by Rafael Pena

January 4, 2024

Marshawn Lynch’s Encounter With Fan Goes Beast Mode, Ends In Altercation

Marshawn Lynch found himself in the spotlight after allegedly smashing a fan's phone.

According to TMZ Sports, Seattle Seahawks legend and current Thursday Night Football contributor Marshawn Lynch found himself in the spotlight New Year’s Eve after an altercation with a fan outside a Seattle bar.

The incident involved Lynch, who was nicknamed “Beast Mode” for his punishing running style, allegedly smashing a fan’s phone.

Jose Lozano, a Seahawks fan, told TMZ Sports that he initially tried to take a photo with Lynch inside Xtadium bar but was denied by Lynch’s entourage. Undeterred, Lozano approached Lynch outside the bar around 1:30 a.m., attempting one final photo request.

It didn’t go well. At all.

Video footage shows Lozano addressing Lynch, who was wearing a Beast Mode sweatshirt, with the fan yelling, “Marshawn! Beast Mode! Let me take a –.” Suddenly, the footage cuts off as it appears Lynch lunges at Lozano’s phone.

Lozano said once the camera ceased recording, Lynch seized his phone, venting his frustration by declaring, “Y’all mother f***ers are weird.” Allegedly, Lynch damaged on the device using his hands, with Lozano recovering his broken iPhone 14 just before Lynch left.

Though Lozano has no plans to involve law enforcement in the incident, he told TMZ Sports he wished Lynch hadn’t displayed such apparent rudeness in the encounter.

This isn’t the first time Lynch has hand an issue with camera phones. In 2017, he was accused of knocking a phone out of a man’s hands at LAX.

Lynch’s final NFL season was in 2019. He retired with more than 10,000 rushing yards and five Pro Bowls. He won a Super Bowl with the Seahawks in 2013. Since his retirement the usually press-shy Lynch has enjoyed a second career with as an entrepreneur as well as his contributor role with Amazon’s foray into pro football.

by Rafael Pena

January 4, 2024

Las Vegas Judge Attacked In Court As Convict Leaps The Bench After Being Denied Bail

Judge Mary Kay Holthus became the target of a violent assault in Las Vegas by a convicted criminal moments after she denied him bail.

During a hearing in Las Vegas, chaos erupted when a convicted criminal, Deobra Delone Redden, assaulted Judge Mary Kay Holthus of the Clark County District Court on Jan. 3. The incident occurred after Judge Holthus denied Redden bail during the sentencing session. Security footage captured the shocking moment, Daily Mail reports.

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The drama unfolded on Wednesday morning in a Las Vegas courtroom, with video capturing Redden leaping from his position and forcefully tackling Judge Holthus at her bench. The assailant, who was convicted of aggravated battery with substantial bodily harm, audibly expressed his hostility, saying, “Nah f*** that b*tch.”

Redden, despite others’ attempts to thwart him, managed to throw himself on top of both the judge and a marshal. He unleashed a brutal beating on Judge Holthus, repeatedly punching her while security officers struggled to restrain him. The judge can be heard pleading for mercy.

The assault left both Judge Holthus and the marshal injured, with the judge’s condition under close monitoring. The marshal was transported to a hospital for treatment. In response to the incident, the Las Vegas District Court issued a statement praising the heroic efforts of court staff, law enforcement, and others who were involved in subduing Redden during his attack on the judge.

“We commend the heroic acts of her staff, law enforcement, and all others who subdued the defendant,” read a statement from the court to KTNV. “The court remains committed to a safe and secure courthouse and courtrooms. We are reviewing all our protocols and will do whatever is necessary to protect the judiciary, the public, and our employees.”

Redden, a 30-year-old with a criminal history in Nevada and Texas, faced charges including battery, robbery, assault, injury to property, and coercion. Prior to the attack, a judge had ordered a competency determination for Redden, who was ultimately found to be competent in October 2023.

Tyreek Hill, NFL, handcuffed, Miami-Dade police

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 4, 2024

Miami Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill And Family Safe After House Fire

Hill's agent, Drew Rosenhaus said, “He and his family are safe. No one was injured No. 1, no pets, so for that, we’re very grateful."

As Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill was practicing with his team for this weekend’s upcoming game against the Buffalo Bills, officials from the Dolphins informed him that his house was on fire. Firefighters contained the blaze, and no one in his home was injured.

According to The Associated Press, Davie Fire Rescue Department firefighters were summoned to the 9,300 square-foot home of Hill, where some of his family members were present after a report of a fire. The home is located 30 miles northwest of Miami. Hill’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, stated that none of the people inside the house at the time were injured.

A fire broke out at the home of Miami Dolphins star Tyreek Hill.https://t.co/8xyWy2d9Fw pic.twitter.com/VvA2tGUuP8

— Sky News (@SkyNews) January 4, 2024

“He and his family are safe,” Rosenhaus said. “No one was injured, No. 1, no pets, so for that, we’re very grateful. We’re very grateful to the firefighters that put the fire out. Thankfully, the fire was contained to a limited area in the home. Obviously, there’ll be some smoke and water damage. It’s very difficult for anybody obviously to have your home catch on fire, but Tyreek was handling it, he and his family, with as much poise as you could hope.”

The fire was reportedly contained to one room, and an investigation has been started.

Hill arrived at the house before 3 p.m. and was seen hugging his newlywed wife, Keeta Vaccaro. The couple got married last month.

One of his teammates, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, spoke about the incident and said he was glad he and his family were safe.

“I think that would be difficult for not just my teammates but for anyone, in general, to be going through what Tyreek is going through right now. I think the main thing is his family is safe. His loved ones are good. He’s good as well. I know it’s a little cliche to say, but those things like that, part of the house, some of those things can be replaceable. I’m just glad that a lot of his family members are safe.”

The receiver is having a great year on the field as he currently leads the league with 1,717 yards receiving and has caught 12 touchdowns for the season. After being traded from the Kansas City Chiefs in March 2022, he has had two straight seasons of 1,700 receiving yards, becoming the first player in NFL history to record at least 1,700 yards in multiple seasons.

T.I. Harris Honored With Phoenix Award From The City Of Atlanta

by Lauren Nutall

January 4, 2024

T.I. Harris Honored With Phoenix Award From The City Of Atlanta

Rapper and actor T.I. Harris receives the Phoenix Award from Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, honoring his work in philanthropy.

Rapper and actor T.I. ‘Tip’ Harris has been awarded the Phoenix Award from the city of Atlanta and Mayor Andre Dickens for his philanthropic work. It is the highest achievement a person can receive from the city.

On Friday, Dec. 29, the ATL star was surprised on stage at the Atlanta Symphony Hall by Mayor Dickens, former Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Sen. Raphael Warnock, and Phillana Williams following the event’s closing symphonic performance, which celebrated the 20th anniversary of his second studio album, “Trap Muzik.” T.I. was honored for his work through his nonprofit organization, Harris Community Works, and his contributions to the Atlanta community and world of entertainment.

“We love what you’ve been doing,” said Mayor Dickens.

“We wanted to make sure we came out here, showed you some love for all you’ve done. Not just for the music scene, but this year, we just put over 150 families into affordable housing on Bankhead by this man right here!”

Dickens refers to the low-income housing development that the musician unveiled in Nov. 2023, formerly the site of a shopping center.

The project was launched as part of T.I. ‘s mission to “buy back the block” in partnership with APD-Urban Planning and Management and Dynasty Real Estate Development.

“…I didn’t want it to be one of those situations where luxury condos go up, and people who are native are pushed out to the fringes because they can’t afford to live there. I wanted to provide development that would allow people from the area, who love the community, to be able to afford to stay,” he said in 2021 when the concept for the project first arose. Now, three years later, it has finally reached fruition.

Mayor Dickens also gave T.I. another shout-out for reviving the Atlanta restaurant staple Bankhead Seafood and giving back to the community this holiday season.

