by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 17, 2026

Middle School Counselor Placed On Leave Amid Claims Of Improper Messages To Minor

A middle school counselor in Baton Rouge has been placed on leave amid viral social media posts accusing him of inappropriately messaging a minor.

A Baton Rouge middle school counselor has been placed on administrative leave after allegations that he sent inappropriate messages to a 14-year-old girl.

A social media post recently accused Quinton Dixon, a counselor at Westdale Middle School, of sending inappropriate messages to a minor, WBRZ reported. In response, East Baton Rouge Schools said they were alerted to the allegations and promptly opened an investigation.

“Today, the East Baton Rouge Parish School System was made aware of these allegations and immediately launched an investigation,” EBR Schools said in a statement. “The employee has been placed on administrative leave while the Office of Human Resources conducts a thorough investigation. The district takes all such matters seriously and will take appropriate action based on the findings in accordance with our policies.”

The investigation announcement follows a Jan. 15 tweet from an anonymous user who shared screenshots from what they claimed was Dixon’s Instagram page, describing him as CEO and head coach of Louisiana A&C, a pressure-washing business owner, a school counselor, and a drummer.

One post on the account also labeled him “Newcomer School Counselor of the Year” at Westdale Middle School. The tweet then included purported private Instagram messages in which Dixon allegedly told a teen he noticed she missed the bus and offered her a ride home, and in another exchange, questioned whether she liked girls based on a photo with a female friend.

Aye twitter , do yo thang get this nigga fired . Tryna link wit my 14 year old cuz

Westdale middle school. pic.twitter.com/2UggjV2M9M
— 🧊 (@CheckBallFn) January 15, 2026

“Idk u like girl,” Dixon allegedly wrote.

“That’s my best friend lol,” the girl wrote in response.

In a separate message, Dixon is alleged to have told the girl she was “fire” and said he had wanted to “holla” at her before learning she was a student. The girl then informed him that she was 14 years old.

After the posts circulated online, the East Baton Rouge Parish School System confirmed on Jan. 16 that Dixon had been placed on administrative leave.

by Kandiss Edwards

January 17, 2026

Paramount Scores First Look Deal With Issa Rae’s Hoorae Film & Television

The agreement formalizes an ongoing relationship between Rae's Hoorae and Paramount.

Issa Rae has signed a three-year first-look film and television production deal with Paramount.

Under the agreement, Rae will develop film and television projects through her production company, Hoorae Film & Television. The David Ellison-run Paramount will receive the first opportunity to consider the projects before bidding. The deal covers both theatrical films and television programming. The move positions Rae as a producing partner across multiple divisions within the studio, Deadline reported.

Rae will work with Paramount Motion Picture Group co-chairs Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein, as well as Don Granger, president of the Motion Picture Group, and Matt Thunell, president of Paramount Television Studios. The agreement formalizes an ongoing relationship between Rae and the studio. In a statement, Goldberg and Greenstein commented on working with Rae and exploring her upcoming projects.

“Issa is a true creative force whose work consistently feels fresh, funny, and deeply human. She epitomizes the kind of exceptional artist we’re proud to partner with across film and TV to break new ground in elevated storytelling.”

Rae said she was looking ahead to the partnership.

“I’m excited to begin this next chapter with the team at Paramount and to continue telling stories that reflect the communities and voices that have supported my work,” Rae said.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Walk-In Magazine (@thewalk1n_mag)

Rae is best known as the creator and star of HBO’s Insecure and has expanded her work in recent years as a producer on multiple television projects. Through Hoorae, Rae has produced series including Rap Sh!t and Sweet Life: Los Angeles. Rae has also appeared in several feature films during her career, including The Photograph, The Lovebirds, and Barbie. The Paramount agreement marks a continuation of Rae’s shift toward studio-backed producing roles in both film and television.

While Paramount has dibs on Rae’s future projects, she’s still a free agent as an actress. Her first-look deal does not restrict Rae from acting in projects outside Paramount.

by Ahsan Washington

January 17, 2026

It’s A King Weekend. Here’s What Going On In Your City

Cities and communities are honoring Dr. King's legacy

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend has transformed from a federal holiday into a collective movement that combines remembrance and service with cultural celebrations in major American cities.

