by Sharelle B. McNair

January 7, 2025

Mark Zuckerberg Promotes Free Speech By Ending Fact-Checking On Meta Platforms Facebook And Instagram

Think this will end well?

Following X CEO Elon Musk, Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg announced that the company will end fact-checking on its Instagram and Facebook platforms to promote free speech, CNN reported.

In a video circulating on social media, Zuckerberg says the company will embrace a policy of user-generated “community notes” after months of pressure and accusations from Republicans for what they view as censorship of right-wing voices on Meta. “Fact-checkers have been too politically biased and have destroyed more trust than they’ve created,” Zuckerberg said in the video posted on Jan. 7.

“What started as a movement to be more inclusive has increasingly been used to shut down opinions and shut out people with different ideas, and it’s gone too far.”

https://twitter.com/Breaking911/status/1876618361544872076

The change comes just days before President-elect Donald J. Trump’s inauguration. Zuckerberg is in the ranks of CEOs looking to improve relationships with the troubled businessman. The CEO has made certain moves that adhere to GOP pressures. In early January 2025, Trump ally and UFC CEO Dana White was announced to be joining Meta’s board alongside two new directors. Joel Kaplan, a prominent Republican, was recently named Meta’s Chief of Global Affairs, and the parent company also announced a donation of $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund, noting that Zuckerberg wants to take an “active role” in specific tech policy discussions.

While Zuckerburg acknowledged a “tradeoff” in the new policy, noting some of the threatening content that will come with the changes, Kaplan said during a Fox News interview that Meta’s partnerships with third-party fact-checkers were “well-intentioned at the outset, but there’s just been too much political bias in what they choose to fact check and how.” “We saw a lot of societal and political pressure, all in the direction of more content, moderation, more censorship, and we’ve got a real opportunity,” Kaplan said.

“Now, we’ve got a new administration and a new president coming in who are big defenders of free expression, and that makes a difference.”

Social media fans reacted to the news, laughing at the move. “I laughed uncontrollably when he said that they are moving the censorship police to Texas,” @UTexLonghorns said on X.

I laughed uncontrollably when he said that they are moving the censorship police to Texas.
— Everything Texas (@UTexLonghorns) January 7, 2025

Another user foreshadowed community notes on popular memes and gifs. “I look forward to community notes on memes and satire pages. It’s going to be hilarious,” @airynne said.

I look forward to community notes on memes and satire pages. It’s going to be hilarious.
— Erin (@airynne) January 7, 2025

According to The Seattle Times, Meta plans to permit “more speech” by getting rid of some restrictions on certain topics deemed as mainstream discussion, like immigration and gender norms, to focus on illegal and “high severity violations” such as terrorism, child sexual exploitation, and drugs.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 7, 2025

Zeelool Launches ‘Write For Us’ Content Creation Program For Fans With An Eye For Style

Zeelool is offering this prize-granting writing opportunity for fans with a creative knack and an eye for style.

Fashion eyewear company Zeelool wants fans to show off their writing and creative skills for its content creation program.

Zeelool recently launched its “Write For Us” event, with a prize-offering writing opportunity for those with an eye for style. Fans are encouraged to participate even without a writing background or previous interest, emphasizing that anyone from eyeglass lovers or wearers to fashion influencers can submit an article.

Those who participate can write on six diverse topics. These include pieces on product reviews, providing analysis on fashion eyewear trends, or detailing the history of Zeelool as a brand. Originality and engaging storytelling are crucial factors to one’s story making the cut.

The content should align with Zeelool as a brand while still remaining true to the voice of its writer. However, each article must also meet certain requirements. Alongside originality, it must be no less than 400 words with two high-definition pictures to match. Moreover, it has to be a unique submission that has not been submitted or published elsewhere, while still remaining fashion-focused or related.

One’s rewards will be based on word count if their article is selected. Word count ranges jump from 400 to 1,000, with higher glasses rewards for lengthier pieces. Those with chosen pieces that are over 100 words will receive a customized frame of any price range.

