NFL Honors MLK With ‘Choose Love’ Message Across Divisional Playoff Fields
League-wide end zone messages and helmet decals will spotlight Dr. King’s legacy during postseason games and the Super Bowl.
The NFL will commemorate the legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. this weekend by prominently featuring the phrase “Choose Love” on the field and player equipment during all divisional-round playoff games.
According to the league, the message will be painted in end zones and displayed on helmet decals throughout the round as part of the NFL’s ongoing commitment to social responsibility and civic awareness in honor of King.
The initiative will extend into the Super Bowl next month, where “Choose Love” and “It Takes All of Us” will be stenciled in opposite end zones. For the conference championship games, home teams will have discretion over which approved message appears.
As reported by ESPN, league officials say the messaging reflects both Dr. King’s enduring influence and the NFL’s effort to connect his ideals to moments with national visibility.
“Dr. King’s message continues to guide how we show up in meaningful moments across the league,” said Anna Isaacson, the NFL’s senior vice president of social responsibility.
“‘Choose Love’ has become an important and widely embraced message for our teams because it reflects the values Dr. King championed — dignity, empathy, and a commitment to our shared humanity. Bringing it forward in the Divisional Round and again at Super Bowl LX reflects that continued relevance.”
The phrase “Choose Love” first appeared on NFL fields in 2022, when the Buffalo Bills adopted it following a mass shooting in Buffalo. What began as a localized expression of unity quickly resonated across the league.
Since then, multiple teams have incorporated the message, and it was displayed during last year’s Super Bowl following a deadly attack in New Orleans.
The NFL has consistently used on-field messaging to promote social justice and inclusion for the past six seasons. Throughout the regular season, teams were permitted to display a message of their choosing on one end zone at each home game. Those options included “End Racism,” “Stop Hate,” “Choose Love,” and “Inspire Change.” The phrase “It Takes All of Us” appeared in the opposite end zone for every game, reinforcing a league-wide theme of shared responsibility.
By continuing to use these messages into the postseason, the NFL is signaling that the values they represent are not limited to the regular season or symbolic moments. Instead, league officials say the goal is to align the sport’s largest stages with broader conversations about unity, compassion, and collective accountability.
As the playoffs move toward Super Bowl LX, the league’s visual tribute aims to keep Dr. King’s message front and center during some of the most-watched events in American sports.
Royal Caribbean Extends Suspension Of Haiti Port Amid Ongoing Security Crisis
Cruise line confirms it will not return to its private Labadee destination through the end of 2026, citing continued safety concerns as Haiti grapples with violence and humanitarian emergency.
Royal Caribbean Group has announced it will not resume cruise stops at its private resort destination of Labadee, Haiti, through the remainder of 2026, extending a suspension that has been in effect since 2024 due to persistent safety and security concerns in the country.
The cruise line confirmed the decision in a statement, emphasizing caution amid ongoing instability in Haiti. “Out of an abundance of caution, we have extended our pause to Labadee through December 2026,” Royal Caribbean Group said.
Labadee, located along Haiti’s northern coastline, is a private port used exclusively by ships operated by Royal Caribbean Group, including its Celebrity Cruises and Azamara brands. The destination had already been removed from cruise itineraries through May 2026, but the latest announcement extends that timeline by an additional seven months.
Royal Caribbean last docked at Labadee in early 2025. The company initially halted visits in March 2024 as violence escalated across Haiti, prompting the U.S. government to issue a Level 4 “do not travel” advisory — its most severe warning. The advisory cited widespread violent crime, including armed robberies, carjackings, sexual assaults, and kidnappings.
“Crimes involving firearms are common in Haiti,” the advisory states. “They include robbery, carjackings, sexual assault, and kidnappings for ransom. Do not travel to Haiti for any reason.”
As reported by USA Today, the U.S. State Department has also pointed to maritime risks, noting that the U.S. Coast Guard “has concerns about security in the ports of Haiti.” Until those issues are resolved, federal officials have urged passengers and mariners traveling near Haitian ports to “exercise caution.”