“You bought my block, you showed me love, and you gave away turkeys, gifts, and everything for the community, and for that brother, we said it’s time to give you the Phoenix Award, the highest honor of the city of Atlanta.”

RELATED CONTENT: Why T.I. is Winning

Future Focused On ‘New Ventures’ With Launch Of His Own Management Company

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 4, 2024

Future Focused On ‘New Ventures’ With Launch Of His Own Management Company

Future is ready to expand his dominance by entering the business side of the music industry and launching a management company.

Future has big things coming in 2024 in the form of new music and his own management company.

It’s been more than a decade since the 2012 release of Future’s debut album, Pluto, which led to the rise and dominance of the Atlanta native. Now, at the height of a successful career, the “Mask Off” rapper is ready to expand by entering the business side of the music industry.

On Jan. 3, Future took to X to tease his business plans for the new year.

“New year – New ventures. Starting my new management company 2024,” he wrote.

New year – New ventures. Starting my new management company 2024.
— FUTURE/FREEBANDZ (@1future) January 2, 2024

Following up, Future expressed his gratitude for everyone who aided in his success in the music industry.

“Very grateful for everyone who played some type of role in my career up to this point…more to come,” he added.

Very grateful for everyone who played some type of role in my career up to this point…more to come 🦅
— FUTURE/FREEBANDZ (@1future) January 3, 2024

Fans responded to express their support, with some asking for jobs or management. Many nudged Future about the release date for his new music.

“how about you start your album rollout too,” one fan quipped.

“how about you manage your way into starting the rollout for the album,” added someone else.

Fans are eagerly awaiting the release of Future and his longtime music collaborator Metro Boomin to release a project that Future teased on his Instagram Story.

The pair’s work together turned out a series of hip-hop classics including “Mask Off,” “Superhero (Heroes and Villains),” and “Karate Chop,” among many others. Future’s 2022 album, I Never Liked You, included “Puffin on Zootiez” and “Wait for U” featuring Drake and Tems, the latter of which earned the three a Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance.

If there’s one thing Future knows how to do, it’s release a hit record. With new Future x Metro Boomin music on the way, it could be the perfect free promotion the rapper will need for his new management company.

Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, RZA, Riot, clothes, aspen, ski

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 4, 2024

A$AP Rocky, Rihanna, RZA And Riot Visit Aspen In Style

The family looked stylish while hanging out in the mountain town

When you have one parent who is an official billionaire and another who is known for his impressive fashion sense and style, you are bound to be a little fly yourself. This is the life of the two sons born to Harlem-bred lyricist A$AP Rocky and Rihanna, the international superstar. On a recent outing, 1-year-old RZA and 5-month-old Riot were seen in Aspen wearing some very fancy and expensive togs, according to the New York Post.

At this stage of the game, you have to wonder who actually dresses the children, or if Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, both known for their exquisite style, alternate outings. Their children were seen in duds that would make some adults envious.

Before ringing in the new year, RZA was seen wearing a $1,200 Gucci coat styled with a pair of $85 Gucci socks. He also had on a $475 poplin shirt with a $360 green and yellow Gucci sweater vest. His little brother was decked out in a $155 Bonpoint hat, a $615 Gucci cardigan, and some $490 jeans.

Now, their parents weren’t looking too shabby, either.

A$AP Rocky sported a pair of $11,300 metallic silver Bottega Veneta leather pants, completing them with a $3,700 cashmere hoodie under his $11,900 printed fur coat. A pair of $1,400 boots that adorned his feet. Rihanna complimented her babies’ father with the same hoodie and footwear, but wore baggy Balenciaga jeans and a $4,590 Saint Laurent blazer.

But let’s not forget the $575 blue suede cowboy boots the billionaire purchased while in the Kemo Sabe store and wore when she came back outside.

Hopefully the upcoming trial for the Harlem rapper won’t break up this happy family.