Zeelool has also not shied away from promoting user-generated content (UGC) on its own social media pages before. The brand hopes to boost more creators across various platforms as they collaborate with their fanbase. They encourage all who love showcasing their looks through their lenses to take part in this groundbreaking initiative.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Fashion Frames & Prescription Glasses (@zeelool)

As of now, Zeelool has listed no deadline to submit work. Accepted pieces will be notified within a week of submission. Eligible participants can send articles to collaboration@zeelool.com.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 7, 2025

Limited Edition Allen Iverson Card Hits Auction House, Starts With $160K Bid

With the auction ending on Jan. 25, this bid has already surpassed the most paid for an Iverson card, $79,200

An Allen Iverson trading card is on the auction block, and it has already gotten a bid for over $150,000, surpassing a record-high price previously paid for an Iverson card. The card is listed on the Heritage Auctions website and is slated to end on Jan. 24, with an extended bid session scheduled to end on Jan. 25. The item is a 1997 Skybox E-X 2001 Allen Iverson, which only produced three copies, and this is number #2 in the rare set.It’s part of the Essential Credentials series with an auction grade of PSA Ex 5, which is rated by a Professional Sports Authenticator that gives a rating up to an excellent condition of 10. The card, according to the website, has “very minor rounding of the corners is becoming evident. Surface wear or printing defects are more visible. There may be minor chipping on edges. Loss of original gloss will be more apparent.”

TMZ reported that Heritage Auctions stated the previous high for an Allen Iverson card was $79,200. The current bid has already topped that number, as someone placed one for $160,000.

Although a release date has yet to be announced, there is a documentary in the works featuring the former Philadelphia 76ers legend. It will be shown exclusively on Prime Video and is being produced by NBA Hall of Famer and businessman Shaquille O’Neal and current NBA player Golden State Warrior Stephen Curry through their respective production companies, Jersey Legends and Unanimous Media.

“I’m ready to tell my story my way, authentic and unapologetically. I look forward to people seeing a side of me they haven’t seen before,” said Iverson when the announcement was made.

The documentary will tell the story of “The Answer” from the start of his basketball journey in Hampton, Virginia., through his rise to the NBA, where he revolutionized the culture of the league.

The 2001 NBA MVP took the 76ers to his only appearance in the NBA Finals in the same year he took home the MVP award. The team lost to the dynamic duo of Kobe Bryant and O’Neal and the Los Angeles Lakers, who were nearly undefeated in the playoffs when taking the NBA championship that year. The Lakers’ only loss was to Iverson and the 76ers when they surprisingly won the first game of the series before the Lakers came back and won the next four games. During his career with the franchise, he averaged 27.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 2.3 steals in 41.4 minutes per game.

by Daniel Johnson

January 7, 2025

New Orleans To Receive Maximum Assistance From The Government For Mardi Gras

According to Cantrell, her office has been requesting that the federal government increase New Orleans' threat level since 2019, but the federal government only agreed to bump the Mardi Gras season's security threat from a level two to its most serious level after the attack on New Year's Day

The City of New Orleans will be receiving the most support possible from the federal government for Mardi Gras, the same level of support it will receive when it hosts the Super Bowl in February. The city has also made some adjustments to its rules, and its schedule, for the party that has become synonymous with the Crescent City.

According to NOLA.com, following the tragic attack on New Year’s Day, the Biden Administration granted the City of New Orleans’ request for extra assistance, and on Jan. 6, Mayor LaToya Cantrell indicated that the Department of Homeland Security designated the city’s Carnival celebration a “level one event.”

Per Homeland Security officials, that rating, which is applied to the Super Bowl each year, is assigned to “significant events with national or international importance that require extensive federal interagency support.”

According to Cantrell, her office has been requesting that the federal government increase New Orleans’ threat level since 2019, but the federal government only agreed to bump the Mardi Gras season’s security threat from a level two to its most serious level after the attack on New Year’s Day.

