Current Events
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January 6, 2021, the United States Capitol was attacked by a mob of largely white domestic terrorists operating under the orders of Donald Trump as part of his “Stop The Steal” movement. On the fourth anniversary of the heinous attack on democracy, many on X are remembering the January 6 insurrection just as Trump is gearing up for a second term in the White House.
The events of January 6 were an example of how unchecked power in the White House could be dangerous, and how the lack of checks and balances might essentially doom our democracy. Under Trump’s guidance and fueled by misinformation and conspiracy theories from the darkest corners of the Web, the mob of Trump supporters swarmed the Capitol under the veil of misguided justice in the name of their leader.
The group, sparked by politically motivated bloodlust, was sent to attack Vice President Mike Pence for failing to block the confirmation and there were clear intentions to harm any elected official who was a perceived enemy of Trump. This mob felt ordained to carry out Trump’s justice as wayward vigilantes fighting under a false flag.
Given the level of meddling Trump engaged in on the state level regarding losing votes over what he thought would be shoo-ins for his reelection, the weaponizing of his base to enact a coup of sorts should have had its day in court before winning the election last fall. Even members of Trump’s party sought a path where the president-elect would face the facts of his actions.
However, procedural delays, political hand-wringing, and an unprecedented move by the United States Supreme Court empowered Trump and will most likely allow him and the January 6 insurrectionists to sidestep justice unscathed. The embers of hope that Trump would have his day in court were effectively snuffed out after Department of Justice Special Counsel Jack Smith filed to have felony charges against Trump dropped.
The election interference matter Trump has been accused of was marred by the typical tug-of-war of politics, with Trump supporters stating that the DOJ was on a “witch hunt” and a true denial of any sort of accountability from Trump. It is sobering that Donald Trump yet avoided penalties for his actions yet again, and the populace at large is bracing for another four years under Trump’s reign.
On X, formerly Twitter, many are remembering the January 6 insurrection attack, and the reactions are centered on the truth of what happened, not centering on any political side.
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Photo: Getty
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Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas will not face a federal investigation into violations of judicial ethics he allegedly committed.
On Thursday (Jan. 2), the U.S. Judicial Conference announced that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas will not be subject to a federal investigation of allegations that he violated ethics with past behavior. In letters sent to Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Representative Hank Johnson (D-Ga), the judicial body relayed their decision, questioning if they had the authority to make such a probe.
“Justice Thomas has filed amended financial disclosure statements that address several issues identified in your letter,” Conrad wrote, continuing: “In addition, he has agreed to follow the relevant guidance issued to other federal judges, which would include the guidance mentioned above. We have no reason to believe he has done anything less. That provides one answer to your referral request.”
The requests to investigate came from Democrats in Congress who pointed to findings from a published investigative article last April by ProPublica that showed over two dozen instances of Thomas receiving luxury gifts and trips, mostly from the billionaire and Republican sponsor Harlan Crow. These include Crow purchasing Thomas’ mother’s home and a 2019 trip to Indonesia estimated to have cost $500,000. It has been estimated that since Thomas’ 1991 confirmation, he’s accepted $4.75 million worth of gifts. Thomas had argued that the guidelines at the time didn’t demand that he disclose those gifts. Conrad also cited that a request by Whitehouse and Johnson made to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland for a special counsel impacted the conference’s decision.
The situation has caused an uproar, with many more questioning the Court and its ability to rule and deliver opinions without bias. The judicial advocacy group, Fix The Court, decried the news in a statement: “The Conference’s letters further underscore the need for Congress to create a new and transparent mechanism to investigate the justices for ethics violations since the Conference is unwilling to act upon the one method we had presumed existed to do that.”
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Source: Paras Griffin / Getty
Last week, former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and not-so-genius tech bro Elon Musk, co-chairs of President-elect Donald Trump’s new “Department of Government Efficiency,” both went on social media defending the American tech industry’s consistent hiring of foreign engineers despite the MAGA world’s seething hatred for immigrants taking “American jobs” and the fact that Musk and Ramaswamy backed Trump as he spewed xenophobic, anti-immigrant hate speech on the campaign trail throughout his campaign.
Musk tweeted, “The number of people who are super talented engineers AND super motivated in the USA is far too low” and that “there is a dire shortage of extremely talented and motivated engineers in America,” the so-called greatest country in the world. Ramaswamy co-signed Musk, tweeting: “Our American culture has venerated mediocrity over excellence for way too long (at least since the 90s and likely longer). A culture that celebrates the prom queen over the math olympiad champ, or the jock over the valedictorian, will not produce the best engineers.”
