UNESCO, Pharrell Williams, Richard Mille, watch, black designer
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 27, 2026

Pharrell Williams Awarded France’s Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur

The fashionista was given the honor by French President Emmanuel Macron

Talented Virginia native Pharrell Williams, who has made his mark in both music and fashion, was celebrated once again in Paris when French President Emmanuel Macron awarded him the Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honour).

According to Women’s Wear Daily, the distinction, initially announced last July, was handed to Pharrell during fashion week at the private residence of the president, the Élysée Palace. The honor was given to the hitmaker for his contributions to culture and the creative industries in France. The ceremony took place Jan. 23, days after the revealing of his latest Louis Vuitton fall 2026 collection at the Fondation Louis Vuitton.

https://twitter.com/Pharrell/status/2015837257718997059

Macron draped a medal with a red ribbon as he decorated Williams as a Knight.

Vanity Fair reported part of the speech Macron gave to Pharrell while presenting him with the honor.

“Dear Pharrell, listing all your achievements would be impossible: you have the rare ability to live a thousand passions within a single lifetime,” he said. “You managed to do so because you are incredibly talented, but also thanks to your steadfast discipline that could intimidate even an Olympic athlete. A five a.m. wake-up call. Five hundred sit-ups. Meditation. A hot bath, a cold shower—and sometimes even a burst of songwriting in the bathroom itself.”

According to Hot97, along with Pharrell’s wife, Helen Lasichanh, and their four children, some of the fashionista’s friends from the world of hip-hop attended, including Future, Pusha T, and Quavo. 

Just days after accepting the honor in Paris, the “Happy” producer is also being honored by the Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective on Jan. 29 at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles.

Pharrell will receive the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award for his musical achievements, entrepreneurial innovation, philanthropic efforts, and global cultural influence.

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Coco Gauff, top earning
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 27, 2026

Coco Gauff Speaks On Racket Smashing After Emotional Quarterfinal Loss At Australian Open

The 21-year-old tennis star explained what led to the public display of her frustration.

Coco Gauff took her quarterfinal loss at the Australian Open hard, breaking down in tears as she walked off the court.

Gauff had hopes to add another Grand Slam title to her list as she entered the tournament. However, her time at Melbourne Park came to an end following a heartbreaking loss to Elina Svitolina, 1-6, 2-6. The swift defeat left Gauff in distress as she left the court, taking her frustrations out on her racket.

According to NBC News, Gauff smashed her racket a whopping seven times, including six for every dropped serve she had in the Jan. 27 match. As the No. 3 seed, Gauff had high hopes to best Svitolina, ranked 12th as she entered the competition.

However, Svitolina dominated the match as Gauff struggled to catch a stride with her serve. Alongside Gauff’s five double-faults in the first set, Svitolina took the victory in just under an hour. Frustrated by her lackluster performance, Gauff tried to let off steam away from the cameras. The 21-year-old even noted that the intimate moment was taken away from her because of the lack of privacy in the arena.

“Certain moments — the same thing happened to Aryna (Sabalenka) after I played her in the final of the U.S. Open — I feel like they don’t need to broadcast,” Gauff said in her post-match news conference. “I tried to go somewhere where I thought there wasn’t a camera because I don’t necessarily like breaking rackets.”

Gauff also mentioned how breaking rackets is not an infrequent occurrence, having done so before at the French Open. Despite this, she tries not make a habit out of doing so. She also acknowledged that it could appear as a bout of poor sportsmanship.

“I broke one racket (at the) French Open, I think, and I said I would never do it again on court because I don’t feel like that’s a good representation. So, yeah, maybe some conversations can be had.”

However, she still considers it a better way to deal with the heartbreak than to lash out at her team. She finds the physical release therapeutic, especially as she leaves herself all on the court.

“I don’t think it’s a bad thing. Like I said, I don’t try to do it on court in front of kids and things like that, but I do know I need to let out that emotion.”

Although Gauff’s run at the 2026 Australian Open has ended, the rising tennis star still has plenty of time in her already-successful career to go for another title.

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Tiktok
by Mitti Hicks

January 27, 2026

California To Investigate TikTok Over Reports of Censorship On Anti-Trump Content

Newsom’s announcement comes amid broader accusations that TikTok is flagging content that criticizes the Trump administration, immigration, and the release of the Epstein Files.

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that his office will investigate whether TikTok is breaking state law by censoring content that is critical of President Donald Trump.

