Roblox is tightening access to its chat features by rolling out mandatory facial age verification worldwide, following months of lawsuits and investigations tied to child safety on the platform. The global launch comes after the company quietly tested the system in a handful of markets last month. According to TechCrunch, under the new policy, users who want to chat must complete an age-check process inside the Roblox app. That process requires granting camera access and following on-screen instructions for facial verification. Roblox says any images or videos captured during verification are deleted once the check is complete. The process is handled by a third-party vendor, Persona, which Roblox says also deletes all images and videos after verification. Users aged 13 and older can choose an alternative option by verifying their age with a government-issued ID instead of facial verification. Roblox notes that age checks are not required to play games or access the platform itself, but they are mandatory for any communication features. Without verification, chat remains locked. If the system misjudges a user’s age, Roblox says there are appeal options. Users can reverify through ID checks or use parental controls that allow parents to update their child’s age if it was incorrectly flagged. “Leveraging multiple signals, Roblox is constantly evaluating user behavior to determine if someone is significantly older or younger than expected,” the company wrote in a blog post. “In these situations, Roblox will soon ask users to repeat the age-check process.” Once verified, users gain access to age-based chat groups designed to limit large age gaps in conversations. The six groups range from under 9 to 21 plus, and users can only communicate with people in adjacent age brackets. Chat is disabled by default for children under 9 unless a parent provides consent after an age check. The new requirement arrives as Roblox faces lawsuits from the attorneys general of Texas and Louisiana, among others, over allegations that the platform exposed children to risks such as grooming and explicit content. Roblox says the updated system is more accurate than relying on users to self-report their birth year when creating an account.

What started as a novelty AI feature on X, formerly known as Twitter, quickly spiraled into something far darker, as researchers say the platform became flooded with nonconsensual AI undressing images at a staggering pace. Elon Musk’s social platform X is now being flagged as one of the internet’s largest hotspots for AI-generated sexualized images of real people. According to a third-party analysis, the platform saw thousands of AI-altered images per hour earlier this week, many of them depicting people who never consented to being digitally undressed. The surge is tied directly to Grok, the AI chatbot integrated into X. Since late December, users have increasingly prompted Grok to manipulate photos posted by everyday users, often stripping clothing or creating sexually suggestive versions of the images. During a 24-hour review of images posted by the official Grok account, the chatbot generated roughly 6,700 images per hour that were flagged as nudifying or sexually explicit, according to Genevieve Oh, a social media and deepfake researcher. For comparison, the next five most active websites hosting similar AI undressing content averaged just 79 new images per hour during the same January 5 to January 6 window. The gap highlights how unusually concentrated the activity on X has become. Victims have taken to responding directly under their altered images, arguing with Grok in comment threads and demanding removals. Some users have reported spending hours flagging content that continued to circulate or reappear. Digital rights advocates say the speed of generation is overwhelming moderation systems and exposes serious gaps in consent protections. X has previously stated it opposes nonconsensual sexual content, but critics argue that enforcement has not kept pace with the rapid rollout of AI tools. As AI image manipulation becomes more accessible, researchers warn that platforms face mounting pressure to prevent abuse before harm spreads faster than it can be undone.

The woman shot and killed by an ICE agent during a federal immigration operation in Minneapolis has now been publicly identified by her family, and her mother says the official narrative does not reflect who her daughter truly was. As details about the Renee Nicole Good ICE shooting continue to emerge, her family says the focus should remain on who she was, not how federal officials have framed her death. Renee Nicole Good, 37, was identified by her mother, Donna Ganger, in an interview with the Minnesota Star Tribune. Ganger described her daughter as one of the kindest people she had ever known, saying Renee was compassionate, loving, forgiving, and spent much of her life caring for others. According to her mother, Renee was not part of any ICE related protest or confrontation at the time of her death. That account stands in contrast to statements made by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who said Renee ignored commands from officers and attempted to run over an ICE agent with her vehicle. Noem claimed the officer fired after being struck and described the shooting as an act of self defense. Local leaders have raised concerns about that version of events. The Minneapolis City Council released a joint statement describing Renee as a resident who was out caring for her neighbors when she was killed. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said he viewed video of the incident and cautioned the public against immediately accepting what he called a federal propaganda driven narrative. Video of the encounter shows officers ordering someone out of an SUV in a residential neighborhood. An officer attempts to open the driver side door before the vehicle reverses slightly and then moves forward. Gunshots can be heard as the SUV crashes into a parked car. Federal officials have declined to clarify whether shots were fired before or after the officer was allegedly struck. Beyond the conflicting accounts, Renee’s family says the focus should not be lost on who she was and what has been taken. Renee was a mother to a six year old child. Her husband died in 2023, leaving Renee as her child’s primary parent. Now, family members say relatives are preparing to step in to raise her son, who has lost both parents at a very young age. The shooting occurred during an expanded federal immigration enforcement presence in Minneapolis following viral right wing claims about Somali run daycare centers. State officials later said compliance checks did not support the allegations, raising further questions about the scale and impact of the federal operation that day. The FBI and Minnesota’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are investigating the shooting. As those investigations continue, Renee’s mother says her daughter should not be remembered as a threat or a statistic, but as a loving mom whose life ended far too soon.

