Shortly after Donald Trump announced that the U.S. military had captured Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro in a stunning foreign policy escalation, a MAGA pastor took to the pulpit with remarks that left observers reeling. Self-described “prophet” Hank Kunneman used his Sunday service to declare that "God was thrilled" by the Trump administration’s actions and endorsed the move, claiming divine approval of what critics call an unprecedented intervention. Kunneman, a longtime Trump supporter and far-right conspiracy theorist who has refused to admit he was wrong about his previous prophecies, delivered an extraordinary message he said came directly from God. “They say you have seized Venezuela for the oil,” Kunneman proclaimed as if speaking for the Almighty. “Yes, this is true.” His remarks grew more sweeping as he tied the U.S. military operation to a cosmic battle. “The enemy has sought and was seeking to bring war and to bring conflict through Venezuela and to control the oil of the Earth,” he firmly stated. “But the spiritual oil and the natural oil does not belong to the forces of darkness… This is my reset, and the oil of the natural and the oil of the spirit is mine, says the Lord.” Kunneman also predicted economic effects divine in origin: “Watch as the prices of oil go down, down, down, down, down…” and insisted Americans had called on God. “I will show the Earth what a nation looks like when they have called on God to come." His comments sparked surprise and concern as the U.S. grapples with international backlash over the Maduro operation and questions about sovereignty and legality.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Baller Alert (@balleralert)

Actor and podcaster Michael Rapaport has publicly stated he plans to run for Mayor of New York City in the 2029 election, positioning himself as a challenger to current Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Rapaport made his intentions known in a recent episode of his "I Am Rapaport" podcast, where he referred to himself as “Mayor Rapaport.” Rapaport, 55, a New York City native and entertainment figure known for roles on television and film as well as his podcasting work, has not yet filed official campaign paperwork with New York City election authorities. His announcement comes soon after Mamdani, a Democrat and former state assembly member, was inaugurated as the city’s mayor on January 1, 2026, following his victory in the 2025 election. In his remarks, Rapaport was critical of Mamdani’s leadership and expressed concerns about the city’s direction under his administration. The controversial star has encouraged supporters to begin preparing now for the 2029 race and invited interested individuals to send in resumes to assist with his campaign. While Rapaport’s statements represent a declared intention to run, experts note that a formal mayoral campaign would require filing with the city Board of Elections and building a campaign structure in the years leading up to 2029.

A years-long sneaker resale scheme that promised hard-to-get drops but delivered broken trust has officially reached its legal end. Michael Malekzadeh, the Oregon entrepreneur behind Zadeh Kicks, was sentenced Tuesday to nearly six years in federal prison after admitting to a sweeping fraud that cost customers and banks more than $80 million. The 42-year-old received a 70-month sentence, followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to forfeit $15 million in assets, with the final restitution amount to be decided at a hearing scheduled for March. Federal prosecutors say Malekzadeh built his business on deception while publicly presenting himself as a successful sneaker plug. According to the Department of Justice, preorder money from customers was routinely used to cover earlier orders or bankroll an increasingly lavish lifestyle rather than secure inventory. “This million-dollar fraud was fueled by the defendant’s insatiable greed and wreaked havoc on the lives of his victims and their families — delaying home purchases, retirements, and engagements,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, in a DOJ statement. “Michael Malekzadeh fed his lavish lifestyle by cheating his customers, collectors, and investors out of millions and defrauding banks. The sentence imposed today reflects the seriousness of these crimes and should serve as warning to anyone contemplating fraud as a get-rich-quick scheme.” Zadeh Kicks began operating in 2013, but problems escalated after the company leaned heavily into preorders starting in 2020. By 2022, authorities say the business had accumulated roughly $65 million in unfulfilled sneaker orders. Investigators also found that Malekzadeh obtained $15 million in loans from financial institutions using falsified financial documents. The fraud peaked around the 2021 release of the Air Jordan 11 Cool Grey. Zadeh Kicks accepted approximately 600,000 preorders totaling $70 million, but secured only about 6,000 pairs. Customers who never received shoes were either left waiting or offered refunds partially made up of Zadeh Kicks gift cards, which prosecutors described as having no real value. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, Homeland Security, and Oregon’s Intellectual Property Task Force. Agents seized millions in cash and luxury goods, including high-end watches, jewelry, and proceeds from luxury vehicles and Malekzadeh’s home. Zadeh Kicks liquidated the remaining inventory on eBay in late 2022. Former CFO Bethany Mockerman has also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, with sentencing set for January 27.