“It’s time to investigate,” Newsom said on various social media platforms. “I am launching a review into whether TikTok is violating state law by censoring Trump-critical content.”

Newsom’s announcement comes amid broader accusations that TikTok is flagging content that criticizes the Trump administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the release of the Epstein Files.

These allegations come days after the Chinese platform owned by ByteDance finalized a deal with a U.S. company to avoid a nationwide ban.

ByteDance sold its U.S. entity to the tech giant, Oracle, for a reported $14 billion. Larry Ellison, a staunch Trump ally and billionaire, co-founded the tech company.

California Governor’s Office Receives Multiple Reports of TikTok Censorship

In another post on X, Newsom’s office said it had received multiple reports and had independently confirmed “instances of suppressed content critical of President Trump.”

The governor’s office told Politico that it tried sending a direct message on the platform containing the word “Epstein,” but later received a warning that it could not be sent because it “may violate” TikTok’s community guidelines.

TikTok’s U.S. venture has since responded. In a post on X Monday, the U.S joint venture attributed the censorship incidents to recent bugs and a “major infrastructure issue” caused by a power outage at one of its U.S. data center sites.

“While the network has been recovered, the outrage caused a cascading systems failure that we’ve been working to resolve together with our data center partner,” the team wrote.

They added that people may notice “multiple bugs,” “slower load times,” or “timed-out requests” when posting new content.

As part of the new deal, ByteDance owns only 19.9% of the TikTok USDS Joint Venture. New investors own 80%, according to Engadget.

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Brandy Norwood, Cinderella, cinderella, descendants, rise of red, money, Disney, Disney original
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 27, 2026

Recording Academy Honors Brandy With Prestigious Black Music Icon Award Ahead Of 2026 Grammys

The Recording Academy is honoring Brandy for her achievements as a Black Music Icon.

Brandy’s more than 30 years of excellence across music, film, and television will be honored on the main stage as the Recording Academy presents her with the Black Music Icon Award, one of its highest distinctions.

Just days before the 2026 Grammy Awards, the Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective will honor Brandy at the fourth annual Recording Academy Honors, where she will receive one of the Academy’s highest distinctions. In announcing the honor last month, the Recording Academy said the award recognizes Black music creators whose artistry, innovation, and service have shaped the industry and inspired generations worldwide.

It’s an achievement Brandy views as the culmination of decades of work and her place among Black music greats.

“So grateful and truly humbled to receive the Recording Academy’s Black Music Icon Award. This honor means more than words—standing on the shoulders of those who paved the way, and celebrating the legacy, resilience, and brilliance of Black music,” she said in a statement. “Thank you to the Recording Academy for seeing me, supporting me, and honoring the journey.”

Longtime fans have followed Brandy’s rise in Hollywood, from her quadruple-platinum self-titled debut album to starring in the hit ’90s sitcom Moesha and making history with her iconic role in Disney’s TV adaptation of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Her second album, Never Say Never, went five times platinum and included the GRAMMY-winning hit “The Boy Is Mine.”

With eight studio albums, including 2023’s Christmas With Brandy, she has sold over 40 million records worldwide. As an actress, she has captivated audiences in film and television, from the cult-classic I Still Know What You Did Last Summer to the drama Queens and Disney’s Descendants: The Rise of Red. Her upcoming project, the memoir “PHASES,” will explore her life and career, a work shaped by years of reflection, effort, and healing.

Alongside Brandy, Kirk Franklin will be honored with the Black Music Icon Award, while Pharrell Williams will receive the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award.

“Pharrell, Brandy and Kirk are true visionaries and masters of their craft,” said Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “Each has built a legacy that transcends genre, defies convention, and shapes culture. Their artistry continues to inspire generations of artists worldwide. I’m thrilled to join the Black Music Collective in honoring three of music’s brightest stars in January and celebrating their immeasurable contributions to the industry.”

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Colin Kaepernick, Know Your Rights Camp Autopsy Initiative, Independent Autopsy, Trey Reed
by Kandiss Edwards

January 27, 2026

Colin Kaepernick Integrates AI And Literacy In Nashville School Pilot Program

Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick promotes literacy and technology through his tech company, Lumi AI, and partners with Nashville schools. 