OpenAI has officially launched a ChatGPT Health tab that answers health-related questions and lets users upload medical records and connect wellness apps such as Apple Health and MyFitnessPal. Rolled out on Wednesday, the new feature formalizes what has already become one of ChatGPT’s most common uses: helping people make sense of health and wellness information, according to Reuters. OpenAI said more than 230 million users worldwide turn to ChatGPT each week with questions related to diet, fitness, symptoms, medical care, and insurance decisions. By creating a dedicated Health space, the company aims to organize those interactions in one place rather than across general chats. ChatGPT Health is built to handle everyday healthcare tasks. Users can review lab results, prepare talking points for doctor appointments, explore workout and nutrition plans, and compare insurance options based on personal healthcare habits. The company positions the tool as an informational assistant meant to support decision-making, not diagnose conditions or replace medical professionals. The launch comes as U.S. regulators reconsider how closely health-related technology should be monitored. On Tuesday, U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary said the agency would narrow its oversight of wearable devices and software focused on healthy living. Makary has previously described ChatGPT as a product that should be promoted, while still flagging the need for caution around safety risks. OpenAI emphasized privacy protections as the platform expands into sensitive data. The company said, "To keep your health information protected and secure, (ChatGPT) Health operates as a separate space with enhanced privacy to protect sensitive data. Conversations in Health are not used to train our foundation models." Access to ChatGPT Health is currently limited to a small group of early users on Free, Go, Plus, and Pro plans outside the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. OpenAI said broader availability on the web and iOS is planned in the coming weeks.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is urging the Department of Justice to pursue domestic terrorism charges in connection with the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis woman by an ICE agent, even though the woman was killed during the encounter, according to officials and Noem’s own statements. The woman, later identified as 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, died January 7 after a United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer shot her during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. Federal officials maintain the agent fired in self-defense after alleging Good attempted to use her vehicle against law enforcement. In statements reported by DHS and other outlets, Noem described Good’s actions as part of a broader threat she says law enforcement faces. Noem claims Good “attacked them and those surrounding them and attempted to run them over and ram them with her vehicle.” She added that an ICE officer “acted quickly and defensively shot to protect himself and the people around him” and characterized the incident as “an act of domestic terrorism.” At a press conference shortly after the incident, Noem defended federal law enforcement, saying that “our officer followed his training, did exactly what he’s been taught to do in that situation.” She also alleged that the woman “attempted to run a law enforcement officer over” during the operation. Noem’s use of the term “domestic terrorism” in this context has drawn attention because domestic terrorism statutes are typically applied to criminal prosecutions — not incidents where the subject is deceased — raising questions about how the Justice Department might respond. Local officials sharply disputed the federal account. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said video of the encounter did not match federal claims, declaring at a news briefing that the government narrative was “garbage” and that he had seen footage showing Good pulling away from agents rather than driving toward them. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also called for a full investigation and pushed back against the federal framing of the shooting. As of now, the Department of Justice and independent investigators are reviewing the incident. Federal and local authorities have not announced specific terrorism charges related to Good’s death, and ongoing probes by state and federal agencies are expected to cover law enforcement conduct, use of force, and whether statutes such as domestic terrorism apply.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Baller Alert (@balleralert)

