miami, miami woman, animal cruelty, dog, cruelty

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 20, 2026

Cold Comfort: Devoted Dog Mom Chooses Freeze-Drying Over Burial To Keep ‘Baby Present’

The grieving dog owner shared to TikTok about her experience freeze-drying the animal.

A grieving woman dealing with the loss of her furry best friend has opted to process the grief in an unusual way.

The dog owner has gone viral on TikTok for her dog, who will, physically, remain in her life. The woman revealed how she chose to “freeze-dry” her dog, lovingly named “Baby,” to deal with the loss. She spoke about the “taboo” decision as she reflected on the year of freeze-drying her four-legged companion and also displayed the deceased animal. Its On Site reposted the video.

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“It has been one year since Baby passed away, and I wanted to talk about his freeze-drying process… He passed away November 6 of 2024. I chose to get him freeze-dried. I feel it’s kind of taboo; not all people do that with their animals, so people are very uncomfortable with that. But that is something that I feel helped with my grief. It’s been able to help me move from his passing.”

She then described his large, inoperable tumor that ultimately led to the dog’s death. While the dog’s brain and tongue remained intact, she initially planned to use his other organs. The dog did have some replacements, however, such as his eyes.

The woman hoped to take out his heart and turn it into a necklace. However, the person overseeing the procedure urged her to reconsider as the diseased organ could become a biohazard.

She also dived into the realities of freeze-drying one’s dog. On TikTok, she noted the differences between another way to preserve a pet’s physical essence.

“It’s his entire body essentially. He’s still soft in some areas, so it’s a little different than taxidermy. This is his fur, his ears… his nose was not replaced. His paws aren’t soft anymore; they are frozen. But yeah, this is him. “

While virtual onlookers felt creeped out by the display, the woman has no plans to put her “Baby” in any corner.

“I’m not going to put him away for anybody; this is my dog,” she asserted to TikTok. “His skeleton is still intact.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 20, 2026

Trump Issues Late-Night MLK Day Proclamation After Backlash

President Donald Trump issued a late-night MLK Day proclamation, narrowly avoiding becoming the first president to skip the federal holiday.

President Donald Trump seemingly attempted to silence criticism over being the first president to skip over Martin Luther King Jr. Day by quietly issuing a proclamation late at night.

After facing backlash, Trump finally issued an official statement at 8:15 p.m. acknowledging Martin Luther King Jr. Day, following hours of silence and criticism from the NAACP, the New Republic reports. His nearly day-long delay broke tradition, as he neither recognized Dr. King’s legacy earlier in the day nor attended any commemorative events.

”Dr. King pioneered a movement that would go on to triumphantly reaffirm our national conviction that every man, woman, and child is endowed by their Creator with rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” the statement read. “As President, I am steadfastly committed to ensuring that our country will always be guided by the same principles that Dr. King defended throughout his life and to upholding the timeless truth that our rights are not granted by government but endowed by Almighty God.”

Trump highlighted that he had “proudly ordered the declassification of documents related to [King’s] assassination,” even though the King family openly criticized how he handled their release. However, his statement made no mention of racial justice, the civil rights movement, or the African American community that King dedicated his life to defending.

“Dr. King’s extraordinary resolve stands as an enduring testament to the unstoppable fire of freedom and, tragically, ultimately cost him his life,” Trump said in the proclamation. “Today, we honor the brave men and women who remain steadfast in their commitment to law, order, liberty, and justice for all. We renew our resolve to honor our heritage, reclaim our freedom, and recommit to the truth that America is, was, and forever will be a great Nation.”

The federal holiday honoring Dr. King was established in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan, 15 years after King’s assassination, and designated as a day of service in 1994 under President Bill Clinton. Presidents traditionally issue statements and attend events celebrating King’s legacy on the third Monday of January. However,h Trump skipped Monday’s commemorations, spending the day at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

In past years, proclamations were often issued days before the holiday, which Trump did on King’s birthday in 2021, while Biden’s last year was issued Jan. 17. This year, Trump’s statement came a month after he removed MLK Day and Juneteenth from the list of free-entry days at national parks. While his proclamation did not explicitly mention MLK Day, it did reference “Dr. King’s dream” while encouraging acts of service.

