News

Niko McKnight, the son of controversial singer Brian McKnight, has died from cancer.

The Grio reported that Brian McKnight’s brother, Claude, posted a TikTok video on May 29 confirming the news that Niko had passed away. Per Essence, it was later revealed that Niko was 32 years old and had Stage 4 colon cancer.

“Niko was one of those amazing kids who was quirky and curious and ridiculously talented, amazing singer and amazing guitar player, had a great eye as a photographer, and just one of those kids that, in my estimation, [was] somebody you always wanted to be around. And so it really sucks that he’s no longer with us.”

Even though Claude said he didn’t want to get into the drama between Niko and Brian, he scommented on the issue, saying, “In any situation, there’s always at least three sides to a story, there’s my side, your side and the truth is, a lot of times, somewhere in between.”

“So here’s the thing. I don’t know exactly what was going on there,” he said. “I know what I’ve seen, I know what I’ve heard from all parties involved and I try not to judge. I just try to be as loving to each person as I can be because apparently there’s so much hurt going on…and a lot of things didn’t get resolved.”

“I know that kid had a lot inside, a lot eating at him for a long, long time. I may have contributed to what happened with him,” he continued. “What I do know is he’s out of pain now, so I can rejoice in the fact that he no longer has to go through chemo and the radiation and everything else.”

@claudemcknight I’m devastated at my nephews passing. If you comment please do do in love, and NOT at what you may have heard about the relationship my brother had/has with his kids. Thank you 🙏🏾 #nephew #cancersucks #rip #love #family ♬ original sound – Claude Mcknight

Niko’s father Brian has become ostracized from his fans after publicly denouncing his children with his first wife, singer Julie McKnight. The Grio quotes Page Six, which writes that Brian referred to his children, Brian Jr., Niko, Brianna and Clyde, as “products of sin.” He even went as far as to say, “In order to life a life that you love, you have to get rid of the evil and the negativity–even if that evil and negativity is related [to you].” He has one child and several stepchildren with his second wife, Leilani Malia Mendoza. He has publicly claimed their child together and his stepchildren as his own in the midst of his feud with his other children with Julie.

As Essence reported, Julie McKnight released a statement after her son’s death, which reads:

It is with profound sadness that Julie McKnight and family announce the passing of her beloved son Cole Nikolas McKnight, affectionately known as ‘Niko.’ on Thursday, May 29, 2025.

Nikolas was a cherished husband, son, brother, grandson, uncle, and nephew whose warmth, laughter, and love touched the lives of all who knew him. Nikolas was a self taught artist of music and photography. His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family and all those who held him dear.

Julie McKnight has asked for privacy and continued prayers as the family navigates this incredibly difficult time. Mama Bear and the entire family appreciate the outpouring of love and support from friends, fans, and the public.

Allen Media Group founder Byron Allen is selling his local TV stations. The company announced that it has hired investment bank Moelis & Company as it prepares to sell local channels in 21 markets that include ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox affiliates. Per the company, any profits generated from the sale will help AMG reduce its debt.

“Six years ago, Allen Media Group began the process of investing over one billion dollars to acquire big four network-affiliated television stations. We have received numerous inquiries and written offers for most of our television stations and now is the time to explore getting a return on this phenomenal investment,” Allen said in a statement, per The Hollywood Reporter. “We are going to use this opportunity to take a serious look at the offers, and the sale proceeds will be used to significantly reduce our debt.”

What are the challenges AMG has faced in the past year?

In the past year, Allen Media Group has made several cuts due to financial struggles. The company refinanced $100 million in February to help relieve its debt. Like many other local stations, AMG has taken a hit from the increasing number of viewers moving away from traditional cable services.

What are the major assets Byron Allen has acquired in recent years?

Allen has continued building his media portfolio in recent years, purchasing major brands like the Weather Channel and the Grio. AMG also produces a lineup of courtroom shows and the CBS late-night program Comics Unleashed.

Allen told The Hollywood Reporter in 2020 that he has big plans ahead, including his desire to buy CNN.

“I’m close to the same age when Rupert Murdoch came here to America,” he said. “He was in his 50s. I’m 59. What you see today will be 10,000 times bigger.”

Anna Mae Robertson, one of the final living members of the esteemed “Six Triple Eight” military unit, has died at the age of 101.

The surviving veterans and those who have passed away were able to be celebrated on a global scale thanks to Tyler Perry’s movie, The Six Triple Eight, which premiered on Netflix last year.

As Blavity reported, the women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion were the only Black female unit in the armed forces appointed to carry out a duty in Europe during World War II. Although they were given a mission to help organize 17 pieces of mail, it was deemed impossible due to other units that failed to accomplish the task. To the military’s surprise, they completed the assignment in three months, which was 90 days ahead of the deadline.

R.I.P. Anna Mae Robertson, one of the last living members of the historic 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, passed away on May 30, 2025, at the age of 101.Thank you for your service Ms. Robertson. pic.twitter.com/sbUTcP2JXB— Sankofa TravelHer (@SankofaTravelHr) May 31, 2025

What legacy did the women of ‘Six Triple Eight’ leave behind?