Currently, no major cruise lines are operating stops in Haiti. Travelers who do find themselves in the country are advised to avoid large gatherings, plan transportation and lodging in advance, and maintain independent evacuation plans without relying on U.S. government assistance.
Haiti’s ongoing instability has fueled a deepening humanitarian crisis marked by displacement, hunger, and widespread violence. Much of the unrest traces back to the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, an event that created a power vacuum and allowed armed gangs to gain control over large portions of Port-au-Prince and beyond.
In response, the United Nations approved a new international gang-suppression force in October 2025. However, similar efforts in the past — including a 2024 mission — have struggled due to limited funding and reach. More recently, the U.N. unveiled its 2026 Humanitarian Response Plan, a $880 million initiative to assist 4.2 million Haitians affected by violence, food insecurity, displacement, and the collapse of essential services.
According to the U.N., the plan is designed to deliver lifesaving aid, restore access to basic services, and support communities facing extreme pressure as the crisis continues.
A Piece of Chicken, Broccoli And A Tortilla, Internet Baffled By Trump’s ‘Affordable’ $3 Meal
Lawmakers slammed the meal idea that left much to be desired on a plate.
As the Trump administration reveals its plan to help Americans navigate an affordability crisis, the menu left the internet in shock.
The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, unveiled the grand meal that over 1,000 simulations concluded would help Americans save money at the grocery store. Their results were a piece of chicken, a piece of broccoli, and a tortilla, alongside “one other thing” that was not disclosed. The items apparently totaled $3. One journalist on X shared a clip of Rollins’ explanation.
Brooke Rollins: "We've run over 1,000 simulations. It can cost around $3 a meal for a piece of chicken, a piece of broccoli, corn tortilla, and one other thing. So there is a way to do this that actually will save the average American consumer money." pic.twitter.com/hL7TTz7PRk
“…Are we actually asking Americans, especially those who are living on the margins, are we asking them to spend more on their diet? And the answer to that is no,” began Rollins in her conversation with News Nation.
She continued, “We’ve run over 1000 simulations, it can cost around $3 a meal for a piece of chicken, a piece of broccoli, you know, corn tortilla, and one other thing. And so there is a way to do this that actually will save the average American consumer money.”
The “depression meal plan” garnered backlash almost immediately from everyday citizens to lawmakers alike. Jokes began to fly of satirical depictions of the supposed plates, mocking the meal for its meager proportions.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal from Washington called the notion a “slap in the face” to everyday people. Sen. Rev. Raphael also inserted his opinion into the controversy, calling out the “bad” fiscal policy of the President.
— Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (@SenatorWarnock) January 15, 2026
“The Trump-Vance economy is so bad that they had to run 1,000 simulations just to come up with a healthy meal that is affordable,” remarked the Georgia senator. “Give me a break. I don’t have to run 1,000 simulations to know that groceries are too expensive…”
Warnock then urged Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance to help everyday Americans by reversing the newly established tariffs.
He continued, “Roll back your failed policies, like these tariffs, which are a tax on ordinary people, raising the cost of every single thing. The Trump-Vance economy is not working for working people.”
Some compared the $3 meal to Marie Antoinette and the infamous “let them eat cake” phrase associated with the French ruler.
Another X user singled out those who voted Trump and his officials back into office, noting that inflation remains high despite his promises to combat the issue.
Yall elected fascists because you thought they would give you a stimulus check and bring down the cost of groceries; a year later they’re telling you to limit your meals to a piece of chicken, a piece of broccoli, and a corn tortilla. Good job https://t.co/FvuOwyZhcM
“Y’all elected fascists because you thought they would give you a stimulus check and bring down the cost of groceries; a year later they’re telling you to limit your meals to a piece of chicken, a piece of broccoli, and a corn tortilla. Good job,” wrote the social media user.
