by Kandiss Edwards

January 10, 2026

Federal Prosecutors Are Going After NY Attorney General Letitia James–Again

James made $36,000 in payments to Marsh from May 2018 to February 2019 during her bid for re-election.

Federal prosecutors opened a criminal investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James, continuing their quest to indict the woman known for challenging Donald Trump.

Financial transactions between James and her longtime hairdresser and former event manager are under review. The inquiry, which is in its early stages, focuses on payments and loans between James and Iyesata Marsh, who has been identified as her hairdresser and occasional campaign associate, The New York Times reported. According to reports, James made $36,000 in payments to Marsh from May 2018 to February 2019. The payments were contributed to expenses for James’ reelection campaign. The majority of which, $22,000, went toward renting Marsh’s studio, which was used as James’ campaign office.

James, an elected Democrat, has not been accused of any wrongdoing in the current probe, and no charges have been filed against her at this stage. The investigation is the newest attempt by the Justice Department to pin James for wrongdoing. She has been a frequent target of federal scrutiny since she brought charges against Trump.

https://twitter.com/NotHoodlum/status/2009355580226580710

Marsh was recently indicted in the Western District of Louisiana on unrelated federal charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft linked to the purchase of a Land Rover. Prosecutors did not allege any connection between Marsh’s indictment and James.

The new investigation follows earlier federal efforts to bring criminal charges against James in a Virginia mortgage fraud case. James was accused of falsifying documentation to receive a home loan. Prosecutors alleged that the Attorney General falsely claimed the sought-after residence would be used as a primary residence. However, the case was dismissed after a federal judge found the prosecutor who secured it was unlawfully appointed. Grand juries rejected subsequent attempts by the Justice Department to obtain indictments in that matter.

James’s legal team has criticized prior federal actions against her as politically motivated. In a statement, James’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, said continuous investigations reveal the government’s “desperation” and will not yield results.

“Like their earlier attempts, this attack on Ms. James is doomed to fail. The desperation of those working for Trump is palpable and makes indelible the stain already put on this Justice Department.”

by Ahsan Washington

January 10, 2026

‘Lord Give Me A Sign’: 7 DMX Songs That Give Religious Vibes

Nearly five years after his death, DMX will be formally recognized for the gospel he delivered through his artistic work and personal testimony.

Earl “DMX” Simmons used his hip-hop platform to deliver both fierce music and transparent spiritual testimony. Before his internal struggles gained mainstream attention, the Mount Vernon-born rapper seamlessly interwove faith throughout his music and public persona. DMX had a practice of starting concerts with prayer and ending albums with spoken words that were divine and spiritually redeeming.

Given the significant spiritual elements DMX embodies, the late hip-hop icon will receive posthumous ministerial ordination in New York, as recently reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE. Almost five years after his death in April 2021, DMX will be formally recognized for the gospel he delivered through his artistic work and personal testimony.

The ordination will take place at Foster Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church in Tarrytown, New York, Jan. 10. Here are seven DMX songs that are so spiritually laced that they come across as sermons rather than hip-hop hits.

‘Lord Give Me A Sign‘

DMX delivers a heartfelt prayer through “Lord Give Me a Sign,” which merges gospel elements with the rawness of Hip-Hop. The second single from “Year of the Dog…Again” (2006) shows X’s spiritual evolution through his challenging times. The song begins with a prayer that calls upon Jesus Christ and scripture to find guidance through life’s difficulties.

‘Slippin’‘

“Slippin'” is a personal track from DMX’s 1998 album, “Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood.” The song tells a personal story about pitfalls, failure, and the unbreakable will to recover—the track functions as a sermon about suffering. It demonstrates how faith and determination help people advance. “Slippin'” contains some of X’s most liberating and sermon-like verses.