Throughout the extended weekend, cities and communities are honoring Dr. King’s legacy through commemorative marches, museum activations, volunteer drives and community-led festivals that demonstrate how his vision of equity, justice and economic empowerment continues to influence local communities today.

This King Weekend features events happening nationwide and opportunities for participation.

Atlanta, Georgia

Celebrate the Dream where it all began in Atlanta, the birthplace of Dr. King. MLK weekend is celebrating King’s legacy by honoring his vision of unity, justice and service. The King Center together with MLK March Committee, Hands On Atlanta, city partners, nonprofit leaders and community volunteers will host events from January 16 to 19, 2026 at multiple Atlanta landmarks.

Atlanta Family Fun

From January 17 to 19, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta organized a weekend event to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event includes hands-on exhibits and educational activities and interactive displays which showcase King’s life and legacy. Through art projects and narrated readings children and families can connect with King’s story. The event provides an opportunity for children and adults to learn about King’s contributions while making positive change for future generations.

Houston, Texas

The MLK Unity Parade returns to Houston, Texas after three decades of absence. The merged civic march unites Houston’s diverse communities to honor Martin Luther King Jr. by combining former competing celebrations. The parade will start from Houston City Hall at 10 a.m. on January 19th with an estimated 400,000 participants. A colorful community festival will take place after the parade to commemorate the event and build unity among local residents.

Arkansas

The Northwest Arkansas MLK Council and university partners organize the Beloved Community Festival & Vigil to reflect on King’s legacy through community dialogue and remembrance. The festival took place on Friday, January 16, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville. The special vigil will be held on Monday, January 19, at 11:30 a.m. at the Faulkner Performing Arts Center in Fayetteville. The event will feature live music, talks, youth activities, and a featured speaker who will honor civil rights history.

Jacksonville, Illinois

The NAACP in Jacksonville, Illinois leads a Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration event. The event includes a motorcade and wreath-laying along with programs and a keynote address. Local leaders and the Jacksonville NAACP will participate in the festivities. The ceremony will start at Mount Emory Baptist Church before moving to Community Park. The celebration aims to reaffirm King’s ideals through various ceremonies, historical presentations, music, and community discussions. The event allows public attendance without any charges or fees and includes musical performances alongside dance presentations and historical reflection segments.

San Antonio, Texas

The largest MLK Day march in the Nation will take place on January 19, at Pittman-Sullivan Park starting from the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Academy. The City MLK Commission together with civil rights leaders and special guests Gabby Douglas and Coco Jones, will participate in the march. The event will provide free entertainment along with Q&A sessions and additional civic programming.

by Kandiss Edwards

January 17, 2026

WHEW! Joy Reid Has Had Enough Of Stephen A. Smith’s Shenanigans

Reid isn’t the only one tired of Smith and his remarks.

Joy Reid is the latest journalist to criticize Stephen A. Smith over his public remarks that often land outside of the realm of sports. She is also challenging his public disrespect and inclination to react passively toward conservative white people.

Reid addressed Smith’s comments during a 27-minute stripping down of Smith’s character, challenging his analysis of a shooting involving an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent. Smith had described the shooting as legally justified while questioning whether the use of lethal force was necessary.

Furthermore, Reid also questioned Smith’s decision to weigh in on immigration enforcement and policing issues. She stated his commentary extended beyond his professional expertise as a sports analyst.

“From a lawful perspective, I think you might need to stick to sports,” Reid said. “What I’m saying, Stephen, personally, is that you wouldn’t have an education without men like Cleveland Sellers, nor the freedom to be loud and wrong while claiming Jasmine Crockett is loud and wrong, while you’re crying out for people to respect Donald Trump.”

Reid also disputed Smith’s criticism of Black women commentators and rejected his claims about her past television ratings. Reid accused the ESPN commentator of having selective “smoke” for Black people while he encourages the masses to respect Donald Trump even when he is disrespectful.