The issue has continued to upset those on the internet and on the congressional floor, who deem the lackluster meal insulting to the lived realities of many U.S. families.
‘Purple Rain’ Muse Apollonia Says Prince Would Be Against His Estate Controlling Her Name
The singer says Prince gave her his blessing to keep using the name and persona for her music career.
Apollonia, who starred in Prince’s musical film “Purple Rain” and was considered the singer’s muse, has called out the late singer’s estate for its attempts to restrict her name and image. She was also the lead singer for the group Apollonia 6.
The model, singer, and actress using the stage name filed a new motion in her lawsuit against his estate Jan. 16, claiming the entity is working against Prince’s wishes. In the lawsuit obtained by Rolling Stone, Apollonia argued that Prince supported her career using the name. She says this contradicts his estate’s current efforts to limit her career opportunities after trademarking the name.
The estate’s Paisley Park Enterprises acquired the trademark in June 2025, further escalating matters by trying to cancel her other registrations and applications. However, Apollonia, real name Patricia Kotero, has opted to fight back against the control of the brand she continued using nearly a decade after Prince’s death.
The filing details a conversation allegedly had between Apollonia and Prince, just months before he died in April 2016.
“During our conversations that evening, Prince was adamant that we continue with our ventures such as musical performances, merchandising, and audiovisual projects, and that he wanted us both to use our Apollonia and Apollonia 6 trademarks in order to be able to earn a living, stay creative, and be financially secure in our later years,” Apollonia wrote.
The two developed a lifelong friendship after Kotero starred in Prince’s hallmark film. The Oscar-winning film, alongside its iconic soundtrack album, became a cultural phenomenon and a cornerstone of the rock star’s legacy.
Prince then created a girl group, Apollonia 6, named after the film’s main love interest and Kotero’s adopted persona. The singer went on to use the name in later projects and media appearances.
Apollonia also believes that none of the current legal battles would exist if Prince still lived. She asserted that the estate is “usurping his wishes” toward his “lifelong friend” and creative partner.
The filing added, “He would be appalled by the unbecoming conduct of PPE and the efforts by PPE to usurp his wishes. I do not trust PPE, and I am afraid that if PPE is able to accomplish its goal of taking the Apollonia Marks from me, my identity will be lost, my rights will be diminished, my business will be interrupted, and I will be unable to use the Apollonia marks without repercussion from PPE.”
Apollonia initially sued the estate in August, prompting the defendants to file a motion to dismiss the lawsuit in October. In the filing, the estate claimed it never sought legal action against the singer, calling the matter an issue for the U.S. Trademark Office to decide on.
DHS Secretary Defends ICE Amid Reports Of U.S. Citizens Being Asked To Prove Citizenship
Kristi Noem claims agents are following long-standing protocol as protests grow in Minnesota and constitutional concerns intensify nationwide.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Jan. 15 defended Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents amid mounting reports that U.S. citizens are being stopped and asked to verify their citizenship during enforcement operations, including incidents in Minnesota that have fueled protests and legal concerns.
According to the Daily Beast, speaking with reporters outside the White House, Noem addressed questions following an ICE incident in Minneapolis, where tensions escalated after an officer shot a man in the leg during an encounter in which authorities say the man assaulted an agent. The episode has become a flashpoint as demonstrations spread across the state.
Asked why Americans were being required to prove citizenship—and whether citizens should carry documentation—Noem said the actions were part of targeted enforcement. “In every situation, we are doing targeted enforcement,” she said. “If we are on a target and doing an operation, there may be individuals surrounding that criminal that we may be asking who they are and why they’re there and validate their identity.”
She added, “That’s what we’ve always done in asking people who they are so that we know who’s in those surroundings.”
Noem said individuals who are found to be violating the law can be detained “until we’ve run that processing.” Her comments came as reports have emerged not only in Minnesota but across the country alleging that federal agents have detained U.S. citizens during immigration actions.