That attack also forced the bowl game between Penn State and Oregon, originally scheduled for New Year’s Day, to be played on Jan. 2, with additional security measures.

“We’ve been asking. But as of yesterday…it’s been officially granted,” Cantrell said at a press conference marking the beginning of Carnival season at Mardi Gras World. “So we know for Mardi Gras 2025, it’s going to be the safest ever. What we will not do is bow down. What we will not do is be sad. We’re going to be real examples of who this city is and what she means to the world.”

In addition to the financial assistance from the federal government, Cantrell also requested a review from a “tactical expert” to conduct a full assessment of the city’s security plans and potential vulnerabilities and to evaluate a set of bollards New Orleans was in the process of installing when the attack on Bourbon Street occurred.

New Orleans is also making their own changes to its protocols for its Mardi Gras season and the Mardi Gras celebration itself, per NOLA.com.

Over the years, several complaints about the safety of street corners have persisted, and this year, tents, tarps, viewing platforms, sofas, gas generators, or any items with open flames, such as charcoal barbecue grills and propane powered grills, have been banned from parade routes.

In addition, all krewes participating in the festivities have to provide the New Orleans Police Department with a full list of their lineups, including floats, bands, and other features.

Krewes are also banned from throwing confetti, using confetti cannons, and giving beads with symbols out except for beads with the crew’s symbols on them. Toilet paper throwing has also been banned during the parade, with the notable exception of the Krewe of Tucks.

According to Biz New Orleans, at the Kings Day Celebration, Rex official James J. Reiss III offered remarks that included acknowledgment of the tragedy and triumph of the City of New Orleans.

“Reflecting on the last few days, we, the parading captains, are reminded of the twin masks representing tragedy and comedy, one crying, and one laughing, often a symbol of Mardi Gras in New Orleans,” Reiss said. “We, the people of New Orleans, are wearing both. One mask as we look backward in mournful remembrance following the tragedy of early New Year’s Day.”

Reiss continued, “The other mask as we move forward in celebration of life, liberty, and our freedoms as New Orleanians and as Americans. In the face of this horrific event we, the krewes parading through New Orleans, dedicate our 35 parades, the centerpiece of our city’s Carnival celebration, to those who lost their lives and the loved ones they have left behind. While we know that it may not change the gravity of their loss, we are hopeful that this small gesture sheds some light on how we New Orleanians feel about our freedoms and why we celebrate, even in the face of such enormous tragedy, and we hope that it lets the families of those lost know that we wish to celebrate the memory of the joy and love those 14 souls brought to them while they were here.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 7, 2025

Ice-T Blocks Social Media Trolls Criticizing His Heated Exchange with NJ Cop

Ice-T is not here for it.

Ice-T is clapping at anyone criticizing his heated exchange with a New Jersey sheriff’s officer.

The renowned rapper and actor has taken to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share his thoughts on the recently released bodycam footage from his 2024 encounter with a Hudson County Sheriff’s officer. Addressing critics of how he spoke to the officer who ticketed him just steps from the DMV, Ice T clarified that anyone with an issue can “get BLOCKED.”

“Over a MILLION that understand…. And thousands that didn’t. 💥 F em. Happy 2025!” he tweeted on Friday.

Footage of Rapper & Actor Ice-T getting in an altercation and going off on a cop after getting pulled over has just been released 👀 pic.twitter.com/pfDg5Y4Rkq
— FearBuck (@FearedBuck) January 3, 2025

The Law & Order: SVU star followed through on his promise, sharing tweets directed at X users who found themselves on his blocked list. He also reminded his followers of his purpose on social media: to “talk positively with people who want to engage.”

Ice-T emphasized that he ignores negativity, as he already deals with it personally and refuses to tolerate it on social media.

