Cybersecurity experts are sounding the alarm after a notorious hacker, operating under the alias “Solonik,” posted a massive database containing the private information of approximately 17.5 million Instagram users. The breach, which surfaced on a dark web hacking forum earlier this week, is reportedly the result of an "API Leak" that took place in late 2024. This specific vulnerability allowed bad actors to bypass standard security measures and scrape user profiles on a global scale. The leaked data is formatted in JSON and TXT files, making it incredibly easy for cybercriminals to search and exploit. Unlike typical leaks that only include usernames, this dump is dangerously detailed. The compromised information includes: • Full Names and Usernames • Verified Email Addresses • Phone Numbers and User IDs • Country and Partial Location Data While the breach is classified as "scraping" rather than a direct hack into Meta’s core servers, the sheer volume of information suggests a major failure in Instagram’s privacy safeguards. This level of data allows scammers to build comprehensive profiles on victims, making "social engineering" attacks much more convincing. Already, numerous users have reported a surge in unsolicited password reset notifications, signaling that the data is being actively used for exploitation. The combination of exposed phone numbers and emails puts users at high risk for "SIM swapping" and sophisticated phishing scams where hackers pose as Instagram support. By using these personal details to build trust, scammers can trick victims into handing over two-factor authentication (2FA) codes or account credentials. As of January 10, 2026, Meta has not issued a formal statement regarding this specific 17.5 million record dump. To stay safe, cybersecurity researchers at Malwarebytes urge all Instagram users to take immediate action. Experts recommend moving away from SMS-based two-factor authentication and instead using an authenticator app. Users should also be on high alert for any unprompted emails or texts regarding their account security. 

Buku Abi is finally stepping out of the shadows and telling her own story on her own terms. Appearing on Reginae Carter’s "Heir Time" podcast, the artist and mother opened up about the heavy reality of growing up as the daughter of R. Kelly and Drea Kelly. While many expect her to harbor bitterness toward her father, Buku was quick to clarify her stance. "I love my father. There's no hate," she stated during the interview. "I went through what I went through, but that doesn't reflect how I feel. I support him as an artist, but he has a responsibility as a human being." The conversation didn't shy away from the dark side of being a "celebrity kid" during one of the biggest scandals in music history. Buku admitted that the public controversy took a massive toll on her mental health, leading her to seek out coping mechanisms that weren't always healthy. She got vulnerable about her past, revealing that she struggled with substance abuse, specifically weed and alcohol, to numb the pain. "Still learning coping mechanisms," she shared. "Struggled with mental health, substance abuse like weed and alcohol. Keep focus on God. There's some thing bigger." Buku also addressed the "bittersweet" feelings she had regarding her mother, Drea Kelly, appearing in the explosive Surviving R. Kelly documentary. While she understood her mother’s need to speak her truth, she admitted the fallout was difficult for the children. "She needed it. Glad she got it off her chest," Buku said. "Backlash on family was hard. Bittersweet." Despite the negative headlines, she credits her mom for being her "best friend" and offering her grace as she navigates her own journey into parenthood. Now a mother herself to her son Omni, Buku looks at her parents through a more empathetic lens, seeing them as "two human beings trying their best" rather than just figures on a pedestal. Looking forward, Buku is ready to claim her own seat at the table. She credits her son for giving her a reason to keep going on her worst days, saying, "I have my son to live for. New life, music." With her upcoming project Cheers to You Shadow on the horizon, she’s focused on her "alternative R&B" sound and proving that she won’t be "unremembered." Her message to the world is simple, be kind, because you never know what someone is battling behind the scenes. Drea and R.Kelly’s daughter, Buku Abi, speaks on how she used substances to cope with what she’s been through, misconceptions about her family, and thoughts on her mom appearing in the “Surviving R.Kelly” doc 🎥: Heir Time/Youtube 🔗: https://t.co/9n8gkXEQyf pic.twitter.com/WxTVSvEo42 — Block Topickz (formerly Glock Topickz) (@BlockTopickz) January 9, 2026

Stefon Diggs is officially in the clear to focus on the gridiron as the New England Patriots prepare for a deep playoff push. The star wide receiver’s legal timeline saw a significant shift after his arraignment for alleged assault was pushed back. Originally, Diggs was expected to appear in court on January 23, a date that would have fallen just 48 hours before the AFC Championship game. However, reports now confirm the hearing has been rescheduled for February 13, providing a five day buffer after the Super Bowl concludes. This development is a major win for the Patriots’ locker room chemistry. With the team currently sitting at the top of the AFC East, the last thing they needed was a star player heading to a deposition during the most critical week of the season. The extension allows Diggs to handle the upcoming Wild Card matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers this Sunday, January 11, with a fresh mindset. If the Patriots manage to make it to the big game, Diggs will be able to play through the finale and recalibrate before finally addressing the highly publicized case in mid February. The charges stem from an alleged dispute with his former private chef, but the legal delay ensures that the focus remains on football for the next month. While the case will certainly be waiting for him once the season ends, the Patriots are currently looking like top contenders with their offensive weapon fully available. 