In April, the entire group was honored with the Congressional Gold Medal for their outstanding and innovative work during the war, which reconnected soldiers with their families.

“They broke barriers,” the Mississippi native’s granddaughter, Kenya Robertson, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in an interview. “It took about 70 or so years for the world to know the role of Anna Robertson and the women of Six Triple Eight played in War World II [sic].”

As a means to survive after her mother died, Roberson joined the army when she was 19.

“I felt as though we were relieving a man who could go over and fight. We could do what the men had been doing,” she told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in 2014.

Following her military service, Robertson traveled to Milwaukee to celebrate a comrade of the Six Triple Eight’s wedding. She eventually settled in the city and became a nurse’s aide at the local Veterans Affairs hospital. 

Anna Mae Robertson is being remembered for her service

At 98 years old, Robertson received the Congressional Gold Medal at the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center for her contributions to reviving the mailing system in June 2022, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Democratic Congresswoman Gwen Moore expressed her condolences, saying she stands with the community in honoring Robertson’s groundbreaking contributions and grieving her passing.

“I am thankful that my constituent, Ms. Robertson, was able to receive her flowers while she could still smell them,” Moore said in a May 31 statement, per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Government officials in multiple states are warning residents about scammers who are sending malicious text messages to drivers. According to USA Today, the scammers are telling drivers that they have unpaid bills and their registration will be suspended if they don’t pay.

What scam texts are DMV residents receiving?

The DMV scam has been reported in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, New Jersey, Georgia, New York, and several other states, per USA Today. While the scammers are basically sending the same message to drivers, some of the details vary by state. In Linden, New Jersey, residents are getting text messages that include links that end with “ezpassnj” and “.gov,” making the scam look legitimate. Although the message doesn’t allow people to follow the link directly, drivers are instructed to respond to the text with “Y” and copy the link in a browser.

In Illinois, the scam tells people that they will be fined if they don’t pay by a specific date. The Illinois scam also includes a fake administrative code and details the consequences for failing to pay the bill. Additionally, the message includes a link that seems to come from the Illinois Department of Transportation website.

What is the Federal Trade Commission saying about the scam texts?

The FTC is advising people to make sure they don’t respond to suspicious texts or click any links. Drivers are reminded that DMV doesn’t ask for personal information or money by text. Residents can contact their state’s DMV on a trusted phone number or website if they have questions.

Drivers can also copy the spam message and forward it to 7726 (SPAM) to help their phone provider identify and block malicious messages.

A person had a medical emergency while driving on Sunday, causing a multi-car collision in the popular tourist area of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, that left one person dead and six others injured, officials said.

The IRS is sending an average of nearly $3,000 to eligible taxpayers. As tax season arrives and the IRS gives refunds to taxpayers who overpaid in 2024, most recipients will get a payment of about $2,945 in their bank accounts. According to the agency, taxpayers can use the IRS’ “Where’s My Refund” portal to find out when they will get a payment.

Who is eligible to get a refund from the IRS?

Per The U.S. Sun, taxpayers may be eligible for a refund if they filed their federal income tax returns between mid-April and May and if they paid back more than they owe. Taxpayers can use the online portal to find out when their return is received, approved or sent. The IRS asks taxpayers to provide their Social Security or individual taxpayer ID number, as well as their filing status and refund amount.

What could cause a delay in getting a refund?

Several factors may cause a delay in taxpayers getting their payments. Some of those factors include how the person filed their taxes or how they want to be paid. In some cases, operational issues can cause delays. Additionally, the recent cuts that have impacted staffing and the IRS budget may cause issues with the system.

People who file a paper tax return as opposed to online are more likely to see delays because the filings are manually checked by IRS agents. Online users normally get their refund processed quickly.

Rihanna is grieving the loss of her father Ronald Fenty, who has died at age 70 after a brief illness.

Fenty died in Los Angeles on Saturday, according to Starcom Network, but the official cause of his death is unknown. Rihanna was present with her father when he died, sources told Starcom.

According to TMZ, obtained photos that showed Rihanna’s brother, Rajad Fenty, arriving at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on Wednesday. Rihanna was also in the car when the family went to the hospital, the outlet reported.

What are the details known about Rihanna’s relationship with her father?

According to TMZ, Rihanna had a “rocky” relationship with her father for a while, but the pair appeared to resolve their issues in recent years. In 2023, Ronald told TMZ that he is excited for Rihanna and A$AP Rocky as they’re expecting another child.

Ronald and his ex-wife Monica Braithwaite raised their three children—Rihanna, Rajad, and Rorrey. The pair split in 2002.

When did Rihanna announce that she’s expecting a third child?

While she is grieving the loss of her father, Rihanna is also expecting to soon welcome her third baby. The 37-year-old Fenty Beauty founder announced her pregnancy earlier this month at the Met Gala in New York City.