A judge recently ruled that Rocky will have to stand trial against his former friend and A$AP Mob group member A$AP Relli. Rocky is accused of shooting in the direction of his former friend in Hollywood back in 2021. Rocky has pleaded not guilty to two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm.

howard basketball, investment, Kaleena Smith

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 4, 2024

Grambling State Women’s Basketball Team Sets Record After Airing Out Their Opponents With 159 Points

The Lady Tigers scored a 159-18 win against the College of Biblical Studies to set NCAA record for highest margin of victory

HBCU college basketball team Grambling State University set a Divison 1 record in the women’s division when their first game of the year ended in the most-lopsided victory ever.

According to Yahoo! Sports, the women’s basketball team at Grambling State set an all-time Division 1 women’s basketball record with the highest margin of victory in any game in the history of the NCAA. The Lady Tigers posted a 159-18 win against the College of Biblical Studies (CBS) on Jan. 2. The 141-point difference was the greatest against another team. By scoring 159 points in the game, Grambling State also set the record for the highest point total scored for the university.

A new school record has been set for points earned in a single game 👏🏽#Gramfam|#ThisIsTheG🐯🏀|#ChampionshipTalk💍 pic.twitter.com/YQqAUWwgQl

— Grambling State University Women’s Basketball (@GSU_WBK) January 2, 2024

Grambling State got off to a great start when they opened the game with a 34-0 run before CBS was able to score any points. The school went scoreless until there were two minutes left in the first quarter. By the time the bell rang to signify halftime, Grambling had run up the score to 82-10. At that point, maybe they could have switched uniforms to try to make it a fair match.

What was supposed to be a normal basketball game ended up breaking the previous record for the highest margin of victory in women’s college basketball. In 2018, Savannah State beat Wesleyan of Georgia by 139 points.

Eight Lady Tigers scored double digits, with Arianna Mosley leading the way by scoring 27 points. Kahia Warmsley scored 20 points, while Amanda Blake and DeMya Young both had 15.

The women at the College of Biblical Studies shouldn’t feel too bad, as this is the school’s first year having a basketball team. The school, which is based in Houston and plays in the Southwest Region of the National Christian College Athletic Association, has yet to win a game in its inaugural season. They now possess a record of 0-7.

by Rafael Pena

January 4, 2024

Long Island Fire Department Welcomes First Black Fire Commissioner

The fire department, established in 1898, recently witnessed the swearing-in of its first Afro/Latino fire commissioner.

CBS News reports that in a groundbreaking moment for Long Island’s Brentwood community, its fire department, established in 1898, recently witnessed the swearing-in of its first Black fire commissioner on Dec. 2. Rasheen “Roc” Williams, a dedicated community member with an impressive firefighting history, now holds a crucial role in the fire department’s leadership.

Brentwood is known for its diversity — it has an 85% Hispanic and Black population — but never had a Black fire commissioner in its 125-year history until Williams took the position.

Williams, who is Black and Latino, expressed humility about the milestone but emphasized that his goal is to serve and uplift his community. Reflecting on his journey, he recalled entering the fire service as a young man, inspired by curiosity and a dare from his cousins.

“To learn the craft to be a firefighter, you have to put the knowledge in. You have to study. You have to learn. You also gotta show up,” said Williams, citing the values of courage, honor, and respect that were instilled in him by his fire department leaders.

Despite a recent injury that ended his firefighting career, Williams’ commitment to community service persisted. Elected by the community to serve among the five commissioners, his appointment is a significant moment for a community that has lacked representation of African Americans and people of color in elected positions for over a century.

His inauguration was met with applause from his extended family and colleagues. Eric Raudies, chairman of commissioners for the Brentwood Fire District, acknowledged the importance of Williams’ appointment, stating, “It speaks to the over 125 years of no representation of African Americans, people of color in elected positions here. So this is a momentous occasion. It’s a great occasion.”

Michele Robinson, second vice president of the Islip NAACP, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the historical significance of Williams’ election.

Williams hopes his journey sends a positive message that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve greatness through dedication and hard work.