Donald Trump held a meeting at the White House yesterday with some of the biggest names in the oil industry, pushing them to invest heavily in Venezuela’s struggling oil sector. The pitch was bold. Trump talked about massive opportunity, long term profits, and the idea that Venezuela’s oil could be brought back to life with the right U.S. backing. But when the meeting ended, the energy coming out of the room was a lot more cautious than the talk going in. Executives from ExxonMobil, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Marathon Petroleum, and Tallgrass Energy were all present for the sit down. These are companies that know oil risk better than most, and they didn’t sugarcoat their concerns. While they acknowledged Venezuela’s enormous oil reserves, they made it clear that the country’s current conditions still make large scale investment hard to justify. The facts haven’t changed much. Venezuela’s oil infrastructure is in rough shape after years of underinvestment. Production remains far below historic levels. Refineries, pipelines, and export systems would need serious rebuilding before oil could flow at the levels being promised. That kind of turnaround takes time, stability, and billions in upfront spending. Executives also raised long standing trust issues. Several companies are still dealing with the fallout from past nationalizations and contract disputes that cost them billions. Without strong legal guarantees and clear protections for investors, oil companies are not eager to jump back into a situation that burned them before. Even the companies most open to expanding operations stressed that any move would be slow and tightly controlled. Then came the moment that instantly caught attention online. In the middle of the meeting, Trump reportedly stood up, walked over to a window, and stared outside for an extended stretch, seemingly focused on nearby construction. The pause was unexpected and awkward, breaking the rhythm of a serious business discussion. The moment quickly became a talking point, with people questioning what exactly was happening in the room. That scene ended up symbolizing the bigger disconnect. Trump was selling vision and urgency, while the oil executives stayed grounded in numbers, risk assessments, and long memories. One side was talking about what could be. The other was focused on what has to change before real money moves. Venezuela’s oil keeps getting framed as a quick comeback story, but the people who actually control the capital are still saying slow down. Until the country offers stability, enforceable rules, and rebuilt infrastructure, the big checks aren’t coming. For now, Trump may be loud about Venezuela’s oil future, but Big Oil said nope. And that gap between political hype and corporate reality is where this story really lives.

The U.S. government just sent one of its strongest warnings yet to Americans still inside Venezuela, and the message is blunt: leave immediately. Officials say the security situation has deteriorated to the point where Americans face serious risks just by being there, and the U.S. cannot guarantee help if something goes wrong. According to the advisory, Venezuela remains under a Level 4 Do Not Travel warning, the highest alert issued by the State Department. Americans are being urged to exit using any available commercial flights while they are still operating. The warning highlights violent crime, political unrest, arbitrary detention, and the growing presence of armed groups operating with little to no oversight. One of the biggest red flags is that the U.S. has not had an operational embassy in Caracas for years. That means no routine consular services, no emergency passport help, and no reliable way for the government to intervene if an American is detained or harmed. Officials made it clear that anyone choosing to stay is doing so without a safety net. Conditions on the ground have reportedly become more unpredictable, with roadblocks, power outages, and limited access to basic services. Travel between cities is risky, communication can be unreliable, and situations can escalate quickly without warning. The advisory urges Americans to inform family members of their plans, prepare emergency documents, and move fast while exit options still exist. This warning is not about politics or future possibilities. It is about immediate personal safety. The U.S. government is signaling that time matters here, and waiting could make leaving much harder. If you are an American in Venezuela right now, officials are saying the smartest move is to get out while you still can.

Papoose had something to say after Rihanna publicly showed love to Claressa Shields and the way she loves him, and for a brief moment, the internet got a front row seat. Rihanna’s comment struck a nerve online because it went beyond a casual compliment. She framed Claressa as an example of devotion, care, and confidence, and people immediately clocked it as a rare public salute between women who both hold weight in the culture. Shortly after the moment started circulating, Papoose responded with a heartfelt message of his own. He praised Claressa’s beauty, her femininity, and the way she carries herself, pushing back on the idea that strength and softness cannot coexist. His words felt intentional and protective, especially in how he highlighted the care she puts into herself and their relationship. But just as quickly as he spoke, Papoose shut the door. Comments on the post were turned off, cutting the conversation short before it could spiral. No back and forth. No think pieces in his replies. Just a statement and silence.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Papoose (@papoose) The timing mattered. Claressa had already responded publicly to Rihanna’s comment with gratitude and joy, clearly receiving the love in the spirit it was given. Fans were celebrating the moment as an exchange rooted in mutual respect and admiration, especially between Black women who are often boxed into narrow narratives. Papoose stepping in felt like affirmation, and turning comments off felt like a boundary. Nothing about the move came off messy. If anything, it read as controlled. Papoose acknowledged the moment, stood ten toes down in his appreciation for Claressa, and then removed the noise before it could shift the energy. In a space where relationships often become public property, this felt like a reminder that not every conversation needs an audience. The internet noticed, and the silence spoke just as loudly as the post.