“You got a lot of smoke for Black folk, but when it comes to Charlie Kirk, Donald Trump, you have no smoke for them. If you’ve been criticizing the right as you’ve been attacking people on the other side, I need to see those clips.”

Joy Reid took to her platform, The Joy Reid Show on YouTube, and read Stephen A. Smith the Riot Act!

This is only 1:48 seconds of her 27-minute diatribe dissecting the disrespect from the grifter who has been on the wrong side of right for decades.

Truly a work of art. pic.twitter.com/E9IPG2I8rC
— Dubbs Lane (@Dubbslane) January 13, 2026

Reid isn’t the only one tired of Smith and his remarks. Former CNN anchor Don Lemon addressed his grievances on his social media show, The Don Lemon Show. BLACK ENTERPRISE reported that Lemon accused Smith of “cozying up to White people” with his interpretation of the Minneapolis shooting of Good.

Lemon said Smith was speaking on immigration and law enforcement matters, “he has no idea about.”

Smith’s social commentary about the shooting continues to circulate across media platforms following Reid’s criticism.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 16, 2026

JAY-Z Wins $119K Judgment Against Godmother Of Rymir Sattherthwaite, Who Claimed Rapper Was His Father

The rapper was awarded the judgment against Lillie Coley

Former Roc-A-Fella Records owner JAY-Z has scored a victory against Lillie Coley, the godmother of Rymir Satterthwaite, who has been claiming for years that he is the son of the billionaire mogul.

According to AllHipHop, a federal judge has ordered Coley to pay the attorney fees for JAY-Z’s lawyers, totaling $119,235.45. The California judge stated that Coley “shall take nothing” from the “Hard Knock Life” rapper and made the decision based on California’s anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) statute. This latest move comes after Coley asked a federal judge for an emergency restraining order after attorneys for JAY-Z stated they were moving forward to ask the court to penalize her over what has been described as “decades-long harassment.”

Her request was denied, leading to the judge’s ruling.

Coley filed a new lawsuit in California in 2025, accusing the Brooklyn businessman of neglect and claiming that he and state officials used outdated court orders to pressure her and Satterthwaite. She also stated that their legal moves forced her into bankruptcy and jeopardized her property. She argued that they misrepresented earlier rulings.

The courts dismissed the godmother’s lawsuit with prejudice in 2025, which cleared the way for JAY-Z’s legal team to pursue sanctions.

Thirty-one-year-old Satterthwaite claimed that JAY-Z had sexual relations with his now-deceased mother in the 1990s. She was 16, while the rapper was 22, when the alleged incident occurred. He said he filed multiple paternity suits against the rapper, but that all were dismissed.

In 2022, according to court records, a New Jersey judge barred Coley and Satterthwaite from filing any more lawsuits in that state without obtaining the court’s approval. The judge concluded that the repeated attempts to litigate the paternity issue had failed.

Through each attempt at a lawsuit and trying to get DNA from JAY-Z, the rapper blocked every move and has always denied the paternity accusations.

Former St. Louis Prosecutor,Misusing Public Funds

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 16, 2026

Ex-Iowa School Superintendent Ian Roberts Reaches Plea Deal In Federal Immigration Case

While maintaining his innocence, Roberts penned an essay that talks about accountability and wanting to erase unfair negative preconceptions and first impressions of others.

Ian Roberts, the former Des Moines, Iowa School Superintendent who made headlines with a federal immigration case, is taking a plea deal after it was revealed he was registered to vote in Maryland without being a U.S. citizen, Fox Baltimore reported.

A Jan. 22 hearing is scheduled for the Guyana native in Des Moines as he faces a pending deportation order and scheduled to face trial Mar. 2. The terms of his plea deal have yet to be revealed but his past in Maryland is an open book.

It was revealed that Roberts, who immigrated to the United States in 1994, was registered to vote in Maryland, despite his citizenship status, after his September 2025 arrest, resulting in calls coming in from advocacy groups for more concrete standards in the state’s voter registration process.