In one Minnesota incident, video circulated showing ICE agents forcefully detaining two employees at a Target store. One worker can be heard stating he was a U.S. citizen as agents pinned him to the ground near the store entrance. A state lawmaker later confirmed both employees were American citizens.
Pressed on whether such actions violate the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures and requires probable cause, Noem rejected the premise. “Every single action that our ICE officers take is according to the law and following protocols that we have used for years,” she said. “They are doing everything correctly.”
However, as reported by NBC Los Angeles, Ahilan Arulanantham, a professor and co-director of UCLA School of Law’s Center for Immigration Law and Policy, stated that this may not be the case.
Arulanantham stated U.S. citizens are legally required to provide proof of citizenship only in limited circumstances, such as when entering the country from abroad or when applying for specific jobs, where citizenship verification is mandated. Outside of those situations, he explained, citizens generally have no obligation to produce documentation.
Arulanantham continued to explain that if a law enforcement officer stops someone in public without reasonable suspicion that the person has committed a crime, that individual is not required to show identification.
The controversy coincided with President Donald Trump publicly threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy U.S. troops to Minnesota, a move he floated on Truth Social as unrest continued. Noem confirmed she discussed the option with the president. Invoking the act, she said, “was an option he had in the future,” emphasizing that the decision ultimately rests with Trump.
Civil liberties advocates argue the incidents raise serious constitutional questions, while the administration maintains agents are operating within the law. As protests continue, scrutiny of federal enforcement practices—and the balance between public safety and constitutional rights—shows no sign of easing.
Auto Flex: Korean Automakers Continue To Pump Up The Volume
Kia and Hyundai have always aligned themselves with diverse consumer markets.
By Kimatni D. Rawlins
It’s not an anomaly that half of the members of my sizable family own either a Kia or a Hyundai. They were enthused by the clever design ethos, value pricing, and extended warranties. Conversely, both Korean automakers have always aligned themselves with diverse consumer markets. For example, have you seen Hyundai’s “Okay Hyundai” commercials featuring Lil Jon, created to appeal to Black auto buyers, both male and female?
Of course, the maturation of a brand’s product line is the blueprint for keeping auto buyers interested and driven. In that respect, Hyundai has introduced a 2026 iteration of its ultra-popular Palisade, and Kia matches it for the 2027 model year, dubbed the Telluride. Both are full-size SUVs imagined for active families who desire space, technology, fuel efficiency, and tech-savvy innovations.
2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy AWD
I spent joyful moments in Austin, TX, touring the outskirts of town behind the wheel of an all-new 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy. Fresh off the press from its introduction of the all-gasoline model this summer, Hyundai wasted no time showing off the extended-range hybrid version. Expect up to 35 MPG when planning a family road trip while showcasing your Palisade Hybrid’s updated amenities to fellow travelers.
The three-row Palisade is grander in every respect than its highly touted predecessor and serves as Hyundai’s flagship SUV. It provides passengers with greater comfort, a longer driving range of up to 630 miles for the hybrid, and premier upgrades to the infotainment system, materials, and finishes, as well as advanced safety systems. Specifically, the Palisade is one of the chief reasons Hyundai is on pace for five years of sales success, highlighting a pivotal moment for the Korean automaker, as this year marks the 40th anniversary of the first Hyundai sold in the United States.
My upscale, 6-passenger SUV was silky smooth on the road and felt perfectly powered by the 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder hybrid engine, which was synergetically balanced by HTRAC AWD—the hybrid powertrain pairs with a paddle-shifting SHIFTRONIC 6-speed automatic transmission. Collectively, the gas and electric motors of the Palisade Hybrid produce 329-horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque, which translates well to the pavement.
Hyundai states that the dashboard’s styling and layout, as well as other details, were inspired by the ergonomics of contemporary home furniture. Furthermore, the cabin was pleasantly entertaining. A 14-speaker Bose premium audio system, WiFi hotspot, 12-inch head-up display, and wireless phone charging amplify the technology amenities. A front- and rear-integrated dashcam system is also available for safety measures. The new Terrain Modes mechanism is available on all trims and includes Mud, Sand, and Snow settings that adapt to weather and road conditions.