A Chicago teacher has mysteriously vanished, sparking concern from her loved ones and the community. Video Linda Brown, 53, has not been seen since the afternoon of January 3, when she left her Bronzeville home for what was supposed to be a routine acupuncture appointment. According to police, Brown was last spotted in the 4500 block of South Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. She was expected to travel to the Wicker Park area, but never arrived and has made no contact since. Her husband, Antwon Brown, said the uncertainty has been overwhelming. “I am terrified,” he said. “I am just shaking. I need my wife home.” He added that she never missed her appointment and that her disappearance has left the family desperate for answers. Investigators believe Brown was driving a blue Honda Civic with an Illinois license plate CX57470. Authorities say the vehicle may be somewhere near the 2200 block of West North Avenue. Family members confirmed she left with her phone, purse, and credit cards, adding to fears about her safety. “We are just trying our best to locate her,” said her brother-in-law, Lorenzo Quintana. “We are looking everywhere we possibly can.” Police have indicated that Brown may require medical assistance. Relatives told NBC Chicago that she was scheduled to return to her teaching position with Chicago Public Schools this week after a leave of absence. Her sister, Lisa Quintana, said the situation is deeply unsettling, calling it “so not like her.” At Robert Healy Elementary School, where Brown works, Principal Erin Kamradt notified families and acknowledged the emotional toll on the school community. “I know that news like this can cause many emotions, questions, and concerns for our school community,” Kamradt wrote. “Please know that we are partnering with the CPS Crisis Management Unit to support our students and staff members.” Brown is described as standing between 5 feet and 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing 130 to 140 pounds, with a fair complexion. She was last seen wearing a long black puffy coat and shiny UGG-style boots. Anyone with information is urged to contact Area One SVU detectives at 312 747 8380.

Gizelle Bryant is coming to the defense of her ex-husband’s new wife, offering a mature perspective on the dress debate that has swept social media. Video During a recent episode of her "Reasonably Shady" podcast with pal Robyn Dixon, the topic of Dr. Karri Turner Bryant's viral gala gown came up. Pastor Jamal Bryant has spent days defending his wife’s ensemble, which many deemed inappropriate for the wife of a minister. Once a former First Lady herself, Gizelle agreed that the discourse was uncalled for. “It was fine,” the "Real Housewives of Potomac" star said regarding the dress, though she felt that Pastor Bryant should have ignored the negative remarks altogether. “People gon’ have their commentary… you would think you would not feed into something, pastor... let’s just not feed into it. That’s when you make it unnecessarily bigger than it is,” she explained. Pastor Bryant addressed the chatter during a Sunday sermon. While Gizelle sees no issue with him standing by Dr. Karri, she also noted that the pulpit wasn’t the proper place to address the criticism. The black lace gown featured a flesh-toned underlayer, which made it appear see-through to some. The fashion choice has since sparked conversations regarding respectability politics and conservatism within church leadership.

A software glitch is causing thousands of luxury SUVs to be returned to the dealership lot as Lamborghini works to address a rearview camera issue that could compromise driver safety. Lamborghini has issued a recall for 10,554 SUVs after discovering a software problem that may cause the rearview camera to deactivate or fail to display properly. The issue was disclosed in a December 21 recall notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which said the vehicles do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard requirements for rear visibility. The recall affects certain 2019 through 2024 Lamborghini Urus SUVs. The Urus first hit the global market in 2018, marking Lamborghini’s official entry into the high-performance luxury SUV space. Built to combine supercar speed with everyday utility, the Urus quickly became one of the brand’s best-selling models worldwide, making the scope of this recall notable for the automaker. According to NHTSA officials, a malfunctioning rearview camera can reduce a driver’s ability to see obstacles behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash, especially during low-speed maneuvers or parking. Lamborghini says repairs are straightforward. Owners can bring their vehicles to an authorized dealership, where technicians will update the parking assist software at no cost. Notification letters outlining the safety risk are scheduled to be mailed on Feb. 9, with a follow-up letter sent once a final remedy is fully available. Owners with questions can contact Lamborghini customer service at 1-866-681-6276. The company’s internal reference number for the recall is L636-R.01.26.