I’m only on Social Media to talk positively with people that want to engage…. People don’t attempt to talk shit to me in person. So WHY would I accept it on a BS app. 💎
— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) January 3, 2025

A video of the confrontation has been circulating on social media. The May 2024 footage captures the “Colors” rapper being stopped by the officer just feet away from the Department of Motor Vehicles, where he was heading to register the car he was driving.

“That’s why I’m trying to get this car set up. Yesterday, I went to the DMV, and they said their system was down. I got seven cars; I’m trying to get them all straight,” Ice-T explained in the video. “You don’t gotta be that serious about this. I mean, you can, but you don’t have to.”

Instead of letting Ice-T go about his day, the officer took issue with the actor’s tone, ordered him out of his vehicle, and even threatened to tow it. A supervisor eventually intervened, but the officer still issued several tickets for Ice-T to address.

“Next time, just show some respect,” the officer said. Ice-T fired back, “I don’t have to.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 7, 2025

Arrest Warrant For Nicki Minaj Denied By Detroit Prosecutors

The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office sent the request back to the department citing 'insufficient evidence to prove that a crime has been committed.'

A request by Detroit police officers to arrest recording artist Nicki Minaj after a former manager accused her of assaulting him in 2024 has been denied.

According to WXYZ, Brandon Garrett, 40, claimed Minaj assaulted him at Little Caesars Arena on April 21, 2024 around 2:30 p.m. The Detroit Police Department asked to get an arrest warrant for the artist. However, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office sent the request back to the department, citing that it was “denied for insufficient evidence to prove that a crime has been committed.”

TMZ initially reported that Garrett’s attorney, Thomas Feher, filed the lawsuit after Minaj allegedly struck his client in the face so hard that his hat flew off. The former day-to-day manager said the rapper sent him to do an errand after her April 2024 concert. When he returned, he was called to her dressing room.

He claimed Minaj was with other employees of hers and got upset after learning that Garrett allowed someone else to pick up her prescriptions, throwing her into a raging fit when she discovered it.

The lawsuit states that she yelled at him: “Are you f**king crazy having him pick up my prescription? You have lost your f**king mind, and if my husband were here, he would knock out your f**king teeth. You’re a dead man walking. You just f**ked up your whole life and you will never be anyone, I’ll make sure of it.”

That’s when she allegedly hit him.

Garrett claims she also struck him on his right wrist, knocking some documents from his hand to the floor before tell him to “get the f**k out.”

Garrett said he retrieved his hat, left the room, and locked himself for hours inside a restroom at the venue, fearing for his safety.

He’s suing Nicki for assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

“At this time, no complaint has been served upon Mrs. Petty (Nicki’s married name), and therefore, we are unaware of the specific allegations. However, if the lawsuit is as reported by TMZ, it is completely false and frivolous,” Minaj’s attorney, Judd Burstein, said. “We are confident that the matter brought by this ex-assistant will be resolved swiftly in Mrs. Petty’s favor.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 7, 2025

Women’s 3×3 Basketball League Unrivaled Lands Coco Gauff As Investor

The league plans to start later this month.

Unrivaled, the three-on-three women’s basketball league, has gained a new investor—tennis player Coco Gauff.

The league announced the U.S. Open champion’s investment on Jan. 6.

A champion on the court, a visionary off it. Welcome @CocoGauff to the @Unrivaledwbb family as an investor—together, we’re taking basketball to the next level! 🚀🏀 pic.twitter.com/aROAe6oDJk
— Unrivaled Basketball (@Unrivaledwbb) January 6, 2025

“A champion on the court, a visionary off it,” wrote the company on X. ” Welcome @CocoGauff to the @Unrivaledwbb family as an investor—together, we’re taking basketball to the next level!”

“I’m thrilled to be joining Unrivaled as an investor,” Gauff, 20, said in a statement. “Basketball is one of my favorite sports, and the chance to support a league that’s redefining the game is exciting. I look forward to being part of this movement and continuing to help elevate women’s sports to new heights.

