Jason Lee, Politics, Stockton shooting
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 13, 2026

Jason Lee Cleared Of ‘Wild ‘N Out’ Investigation, Stockton Leadership Remains Concerned

Although the investigation affirmed Lee's innocence, Stockton leaders still question his political integrity.

Although Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee did not commit any legal violations regarding a “Wild ‘N Out” stop, questions remain over ethical concerns.

Lee became the center of a $50,000 probe regarding whether legal or ethical violations occurred during the Nick Cannon-hosted show’s appearance in Stockton. While the investigation found Lee innocent, its findings still left city residents and leaders questioning the Hollywood Unlocked founder’s political integrity.

According to Fox 40, an independent review by Hanson Bridgette LLP affirmed Lee did not misuse city funds or pressure staffers to put on the show, which took place in May. Months after the event, accusations arose that Lee used his celebrity relationship to bring the show to the California city, as well as overlooked city policies to put the show on.

However, The Grio reports that Lee refuted these allegations. Instead, he called the production a “favor” to “turn [Stockton] up” for future partnerships.

“Nick and the Wild ‘N Out team came to Stockton as a favor to me — to turn this city up and prove that we deserve world-class partnerships,” explained Lee at the height of the controversy.

However, his denial did not allay concerns, leading to Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi and the City Council to move forward with the investigation. The investigation’s final report, released Jan. 9, upheld Lee’s claims of innocence from inappropriate financial gain.

“The facts show that any personal interest was likely aligned with City interest,” detailed the firm. “At most, the facts reflect a possible lack of awareness of the need to consider ethical standards even when one’s personal interests are aligned with official duties.”

Despite his clearances, the investigators highlighted ethical concerns, with Mayor Fugazi also spearheading these conversations. Lee, on the other hand, called the pricey probe a waste of taxpayer dollars. In his statement, he also made digs at the council members who opposed his request.

“I tried my best to save the taxpayers from spending $50,000 to prove I was innocent, but the council clique voted otherwise,” Lee said.

However, the elected official, who won his November 2024 election, still has a long way to go to regain the trust lost due to this controversy. Stockton council members also discussed the report’s findings on Jan. 12, further debating the actions of the celebrity-turned-city leader.

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Mary J. Blige, Community College, Strength Of A Woman Fund
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 13, 2026

Mary J. Blige Announces First-Ever ‘My Life, My Journey’ Las Vegas Residency

Mary J. Blige is taking to Las Vegas for her first-ever residency at the Park MGM.

Mary J. Blige fans are heading to Las Vegas this May and June for the singer’s first-ever residency in Sin City.

The “Be Without You” singer shared the news on Instagram on Jan. 12, a day after turning 55, announcing her first-ever Las Vegas residency, Mary J. Blige: My Life, My Story, set for May and July at Dolby Live at Park MGM.

“Vegas, are you ready? I am so excited to announce my first-ever Las Vegas Residency May 1 – 9 & July 10 – 18 at Dolby Live at Park MGM! Get your tickets (Friday at 10 AM PT) ❤️,” she wrote.

The residency celebrates Blige’s illustrious 30-year career, which includes nine Grammy wins, the World Music Awards’ Legend Award for Outstanding Contribution to R&B, ASCAP’s 2007 Voice of Music Award, six BET Awards, including the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award, and Billboard’s 2017 Icon of the Year honor after winning nine Billboard Music Awards in a single night in 2006. Performing live in an official Las Vegas residency has long been a bucket-list goal for the singer.

“I’ve been so excited to announce this Vegas residency,” Blige said in a statement. “Creating a show like this has been something I’ve always wanted to do.”

“It’s a chance to get my fans together from all over–-different cities, states, and countries–-to experience something together,” she added. “My Life, My Story will be just that–– with some surprises for my fans that have been there through it all. See you in May!”

Tickets will first be available through a Citi/AAdvantage presale on Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 10 a.m. PT, followed by an artist presale on Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 10 a.m. PT. Live Nation and Ticketmaster presales begin Thursday, Jan. 15, at 10 a.m. PT. All presales end Thursday, Jan. 15, at 10 p.m. PT, with the general on-sale starting Friday, Jan. 16, at 10 a.m. PT via Ticketmaster.