Pricing for the 2026 Palisade SE FWD starts at $39,435 (3.5-liter V6 GDI) while the Palisade Hybrid Blue SEL FWD (2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder) kicks off at $44,160. My Creamy White Pearl Hybrid Calligraphy AWD test model in Austin totaled $61,125. Four trims are available in the hybrid variants, with the option of FWD or AWD. Buyers can choose an SEL, Limited, SEL Premium, or Calligraphy, which best represents Palisade. Moreover, Hyundai offers the most effective and comprehensive warranty in the business:
• 5-year/60,000 new auto warranty
• 10-year/100,000 powertrain warranty
• 10-year/100,000 hybrid system components warranty
• 5-year/unlimited-mile auto roadside assistance
Design Preview of the 2027 Telluride X-Pro
Kia continues churning out desirable SUVs with its stellar 2027 Telluride X-Pro. Aptly named after a Colorado mining town in the Rocky Mountains, the second-generation Telluride is perfect for active lifestyles and travelers who frequently venture to epic destinations, such as the Shenandoah Valley, for family hikes.
The advanced, rugged, and remodeled 2027 Telluride delivers with adventurous packages and extended capabilities, both on and off-road. Kia’s three-row SUV has remained in high demand since its introduction to the market six years ago. In fact, production has increased from 60,000 to 120,000 units to meet consumer demand. Even Eric B. and Rakim would be proud of Kia for pumping up the volume!.
Encompassing Kia’s Opposites United design techniques, the sculpted and leanly muscular Telluride is longer, bolder, and, of course, still box-shaped, which is the silhouette customers gravitated towards. It’s strong, clean, attractive, and formidable. And you can even go so far as to say that the Telluride looks a bit Land Rover-ish. New colors include black jade, green, and Terrain brown in either glossy or matte finishes.
Flush door handles are borrowed from the EV6 and EV9, while LED vertical headlamps align with the new vertical radiator grille. On the X-Pro trim, the black rugged and thick-spoked rims are backed by all-terrain, all-season tires. The X-Pro is also accentuated with black contrasting roof rails, grille, wheel well surrounds, side skirts, mirrors, and the rear bumper, which houses dual orange tow hooks. Telluride offers 9.1 inches of ground clearance for trail rides in your savvy SUV. Moreover, light projections are everywhere on this auto, including the tailgate, doors, and mirrors.
The Telluride’s spacious interior is comfortable, roomy, and fresh. Kia reorganized it with “urban living” and “natural world” themes that are inviting and provocative. The cabin incorporates wood-like textures, genuine metal accents, sturdy grab handles, and two-tone finishes such as deep navy x Tuscan umber or blackberry x sand beige. Trust me, you have never seen a Kia look this premium. Some of the wood finishes are light engineered wood, dark engineered wood, and hydrographic wood. You can also flow with Kia’s Real Forged Carbon finish for a richer look. Due to the overall increase in exterior proportions, the interior space has increased, which is ideal when packing for your athletic kid’s basketball team.
With technology abounding and a 10-year warranty, best believe the 2027 Kia Telluride will continue to garner respect from newcomers. Expect the SUV to go on sale in the first quarter of 2026.
Ludacris Bails On MAGA-Coded ‘Rock The Country’ Tour Amid Fan Backlash
The rapper’s team says his inclusion on the 2026 tour was a 'mix-up.'
Ludacris is no longer scheduled to appear on Kid Rock’s “Rock the Country” festival after his name briefly appeared on the tour’s 2026 lineup, prompting swift backlash from fans online. Representatives for both the festival and the rapper confirmed this week that his inclusion was unintentional.