His ties to the state date back years, as he was employed by Baltimore City Schools for roughly eight years between 2001 and 2010, working as a teacher and a principal. He later attended Morgan State University, an HBCU, unsuccessfully pursuing his Doctorate of Education in Urban Educational Leadership. But his troubles unraveled in Iowa.

He was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents due to the existence of “a final order of removal and no work authorization.” Days later, Roberts submitted his resignation as superintendent, where he had made history after becoming the first Black person to oversee the largest school district in Iowa when he was hired in 2023.

In addition to the risk of being deported, prosecutors charged him with two counts for possessing a firearm as an illegal alien and making a false statement for employment, according to the Des Moines Register. Prosecutors claim Roberts possessed four guns illegally, including a loaded handgun they allege was left in his district-owned vehicle following his attempts to flee ICE.

His arrest caused bouts of chaos and confusion as school officials wondered how Roberts was hired in the first place. The former school leader was hired with assistance from consulting company, JG Consulting, where by undergoing a background check, it was never revealed that he was ever charged with a misdemeanor, felony, or major traffic violation — including driving under the influence.

As things came to light, public records reveal Roberts’ lengthy rap sheet includes charges such as drug possession and intent to sell in 1996 and weapons charges in 2020 and 2022, pleading guilty to the 2020 charges. The mishap resulted in the school district filing a lawsuit against JG Consulting, with leaders claiming they were “a victim of deception” due to Roberts’ alleged lying throughout his tenure.

Despite the ongoing rifts, Roberts, currently at the Polk County Jail, has maintained his innocence and wants the world to know it. With his LinkedIn page still accessible and active, he penned an essay that talked about accountability and wanting to erase unfair negative preconceptions and first impressions of others. “Teaching, leading, and serving—especially in complex systems—is challenging. It demands results. It measures outputs. But more than anything, it demands that we show up fully human,” he wrote in the lengthy post.

“Just like that student, many people quietly aspire to improve. Sometimes the desire is for themselves, other times it is for others but they are looking to get rid of the red asterisks that is weighing them down.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 16, 2026

Arkansas’ New Prison Policy Restricts How Inmates Receive Reading Material

Arkansas has a new policy that bans books and other forms of physical media from being sent directly to prison inmates.

Arkansas has introduced a policy banning the direct delivery of books, magazines, and other physical media to prison inmates.

Beginning on Feb. 1, Arkansas inmates will no longer be able to receive books, magazines, or other reading materials directly, a move officials say aims to prevent contraband in state prisons, KARK reports. The policy replaces the previous rule, in place since 2007, that allowed publishers, bookstores, schools, or approved outlets to send print materials directly to inmates.

The Arkansas Department of Corrections says printed items have become a major source of contraband, with pages sometimes soaked in synthetic drugs like K2.

“When you’re getting 400-page books that are being sent in, we can’t test every page,” said Rand Champion, communication director for the Arkansas Department of Corrections. “It’s not about hurting the freedoms of inmates; it’s a safety issue of keeping that contraband out.”

Under the old policy, inmates could receive books and magazines from approved publishers or vendors, with materials inspected and rejected if they posed a security risk. Corrections officials say such inspections are no longer adequate due to increasingly sophisticated smuggling methods.

“Safety is number one, and then access to the books would be number two,” Board of Corrections member Lona McCastlain said during a Dec. 19 meeting about the new policy. “I’m very concerned about a blanket ban, but as long as we can … make sure that they have another avenue. If there’s an avenue, that’s fine. But if there’s no avenue, I think that’s a problem.”

During the Board meeting, Arkansas DOC Director Dexter Payne assured members that inmates will still have access to books under the new policy. Donated books from libraries and bookstores will continue to be accepted, and inmates can request titles through their unit’s library, with all requests vetted by librarians before delivery.

McCastlain suggested allowing inmates to download the books they want. Board members noted that many inmates—except those in punitive isolation—already have access to tablets. Payne said the tablets currently offer a set list of books, but inmates cannot download titles freely. The department is working on a new communication contract to bring in technology like Kindles, which would eventually let inmates order any book within reason.

Then-Chairman Benny Magness, whose term ended Dec. 31, said K2 is the prison system’s biggest drug problem and believes the new ban will help address it.