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Registered Nurse, 69-Year-Old Grandmother , Career, Hospital, Doctor
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 13, 2026

Nearly 15,000 Nurses Stage Largest Strike In NYC History

Thousands of nurses in New York City have entered day two of the largest nurse strike in the city's history.

Nearly 15,000 nurses across New York City have hit the streets, marking the largest nurse strike in the city’s history over stalled contract negotiations.

The strike began on Jan. 12 and carried into the following day, affecting major New York City hospitals, including Mount Sinai Hospital, Mount Sinai Morningside, Mount Sinai West, Montefiore, and NewYork-Presbyterian, ABC 7 NY reports. With the New York State Nurses Association contract having expired on Dec. 31, the union is demanding higher pay, increased staffing, fully funded benefits, and stronger workplace protections against violence.

By 6 a.m. on Jan. 12, nurses flooded the streets in red hats and red gloves, banging drums and blowing whistles in a peaceful protest. They received backing from Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who joined the strike and praised their fight as one for dignity, fairness, and the future of New York City’s healthcare system.

“There is no shortage of wealth in the healthcare industry,” Mamdani said. “The CEO of Montefiore made more than $16 million last year. The CEO of NewYork-Presbyterian made $26 million. But too many nurses can’t make ends meet.”

The mayor stated the city is focused on safeguarding both patients and healthcare workers during the strike and urged hospital leaders and union representatives to resume negotiations immediately. Mount Sinai, however, blamed the strike on what it called the union’s “extreme economic demands.”

“Unfortunately, NYSNA decided to move forward with its strike while refusing to move on from its extreme economic demands, which we can not agree to, but we are ready with 1,400 qualified and specialized nurses — and prepared to continue to provide safe patient care for as long as this strike lasts,” Mount Sinai said in a statement.

The impacted hospitals have brought in large numbers of temporary nurses to cover staffing shortages. Both union members and hospital administrators have encouraged patients to continue seeking care during the strike. The private, nonprofit hospitals say they’ve improved staffing in recent years and describe the union’s demands as financially unsustainable.

This strike comes three years after a previous walkout that forced hospitals to transfer patients and reroute ambulances. A Mount Sinai spokesperson said that on the first day of the current strike, 20% of nurses crossed the picket line, and they expect more staff to return in the coming days.

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Ye, Kanye West, doc, in whose name
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 13, 2026

Ye Files Lawsuit Against Former Project Manager For Placing Lien On Malibu House

The music producer is suing Tony Saxon for placing a $1.8 million lien in 2024

Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, has filed a lawsuit against a former project manager, alleging that the manager and his attorneys wrongfully placed a $1.8 million lien on his former Malibu house.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the lawsuit, recently filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, by the music producer and his real estate company, Shore Drive Holdings, LLC, accuses Anthony Saxon Netelkos (also known as Tony Saxon) and law firm West Coast Trial Lawyers, of “wrongfully” placing an “invalid” lien on the property “while simultaneously launching an aggressive publicity campaign designed to pressure Ye, chill prospective transactions, and extract payment on disputed claims already being litigated in court.”

Saxon, who was once Ye’s security guard and caretaker at the Malibu property, took the rapper to Los Angeles Superior Court in September 2023, accusing him of committing several labor violations, nonpayment of services, and disability discrimination.

In a November 2023 response to the lawsuit, Ye disputed Saxon’s allegations. In December 2023, the property, which Ye purchased for $57.3 million in 2021, was listed for sale. The following month, in January 2024, Saxon placed a $1.8-million “mechanics” lien on the property to ensure he would be compensated for the work he did as project manager and for construction-related services.

After placing the lien on Ye’s property, Saxon and his attorneys “immediately” issued statements to the media.

In the lawsuit, a statement Saxon’s attorney, Ronald Zambrano, gave to Business Insider at the time was cited.

Zambrano told the media outlet, “If someone wants to buy Kanye’s Malibu home, they will have to deal with us first. That sale cannot happen without Tony getting paid first.”

“These statements were designed to create public pressure and to interfere with the Plaintiffs’ ability to sell and finance the Property by falsely conveying that Defendants held an adjudicated, enforceable right to block a transaction and divert sale proceeds,” the lawsuit stated.

