• 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’

• News

by Mary Spiller

January 3, 2026

San Francisco Approves Framework For Reparations Fund Without Committing Public Money

City leaders call the measure a symbolic step toward accountability, while critics say it falls short without guaranteed funding.

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San Francisco officials have taken a formal step toward potential reparations for Black residents by approving a measure that creates a dedicated fund for financial repair. However, no city money has been set aside to support it.

As reported by ABC 7 News, the ordinance, passed unanimously by the Board of Supervisors on Dec. 16 and signed last week by Mayor Daniel Lurie, establishes a reparations fund intended for African American residents who can demonstrate documented harm caused by past city policies. The fund is designed to receive future contributions, but it does not include an initial allocation from San Francisco’s budget.

Mayor Lurie said the city’s current financial outlook prevents it from committing public dollars to the effort. San Francisco is facing a projected budget deficit approaching $1 billion, limiting its ability to expand new spending initiatives.

“Given these historic fiscal challenges, the city does not have resources to allocate to this fund,” Lurie said in a statement, adding that his administration is open to directing private funding to eligible recipients if such contributions become available.

Supporters of the measure argue that the ordinance represents an important acknowledgment of the city’s role in decades of harm inflicted on Black communities through discriminatory housing practices, economic exclusion, and displacement. Still, some advocates caution that symbolism alone is not enough.

“I would argue that the city is accountable for not just investing in this fund, but for supporting in all the ways possible the recommendations of our plan, including financial repair,” said Eric McDonnell, former chair of the African American Reparations Advisory Committee. “It is a step in the right direction. It by no means demonstrates or represents a full-on commitment to making something happen.”

McDonnell’s committee concluded its three-year term in early 2024 after publishing a sweeping 400-page report in 2023. The report included more than 100 recommendations aimed at addressing historical injustices, including a proposal for a one-time $5 million payment to each eligible individual. Under the committee’s framework, eligibility would be determined by documented proof of harm tied to San Francisco policies.

Lurie acknowledged the committee’s and community advocates’ work, noting that discussions about reparations began before his administration. In his statement, he referenced long-standing damage to neighborhoods such as the Western Addition and Bayview and emphasized his administration’s broader investments in public services for Black residents.

“For several years, communities across the city have been working with government to acknowledge the decades of harm done to San Francisco’s Black community,” Lurie said. “If there is private funding that can be legally dedicated to this fund, we stand ready to ensure that funding gets to those who are eligible for it.”

While the measure does not guarantee direct payments, it establishes a legal and administrative structure that supporters say could serve as a foundation for future reparations efforts. Whether the fund ultimately delivers financial repair, however, may depend on the city’s fiscal recovery and the willingness of private donors to contribute.

RELATED CONTENT: Maryland Lawmakers Override Governor’s Veto, Approve Commission To Study Slavery Reparations

• Entertainment

by Mary Spiller

January 3, 2026

Kendrick Lamar Tops Hip-Hop Earners In 2025, Surpassing Drake By Wide Margin

The Compton rapper brought in $109 million last year, fueled by a blockbuster tour and the fallout from a high-profile feud that reshaped rap’s financial hierarchy.

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Kendrick Lamar emerged as the highest-earning rapper of 2025, outpacing longtime rival Drake by a significant margin and solidifying his financial dominance following a year defined by public conflict and commercial success.

According to Forbes’ annual ranking of the world’s highest-paid musicians, Lamar earned an estimated $109 million, placing him fourth overall on the list. Drake, by comparison, ranked seventh with $78 million — a $31 million gap that underscores how dramatically the balance shifted between the two superstars over the past year.

Much of the Forbes-reported separation can be traced back to Lamar’s highly publicized feud with Drake, which reached its peak with the release of the diss track “Not Like Us.” The song became a cultural flashpoint, topping charts and drawing widespread attention beyond hip-hop audiences. While the track itself dominated streaming platforms, its broader impact helped propel Lamar’s brand and demand for touring to new heights.

Drake attempted to push back against Lamar legally. In January 2025, the Canadian rapper filed a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group, alleging the label improperly promoted “Not Like Us,” which he claimed damaged his reputation and placed him in danger. That effort failed months later when a federal judge dismissed the case in October, leaving Drake with mounting legal costs and an unsuccessful appeal attempt.

Lamar’s earnings came despite the absence of a new solo album in 2025. Instead, his revenue was driven largely by streaming royalties from his extensive catalog and the overwhelming success of his “Grand National Tour.” The global trek generated more than $350 million, making it one of the highest-grossing tours of the year and a major contributor to his income.

The broader Forbes list was led by The Weeknd, who topped all artists with $298 million, followed by Taylor Swift at $202 million and Beyoncé at $148 million. Lamar’s fourth-place finish made him the top-earning rapper on the entire list — a distinction that carries added weight given his rivalry with Drake.

Despite the financial setback, Drake closed 2025 as Spotify’s most-streamed artist worldwide, underscoring the gap between streaming popularity and overall earnings. Lamar’s performance, by contrast, demonstrated how touring power and cultural influence can translate into outsized revenue.