“K2 is killing our inmates … Arkansas is first in a lot of things. We need to be first in this, and I guarantee other states will follow suit on it,” Magness said.

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 16, 2026

Racist Former New Jersey Mayor Allegedly Instructed Cops To ‘Keep Black People Out’ Of Town

Evidence supports Clark’s long-standing reputation as a “sundown town,” defined in history as a place where local leadership used intimidation and aggressive policing to make sure Black people and others stay away.

Another racist battle coming out of New Jersey, only this time against the former Clark Township Mayor Salvatore Bonaccorso, who was recorded using the n-word and other derogatory terms while instructing police officers to keep Black people out of the town, the New York Daily News reports.

In a lawsuit from New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin, Bonaccorso was allegedly heard on tape telling leaders at the Clark Police Department to “keep chasing the spooks out of town,” a racial slur against Black people, that he has used before. Currently serving three years of probation following a guilty plea to conspiracy to commit official misconduct and forgery, the ex-Republican mayor once praised an officer for a routine traffic stop involving a Black person. “Good for you, pulling over that [N-word] — keep them out of town,” the suit alleges he said.

He once allegedly boasted about Clark being known for its racist ideologies. The town recently made headlines for finally firing two cops accused of using the n-word in racist rants and collecting six-figure salaries on taxpayers’ dime while on suspension.

“You know why a lot of liberals stay out of Clark, is we’re labeled as a racist town and they want nothing to do with that,” Bonaccorso was heard saying to law enforcement leaders in 2019.

“You guys keep doing your job so we don’t have no problems.”

Consequences of Bonaccorso and several cops came five years after the Union County Prosecutor’s Office took over the Clark Police Department following community members’ complaints of misconduct. Sparking an investigation, the AG’s office revealed evidence of discriminatory policing practices in a 2023 report and pushed for a civil rights investigation.

Bonaccorso, who resigned early last year due to corruption charges, served as mayor from 2000 to 2025 in the predominantly white town. According to The Gothamist, an analysis of Clark Police Department vehicle stop data found over 37% of drivers stopped between 2015 and 2020 were Black or Hispanic, despite the demographics making up under 11% of Clark’s population.

The suit alleges “the odor of marijuana” and low-level administrative or equipment violations were used to disproportionately target Black and other non-white drivers over the years. Even outside of the township’s boundaries, Black and Hispanic drivers were targeted, with more than 53% of drivers stopped by Clark cops. “Through overt racial animus and discriminatory policing practices, Clark violated New Jersey’s civil rights laws and the New Jersey Constitution,” Platkin said in a statement.

The convicted former mayor labeled the lawsuit as “bullsh*t” as the township’s former police chief, Pedro Matos, and current police director, Patrick Grady, were listed as additional defendants.

Evidence supports Clark’s long-standing reputation as a “sundown town,” defined in history as a place where local leadership used intimidation and aggressive policing to make sure “Black people and other people they perceive to be non-white stay out of town when possible and leave town before dark.”

Los Angeles, Black Lives Matter, lawsuit

by Kandiss Edwards

January 16, 2026

Black Lives Matter Global Invests In Community Growth

The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation did not release a full list of 2026 grant recipients in its announcement.

The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation announced a new round of community grants totaling $4 million.

Black Lives Matter Global stated that the grants will support community-based organizations working in areas aligned with its mission. The mission includes economic justice, healing initiatives, and community-led programs. The announcement said the funding is intended to provide direct support to grassroots groups addressing local needs through service and advocacy.

In a statement, Cicley Gay, board chair of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, said the organization remains focused on directing resources toward community partners.

“Funding and supporting community leaders is at the core of what we do. Despite ongoing legal distractions, our commitment to Black communities has not wavered,” said Gay. “Every dollar we are forced to spend on legal defense is a dollar taken from the people we serve, but we remain steadfast in our mission to uplift, empower, and invest in the communities that need it most.”

The foundation said the latest grants are part of a broader funding history that began in 2020. Since that year, the organization said it has distributed more than $40 million to approximately 70 organizations, in addition to providing support through targeted initiatives such as its Student Solidarity Fund and earlier emergency relief programs.