Last year, the Los Angeles Superior Court granted Ye’s motion to release the lien from the bond and awarded the controversial fashion designer attorneys’ fees.

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Black Panther
by Sharelle B. McNair

January 13, 2026

Black Panther Party Says No One ‘Would Have Gotten Touched’ If They Were Present In Minneapolis Amid ICE Protests

The group’s national chairman, and attending members feel ICE should be abolished and the current administration should be held accountable for its actions.

Members of the Black Panther Party were seen at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protest in Philadelphia following the tragic death of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, saying “if we were there, not a single person would have gotten touched,” The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. 

The group, which identifies as part of the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, is an entity of the 1960s militant Black power group founded by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale. Members showed up to the Jan. 8 anti-ICE protest at Philadelphia City Hall, with military-style weapons in hand, in response to the violence dished out by the Trump administration. 

Paul Birdsong, who labels himself as the group’s national chairman, and attending members feel ICE should be abolished and the current administration should be held accountable for its actions. After Good was killed by ICE agent Jonathan Ross, President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance defended the agent, saying he “was doing his job” and issued sentiments of “absolute immunity” without proper facts.

“You got people that are part of a cabal, that are self-serving … and they prey on the common folks of the United States,” Birdsong said.

Trained by some of the original party’s surviving members, the Black Panther Party is known in the City of Brotherly Love for hosting weekly free food programs in North Philly for years. Community members who stop by for free food are used to seeing the group’s members armed and ready, which creates a sense of security for those they serve. 

Older members of the community call them role models and remember the days when their party held events at the Church of the Advocate. “They primarily were always community-oriented,” said 63-year-old Jerome Hill, saying he is happy to see the group still serving the community. 

Member Comrade Arch, who also carries a firearm, says he feels “like we’re welcome” as Birdsong admits to feeling “safe.” “No police, no drug dealers doing anything to us here.”

With under 100 members, Birdsong started to recruit members following the 2020 murder of George Floyd, which sparked massive protests, similar to the ones taking place in Good’s memory. According to 6 Action News, speakers like Anita Raihan of No ICE Philly said it’s only a matter of time before the same thing happens in Philadelphia — if people don’t act now. “If you do not act, it will happen here,” Raihan said. 

“And if you do not act, ICE will continue to kidnap and disappear members of our community every single day.”

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner issued warnings to ICE agents as Trump pushes for a greater presence in America’s metro cities. “Don’t even try this in Philly,” Krasner said. “Do you hear me, ICE agents? You’re going to jail if you commit crimes in the city of Philadelphia.” 

As organizers labeled the protest as “a catalyzing moment when people are coming together,” they plan to host demonstrations outside the local ICE field office every Monday morning.

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Bloody Sunday, Lynda Blackmon Lowery
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 13, 2026

Lynda Blackmon Lowery, Bloody Sunday’s Youngest Marcher, Dies In Selma At 75

Dr. Lynda Blackmon Lowery, the youngest Bloody Sunday marcher, passed away in Selma at age 75.

Dr. Lynda Blackmon Lowery, widely recognized as the youngest person to march with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during Bloody Sunday, died in Selma on Dec. 24 at the age of 75.

Lowery’s daughter, Danita Blackmon, confirmed her death but did not disclose a cause, The New York Times reported. Selma honored her legacy with two days of funeral events, including a public viewing on Dec. 29 and a celebration of life on Dec. 30.

A nationally revered civil rights icon and Selma foot soldier, Dr. Lowery was a key figure in the Selma Voting Rights Movement. She vowed as a child to fight for civil rights after witnessing the trauma her family endured when her mother died from childbirth complications, having been denied a blood transfusion due to her race.

“So, I made a vow at the age of seven that when I got big, I was going to change things. And nobody would ever have to grow up without a mother again because of the color of skin,” Lowery said in 2024.

After her mother’s death, Dr. Lowery drew strength from her grandmother, who introduced her to activism and took her to see Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak in 1963. Her activism began with high school sit-ins alongside fellow students. By age 14, she had marched for justice, been jailed nine times, and was beaten on Bloody Sunday in 1965 while turning 15. Historians credit those marches with helping spur the passage of the Voting Rights Act.