‘Ready to Meet Him‘

In this track, DMX gives a prayer-like reflection on the afterlife as he confronts mortality and questions his faith. The song appears in DMX’s early music catalog and takes the form of spoken prayer synced with musical beats. The song delivers a message about being prepared for the afterlife while encouraging listeners to evaluate their spiritual condition, which reflects fundamental pulpit teachings.

Prayer Skits Across Albums — Spoken Word Altars

DMX includes spoken prayers in his Prayer skits, which appear on multiple albums starting with “It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot” (e.g., “Prayer II,” “Prayer III”). Through these interludes, DMX demonstrates his deep spirituality by using his music releases as a form of ministry.

‘I Miss You‘

The song “I Miss You” serves as a hymn for those who have passed away. The song “I Miss You” features DMX delivering a heartfelt tribute and lament that explores loss, memory, and grace together with Faith Evans. “The Great Depression” album (2002) includes this single as one of its most deeply emotional and spiritual tracks. Through Faith Evans’s recitation of “Amazing Grace,” the song becomes a modern-day hymn, which creates a deep dialogue between God and the singer about lost loved ones and the possibility of redemption.

‘Let Me Fly‘

The track “Let Me Fly” from DMX’s “It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot” (1998) merges aggression with moments of revelation. The song shares a message of weakness and urgency while seeking liberation and tranquility. It contrasts harsh reality with spiritual aspirations in the same way religious leaders motivate church members.

‘The Convo‘

“The Convo” features DMX and his spiritual alter ego in a conversation with God. DMX performs both parts of the dialogue to provide an original viewpoint about decision-making, consequences, and the path to salvation. The song is arranged to play during the final moments on “It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 10, 2026

Lane College Names Alumnus Jeremy Patterson Director Of Athletics

Patterson is leaving the same position at Rust College.

As of February 1, Lane College alumnus Jeremy Patterson will begin his new role as the school’s director of athletics.

The HBCU announced the appointment on Tuesday, Jan. 6. Patterson, who is 29, was previously the director of athletics at Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi. His job begins on Feb. 1.

#LaneCollege is proud to welcome Jeremy Patterson as the Director of Athletics. A proud alumnus, Patterson returns to the home of the Dragons as a proven athletics leader.

Read More: https://t.co/eJk3x2nIEg pic.twitter.com/xnBVHC1ekx
— Lane College (@thelanecollege) January 6, 2026

In his new role, Patterson will oversee all intercollegiate athletic programs at the school, ensuring compliance with SIAC and NCAA regulations, and be involved in facilities planning, fundraising, and community engagement initiatives.

“Jeremy Patterson understands Lane College because he is Lane College,” said Donald W. Comer, Lane College’s interim president, in a written statement. “He brings institutional knowledge, proven leadership, and a results-driven approach to facilities, fundraising, and student athlete success. His return represents both stability and momentum as we continue to elevate Lane Athletics.”

Patterson was also an administrator at Lane College, so he understands the institution’s culture, student-athlete experience, and strategic priorities. In the release, Lane College highlighted Patterson’s strong track record in fundraising and external relations, including cultivating donor relationships, securing sponsorships, and advancing development initiatives aligned with institutional goals.

He is also a veteran football college, including a stint at his alma mater. A few years ago, Patterson was selected as one of 25 (out of 1,500 applicants worldwide) for the inaugural, weeklong Tampa Bay Buccaneers National Coaching Academy. Afterward, he was of only five fellows selected by the Buccaneers to continue working with the Bucs’ coaching staff while the team prepared for the 2024 NFL regular season.

While at Rust College, he led and supported a series of facility upgrades that strengthened both competitive performance and student-athlete welfare. He also helped improve athletic venues, training facilities, and game-day infrastructure, positioning Rust College to recruit, retain, and develop student-athletes more effectively.

Lane, who is originally from Cleveland, Mississippi, received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in leadership in higher education from North Central University.

cuts, republican cuts, Budget Cuts, voter Black, robocalls

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 10, 2026

Number Of Black Members In Congress Could Drop Depending On Supreme Court Ruling

The number of Black members of Congress could see a historic decline, depending on how the conservative-led Supreme Court rules in a key redistricting case.