In conjunction with Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS), Kaepernick will launch an AI literacy and storytelling pilot program. Kaepernick is the CEO and co-founder of Lumi, an AI-powered storytelling platform that allows users to engage in literacy in an immersive way. Students can create visual narratives, characters, and text-based stories with support from built-in generation tools, the MNPS announced. The pilot with MNPS is intended to help students explore AI tools while building literacy, creativity, and critical thinking skills. 

In a statement, Kaepernick said, “Storytelling has always been one of the most powerful ways people understand themselves and the world around them. Lumi is about giving students tools to tell their own stories, develop their creativity, and see technology as something that expands what’s possible rather than limiting it.”

The first pilot launched in Prince George’s County Schools in December 2025. A reception was held to celebrate. 

“You are the ones looked at as innovators, as building the future, as the ones that are creating the groundwork for what everybody else is going to be following,” Kaepernick said. “We want our students to make sure we are keeping our students engaged. We want to make sure they are building with the best technology. … And also preparing them for a future that is the present.”

The pilot will be introduced in phases, beginning with a small group of students and educators in several schools, according to Metro Nashville Public Schools. District officials said the program aims to integrate Lumi’s AI tools into schools. However, the district is not seeking to replace the current literacy curriculum. The goal is to reinforce the district’s existing literacy framework, support students, and help them learn and engage with current technology trends.

MNPS Superintendent Dr. Adrienne Battle spoke about the need to build the “confidence” and technological acumen of Nashville students.

“We want our students to approach artificial intelligence with confidence and curiosity, not fear,” Battle said.

The pilot also emphasizes responsible use of AI transparency and academic integrity as students engage with the tools, the district said. The partnership was made possible through private philanthropic support coordinated by PENCIL, a nonprofit that connects Nashville’s business and civic community with public schools, the district said. PENCIL’s involvement reflects an effort to bring innovation and creative learning opportunities into the classroom.

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Salt n Pepa, Push It
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 27, 2026

Women In Hip-Hop Hit The Ivy League With ‘Miss-Education’ Course At Princeton University

The class will focus on Hip Hop through a gendered lens, highlighting the impact of women emcees.

Princeton University is offering a new class focusing on the women that shaped hip-hop.

Launching in the Spring 2026 semester, the Ivy League course will highlight how women emcees revolutionized the rap game. Titled “Miss-Education: The Women Of Hip-Hop,” the class will expand the intellectual study of the music genre at the school’s Lewis Center for the Arts.

Three dynamic scholars will lend their expertise to teach the class and develop its groundbreaking curriculum. According to Hot97, this includes Chesney Snow, an academic in hip-hop studies, Dr. Francesca D’Amico-Cuthbert, historian in hip-hop culture, and Eternia, a female rapper whose art surrounds gender equity in rap.

The academic leaders behind the course also shared the exciting news to Instagram. As class gets in session, these Princeton professors will lay the groundwork for women rappers’ foundational influence on hip-hop.

The multimedia course, also part-seminar, lab, and performance workshop, will delve into how one preserves these female-focused histories while dissecting the legacy of the cultural institution. With its “gendered lens,” it will reimagine hip-hop study by grounding its conversations on its women players.

“Through a gendered lens, we’ll trace the development of Hip Hop culture, examine the range of women’s experiences within it, and explore the emergence and evolution of Hip Hop feminisms,” detailed the course creators.

Beginning with the pioneers of female rap like Roxanne Shanté, the class will further dissect the women who revitalized and transformed hip-hop. Furthermore, the course will dissect the feminist ideals behind the politics and platforms leading the genre’s evolution.

With further emphasis on documenting these histories through oral recollection, such as podcasting and performance work, students will dive deeper into the inspirations behind some of the culture’s greatest “femcees,” such as Lil Kim, Lauryn Hill, Queen Latifah, and more.

The interdisciplinary study will not only break down the oral tradition, but further amplify how women emcees played a pivotal role in the artistic tradition. While also noting the feminist dialogue within their own lyricism and careers, these relatively untold stories will find new light at Princeton.

By integrating archival practices, academic dissection, and performance-based work, the course will add to the growing discourse of hip-hop intellectualism. Just as these female rappers broke down barriers, this “Miss-Education” course will have no pre-requisites to join the discussion.

“All creative thinkers” are encouraged to take a seat and add to this underrepresented element of hip-hop studies.