The country music tour launched by Kid Rock in 2024 unveiled its 2026 lineup on Jan. 12, with Kid Rock once again headlining. The bill also featured Jason Aldean, Nelly, and a wide range of artists spanning rock and country music. Ludacris’s name appeared on the promotional poster alongside Nelly’s but was quietly removed by the morning of Jan. 16.
A spokesperson for “Rock the Country” confirmed to Rolling Stone that Ludacris would no longer be part of the festival and referred further questions to the rapper’s representatives. Ludacris’s team told the outlet the situation stemmed from an internal error. “It was a mix-up,” the representative said. “Lines got crossed and he wasn’t supposed to be on there.”
Reaction from fans was immediate, particularly from those who view the festival as aligned with President Donald Trump and the MAGA movement. One fan posted a video on Instagram criticizing the rapper’s apparent involvement. “Luda, bro, what are you doing? I’m so confused,” the person said. “You got 48 hours to issue a statement… you got 48 hours to let us know you’re about to cancel this contract.”
While Ludacris has exited the lineup, Nelly remains one of the tour’s featured performers. The rapper performed during the festival’s inaugural run in 2024 and later appeared at President Trump’s 2025 inauguration. Nelly defended that decision at the time, citing his family’s military background. “I was born in a military base in Austin. My father served, my grandfather served, my uncle served, my auntie served,” he said. “If these people can give their life for the office, Nelly can perform for it.”
Although “Rock the Country” is not formally billed as a political event, it has included overt political moments. During the 2024 tour, Gavin Adcock launched an onstage rant against then-President Joe Biden, shouting, “F*** you Joe Biden, you c***sucking motherf***er.” That same year, Trump introduced Kid Rock’s set via a prerecorded video, declaring, “Fight, fight, fight, win, win, win, for the American people.”
Despite the controversy, the 2026 tour is moving forward with a high-profile roster. Along with Kid Rock and Aldean, the lineup includes Jelly Roll, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Brooks & Dunn, Hank Williams Jr., Lynyrd Skynyrd, and others. The tour is set to visit eight U.S. cities, beginning May 1–2 in Belleville, Texas.
Industry observers note that the presence of mainstream country stars highlights a growing openness within Nashville toward Trump-aligned events, a shift from the industry’s more cautious approach during his first term.
Minneapolis Journalist On ICE Killing, Civil Rights Reckoning, And What Mass Media Is Missing
According to independent journalist Georgia Fort, a Minnesota native, Minneapolis did not become a flashpoint overnight.
Last week, 37-year-old Renee Good was fatally shot during an ICE operation in Minneapolis, Minnesota, sparking outrage across the country and further igniting protests across the city. In the days since, federal law enforcement activity has only intensified, and national attention has returned to a place many associate with the modern civil rights movement.
BLACK ENTERPRISE spoke with independent journalist Georgia Fort, a Minnesota native, who described the sad familiarity she feels with the state of events. Fort owns and operates Power 104.7 FM and the nonprofit Center for Broadcast Journalism, which trains journalists and builds local media infrastructure.
“To be here in Minnesota and knowing what we experienced back in 2020, it just feels like it happened here twice,” Fort said. “There was protesting happening before Renee Good was fatally shot. But when Renee Good was shot and killed, the nation erupted in protest. Going back to 2020, it feels like we were the center point of this global movement. And it feels like we’re here again. Even though it’s very different this time, it feels a lot more intense. This time it’s the federal government, not local law enforcement.”
Fort, who is from nearby St. Paul, has spent years reporting on police accountability, civil unrest, and government response across the Twin Cities. She stresses that Minneapolis did not become a flashpoint overnight.
“The world came to know about the struggles here through George Floyd. But George Floyd didn’t happen in a vacuum,” she said. “There was the 18-day occupation in the middle of winter for Jamar Clark. There was Philando Castile. The world saw it, but things didn’t erupt nationally. It was still just our fight.”
She continued, “When you talk about Minnesota being ground zero, there’s been a continuation of injustices that developed organizations and leaders here that learned how to stand up, learned how to organize, learned how to use civil disobedience to push elected officials to make decisions that helped hold the line for our civil rights and constitutional rights.”