America could face its steepest drop in Black congressional representation yet, depending on how the Supreme Court rules on a redistricting case in Louisiana.

The Supreme Court is nearing a decision on a Louisiana redistricting case that could undercut Section 2 protections of the Voting Rights Act, NPR reports. If the conservative-majority court rules against the current map in Louisiana v. Callais, at least 15 congressional districts now represented by Black lawmakers could be threatened.

For decades, Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act has helped increase Black representation in the House by ensuring districts are drawn so racial-minority voters have a real chance to elect their preferred candidates, particularly in Southern states with racially polarized voting. But, at an October hearing, the Supreme Court’s conservative majority signaled openness to Louisiana Republicans’ argument that race should play no role in redistricting.

Opponents of Section 2 say race-based mapmaking should end, citing the court’s rejection of affirmative action, a view also echoed by the Trump Justice Department. If Republican-led states are no longer required to follow Section 2, many Democratic-held districts would likely disappear along with a historic drop in Black representation in Congress.

“And that is not where we should be in 2026,” said Press Robinson, a Black voter and civil rights activist in Baton Rouge.

Robinson’s Section 2 lawsuit is what initially forced Louisiana’s GOP-led legislature to redraw its congressional maps. Now, as that ruling sits at the heart of the legal fight over the state’s two majority-Black districts, Robinson warns that without Section 2 protections, Black representation in Congress and across government could be reduced to “a very minor scale.”

Court observers anticipate at least a partial conservative victory that could allow Republicans to redraw maps to their advantage by dismantling Black- and Hispanic-majority districts. Any rollback of Section 2’s redistricting protections could also threaten representation for other racial and ethnic minorities, including at the state and local levels.

“For so many of us here today, Section 2 is why we stand before you as members of the Congressional Black Caucus,” Democratic Rep. Terri Sewell of Alabama said after the Supreme Court’s October hearing for the Louisiana case. “If this court strikes down these critical provisions, it would not only reverse decades of precedent, but it would also take us back to a dark time in our nation’s history, a time when discrimination against minority voters went unchecked.”

by Kandiss Edwards

January 10, 2026

Salt-N-Pepa Lose Fight To Gain Control Of Their Masters—For Now

On Jan. 8, U.S. District Judge Denise Cote in the Southern District of New York dismissed Salt-N-Pepa's complaint.

A federal judge has dismissed pioneering hip-hop duo Salt‑N‑Pepa’s lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), which sought to reclaim control of the group’s early master recordings, Rolling Stone reports.

The lawsuit, filed in May 2025, claimed UMG had violated the Copyright Act by refusing to recognize the group’s attempt to use federal “termination rights” to take back copyrights to their master recordings from contracts dating back more than 35 years. Salt-N-Pepa members Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton argued the label’s actions included removing their music from streaming services in retaliation for their legal efforts.

On Jan. 8, U.S. District Judge Denise Cote in the Southern District of New York dismissed the complaint, agreeing with UMG’s argument that the duo never owned the copyrights needed to invoke the termination provisions of federal law and therefore lacked a valid claim. In her decision, Cote wrote that “none of the contracts identified by Plaintiffs indicate that Plaintiffs ever owned the Master Tapes.”

Representatives for Salt-N-Pepa said they disagree with the judge’s ruling and “fully intend to pursue our rights on appeal,” adding that they are “committed to vindicating and reclaiming our rights as creators under the Copyright Act.”

I’ve confirmed Salt-N-Pepa plan to appeal the dismissal of their lawsuit against Universal Music Group

Here’s the statement I Received from Salt N Pepa on the appeal:

"We respectfully disagree with the Court's decision and fully intend to pursue our rights on appeal. We,… pic.twitter.com/ca7WIPsNzP
— BROWN GIRL GRINDING⭐️ (@LorenLorosa) January 9, 2026

UMG’s lawyers had moved to dismiss the lawsuit on the grounds that Salt-N-Pepa’s agreements with their early label Next Plateau Records did not give the artists the ownership interests they claimed. The label argued the recordings were “works made for hire,” meaning the company held the copyrights from the outset and could not be compelled to relinquish them through termination rights.