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is facing serious allegations after his former girlfriend accused him of domestic abuse in a public social media post. Rice, a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of SMU, has shown promise on the field when healthy, emerging as a key target in the Chiefs’ offense. His NFL career, however, has already been marked by off-field challenges, including a multi-vehicle crash that led to a six-game suspension earlier this season. Now, new accusations could place him under further scrutiny. On January 7, Rice’s ex-girlfriend, Dacoda Nichole, shared an Instagram post alleging years of physical and emotional abuse. Nichole, who says she shares two sons with Rice, posted photos showing visible bruising and injuries to her face, lips, and legs, alongside a lengthy caption detailing her claims. “DOMESTIC AWARENESS WARNING‼️” Nichole wrote. “I’m so tired of keeping quiet. I’m so tired of protecting his image. I’ve been through too much in a span of 8 years, and I’ve had ENOUGH!” she continued. “I’ve dealt with abuse for years, me and this man decided to break up a couple months ago, and since then it’s been nothing but hell.” Nichole further alleged that the abuse continued while she was pregnant. “He’s very controlling there’s been times he’s came to my new home broken my door, there’s been times when he would put his hands on me while I was pregnant even had the audacity to lock me outside all night in ten degree weather because he got caught cheating,” she wrote. In addition to the abuse claims, Nichole accused Rice of infidelity and failing to consistently support or communicate with their children. “I’m just tired of him not doing right by my boys,” she wrote. “It’s not fair he doesn’t call them.” The allegations have not been addressed publicly by Rice as of this writing. The situation remains ongoing, and these claims have not been independently verified. Situations involving alleged domestic violence are deeply serious, and our thoughts are with all those affected as more information emerges.

Ray J is currently hospitalized in Las Vegas after experiencing serious health complications that required immediate medical attention. According to information first reported by TMZ, Ray J was admitted late last night with a severe case of pneumonia accompanied by heart pains. A source close to the singer said he remains under medical supervision as doctors continue running tests to assess his condition. So far, Ray J has undergone X-rays and an echocardiogram, though the results of those examinations have not yet been made public. This hospitalization comes years after a frightening health scare the artist faced in 2021. At that time, the 44-year-old “One Wish” singer was diagnosed with non-COVID pneumonia during the height of the pandemic. The illness was reportedly so severe that Ray J feared for his life. He was placed on oxygen, required the use of an inhaler, and spent time recovering before eventually regaining full breathing strength. More recently, Ray J raised eyebrows after sharing that he was hitchhiking across the country, posting updates from Tampa, Florida, just three weeks ago. It remains unclear whether that journey included his travel to Las Vegas or if the trip had any connection to his current medical emergency. As of now, there has been no official statement from Ray J or his representatives regarding his condition or expected recovery timeline. Fans and peers alike are closely watching for updates as he continues to receive care.

Kevin Gates didn’t bite his tongue during a recent livestream with his "wife," Jelenny Tejada, blasting women who’ve been sending screenshots of his DMs to her. Video On the livestream, Gates called out what he sees as a trend of women posting private messages in an attempt to stir drama in his new relationship. According to the Louisiana rapper, he has slid into plenty of women's DMs, but only in an effort to sleep with them before getting with Tejada. He explained his perspective on why he slides into DMs, saying, “A n***a got in your DM because a n***a wanted to f**k you.” Gates didn’t apologize for his intentions, saying his actions weren’t meant to hurt anyone. “N***a might have thought you was some lil fine s**t," he admitted. Despite the heated language, Gates insisted his relationship with Tejada is solid. “If I ever got in your DM...please forgive me. I’m not sorry. I wanted to beat your back in.” He even joked about divorce drama, adding, “Like, we’re going to get divorced...Man, she know what’s up with me.” Gates is currently going through a divorce from his legal wife, Dreka Gates, and previously claimed to be "married" to influencer Brittany Renner.

