Former radio host MuthaKnows inspired his followers by sharing his incredible 105-pound weight loss journey. In a post on X on Monday, @RealMuthaKnows wrote:
“As we dive into 2026, I’m thrilled to share my incredible 105-pound weight loss odyssey, morphing from 287 pounds to a sleek 182 pounds. For personalized advice, hit up DrB at 2157226022, drop the magic words Muthaknows, and let’s get this health party started on the right foot.”
He shared photos of his weight-loss journey which began when he tipped the scales at 287 pounds. Now he’s down to 182 pounds and still losing weight.
In another post on X, Mutha wrote: “Good morning and HNYE. I am completing my final workout of the year with determination to finish strong.”
MuthaKnows said he lost weight by following the advice of Dr. B at Avellina Aesthetics. “I’ve dropped 95lbs this year with her expert guidance, she’s the real MVP, mention Muthaknows for that sweet discount! @avellina_aesthetics @jacentoldme.”
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In a video on X, MuthaKnows said he started his weight loss journey when he turned 50 years old. He said he committed to losing 50 pounds by October 2025. “And by the grace of God and Dr. B, I did it!”
MuthaKnows is a former radio host of “The Rise and Grind Morning Show” on Power99 (WUSL Philadelphia).
He departed the show, along with his cohost Mikey Dredd, in October.
“[A]fter 14.5 years of faithful service. Well, I guess that’s a wrap for Muthaknows on Power99. On the bright side, God’s got my back, and I’m stoked to see what’s next. Big thanks to all the awesome listeners and supporters who’ve had my back all these years,” he wrote on Instagram.
MuthaKnows unfollowed everyone (including me) on X after departing his radio show last year.
Felicia “Snoop” Pearson is embracing Christianity after going through baptism in DeKalb County, Georgia. The actress, best known for her role in HBO’s “The Wire”, was baptized by Pastor Jamal Bryant at his New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest.
The 45-year-old actress shared an undated image from her baptism on her Instagram page on January 3.
Former cast members of “The Wire” showed support for their former costar in the comments.
Actor Julito McCullum commented, “Hell lost another one! Let’s go sis! So happy for you!”
Actress Sonja Sohn wrote, “Amen sis. i see our bro Michael K Upstairs… wwerrrrking. So happy for u.”
Actor Trey Chaney, who played “Poot” on the series, wrote: “Love this! Love you Snoop @bmoresnoop praise GOD.”
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Felicia is a stud lesbian who turned her life around following her star turn on The Wire.
Born and raised in Baltimore, Felicia grew up in foster care and barely knew her biological parents, who were drug addicts.
At age 14, Felicia was convicted of second-degree murder after fatally shooting a girl. After serving more than six years at the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women, she earned her GED and was released in 2000.
A chance meeting with the late actor Michael K. Williams at a Baltimore club changed her life. Michael, who played “Omar Little” on The Wire, introduced her to series’ producers. She soon landed the role as “Snoop,” a ruthless enforcer for Baltimore drug dealer “Marlo Stanfield” (played by actor Jamie Hector).
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After the series ended on March 9, 2008, Felicia appeared in music videos like Rick Ross’ “The Boss” and ASAP Ferg’s “Shabba.” She also appeared on the VH1 reality series “Love & Hip Hop: New York” from 2016–2018 and on BET’s “American Gangster: Trap Queens”.
Mild-mannered comedian and actor Nick Darnell signed off as the Grinch after stealing Christmas and the Internet over the holidays.
Nick, a longtime Grinch impersonator, became the hottest attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood in California this Christmas.
Fans visiting Universal Studios Hollywood have never seen a twerking Grinch before. Nick does it all with lots of humor.
“[Santa]’s supposed to be mysterious and unknown,” said Nick’s fiancee JadaPaige. “He’s supposed to just come in the night and you’re never supposed to see him.”
Fans lined up to see Nick’s Grinch at Universal Studios. His videos went viral and he became an overnight sensation on X and Instagram.