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OPEN CARRY, GUNS,
by Sharelle B. McNair

January 27, 2026

NRA Has Entered The Chat, Condemning ICE’s ‘Dangerous and Wrong’ Narrative After Deadly Minnesota Shooting 

The National Rifle Association (NRA) is calling for full transparency from the Trump administration

Following the killing of Minnesota ICU nurse Alex Pretti at the hands of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, the National Rifle Association (NRA) is calling for full transparency from the Trump administration, saying there is a “dangerous and wrong” narrative taking place against gun owners, Fox 9 reports. 

The Department of Homeland Security posted an image of a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun on X that they allege was found on Pretti, creating the image that the victim was attempting to harm agents. First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli reposted the image, saying, “If you approach law enforcement with a gun, there is a high likelihood they will be legally justified in shooting you.”

That’s when the NRA chimed in, calling his remarks “dangerous and wrong.” “Responsible public voices should be awaiting a full investigation, not making generalizations and demonizing law-abiding citizens,” the organization responded. 

The 37-year-old nurse was killed after allegedly being shot repeatedly while being taken face down to the cold Minneapolis ground during a protest. While Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino defended the officer’s usage of deadly force — and actually blamed Pretti for allegedly having the weapon on him– Minneapolis police confirmed he had a license to carry. 

Video footage of the incident proves the opposite, as it appeared the victim was disarmed prior to being taken down. 

While the national gun rights organization first pushed the blame on Gov. Tim Walz, calling him a “radical progressive politician” who “incited violence against law enforcement officers who are simply trying to do their jobs,” gun rights advocates and experts are surprised to see organizations and federal officials using the narrative against the victim.

“They’ve stood up in court and tried to push back against state laws that regulate firearms — access, use, carry — so it’s pretty shocking to me to see them now use an example of a lawful gun owner as justification for force,” Megan Walsh, Second Amendment expert and University of Minnesota Law School professor, said, according to CNN. 

For years, Minnesota has permitted the open and concealed carry of a handgun with a license when an applicant meets certain criteria. State regulations also don’t restrict individuals from possessing firearms at protests or even in Minnesota’s Capitol building.

However, that hasn’t stopped the Trump administration from maintaining a firm stance that Pretti is in the wrong. “You cannot bring a firearm loaded with multiple magazines to any sort of protest that you want. It’s that simple,” FBI Director Kash Patel said. 

“No one who wants to be peaceful shows up at a protest with a firearm that is loaded with two full magazines.” 

Walsh said there is “no gray in this situation,” defending the victim, feeling his rights were violated. “He was lawfully carrying a firearm, and that is not any license to kill someone,” the law professor said. 

“We have a Constitution that provides a Second Amendment individual right, and it is unlawful to kill a man for exercising his constitutional rights.”

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Sly Dunbar, Sly and Robbie, Jamaica, reggae
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 27, 2026

Reggae Legend Sly Dunbar Dead At 73

He was found unresponsive by his wife at their home

Popular reggae producer and drummer Sly Dunbar, who was one-half of the Sly & Robbie production team, has died at 73.

According to The Jamaican Gleaner, the musician was discovered unresponsive by his wife, Thelma, who confirmed his death to the media outlet. She stated that he had been sick recently and had been seeing doctors at home and overseas.

“About 7 o’clock this morning, I went to wake him up, and he wasn’t responding. I called the doctor, and that was the news,” Thelma said. “Yesterday was such a good day for him. He had friends come over to visit him, and we all had such a good time. He ate well yesterday … sometimes he’s not into food. I knew he was sick … but I didn’t know that he was this sick.”

The news comes several years after his producing partner, bassist Robbie Shakespeare, died in Miami on Dec. 8, 2021, at 69.

Rolling Stone reported that Sly, who was born Lowell Fillmore Dunbar in Kingston, Jamaica, on May 10, 1952, took an interest in music after hearing Lloyd Knibb play with the Skatalites. As a teenager, he convinced his mother to allow him to pursue music while abandoning a traditional education.

After meeting Shakespeare in 1973 at a nightclub, the two started working together and throughout the years, played with and on songs featuring artists like Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown, Barrington Levy, Peter Tosh, Bob Marley, Shaggy, Shabba Ranks, No Doubt, Sinéad O’Connor, Simply Red, Cutty Ranks, Beenie Man, and many others during his career.  

The pair earned two Grammys; the first one for work done on Black Uhuru’s “Anthem,” which won the inaugural Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 1985. The second one was won in 1999, when Sly and Robbie won for Best Reggae Album, “Friends.“ 

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Louis Vuitton, Pat McGrath,
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 27, 2026

Pat McGrath Labs Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Cancels Auction

Pat McGrath Labs narrowly missed being auctioned off after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Pat McGrath Labs has pulled its beauty empire from auction after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy just before the sale was set to begin.