Chrisean Rock is stepping into a new lane, and this time it involves gloves, rounds, and a sanctioned boxing ring. The media personality has officially signed with XRumble Fighting Championships and will compete in the promotion’s boxing division, marking her formal entry into professional combat sports. The deal was finalized on Wednesday during a meeting that included Rock, her son Chrisean Jr., her manager Kimberly Ross, and XRumble founder Damon Feldman. The signing positions Rock as part of XRumble’s inaugural female Super Middleweight Championship, scheduled for Saturday, April 25, at Harrah's Philadelphia Casino in Chester, Pennsylvania. According to Feldman, Rock has already begun serious training. “Chrisean has been in great spirits and training in her native Baltimore by none other than Calvin Ford, Gervonta Davis’ ex-coach throughout the bulk of his undefeated record," Feldman told TMZ. Ford is widely recognized in boxing circles for his role in shaping the early dominance of Gervonta Davis. At this time, Rock does not yet have an opponent locked in. XRumble officials confirmed she is looking to face a challenger in the 160 to 170-pound range, with Feldman adding, “All worthy challengers are welcome!” The promotion has opened the door to potential competitors as anticipation builds around the matchup. Interest in the bout is expected to be high, fueled by Rock’s visibility and recent appearances in boxing-adjacent spaces. She was recently seen spending time with Ryan Garcia following a publicized dispute in Compton during the holiday period. With a championship date set and training underway, XRumble’s upcoming event now carries added attention as Rock prepares for her first professional boxing appearance.

Big Boss Vette is thanking fans for their massive display of support and explaining why she kept her cancer battle private from the world. Just days after ringing the hospital victory bell and celebrating being officially cancer-free, the St. Louis rapper shared an emotional message alongside a photo revealing herself without hair during treatment. “Hey Cousins! Firstly thank you all SOOOOOO much for the love and support! I see every post, video and shoutout and it’s truly bringing tears to my eyes from all of the love!” Vette wrote. Hey Cousins! Firstly thank you all SOOOOOO much for the love and support! I see every post, video and shoutout and it’s truly bringing tears to my eyes from all of the love! Please bear with me… I’m kicking off this healing journey as I get myself back right. I have SO much to… pic.twitter.com/kLKhUK1jDL — Big Boss V 💰 (@BigBossVette) January 7, 2026 The “Pretty Girls Walk” star explained that while she documented every step of her journey, she made a conscious choice to fight quietly so she could heal and survive without added pressure or expectations. “Please bear with me… I’m kicking off this healing journey as I get myself back right. I have SO much to share with yall!” she continued. “Of course, you know I documented EVERYTHING! I had to fight in private to make it to the other side, but I can’t wait to share and hopefully help anyone who may be going through something similar. I love yall.” Her words add deeper emotional context to the moment fans recently witnessed when she rang the victory bell, officially marking the end of her cancer treatment. For many, it was shocking news. For Vette, it was the result of months spent choosing peace, faith, and focus behind the scenes.

A federal immigration operation in Minneapolis turned deadly Wednesday morning, igniting a public clash between city leaders and the Department of Homeland Security over what really happened on the street. According to DHS, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent shot and killed a 37-year-old woman after a group of people attempted to interfere with an immigration related operation. Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said the woman “weaponized her vehicle, attempting to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill them,” prompting what the agency described as defensive gunfire. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were conducting targeted operations when a video captured several officers surrounding a burgundy SUV stopped in the roadway. As one agent grabbed the driver’s side door handle, the vehicle reversed and then moved forward. An agent near the front of the car fired three shots. The SUV later crashed into a parked vehicle and struck a light pole. Mayor of Minneapolis Jacob Frey forcefully rejected the federal account, saying at a press conference, “They are already trying to spin this as an action of self-defense. Having seen the video of myself, I want to tell everybody directly that is bulls**t.” Frey added that ICE’s presence escalated the situation, stating, “This was an agent recklessly using power that resulted in somebody dying, getting killed.” Frey said local police focused first on getting the woman medical help, then moved to remove federal agents from the scene because they were “making a difficult situation more problematic.” He later delivered a blunt message: “To ICE, get the f**k out of Minneapolis. We do not want you here.” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to ICE: “Get the fuck out of Minneapolis.” pic.twitter.com/oGBcsub7ZZ — Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) January 7, 2026 DHS Secretary Kristi Noem defended the agents, calling the incident “an act of domestic terrorism” and saying the officer “used his training and saved his own life and that of his fellow officers.” NEW: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on ICE-involved shooting in Minnesota:"Our ICE officers were out in an enforcement action. They got stuck in the snow because of the adverse weather that is in Minneapolis. They were attempting to push out their vehicle and a woman attacked them,… pic.twitter.com/mZon1xZQG8 — Fox News (@FoxNews) January 7, 2026 Eyewitnesses disputed that narrative. Minneapolis resident Aidan Perzana said the vehicle did not appear to threaten officers, while another neighbor, Brandon Hewitt, said, “I’m pretty right-leaning, but seeing this, this is not what you need to do.” The shooting comes as the Trump administration expands immigration enforcement across the city, fueling fear, protests, and deepening mistrust within affected communities, especially among Somali residents already feeling targeted by the intensified federal presence.