“On this day, I encourage all Americans to recommit themselves to Dr. King’s dream by engaging in acts of service to others, to their community, and to our Nation.”

Trump’s MLK Day proclamation was not shared on the White House or his personal social media accounts. Instead, posts that day focused on immigration enforcement actions and the college football championship in Miami, which Trump attended on the federal holiday. Prior to issuing the statement, he was called out by NAACP National President Derrick Johnson for failing to recognize the holiday.

“Donald Trump has zero interest in uniting this country or recognizing its history and diversity,” Johnson said. “Instead, he wants to pit us against each other so that we don’t pay attention to the fact that his net worth has more than doubled while families lose their healthcare and access to essential services.”

ICE, Mexican restaurant, agents, employees, El Tapatio, Minnesota

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 20, 2026

Ay No! ICE Agents Under Fire For Stuffing Their Faces At Minnesota Mexican Restaurant Before Detaining Employees

Bystanders were heard asking arresting agents, “Would your mama be proud of you right now?”

Imagine serving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers during a restaurant shift only to be detained once they finish.

That’s what allegedly happened to staff members of El Tapatio, a family-owned Mexican restaurant just miles outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota, according to The Independent. Witnesses said staff members appeared “frightened” when agents showed up for lunch.

Hours later, those same agents showed up when El Tapatio closed to take three employees into custody.

The incident comes at a time when ICE agents are under heavy criticism for their Minneapolis takeover, harassing residents and protestors amid the killing of Renee Good. Bystanders were heard asking arresting agents, “Would your mama be proud of you right now?”

The restaurant’s closure has had residents of Willmar on edge, as the immigration operation known as “Operation Metro Surge” has caused havoc. Residents call the community “diverse” with roughly over 21,000 calling the town home. Among that number, 40% are people of color, with one-third identifying as Hispanic.

People have witnessed the chaos with their own eyes, seeing firsthand the damage the operation is causing to businesses. “You have families that are scared for their life. People are refusing to come out of their house,” Abdullahi Mohamed of Willmar said, according to CBS News.

“I’ve seen with my two eyes ICE detaining people.”

Brentt Fees says someone was detained “just across the street where I was working.”

While not all the detainees have been identified, two have been identified as the owners of El Tapatio, who have been detained. Their 20-year-old son said the restaurant will reopen under his leadership.

In a statement, Willmar Mayor Doug Reese urged residents to stay calm and vigilant to keep the community safe, but residents like retiree Abdulcadir Gaal said they aren’t scared of ICE agents and that the best thing for the community to focus on right now is voting. “To get together and vote these people out. We’re not scared, man,” Gaal said.

As one resident admitted, his employer has lost 75% of the business because of ICE’s presence. El Tapatio isn’t the only Minnesota-based restaurant that has suffered. El Rodeo was forced to close after agents arrived, and some employees were too afraid to show up for work.
An employee who legally works for Pancho’s Taqueria and Mexican Cafe in Circle Pines was detained after ICE waited in the parking lot.

A GoFundMe set up for the employee to get back with his family says the restaurant was forced to close as well because of patrons and employees being spooked.

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 20, 2026

Trump Uses Nobel Prize Snub As Leverage To No Longer Take Over Greenland ‘Peacefully’

The Norwegian leader says he has reminded Trump a number of times that the government has nothing to do with the prizes despite Trump claiming otherwise.

President Donald Trump is using his failure to win the Nobel Peace Prize to amplify his desire to take over the nation of Greenland; but he claims it will no longer be done “peacefully,” the New York Times reported.