Fivio Foreign is reminding everybody that rapper jewelry keeps finding new levels, and this one might be the wildest yet. Video A clip circulating online shows the 35-year-old Brooklyn rapper flexing a diamond-encrusted chain that opens up to reveal a fully built mini movie theater. Once the hinges pop open, a screen inside the pendant starts playing a video, turning the chain into a literal wearable cinema. The details are what make people stop scrolling. The pendant features working speakers and tiny seats with headrests that flip open, giving the entire piece the appearance of a luxury theater shrunk down into a jewelry form. It is not clear from the clip whether the video playing on the screen can be changed or if it is locked to a single file, but that has not stopped fans from calling it one of the most creative chains they have seen. The reveal comes at an interesting moment for Fivio. Just days earlier, he shared a video explaining that he planned to check himself into rehab, which he says cost him around $10,000. He did not share what specific issues he plans to address, but between the price of his treatment and the headline-making chain, Fivio clearly has no shortage of cash.

A new flashpoint in U.S. foreign policy took shape Tuesday night after Donald Trump announced that Venezuela will transfer tens of millions of barrels of oil to the United States following a dramatic shift in power. Trump said Venezuela’s interim authorities have agreed to turn over between 30 million and 50 million barrels of what he described as high-quality, sanctioned oil. The announcement came days after a U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and a rapid restructuring of the country’s leadership. “I am pleased to announce that the Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 MILLION Barrels of High Quality, Sanctioned Oil, to the United States of America,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He added, “This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!” Trump has been clear that the U.S. plans to take an active role in Venezuela during what he calls a transition period. He has said the United States will “run” Venezuela until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” can take place, with American oil companies stepping in to manage and rebuild the country’s petroleum infrastructure. In his post, Trump said Energy Secretary Chris Wright was tapped to oversee the logistics, with oil moved by storage ships directly to U.S. ports. Addressing comparisons to the Iraq war, Trump dismissed the criticism outright. “The difference between Iraq and this is that [George W. Bush] didn’t keep the oil. We’re going to keep the oil,” he said, according to Joe Scarborough. He added, “In 2016, I said we should have kept the oil… Well, we should have kept the oil. And we’re going to rebuild their broken-down oil facilities, and this time we’re going to keep the oil.” The announcement has already sparked intense debate over sovereignty, international law, and how far this new U.S. strategy will go next.

Finding affordable ways to enjoy a night out has become a priority for many diners, and Applebee’s is opening the year with options that aim to feel indulgent without draining wallets. The casual dining chain is reintroducing its popular Mucho Smoocho Sips cocktails at a $6 price point while adding a new, cheese-focused burger to its menu. The limited-time drink offerings include the returning Tipsy Cupid, which combines vodka, orange liqueur, strawberry flavors, and lemon sour into a sweet tart cocktail meant for sharing. Joining it is the Prickly Ever After Rita, a margarita that mixes tequila, citrus, and prickly pear for a balanced sip. Both drinks are finished with gummy candy lip garnishes and are priced to stay accessible. For guests avoiding alcohol, the Prickly Melon Rush Mocktail offers a mix of watermelon-flavored Red Bull, prickly pear, citrus, and lemon lime soda. “It’s easy to find something (or someone) to fall in love with at Applebee’s,” Nate Grover, Applebee’s executive director of bar and beverage, said, explaining that the seasonal drinks are designed to make everyday outings feel more special. On the food side, Applebee’s is introducing the O-M-Cheese Burger, a skillet served entrée built around melted cheese. The all-beef burger comes topped with American cheese, Applewood smoked bacon, and spicy honey mustard, then sits in a blend of warm queso and melted Cheddar cheeses.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Applebee's Grill + Bar (@applebees) “Packed with flavor and (nearly) overflowing with sizzling melted cheese, there’s no burger experience like it!” Applebee’s chief marketing officer Michelle Chin said. The burger can also be ordered as part of Applebee’s 2 for $25 menu, reinforcing the chain’s push to make budget dining feel satisfying, social, and fun rather than restrictive.

