’ve always been transparent about our ingredients so guests can make the right choice for them.”

Despite the company’s rebuttal, the plaintiffs still deem their case as valid, as the marketing and promotion materials do not accurately describe the meat. Furthermore, given its higher price compared to other menu items, the plaintiffs believe that customers should understand that the sandwich does not include a costlier pork cut.

The plaintiffs are seeking damages, restitution, and injunctive relief as they hope a class certification will allow other McRib enthusiasts to join the lawsuit.

RELATED CONTENT: McDonald’s Sued for Racism and Sexual Harrassment

• Arts and Culture

by Kandiss Edwards

January 4, 2026

U.S. Postal Service To Honor Phillis Wheatley With Heritage Stamp

Phillis Wheatley is the first published African-American poet.

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The U.S. Postal Service will honor Phillis Wheatley, the first published African-American poet, with the 49th Black Heritage Stamp, continuing a decades-long series recognizing Black contributions to American history.

The stamp, part of the Postal Service’s Black Heritage series that began in 1978, will feature a portrait of Wheatley. It will commemorate her role as a pioneering Black literary figure whose work became known internationally in the 18th century.

According to the Postal Service, the new stamp is intended to recognize Wheatley’s “enduring legacy and her role as a trailblazing voice in literature.” The agency said her inclusion reflects the series’ mission to honor individuals whose contributions shaped the nation’s cultural and intellectual life.”

Wheatley was born in West Africa and brought to Boston as an enslaved child in the early 1760s. She was educated by her enslavers, the Wheatley family. Early in her life, she demonstrated extraordinary literary talent, which led to an international career. In 1773, she published Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, becoming the first African-American woman to publish a book of poetry. The volume was printed in London and received attention from readers in both Europe and the American colonies.

Literary historians have long noted Wheatley’s significance in early American literature by adding her work to scholarly cannon. The Library of Congress describes Wheatley as “a major figure in the early history of African American literature,” noting that her work challenged prevailing assumptions about race, intellect, and artistic ability during the colonial period.

Despite her acclaim, Wheatley’s life after publication was marked by struggle. She was freed from slavery but struggled financially and died in 1784 at about age 31. Scholars have since reassessed her poetry and historical importance, placing her among the foundational voices of American literature.

The Black Heritage Stamp series has previously honored figures such as Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and Toni Morrison. The ceremony will take place Jan. 29 11 a.m. EST at the Old South Meeting House in Washington.

RELATED CONTENT: Sending Mail Will Get More Costly As U.S. Postal Service Raises Price Of Its ‘Forever’ Stamps

• Politics

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 4, 2026

Airlines Resume Caribbean Flights After Mass Cancellations Due To U.S. Strike On Venezuela

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that airlines could resume their operations in the Caribbean.

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Airlines are expected to resume operations across the Caribbean after the U.S. strike on Venezuela sparked mass flight cancellations.

As the clock strikes midnight on Jan. 4, travelers to and from the Caribbean can make it to their destinations. Many travelers were left in the dark after President Donald Trump announced a “successful” U.S. strike against Venezuela Jan. 3. Seemingly overnight, the U.S. President confirmed the taking of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife by the U.S. Army’s Delta Force.

The incident led many U.S. airlines to halt flights to and from the Caribbean due to FAA restrictions, according to USA Today. This news left many ticket-holders in limbo about when they could arrive or return to the U.S. However, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed to X that airlines halted their flights due to the safety risks.

“Early this morning in support of the Department of War, the FAA restricted the airspace in the Caribbean and Venezuela to ensure the SAFETY of the flying public. When appropriate, these airspace restrictions will be lifted. Please work with your airlines directly if your flight has been impacted,” wrote Duffy.

Aligned with the language used among Trump officials, Duffy signed off his message, stating, “God bless President Trump and the United States military.

The following day, Duffy confirmed the ease of the airspace restriction, allowing Caribbean flights to return to schedule.

UPDATE: The original restrictions around the Caribbean airspace are expiring at 12:00am ET and flights can resume.