As a father of five and a grandfather, Williams envisions his role not only as a leader but also as a catalyst for unity. He aims to leverage his position to address the critical need for new volunteer members and foster a sense of togetherness in the diverse community he serves.

migrants, Chicago, bus company, Texas, lawsuit

by Derek Major

January 4, 2024

Suburbs Of New York And Chicago Pump The Brakes On Migrant Buses

The mayors of New York and Chicago recently signed executive orders limiting when migrant buses directed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott can drop off migrants.

However, Abbott has circumvented those orders by directing migrant buses to stop outside the two cities and forcing migrants to take public transportation to their destination.

Now, the leaders of those areas are fighting back.

The Associated Press reports that Edison, New Jersey Mayor Sam Joshi warned he would send people back to the border if they came to his city in buses.

“Edison does not have the ability or the financial means to support migrants, and I can’t be any more clear that I am the son of immigrants,” Joshi said during a Wednesday morning interview on “Good Day New York.”

In Rockford, Illinois, located about 90 miles outside of Chicago, authorities said 355 migrants who landed on a charter flight would not be staying in the area.

Suburban areas of Chicago and New York are also making moves designed to limit when and how migrants can be dropped off. The suburb of Tinley Park, Illinois, for example, has vowed to “cite, impound or take other appropriate measures” against buses that make unannounced stops in the town.

Additionally, Broadview, a west Chicago suburb with a population of 8,000, announced it was forced to act “because the unloading of passengers in inclement or severe weather without a coordinated plan poses a significant threat to the health, safety, and welfare” of the people aboard the buses.

The moves to limit migrants from entering cities and surrounding areas come as Gov. Abbott has sent more than 80,000 migrants from Texas to Democratic-led cities since 2022. Abbott has said his actions were made partly in order to get the Biden administration to do something about the situation.

While President Joe Biden has been steadfast in saying Congress needs to solve the issue, he is considering new restrictions concerning migrants crossing the border.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have been pleading with the Biden administration for months for federal funding and assistance to help address the crisis but have been largely rebuffed. The administration did send teams to the areas to assess their responses to the crisis, which only led to finger-pointing between the administration and the mayors’ offices.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

January 3, 2024

This Black Mother Built A Side Hustle By Flipping Mobile Homes

Inspired to delve into real estate, Nichole took a $500 course on mobile home investments, enabling her to enter this market.

This news was first reported on blackbusiness.com

Meet Nichole Briscoe, a 39-year-old African American mom and social worker from Burlington, North Carolina, who doubled her monthly earnings from $3,000 to $7,000 as she built her side hustle of flipping mobile homes.

Nichole, living with her husband and daughter, initially aimed to invest in real estate for extra family income, she told Business Insider. However, faced with the high prices of single-family homes, she discovered a niche in the market for mobile homes. These affordable prefab structures, often serving as permanent residences, have a demand, especially for those unable to afford traditional houses.

Inspired to delve into real estate, Nichole took a $500 course on mobile home investments, enabling her to enter this market. She secured a $20,000 home improvement loan, rehabbing mobile homes in North Carolina for under $10,000. After renovation costs ranging from $3,000 to $15,000, she sells these homes for nearly double or triple her investment.

Briscoe’s flips, typically 900 sq ft with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, attract buyers without active marketing. Word of mouth and social media, like Facebook and Instagram, generate enough interest. She even has a waiting list for her properties, indicating the strong demand for affordable housing.

Making the homes even more accessible, she offers a “rent-to-own” option. Buyers pay monthly installments of $600 to $900 until they meet the sale price, allowing flexibility over three to five years.

Beyond flipping, Nichole engages in wholesaling, a strategy where she contracts with a seller at a lower price and finds a buyer willing to pay more without renovation costs. This approach has earned her about $45,000 from wholesaling 13 mobile homes.

Moreover, she has established an LLC called Eliam Properties and shares her journey on Instagram as “The Mobile Home Mami” with her over 93,000 followers. Despite her success, Nichole plans to continue balancing her social work with her real estate business, seeing the potential for a full-time transition in the future.

I do really love my job working with students,” she said. “In the future, I definitely see potential in this becoming full time but not right now.”

Be sure to follow Nichole on her Instagram @MobileHome_Mami