Fort recalled a recent conversation with a longtime organizer that reframed how she thinks about this moment. “I said, ‘We’re ground zero again,’ and she said, ‘What do you mean again? We never stopped being ground zero.’”
Being on the scene shortly after Renee Good was killed and documenting the aftermath underscored how layered the situation has become. Fort said that while national coverage has focused on the shooting itself, it has largely missed what was happening simultaneously across the city.
“There are daily protests happening in multiple locations at the same time,” she said. “There are rapid response groups reporting arrests every minute. That infrastructure received a cyberattack. The publisher of the big newspaper got attacked. These things are happening while people are in the streets, and I don’t think national media understands that part that people are experiencing.”
She also pointed to earlier ICE activity in Minnesota as context that is often left out. “In June, the first big ICE raid happened here, and there was a huge protest,” she said. “Days later, one of the protesters did an interview with us. She was arrested at my office.”
Fort said the woman, a Latina protester and legal U.S. citizen, was charged in ways that felt designed to discourage dissent. “They’ve delayed her trial four times. To me, that felt like intimidation. We’ve seen similar charges brought against protesters across the country, and a high percentage don’t hold up in court.”
For Fort, the killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis raised questions that go beyond one incident. “The worst thing that could happen during an ICE arrest happened,” she said. “And I don’t know that elected officials still really know what they can do.”
She added, “One of the questions I keep asking myself is what power municipalities, counties, and states have to leverage against constitutional violations of residents. That nuance isn’t reflected in a significant way.”
That disconnect between rhetoric and action is something Fort says independent journalists are uniquely positioned to interrogate.
“National media helicopters in and then they leave,” she said. “They don’t have the context, the depth, or the relationships. Independent journalists usually have the trust of the community and can get a more raw perspective.”
She added that corporate outlets often rely on institutional sources. “They’re sourcing officials who have their own political agenda. They don’t want to jeopardize those relationships.”
Fort said independent journalists remain after the cameras move on. “The mayor says, ‘Get the F out,’ and it goes viral. But then what is the policy action? What’s the follow-up? Independent journalists are still here asking, ‘So now what?’”
Being on the ground also reveals contradictions that rarely make national headlines. “I was there on the crime scene after Renee Good was fatally shot,” Fort said. “I saw the Minneapolis Police Department and Hennepin County Sheriffs extend the crime scene so federal agents could exit safely. That wasn’t reported anywhere.”
Complicating coverage further is the rise of misinformation, particularly AI-generated content. “AI-generated images and videos are extremely dangerous for the spread of misinformation,” Fort said. “Now people say, ‘Look at this picture, watch this video,’ and it distorts reality.”
She noted that older audiences are especially vulnerable. “They don’t have the cues to identify what’s real and what’s AI. These tools are being weaponized to justify violations of constitutional and civil rights.”
According to Fort, because of the lack of in-depth coverage, it’s important to support independent Black-led media.
“People can help by taking some time to educate themselves,” she said. “Public schools don’t teach media literacy. Support doesn’t have to be money. It can be reading, listening, watching, or sharing the content that’s being produced by these companies. And then yes, there is the financial support that comes with it. If there’s a monthly subscription, a one-time contribution or if you represent an organization, you can advertise or sponsor, sponsor an event, run an ad, run a PSA.”
Former Nickelodeon Actress Kianna Underwood Killed In NYC Hit-And-Run
Police said the 33-year-old performer was hit while crossing the street in the early morning hours, and the driver fled the scene.
Former Nickelodeon child star Kianna Underwood was killed early Jan. 16 after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run crash in Brooklyn, New York, authorities said. Underwood, 33, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to law enforcement officials.