Burger King is betting big on the creativity of its customers. The fast food staple just unveiled a new Whopper that did not come from its corporate kitchen, but straight from fan imagination. The Ultimate Steakhouse Whopper arrived on menus nationwide on Tuesday, January 6, and will only be available for a short time. The chain says the burger rose to the top after competing against more than 600,000 customer submitted ideas. The final build features a flame grilled 4.4 ounce beef patty layered with onion rings, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, Swiss cheese, and peppercorn aioli. Everything is stacked on the classic sesame seed bun that anchors every Whopper. This release builds on Burger King’s ongoing “Whopper by You” campaign, which gives fans the chance to design their own menu items using existing ingredients. That initiative previously led to limited time offerings like the BBQ Brisket Whopper and the Crispy Onion Whopper, both of which made national appearances in 2025. Fans can still participate through the digital platform. The process starts by selecting either a beef or Impossible patty, then choosing between three and six toppings that are already part of Burger King’s menu before submitting the final creation. Alongside the new Whopper, Burger King also added a seasonal dessert to its lineup. The Cinnamon Apple Pie, also launched on January 6 and is described as a “fried twist on traditional apple pie.” The handheld sweet is designed to bring a warm finish to meals, much like classic fast food desserts. With customer driven menu ideas and nostalgic inspired treats continuing to roll out, Burger King appears focused on keeping fans directly involved in shaping what shows up at the counter.

California lawmakers are moving to hit pause on a fast growing corner of the toy industry as concerns mount over how artificial intelligence interacts with children. On Monday, Senator Steve Padilla (D-CA) introduced SB 867, a bill that would impose a four year ban on the sale and manufacture of toys equipped with AI chatbot features for anyone under 18. The proposal is designed to give regulators time to establish safety rules aimed at shielding children from what Padilla describes as dangerous AI interactions. “Chatbots and other AI tools may become integral parts of our lives in the future, but the dangers they pose now require us to take bold action to protect our children,” Padilla said in a statement. “Our safety regulations around this kind of technology are in their infancy and will need to grow as exponentially as the capabilities of this technology do. Pausing the sale of these chatbot-integrated toys allows us time to craft the appropriate safety guidelines and framework for these toys to follow.” The bill arrives shortly after President Trump issued an executive order encouraging federal agencies to challenge state AI laws, while specifically allowing exceptions tied to child safety. It also follows a wave of lawsuits from families who say their children died by suicide after prolonged interactions with chatbots, adding urgency to calls for stronger oversight. Padilla has already played a role in shaping California’s approach to AI safety. He co-authored SB 243, a recently passed law requiring chatbot operators to implement protections for children and other vulnerable users. While AI powered toys are still emerging, early examples have raised red flags. Consumer advocates warned in late 2025 that toys like the chatbot enabled bear Kumma could be prompted to discuss weapons and sexual topics. NBC News also reported that Miiloo, an AI toy produced by Chinese company Miriat, at times reflected messaging aligned with Chinese Communist Party values. “Our children cannot be used as lab rats for Big Tech to experiment on,” Padilla said.