Social Media is in shock following news that influencer Kristy Scott, widely known as Kristy Sarah, has officially filed to end her marriage to Desmond Scott. According to legal documents obtained from Harris County, Texas, the paperwork was submitted on December 30, 2025, bringing an abrupt end to a union that began back in 2014. While the pair has been the face of light-hearted family content for years, a report released on Friday, indicates that the social media mogul cited alleged infidelity as the driving force behind the breakup. The filing further clarifies that there is no expectation of reconciliation, noting that the two "will soon stop living together as husband and wife." The split marks a heartbreaking turn for the couple, who have known each other since they were 14 years old and share two young sons, Vance and Westin. Kristy, who is notably best friends with R&B superstar H.E.R., has built a massive empire with over 26 million combined followers across Instagram and TikTok, often featuring Desmond’s reactions to her viral pranks. Fans began to speculate that something was wrong when the chef stopped appearing in Kristy’s content last month. With both parties commanding millions of followers individually, the dissolution of their decade-long marriage signals the end of one of social media's most beloved families.

The Clinton Epstein investigation testimony dispute is escalating as Bill and Hillary Clinton face the possibility of contempt charges if they do not comply with subpoenas related to the House Oversight Committee’s probe into Jeffrey Epstein. Although the political power couple was originally supposed to testify back in December, they were granted a delay until January 13 for the former president and January 14 for the former secretary of state after they cited a conflict. However, with the dates now just days away, the House Oversight Committee is sounding the alarm because the couple has yet to confirm they will actually be in the building. According to a spokesperson for the committee who spoke to the New York Post, “The Clintons have not confirmed their appearances for their subpoenaed depositions,” and the panel is making it clear that “they are obligated under the law to appear and we expect them to do so. If the Clintons do not appear for their depositions, the House Oversight Committee will initiate contempt of Congress proceedings.” This high-stakes ultimatum from Chairman James Comer comes at a time when newly released 2026 Justice Department documents have put the former president’s ties to the disgraced financier back under the microscope. While Bill Clinton has consistently denied ever visiting Epstein’s infamous private island and has publicly stated that he regrets his friendship with the pedophile, the discovery of new photos has reignited the fire. One particularly controversial image released last month reportedly shows the former president nearly naked in a hot tub with an unidentified woman, complicating the narrative of his involvement. The committee is now demanding that the couple speak under oath about these connections, and they aren't accepting any excuses. If the Clintons are eventually found guilty of contempt, the consequences are severe, as Congress has the power to dispatch the U.S. Capitol Police to arrest them and bring them before the committee by force. As the world watches, the question remains whether the Clintons will finally address the mounting evidence in person or if this will turn into a full-blown constitutional showdown.

The "welcome home" celebration for Fetty Wap has officially been cut short by a massive reality check. After being released from federal prison to home confinement earlier this week, the "1738" rapper was immediately met with a social media firestorm led by the mother of two of his children, Lezhae Zeona. While the internet was excited about his return, Lezhae was busy posting evidence, allegedly showing that the rapper is over $200,000 behind in child support payments. Sharing a screenshot from a government child support portal showing a staggering six-figure debt, she made it clear that while he was away, she was the only one holding it down. Lezhae didn't just stop at the official documentation; she went for the jugular, critiquing Fetty’s parenting, his career choices, and his recent legal troubles. She claimed she never wanted to involve the courts but felt forced when the rapper allegedly stopped providing after their second child was born. “I’m a real bitch fr i stand by wtf is REAL mind yall i never wanted to put him on child support... when he was gettin the most money i ain't put him on but after i had the second child and he tried not helping at all to be financially petty to me i kept telling him ion wanna do this lets come to an agreement and the nigga thought it was a joke,” she shared in a heated post. She even took aim at his recent federal case, calling him a “sorry drug dealer” for getting caught and telling him to finally “pick something to be actually good at.. superstar.” The shade got even more personal when Lezhae accused Fetty of “dumping” hundreds of thousands of dollars into a failed salon business for another woman while his own children’s needs were ignored. She mocked the business move, stating he “dumped hundreds and thousands into a bitch salon when she ain't even think that shit through cause who tf goes through a busy ass mall to get they lashes done.. that shit was about trynna shit on mtf's and that shit went straight to hell.” Despite the heavy accusations, Lezhae stood on business, reminding the rapper and his circle that her children are thriving solely because of her hard work. She ended her rant with a powerful message about her independence: “straight up nigga WASSUPPPP!!!! MY KIDS GOT A ROOF OVER THEY HEAD CAUSE OF ME!!!! MY KIDS GOT BEDS TO SLEEP IN CAUSE OF MEEEE!! !!!! !! MY KIDS GOT SNEAKERS ON THEY FEET CAUSE OF MEEEE!! !!!! !! MY KIDS GOT CLOTHES ON THEY BACK CAUSE OF MEEEEEE!! !! !!!! MY KIDS GOT FOOD ON THEY TABLE CAUSE OF MEEEE!!!!!!! NO FOOD STAMPS NIGGA!! MY KIDS GOT AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM CAUSE OF MEEEE!! !! !! !! MY KIDS GOT HEALTH INSURANCE CAUSE OF MEEEEE!! !! !! !! !! !! GOOD FUCKIN NIGHT.” It’s clear Fetty has a lot of making up to do, both in time and in currency. With his baby mamas on his neck, home confinement might be the least of his worries.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Watch Live Bitez (@livebitez)

