Current Events
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Source: Chip Somodevilla / Getty
Donald Trump will officially become the 47th President of the United States on Monday, January 20, but there are far better ways to spend your time than watching the convicted felon’s second inauguration. Set to officially start at noon, we have some suggestions, for the sake of your anxiety and stress levels, that will make for a far more enjoyable day than watching the Grifter in Chief reassume power,
For example, it is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a federal holiday, which means plenty of people fortunate enough to be employed might have the day off. That means folk will be home, turning on their TV’s and perhaps noting that all the major networks will be broadcasting the inauguration. While there are those curious, and pro-MAGA, readily tuning in to see who continues to kiss the ring and hear newscasters ultimately sane wash convicted felon Trump, millions of folk ain’t trying to hear or see all that.
Here’s a list of activities to keep you busy while next wave of lies, gaslighting and corruption kicks off for another four years. Just saying.
1. Get more more familiar with the late, great Martin Luther King, Jr.
Source:Getty
Martin Luther King, Jr. represents the best of what humanity has to offer, and the Civil Rights leader was instrumental in getting the the Civil Rights Act of 1964. But in 2025, many on the far right would dismiss him as “woke,” which is now often a replacement for the n-word on the lips of those who seek a thinly veiled alternative to the slur. Today would be a good time to study up on the full spectrum of Dr. King’s vision, and how close we or have not come to achieving it. Start at the King Center, and go down the rabbit hole.
2. Watch NBA on MLK Day Games
Source:Getty
Speaking of, the NBA on MLK Day schedule of games, with an emphasis on honoring Dr. King’s legacy, has become a proper event over the years. 2025’s lineup features eight games of NBA action including the Wolves vs. Grizzlies at 2:30 pm ET and the Celtics vs. Warriors at 5 pm ET, both on TNT. Kicking off at noon, same as the inauguration (hint, hint) are the Mavs vs. Hornets, if you have NBA TV.
3. Let’s Organize
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Spring cleaning does not have to wait until the Spring. It has been exhaustively reported that decluttering and organizing your home or office space all kinds of mental health benefits to aid any anxiety, stress and generally boost your mood. And you don’t even need to take any drugs to [loses signal.
4. Watch ‘The Twilight Zone’ on streamers
Source:Getty
Watching The Twilight Zone marathon is a staple of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. It just hits different at the top of the year considering the series is readily available on Prime Video (Seasons 1 – 5), Pluto and other streaming services. And if the black and white OG version is a little too vanilla—Jordan Peele’s update, which was only a short-lived two seasons, it well worth a binge watch (also on Prime).
5. Log Off
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Contrary to popular believe, the world will not end if you don’t check in your various social media timelines (Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, Spill…you’re off Xitter, right, soon?). Of course, this does not mean, for example, to go AWOL from the job that pays, to fail to feed your children or other such examples of handling your business and responsibilities. But it’s safe bet the world will go on if you simply log off for a spell, trust.
6. Listen to Black women.
Source:Getty
Hey, if Michelle Obama can skip the inauguration, so can you.
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Source: Jeff Kravitz / Getty / Rick Ross / Snoop Dogg
Welp, it looks like everyone is kissing Trump’s ring. Snoop Dogg, a one-time staunch critic of Donald Trump, along with Rick Ross, Soulja Boy, and Nelly, is feeling the wrath of social media after performing at Trump inauguration events.
All money isn’t good money, especially if it’s coming from Donald Trump, but that didn’t stop some of Hip-Hop’s biggest acts from performing at Orange Mussolini’s inauguration events.
According to CBS News, things got interesting when it was revealed that Nelly, 50, would perform at one of Trump’s three official inaugural balls.
The “Hot In Herre” crafter will take the stage at the Inaugural Liberty Ball on Monday. Ashanti’s baby daddy isn’t the only big-name artist selling their soul to perform for Trump and his MAGA minions. Country music superstar Carrie Underwood will perform “America the Beautiful” to kick off the convicted felon’s swearing-in ceremony, while opera singer Christopher Macchio will perform the national anthem.
The Village People will also be performing their hit record, “Y.M.C.A,” the song that Trump does his stupid a** dance to at his rallies.
As expected, the announcement of Nelly partaking in the celebrating of America’s downfall didn’t hit well with fans, particularly Black folks, who Trump is no fan of.