Threads is quietly testing a new way to keep conversations engaging, this time by experimenting with a built in basketball game that could turn private chats into friendly competitions. A spokesperson for Meta confirmed to TechCrunch that the basketball game is currently an internal prototype and not available to the public. The feature was first discovered by reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi, who frequently uncovers unreleased tools while they are still under development. Paluzzi shared a screenshot showing a simple basketball game that appears to let users shoot hoops by swiping their finger across the screen. #Threads is working on a basketball game 🏀 for chats 👀 pic.twitter.com/LGp22SLwRI — Alessandro Paluzzi (@alex193a) January 4, 2026 The game seems designed to be played directly within message threads, allowing friends to compete for high scores without leaving the app. While details remain limited, the mechanic mirrors familiar mobile basketball games, suggesting Meta is aiming for something intuitive and easy to pick up during casual conversations. If rolled out, in message games could give Threads a notable advantage over competitors such as X and Bluesky, neither of which currently offer built in games. It could also help Threads compete more directly with Apple’s Messages, which supports casual gaming through third party apps like GamePigeon. Meta has not shared when or if the basketball game will be released publicly. As with many internal prototypes, the feature could change significantly or be scrapped altogether before launch. This is not Meta’s first attempt at adding light gaming elements to messaging. Instagram previously introduced a hidden emoji game in direct messages that lets users bounce an emoji with a paddle and compete for the highest score. The experiment comes as Threads continues to add features in an effort to strengthen its position in the social media landscape. Recent updates include expanded Communities topics and a disappearing posts feature that automatically archives content after 24 hours.

Money tension is bubbling around Diddy and his camp, with complaints surfacing that some bills and paychecks are stalled while the music mogul serves his federal sentence, even as his representatives insist nothing is out of line. People with direct knowledge told TMZ that Diddy's finances are currently being managed by Tri Star Sports & Entertainment while he’s incarcerated. Those sources describe tight financial controls that have left some attorneys and staff frustrated, claiming payments have been delayed or not issued at all. The outlet says the situation has already led to at least one staff member quitting. However, a different picture is being presented by Diddy's spokesperson Juda Engelmayer. He shared with TMZ, “People, personnel, and attorneys are all being paid, and no one is leaving.” When pressed on timing, Engelmayer added, “Sean Combs controls his own finances. Everyone gets paid for their work once it's completed and confirmed, after routine review.” Sources also say Diddy's family does not have open access to his money during his incarceration. Instead, spending is reportedly capped under a structured budget overseen by Tri Star. If that limit is exceeded, invoices must be submitted for approval, and approval is not guaranteed. One situation cited involved a planned family dinner in New York City ahead of Combs’ sentencing. According to sources, Tri Star initially declined to cover the expense and requested documentation. The cost was later reimbursed after someone else paid upfront. The mogul is currently serving a 50 month sentence at FCI Fort Dix following convictions on two Mann Act violations. Despite the financial friction, sources say he stays in frequent contact with loved ones and continues to receive visits from family while behind bars.

Mary J. Blige walked away with a legal win after a New York judge dismissed a lawsuit filed against her by longtime former friend Misa Hylton, bringing a sudden pause to a dispute that mixed business allegations with decades of personal history. Court documents show the case, first filed in July 2025, was dismissed without prejudice. That means Hylton technically retains the right to refile, but the ruling makes clear the court was not impressed with how the case was handled. The judge granted Blige’s motion to dismiss and issued a warning aimed directly at Hylton’s legal team, criticizing the filing of serious accusations that were later abandoned when the case failed to move forward. Blige’s attorneys previously characterized the lawsuit as “frivolous,” a claim that appeared to resonate with the court’s decision. The judge pointed to the lack of follow-through as a key factor, noting that inflammatory allegations require action, not silence, once they are placed on the record. At the center of the dispute were claims from Hylton that Blige interfered with her record label operations, including matters involving Harlem rapper Vado. Blige denied the accusations and countered that Hylton was operating a company that lacked legitimacy, setting the stage for a contentious legal fight that never fully materialized. The lawsuit marked a public rupture in what was once a close bond. Blige and Hylton were reportedly friends for nearly 30 years, with their relationship rooted in overlapping worlds of music, fashion, and New York hip hop culture. Hylton, a well-known fashion icon credited with shaping hip hop style in the 1990s, is also known for sharing a son with Diddy.