Stephen A. Smith is officially standing his ground against the media backlash. After facing heavy backlash for comments regarding the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, Smith used his platform to call out what he labels a "misleading" narrative. Specifically taking aim at a New York Post headline that claimed he called the January 7th shooting "completely justified," Smith argued that the press intentionally ignored the nuance of his argument to paint a false picture of his values. “The headline was misleading, because even though I said what was said on the headline, that wasn’t all of what I said,” Smith clarified on his self-titled show. He expressed deep frustration with being associated with right-wing talking points, adding, “I don’t agree with them... They’re trying to paint a different picture, and I don’t appreciate that. Thank God I got my own platforms to address bullshit like this.” The controversy stems from Smith's original breakdown of the viral incident, where he made a sharp distinction between the letter of the law and human ethics. While he admitted that from a "lawful perspective," he doesn't expect the agent to be prosecuted, he condemned the officer's choice to use lethal force on the 37-year-old mother. “I’m talking about legality when I’m talking about justification, nothing else,” Smith emphasized. “Everything else about it is wrong and ethically humane.” Smith didn't stop at legalities; he questioned the humanitarian side of the tragedy, suggesting that the agent had multiple non-lethal options. “Why did you have to do that? If you could move out the way, that means you could have shot the tires,” Smith argued, noting that the agent could have simply apprehended her down the road. By standing firm on his dual perspective, Smith is making it clear that while the law may protect the officer’s actions, his own moral compass does not.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Stephen A. Smith (@stephenasmith)

Aubrey O’Day is making it clear that she isn’t satisfied with the outcome of Diddy’s recent legal saga. During an appearance on the HelloPrenup podcast this past Wednesday, the singer suggested that the 50-month sentence Diddy received in October was a light brush with justice. Despite a high-profile trial that included testimony from Cassie Ventura and several former employees regarding sex trafficking and racketeering, O’Day remains unconvinced that the mogul has truly reckoned with his actions, stating she doubts he has "learned the right lessons." Reflecting on the seven week trial that captivated the industry last year, O’Day expressed that the most "concerning levels" of Diddy’s alleged behavior were never even brought to light in court. "I think he's observing it from a perspective that potentially could be accurate on some levels, but the really serious levels and concerning levels that I see," she remarked, "I don't think we even discussed them during the trial." When host Julia Rodgers pointed out how disturbing the trial evidence was, Aubrey didn't hold back her frustration with the verdict, "They weren't disturbing enough to get a few stupid fucking people in the jury to understand it." The Danity Kane alum, who has been sounding the alarm on Diddy since her departure from his label in the late 2000s, offered a deep dive into the psychology of wealth and influence. She argued that Diddy's "facade" was built on a foundation of power that is more addictive than any physical vice. "People don't understand how money and power is like better than the best sex you've ever had in your life," she explained. "People think porn addiction and sex addictions are crazy. Meet a powerful person. Sex ain't nothing compared to what their highs look like." Although Aubrey was not called to the stand during the trial, she has consistently alleged that Diddy made unwanted sexual advances toward her during her career. She believes that being stripped of his resources is the only path to a genuine wake-up call, noting, "Because when you can't rely on the facade anymore, money allows you to move in a lot of ways that you naturally would not authentically move in. And you can get lost in those." As Diddy continues his time behind bars, O’Day insists the world hasn't seen the end of the story, adding, "When that's taken away and you have to face yourself, that'll wake anybody up."