In a text message to Norway’s leader, Jonas Gahr Store, Trump questioned Denmark’s claim to the nation, saying there are “no written documents,” and since Norway failed to award him, the U.S. will move forward with the alleged takeover. “Considering your Country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace, although it will always be predominant, but can now think about what is good and proper for the United States of America,” the president texted.

“…The World is not secure unless we have Complete and Total Control of Greenland. Thank you!”

The prestigious Nobel Peace Prize and Greenland have been at the top of Trump’s agenda for months. He campaigned for the award in 2025, falsely claiming he should be awarded since he ended eight wars. However, the Nobel Committee selected Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado. After pushing for her to give the award to him, Machado met with Trump at the White House in early January 2026 to present him with the award.

However, it doesn’t count, since the committee has openly reiterated that the award cannot be transferred.

In a statement to The Hill, Store said he has reminded Trump a number of times that the Norwegian government has nothing to do with the prizes and has explained where the text originated, despite the president claiming otherwise. “Regarding the Nobel Peace Prize, I have several times clearly explained to Trump what is well known, namely that it is an independent Nobel Committee, and not the Norwegian government, that awards the prize,” the leader said.

Trump: If anybody thinks that Norway doesn't control the Nobel prize, they're just kidding. They have a board, but it's controlled by Norway. And I don't care what Norway says pic.twitter.com/fyM9vxdjYi
— Acyn (@Acyn) January 20, 2026

The Norwegian leader says the response came after he initially contacted Trump to speak with him about the Greenland crisis and his tariff threat in an effort to pressure Denmark into selling Greenland, with 10% tariffs starting Feb. 1 and 25% levies beginning June 1, something Denmark has refused to do. However, Trump is still leading efforts and creating a narrative that it will happen one way or the other.

🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/sh3OdkR5pz
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 20, 2026

His efforts to acquire Greenland have ramped up in the new year, projecting a claim that U.S. ownership is a matter of national security, calling it imperative. Of course, he pats himself on the back, claiming he has done more for NATO, and that it’s time for them to do their part.

“Denmark cannot protect that land from Russia or China, and why do they have a ‘right of ownership’ anyway? There are no written documents; it’s only that a boat landed there hundreds of years ago, but we had boats landing there, also,” Trump wrote to Store.

“I have done more for NATO than any other person since its founding, and now, NATO should do something for the United States. The World is not secure unless we have Complete and Total Control of Greenland.”

Gervonta Davis, Muslim, Islam, Abdul, Wahid, boxer, convert, Baltimore

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 20, 2026

WBA Strips Gervonta Davis Of Title Amid Domestic Violence Arrest And Allegations

Davis has yet to turn himself in on the warrant and police officials are looking for him

The troubles keep mounting against undefeated boxer Gervonta “Tank” Davis, as it was announced that the fighter has been stripped of his World Boxing Association lightweight title shortly after police officers in Florida issued an arrest warrant for a domestic violence accusation.

WBA President Gilberto Mendoza went on ESPN KnockOut and informed the audience that Davis is no longer the titleholder, but has been given the title of “champion in recess.”

⚠️⚠️⚠️ WBA: Viene una decisión dura sobre Gervonta ⚠️⚠️⚠️

El presidente de @WBABoxing, @GilberticoWBA, charló en exclusiva con @ESPNKnockOut respecto al caso de Gervonta Davis. Por ahora será nombrado campeón en receso, pero… pic.twitter.com/p20V17Lz7y

— Salvador Rodriguez (@ChavaESPN) January 16, 2026

According to The Baltimore Sun, the “champion in recess” title is given when fighters are unable to box because of injury or inactivity. He would be eligible to fight for the title when (or if) he returns to action. Davis, who has a record of 30-0-1, with 28 knockouts, has not fought since a controversial majority draw in March 2025.

The Miami Gardens Police Department issued an arrest warrant for the boxer for charges of attempted kidnapping, battery, and false imprisonment. The charges stem from an incident that took place in October 2025. The Baltimore resident has been labeled a fugitive and has not been seen recently as Miami police officers search for him.

