monks, Selma
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 2, 2026

Monks On National ‘Walk For Peace’ Tour Make Stop At Virginia HBCU To Rest

The Buddhist monks chose the HBCU as their resting stop amid their powerful walk.

As Buddhist Monks on their headline-making “Walk For Peace” reached Day 98 of their journey, the devout men made a rest stop at one particular HBCU.

Over the weekend of Jan. 30, the monks decided to pause their lengthy voyage at Virginia State University. The monks opted to spend their Saturday night on the HBCU’s campus, greeting members of its diverse community as they powered through the snow.

HBCU Gameday confirmed the news relayed by the Walk For Peace organizers. Sightings of the traveling monks have become popular, as onlookers can watch their journey in real time. Those near the Petersburg institution could also catch a glimpse of the monumental walk.

The monks continued their travels despite last week’s Winter Storm Fern, which brought historic wind chills and snow to areas across the Southeast. As the walk aims to cross 2,300 miles to reach Washington, D.C., the monks are just one state away from reaching their destination.

While passersby witnessed the Monks make their way to the HBCU, their communication halted once the travelers settled in for the evening. Although happy to see the support, the men set a boundary: no visiting hours while they caught some sleep.

The walkers have since left the destination and are approaching their goal as they head toward Richmond, confirmed by their live map. Despite the brief meeting, the encounter marked a historic moment for both the Buddhist monks and Virginia State, bridging the two parties together with this unique opportunity.

Throughout their journey, the symbolic walk has emphasized peace, unity, and resilience. Their stops along the way have also acknowledged other movements for equality and justice, including stops in historically relevant cities such as Selma, Alabama.

As the voyage continues, the monks highlight places that align with their values, showcasing the innate connection to HBCUs’ mission.

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Russell Wilson
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 2, 2026

Russell Wilson Shoots Down Any Thoughts Of Foolishness After Name Is Listed In ‘Epstein Files’

'NOPE!!! ABSOLUTELY NOT! Not TODAY satan!'

An inquiry into purchasing a private jet has led to New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson being listed in the “Epstein Files.”

According to Marca, after the U.S. Department of Justice recently released more pages from files associated with deceased financier and accused pedophile, Jeffrey Esptein, per the Epstein Files Transparency Act, Wilson’s name was included with the recent disclosure. Upon revelation of his inclusion in the files, he took to X, formerly Twitter, to shoot down any perceived shenanigans associated with the many people accused of allegedly engaging in sex with underage girls.

Before the internet could jump in and start speculating about why his name would even be listed, particularly given his solid, Christ-like character traits, he made it clear that he had no direct involvement with Epstein.

“NOPE!!! ABSOLUTELY NOT! Not TODAY satan!”

He explained that while he was in the midst of signing with the Seattle Seahawks in 2019, a broker reached out to him to try to sell him a plane which happened to belong to Epstein. In the post, Wilson denies knowing who it belonged to or that he ever bought the aircraft.

The reference to Wilson is based on an email in the files dated Jan. 27, 2019. A broker for Wilson inquired about a Gulfstream GIV jet that Epstein owned and was worth around $2.7 million. This took place while Wilson was still playing for the Seahawks.

Complex reported that the email was between Epstein’s pilot, Larry Visoki, and Epstein. Visoki informed Epstein that a broker named Gary was asking about buying a plane, but because Wilson was in contract negotiations with the Seahawks at the time, it wouldn’t be a good look to purchase it before he signed a new contract. Epstein responded, offering Wilson the option to buy the plane for $2.7 million or to exercise an “option to buy” for $500,000.

Police Officer, Federal Prison, Jail, Gavel, Court, Susan Lorincz
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 2, 2026

Man Sentenced To 40 Years For Killing Openly Gay Ole Miss Student Over Secret Relationship

An Ole Miss alum was sentenced to 40 years in prison for murdering an openly gay student with whom he was reportedly involved in a secret relationship.

A man was sentenced to 40 years in prison for the murder of an openly gay Ole Miss student with whom he was reportedly involved in a secret relationship.

Sheldon “Timothy” Herrington Jr., 25, was sentenced to 40 years in prison on Dec. 2, 2025, after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and evidence tampering in the 2022 death of 20-year-old Jimmie “Jay” Lee, the Clarion-Ledger reports. The sentencing brought closure to a case that had lasted over three years and gave Lee’s family the chance to face the man who killed the beloved Ole Miss student.