“I feel a lot better that I don’t have to suck my stomach in anymore,” Rihanna told Access Hollywood at the time.

@accesshollywood #Rihanna knew fans were onto something 🔍 #metgala #awardseason ♬ original sound – Access Hollywood

A source who also spoke to People said Rihanna always wanted a big family and she couldn’t be more excited.

“Rihanna and Rocky are thrilled to be growing their family and they can’t wait to give their boys another sibling,” the source told People. “They wanted to have their children close together in age, so that they could grow up together and share a close bond. They feel so blessed and are so grateful for this next chapter in their lives. It’s a very special time.”

Hannah Cobb, a white woman suspected in the fatal shooting of her Black boyfriend Telvin Osborne, won’t face any charges. On May 23, District Attorney Jared Williams told WRDW that Burke County’s grand jury voted to decline indicting Cobb for involuntary manslaughter regarding Osborne’s death. They returned a “no true bill,” which means they didn’t believe there was sufficient evidence to charge someone with a crime, per Legal Dictionary. At the time, Cobb was out on bail after her case was approved with a $25,000 bond earlier in May. Stipulations of her bond included surveillance and required her to turn in her guns to the local authorities.

Local authorities warn North Carolina residents about protesting after Hannah Cobb isn’t indicted

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office shared a Facebook post warning that anyone who disagrees with the decision should not resort to violence, as they will face consequences. 

“We are aware of rumors circulating on social media regarding potential rioting in Waynesboro tonight following the grand jury’s decision to issue a ‘no bill’ in the case involving Hannah Cobb and the death of Telvin Osborne,” the statement read via WRDW. “It is important to understand that the grand jury is a legal body tasked with hearing all evidence presented in a case before reaching a decision. While we recognize that this outcome may be upsetting or unpopular to some, we strongly urge everyone to refrain from actions that could further harm our community.”

What happened to Telvin Osborne?

The shooting took place in the early morning of Feb. 23, 2025, following the couple’s night out on the town. According to police, the shooting occurred at Cobb’s house. Officers arrived after she called 911 to report the shooting, though Osborne later died from his injuries at the hospital.

Initially, Cobb told the public safety telecommunicator that she was “clearing or cleaning” her 9 mm pistol when it accidentally discharged a shot that struck the 30-year-old victim in his chest. She said she thought the safety was on as she has a gun-cleaning routine. Shortly after the shooting, Sheriff Alfonzo Williams stated there was no proof anyone had been cleaning a gun before the shooting. Additionally, he noted alcohol was involved and said the incident wouldn’t be classified as accidental.

During the March court hearing, new details about the night emerged. Cobb explained that she confronted Osborne about another woman. The inquiry led to an argument at the end of the night that she claimed turned physical. She shared a recording from her Ring camera as evidence to support her story. It caught them in a heated exchange, showing her demanding that Osborne leave. Prosecutors referenced a series of text messages reportedly sent to Cobb after Osborne left, including one that read, “You’d better hide.” According to their account, Cobb escaped his grip and retreated to the bathroom. She allegedly made threats to hurt herself, but when Osborne forced his way in, she fired a single shot in his direction.

According to WRDW, charges can still be filed in the future despite this ruling, but the D.A. will likely fall in line with the grand jury’s decision since he mentioned in a statement that they have “spoken” and “the case is closed.”

Newly obtained court documents have revealed that R&B singer Jaheim was arrested earlier in May and charged with animal cruelty. According to NBC News, court documents stated that six of Jaheim’s dogs did not have “adequate food, water, sanitary conditions and ventilation.” Jaheim, who was charged with six counts of animal cruelty, was released on a $35,000 bond a day later.

How did authorities learn about Jaheim’s alleged animal cruelty?

Animal control officers first met Jaheim on April 27 when they responded to a call about a dog that appeared to be malnourished, as it was seen in a shopping mall parking lot. After the officers spotted the dog tied up to an RV and left alone, Jaheim walked up to the scene and told them they were on private property, Atlanta News First reported.

The animal control officers left the scene without any confrontation, but then returned to the RV with police a day later and once again found Jaheim, who said the officials are harassing him. The R&B star told the officers that his dog is not malnourished but rather young and skinny. Officers, however, determined the dog was “severely emaciated,” and its ribs could be seen. After they decided to return later for the investigation, officers received another report on the next day about another one of the singer’s dogs.

When they went back to Jaheim’s RV with a search warrant, officers found three 10-week-old puppies and an 11-month-old brown hound, along with a 5-year-old pit bull and a brown French bulldog.

What was the condition of the animals in Jaheim’s RV?

The arrest affidavit stated that Jaheim kept the dogs in kennels riddled with urine and feces. Additionally, the dogs were struggling to get air and they had overgrown nails, the document stated. Three of the dogs were severely underweight, officers said. All the dogs are now taken to an animal shelter. Jaheim is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, per Fox 5. The singer’s latest run-in with trouble comes four years after he was charged with third-degree animal cruelty.