Britney Spears is ready to take the stage again, but American fans shouldn't hold their breath for a local tour date. In a bombshell Instagram post shared on Thursday, the Princess of Pop announced that she is officially done performing in the United States. Citing “extremely sensitive reasons,” Britney made it clear that while her home country is off-limits, she has her sights set on the UK and Australia. The announcement came alongside a nostalgic photo of Britney at a white Yamaha piano, the same one she used during her iconic 2002 American Music Awards performance. Britney’s vision for her comeback is a far cry from the high-octane choreography of her 2018 Piece of Me tour. Instead, she described a more intimate setting, saying, “I hope to be sitting on a stool with a red rose in my hair, in a bun, performing with my son… in the UK and AUSTRALIA very soon.” This pivot follows years of the singer stating she would likely never return to the stage due to the trauma she endured during her 13-year conservatorship. The "Toxic" singer also took a moment to address the public's reaction to her frequent social media dance videos. While some fans have expressed concern, Britney explained that the movement is medicinal for her. “Interestingly enough, I dance on IG to heal things in my body that people have no idea about,” she shared. “Yup and it’s embarrassing sometimes… but I walked through the fire to save my life.” After years of restricted freedom, it appears Britney is finally choosing to share her light on her own terms, even if it means traveling halfway across the globe to do it.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Britney Spears (@britneyspears)

Gospel icon Yolanda Adams is using her platform to challenge long-standing traditions of exclusion within the church. In a powerful call for compassion, the singer spoke out against homophobia, urging religious spaces to become truly safe environments for the LGBTQ+ community. For Adams, the issue isn't about theological debate, but about the fundamental way her family taught her to view humanity. Reflecting on her decades of experience in the ministry, Adams emphasized that her upbringing shaped her inclusive worldview. “Listen, I am 64 years old. I have seen everything in the church," she explained. "And again, it has everything to do with the way you were nurtured. My family nurtured us to believe and know that everyone that gets to this earth got here because they are God's children." She pushed back against the idea of religious judgment, asking a simple but pointed question: "Why would you want to ever hurt anything that God loves?" The Grammy winner, who has friends and family across all walks of life, made it clear that a person’s identity should never be a reason for "debasement" or disrespect. She noted that her relationships in music, arts, and sports have only reinforced her belief in seeing people for who they truly are—beautiful. "It is not my job ever to hurt anyone or debase anyone because of who they are," she stated firmly. Closing her message with a reminder of divine intentionality, Adams argued that God is never caught off guard by who a person is. "God is not surprised by anyone he created. He knew who you would be before your mom and dad even got together," she noted. "So why am I disrespecting what God respects and loves?" As one of the most respected voices in Gospel, her stance marks a significant shift in the conversation regarding faith and the LGBTQ+ community. 

A resurfaced sermon from Bishop Yvette Flunder is making the rounds online again, and this time people are paying closer attention to what she actually said. In the clip, Flunder recounts confronting a well known gospel singer over behavior she described as deeply inappropriate, raising renewed questions about accountability, power, and silence inside church spaces. During the sermon, Flunder tells the congregation about a gospel artist who had just finished preaching a fiery message about sin and repentance. She says young men were at the altar crying, praying, and asking to be delivered. After service, one of the young men from her own church approached her with a troubling confession. According to Flunder, the singer allegedly gave him a key to his hotel room and told him what time to come by. Video: Flunder says she immediately asked the young man for the key and went directly to the gospel singer to confront him. She recalls asking how he could preach condemnation from the pulpit while allegedly pursuing young men behind the scenes. The response she says she received was simple and dismissive: none of us are perfect. That moment is what has people talking again. The sermon does not name the singer, but the behavior Flunder described has sparked strong reactions across social media, especially as conversations around misconduct in gospel and church leadership continue to surface publicly. The timing of the sermon resurfacing has also raised eyebrows. It is circulating again while renewed allegations and discussions about predatory behavior in gospel music spaces are active online, pushing people to reexamine what accountability actually looks like when influential figures are involved. For some, the clip feels less like a throwback and more like a warning that went ignored. Flunder’s message wasn’t framed as gossip or spectacle. It was a direct challenge to hypocrisy and to the idea that charisma, talent, or spiritual language should ever excuse harmful behavior. As the clip spreads again, it is forcing uncomfortable but necessary conversations about who gets protected, who gets believed, and how church communities respond when allegations involve people with status. Whether people see it as overdue accountability or a painful reminder of long standing issues, the sermon has landed back in the spotlight for a reason. The internet may move fast, but some stories resurface because the questions they raise were never answered in the first place.