“I knew from the beginning that you did this, and I believe your family knew,” Jimmie Lee Sr. told Herrington. “I had to witness my son’s skeletal remains. I touched his skull; no father should have to go through that. No family should have to go through that.”

Lee was a standout at Ole Miss as a proud member and advocate of the school’s LGBTQ+ community. When the Jackson native went missing on July 8, 2022, many took notice. Herrington, a graduate of Ole Miss from Grenada, was soon charged with capital murder after investigators found sexually explicit messages between them and searches on his device about strangulation.

Prosecutors alleged Lee was killed following a sexual encounter, noting his final text was sent near Herrington’s Oxford, Mississippi, apartment. Lee’s abandoned car was later found on security cameras, and a judge eventually declared him dead in absentia. Herrington, who denied the allegations, faced a capital murder trial, but a mistrial was declared in December 2024 after jurors couldn’t reach a verdict. His attorney argued a conviction wasn’t possible without a body.

But the case took a turn in February 2025 when Lee’s decomposed remains were discovered in Carroll County, about 90 minutes from his home. The coroner could not determine the cause of death due to the state of the remains. Herrington was indicted again and set for retrial on capital murder and evidence-tampering charges, maintaining his innocence until pleading guilty in December 2025.

Herrington’s attorney, Aafram Sellers, said that his client never explained why he killed Lee. Prosecutors believe Herrington acted to keep their romantic relationship secret. Sellers added that he doesn’t think it was in Lee’s “character” to have outed Herrington.

“I had to witness my son’s skeletal remains. I touched his skull. No father should have to go through that. No parent should have to go through that. … Jay trusted you,” Lee’s father told Herrington at the sentencing.

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Sage Steele Tells Michelle Obama To ‘Shut Up’ About Black Women’s Hair
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 2, 2026

Sage Steele Tells Michelle Obama To ‘Shut Up’ About Black Women’s Hair

Sage Steele is telling former first lady Michelle Obama to "shut up" on the topic of Black women straightening their hair to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards.

Television personality Sage Steele is back in the hot seat after telling former first lady Michelle Obama to “shut up” about Black women’s hair struggles.

The former ESPN anchor addressed the former first lady on her Actual Friends podcast, criticizing remarks Michelle Obama made in November about Black women’s hair and the pressure many feel to straighten it due to Eurocentric beauty standards.

“Shut up! I’ve lost all respect for this woman because of how she’s choosing to behave with that title of former first lady. It’s funny and it’s pathetic,” Steele said in a clip shared online.

“Because what you’re doing, you’re sitting there b-tching about white people’s standards to force you to make it straight,” she added. “And what are you doing, getting paid $100,000+ per speech, straightening your damn hair?”

Steele’s remarks came after Obama’s live episode of her limited podcast series The Look, where she joined actress Tracee Ellis Ross to discuss concepts around fashion and beauty in promotion of her book of the same title. During the chat, the two public figures discussed the pressure Black women face to straighten their hair rather than wear it naturally, shaped by Eurocentric beauty standards.

“Let me explain something to white people. Our hair comes out of our heads naturally in a curly pattern. So, when we’re straightening it to follow your beauty standards, we are trapped by the straightness,” Obama said at the time.

“That’s why so many of us can’t swim, and we run away from the water. People won’t go to the gym because we’re trying to keep our hair straight for y’all. It is exhausting, and it is so expensive, and it takes up so much time!”

Steele has a history of publicly criticizing the Obamas. The conservative news analyst was fired from ESPN in 2021 for controversial remarks, calling vaccine mandates “sick” and “scary” and questioning why former President Barack Obama identifies as Black despite being raised by his white mother.

“I know my recent comments created controversy for the company, and I apologize,” she said in a statement after her firing. “We are in the midst of an extremely challenging time that impacts all of us, and it’s more critical than ever that we communicate constructively and thoughtfully.”

In August 2023, Sage Steele settled her free-speech lawsuit against ESPN and Disney, ending her 16-year tenure at the network.

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Hate Crime, Black Student, Gavel, Kamala Harris Calls Families Of Sonya Massey And D’Vontaye Mitchell
by Sharelle B. McNair

February 2, 2026

Detroit Judge Charged In Federal Corruption Case Accused Of Embezzling Money From Elderly

Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office, Jennifer Runyan, says “no one is above the law” - “regardless of a person’s position in society.”