The earnings report capped off a difficult year for Drake, who faced not only the fallout from the feud but also legal challenges tied to alleged streaming fraud. For Lamar, the numbers confirmed what many fans already believed: winning the culture battle can be just as lucrative as winning the charts.

RELATED CONTENT: Drake Named In Civil RICO Lawsuit For Alleged Promotion Of Illegal Gambling To Boost Music Streams

• Sports

by Mary Spiller

January 3, 2026

Venus Williams Set To Become Oldest Woman To Compete In Australian Open Main Draw

The seven-time Grand Slam champion will make history at age 45 after receiving a wild-card entry for the 2026 tournament in Melbourne.

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Venus Williams is poised to make Australian Open history next month, becoming the oldest woman ever to compete in the tennis tournament’s main draw after receiving a wild-card entry from organizers, according to the LA Times.

When the Australian Open begins Jan. 18 in Melbourne, Williams will be 45 years, seven months, and one day old, surpassing the previous age record held by Japan’s Kimiko Date-Krumm. Date-Krumm was 44 years old when she appeared in the 2015 tournament, where she exited in the first round.

The upcoming appearance will mark Williams’ 22nd time competing at the Australian Open, where she owns a career record of 54 wins and 21 losses. She made her debut at the event in 1998, advancing to the quarterfinals after defeating her younger sister Serena Williams before falling to Lindsay Davenport.

“I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian Open,” she said in a statement. “I’ve had so many incredible memories there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my career.”

Although she has never captured a singles title in Melbourne, she reached the final twice, losing to Serena Williams in both the 2003 and 2017 championship matches. Her success at the tournament extends beyond singles play. Alongside Serena, Venus claimed four Australian Open doubles titles between 2001 and 2010, and she also won the mixed doubles crown in 1998 with Justin Gimelstob.

Williams’ return to elite competition follows a gradual comeback after an extended break from singles play. In July, she won her first singles match in 16 months at the D.C. Open, defeating 23-year-old Peyton Stearns. That victory made her the second-oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match, trailing only Martina Navratilova, who accomplished the feat at age 47.

Following that match, Williams shared a personal milestone, revealing her engagement to Danish actor and model Andrea Preti. “Yes, my fiancé is here, and he really encouraged me to keep playing,” she said at the time.

“There were so many times where I just wanted to coast and kind of chill.” Williams and Preti were married last month in Florida.

Williams also enjoyed a strong doubles run at the U.S. Open last summer, partnering with 22-year-old Leylah Fernandez. The duo reached the quarterfinals without dropping a set before being eliminated by Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova.

Ahead of the Australian Open, Williams is scheduled to tune up at the ASB Classic in Auckland and the Hobart International, continuing a career that has defied expectations and redefined longevity in women’s tennis.

RELATED CONTENT: Love Match! Venus Williams Says ‘I Do’ Twice With Italy And Florida Weddings

• News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 3, 2026

Florida Woman Arrested On Child Neglect Charges For Alleged Abuse Of Girlfriend’s Son

Deniqua Yvonne Lovett, 34, was arrested on a charge of child neglect causing great bodily harm.

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A Florida woman was arrested on child neglect charges following the hospitalization of her girlfriend’s son with serious bodily injuries.

Deniqua Yvonne Lovett, 34, was arrested on Dec. 28 on a charge of child neglect causing great bodily harm, following a Miramar Police investigation, NBC Miami reports. The arrest comes after her girlfriend’s young son was hospitalized in September with multiple fractures, just weeks after the child’s mother, Veronica Ruffin, 29, was arrested on similar charges.

According to the affidavit, the investigation began after the boy—whose name and age were redacted—was taken to Memorial West Hospital on Sept. 4 with swelling to his head and elbow. He was then transferred to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, where doctors found multiple injuries, including head abrasions, a burned ear, bruising to the lower abdomen, fractures to the elbow, ribs, collarbone, wrist, and knee, the affidavit states.

Authorities grew concerned after inconsistencies in explanations for the boy’s injuries. Ruffin said Lovett often cared for the child while she worked, while Lovett claimed he fell from a playground slide, causing a fractured arm. She also said the boy’s rib injuries came from a previous fall from a bed and that she accidentally burned his ear with a hot comb. Medical records showed the elbow fracture occurred 2–4 days before hospitalization, the affidavit states.

“Also, the fact that his injuries went unreported for multiple days was remarkable because of the nature and severity of the injury,” the affidavit noted.

The affidavit noted that the fractures to the boy’s collarbone, wrist, knee, and ribs were “consistent with non-accidental trauma.” He was last seen in good health during a pediatric visit on Aug. 11. After being discharged from the hospital on Sept. 10, the boy, who has a speech delay and expressive language disorder, was placed in the care of his maternal aunt following a shelter hearing, the affidavit states.

“The evidence of injuries at different stages of healing, indicate that [the child] sustained inflicted trauma on multiple occasions in the weeks leading up to his recent hospitalization,” the affidavit said.

Lovett, of Fort Lauderdale, was booked into jail and appeared before a judge, who set her bond at $100,000. After her arrest, she told reporters she did not harm the toddler and said she didn’t understand why she was being arrested a month after the child’s mother.

RELATED CONTENT: Mother Allegedly Kept 9-Year-Old Daughter At Home Since 2017