A Texas pyramid scheme conviction has exposed the full scope of the 'Blessings in No Time' operation after a federal jury found a North Texas couple guilty of running a $25 million fraud that targeted more than 10,000 people nationwide. A jury in Sherman, Texas convicted LaShonda and Marlon Moore for running a massive pyramid scheme that prosecutors say stole more than $25 million from over 10,000 people nationwide while families were already struggling during COVID-19. According to the case presented at trial, the Moores co-founded and operated “Blessings in No Time,” also known as BINT, between June 2020 and June 2021. They promoted it through weekly livestreams that reached thousands, pitching the program as an invitation-only community built on helping each other survive the economic shutdown. Participants were told to pay at least $1,400 as a “blessing” and were promised returns of up to 800 percent within weeks, with guarantees that didn’t exist. What jurors heard was that the system only worked if new people kept joining. BINT ran on stacked “playing boards” with levels called Fire, Wind, Earth, and Water. When boards filled, the person at the top got paid more than $11,000, while everyone else was pushed to recruit more participants to keep the cycle alive. Prosecutors showed that the Moores placed themselves in prime positions on these boards and siphoned off large amounts of money while most participants never saw the promised returns. Federal investigators said the scheme leaned heavily on polished appearances and trust, including public visibility that made the operation seem legitimate. Authorities also stressed that the scheme disproportionately impacted Black communities, using familiar language about collective support and cultural trust to pull people in during a moment of widespread fear and financial instability. By the time it collapsed, more than 10,000 victims across the country were left with losses totaling over $25 million. The jury convicted both LaShonda and Marlon Moore on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, five counts of wire fraud, and three counts of money laundering. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled, but each count carries the potential for significant prison time.

Celina Powell Offset Stefon Diggs became a top trending topic after Powell shared what she claims is leaked audio and FaceTime footage involving Offset threatening Stefon Diggs. The clips spread quickly and immediately pulled Cardi B into the conversation as fans tried to piece together what was happening behind the scenes. In the video Powell shared, Offset is allegedly heard saying that if he ever sees Diggs, he would beat him up, strip him, and shoot him in the knee. The language was aggressive. Powell framed the moment as proof that tensions behind the scenes were far more serious than what fans see publicly, especially with Cardi now linked to Diggs following her split from Offset. Video: Powell recently reignited drama after posting footage that appeared to show Offset asleep in bed with her, adding another layer to the already complicated narrative surrounding his personal life since the breakup. Powell has a long history of controversial celebrity claims, including past allegations involving Offset.

France quietly adjusted the calendar for this year’s Group of 7 summit after a very American scheduling conflict popped up in Washington, thanks to Trump. The global leaders meeting, originally set for June 14 through June 16 in Evian les Bains along Lake Geneva, will now take place from June 15 to June 17. Two officials familiar with the planning confirmed the shift after it became official on the G7 website. The change follows Donald Trump’s October announcement that the White House would host a large-scale UFC event on June 14. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed to CBS News that plans for the fight are locked in and said the event will bring as many as 5,000 people to the South Lawn. June 14 already carried weight. It is Flag Day in the United States and also marks Trump’s 80th birthday, making his availability a major factor for allies hoping for full attendance at the summit. France had not publicly tied the adjustment to the fight. The French president’s office declined to directly confirm the reason for the shift, saying the revised dates were “the result of our consultations with G7 partners.” A White House official offered a clearer explanation, telling POLITICO, “As the leader of the free world, our partners believed that President Trump’s attendance at the G7 Summit was essential. They kindly shifted dates to accommodate the U.S. president’s schedule.” Local outlet LeMessager was first to report that the summit could move due to the president’s birthday, a possibility that now appears to have played out.

Minnesota prosecutors have launched a new evidence-gathering effort in the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good after federal authorities cut the state out of the FBI investigation into the case. Local and state officials announced Friday they will collect videos, photos, and witness material directly from the public to build a record that could support a potential state inquiry. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office and the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office said they are creating an online portal where residents can submit evidence related to the January 7 fatal shooting in Minneapolis. Prosecutors said this step is meant to preserve as much information as possible while the federal investigation remains under FBI control. The effort follows a contentious decision by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI to rescind a cooperation agreement that would have let the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension assist in the probe. Under the revised arrangement, the FBI now leads the investigation, and state agents have been left without access to key case materials, including scene evidence and interviews. County Attorney Mary Moriarty and Attorney General Keith Ellison said the goal is to ensure a transparent and thorough accounting of the events surrounding Good’s death. Moriarty urged residents to come forward with footage, noting multiple cellphone videos have circulated online and could help fill gaps in the federal case file. The clash over investigative control has drawn sharp local criticism, with Minneapolis leaders arguing that excluding state officials undermines trust in the process. InForum Minnesota’s new evidence-collection push reflects growing tension between state and federal agencies in the wake of Good’s killing and broader concerns about accountability in federal use-of-force incidents. AP News