Just two months into the new year, and the city of Detroit is facing a federal corruption case, listing a judge, her father, and two other individuals as accused of stealing from the elderly, Detroit Free Press reported. 

Judge Andrea Bradley-Baskin; her father, attorney Avery Bradley; Dwight Rashad and Nancy Williams have all been named in a case by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan. The prominent group faces accusations of running an embezzlement scheme for years with the goal of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from the most vulnerable of victims — wards, who are people that need guardians and conservators to handle their finances. 

Collectively, they conspired to embezzle funds from incapacitated victims and their estates, taking funds for their personal gain. The 36th District judge allegedly stole $70,000 from a ward to purchase a part-ownership stake in a local bar.

In addition, Bradley-Baskin is accused of taking money from a ward’s estate to pay for a two-year lease on a new Ford Expedition. 

The other three are accused of stealing $203,000 from a ward’s legal settlement. Williams, former owner of Guardian and Associates, a fiduciary company often supported by the Wayne County Probate Court, which appoints guardians and conservators, allegedly paid Rashad, an elderly group homes operator, rent for wards who didn’t live in one of Rashad’s homes.

Bradley operated a law firm, often representing Guardian and Associates in probate court, in addition to working for that court.

All four, including Bradley-Baskin, who is on suspension, faced a judge Jan. 30 and pleaded not guilty. The group was all charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, while Bradley was actually charged with wire fraud. Bradley, Bradley-Baskin and Rashad were also charged with multiple counts of money laundering, while the judge faced charges of making a false statement to federal law enforcement.

U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr. called the case a “grievous abuse of our public trust.” “We respect the authority that covers a black robe. This state judge and her cronies allegedly abused that high honor for personal gain by preying on the needy protected by the court,” he said.

Over the years, the Motor City has been riddled with corruption accusations at both the state and local levels. 

A former executive of a popular nonprofit was sentenced to 19 years in federal prison in what prosecutors called one of the largest and most expensive criminal schemes in Detroit’s history. Former Detroit Riverfront Conservancy CFO William Smith was found guilty of one count each of wire fraud and money laundering for a scheme that spanned over a decade, right under the noses of some of the city’s most powerful business and government leaders.

According to Fox 2 Detroit, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office, Jennifer Runyan, says “no one is above the law” — “regardless of a person’s position in society.”

“These four defendants allegedly conspired to steal from some of our most vulnerable citizens — looting bank accounts, exploiting legal authority, and profiting off those who relied on them for care and protection,” Runyan said. 

“Let me be clear: if you prey on the vulnerable, we will find you and bring you to justice.”

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pope che, miseducation, album, executive
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 2, 2026

Lauryn Hill Leads GRAMMY Tribute To D’Angelo, Roberta Flack

She led a group of performers in celebrating both singers.

We lost two vital voices from the R&B world in 2025: D’Angelo (Oct. 14) and Roberta Flack (Feb. 24). Fugees member, Lauryn Hill, paid tribute to both artists at this year’s GRAMMY ceremony.

Hill took to the stage to honor the two singers who had a close connection with her. She recorded a duet with D’Angelo, “Nothing Even Matters,” for her 1998 album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. She also covered Flack’s 1973 hit single, “Killing Me Softly,” on the Fugees album The Score.

According to Billboard, the platinum-selling artist started the tribute with the D’Angelo duet before bringing Lucky Daye out to join her to sing D’Angelo’s breakout single, “Brown Sugar.” Following Daye was Tony! Toni! Tone!’s Raphael Saadiq and Anthony Hamilton, who lent their vocals for “Lady.” One of the latest R&B stars, Leon Thomas, did “Devil’s Pie,” and Hamilton grabbed the mic once again to sing, “Another Life.” Bilal entered the stage to perform “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” and Jon Batiste played “Africa” on the piano.

A medley of hits from Flack was done after the D’Angelo tribute. Batiste performed “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” while Leon Bridges and Alexia Jayy sang, “Compared to What.” Lalah Hathaway, daughter of Donnie Hathaway, who recorded several songs with Flack, took the stage with October London, who played “The Closer I Get to You,” while John Legend and Chaka Khan performed a duet of “Where Is the Love.”

Hill grabbed the mic to perform “Feel Like Makin’ Love” before ending the tribute with her rendition of “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” with a surprise appearance from her Fugees bandmate, Wyclef Jean.