Nelly will receive the Chrisette Michelle treatment (when she performed at the Bum’s first inauguration back in 2017).
That’s the truth. https://t.co/wun5wMSbEV pic.twitter.com/7e1l8YRzDm
— The Chanteezy Is Real ♉️💛🪷 (@iamchanteezy) January 18, 2025
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But things really took a turn when social media found out that Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross, and Soulja Boy performed at Crytpo Ball celebrating Trump’s victory.
It’s time to throw @SnoopDogg in the dumpster with the rest of Trump’s white supremacist, insurrectionist allies. pic.twitter.com/tuWbhIxCWV
— 𝕂𝔼𝕄𝔼𝕀𝕌ℕ 🪷 ℝ𝔼𝕏 (@yourlittldogtwo) January 18, 2025
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Rick Ross, we see you too. pic.twitter.com/Bo8rdu3gUG
— mistergeezy.bksy.social (@mistergeezy) January 18, 2025
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🚨HOLY COW: Rap icon Soulja Boy is currently performing on stage at a Trump Inaugural Ball in DC! pic.twitter.com/Ppvg3zQHqq
— Bo Loudon (@BoLoudon) January 18, 2025
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Social Media Is Telling Them to Keep The Same Energy They Had For Chrisette Michele For Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross, Soulja Boy & Nelly
Immediately, users on X, formerly Twitter, didn’t waste time mentioning Chrisette Michele’s name. The R&B singer caught hell for singing Trump’s first inaugural ball.
Y’all gave Chrisette Michelle hell for performing at Trump’s first inauguration; I hope to see the same energy for Snoop Dogg, Nelly, and Rick Ross. pic.twitter.com/fjLZGgwail
— B E A N Z The Gamer Dad(beanzgotgamez.bsky.social) (@BeanzGotGamez) January 18, 2025
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In an interview with Terrell three years ago, Michele said performing at Donald Trump’s inauguration “was the wrong thing to do.”
Well, we shall see if Black folks are really bout it and hold Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross, Soulja Boy, and Nelly’s feet to the fire just like they did to Chrisette Michele.
Based on the reactions, they are letting the Hip-Hop superstars know that Trumpin is cool.
You can see those reactions in the gallery below.
1. Nelly should be ashamed oh himself
2. Clearly they needed the funds
3. 2025 is off to a wild start
4. Suckers
5. Damn not Ashanti
8. MLK is rolling in his grave
9. Probably not
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a ban on red dye No. 3, a popular food additive used in food, drinks, and some drugs. The FDA established decades ago that red dye No. 3 had links to certain types of cancer and will no longer be used in the United States.
The FDA issued a constituent update this past Wednesday (Jan. 15) stating the agency’s decision to ban the use of the food additive, citing the “Delaney Clause” from the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act).
From the FDA:
The FDA is revoking the authorization for the use of FD&C Red No. 3 as a matter of law, based on the Delaney Clause of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). The FDA is amending its color additive regulations to no longer allow for the use of FD&C Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs in response to a 2022 color additive petition. The petition requested the agency review whether the Delaney Clause applied and cited, among other data and information, two studies that showed cancer in laboratory male rats exposed to high levels of FD&C Red No. 3 due to a rat specific hormonal mechanism. The way that FD&C Red No. 3 causes cancer in male rats does not occur in humans. Relevant exposure levels to FD&C Red No. 3 for humans are typically much lower than those that cause the effects shown in male rats. Studies in other animals and in humans did not show these effects; claims that the use of FD&C Red No. 3 in food and in ingested drugs puts people at risk are not supported by the available scientific information.
The Delaney Clause, enacted in 1960 as part of the Color Additives Amendment to the FD&C Act, prohibits FDA authorization of a food additive or color additive if it has been found to induce cancer in humans or animals. This is not the first time the agency revoked an authorization based on the Delaney Clause. For example, in 2018, the FDA revoked the authorization for certain synthetic flavors based on the Delaney Clause in response to a food additive petition.
Red dye No. 3 is a synthetic food dye derived from petroleum and erythrosine is its true chemical name. The dye isn’t used as widely as other dyes but appears in candies, cakes, cookies, frozen desserts, and ingested drugs. Food manufacturers will have until January 15, 2027, to eliminate the dye from their products. Comparatively, drug companies have until January 18, 2028, to do the same.