In a statement, a UMG spokesperson said the company was “gratified that the court dismissed this baseless lawsuit” and noted that it had previously tried to reach an amicable resolution. The label, though, remains “open and willing to find a resolution to the matter and turn the page so we can focus our efforts on working together to amplify Salt-N-Pepa’s legacy for generations to come.”

Salt-N-Pepa formed in 1985 and released hits, including “Push It” and “Shoop,” while signed to Next Plateau Records, which later came under UMG’s ownership. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021 and has received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Business, mentor, mentorship, franchising, entrepreneur, franchise, industry, high income

by Kandiss Edwards

January 10, 2026

MLK Corridor Improvement Authority To Host Jackson Business Resource Fair

The fair will feature representatives from multiple organizations offering guidance on topics such as business planning, access to funding, and operational support.

A business resource fair in Jackson, Michigan, is expected to bring together entrepreneurs, established business owners, and support organizations for an evening focused on access to capital, technical assistance, and networking opportunities.

The Jackson Business Resource Fair, organized by the Martin Luther King Corridor Improvement Authority, takes place Jan. 12 at the MLK Center, 1107 Adrian St. The event is designed to connect business owners with lenders, service providers, and development agencies that can assist with growth and sustainability, organizers said. The opportunity is open to both aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business operators.

The fair will feature representatives from multiple organizations offering guidance on topics such as business planning, access to funding, and operational support. Organizers said the event is free and intended to remove barriers for business owners who may not otherwise have access to professional resources.

The fair is part of a broader effort by the MLK Corridor Improvement Authority to invest along the Martin Luther King Drive corridor and in the surrounding neighborhoods. Additionally, the fair will also serve as an opportunity for participants to learn about ongoing local programs that provide technical assistance and financial support to small businesses in Jackson. Attendees will be able to speak directly with representatives from business support organizations and city-affiliated programs during the event.

In a statement, Anthony Parker, an MLK improvement authority board member, spoke on the importance of supporting local business owners to further improve the Jackson community.

“We’re putting on this event because we care about our community and we have invested in our community,” Parker said. “We want to make sure that the people in our community who are starting or growing their business have the right tools to be successful.”

Organizers view the fair as a way to centralize information for business owners who may be unaware of existing resources or unsure how to access them. Attendees are encouraged to express their interest in advance through registration, but registration will also be available on-site.

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 10, 2026

After 2 Runs, Stacey Abrams Explains Why She Is Bowing Out Of 2026 Georgia Governor Race

Abrams is sitting out on a run for Georgia governor in 2026 after running twice in 2018 and 2022 but said she will continue to fight for Georgia constituents and voters across America.

Looks like former Democratic candidate for Georgia governor Stacey Abrams is bowing out of the 2026 race, with anticipation brewing among supporters, but that doesn’t mean she is out of the fight for democracy as division deepens amid President Donald Trump’s reign.

Abrams ran gubernatorial campaigns as the Democratic nominee in 2018 and 2022, before losing to current Republican Gov. Brian Kemp. But the founder of the recently dissolved New Georgia Project and Fair Fight Action isn’t giving up the fight for Georgia constituents and voters across America.

Abrams told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that she has a calling that she must execute. “Americans are in pain, but they are ready to act, and now is the moment to reconnect to what is at stake and what is possible. It’s clear to me that the most effective way I can serve right now is by continuing to do this important work….,” she said, according to the Savannah Morning News.

“Authoritarian movements follow a recognizable pattern. My highest calling this year is to expose this playbook, mobilize resistance, and help us reclaim our moral leadership. I remain committed to a multiracial, multigenerational democracy that delivers real freedom and opportunity for all.”