Flack and D’Angelo have both collected four GRAMMY Awards during their career, while Hill has accumulated eight of her own.

The GRAMMY Awards ceremony took place Feb. 1 in Los Angeles at the Crypto.com Arena. 

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Paul George
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 2, 2026

76ers Forward Paul George Suspended 25 Games For Violating NBA Anti-Drug Policy

'I take full responsibility for my actions and apologize to the Sixers organization, my teammates, and the Philly fans for my poor decision-making during this process,' George said in a written statement

The NBA has announced the suspension of Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George for 25 games for violating the terms of the league’s anti-drug policy.

According to NBA.com, the NBA All-Star’s punishment began immediately on Saturday, Jan. 31, when the 76ers played against the New Orleans Pelicans.

In a written statement to ESPN, George took full responsibility for the infraction and accepted the suspension. He explained that he took “an improper medication” to deal with a mental health issue.

“Over the past few years, I’ve discussed the importance of mental health, and in the course of recently seeking treatment for an issue of my own, I made the mistake of taking an improper medication. I take full responsibility for my actions and apologize to the Sixers organization, my teammates, and the Philly fans for my poor decision-making during this process.”

“I am focused on using this time to make sure that my mind and body are in the best condition to help the team when I return.”

The 35-year-old athlete’s forward is averaging 16 points and 5.1 rebounds in 27 games this season, while shooting 38.2% from the three-point line. The 76ers are in sixth place in the Eastern Conference.

The suspension will hit George in the pocket, as he will lose $11.7 million of his $51.7 million salary, totaling about $469,691.72 per game missed.

George’s teammate, Joel Embiid, commented on losing his on-court partner, noting that the team must find a way to play without him in the meantime.

“I know people have mixed feelings about what he brings to the table,” Embiid said. “You can’t replace it. (He) does everything for us. Defensively, probably our best perimeter defender. Offensively, can play so many roles. Knock down shots. Post up. Creation. Playmaking.”

The 76ers did win the first game without their star forward, with a 124-114 win over the Pelicans. They are now 26-21 for the season.

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Shanquella Robinson, mother, Sallamondra Robinson
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 2, 2026

Shanquella Robinson’s Wrongful Death Lawsuit Returns to State Court

The wrongful death lawsuit tied to Shanquella Robinson’s 2022 death remains unresolved after a federal judge returned the case to state court.

The wrongful death lawsuit tied to Shanquella Robinson’s death is being sent back to state court after a federal judge ruled that the case no longer falls under federal jurisdiction.

On Jan. 27, Judge Max Cogburn sent the civil lawsuit back to Mecklenburg County Superior Court, finding that only state-law claims remain against the individuals who traveled with Robinson to Mexico, where she died in 2022, WCNC reported. The decision follows the court’s earlier dismissal of all federal claims against the FBI and the U.S. State Department, leaving the case solely against her travel companions, often referred to as the “Cabo Six.”

Robinson, a 25-year-old Charlotte resident, died while vacationing in Mexico on Oct. 29, 2022. The “Cabo Six” continue to face public scrutiny after a viral video surfaced weeks following Robinson’s death that appeared to show her being beaten inside the villa where the group was staying. Mexican authorities later ruled her death a femicide and issued an arrest warrant, though no one has been extradited or criminally charged in the United States.

Robinson’s mother, Sallamondra Robinson, first filed the lawsuit in Mecklenburg County in October 2024. The case was later moved to federal court after the FBI and the U.S. State Department removed it, citing federal jurisdiction over claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

However, the judge ruled that once those federal claims were dismissed, the court no longer had jurisdiction over the remaining state-law causes of action, which include wrongful death, negligence, battery, conspiracy, and emotional distress under North Carolina law. As a result, the civil case against the six people Robinson traveled with to Cabo San Lucas will return to state court.

The defendants continue to deny any wrongdoing, with several arguing the case should be dismissed or heard in Mexico rather than North Carolina.

In the federal suit, Robinson’s family alleged the State Department failed to process an extradition request and that the FBI botched its investigation and improperly withheld records. A judge dismissed those claims in June 2025, citing sovereign immunity and jurisdictional limits, leaving only state-law claims against the individual defendants.

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sexxy red, trump
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 2, 2026

Sexyy Red Sells Out Again, Performs For Trump Adviser’s Wedding At Mar-a-Lago

Sexyy performed to the MAGA crowd at a Trump advisor's wedding.

