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Scientists warn that growing congestion in Earth’s orbit could trigger a catastrophic chain reaction, threatening satellites and other space-based technologies essential to daily life. This escalating issue is known as the Kessler Syndrome, a scenario where the accumulation of space debris leads to increased orbital collisions.

When Gabby Petito went missing in 2021, it garnered nationwide headlines about her disappearance and her death, and many believed her boyfriend killed her. Three years later, her father, Joseph Petito, plans to advocate for missing Black and brown people, racial groups that receive less media coverage than their white counterparts.

The man was aboard the ‘Norwegian Epic’ headed toward the Bahamas The 51-year-old man, who remains unidentified, fell overboard at around 3 p.m., and the search was suspended later that night, Newsweek and WESH reported. The man was aboard Norwegian […]

Dame Dash is one of hip-hop’s most interesting figures. While he frequently goes viral for his controversial takes, such as his stance on men never having a “boss,” Dash’s impact on the culture is solidified, with his biggest contribution being the launch of Roc-A-Fella Records in 1994, alongside Jay-Z and Kareem Burke. Their label helped launch the incomparable music career of Jay-Z and years later, the label’s glory days are still heavily discussed. 

Unlike Jay-Z and Burke, once Roc-A-Fella dismantled for good, Dash experienced a mountain of financial setbacks. This was even apparent in recent years when he and Jay-Z sparred in court over one of the label’s most iconic creations. Personal losses have also put a dent in his pockets, greatly affecting Dame Dash’s net worth, which reportedly once stood at $50 million.

Roc-A-Fella Was His Most Profitable Venture

After its 1994 launch, Roc-A-Fella Records got its first release with Jay-Z’s 1996 classic, Reasonable Doubt. The following year, Roc entered a joint partnership with Def Jam and released Jay’s second album, In My Lifetime, Vol. 1. Dash and Roc-A-Fella saw their first major success when Jay unveiled Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life, spawning the label’s first platinum single, Hard Knock Life. 

Seeing his business partner and artist’s rapidly increasing popularity, Dash organized Jay’s first major tour in 1999, which earned a reported $19 million. That same year, he founded the label’s official clothing line, Rocawear, alongside his superstar friend. At its height, the brand brought in $700 million annually. In 2004, Def Jam purchased Roc-A-Fella, with Jay-Z getting a job as president of his new parent label. Surprisingly, Dash got only $3 million from this deal. However, the very next year, Dash sold his 25 percent stake in Rocawear to Jay-Z for $30 million. In just a few short years after the Def Jam merger, Dash was no longer working with the beloved music imprint he started. Thankfully, this did not deter him.

Dame Dash Has Long Been Involved in Film and Television

Before Roc-A-Fella went under, Dame Dash produced several films under the company’s film division. One of the most popular is 2002’s Paid In Full, a true story based on the life and death of Harlem drug dealer, Rich Porter and his partners Azie Faison and Alpo Martinez, who would eventually claim his life.  Dash also played a role in helping jump-start the career of Kevin Hart, who made his film debut in the production, Paper Soldiers. After his 

He would go on to launch his media collective, DD172. The group consisted of an art gallery in Manhattan, BluRoc Records, and America Nu, a magazine-turned-production house. The serial entrepreneur did go through his own set of challenges with DD172, including a 2012 lawsuit from rapper Curren$y accusing Dash of releasing his music without permission. Thankfully, in recent years, America Nu has seen success, thanks to its app and several movies landing on BET, including The Prince of Detroit.

Money Woes Impacted His Finances

Despite the 53-year-old’s perseverance and millions made throughout his career, Dash’s current net worth sits at just $100,000. This can be attributed to his many legal issues. Two years after Curren$y dragged him to court, the embattled mogul was ordered to pay his ex, Linda Williams, $50,000 stemming from allegations that he pushed her to be prosecuted for harassment. The two share a son, Boogie. Their child support situation is unknown but Dash experienced more money drama when his ex-wife and mother of his two daughters, Rachel Roy, 

In November 2019, Dash was taken into custody for failing to pay over $400,000 in child support to Roy and another woman, Cindy Morales, who shares a son with Dash. Roy was owed $341,991 plus attorney fees. Morales was owed  $62,553. Dash reportedly paid the bill in full to be released from custody. 

In 2021, Jay-Z ordered a restraining order against Dash, who was attempting to sell a portion of Reasonable Doubt as an NFT. They settled this case in 2022. In 2024, the former rap titan put the last pit of Roc-A-Fella’s past behind him when his final one-third share of the label was auctioned off to help pay down his $8.7 million tax debt. The state of New York placed the winning bid. As of December 2024, things are much quieter for Dash, with much of his cash problems behind him. However, it’s evident that his multi-millionaire status is behind him.