Baller Nation, it’s not every day you see a legend get his roses in real-time, but Yung LA stopped by The Baller Alert Show and let the hosts do all the talking! Video While LA kept it cool, hosts Ferrari Simmons and BT couldn't help but marvel at the fact that his 2008 anthem "Ain't I" is still arguably one of the biggest records to ever come out of the A. The hosts pointed out that the song has a life of its own, reaching people who weren't even thought of when it first hit the airwaves. "It's crazy seeing the new generation dance to it like it just came out," they noted, highlighting how the youth are in the clubs acting like the track dropped yesterday. As the hosts went off about his impact, LA sat there taking it all in, proving that sometimes you don't even have to say a word when your legacy speaks for itself. "Ain't I" remains Yung LA's most notable record and featured former label mates, Young Dro and T.I. The track achieved platinum status by the RIAA and has experienced a resurgence thanks to TikTok. Catch Yung LA's full chat with The Baller Alert Show now on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4d3A5yanbw

Letitia James is back in the headlines with a situation that feels like a rerun but with a new twist. Federal prosecutors have quietly kicked off a fresh criminal investigation looking at financial transactions involving James and her longtime hairdresser, and the political noise around it is louder than ever. The probe is specifically focused on payments tied to James’s campaign that went to her stylist and friend, and the feds are asking questions about whether that money was reported and handled correctly under campaign finance rules. Remember, this is about campaign activity, not personal spending, and it’s still early in the process. The stylist at the center of this is somebody James has known for years, someone who did work for her campaign back in 2018. That person is now facing unrelated federal charges in another state, and that’s what brought their financial relationship into investigators’ crosshairs. This new inquiry isn’t about the stylist’s separate case, it’s about how money moved between James’s political operation and that person’s business. James has already been through multiple federal investigations that tried and failed to turn into indictments. Just months ago, a judge threw out a previous criminal case against her, and grand juries twice refused to bring new charges. Through it all, James’s legal team has framed those efforts as politically motivated attacks from the Justice Department rather than legitimate law enforcement actions. James’ defenders argue that this latest probe fits a pattern of federal scrutiny that feels more like pressure than justice. They say tying her to a stylist’s business dealings is a stretch and that politicians of all stripes use vendors and service providers during campaigns without it meaning anything unlawful. Importantly, James has not been charged in this new investigation, and there’s no indictment yet. What we’re seeing is the opening of a legal review, not a courtroom drama with filings, arraignments, and judge appearances.

Jason Lee is officially cleared after a months-long probe found no wrongdoing tied to his role in bringing a major entertainment event to Stockton, and now he is speaking just as loudly about the public narrative that followed. The Vice Mayor had been accused of abusing his power and misusing $50,000 from the City of Stockton’s risk fund connected to a “Wild ’n Out” event announced last year. Those claims sparked a formal investigation that included two closed hearings held in August and December 2025, overseen by the city and the law office of Hanson Bridgett LLC. According to legal documents posted by the Stockton City Council earlier this month, investigators reviewed whether Lee violated financial rules or should have stepped away from decisions related to the event. The committee concluded his interests were aligned with the city’s broader economic goals. Lee was investigated alongside fellow councilmember Michele Padilla. The committee determined both acted within their authority and committed no financial violations. While the report noted Lee could have recused himself once scrutiny increased, it ultimately cleared him of wrongdoing. Following the outcome, Lee turned his attention to public commentary about the case, issuing a blunt response aimed at media personality Joe Budden, who was critical of the situation. Lee wrote, “Dear @joebudden get them big lips to the mic and clear up all you had to say about me. You know nothing but sleep walking in the nude, beating women, and allegedly masturbating your dog. The way you tried gaslighting @melyssaford to speak ill of me before you replaced her was wild.” He continued, “One day you wanna squash everything the next day you got me ALL INSIDE YOUR MOUTH keeping them tonsils company. Stay in a woman’s place and keep my name out your mouth PONK. - @dontcallmeewhitegirl call me back!”   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by JASON LEE (@theonlyjasonlee) While the investigation itself cost the city $50,230, the official findings remain clear. Jason Lee was fully vindicated.

Celina Powell claims Offset is threatening her and owes her $15,000. Video The internet personality took to her Instagram and Twitter accounts on Friday, January 9, accusing the rapper of ongoing harassment tied to a financial dispute. According to Powell, the situation has escalated beyond online back and forth into something she says feels genuinely dangerous. Powell posted screenshots and messages alleging that Offset has been threatening her repeatedly while still owing her money. She also shared a recorded FaceTime call in which Offset is heard saying, “Think s**t sweet… The s**t ain’t sweet, mama.” The clip immediately started circulating as followers tried to piece together what led up to the exchange. Things turned more serious when Powell suggested she fears for her safety. In one Instagram Story, she wrote, “If ANYTHING happens to me OFFFSET did it,” followed by, “Tired of this grown man threatening me almost everyday and got me living in fear cuz he owes me 15K+.” Her wording made it clear she believes the situation has crossed a line from messy to alarming. The timing added fuel to the moment. Just a week earlier, Powell shared a video showing herself in bed with Offset, which already had social media buzzing and questioning the nature of their relationship. These new allegations reframed that clip entirely, shifting the conversation from shock to concern. Offset has not publicly responded to Powell’s claims as of now. Meanwhile, the posts continue to spark debate online about accountability, boundaries, and how quickly internet drama can turn into something much heavier when real fear is involved.