The remarks have sparked somewhat of a civil war in the MAGA world between conservatives who don’t appreciate Americans being characterized as lazy and incompetent (you know, unless those Americans are non-white male “DEI hires”) and Trump supporters who will back team Trump no matter what the president-elect or his loyal affiliates have to say.
Anyway, former CNN host Don Lemon weighed in on the controversy with a message for MAGA Republicans on both sides of the debate:
All of y’all are stupid!
“Now you’re finding out, you dumb f**king idiots,” Lemon said in the latest episode of his YouTube video series, which he launched after Musk canceled his series on X because Lemon made him look like a big, racist idiot during an interview (which only happened because Musk is a big, racist idiot.)
“Now you’re just figuring this sh*t out. You’re so f**king stupid and you deserve it. You f**king deserve it because you’re so dumb. Yes, I am gloating over your stupidity,” Lemon continued. “You have been co-opted, you’re in a f**king cult and you don’t even realize it because you have stupid MAGA brain and you don’t get it. How stupid and dumb are you?”
I mean, Lemon ain’t wrong — but damn, bro, did you have to drag them like that?
Actually, yes, yes he did.
They are, after all, just a bunch of “dumb f**king idiots.”
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Source: @WakaFlocka / Twitter
Waka Flocka Flame will be appearing at a gala hosted by Black conservatives for the second inauguration of Donald Trump, with Antonio Brown among the other featured guests.
As President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration approaches later this month, multiple events are being finalized. One of them will be the Legacy of Freedom Ball, organized by the Black Conservatives Federation, which has added Waka Flocka Flame to its lineup of guests. The federation has promised “an evening of elegance and unparalleled celebration” to honor Trump for his second presidential term. However, the addition of Waka Flocka Flame has drawn derision to the event from observers. “Embarrassing,” was the commentary from activist Deray Mckesson in a post sharing the flyer on X, formerly Twitter.
Embarrassing. pic.twitter.com/3nenAwJIdo
— deray (@deray) December 30, 2024
The other guests that have been to the gala include Brooklyn rapper Fivio Foreign, former NFL star receiver Antonio Brown, former ESPN host and sports journalist Sage Steele, former Florida Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll, and evangelist Dr. Alveda King, the niece of civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. King and Steele will serve as honorary event chairs along with two Republican members of Congress, Florida Representative Byron Donalds and Texas Representative Wesley Hunt. Noted conservative media figure Kimberly Klacik will serve as the mistress of ceremonies.
Waka Flocka’s inclusion in the event is unsurprising, considering that he’s been an avid supporter of Donald Trump publicly since early last year. The Queens-born, Atlanta-based artist even declared that if Vice President Kamala Harris had won the presidential election in November, he would leave the United States. He defended his position in a post on X, formerly Twitter, last July.
“Trump still my president. I don’t have to stand with a red hat or dance [on] stage for money in my pockets,” he continued. “[It] Didn’t push me [in] this direction. This is my choice like I choose not to eat pork, but do that make me hate pork lovers or disrespect their character…nor will I act like [it].” Waka Flocka Flame was not alone in declaring his support of Trump either on the rap front, as Fivio Foreign was present at a Trump rally last year. They join Kodak Black, who has gone on record of supporting the president-elect after receiving a pardon from him back in 2021.
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Source: Anadolu / Getty
Donald Trump falsely blamed President Joe Biden’s border policies as the spur for a terror attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Eve, hours after the tragedy.
On early Wednesday morning (January 1), a man driving a pickup truck intentionally drove into a crowd of revelers celebrating New Year’s Eve in New Orleans’ French Quarter, killing 15 and injuring 35. After crashing on Bourbon Street, the man identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar was killed in a shootout with police. Before Jabbar was recognized as an American citizen by authorities, Donald Trump declared on social media that the perpetrator was a criminal migrant who got into the country thanks to President Joe Biden’s “open border” policies, claiming on Truth Social that the “criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation identified Shamsud-Din Jabbar as a 42-year-old former U.S. Army veteran from Texas, who was discharged in 2020. The rental truck had an ISIS flag strapped to the back, and it was later revealed by sources close to the investigation that videos that Jabbar left behind showed he had originally intended to kill his family after being divorced by his wife but changed his mind, referencing several dreams where he was inspired to join the terror group.
The president-elect’s comments were stoked by other right-wing figures who took to speculating wildly online after the incident. Stephen Miller, Trump’s senior domestic policy adviser, blamed immigration overall for the attack in a post on X, formerly Twitter, writing: “Islamic terrorism is an import. It is not “homegrown.” It did not exist here before immigration brought it here.” Fox News had issued an erroneous report Wednesday morning claiming that the truck had crossed into the U.S. from Mexico two days earlier, but would later retract it.