According to Bossip, Jakes and his legal team believe YouTube isn’t doing enough to prevent or remove the clips, prompting legal action from the pastor. On Dec. 19, Jakes’ attorney, Dustin Pusch, submitted a request to the court for the Northern […]

Mark Spain, news anchor at ABC affiliate WSET-TV (ABC 13) in Lynchburg, Virginia, died on Dec. 18, less than a month after he was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He was 64.

“It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my loving husband Mark,” Spain’s wife, Lynita Carter Spain, wrote on Facebook, Deadline reported. “Our family along with the city of Lynchburg lost a man of hope, someone who loves this city and stood for equality, treating others with respect and kindness. He was a husband, father, brother, friend and a positive light in the community. My first true love. He brought so much joy, compassion, love and strength into our lives, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him.”

Spain joined WSET in 2015 and has won several awards for his work throughout his time at the station, including Best News Anchor awards from the Association Press of the Virginias in both 2018 and 2019. The 64-year-old also received an Outstanding News Series award from the Virginia Association of Broadcasters in 2018. In 2022, he also won a Best Documentary or Public Affairs Program award from the organization. 

It is with deep sadness that ABC13 announces the passing of Mark Spain, who was a vital anchor in both our newsroom and the community.https://t.co/38fM4KI0qy— ABC 13 News – WSET (@ABC13News) December 19, 2024

“Tonight we are celebrating the life of Mark Spain even as we grieve his sudden death after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. But we know we are not alone in mourning–you, the community, are too,” WSET wrote in a tribute to its website. “His smile and positivity were known to his family, our team here at WSET, and the thousands across Lynchburg and beyond who welcomed Mark into their homes each night on TV.”

According to the New York Post, several of Spain’s colleagues from throughout his career paid their own tributes on social media.

“To know Mark Spain was to know positivity, faith & kindness,” Kristen Mirand, a former WSET colleague of Spain’s, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “He was the anchor at my last news station in VA. More than a gifted journalist, he was an incredible person who inspired everyone he met Mark passed away after battling pancreatic cancer. His legacy will live on [sic]”

To know Mark Spain was to know positivity, faith & kindness. He was the anchor at my last news station in VA. More than a gifted journalist, he was an incredible person who inspired everyone he met Mark passed away after battling pancreatic cancer. His legacy will live on 💜 pic.twitter.com/nz4SWRt9f2— Kristen Mirand WKBW (@kristen_mirand) December 20, 2024

The Danville, Virginia, police department also addressed Spain’s passing on X.

“#DanvillePD extends heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of @ABC13News anchor Mark Spain. He was a familiar face on WSET each evening in many homes throughout Danville, and very professionally covered several news stories about the Department. Mark will be missed,” the department wrote.

Spain is survived by his wife and three children.

Newsweek reported that shoppers may have purchased several recalled food products before Christmas dinner. These notices are issued to warn about harmful ingredients found in the items. The recalled food items could have been used in appetizers, the main course, […]

President Joe Biden has granted clemency to Black Mafia Family (BMF) co-founder Terry “Southwest T” Flenory, who was released from federal prison during the pandemic in 2020 and ordered to serve the rest of his sentence on house arrest.

It is part of President Biden’s effort to pardon prisoners like Flenory who have been on house arrest since the pandemic, 11 Alive reported. The scripted, 50 Cent-produced BMF TV series on Starz follows the Black Mafia Family, including Terry Flenory and his older brother, Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory

Recently, there has been an alarming increase in unlicensed dental practices and cosmetic dentistry, particularly in veneers. This trend, fueled by social media and the quest for the perfect aesthetic, has led many to cheap alternatives, which poses significant risks to public health and safety.

In October, Brandon Dillard, an individual who coined himself “Atlanta’s top veneer specialist,” was arrested for practicing dentistry for years without a license.

According to WSB-TV, Fulton County police raided Dillard’s popular “A List Smiles” office, which had operated since 2021. The arrest was highly publicized due to his long list of notable clientele, high social media following, and notoriety for holding contests such as procedure raffles.

Like Dillard, unlicensed professionals provide services for half the price, but ultimately, the patient pays the price. Unlicensed individuals have an increased chance of not adhering to proper infection control protocols and being without the proper training to perform procedures correctly. This leads to misdiagnosis, complications like nerve damage, excessive bleeding, improper healing and long-term health complications.

In most states, unlicensed practitioners can face felony charges for practicing without a license. Unfortunately, patients who receive care from these individuals may only be provided limited legal recourse.

Dr. Arlene Asante of Hyattsville, Maryland, is a cosmetic dentist specializing in oral health, implantology and cosmetic dentistry. Blavity spoke with Dr. Asante about understanding the repercussions of illegal cosmetic dentistry, its lasting impact on patient’s lives and health, and how to avoid it.

Nordstrom will soon operate under new ownership. According to the Associated Press, the retailer is being sold to Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group for $6.25 billion. The new ownership will operate the store as a private company while also picking up Nordstrom’s $2 billion debt, the AP reported.