Airlines are informed, and will update their schedules quickly. Please continue to work with your airline if your flight was affected by the restrictions. https://t.co/5Cv46Xnjy4

— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) January 4, 2026

However, the day of halted flight operations impacted hundreds of trips, especially in heavy-travel airports like in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Other cities across the U.S. territory also underwent flight delays, with major airlines facing delays from destinations such as Antigua, Barbados, Aruba, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Most airlines have offered waived fees for flight changes for travelers impacted. However, these options, including full refunds, vary by airline.

RELATED CONTENT: U.S. Launches Shock Strikes On Venezuela As Trump Claims Maduro Captured In Overnight Raid

• News

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 4, 2026

Citibank Must Pay Back Millions To Stroke Victim After Ignoring Fraud Charges

A NYC judge ordered Citibank to give Leileth Faye Graham, an 80-year-old woman, almost $3.5 million.

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Citibank will have to pay a stroke victim millions after not taking the proper steps to recover the fraudulent charges made to her account.

Queens Supreme Court Justice Bernice Siegal ordered Citibank to give Leileth Faye Graham, an 80-year-old woman from the New York borough, almost $3.5 million in the groundbreaking decision made Dec. 19.

Judge Siegel also found the bank liable for “concealing critical evidence” throughout the court case. The bank refused to refund the hundreds of thousands stolen from Graham’s account, hiding evidence that proved the fraud.

Approximately $135,000 of the stolen amount, which totaling to $772,000, came from 211 withdrawals in Massachusetts. According to The New York Post, Graham’s niece, Joan Hope Bowden, allegedly made the withdrawals as her aunt laid bedridden and blind states away.

Another $638,000 was allegedly snatched from Graham through wire transfers. Although the withdrawals showed clear signs of fraudulent activity, Citibank allowed the fake transactions to continue. Bowden reportedly used the money to fund vacations to Jamaica, buy property in Washington, D.C., for her daughter, and give money away to other family members.

Citibank must now return the money, and add for a couple million, “for failure to investigate or to return the funds removed from [her] account without consent or authority.”

“Had Citibank properly followed its own security procedures on the Citibank accounts following the ATM withdrawals, the account would have been flagged, thereby preventing the subsequent wire transfers,” detailed the court in its decision.

However, Citibank has denied any wrongdoing in the matter and has appealed the court ruling. Despite this, Graham’s family hopes to receive at least some of the court-ordered damages, claiming all of it will go to their elder’s care.

“My hope is that something will come through, so that she gets to enjoy something out of it before she passes away,” said Graham’s other niece, Ingrid Gayle, who assists in her caretaking.

Born in Jamaica in the 1970s, Graham emigrated to the U.S. to complete her education. She earned her degree in business administration from Manhattan College in 1984, followed by her bachelor’s degree from Pace College eight years later. During her professional career, she once worked as a legal secretary for a firm that had Citibank as a client.

In 2020, however, her health took a turn when she suffered from a stroke. After finding her living and health conditions in a dire state, Gayle began to oversee her care.

Now, Gayle hopes for justice on behalf of her elderly aunt. However, the case may also be monumental as it sets a precedent that banks are liable for unauthorized transactions, not the customer. In the meantime, the family hopes that Citibank will refund this money to Graham, who currently uses Medicaid to cover her expenses.

Gayle added, “Because that would really be sad, that we fight for her to get back her money, and that she doesn’t even get to enjoy a thousand of it.”

RELATED CONTENT: Citibank Demands Customers Go Paperless Or Lose Access To Accounts

• News

by Kandiss Edwards

January 4, 2026

Trump Admits The Capture Of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro ‘Is About Oil’

'This is ABOUT OIL!!!,' Representative Jasmine Crockett tweeted.

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Donald Trump said the United States will tap into Venezuela’s oil reserves after the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

In a press conference, Trump expressed his desire to “make lots of money” by tapping into the Venezuelan oil reserve. The announcement comes after the Trump administration’s claims that Madura is a narcotics trafficker which necessitated his removal from power. Yet, the quick shift from drug trafficking by President Maduro to the quantity of Venezuela’s oil is notable. According to US Energy Information Administration, the country is in possession of 303 billion barrels of crude oil. The amount makes the country the fifth highest reserve holder in the world.

“We’re going to have our very large United States oil companies — the biggest anywhere in the world — go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure and start making money for the country,” Trump said at a news conference.