I pray Nick Darnell is doing well and universal is paying him well he the best grinch ever pic.twitter.com/xt2ynw9Bjb
Nick draws inspiration from comedic actor Jim Carrey (“In Living Color”), who played the Grinch in Universal Studios 2000 live-action film.
“I fell in love with Jim Carrey for the physicalness of it all,” he said. “I’m the chocolate Jim Carrey.”
“When I was younger, I looked at him as a godly figure. I was like, ‘There’s no way I would reach that level.’ Then, as I got older and just kept on impressions. It did feel like a calling. So I would coin the phrase: ‘I’m the chocolate Jim Carrey.’ Like, I am coming.”
“I grew up obsessed with Santa Claus — I did not grow up obsessed with the Grinch,” Nick explained. “I was the kid waiting up in the middle of the night, peeking, wondering if Santa’s down there. A lot of modern day kids aren’t having that journey.”
“Santa is looked at more like a godly figure, while the Grinch is a more everyday man,” Nick continues. “The world is so sinister and negative. [The Grinch] tells you how it is, rather than telling you everything is going to be fine.”
The God-fearing actor doesn’t want to be typecast as the evil Grinch. That’s why he made the Grinch funny and lovable.
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“I do not ever want to represent a very negative person,” he said. “Even Chris Tucker has crazy characters… I try not to curse… I try not to wear anything too revealing. I just want to be a clean performer.”
Grinch costumes sold out in stores across Los Angeles. The furry green character accounted for nearly half of the Christmas rentals at Etoile Costume & Party Center in Tarzana, California.
“It’s about equal to Santa,” one employee said. “Maybe 40% Grinch and the rest Santa.
Watch compilation videos of Nick Darnell’s Grinch below.
The Black guy playing the Grinch, Nick Darnell, has had me cracking up all season. Aint nobody even thinking about Santa ?Black ppl just make everything so fun pic.twitter.com/F1ppEgVFie
One thing I appreciate about Black people is our ability to elevate anything. Nick Darnell is doing a fantastic job playing The Grinch at Disney. “ Your granny made this”?? pic.twitter.com/CAVn7POOUG
Maduro, 63, and Flores, 69, were captured during a raid as they tried to escape into a safe room at their Caracas residence.
Maduro rose from a former union bus driver in a working-class Caracas neighborhood to Venezuelan president.
Was it legal for the U.S. to capture Maduro?
Expert opinions differ on the subject. Some say it wasn’t legal, but others say it is legal under International law.
In America, only Congress has the authority to declare war on another country. Congress is not in session and did not authorize a strike against Venezuela.
Article Two Powers of the U.S. Constitution
Article II in the U.S. Constitution states that a U.S. President is the Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy.
Every President in U.S. history, including President Barack Obama, has used these powers to justify military strikes.
President Trump didn’t declare war on Venezuela, so Congressional approval wasn’t required.
The White House said: “Nicolas Maduro had his chance — until he didn’t. The Trump Admin will always defend American citizens against all threats, foreign and domestic.”
Nicolas Maduro had his chance — until he didn’t.
The Trump Admin will always defend American citizens against all threats, foreign and domestic. ??? pic.twitter.com/eov3GbBXf4
Maduro and Flores were flown to New York City on Saturday night. He was processed at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, the same facility where Sean “Diddy” Combs was held and where UnitedHealthcare CEO killer Luigi Mangioni is currently being held.
BREAKING: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro arrived in New York after he and his wife were captured during a U.S. strike on Venezuela. Maduro is now expected to take a helicopter to New York City, accompanied by the DEA. He will then head by motorcade to a location in New York City for processing before he's held in jail, sources said.
American politicians, celebrities, and news media reacted to the news with a mix of criticism, outrage and disbelief.
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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries previously called Maduro “a dictator who has oppressed the Venezuelan people for years.” But Jeffries was critical of Trump on Sunday.
“It remains to be seen whether the Venezuelan people are gonna be better off. Donald Trump claims that he’s gonna run Venezuela. He’s done a terrible job running the United States of America,” Jeffries told NBC News.
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Actress Mia Farrow (“Rosemary’s Baby”) wrote on Bluesky:
“Maduro was a corrupt leader. But Trump does not have the right to ‘run’ Venezuela – a serious violation of international law. He does not have the right to take our country into war. 60% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. Trump should address the needs of the American people.”