Baller Nation, grab your snacks and lock in because the internet's favorite firecracker, Shamar, just pulled up to The Baller Alert Show to give the real, unfiltered tea. Known for keeping the timeline in a chokehold with high-energy antics and a "keep it 100" attitude, Shamar sat down with hosts Ferrari Simmons and BT to explain exactly what has him feeling some type of way lately. When asked what truly triggers him, he didn't hold back, admitting, "Ooh, it’s a lot of stuff that trigger me." He specifically pointed out the clout-chasing behavior he sees on the daily, especially the "loud car" culture that seems to be everywhere. Shamar kept it real about his beef with people trying to show out on the road, saying, "the people that be out there in the street, they be driving like they got fast cars, like they just want to show out. What you showing out for? N***a, calm your car down." The conversation had the whole room in stitches as Shamar continued to drag the "skat" energy that follows him around. He made it clear that a noisy engine doesn't make you a big deal, noting, "You think you got a little ‘skat,’ you think you doing a little something. Come on now. N***a, calm your tail down. You is not—n***a, you ain't that hard. That’s just a little ‘skat.’ Okay? A little ‘skat,’ that’s all." Even though he doesn't drive himself, Shamar is all about that smooth, quiet ride and isn't a fan of anything that disrupts the peace. He even called out his own manager's car for being too extra, sharing, "I won’t ride in something that’s gon’, you know what I’m saying, make that loud noise. ‘Cause if you think about it, if you—like my manager, he got a ‘skat.’ Come on now. And when—when he goddamn press that gas, that motherf**ker go vroom! I be like, 'What the f**k?' Like, that s**t be scaring the f**k out of me." But the talk wasn't just about loud motors; it shifted into a deeper conversation about ego and staying grounded. Shamar expressed his frustration with people who lose their sense of self once they get a little bit of notoriety, explaining, "What else get on my nerves? Um... when people be—when people be acting like they—like they just 'it.' Like, 'Oh, I'm the one.' No, you're not the one. You're just a person." He reminded everyone that no matter the status or the bank account, we are all cut from the same cloth. Shamar dropped a final gem for the family, urging everyone to keep that same energy regardless of fame: "We all people. We all got the same blood... So why you acting like you better than me? Don't act like you better than me because you got a little bit of money or you got a little bit of fame. Like, n***a, we all the same. Stay humble." You can check out some more of Shamar's gems on The Baller Alert Show. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBbzvnHwmWM&list=PLeXR7IfibGpnTboWJDiw3sibaRIhedRvZ&index=8

Reports coming out of Venezuela say as many as 80 people were killed during the U.S. military operation ordered by Donald Trump, and early accounts from the ground show that civilians were among the first to lose their lives. According to regional officials and journalists inside the country, residential areas were hit during the initial phase of the attack. Families say people were killed in or near their homes as air and ground forces moved into Caracas and surrounding areas. These civilian deaths reportedly happened before Venezuelan security forces fully engaged, challenging early narratives that framed the operation as a clean military action.Witnesses described explosions near apartment buildings and crowded neighborhoods, with people who had no connection to the government or military caught in the middle. As the situation unfolded, hospitals reportedly became overwhelmed, and local officials struggled to account for the dead as communication systems went down. Only after those civilian losses did official statements begin to focus on military casualties. Venezuelan authorities later confirmed that at least 24 Venezuelan security officers were killed during clashes with U.S. forces. In addition, dozens of allied foreign personnel working with the Venezuelan government were also reported dead, pushing the total number of fatalities closer to the widely cited figure of 80. The Trump administration has defended the operation as a necessary move tied to criminal charges against Venezuela’s leadership and has emphasized that no U.S. troops were killed. But for people on the ground, the order of events matters. Civilians were impacted first, and their deaths have yet to be fully acknowledged or explained.

Donald Trump did not sugarcoat anything when he sat down with House Republicans this week.  Trump delivered a warning that landed heavy in the room. If Republicans fail to keep control of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections, Democrats will move to impeach him again. Trump told lawmakers that winning the midterms is not optional. He framed the election as a line of defense, saying Democrats would find a reason to impeach him the moment they regain power in the House. The message was clear. Control of Congress equals protection. Losing it opens the door to another impeachment fight. This moment comes as Republicans hold a slim majority and face internal tension over spending, social policy, and how closely the party should stay aligned with Trump himself. Instead of focusing on legislation, Trump centered the conversation on loyalty and urgency, reminding lawmakers that he has already been impeached twice and believes Democrats would push for a third attempt if given the chance. Video Now the pressure is on. Republicans are heading into an election cycle with the message that losing means more than embarrassment. It means chaos, investigations, and another impeachment chapter.