Sexyy Red still wants to “Make America Sexy Again,” continuing her MAGA ties with a performance at a Trump adviser’s wedding.

The “Get It Sexy” rapper performed at the Mar-a-Lago resort event to celebrate the nuptials of Alex Bruesewitz. Bruesewitz helped Trump return to the White House during the 2024 general election, cementing his union to the former Miss Nevada USA, Carolina Urrea, at the President’s resort. Footage went viral of Sexyy performing some of her hits to the conservative crowd.

However, Sexyy Red did not stand alone as the only MAGA-aligned female rapper in attendance. According to Complex, Nicki Minaj also snagged an invite to the GOP love affair. While Minaj had only recently declared her love and adoration for the controversial President, Sexyy had previously popped out as a Trump supporter, particularly for “his” stimulus checks.

In 2024, Sexyy even performed at the Rolling Loud Music Festival in an America-inspired outfit. As she scaled up her “Make America Sexy Again” rollout, she appeared on stage with a giant hat reminiscent of the MAGA emblem.

Sexyy retracted her support for Trump since then, stating back in November 2024 that she indeed voted for Kamala Harris. However, it seems evident that she is willing to at least accept a payout to perform for Trump cronies.

Others also clocked Sexyy’s sellout. One critic on X did not mince words about the unabashed rapper’s perception, especially now that she’s back on the MAGA train for a check.

“I used to defend Sexyy Red when they were saying she’s a low-class gutter snipe and bad representation for Black women, and there she is, shucking and jiving for MAGAts. My strongest apologies to y’all who were correct, I was wrong,” expressed the frustrated commenter.

Seemingly, all remains well between Sexyy and the President despite her wishy-washy political stance, with MAGA supporters continuing to enjoy the blunt rapper.

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Zohran Mamdani
by Sharelle B. McNair

February 2, 2026

Zohran Mandami Taps Ex-Incarcerated Criminal Reform Advocate Stanley Richards To Run NYC Jails 

Richards hopes to chart “a path of hope" as NYC jails have been riddled in controversy for years.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mandami continues to build his cabinet with a newly appointed head of the Department of Correction, former Rikers Island inmate Stanley Richards, the first formerly incarcerated person to serve in the space, the New York Daily News reported. 

Mandami entrusted Richards to take over the city’s big jails in hopes of introducing safety and reform. The mayor not only calls Richards’ appointment “symbolic” but a “testament to the thought and leadership he will bring to every member of Correction staff and incarcerated New Yorkers.”

The new Corrections leader served four-and-a-half years in prison for robbery in the late 1980s, but since his release, he has used his time to help those like him. Prior to the appointment, Richards served as president of The Fortune Society, a nonprofit that helps inmates reenter society after release from prison.

He calls his work a testament to the importance of working together.

“My experience and journey is a testament that when we provide support, when we center our collective work to hope instead of fear, when we see the best in all of us instead of judging people in the worst thing we ever done, when we see our commonality (more) than our difference, we can achieve the unimaginable,” Richards said. 

His experience goes back to serving as a deputy correction commissioner under former Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration and on the city’s Board of Correction; however, Richards has a long way to go.

While he hopes his leadership will chart “a path of hope,” Richards is entering unchartered territory. For the past several years, according to The Gothamist, NYC prisons have been riddled with controversy, including complaints of staff misconduct, sexual violence, and drug overdoses. Between 2019 and 2025, at least 76 people died in custody. 

In 2023, data revealed Rikers Island prison faced close to 500 lawsuits of overlooked sexual abuse cases, with both female and male victims being named.

Under ex-Mayor Eric Adams’ reign, conditions reportedly deteriorated. Released surveillance footage highlighted horrendous conditions in the Rikers Island jails, with one inmate seen locked in a cage shower for almost 24 hours. Another prisoner defecated on himself due to a lack of toilets, and detainees were seen taking over for jail staff by dragging sick people for medical treatment.

Justice reform advocates have celebrated Richards’ appointment. Legal Aid Society’s criminal defense practice leading attorney, Tina Luongo, said he is what’s needed — since he understands firsthand how prisons work.

“Few people understand New York City’s jail system — and what is needed to reform it — more deeply than Stanley Richards,” Luongo said.

“He brings unmatched insight, credibility, compassion, and a deep commitment to advancing meaningful reform.”

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