She later spent 27 years as a mental health professional before sharing her story in her acclaimed 2015 memoir, Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom, which became a widely used teaching tool and stage production. In her later years, she continued educating new generations, witnessed her legacy honored through Selma’s Foot Soldiers Park, and offered guidance to Black youth facing racism.

“I still tell them to believe in themselves, because there’s nobody greater walking this earth than you right now. Believe in who you are, and even though all those bricks and stones are going to be thrown at you, be still and believe in you,” Lowery said. “You direct you. And the more you direct you, the more everybody’s going to see the beauty inside you. You are important to yourself. If you like yourself, you love yourself. Ain’t nobody gonna take that from you.”

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Kid Mero, Hot 97
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 13, 2026

The Kid Mero Announced As New Morning Host Of Hot97

'I grew up listening to HOT 97, so to get the morning slot here isn't just a job—it's a responsibility to continue that legacy while bringing it into this next era of media.'

Less than a month after the New York hip-hop world was shocked by Hot97’s release of the Ebro in the Morning radio team, the station announced the replacement: a New York personality known to many hip-hop fans, The Kid Mero.

Hot97 announced that the Bronx-bred host is at the helm of the morning show, HOT 97 Mornings with Mero, which started Jan. 13, bringing a New York host back to lead the morning program for the first time in years. The Kid Mero announced his latest career move on social media: joining the hip-hop station.

The show will air weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.

“HOT 97 is the station—it’s been the voice of NYC hip-hop and culture for decades,” said The Kid Mero in a written statement. “I grew up listening to HOT 97, so to get the morning slot here isn’t just a job—it’s a responsibility to continue that legacy while bringing it into this next era of media. We’re gonna laugh, we’re gonna get into it, but it’s always gonna be real, and a real good time!”

The Kid Mero is well known to New York City fans as a co-host of the Carmelo Anthony-led program 7PM in Brooklyn, a sports show that also covers other topics with their guests. He also hosts Victory Light with The Kid Mero and is a New York Times best-selling author, Writers Guild Award winner, and Variety named him a “Comic to Watch.”

“HOT 97 has always been about representing the culture of New York, and Mero is New York,” said Kudjo Sogadzi, EVP of Content & Growth at MediaCo. “He’s authentic, hilarious, fearless, and deeply connected to the community. HOT 97 Mornings with Mero is going to set the tone for the city every morning and create must-listen moments for our audience.”

The Kid Mero’s initial claim to fame came as a co-host of Desus and Mero (formerly Desus vs. Mero) with his former partner, Desus (Daniel Baker, formerly a writer for BLACK ENTERPRISE). The show later became Bodega Boys before both went their separate ways.

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Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame, coach, football
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 13, 2026

Notre Dame Football Coach Marcus Freeman Won’t Face Assault Charge

'While the evidence suggests that a touching may have occurred, an inadvertent touching is not sufficient.  The State is therefore declining to file any criminal charges.''

A video played a part in the authorities’ decision not to file charges against University of Notre Dame head football coach Marcus Freeman after he was accused of battery following an incident at his son’s high school wrestling event earlier this month.

According to CBS Sports, the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office stated that no charges are being filed against Freeman for the alleged assault against New Prairie High School wrestling assistant coach, Chris Fleeger, at Mishawaka High School, Jan. 3. Freeman denied the allegations immediately. Notre Dame backed their football coach, releasing a statement that the accusation was untrue.

Mishawaka police investigated the accusation of Fleeger, who told police officers that the football coach assaulted him during the Al Smith Wrestling Invitational, where Freeman’s son, Vinny, was a participant. The incident allegedly occurred after Vinny lost his match; no details were revealed on what started the altercation.

Prosecutors issued a statement confirming that no charges will be filed against Freeman after viewing evidence, including a video that shows Freeman did not assault Fleeger. However, he may have touched the wrestling coach.

“While the evidence suggests that a touching may have occurred, an inadvertent touching is not sufficient. The State is therefore declining to file any criminal charges.”

Last year, history was made when Notre Dame beat Penn State to advance to the College Football Championship, making Freeman the first Black man to lead his team to the championship at the FBS level (NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision). The Fighting Irish lost the championship to Ohio State, 34-23, Jan. 20, 2025.

Sports Illustrated reported that Notre Dame has recently rewarded Freeman with a restructured contract that adds an extra year to the seven-year deal he signed last year. The contract places him in the “top tier” of college coaches.