As for Trump, despite the information that has already been published, he is doubling down, attacking President Biden and the FBI and Department of Justice. In another Truth Social post issued early Thursday morning (January 2), he wrote: “Our Country is a disaster, a laughing stock all over the World! This is what happens when you have OPEN BORDERS, with weak, ineffective, and virtually nonexistent leadership.” He’d follow that up with another post in the third person, writing: “TRUMP WAS RIGHT ABOUT EVERYTHING.”
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Source: TORBEN CHRISTENSEN / Getty / SZA
SZA doesn’t deny she got upgrades, but she is not here for folks wishing she didn’t get work done in the first place.
Monday, the singer had time for body-shaming trolls who wanted to focus more on her weight than the success of her latest album, SOS Deluxe: LANA.
A video from one of her fan pages showing the “Kill Bill” singer during the 2020 quarantine, with the caption “I miss this era so much,” sparked a discussion of the singer’s weight change.
Most of the comments were positive, but the negative always seems to stick out more when it comes to these celebs. One comment, “aka before she got big and bbl culture like,” really got her attention, explaining that negative comments like that one are the reason she got work done on her body in the first place.
“Yall say weird s–t like this and wonder why I’m different and don’t feel comfortable w yall anymore . Lol,” SZA said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
She further clarified that “I’m different” refers to her social media behavior and interaction with her fans and not changing her appearance.
Yall do realize I mean different as in I don’t go on live+ talk and don’t communicate w yall like that anymore lmao not different as in change my appearance tf 😭
— SZA (@sza) December 30, 2024
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The 35-year-old also revealed that she wasn’t happy in the 2020 video, revealing the year was tough on her following her grandmother’s passing, sending her into depression, and her not eating and working out too much.
Covid was hard … my granny had just died .. I was hella depressed n masking . Not eating. Over working out . but I always had my childhood home to n get lost . Still do . Grateful to be in a much better mental space now. ❤️ s/o to those days tho❤️
— SZA (@sza) December 30, 2024
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SZA Has Always Kept It Real About Her BBL
SZA has never been one trying to beat the bbl allegations and proudly flaunts her killer curves in her music videos and posts on social media. She did admit to getting a Brazilian butt lift in 2022 after trying to see results the old-fashioned way, but the gym didn’t work.
In an interview with British Vogue, she said she was “so mad” that she “did that s—t.”
“I gained all this weight from being immobile while recovering and trying to preserve the fat. It was just so stupid,” she continued, “But who gives a f—k? You got a BBL, you realize you didn’t need the s–t. It doesn’t matter.”
As long as SZA’s happy, we’re happy.
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Source: Anadolu / Getty
2025 isn’t even a few days old and already violence across America is making headlines, as criminals and terrorists are leaving mass destruction in their wake.
Just hours after learning that a former Army veteran turned Isis sympathizer used a truck to plow through a New Year’s crowd in New Orleans Tuesday night (Dec. 31), TMZ is reporting that a mass shooting took place in New York City Wednesday (Jan. 1). According to the report, the shooting happened during a memorial service outside of Amazura in Queens as “three or four people” opened fire on the unsuspecting victims as the service was underway. Authorities said approximately 30 shots were fired into the crowd, and 10 people were wounded as a result.
TMZ reports:
The victims were all part of a group of mostly teens — 16 to 20 years old — who were waiting outside to enter the private event inside the club.
Six females and 4 males were taken to hospitals. Authorities say none had life-threatening injuries.
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ … the mass shooting took place during a birthday memorial for a homicide victim and detectives believe the violence might be gang-related. Our sources noted there was no link to the 2 New Year’s attacks with apparent ties to terrorism in Louisiana and Nevada.
The assailants fled on foot and jumped into a car before fleeing the scene. Police believe the incident to be gang related but have yet to identify any possibly suspects.
2025 isn’t even a week old and already we have an Isis attack, a Cybertruck blowing up outside of a Trump hotel in Las Vegas, a possible bird flu pandemic on the creep, and now this.
It feels like it’s going to be a long ass year.
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Source: Roy Rochlin / Getty / Roy Wood Jr.
CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live with Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper has become a hit with viewers due to the drunk shenanigans they partake in during the show, but comedian Roy Wood Jr. wanted no part of the action.
The former Daily Show correspondent, now host of Have I Got News For You, appeared on the New Year’s Eve show alongside his co-stars Michael Ian Black and Amber Ruffin and hilariously turned down a tequila drink from Cohen.