Founded by WNBA players Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, the league intends to provide an off-season source of income for women basketball players. Collier emphasized that these athletes’ pay should match their talent.

“The principle of our league is that it’s the top talent, and women need to be paid accordingly,” Collier told Yahoo Sports. “We need to be treated as professionals, and so that was a huge thing, is making sure that this is transformative, and something that’s new is we’re going to be paying players what they should be paid.”

The league will host six teams of five players each, with games taking place in Miami. High-profile players such as Angel Reese, Arike Ogunbowale, and Flau’jae Johnson are expect to play.

Since its inception, Unrivaled has raised significant capital from other celebrity and athlete investors. In December, it also raised $28 million in Series A funding, supported by the likes of NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo, famed South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley, and legendary Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps.

Other celebrities, such as NBA star Carmelo Anthony and Kutcher and Mila Kunis, have poured in another $7 million.

Unrivaled’s inaugural games begin Jan. 17. A one-on-one tournament is also on the mid-season schedule.

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 7, 2025

Boxing Promoter Don King Hit With $3B Fraud and Defamation Suit Over Potential ‘Rumble In The Jungle 2’

Let's hope this can be rectified.....

Legendary boxing promoter Don King is preparing for a fight worth $3 billion after being hit with a lawsuit for allegedly bailing on plans for a matchup called Rumble in the Jungle 2, Fortune reported.

A complaint filed by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York alleges fraud, defamation, breach of contract, and more from BYD Sports and its CEO, Cecil Miller, against King and his Florida-based company, Don King Productions. Miller claims King encouraged him to showcase a 50th anniversary in Africa for the iconic matchup that took place in 1974 between then-underdog boxer Muhammad Ali and undefeated heavyweight champion George Foreman.

Paying homage to the match that brought King to stardom, Miller proceeded despite never signing a formal agreement. He set the groundwork for the matchup, including a series of star-studded matches in Nigeria, and scheduled a number of events with appearances and performances from John Legend, Alicia Keys, and Wyclef Jean. When the CEO asked King to help promote the events, King allegedly bailed and forewent the matchups before anything was finalized.

Since the fight between Ali and Foreman garnered $100 million, equivalent to $600 million today, Miller is seeking damages in that amount, in addition to $2.4 billion in prospective damages and a formal written apology.

King pushed back against some claims in an Instagram post of a cease-and-desist letter accusing Miller of falsely representing authorization from King to stage a Rumble in the Jungle 50th anniversary event to government officials. Miller’s attorney, Anthony J.M. Jones, called the lawsuit a “sad day for the sport” after claiming King derailed his client’s event in the end. “It’s confounding when you look at how many people were working on this. This is just a sad day for the sport,” Jones said.

“We are now in 2025, and there will never be a chance to do a 50th anniversary of a fight between Foreman and Ali—and to do it in Africa.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Don King (@donking_official)

A letter identical to the one posted on social media was included in the suit.

According to AOL, King and Miller were very cordial prior to the lawsuit. During friendlier times, King allegedly confided in Miller, referred to as a “preacher’s son,” feeling that cozying up with Miller could clean up his image. King allegedly confided in the CEO, telling him about past controversies being behind him and embracing religion following his wife’s death in 2010. The complaint also listed that King once gifted Miller a rare coin and even spoke with Miller’s father and daughter. The two also worked together on another fight deal on behalf of now-late boxer Alonzo “Big Zo” Butler and Don King Productions that took place on Aug. 28, 2021, against late boxer Brandon Spencer while still working on the potential Rumble in the Jungle 2 deal.

In 2022, Miller allegedly followed up with the then 92-year-old about the event and even sent a proposal to formalize the agreement, but allegedly never received a written response. However, King allegedly continued to verbally communicate with Miller about planning efforts. The suit also claims Miller brought in bankers from Africa and the U.S. — with King’s knowledge — and even agreed to post a video on social media to confirm the pair were working together.