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Photo: Getty
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New York City Mayor Eric Adams was set to meet with Donald Trump in Florida, with many claiming he’s after a federal pardon.
A spokesperson for embattled New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that he would be meeting with President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on Thursday evening (January 16). “Mayor Adams has made quite clear his willingness to work with President-elect Trump and his incoming administration on behalf of New Yorkers — and that partnership with the federal government is critical to New York City’s success,” City Hall spokesman Fabian Levy said in an email. “The mayor looks forward to having a productive conversation with the incoming president on how we can move our city and country forward.”
The Democratic mayor’s meeting with Trump wasn’t on his public schedule for Friday (January 17) until early morning. The meeting is set for 1 P.M., where Adams said that the two will discuss “New Yorkers’ priorities”. The city will be funding the trip according to City Hall. Adams is the latest Democratic politician to meet with the president-elect; Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman recently visited Trump at Mar-a-Lago.
Adams’ visit comes months before he is to stand trial after being indicted on federal charges of wire fraud, bribery, and accepting illegal campaign contributions from foreign nationals. Adams was accused of pressuring the New York City Fire Department to approve a new high-rise building for the Turkish Consulate despite prominent safety issues with the construction. He also allegedly accepted over $100,000 in luxury travel, including hotel accommodations from Turkey and other nations. Trump has been publicly sympathetic to Adams, even hinting that he could pardon him after beginning his second term in the White House. Adams has also stated that he was interested in attending the inauguration next Monday in Washington, D.C.
The visit has drawn numerous critics, who see it as another brazen ploy to obtain a federal pardon. “Eric Adams should state immediately that he will not seek or accept a pardon from Donald Trump,” Brad Lander, the New York City comptroller, said to the New York Times. “New Yorkers deserve to know that their mayor is putting their interests ahead of his own.” Others such as Rolling Stone contributor Noah Shachtman took a more sarcastic tone. “It’s such a relief to know that the mayor is spending every waking moment looking out for the people of New York,” he wrote in a post on BlueSky.
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Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire deal that would end over a year’s worth of conflict in the Gaza region this coming weekend.
On Wednesday (Jan. 15), President Joe Biden, accompanied by Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, announced that Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal. The truce is set to put an end to 15 months of hellish bombing and fighting in the Gaza Strip, which has killed thousands in the region and reshaped the scope of the Middle East. The deal is contingent upon Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu receiving the approval of the terms from his full Cabinet and security Cabinet. Representatives for Hamas have agreed to the terms. The news was met with jubilation in Gaza. “Praise God, this tragedy is over,” Gaza City resident Mohammad Fares said when interviewed. “We’re all overcome with joy.”
The ceasefire deal, which is set to go into effect Sunday (Jan. 19), has three proposed phases beginning with a six-week period where Hamas is expected to release 33 of the 96 remaining hostages it captured after its attack in Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023. At least 34 hostages from the 250 who were taken have been confirmed or believed to have been killed. Israel is expected to release Palestinian hostages for every hostage returned in addition to allowing scores of humanitarian aid into the Gaza region. State Department spokesperson Matt Miller said a “massive infusion of trucks” is expected to enter once the ceasefire begins. The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen said that Europe would send $123 million in aid to support those displaced. Palestinians displaced from northern Gaza during the bombing will be allowed to return to the area.
Negotiations for the terms of the second phase are set to take place on the 16th day of the first phase of the ceasefire, with the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt continuing to serve as mediators. On Thursday, Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Hamas added “last-minute updates” to the deal, which amounted to reneging on the original terms. Hamas has denied any changes. Observers note that Netanyahu’s stance may be to maintain his fragile coalition, including far-right parties who want to keep fighting Hamas. In the interim, Israel has continued to conduct airstrikes on the region, with the Gaza Health Ministry claiming that over 80 lives were lost in the last 24 hours.
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President Joe Biden will be vacating the White House after serving four years along with his decades of public service, some of which has garnered its fair share of criticism. In his outgoing address, President Joe Biden warned of an oligarchy taking form in Washington and framed the changing landscape of content moderation in social media as a danger to democracy.