“We have to bring [Maduro] to justice… We have lost millions of American lives because of the drug trafficking that they have perpetuated on our people.”
The NY Times called Trump’s invasion of Venezuela “Illegal and Unwise.”
illustration, NY Times
In January 2025, the Biden administration offered a $25 million reward for information leading to Maduro’s capture after he assumed a third term in office despite losing the election.
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On Sunday, former Vice President Kamala Harris wrote on X:
“Donald Trump’s actions in Venezuela do not make America safer, stronger, or more affordable. That Maduro is a brutal, illegitimate dictator does not change the fact that this action was both unlawful and unwise.”
Donald Trump’s actions in Venezuela do not make America safer, stronger, or more affordable.
That Maduro is a brutal, illegitimate dictator does not change the fact that this action was both unlawful and unwise. We’ve seen this movie before. Wars for regime change or oil that…
“In the Biden Administration, they had a $25 million reward for [Maduro’s] capture — so we have a reward for his capture but we’re not going to enforce it? That’s the difference between President Trump and everybody else… President Trump did something about it.”
“The actual Venezuelan people, the ones who lived under Maduro’s boot, a whole lot of them are celebrating. But you, sitting on your couch, eating your DoorDash, are pissed off.”
"The actual Venezuelan people, the ones who lived under Maduro's boot, a whole lot of them are celebrating."
"But you, sitting on your couch, eating your DoorDash, are pissed off."
"Last week you were mad at Nick Shirley for exposing corruption, this week you are mad about an… pic.twitter.com/QkS8rvBF4g
SNAP recipients are no longer allowed to use their benefits to purchase candy, junk food, or sodas. The ban went into effect in 5 states on January 1, 2026.
People living in Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah, and West Virginia will not be allowed to purchase junk food including candy, potato chips, cakes, processed snacks, sweetened juices and soft drinks.
These states are the first of 18 states that will ban junk food purchases using SNAP benefits.
GeorgeRudy/iStock / Getty Images Plus
The ban is part of a push by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to eliminate unhealthy foods from the diets of those who receive federal SNAP benefits.
“We cannot continue a system that forces taxpayers to fund programs that make people sick and then pay a second time to treat the illnesses those very programs help create,” Kennedy said in a statement in December.
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Statistics show diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity rates increased among those who eat unhealthy diets.
Disease and illnesses related to poor diets cost the federal government billions of dollars in Medicare and Medicaid payments.
Kennedy, who is not a licensed doctor, says the ban will help reduce chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes associated with sweetened drinks and foods.
But critics argue the federal government shouldn’t police the food people eat.
“Broadening restrictions essentially tells these families they can’t be trusted to make their own food choices, which is both demeaning and, according to the evidence, ineffective at improving nutrition behaviors,” said Kate Bauer, associate professor of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, in a statement. “We all deserve dignity.”
The ban will last until 2028. States have the option to extend the ban for another three years.
Social media users were stunned by 59-year-old Michael Irvin’s fit body in a viral video after the University of Miami upset Ohio State 24-14 in the Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Eve.
The win sends the Miami Hurricanes to the College Football Playoff semifinals game against Ole Miss in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl on Thursday, Jan. 8.
After Miami’s big upset over No. 2 ranked Ohio State, Irvin sprinted across the sideline, unbuckled his belt and repeatedly whipped a Gatorade jug.
His over-the-top celebration quickly went viral on social media.
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Irvin called his celebration “BTA” or “belt to ass,” a phrase popularized by street gangs in Chicago and Atlanta.
Gang members strip their opps down to their underwear and whip them with belts. Then they post the videos online.
Some single moms in Chicago send their sons to gang members for BTA discipline after the boys misbehave at home.
Football fans say it’s troubling that a grown man incorporates gang behavior into his “celebrations” and wears his hair in twists like the YNs he idolizes.
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Irvin will turn 60 on March 5, 2026.