Davis’s former girlfriend, Courtney Rossel, filed a civil lawsuit against him in November, accusing him of battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. A report was filed on Nov. 3, with the Miami Gardens Police Department claiming that Davis allegedly assaulted the woman at a gentlemen’s club named Tootsie, where she worked as a VIP cocktail server. The alleged incident occurred in a back room of the club where there were no cameras. She stated that she was dragged through a stairwell, kitchen, and the back exit before being physically assaulted in the parking garage.

If convicted, once he is found and has a court date, he faces up to a year in prison and/or probation for battery, five years for false imprisonment, and a felony carrying a maximum 15-year sentence for attempted kidnapping, with aggravating factors possibly increasing the penalties.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 20, 2026

Rev. Al Sharpton Takes Stand With NYC Nurses As Historic Strike Continues In MLK Day Rally

The MLK Day rally highlighted the late civil right activist's fight for healthcare justice.

Rev. Al Sharpton stood with striking New York City nurses at a rally in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The civil rights leader joined the New York State Nurses Association for the Jan. 19 event. It not only honored King’s legacy of equality in all forms but also highlighted these values in NYSNA’s ongoing fight for healthcare justice.

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Nearly 15,000 medical professionals and Sharpton joined the demonstration with the family-focused event at Mount Sinai Morningside. During the event, the NYSNA member nurses also performed free community health screenings, helping neighboring NYCHA residents at the George Washington Carver Houses.

Sharpton appeared as a pillar of support for the nurses as they entered the 2nd week of the largest strike in history. As the NYSNA continues talks with hospital executives in the city, Sharpton’s presence added to their plight for healthcare justice.

Aligned with Dr. King’s support for healthcare equity, the rally addressed nurses’ concerns about quality healthcare services for patients in diverse neighborhoods. In their ongoing demonstration, NYSNA members hope to address inadequate staffing, increased workplace violence, and their concerns about healthcare benefits.

“Nurses honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his commitment to racial and economic justice by fighting for every patient to be treated like a VIP regardless of the color of their skin or their ability to pay,” wrote the NYSNA in a statement. “We are on strike for patient and nurse safety. Our patients can’t get the safe, quality care they need when there aren’t enough nurses at the bedside, when we don’t have protections from violence in our hospitals, or when nurses can’t access their own healthcare to stay well on the job.”

Exemplifying Dr. King’s methods of direct, nonviolent action, the nurses also spent the MLK weekend calling on hospital executives to progress negotiations for fair contracts to provide the best care for each patient. As for Sharpton, he recalled Dr. King’s final moments advocating for fair wages for city workers, noting how this same spirit applies to healthcare workers.

“Martin Luther King died in Memphis fighting for workers for garbage workers, and I believe he would want those of us who come in his tradition to be standing with nurses,” he told the crowd at the rally, as detailed by NewsNation.

Despite the public figure’s support, the strike continues to make little headway as negotiations remain stalled. That same day, the CEO of Mount Sinai Health delivered an unfortunate update regarding the talks with NYSNA leaders.

“As of today, despite our best efforts to negotiate, a near-term path to an agreement is very unlikely,” wrote Mount Sinai CEO, Brendan Carr. Over the weekend, our operational teams extended our plans to run the Health System without the support of the nurses, and NYSNA leadership has convinced to strike.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 20, 2026

Damien ‘E-Love’ Matthias, Figure In Public Enemy Iconic Logo & LL Cool J’s Righthand, Dead At 58

E-Love was the inspiration for the Public Enemy logo

Hip-hop has lost another figure with the death of Damien “E-Love” Matthias, who entered the hip-hop industry alongside childhood friend James Todd Smith, AKA LL Cool J. He was 58.