On Jan. 26, a spokesperson for the makeup brand confirmed the Chapter 11 filing, saying the company plans to continue operating while working toward long-term stability, WWD reported.

“During this process, the company will continue operations in the ordinary course of business while working to restructure its balance sheet and to forge a path to thrive,” the spokeswoman for Pat McGrath Labs said in a statement. “Pat McGrath Labs remains committed to its community, customers, partners and stakeholders as it continues delivering its signature, high-quality products and culture-defining artistry and innovation.”

The bankruptcy filing comes just over a month after reports surfaced of a planned auction for the makeup company, created by the celebrated editorial and runway makeup artist Pat McGrath. Reports indicated the company was up for sale, with Hilco Global overseeing an auction scheduled for Jan. 26.

The planned auction was set to include assets pledged by Pat McGrath Cosmetics, LLC, and its founder, Dame Pat McGrath. However, on Jan. 22, Pat McGrath Labs filed a voluntary Chapter 11 petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida.

The Chapter 11 filing indicates the company has time to restore profitability, as it allows it to continue operating while restructuring its debt. Hilco Global, the auction facilitator, has since removed Pat McGrath Labs’ listing from its website.

The bankruptcy filing comes just over a decade after McGrath launched Pat McGrath Labs in 2015 with Gold 001, a $40 metallic foil that sold out in minutes and set the brand’s buzz-driven model. The company raised $60 million from Eurazeo Brands in 2018 at a valuation reportedly exceeding $1 billion, but in recent years has faced operational struggles, executive turnover, and layoffs. Once valued far higher, the brand’s worth has since declined sharply, with Eurazeo quietly exiting its stake and sales reportedly totaling about $50 million last year.

Despite the company’s struggles, McGrath remains in high demand, most recently serving as beauty director for Louis Vuitton’s La Beauté makeup collection.

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bat, Nipah virus
by Sharelle B. McNair

January 27, 2026

Health Officials Warn Of Incurable Nipah Virus Outbreak Reported In India

Data from the World Health Organization revealed the natural host of Nipah virus comes from fruit bats and can be transmitted from pigs, contaminated foods, and direct human-to-human contact.

Health officials in India are waving red flags and warnings against the Nipah Virus, a deadly and incurable virus labeled as zoonotic — meaning it affects both animals and people, People reports. 

Two nurses working at private hospitals near Kolkata, West Bengal, were suspected of being infected after working together between Dec. 28 and Dec. 30. Days later, between Dec. 31 and Jan. 2, both healthcare professionals started to have high fevers and experienced respiratory distress.

After an initial investigation, health officials suggested both nurses caught the virus from a patient who died before being tested for Nipah, who came in with severe respiratory symptoms. The nurses were both admitted Jan. 4 to the intensive care unit following worsening conditions, including one nurse being in a coma.

“The most likely source of infection is a patient who had been admitted to the same hospital previously,” one senior health official serving in West Bengal’s Nipah surveillance efforts said. 

“That individual is being treated as the suspected index case, and investigations are ongoing.”

However, there seems to be a little more to the story. 

Data from the World Health Organization revealed that the natural host of the Nipah virus is fruit bats and that it can be transmitted from pigs, contaminated foods, and direct human-to-human contact. Researchers have also collected blood and swab samples from bats at Kolkata’s Alipore Zoo to rule out infection. 

Narayan Swaroop Nigam, principal secretary of health and family welfare in West Bengal, has begun implementing quarantine and surveillance measures as the number of tested people has reached 180. Twenty high-risk contacts have been quarantined.

Since officials highlight preventative measures already put in place, they insist there is “no reason for immediate panic.” “All of them are asymptomatic and tested negative. We will again test them before their 21-day quarantine ends,” Nigam said, according to USA Today. 

In a post on X, India’s Ministry of Health shared “do’s and don’ts” for preventing Nipah virus infection. Similar to the global COVID-19 pandemic, people should continue to wash their hands and wear protective clothing when around or handling animals. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released symptoms to be aware of as they typically appear four to 14 days after infection, such as fever, headache, cough, sore throat, and difficulty breathing. More serious symptoms include encephalitis, another word for brain swelling, which can ultimately cause drowsiness, seizures, or comas. 

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