Abrams has spoken out against Trump and the antics of the Republican Party since he first took over the White House in 2016. Kemp, once an avid supporter of the president, has since dialed back his support, especially following the 2020 election that sparked a controversial probe of election interference in the state. After Kemp spoke out against it, she commended the leader but said it’s a little too late.

She touched on how the governor shouldn’t be deemed a hero for not bowing to political corruption since he had a hand in attempting to diminish voters’ rights. “Brian Kemp did not commit a crime, which is what Donald Trump called on him to do. And I applaud his refusal to commit a crime. I applaud his refusal to overturn an election that was rightfully conducted, but that does not create a hero,” she said.

“Doing your job is the expectation that we should have. One of the challenges of the last eight years has been a lowering of our threshold for what we expect of public officials. It’s insufficient that you are lauded for simply doing the job you were hired to do, and then you get to erase the bad that you continue to do.”

While it has been reported that Abrams is joining the Charles F. Kettering Foundation as a senior fellow to strengthen democracy, a trail of outstanding governor candidates is following in her footsteps, including former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. Additional Democratic candidates include Jason Esteves, Derrick Jackson, Ruwa Romman, and Michael Thurmond.

Primaries take place on May 19, 2026.

Elon Musk, Tennessee, pollution, super computer

by Mary Spiller

January 9, 2026

Elon Musk Draws Backlash After Endorsing Post Calling For ‘White Solidarity’ On X

The tech billionaire’s social media response revives scrutiny of past controversies, including a widely criticized gesture at Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration.

Elon Musk is facing renewed criticism after endorsing a social media post that warned of violence against white men if they lose political and demographic dominance in the United States. The exchange, which took place on X on Jan. 8, has sparked alarm among political observers as Musk’s public conduct continues to generate controversy.

On Thursday, Musk responded to a post written by an X user “Jerr” who claimed, “If White men become a minority, we will be slaughtered.” The post went on to argue that “White solidarity is the only way to survive,” asserting that non-white groups would become “1000x times more hostile and cruel” if they gained majority power.

Musk replied with a “100” emoji, a widely used symbol to indicate full agreement.

If White men become a minority, we will be slaughtered. Remember, if non-Whites openly hate White men while White men hold a collective majority, then they will be 1000x times more hostile and cruel when they are a majority over Whites. White solidarity is the only way to…
— Jerr (@jerr_rrej) January 7, 2026

The endorsement immediately drew attention because of Musk’s prominence as the owner of X and the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, as well as his close relationship with President Donald Trump. Critics said the response appeared to lend credibility to rhetoric commonly associated with white nationalist ideology.

https://twitter.com/i/status/2009171282030653877

The incident also revived scrutiny of Musk’s past behavior. Nearly a year ago, he faced backlash after making a one-handed gesture during festivities surrounding Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025. Many observers said the motion resembled a Nazi salute. Musk has repeatedly denied that interpretation.

At the time, he dismissed the criticism as partisan. “Frankly, they need better dirty tricks,” Musk wrote on X in response to the backlash. “The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired,” he added, punctuating the post with a sleeping emoji.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1881536518206218445

Despite those denials, Musk’s subsequent actions have included sharing or amplifying far-right content, supporting extremist political movements in Europe, making jokes referencing Nazi imagery, and overseeing the creation of an AI-powered chatbot that, at one point, generated praise for Adolf Hitler. Supporters argue that Musk is being unfairly targeted and that his remarks are taken out of context.

Musk, who has positioned himself as a champion of free speech on X, has not issued a clarification or apology regarding the Jan. 8 post.

living wage, basic needs, struggle, families

by Kandiss Edwards

January 9, 2026

Teen Scammer Collects $7K Child Support From Ex-Boyfriend For Non-Existent Baby

Hardy later told the man she was pregnant with his child and requested financial support.