In addition to claims of liberating Venezuelans, subduing a “drug lord,” and improving the country’s infrastructure, Trump claims Venezuelan’s oil is a form of reimbursement. 

“We are going to have a presence in Venezuela as it pertains to oil. We are going to be taking out a tremendous amount of wealth out of the ground… It goes also to the US in the form of reimbursement for the damages caused us by that country,” he said. 

Trump did not give specifics on how the Venezuelan oil assets would be managed or what agreements would be required with international partners. It is also unclear if international allies will align with Trump’s decision to capture a country’s head-of-state. Neither the White House nor the U.S. The Department of State announced any change in policy toward Venezuela following Trump’s comments.

Trump has previously called for aggressive use of energy resources and has frequently criticized U.S. sanctions policy toward Venezuela while arguing that access to foreign oil reserves could benefit U.S. interests.

Many leaders are speaking out in light of what many call an illegal mission, as it was unapproved by Congress. 

In a post on X, Representative Jasmine Crockett criticized Trump’s stated ambition to “run” another country. She also pointed out that Congress should play a role in deciding whether or not to invade a foreign nation. 

“‘We are going to run the country?!!’ Asking for Americans: Can you run the one you were elected to run?! Clearly, the President has decided that Congress is nothing more than a pesky accessory. This is ABOUT OIL!!!”

• Health and Wellness

by Mary Spiller

January 4, 2026

Hundreds Of Prescription Drug Prices Projected To Increase In 2026

New analysis shows medication costs continuing to rise even as drugmakers agree to Trump administration’s pricing policy

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The prices of hundreds of prescription medications in the United States are expected to climb in 2026, according to a new industry analysis, raising questions about the effectiveness of recent Trump federal efforts aimed at lowering drug costs, according to The Hill.

An assessment conducted by health care research firm 3 Axis Advisors found that at least 350 drugs are projected to see price increases next year. The findings, first reported by Reuters, indicate a larger number of medications facing price hikes compared with 2025, when more than 250 drugs were expected to become more expensive. The typical increase is estimated at about 4%.

The report comes as the Trump administration has promoted its “most favored nation” (MFN) prescription pricing policy as a major victory for consumers. Under the initiative, more than a dozen pharmaceutical companies agreed to sell certain medications in the U.S. at the lowest price they offer in any global market. Participating companies also committed to offering direct-to-consumer purchasing options.

The administration has touted these agreements as a turning point for affordability. “This represents the greatest victory for patient affordability in the history of American health care, by far,” President Trump said earlier this month during an Oval Office announcement of additional companies joining the policy.

“The pharmaceutical companies were difficult, but they also love our country,” Trump added. “They knew it was unfair, but they were great.”

Drugmakers agreed to the MFN terms voluntarily, though the White House warned that companies refusing to participate could face tariffs on their products. Despite those deals, several medications expected to increase in price next year are produced by companies that signed on to the policy, including major manufacturers such as Pfizer and GSK.

The projected increases do not factor in rebates paid to pharmacy benefit managers or other behind-the-scenes discounts, according to Reuters. As a result, the final out-of-pocket cost for consumers may differ from list prices.

The MFN agreements primarily affect the Medicaid program, while most Americans receive coverage through private insurance plans. Analysts note that the policy may have a limited impact on Medicaid recipients, since the program already requires manufacturers to offer their lowest available prices.

Critics argue that the administration’s approach fails to address the deeper causes of high drug costs. In an analysis of the MFN agreements, the Centre for Economic Policy Research said that patent protections and market exclusivity remain the central drivers of elevated prices.

According to the group, policies focused on international price matching or limited negotiations do little to challenge pharmaceutical monopolies, leaving broader pricing pressures largely untouched.

As drugmakers continue to raise prices amid policy changes, analysts say the disconnect highlights the complexity of lowering prescription costs in the U.S. health care system.

RELATED CONTENT: Study: Why Are Fewer Black Patients Receiving Anti-Obesity And Diabetes Prescriptions?

• Sports

by Mary Spiller

January 4, 2026

Ja Morant And His Mother Step In To Outfit Mississippi Valley State Women’s Basketball Team

The Morants provided players with multiple colorways of the Nike Ja 3, Morant’s latest signature shoe, along with brand-new all-white jerseys.