“Oh, no!” Wood Jr. told Cohen while Black and Ruffin agreed to the tequila shot offer. “No, I don’t. The last Black man that drank on this network got fired. I’m going to keep it with water for right now. I need some stability.”
Cohen and Cooper ignored Wood Jr.’s hilarious response as the Watch What Happens Live host poured Black and Ruffin shots.
Roy Wood Jr. refused tequila shot on #CNNNYE: “The Last Black Man To Drink On This Network Got Fired” pic.twitter.com/X9DeQG5gPm
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) January 1, 2025
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We All Knew He Was Referring To Don Lemon
Wood Jr.’s well-timed joke alludes to Don Lemon’s tenure with the news network. During his 17 years with the networks, Lemon became popular for getting drunk while hosting New Year’s Eve coverage. Lemon and CNN parted ways in 2023.
“I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN. I am stunned. After 17 years at CNN I would have thought that someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly. At no time was I ever given any indication that I would not be able to continue to do the work I have loved at the network. It is clear that there are some larger issues at play,” Lemon told his followers. “With that said, I want to thank my colleagues and the many teams I have worked with for an incredible run. They are the most talented journalists in the business, and I wish them all the best.”
It sounds like CNN needs to add Roy Wood Jr. to New Year’s Eve Live show permanently.
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Mississippi Valley State University, an HBCU, is currently catching hell on social media for accepting an invite for its marching band, the Mean Green Marching Machine, to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration and launching a GoFundMe campaign to pay for the trip.
Trump’s inauguration will take place on Jan. 20, 2025, the same date that the nation will observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It turns out a lot of people, especially Black people, don’t think it’s appropriate for the marching band of a historically Black college to perform for the president who, in 2020, exclusively targetted predominately Black and Latino voting precincts in his baseless and factless election fraud propaganda campaign — especially on the holiday honoring the civil rights icon who famously fought for Black people’s right to vote.
Unfortunately, the administrators at MVSU didn’t get the memo.
Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) is catching side-eyes after accepting an invitation to march in Trump’s upcoming inaugural parade on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 20, 2025. https://t.co/q7U3oN67lt pic.twitter.com/7wpKOkV1DV
— Bossip (@Bossip) December 30, 2024
From Revolt:
“This historic invitation highlights the band’s legacy of excellence and cultural significance, showcasing the university and Mississippi’s rich heritage globally. This invitation continues MVSU’s tradition of groundbreaking national performances. In 1965, the band became the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) ensemble to march in the Tournament of Roses Parade. They returned to Pasadena in 1968 and performed in President Richard Nixon’s inaugural parade on Jan. 20, 1969. These milestones reflect the band’s enduring legacy as cultural ambassadors for Mississippi and the HBCU community.”
Dr. Jerryl Briggs, MVSU president, noted that, “This is not just a moment of pride for our university but for the entire state of Mississippi. It is an opportunity to showcase our legacy, celebrate our culture, and invest in the future leaders of our community.”
Yeah — it’s arguable that all the invitation actually “highlights” is the president-elect’s willingness to continue pandering to Black people after promising to fight racism against white people while denying the very existence of systemic racism against Black people. Trump spearheaded the propaganda-reliant attack on critical race theory, issued an executive order banning diversity training in the workplace, and promised to end all DEI programs across America. He advocated for the military to shoot Black Lives Matter protesters, and he called for the execution of the Central Park Five, whose exoneration and innocence he still refuses to acknowledge.
Perhaps the administrators at MVSU would do well to understand that Black excellence shouldn’t include taking a seat at everyone’s table, and marching for a white nationalist could easily be interpreted as sambo-esque tap-dancing with a little extra razzle-dazzle.
Needless to say, the fine folks on X are displeased. Check out some of the reactions below.
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Source: @coileray / Instagram
Coi Leray has a bun in the oven. The “Players” rapper announced that she is expecting her first child with fellow rapper Trippie Redd.
The daughter of rapper and reality TV star Benzino took to Instagram to make the announcement and set off the new year. “I’m a rock star mommy 💋🥹 we ready for 2025 🖤,” was her caption of 10 photos posted on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, that show off the petite MC’s growing baby bump. Per her IG Stories, she is about four months along—meaning a delivery day around May or June.
Also included in the flicks is the proud papa, boyfriend Trippie Redd.
Last we heard from Coi Leray, she was taking her dad to task earlier this year for his apparent defending of R. Kelly during a podcast appearance. To say their relationship is “strained” would be an understatement. Leray’s last proper album, her sophomore project Coi, was released in June 2023. Recently, Leray also shared that she just copped her second home.
Congratulations to the happy couple.