In the 17-minute farewell address, President Joe Biden was stern in his delivery as he thanked the American people before taking aim at the formation of what Biden feels is an influential core of Big Tech leaders such as Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk inserting themselves in opposition of democracy.
“Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy, our basic rights and freedoms, and a fair shot for everyone to get ahead,” Biden said.
President Biden didn’t explicitly name Zuckerberg or Musk by name but it is little secret that the pair’s recently affirmed proximity to President-elect Donald Trump is questionable considering the influence the pair wield in both wealth and across social media. Further, Meta, helmed by Zuckerberg, is adopting a new policy that does away with content moderation and instead will adopt the community notes feature from X.
Further in the address, Biden suggested that Supreme Court justices serve an 18-year term limit instead of the lifetime appointments of today. He also made slight mention of Trump’s 34-county felony convictions although he won’t face any time.
President Joe Biden’s farewell address can be viewed below.
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Photo: Getty
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Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty
D-Nice and will.i.am are teaming up to host a live stream concert that will benefit victims of the wildfires plaguing the Los Angeles area.
On Wednesday (January 15), will.i.am and D-Nice announced an event to help all of those affected by the wildfires that have been prevalent in Los Angeles, California for the past week and a half. The L.A. Check In, modeled after D-Nice’s popular Club Quarantine events, will feature sets from D-Nice and DJ Hed as well as appearances from surprise celebrity guests and famous hometown heroes. Viewers will be able to get information on places to donate to relief efforts, as well as to get updates on resources that are needed for victims.
The L.A. Check In is also organized by actor and philanthropist Etienne Maurice, the Annenberg Foundation, and will.i.am’s Angel Foundation. “Families and students across the city urgently need our support as many lives have been disrupted, including losing everything in the fires,” the Black Eyed Peas’ co-founder said in the press release announcing the live stream. “Teaming up with fellow musicians and the Annenberg Foundation for fire relief is what the community needs right now to connect us and activate those who wish to donate and volunteer.”
“Club Quarantine was a way for people to find community all over the world through love of music and culture,” D-Nice said in the press statement. “The music I played at that time was secondary to what was really happening, which were the conversations and connections that people were having. L.A. Check In will leverage Los Angeles’ star power while reminding one another of the resilience we build and have in each other.” The event will be broadcast live on Thursday (January 16) at 6 P.M. Pacific Time from will.i.am’s FYI Campus, with viewers being able to tune in through his YouTube page and D-Nice’s Instagram page.
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Source: Gilbert Carrasquillo / Getty / Lil Kim
Lil Kim meant well with her prayers in an attempt to offer support to those impacted by LA wildfires, but praying for another natural disaster to help deal with the current didn’t land well on social media.
The Brooklyn rapper came under fire after she posted a prayer of support on her Instagram Stories, asking for a miracle—a monsoon—to help douse the flames currently wreaking havoc across Los Angeles.
“I’ve Been sending strong prayers up for LA and everyone affected by the fires. “
“This is heartbreaking. I pray to Jesus that God make [sic] it monsoon in LA.”
A monsoon is “a periodic wind especially in the Indian Ocean and southern Asia,” per dictionary.com.
Monsoons are nothing to wish or pray for; they cause extensive damage, such as flooding and water damage, wash away crops, destroy water, and cause hygiene issues.
Hilariously the post is still up, but she damn sure turned the comments off.
That didn’t stop people from reacting to her praying for a monsoon.
“So they can add Landslides & Mudslides to the mix? Nah,” one person on X, formerly Twitter, wrote.
Others sympathized with the “Crush On You” crafter but still wished she hadn’t hit the post button.
“God knows we means, but I just wish she didn’t post this shit. There are some things that just gotta be sacred,” another user on X wrote.
Lil Kim Responds To The Criticism
Lil Kim has since responded to criticism for her post and clarified she meant rain, but for whatever reason, is still pushing for a monsoon, which would be worse than a rainy day.
“What’s happening is devastating and what LA really needs right now is rain—so what’s the issue? Doesn’t everyone understand that a monsoon is heavy rain? I’m so happy to see that everyone is staying so positive during such a tragic situation. Let’s keep praying and supporting everyone that has been affected by this,” Kim wrote on X.
She didn’t help her because she added a screenshot of the definition of a monsoon thinking it would quiet the haters.