He led the Miami Hurricanes to the 1987 National championship. Irvin was selected in the first round of the 1988 NFL draft by the Dallas Cowboys. He is a 3× Super Bowl champion.
Watch the video below.
Whatever else you wanna speculate about, 59-year-old Michael Irvin is in incredible shape
Former “America’s Got Talent” violinist Brian King Joseph is suing actor, rapper Will Smith for “grooming” and harassing him during his tour late last year.
In court documents obtained by Newsweek, Joseph, 32, accused Smith, 57, of grooming him, wrongful termination and harassment.
Joseph said his termination caused emotional distress and economic loss.
Joseph was hired as tour violinist during Smith’s “Based on a True Story: 2025” tour from June 25, 2025 to September 2, 2025.
The musician filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles, California on Tuesday, Dec. 30.
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Joseph claims that Smith fired him a few days after he reported a bizarre message and personal belongings left in his hotel room.
During the tour, Joseph said he returned to his hotel room to find someone had left personal belongings and a handwritten note containing a s*xual message in his room.
“The evidence included a handwritten note addressed to Plaintiff by name, which read ‘Brian, I’ll be back no later [sic] 5:30, just us (drawn heart), Stone F.”
Among the personal belongings were wet wipes, a beer bottle, a red backpack, a bottle of HIV medication with an unknown individual’s name on the label, an earring, and hospital discharge paperwork with an unknown name on it.
Joseph said he reported the incident to hotel security and tour management, but he was accused of lying.
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Jonathan J. Delshad, an attorney who represents Joseph, said his client “feared that an unknown individual would soon return to his room to engage in s*xual acts” with him.
Delshad claims Smith was “grooming and priming” Joseph for “further s*xual exploitation” since they met in November 2024.
Delshad alleged that Smith told Joseph, “You and I have such a special connection, that I don’t have with anyone else.” Mr. Delshad alleges Smith also used “other similar expressions indicating his closeness to Plaintiff.”
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The lawyer claims Joseph’s firing led to a serious decline in his mental health, including “major physiological damage.”
Additionally, he claimed his client “suffered from PTSD and other mental illness as a result of the termination.”
“My client Brian King Joseph is a former America’s Got Talent star violinist who was hired by Will Smith to go on tour with Smith for his new album.
Joseph is asking the court for undisclosed punitive damages as well as reasonable attorneys’ fees, expert witness fees, and other litigation expenses.
Paul Morigi/WireImage
Smith’s attorney, Allen B. Grodsky, denied the accusations in a statement sent to Newsweek: “Mr. Joseph’s allegations concerning my client are false, baseless, and reckless.”
He added, “They are categorically denied, and we will use all legal means available to address these claims and to ensure that the truth is brought to light.”
Social media users nitpicked the fancy stretch mesh gown worn by New Birth Missionary Baptist Church first lady, Dr. Karisha “Karri” Turner.
The lingerie-style frock looked great on Karrisha, but Instagram users were surprised that she wore it out of the house.
Pastor Bryant addressed the controversy from the pulpit during the megachurch’s New Year’s Eve service on Wednesday. He defended his wife’s decision to wear the dress that he bought and approved for the gala.
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“Wear your dress, Karisha,” Pastor Bryant said, as he shut down all criticism of his curvaceous wife’s attire.
“I needed to get this straight, I needed to deal with it head on, because the other day the Internet went crazy about a dress my wife had on,” he said.
“Now they didn’t say anything about the 4 million dollars that was raised for the United Negro College Fund. They never mentioned that she prayed until Heaven came down. They never said anything about this was the largest fundraiser for … HBCUs in the country,” he continued.
Bryant called the fashion critics “insecure, jealous, petty, small-minded” people who need to mind their own business. The congregation cheered and applauded Bryant for defending his wife’s honor.
He added: “People got in their feelings and set up a false barometer of Holiness based off of a dress. Now you’ve gotta help some people because some people have embraced the full knowledge of ignorance without any assistance for understanding.”
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Bryant clarified that Karisha’s dress was not see-through, “the dress was flesh color. But because you ain’t never been nowhere and ain’t never been exposed to nothing – I needed to set the record straight. Y’all don’t like this. I need to set the record straight: I bought the dress and I like it. I don’t care whether y’all like it or not. She ain’t married to y’all, she married to me!”