According to AllHipHop, E-Love died Jan. 17, but no cause of death has been revealed. He was a former hype man and producer for the Queens-bred emcee who helped hip-hop gain the commercial success it still has today. E-Love worked alongside LL as a co-producer on his seminal debut album, Radio. He was still active with LL years into his career when the Rock the Bells emcee started to rise in Hollywood.

Outside of his accomplishments in the industry, Public Enemy’s Chuck D stated that E-Love is the iconic figure seen in his group’s logo. In a social media post, a story of how the logo was created is shown. Chuck D, an avid artist, used a photo of E-Love as a backdrop. After making the changes based on the photo for the logo, he originally did this for a group named “Street Force.” But later used it for Public Enemy.

Rest in beats… E love ⁦@hiphopgods⁩ pic.twitter.com/JzlTZp5Egv

— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) January 18, 2026

RIP E LOVE,,, the man in the Iconic Public Enemy logo pic.twitter.com/IvrcEQ7aEm

— FLAVOR FLAV (@FlavorFlav) January 19, 2026

The work E-Love did with LL, including Bigger and Deffer, the follow-up to the debut album, earned him recognition from the industry, including nominations from several award shows, including the American Music Awards and the Grammy Awards, for the 1987 album that sold three million records.

Complex reported that, as a writer, producer, and director, his work has sold more than 35 million records. He was involved in grassroots marketing efforts that helped put Def Jam Recordings on the map during the label’s early years. His contributions to the culture also include helping open doors for artists like Tupac Shakur and John Forte.

by Mitti Hicks

January 20, 2026

Defense Secretary Announced Pentagon To Take ‘Sledgehammer’ To ‘Oldest DEI Program’ For Federal Contracts

According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), the program provides eligible small businesses with access to contracting opportunities in the federal marketplace.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has announced plans for the Pentagon to “sledgehammer” the 8(a) Program, a federal contracting program that has aimed to assist socially and economically disadvantaged small business owners since it was created in 1978. In the Trump administration’s priority of dismantling programs and initiatives geared toward historically marginalized Americans, Hegseth called the program the “oldest DEI program in the federal government.”

According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), the program provides eligible small businesses with access to federal contracting opportunities. The program also provides businesses that participate in the program with training and technical assistance designed to strengthen their “ability to compete effectively in the American economy.”

For small businesses to be eligible to participate, they would have to be majority-owned by U.S. citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged.” In FY2019, the SBA awarded firms $30.3 billion in federal contracts, including $9.5 bullion in 8(a) set-aside funding.

According to ESG Today, Hegseth called the program’s initiative to provide opportunities for small businesses “a laudable goal,” but claimed the program has “morphed into swamp code words for DEI, race-based contracting.”

He also alleges that “in many, many instances,” the businesses that benefit from the program don’t actually perform the contracted work, even claiming the program is a “breeding ground” for fraud.

What Small Businesses Can Expect Moving Forward With Hegseth, Pentagon

In his new initiative, Hegseth said he is ordering a line-by-line review of every small-business, sole-source 8(a) contract over $20 million.

“If a contract doesn’t make us more lethal, it’s gone. We have no room in our budget for wasteful DEI contracts that don’t help us win wars.”

Hegseth, who some organizations have deemed unfit to serve as the U.S. Secretary of Defense because of his lack of senior leadership and bureaucratic experience compared to his recent predecessors, added that the goal is to spend taxpayer dollars to build “our defense industrial base with businesses large and small that share our mission.”

He said money will not be used to “line the pockets of beltway fraudsters, or to advance the agenda of DEI apologists. Only lethality.”

LSU Dance, Team, Tigers, Kendrick Lamar, Championshjps

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 20, 2026

The Kendrick Effect: LSU’s Viral Hip-Hop Set Breaks The Internet

The team took home 2nd place for their Kendrick-inspired hip-hop set.

The Louisiana State University Dance Team is coming off a season with major wins for their hip-hop and Jazz performances.

