Muhammad Ali
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 13, 2026

The Greatest Of All-Time, Muhammad Ali, Has Commemorative Stamp Being Released Jan. 15

Ali once said, 'I should be a postage stamp, because that's the only way I'll ever get licked.'

The self-proclaimed Greatest of All-Time (G.O.A.T.), heavyweight boxer Muhammad Ali, will appear on a postage stamp, and customers will be able to purchase it starting Jan. 15.

The Muhammad Ali Center announced that the United States Postal Service (USPS) would issue a new commemorative stamp honoring the three-time World Heavyweight Champion. The USPS recently revealed the first-day-of-issue event for the Muhammad Ali Forever stamps will take place at the University of Louisville L & N Federal Credit Union Stadium in Louisville on Jan. 15, at 12 p.m.

Ali once said, “I should be a postage stamp, because that’s the only way I’ll ever get licked.” Now, that prophecy has been realized: the Muhammad Ali Center has been part of the initiative to get the man born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on a stamp.

https://twitter.com/AliCenter/status/2010072173340131738

“Muhammad’s legacy is timeless because it was never just about sport; it was about humanity,” said Lonnie Ali, co-founder and interim CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center, in a written statement. “He believed that greatness is measured not by what you achieve for yourself, but by what you do for others. These stamps are a beautiful reminder of his courage, his compassion, and the values that continue to guide our work at the Muhammad Ali Center.”

There will be two versions available for purchase. USPS Art Director Antonio Alcalá designed both stamps. The stamps will feature a 1974 Associated Press picture of Ali in his signature boxing stance. One stamp will feature the photo on the top half with the name “ALI” in dark brown on the lower half. The phrase, “THE GREATEST,” runs up the right side of the “I’ of “ALI” in medium brown. The other stamp features the same photo, shown on the bottom half, with the name “ALI” in red on the top half and “THE GREATEST” in peach coloring running up the right side of the “I.”

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Cop, Police, Female Hires, Tonatte Mitchel
by Sharelle B. McNair

January 13, 2026

LA County Sheriff’s Department Feels Grande Aggravation Over Drawn Pig On Deputy’s Coffee Cup

The deputy posted the image on his personal Instagram account, saying he felt discouraged when he only needed a cup of encouragement.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department feels a type of way after a deputy was served a hot cup of disrespect—specifically, a hand-drawn pig on a Starbucks cup.

Social media thinks it’s not that serious. 

The incident occurred Jan. 9 when the unidentified officer stopped in the middle of a 16-hour shift for some caffeine at a Norwalk Starbucks location, KTLA reports. Shortly after, he noticed the drawing. A pig is often used as a derogatory reference to demean members of law enforcement.

The deputy posted the image on his private personal Instagram account. “It felt discouraging and disrespectful, especially after a long day of serving the community,” the deputy wrote. 

“All I wanted was caffeine, but instead I left feeling uneasy.”  

In a statement, Sheriff Robert Luna said, “disrespectful actions will not be tolerated against our personnel.” He also spoke with the deputy to make sure his mental well-being was being considered.  

On social media, some stood with law enforcement and others pushing them to man up.

On X, one user said a PR statement would be better used for someone who was a victim of violence, calling the department a “bunch of dramatic loser babies.”

“Oh no, big multi-paragraph message from the Los Angeles Sheriffs. Did someone get shot?? Are people in danger?,” the post read. “No – a cop ordered a coffee, and the barista drew a cute cartoon pig on the cup, and now the deputy is deeply traumatized.”

Ari Cohn, who labels himself as a First Amendment and defamation lawyer, tagged the sheriff’s department in a post saying people have the right to say what they want, including “the right to harshly & disrespectfully criticize cops,” Cohn said. 

“And it’s unacceptable that you, in your official capacity, pressured Starbucks to fire an employee for protected speech.”

Investigative reporter Cece Woods put the blame on Starbucks, accusing them of engaging in hostile behavior in the past in a lengthy post.

“Nothing says ‘community values’ like mocking the people who keep the community safe. An LASD deputy coming off a 16-hour shift stopped to pick up an order at @Starbucks in Norwalk for coffee. What did he get instead? A cup with a hand-drawn pig and the ‘accept/decline’ TikTok meme vibe, because apparently we’ve reached the point where humiliating deputies is socially protected,” she said. 

“Starbucks has acted decisively in similar incidents before. But this time? Crickets. Because standing up for law enforcement in Los Angeles County might hurt someone’s feelings, right?”

In a statement, a Starbucks spokesperson called the act “unacceptable” and called for a swift investigation. The incident comes as a feeling of division mounts between citizens and members of law enforcement amid violent city takeovers of ICE agents.

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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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