John Legend is expected to testify next week in a civil trial involving music executive L.A. Reid, who has been accused of sexually assaulting former record executive Drew Dixon in 2001. The case is scheduled to be heard in New York and centers on events that allegedly occurred while both Reid and Dixon worked at Arista Records. According to Page Six, Dixon, who was vice president of A&R at the time, alleges that Reid assaulted her twice during that year. She also claims that after she rejected his advances, Reid retaliated by restricting her career opportunities, causing lasting professional harm. During her tenure at Arista, Dixon worked with major artists including Whitney Houston and Santana. According to Dixon’s allegations, Reid blocked the signing of Legend as part of that alleged retaliation. Legend’s testimony is expected to focus on his interactions with the label during that period. Reid has denied all claims made against him. Beyond the lawsuit against Reid, Dixon has been a public advocate for survivors of sexual assault in the entertainment industry. She has also accused Russell Simmons of rape and later filed a defamation lawsuit after Simmons suggested in an interview that Dixon and other accusers were lying. Simmons has denied the allegations. The case against Reid was brought under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, which temporarily allowed civil lawsuits for sexual assault claims that were previously outside the statute of limitations. The trial is expected to revisit events from more than two decades ago and could have broader implications for accountability in the music industry.

The legal fallout tied to O.J. Simpson is still unfolding, with a new lawsuit adding pressure to an estate already stretched thin by massive financial obligations. This time, the dispute comes from California attorney Ronald Slates, who claims he is owed more than $1 million for legal work performed over several years. Slates has filed suit against Malcolm LaVergne, the Las Vegas-based lawyer appointed as executor of Simpson’s estate, alleging that his fees were never fully paid despite continued representation. According to court documents, Slates says he provided legal services to Simpson up until shortly before Simpson’s death in 2024 at age 76. While the work was completed, the lawsuit claims most of the billing went unpaid. Slates later filed a creditor’s claim in probate court, which was rejected. Around that time, LaVergne reportedly estimated the estate’s total value at roughly $400,000 to $500,000. The timing of the lawsuit is significant, as the estate is already committed to a substantial payout connected to the long-running civil judgment involving Fred Goldman. A civil jury previously found Simpson liable for the 1994 deaths of Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson, awarding damages that grew dramatically over time due to interest. Recent probate filings show the estate agreed to pay nearly $58 million toward that judgment. In written filings, LaVergne said the revised amount reflected a more accurate interest calculation, noting that an earlier figure “did not appear to be as accurate as possible based on simple judgment interest calculations.” Slates now argues that his claim was wrongly denied and remains unresolved, setting up a direct conflict over limited estate funds. A probate court hearing scheduled later this month is expected to determine how those competing claims will be handled.

Misa Hylton is breaking her silence after a New York judge dismissed the $5 million lawsuit she filed against Mary J. Blige, a legal battle that fractured a friendship spanning more than three decades. In an exclusive statement to Loren Lorosa, Hylton addressed the emotional toll of the case and her decision to walk away. “Over the years, there have been people very close to me who have hurt me deeply, and I chose not to pursue them even when I could have, and maybe should have,” she wrote. Reflecting on her past relationship with Blige, Hylton added, “That reflection led me to ask myself why I would choose a different path for someone I once called my sister.” “Through this experience, I learned that mixing family, friendship, and business is not always wise,” Hylton continued. “While I don’t agree with everything that was done, I chose peace… This entire ordeal has taken a significant toll on my mental health… I pray for healing for all of us.” According to court documents obtained by TMZ, the judge granted Blige and her attorneys, Lisa Moore and Andrew Pequignot, a motion to dismiss the lawsuit without prejudice. The dismissal followed Hylton’s failure to meet a court deadline to defend her allegations. In a pointed rebuke, Judge Phaedra F. Perry addressed what she called an “abandonment of claims,” writing, “The court in no way condones parties filing lawsuits claiming millions in damages based on inflammatory accusations, only to have those very same parties abandon their allegations when faced with a motion to dismiss and sanctions.” Hylton had accused Blige of breaching contracts tied to rapper Vado, alleging the actions caused monetary damage. Blige denied the claims and previously labeled the lawsuit “frivolous.”

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 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.