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Renee Hardman, Iowa, Senate
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 13, 2026

Iowa Lawmaker Renee Hardman Makes History As First Black Woman Appointed To State’s Senate

Hardman's win also ensured that Iowa Republicans would not get two-thirds control of the senate.

Renee Hardman is making history as a Black woman leader in Iowa.

Hardman was officially sworn in during the first legislative session of the season, Jan. 11. The historic ceremony made her the first Black woman to serve in the Iowa State Senate. The Iowa Senate Democrats marked the occasion for their party members’ achievement.

The swearing-in ceremony took place minutes before legislators began the session. The State Board of Canvass certified Hardman’s appointment, allowing her to partake in the lawmaking process. According to CBS 2, Hardman will serve on multiple committees, including government oversight, health and human services, and natural resources and environment.

Hardman won the special election race held Dec. 30, sparked by the October death of Sen. Claire Celsi. She will now represent the residents of District 16, which serves parts of Des Moines. Her win maintained the seat for the Democratic Party amid the loss of her predecessor, while also ensuring that State Senate Republicans do not reclaim a two-thirds majority.

PBS previously reported that Hardman won by a wide margin against GOP candidate Lucas Loftin. The CEO of Nonprofit Lutheran Services of Iowa also has a background in city politics, having served on the West Des Moines City Council.

As she prepares to enact change on behalf of all Iowans, Hardman is well aware of the history she has made. Upon her victory, she thanked her supporters for allowing her to be a voice for their fight.

“I rest on the shoulders of my ancestors who fought the good fight and lost their lives so that I could serve,” remarked Hardman. “With this comes great responsibility — responsibility to live out those five words on my yard sign and be A Voice For All People — a beacon of light and hope that Iowa can be a better place — where every family has the opportunity to thrive.”

Hardman remains part of a shift toward Democratic appointments across several states, working to ensure that local legislatures stay blue as midterms near.

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L.A. Reid, Russell Simmons, Dixon, Drew
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 13, 2026

L.A. Reid Settles Sexual Assault Lawsuit

L.A. Reid has settled with former Arista Records exec, Drew Dixon, who accused him of sexual assault and harassment.

Music mogul Antonio “L.A.” Reid has reached a settlement with former Arista Records executive Drew Dixon, ending her sexual assault lawsuit and sidestepping a trial where John Legend was slated to testify.

The case was settled on Jan. 12, just ahead of jury selection and opening statements in Dixon’s lawsuit alleging sexual assault and retaliation by Reid in the early 2000s, as cited by The Hollywood Reporter. Reid’s attorney, Imran Ansari, said the matter was “amicably resolved” without any admission of liability.

The settlement avoids a trial expected to feature high-profile testimony, including from John Legend, with whom Dixon worked during her time recruiting him at Arista before later reuniting when she became general manager at Homeschool Records.

Dixon, who filed the suit under New York’s Adult Survivors Act—which temporarily reopened the window for sexual misconduct claims regardless of the statute of limitations—said she hopes her advocacy for the law “helps to bring us closer to a safer music business for everyone.”

“In a world where good news is often hard to find, I hope for survivors that today is a ray of light peeking through the clouds,” she said.

In a 2023 New York federal lawsuit, Dixon accused Reid of sexually assaulting her twice in 2001—once on a private jet and again in a car—and alleged he retaliated after she distanced herself, creating a hostile work environment that pushed her out of the industry. The suit followed Dixon’s earlier public allegations in 2017 against Russell Simmons and Reid, which she later detailed in HBO Max’s 2020 documentary On the Record.

Dixon has said the alleged assaults, retaliation, and resulting health issues derailed her career.

“Drew has been one of the most courageous and outspoken supporters of survivors of sexual abuse,” said Kenya Davis, a lawyer for Dixon. “Her advocacy, including her instrumental role in advancing the Adult Survivors Act, has helped shift the balance of power in the music industry, creating a path to justice for survivors.”

In addition to Reid, Dixon sued Simmons in 2024, accusing him of defamation for denying her allegation that he raped her in 1995. The case is pending, in the discovery phase, as Dixon is among roughly 20 women who have accused the disgraced hip-hop mogul of sexual assault or misconduct.

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