In July 2024, when King allegedly failed to appear on a Zoom call to promote the event, Miller learned that the promoter did not own the rights to Rumble in the Jungle but continued to push the event, even pursuing licensing and another title.

Drake,, CHEATING,, STREAMS,, SPOTIFY, RBX, DEATH ROW RECORDS,

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 7, 2025

Yes, Really: Drake Emerges As 2024’s Best-Selling Rapper

The Canadian artist sold over eight million total album units in 2024.

In the land of public opinion, Drake lost resoundingly to Kendrick Lamar in their now-legendary hip-hop beef. But in an industry where numbers reign supreme, Drake sold the most album units in the United States.

According to Chart Data, the “6” God sold over 8 million total album units in 2024.

.@Drake was the best selling rapper by total album units in the US in 2024 with over 8 million sold. pic.twitter.com/5V6soQS10e

— chart data (@chartdata) January 5, 2025

Drake, however, still can’t get out of his own way.

According to HipHopDX, music producer Conductor Williams dropped a new freestyle by the Canadian rapper on his social media page before taking it down later. The track, “Fighting Irish Freestyle,” is the name of LeBron James’ now-fabled high school team at St. Vincent–St. Mary in Akron, Ohio, James’s hometown.

It’s been widely reported that Drake has placed James and another former friend, All-Star DeMar DeRozan, who once played for Drake’s favorite NBA team, the Toronto Raptors, on his “ops” list after both basketball players attended a Kendrick concert last year.

Drake seemingly alluded to his close friendship to James, even though he never mentions the hoop legend’s name in the track.

“‘Member we tradin’ watches? I gave you that Arabic dial, you gave me a numbered edition. You would even check up on my son like a pediatrician, sure convinced the gang this sh** was rooted in love when it isn’t, show me how different we are, there’s blessings in juxtaposition, I guess now you boys gotta abandon your summer tradition.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CINDY 🇦🇱 (@cindyyjo)

The track has hip-hop fans guessing that Drake will not let the beef go away anytime soon.

Wig shop, wigs, Beauty Supply institute, Devin Robinson, Georgia, Maryland

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 7, 2025

Atlanta Beauty Supply Company Fights Lawsuits Amid Accusations Of Scamming From Scorned Customers

Beauty Supply Institute was ordered by Maryland to stop taking clients in the state.

An Atlanta-based beauty supply company accused of scamming clients with the promise of helping them launch a store is fighting back against lawsuits.

Beauty Supply Institute (BSI) has faced accusations from dozens of customers who claim the company left them penniless in their pursuit of entrepreneurship. Customers paid the Institute to help launch beauty supply businesses, signing lease agreements to secure a store location and acquire products.

However, many say they never received the necessary items to officially open. The issue has resulted in financial chaos—including bankruptcies and home foreclosures—for many who paid tens of thousands to BSI.

One woman, Kenitha Ferguson, is still fighting for the Institute to take accountability for loss.

“They [were] in full control of everything as far as shipments, inventory, setting up your vendor account, the whole nine,” Ferguson told 11Alive.

Georgia’s Office of the Attorney General confirmed it is investigating the matter.

Ferguson soon discovered others had experienced the same lackluster help from the Institute. BSI had promised guidance and mentorship to the aspiring business owner. It initially claimed that vendor and scheduling issues led to shipment delays.

“I actually was Googling, you know, BSI scams, and it popped up from Atlanta,” continued Ferguson. “I clicked on your story, and I was like, ‘wow, that’s me.’”

BSI founder Devin Robinson said the company has not engaged in fraudulent activity and has threatened legal action against those who proclaim otherwise.

He ahas filed a motion to have Ferguson’s lawsuit against the company dismissed. In the meantime, BSI has seemingly shut down operations, with its Metro Atlanta office closed and phone lines temporarily disconnected. The state of Maryland had previously ordered the company to stop taking clients this year.

Georgia courts must now decide if there was a breach of contract between BSI and angry customers like Ferguson.