For anyone that’s confused. Any questions? pic.twitter.com/S7yXDeTQxV
— Lil’ Kim (@LilKim) January 16, 2025
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Spoiler alert: it only made things worse.
Doubling down is crazy https://t.co/cEit0s2u6q
— Meeka Meanz (@datassholemeeka) January 16, 2025
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We are sure she meant send rain, but lord, she should have someone proofread that joint before posting it.
You can see more reactions in the gallery below.
1. Pretty much
4. It definitely is not the best answer
8. Y’all out of pocket
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Source: Muhammad Farhad / Getty
With a new strain of norovirus afflicting more people nationwide, we take a look at its effects and how to prevent yourself from it.
The viral stomach bug commonly known as norovirus is raging, as the Centers for Disease Control published its findings about the wave of cases Monday (Jan. 13). In tests performed over the New Year’s holiday nationwide, 28% came back positive, which is double the result for the number of tests for the virus that were performed last March. In New York City alone, 1,264 cases were reported in December – less than 500 cases were reported to the city’s Department of Health in the last two years. Cases have notably been higher in the Northeast and Midwest regions, according to sewer sampling reports from WaterWasteSCAN.
Experts cite a new strain, GII.17, which has demonstrated an ability to evade immunity, as part of what’s fueling this rise. Seven out of 10 cases are currently linked to it, per the CDC. The virus can be spread through contact with someone else who’s infected or through eating contaminated food or touching contaminated surfaces. Norovirus normally surges during the winter, and those who are afflicted with it are contagious for up to two weeks afterward.
For those who come down with norovirus, more often than not they wouldn’t need professional medical attention unless they have a high fever, severe abdominal pain that lasts more than three days, and feeling as if they’ll lose consciousness. Treatment includes constant hydration, especially for at-risk segments of the population. “That’s especially true for young kids and elderly people because in those people, fluid shifts and dehydration can be a lot more dangerous than for a 30-year-old with no medical problems,” said NYU Langone Health gastroenterologist Dr. Rabia De Latour when interviewed.
According to Dr. Jessica Justman, an epidemiologist at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, those working in environments where it can be more prevalent should be extra cautious. The CDC has recommended a solution of bleach and water to disinfect surfaces along with soap and hot water. They also recommend thoroughly washing one’s hands with soap and water and avoiding eating raw shellfish such as oysters in addition to thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables.
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Source: JIM WATSON / Getty / Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama wants no part of the sh*t show, aka Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, and social media doesn’t blame her for saying nah to the moment.
Spotted on Raw Story, Michelle Obama will not be joining her husband, Barack Obama, at the Trump inauguration, her office announced without giving a reason.
A statement from the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama announced that “Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. “Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration.”
The announcement sparked immediate reactions from both sides. Those who supported our Forever First Lady applauded her on social media for not being in attendance.
Many brought up the apparent tension between Obama and Donald Trump, who said violent things about Ms. Obama during the 2024 presidential campaign.
“Michelle Obama is doing the right thing! In 2025.. who cares about the optics. Standing on principles should be commended. The people concerned about her not attending should be more critical and laser focused on the incoming felon assuming the presidency,” one post on X, formerly Twitter, wrote.
“I love Michelle Obama forever,” MSNBC host Joy-Ann Reid proudly said on BlueSky.
Singer Ricky Davila said on X, “Forever First Lady Michelle Obama will be skipping the dictator coronation on January 20th. Good, she seems to be the only one who clearly understands the assignment.”
X Reminds MAGA Folks Mad At Michelle Obama That Donald Trump Skipped Biden’s Inauguration
Those on the right are BIG MAD that Ms. Obama isn’t going to Trump’s inauguration, but they were quickly reminded that Orange Mussolini didn’t even bother to show up to President Biden’s because he was so bitter America fired him in 2020.
trump skipped biden inauguration why we flipping out that michelle obama doing the same.. pic.twitter.com/dJJXLK8ejt
— maniyah renae (@crzy4kamala) January 14, 2025
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Welp.
We understand if you won’t be tuning in to see Trump lie as he takes the oath of office.
You can see more reactions in the gallery below.
1. Michelle Obama’s energy is what we’re on for the next 4 years
2. Required watching
3. Black women are fed up
5. EXACTLY
10. NO SIR