A Georgia teen has been arrested and charged after authorities said she scammed her former boyfriend into sending her more than $7,000 in child support for a non-existent child.

The Coweta County Sheriff’s Office said Brya Hardy of Newnan was arrested on Dec. 31 and charged with theft by deception, US Weekly reported. Investigators said the case began earlier in December when the alleged victim contacted deputies to report that he believed he had been scammed.

According to the Coweta Sheriff’s Office, Hardy and the victim had been in a relationship several years prior to her arrest. Deputies said Hardy later told the man she was pregnant with his child and requested financial support. The man sent her more than $7,000, authorities said.

Investigators said Hardy provided her ex-boyfriend with photographs of a child she claimed was theirs. Deputies later determined the child in the pictures was related to neither Hardy nor the victim. No reports have properly identified the infant.

An 18 y/o Coweta County woman, Brya Hardy, was arrested and charged with theft by deception after allegedly scamming her ex‑boyfriend out of about $7,000 in child support by falsely claiming he was the father of a baby that was neither his nor hers. pic.twitter.com/wHX7HKm57I
— Everything Georgia (@GAFollowers) January 7, 2026

“The victim sent Hardy over $7,000 for a child that was not his,” the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office stated.

The sheriff’s office said investigators obtained an arrest warrant after determining the claims were false. Hardy was taken into custody without incident, according to CBS News Atlanta.

The case remains under investigation, and authorities did not immediately release details about Hardy’s bond status or upcoming court appearances. Deputies asked anyone with information related to the case to contact the sheriff’s office.

Hardy has not publicly commented on the charges, and it was not immediately clear whether she has retained an attorney. The charge of theft by deception is pending in Coweta County, and no additional charges have been announced as of publication.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 9, 2026

James Bernard, Founding Editor Of XXL And The Source, Dies

James Bernard, the trailblazing hip-hop journalist behind XXL and The Source, has passed away.

James Bernard, the trailblazing hip-hop journalist and co-founder of XXL who helped shape The Source‘s voice in the late ’80s and early ’90s, has died.

No cause of death has been disclosed, but Bernard’s passing has been confirmed by colleagues and friends, including Questlove of The Roots, who shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram honoring the influential journalist and media executive, AllHipHop reports. According to the Grammy and Oscar-winning musician, producer, filmmaker, and DJ, Bernard played a pivotal role in helping to shape the voice of hip-hop in its early days at a crucial time when the art form “often received with a kind of snark.”

“One of the turning points was The Source magazine during its golden era (roughly 1988–1994). It taught us how to listen critically. Even now, I create with that 5-Mic standard in mind—thinking about all those classic 5 Mic reviews,” Questlove wrote.

He continued. “At the center of those debates stood James Bernard, who oversaw their record reviews. They were GOSPEL. He taught me that taste is subjective, that regionalism matters, and that criticism—done right—can sharpen your ear and your purpose. Ironically, Do You Want More??!!! became the last review he oversaw in that era.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Questlove (@questlove)

Bernard is regarded for his work as co-editor-in-chief at The Source, where he helped cement the magazine as the defining voice of ’90s hip-hop. He shaped an editorial approach that brought legitimacy to the then-burgeoning art form through pieces that showed how rap music sparked political commentary and cultural analysis, all while staying deeply connected to the culture.

After departing The Source over creative differences, Bernard co-founded XXL with fellow editor Reginald Dennis in 1997. The magazine quickly emerged as The Source’s main rival and paved its own lane through long-form journalism, in-depth artist profiles, and a wider editorial scope that showcased the pop-star abilities of hip-hop artists. The magazines’ now-iconic XXL Freshman list is among the many elements that have positioned XXL as a lasting institution in hip-hop media.

“His passion of music was legendary. A Class Act,” Questlove added. “James helped shepherd hip-hop from skepticism to seriousness, from novelty to culture. This loss hits deep for everyone who learned how to listen through his words. Rest In Beats Sir.”