The incident occurred around 6:50 a.m. in the Brownsville neighborhood. The New York Police Department said Underwood was crossing at the intersection of Pitkin Avenue and Mother Gaston Boulevard—near Watkins Street—when she was hit by an SUV traveling westbound. Police identified the vehicle as a Ford SUV and said the driver fled the scene.
“There are no arrests, and the investigation remains ongoing by the NYPD Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad,” the department said in a statement.
Law enforcement sources toldTMZ that Underwood sustained catastrophic trauma to her head and torso. Investigators said she was struck as she crossed the street and was dragged beneath the vehicle for nearly two blocks before being left motionless in the roadway.
Emergency responders were dispatched after a 911 call was received shortly before 6:50 a.m., according to police. When EMS arrived, Underwood was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said the driver responsible has not yet been identified.
Underwood was best known for her work as a child actress on Nickelodeon. She appeared on the network’s sketch-comedy series “All That” in 2005 and also had a role on “Little Bill,” another popular children’s program. Her death has prompted an outpouring of shock and grief among fans who grew up watching her on television.
Police said the driver fled the area immediately following the crash. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras and are asking anyone with information to come forward.
The NYPD emphasized that the case remains active. “The investigation remains ongoing,” the department said, reiterating that no suspects have been taken into custody.
Hit-and-run incidents have been a persistent concern across New York City, with officials urging drivers to stop and render aid after collisions. Leaving the scene of a fatal crash is a felony under state law.
As the investigation continues, authorities are seeking the public’s assistance to identify the vehicle and driver involved. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers hotline.
Bad Bunny Unveils Super Bowl LX Halftime Trailer Celebrating Diversity
The global music star’s Apple Music-produced preview highlights unity, heritage, and anticipation ahead of his historic Super Bowl performance in February.
Bad Bunny has officially begun the countdown to his Super Bowl LX Halftime Show, releasing a new trailer that places his culture and global influence front and center ahead of the highly anticipated performance.
The Puerto Rican artist debuted the Apple Music-produced trailer on Jan. 16, offering fans an early look at the tone and message behind his upcoming halftime appearance. Filmed in Puerto Rico, the video features Bad Bunny dancing to his song “BAILE INoLVIDABLE,” or “Unforgettable Dance,” alongside people of different races, ages, and genders beneath a flamboyant tree native to the island.
According to People, the trailer is meant to serve as “an open invitation, welcoming audiences around the world— no matter who you are or where you are from — to join Bad Bunny for his monumental Super Bowl Halftime performance and get excited for the rhythm, unity, and cultural richness that only Bad Bunny can bring to the global stage.”
Bad Bunny’s halftime show, presented by the NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation, will take place Feb. 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The performance will air live on NBC, Telemundo, and Peacock during Super Bowl LX.
In a statement released when the performance was announced, Bad Bunny said the moment represents more than a personal milestone. “What I’m feeling goes beyond myself,” he said. “It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown… this is for my people, my culture, and our history.” He added in Spanish, “Ve y dile a tu abuela, que seremos el HALFTIME SHOW DEL SUPER BOWL,” encouraging fans to share the news with their families.
Can't wait to see what he brings. Super Bowl performances are always wild
The Super Bowl appearance comes while Bad Bunny is still on his Debí Tirar Más Fotos world tour, which is scheduled to continue through July. His momentum also extends into the upcoming 2026 Grammy Awards, where he has received six nominations. Those include Album of the Year, Best Música Urbana Album, and Best Album Cover for “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” as well as Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “DtMF” and Best Global Musical Performance for “EoO.”
As part of the buildup to halftime, Apple Music has launched a “Road to Halftime” collection, featuring curated playlists and content spotlighting Bad Bunny’s catalog.
Before kickoff, viewers will also see performances from Charlie Puth, Brandi Carlile, and Coco Jones, who are set to sing the national anthem, “America the Beautiful,” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” respectively.
Online users have flooded social media to comment on Bad Bunny’s trailer, with many expressing their excitement for the show, while others have aligned themselves with racially charged rhetoric about the Puerto Rican performer.