According to the foundation’s statement, grant recipients span a range of focus areas, including youth engagement, community wellness, and programs designed to address structural inequities. The foundation said some grantees work on initiatives to improve access to resources such as food, health services, and educational opportunities.

Black Lives Matter Global described its approach as prioritizing local leadership and community-driven solutions rather than centralized programming.

In separate coverage, Philanthropy News Digest reported that the $4 million grant round represents one of the foundation’s larger recent funding announcements. The outlet reported that the grants are part of the organization’s stated effort to maintain a steady flow of resources to community groups amid ongoing operational demands.

The Black Lives Matter organization has faced scrutiny in recent years about its finances and governance, but continues to report grant distributions through public announcements.

The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation did not release a full list of 2026 grant recipients in its announcement.

The foundation said the current grant cycle reflects its continued commitment to funding community-based efforts and said it plans to announce future rounds of support as resources allow.

Adriano Espaillat, CBC, Congressional Black Caucus

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 16, 2026

Why The CBC Is Endorsing Rep. Adriano Espaillat After Years Of Failed Collaboration

CBC chair Rep. Gregory Meeks said “Espaillat reflects the kind of leadership that our caucus and its members have long championed” after years of the two working together.

The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) is switching things up by endorsing Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) over his primary challenger, Darializa Avila Chevalier, years after the group rejected the congressman’s push to join, Politico reports.

In a statement, CBC Chair Rep. Gregory Meeks said, “Espaillat reflects the kind of leadership that our caucus and its members have long championed,” over 32-year-old Avila Chevalier, known as a pro-Palestine organizer who led the Columbia University protest encampment in 2024. “At a time when working families are being priced out of neighborhoods they’ve called home for generations, Adriano has been on the front lines of the fight to make New York City more affordable,” the statement continues.

“That commitment is rooted in lived experience, moral clarity, and a deep commitment to economic justice and civil rights.”

However, the endorsement may come as a surprise given the rocky relationship between Espaillat, the first Dominican American and first formerly undocumented immigrant to serve in Congress, and the CBC. Before his 2017 election, he annoyed members of the group in 2012 and 2014 amid failed efforts to unseat the late Rep. Charles Rangel, a CBC founding member.

After the late congressman’s retirement, he ran for the seat again, sparking an endorsement for then-state Assemblymember Keith Wright, whom Rangel once handpicked as his successor. But then Wright lost to Espaillat. Once elected, Espaillat unsuccessfully tried to join the CBC while also serving in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

During his campaign, he identified as an Afro-Latino, but that didn’t stop the group from denying his request. Former CBC chair Karen Bass said in 2020 that there was more to the story than his ethnic background.

“It was a specific conflict, and I’m not going to talk about it,” Bass said, leaving this issue as a mystery.

However, it seems as if bygones are bygones with Espaillat graciously accepting the endorsement. “I am deeply honored to receive the endorsement of the Congressional Black Caucus PAC. “The CBC has long stood at the forefront of the fight for economic opportunity and social justice for Black and other marginalized communities,” the congressman representing New York’s 13th District, consisting of Upper Manhattan and parts of the Bronx, said.

“As the first formerly undocumented person to serve in Congress, this endorsement carries special meaning for me.”

But is the endorsement enough to reach voters?

Avila Chevalier, also of Afro-Latina descent, says Espaillat is out of touch with the constituents he represents, who are struggling to make ends meet, and bashed him for accepting campaign donations from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a group that pushes for a partnership between the U.S. and Israel, and the real estate industry.

“Why should we let Adriano Espaillat vote to spend billions on bombs overseas, when we’re struggling to afford rent and groceries right here in New York City,” the contender said in her campaign launch video, according to AMNY.

Labeled as a moderate Democrat, Espaillat is the fourth New York Democratic incumbent member of Congress to receive challenges from those deemed as progressive in light of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s historic win. Challengers are coming for the spots held by Reps. Ritchie Torres, Dan Goldman, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

Let the midterm games begin.