Church members leaped to their feet yelling “Amen!” and sanctifying the pastor’s words.
Karisha commented under an Instagram video of their big night out.
“My honey and I had a blast last night doing what we both love, celebrating and giving back to HBCU’s! Nobody does this better than @uncfatlanta [applaud emojis]. The 2026 Mayor’s Masked Ball was one for the books and The Bryant’s were thrilled to be apart of it! P.S. Baby I couldn’t breathe lol but the dress and I made it through.”
However, social media critics pointed to the verse 1 Timothy 2:9–10 in the Bible, which instructs women to dress modestly, with decency.
1 Timothy 2:9-10
King James Version: “I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”
Comedian Godfrey slammed Black audiences who age-shame Black artists like Beyoncé, 44, and Monica Arnold, 45.
Godfrey spoke out after seeing comments on social media like “Beyoncé looks old.”
Kym Illman/Getty Images
He said Beyoncé deserves the highest level of respect because she’s earned it after decades of tireless work on stage and in film. She continues to perform at the highest level. Yet, some in the Black community choose to focus on her age instead of her art.
The anti-Trump comedian noted that white artists who age badly are celebrated by their fans. But Black artists face jokes, age-shaming, or criticism.
“Beyoncé doesn’t have to prove herself to anyone,” Godfrey said in the video. Still, she continues to push herself artistically and physically with each performance. He emphasized that her dedication and impact on music should silence any age-related criticism.
Godfrey pointed out that Beyoncé has done more than enough to earn grace and admiration. Instead of nitpicking her appearance, he called for fans to recognize her greatness. She should be celebrated—not torn down—for continuing to give her all on stage.
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He also praised older artists who continued to perform well into their senior years, such as R&B singers Gladys Knight (pictured) and Patti LaBelle as examples of legends who are still performing in their 80s. Godfrey said to give these artists their flowers now — not after they’re gone.
Comedy fans flooded the comments section in support of Godfrey’s remarks. One viewer wrote, “We always criticize our own so quickly and make allowances for others so easily.”
Another added, “We’re all getting older… should count it a blessing.”
A third person commented, “We got a lot of ignorance and jealousy in our culture as a people.”
“Beyoncé has spent decades redefining pop culture and excellence in performance. Instead of focusing on age, fans should focus on her unmatched work ethic and artistry. If respect is due, Beyoncé has more than earned it.”
Police in Nigeria arrested the driver of the black SUV involved in a car accident that injured British boxing champ Anthony Joshua (left) and killed 2 of his friends.
“Kayode Adeniyi, the Lexus SUV driver involved in the fatal car crash that injured Anthony Joshua, killed Latif Ayodele, and Sina Ghami must face prosecution for reckless driving, while the driver + owner of the stationary truck the Lexus collided with should be identified and persecuted.”
Adeniyi, 47, is charged with reckless driving, according to the DailyMail. He was discharged from Lagoon Hospital in Lagos on New Year’s Eve and taken into custody.
The crash occurred on Monday, December 29, in Lagos. Police said a tire burst on the SUV causing it to lose control and collide into the parked truck.
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“That led to loss of control before the vehicle now swerved and rammed into the stationary truck that was parked. There was excessive speed,” said Babatunde Akinbiyi, a spokesperson for Ogun State’s Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency.
The impact crushed the front passenger side of the SUV and sheared off both passenger side doors. Joshua’s friends, Sina Ghami and Kevin “Latz” Ayodele, died instantly. One of the men was decapitated in the crash.
Joshua was sitting behind the driver and received minor injuries.
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Joshua is pictured center with victims Sina (left) and Latz (right).
Sources say the driver of the parked truck jumped out of the truck and fled the scene. A manhunt is underway for the truck driver.
However, Nigerians say law enforcement used “selective justice” in this case.
One X user wrote: “I do not appreciate selective justice. How many commercial drivers who survived an accident have you detained for questioning?”
Joshua and the driver are seen below moments after the fatal crash.