Tekashi 6ix9ine turned himself in on Tuesday to begin serving a three month prison sentence after a federal judge ruled he violated the terms of his probation, according to court records. The rapper reported to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where he is expected to remain in custody for approximately 90 days. Video Shortly before surrendering, Tekashi 6ix9ine shared a video on social media documenting the lead up to his incarceration. In the clip, he appears alongside streamer Adin Ross as he prepares to report to authorities. The prison sentence stems from violations tied to his supervised release following a prior federal conviction. During a recent hearing, the judge found that Tekashi 6ix9ine failed to comply with multiple probation conditions, including issues related to drug use and other court ordered requirements. The court noted that previous warnings had been issued and that continued noncompliance warranted incarceration. This marks another chapter in the rapper’s ongoing legal history, which has included several run ins with law enforcement and repeated probation related issues since his release from an earlier federal sentence.

Marlon Wayans is making it clear that a little online tension is not enough to block a possible bag or a future blockbuster. Video During Sunday’s episode of the "We in Miami Podcast," the 53-year-old comedian and filmmaker opened up about his recent back and forth with 50 Cent, explaining that the situation was brief and never that deep. Wayans described himself as a workaholic who stays focused to avoid unnecessary drama. “You ain't never gonna read, ‘Marlon did dumb s**t,’ aside beefing with 50 Cent,” he joked. The short lived spat sparked after Wayans referenced karma while reacting to Fifty’s involvement in the Netflix docuseries, "Sean Combs: The Reckoning." But according to Wayans, the moment passed quickly once he took a step back. “I was having a cigar and I was thinking about it. I was just like, ‘What example do I want? Is this an example of two black men with two businesses, fighting in public?’ It's not good for my culture.” Wayans stressed that the exchange was never serious, calling it “just two n***as on the block,” and said the bigger picture mattered more than winning an argument online. When asked if he would work with Fifty in the future, Wayans did not hesitate. “I’m already thinking about putting him in my next movie,” he said. “I got some action stuff I'm doing. I think he could be an incredible star.” He even pitched the idea himself, adding, “A buddy action comedy with me and this n***a… that’s what people wanna see.”  

A federal judge has officially agreed to delay Lil Durk’s highly watched murder for hire trial, granting a request from prosecutors and three of his co-defendants to push the case back several months. According to court documents obtained by Complex, the trial start date has been moved from January 20 to May 4. While every other defendant signed on to the request, Durk strongly objected and asked for the trial to move forward as originally scheduled. Durk, born Durk Devontay Banks, has been behind bars since October 2024 after being charged in a sweeping federal indictment. Prosecutors allege he offered a bounty for the killing of rapper Quando Rondo, whose real name is Tyquian Terrel Bowman. The alleged plot was tied to a 2020 Atlanta nightclub shooting that left one of Durk’s close friends, King Von, dead. The court filing lays out why prosecutors argued more time was necessary. According to the documents, the case includes an enormous volume of evidence, described as hundreds of gigabytes of digital material. That includes audio and video recordings, surveillance footage, more than 30,000 pages of reports and records, photographs, witness statements, and medical documents. “The case is so unusual and so complex, due to the nature of the prosecution and the number of defendants that it is unreasonable to expect preparation for pre trial proceedings or for the trial itself within the time limits established by the Speedy Trial Act,” the filing states. Despite Durk’s push to move forward, the judge sided with prosecutors, officially resetting the timeline for one of hip hop’s most serious federal cases.