Pope Leo XIV took to social media with a striking message on human rights and the spiraling global crisis after the United States’ military action in Venezuela. In a tweet that lit up diplomatic and religious circles, the pontiff warned of a dangerous “short circuit” in how the world now treats fundamental freedoms, saying the right to life, expression, conscience, and religion were being eroded in the name of newly claimed “rights” that have lost touch with reality and truth. In the current context, we are seeing an actual “short circuit” of #HumanRights. The right to freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, religious freedom, and even the right to life are being restricted in the name of other so-called new rights, with the result that the very… — Pope Leo XIV (@Pontifex) January 9, 2026 His words came as global tensions peaked around the U.S. invasion of Venezuela, where forces captured President Nicolás Maduro during a controversial operation ordered by President Donald Trump. The pope has publicly decried the use of force over dialogue and called for respect for the Venezuelan people’s sovereignty and human rights. He has said war-driven diplomacy weakens international institutions and endangers civilians caught in conflict. At the same time, the United States is dealing with fallout from high-profile police and ICE-related shootings that have renewed debates over civil liberties and state power. While the Vatican has not issued a formal statement on those specific incidents, Leo’s tweet echoed broader concerns about the shrinking space for dissent, conscience, and religious freedom when security or national interests dominate public policy. Church diplomats and international observers say the pope’s message is meant as a moral wake-up call: when rights become untethered from shared human dignity, the fragile framework meant to protect us all starts to fail.

Trump is raising serious alarms after saying he would strip naturalized Americans of their U.S. citizenship if they “deserve” it, a statement that has immigration lawyers and immigrant communities questioning just how permanent citizenship really is under his administration. Since returning to the White House, Trump has intensified his immigration crackdown and expanded it beyond undocumented immigrants. He is now openly discussing denaturalization, a rare legal process that removes citizenship from people who were born outside the U.S. but later became Americans. His comments come as his administration continues investigations tied to fraud cases in Minnesota, where Trump has repeatedly singled out the Somali community while framing the issue as a broader threat to the country. In a recent interview, Trump said he would strip citizenship “in a heartbeat” if someone was dishonest and added that if people deserve to be stripped, he would do it. He did not explain what qualifies as deserving, nor did he clarify whether he was referring to existing legal standards or a new interpretation under his administration. That lack of clarity is what has experts most concerned. Immigration attorneys point out that under U.S. law, denaturalization is only allowed in very narrow circumstances. The government must prove that someone lied or committed fraud during the naturalization process, such as hiding a serious crime or using false information to gain citizenship. It is not a punishment for crimes committed after becoming a citizen, and it is not meant to be a political tool. Despite that, internal guidance within immigration agencies reportedly pushes for a dramatic increase in denaturalization cases in the coming years. Historically, stripping someone of citizenship has been extremely rare.

The ICE agent who fatally shot Renee Nicole Good in south Minneapolis has now been publicly identified, adding a disturbing new layer to a case that has already sparked national outrage. Video Federal court records and law enforcement sources have confirmed the officer as Jonathan Ross, a veteran deportation officer with Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations unit. Ross has reportedly served in federal immigration enforcement for more than a decade. Good, a 37-year-old poet, wife, and mother, was killed during an ICE operation when agents confronted a line of vehicles blocking a residential street. Authorities say Ross opened fire after Good’s SUV made contact with him. She was struck in the head and later pronounced dead at the hospital. As public scrutiny intensified, newly surfaced video footage from the scene has fueled further controversy. Audio circulating online appears to capture an ICE agent saying "f**king b***h" moments after the shooting while Good lay wounded inside her vehicle. While federal officials have not formally confirmed which agent made the remark, civil rights advocates say the footage reflects a troubling lack of restraint and accountability. Good’s family has strongly rejected the government’s narrative of the incident. Her mother previously described her daughter as “one of the kindest people I’ve ever known” and said she was “not part of anything like that at all,” disputing claims that Good posed a serious threat. The FBI and local prosecutors are now reviewing Ross’s actions as protests continue to grow in Minneapolis. Community leaders and legal advocates are demanding transparency, body-camera releases, and an independent investigation into whether deadly force was justified. As the case unfolds, Ross’s identification has intensified calls for federal oversight of ICE’s enforcement tactics and the use of lethal force during civil operations.