As the routines made waves on social media, the hip-hop performance received major love, drawing inspiration from another viral showcase: Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl halftime show. They saved their catchy performance for the 2026 UDA College & Dance Team National Championships, which took place Jan. 18.

The collegiate rendition went viral for paying tribute to the “Not Like Us” rapper’s historic set.

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The routine transitioned through Lamar’s recent hits as the dancers showcased hip-hop elements. From “Squabble Up” and “TV Off” to his infamous diss track against rap adversary Drake, the performance delighted audiences and the internet alike. The team even included Samuel L. Jackson’s audio from the Halftime show, adding to the set’s theatrics.

Their outfits also paid homage to the West Coast rapper. Underneath their dazzling denim-blue sets, the team rocked briefs with “be humble” written along the front. The phrase had become synonymous withLamar’ss brand since his 2017 album “DAMN””

Now, the LSU dance team has something to brag about: they secured second place, their highest ranking ever, in both the Lamar-inspired set and the jazz routine. However, the hip-hop set’ss scores were just short of beating the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in the standings.

While the LSU dance team did not take home first place, the internet declared them the people’s winner of the night. Commenters flocked to viral clips of the performance to give the talented dancers their flowers, crowning them for their tribute performance.

One user wrote, “They should’ve taken first place! Hands-down, best hip-hop routine””

Another wrote, “This was insane, they deserved 1st place!!””

Although the team did not take home the top prize, they brought back the cultural moment that continues to inspire performers across stages.

As performance views keep climbing, dance enthusiasts can keep the debate going by watching the LSU Dance team’s hip-hop routine below.

Angela Bassett, women of power, Awards, iconic

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 20, 2026

Angela Bassett To Be Celebrated At BLACK ENTERPRISE Women of Power Summit 2026

Angela Bassett's remarkable legacy will take center stage at the 2026 BLACK ENTERPRISE Women of Power Summit.

Angela Bassett’s trailblazing film and television career will take center stage at the 2026 BLACK ENTERPRISE Women of Power Summit.

The Honorary Oscar recipient and Emmy-winning actress is being recognized as one of this year’s Legacy Honorees for her impactful contributions across the business of entertainment. Bassett will be honored before a room of influential women, celebrating more than three decades of her groundbreaking work as an actress, director, and executive producer.

From iconic films like What’s Love Got to Do with It, Waiting to Exhale, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, and Black Panther, to her award-winning work on 9-1-1 — which she also executive produces — Bassett has captivated audiences for more than four decades. Her appearance at this year’s Women of Power Summit celebrates a career that began in the 1980s and includes Emmy Awards, Golden Globes, and an Honorary Academy Award.

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Bassett is joined among this year’s Legacy Honorees by Carla Harris, senior client advisor at Morgan Stanley; Shellye Archambeau, advisor, author, and former CEO of MetricStream; Rosalind ‘Roz’ Brewer, interim president of Spelman College; and Bennie Wiley, director on the boards of BNY Mellon Mutual Funds and CBIZ. Collectively, the honorees are being celebrated for their exceptional leadership and influence across business, the arts, education, government, and other key sectors.

The Luminary Honorees join this year’s Legacy Honorees, recognized for their cross-sector impact and leadership as the next generation of Women of Power. The 2026 Luminary recipients include Shelly Cayette-Weston, president of business operations for the NBA’s Hornets Sports & Entertainment; Jotaka Eaddy, founder and CEO of Full Circle Strategies; and Sandra Douglass Morgan, president of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Beyond celebrating Black women leaders, attendees will be energized through dynamic panel discussions, powerful keynotes, and engaging fireside chats. With professional development panels, skills workshops, work-life strategy sessions, meaningful networking, and candid conversations with top industry leaders, the Women of Power Summit is designed to equip women with the tools to grow their careers and drive impact at every level of leadership.

This year’s Summit is especially meaningful as it marks 20 Years of Power! Register for the BLACK ENTERPRISE Women of Power Summit 2026 HERE.

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