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) has voted to shut itself down after Congress rescinded roughly $1.1 billion in federal funding, leaving the organization without the resources needed to continue operating. CPB was created in 1967 under the Public Broadcasting Act and has long served as the main federal funding channel for public media in the United States. It did not produce shows itself. Instead, it distributed federal dollars and support to more than 1,500 local public radio and television stations across the country. With the funding cut and no replacement mechanism in place, CPB’s board approved a plan to wind down operations and dissolve the organization. What CPB Actually Did CPB’s role was often misunderstood. It was not a network like PBS or NPR. Instead, CPB: * Distributed federal funding to local PBS and NPR member stations * Helped support local journalism, educational programming, and cultural content * Funded infrastructure for emergency alerts and public safety broadcasting * Provided stability for smaller and rural stations that lacked large donor bases For many stations, CPB funding covered essential operating costs rather than flashy programming. So what does this mean for viewers and listeners right now? PBS and NPR Are Not Shutting Down Overnight PBS and NPR still exist and will continue to produce and distribute national programming. Shows like PBS NewsHour, Nature, All Things Considered, and Morning Edition are not being immediately canceled. These networks receive funding from: * Individual donations and memberships * Corporate underwriting * Foundations and grants The loss of CPB does not automatically take national programming off the air. Local Stations Are the Most Affected The biggest impact will be felt at the local station level, especially in rural areas and smaller markets. Without CPB funding, some stations may: * Cut local news reporting and community-focused shows * Reduce staff or production budgets * Limit educational or children’s programming * Shut down entirely if alternative funding cannot be secured How severe the impact is will vary widely depending on how much each station relied on CPB money. Programming May Change Over Time While major national shows are expected to continue, viewers and listeners may notice changes such as: * Fewer locally produced programs * Reduced coverage of local government, schools, and community issues * Less experimental or niche cultural content These changes are likely to roll out gradually rather than all at once. Emergency and Community Services Could Be Reduced Public broadcasting stations often play a key role in: * Weather and disaster alerts * Emergency communications in rural areas * Community information during crises If stations lose operational funding, maintaining these services may become more difficult in certain regions. Can Donations Replace the Lost Funding? Some stations have already seen a spike in donations following news of the funding cuts. Philanthropic organizations have also stepped in to help in the short term. However, donations alone may not fully replace the stability that federal funding provided, especially for stations serving low-income or sparsely populated areas. The Bottom Line for Viewers * PBS and NPR are not disappearing immediately * The biggest changes will happen behind the scenes at local stations * Smaller and rural communities are likely to feel the impact first * Programming and services may slowly shrink rather than abruptly vanish For viewers and listeners, the real question is not whether public media survives, but how local and community-focused it will be without federal support.

Boosie is asking a federal judge to spare him prison time as he awaits sentencing in his gun possession case, arguing that incarceration would amount to “unnecessary incarceration” rather than meaningful accountability. According to newly filed court documents shared by court reporter Meghan Cuniff, the rapper’s legal team is pushing for probation and community service instead of prison, following his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charge stems from a 2023 traffic stop in San Diego, where police discovered a handgun inside a vehicle Boosie was riding in. No one was injured, and the incident was not connected to any violent crime. Boosie's defense sentencing memorandum is in for his felon in possession of a firearm case in San Diego federal. While prosecutors recommend two years in prison, his lawyer Meghan Blanco recommends Boosie get two years probation plus community service.https://t.co/MDM3eFwg3f pic.twitter.com/RZDfWM64S9 — Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) January 6, 2026 In their sentencing memo, Boosie’s attorneys argue that prison time would serve little purpose, describing the situation as a “nonviolent offense” and a “lapse in judgment.” They also stress that locking him up would be “unnecessary incarceration,” especially given his age, family responsibilities, and ongoing career. The defense is requesting a sentence that includes supervised probation, community service, and conditions aimed at rehabilitation rather than punishment. Federal prosecutors see it differently. They are asking the court to impose a two-year prison sentence, citing Boosie’s criminal history and the seriousness of gun possession by a convicted felon. Prosecutors argue that incarceration is needed to promote respect for the law and deter future conduct. Boosie, born Torence Ivy Hatch Jr., accepted a federal plea deal in August after the case moved from state to federal court. His sentencing is expected to take place on Friday, January 9, 2026. The judge will ultimately decide whether Boosie walks away with probation or heads to prison, a ruling that could shape the next chapter of his career and public life.

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Kevin McCall just took to Instagram to let the world know exactly how he feels about his former collaborator Chris Brown, and let’s just say he didn’t leave a single stone unturned. In a post that has since been deleted from his page, McCall went on an explosive rant, coming…