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Mississippi Valley State University’s women’s basketball program received a significant show of support this week as NBA star Ja Morant and his mother, Jamie Morant, stepped in to sponsor the Devilettes, supplying the team with exclusive footwear and new game uniforms, according to the News Observer.

The Morants provided players with multiple colorways of the Nike Ja 3, Morant’s latest signature shoe, along with brand-new all-white jerseys. For a program operating under some of the toughest financial conditions in Division I athletics, the donation represents more than a cosmetic upgrade.

Mississippi Valley State acknowledged the gift publicly, thanking the Morant family for their “continued investment” in the program. Photos shared online showed players wearing a range of player-exclusive sneakers, including green-and-white pairs matching school colors and a bright pink option that highlighted the personalized nature of the donation.

While Ja Morant rose to national prominence at Murray State before becoming one of the NBA’s most dynamic guards, his family’s connection to historically Black colleges and universities runs deep. That relationship includes his father, Tee Morant, who played college basketball at Claflin University, and his younger sister, Teniya Morant, who committed to Mississippi Valley State in 2023.

Although Teniya later entered the transfer portal and is now listed on Ranger College’s 2025–26 roster, the family’s involvement with Valley has not wavered. Their continued presence underscores a broader commitment to HBCU athletics, even as individual players move on.

Mississippi Valley State operates with one of the smallest athletic budgets in the NCAA, relying heavily on so-called “buy games” to fund its programs. While the women’s basketball team has managed to break even financially, it still faces limited access to resources commonly available at other Division I schools.

Within that context, the Morants’ contribution carries added importance. New uniforms and exclusive shoes can boost morale, visibility and confidence for athletes competing under challenging circumstances. As the article notes, such support reinforces the belief that these programs are “worth investing in.”

This is not the first time Ja Morant has aligned himself with Mississippi Valley State. In 2023, the Devilettes became one of only four college programs to receive an unreleased colorway of his Nike Ja 1. With the arrival of the Ja 3, the partnership has continued to grow.

For Mississippi Valley State’s women’s basketball team, the gesture serves as both material support and a statement of belief — a reminder that even programs outside the national spotlight matter.

RELATED CONTENT: Ja Morant Responds To Coach Prime’s Inspirational Message Amid Suspension

• Entertainment

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 4, 2026

Remy Ma’s Happy With Burgeoning Remy Network, Admits Co-Parenting With Papoose Is ‘Unproblematic’

'Trying to get a lot more original content. Right now, drama is being told through the eyes of these platforms.'

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After their highly publicized breakup, Remy Ma and Papoose appear focused on moving forward rather than revisiting the past. When TMZ caught up with Remy, she shifted the conversation toward her next chapter, opening up about her growing media venture, the Remy Network, and the momentum she says is building behind it.

As she discussed her entrepreneurial plans, Remy was asked what lies ahead for the network. Given the recent attention surrounding her personal life, the question naturally touched on whether current events might influence the platform’s direction.

“We’re actually working on something like that for the Remy Network right now. Trying to get a lot more original content. Right now, drama is being told through the eyes of these platforms. We have these new directors and these new content creators, and they are telling the stories through drama,” she tells the media outlet.

Remy also revealed that the network already features a talk show and a range of available content, despite not having an official launch yet. Visitors can currently access several FAST channels that are already live, offering a mix of independent films and series spanning multiple genres, signaling that the Remy Network is quietly laying its foundation ahead of a larger rollout.

When it comes to co-parenting with her soon-to-be former husband, she says it’s easy because she is unproblematic. The two hip-hop artists married in 2016 and separated in September 2024. They have yet to divorce officially.

“When you have an unproblematic woman like yourself involved. I don’t have no problems, I call, he comes, she good. My baby’s happy. As far as it comes to birthday parties and stuff like that, I do a birthday party over the top every year. You ain’t gotta worry about, like, all you gotta do is show up. And so when you got to do a show up, it’s easy to co-parent.”

RELATED CONTENT: Remy Ma Launches New Hip-Hop Centered Streaming Platform ‘Remy Network’