Wendy Williams Guardianship Outrage May Help New York, What Happened At A$AP Rocky’s Gun Trial, MLK’s Family Reacts to Trump Releasing Assassination Files, Kemba Smith Pradia Gets A Second Chance And More

The Root’s most important and viral stories from the week.

Outrage Over Wendy Williams’ Guardianship May Do Some Good in New York

Wendy Williams attends the ceremony honoring her with a Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame held on October 17, 2019 in Hollywood, California. Photo: Getty Images Michael Tran/FilmMagic

If you’ve been paying any attention the recent news about Wendy Williams and the puzzling intricacies surrounding her longstanding guardianship and financial struggles, then this news will hopefully bring you some levity. – Shanelle Genai Read More

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Meet Tiffanie Barriere: The Drinking Coach Making History at the NYSE

President Biden’s Record-Breaking Pardons Gives Kemba Smith Pradia a Second Chance

ST LOUIS, MISSOURI – NOVEMBER 12: Kemba Smith and actress Testa Cooper during the premier of Kemba at St. Louis International Film Festival on November 12, 2023 in St Louis, Missouri. Photo: Getty Images Dilip Vishwanat

Former President Joe Biden has officially left the White House to make way for President Donald Trump 2.0 and his administration. But before leaving office, Biden made a host of pardons, setting the record for most pardons and sentence commutations by a president in a single term. – Angela Johnson Read More

Interesting Facts That Happened at A$AP Rocky’s Gun Trial This Week

ASAP Rocky is seen at the Superior Court of Los Angeles on January 22, 2025 in Los Angeles, California Photo: Getty Images DUTCH

Things are revving up for rapper A$AP Rocky and his ongoing criminal trial. The Root previously reported the MC, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, is facing serious charges in connection to a 2021 incident in Hollywood where he allegedly shot at a former friend and A$AP mob member. – Phenix S Halley Read More

King Family Reacts to Trump’s Order to Release Files Related to MLK’s Assassination

Dr. Martin Luther King addresses some 2,000 people on the eve of his death. The former founder and Chairman of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference was slain by an unknown assailant on April 4, 1968. Photo: Getty Images Bettmann

Less than a week into his first term, President Donald Trump has been on a roll signing more than 20 executive orders and actions on Inauguration Day, according to USA today. And he is showing no signs of slowing down, signing a January 23 executive order calling for the release of files connected to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. along with former President John F. Kennedy and former Senator Robert F. Kennedy. However, while Trump says “all will be revealed” when the information is made public, the family of Dr. King says they would like the chance to see the files before they are shared publicly. – Angela Johnson Read More

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Black Films To Look Forward to in 2026

Black Films To Look Forward to in 2026

From Keke Palmer to Tyler Perry, Black stars are coming in hot with new movies in 2026. Let’s take a look! …
Black Actresses Under 35 and Up Next In Hollywood

Black Actresses Under 35 and Up Next In Hollywood

From Keke Palmer to Chase Infiniti, these are the young Black actresses who are absolutely taking over in Hollywood! …
Is the Fear of Getting ‘Too Dark’ in the Summer a Personal Choice for Black Folks or Deep-Rooted Colorism?

Is the Fear of Getting ‘Too Dark’ in the Summer a Personal Choice for Black Folks or Deep-Rooted Colorism?

After a tweet calling out Black folks who avoid the summer sun went viral, a debate about loving one’s complexion versus colorism had the timeline on fire …
What Will Happen to Rep. Al Green Now That He Is Forced into a Runoff Against Rep. Christian Menefee?

What Will Happen to Rep. Al Green Now That He Is Forced into a Runoff Against Rep. Christian Menefee?

Rep. Al Green up against Rep. Christian Menefee– the new kid on the block– in the upcoming Texas runoff election …
Teyana Taylor Wants 'One Battle After Another' Sequel, But Fans Aren't Feeling It

Teyana Taylor Wants ‘One Battle After Another’ Sequel, But Fans Aren’t Feeling It

Though Teyana Taylor’s role in ‘One Battle After Another’ earned her an Oscar nomination, it looks like fans aren’t so hyped to see a spinoff of her character …
Black ‘Klan Whisperer’ Has Led Hundreds Away From White Supremacy —And Has the Robes to Prove It

Black ‘Klan Whisperer’ Has Led Hundreds Away From White Supremacy —And Has the Robes to Prove It

Daryl Davis has used open conversation and music to persuade hundreds to leave hate behind, collecting their Klan regalia as symbols of change …
5 Times That Stephen A. Smith Crossed The Line

5 Times That Stephen A. Smith Crossed The Line

The controversial host of ESPN’s “First Take” has a track record of being a habitual linestepper …
They Wanted Tendernism. Just Not The Black Man Who Created It.

They Wanted Tendernism. Just Not The Black Man Who Created It.

Walter “Mr. Tendernism” Johnson made a restaurant famous. Then the fight over his creation began …
T.I Tells Us What He Really Thinks About His Sons Jumping in Beef With 50 Cent

T.I Tells Us What He Really Thinks About His Sons Jumping in Beef With 50 Cent

After Domani and King Harris released jaw-dropping diss tracks against 50 Cent, T.I. shares his thoughts on the whole ordeal …
Memphis Cemetery Sued for Allegedly Segregating Bathrooms and Forcing Black Workers to Use Gas Station Toilets—But it Gets Worse

Memphis Cemetery Sued for Allegedly Segregating Bathrooms and Forcing Black Workers to Use Gas Station Toilets—But it Gets Worse

A federal lawsuit claims a Memphis cemetery resurrected segregated facilities, then axed a manager for refusing to silence his Black crew …
See Oprah Stepping Out Looking Fit and Fly at Paris Fashion Week

See Oprah Stepping Out Looking Fit and Fly at Paris Fashion Week

Oprah Winfrey has been spotted with bestie Gayle King at Paris Fashion Week. Now, one red carpet look has the internet talking …
Billy Porter Details the Shocking Health Emergency That Left Him 'Dead for Three Days'

Billy Porter Details the Shocking Health Emergency That Left Him ‘Dead for Three Days’

In September 2025, Billy Porter had to leave a Broadway production due to a health emergency. Now, he’s opening up about the scary time …
Beware: The Real Version of Your Partner May Be Hiding in Their Phone

Beware: The Real Version of Your Partner May Be Hiding in Their Phone

One TikTok creator is stirring up conversation online after claiming that if you really want to know your partner — their phone might tell the real story …
Texas Teen Messed Around, Found Out After Depicting Black Student Athlete as Kunta Kinte Online

Texas Teen Messed Around, Found Out After Depicting Black Student Athlete as Kunta Kinte Online

A Texas teen is facing severe consequences after a school district says he depicted a Black high schooler as Kunta Kinte on Instagram …
After Tough Win Against Crockett, James Talarico's Fiery Victory Speech Is Something We Need to Hear

After Tough Win Against Crockett, James Talarico’s Fiery Victory Speech Is Something We Need to Hear

James Talarico says he plans to usher in a new wave of politics after beating Jasmine Crockett in the Texas primary …
If You Think  Michael B. Jordan Was Good in 'Sinners,' You Got to See Him in 'Fruitvale Station'

If You Think Michael B. Jordan Was Good in ‘Sinners,’ You Got to See Him in ‘Fruitvale Station’

Thanks to a viral clip from his 2013 film, fans are pointing to ‘Fruitvale Station’ as Michael B. Jordan’s earliest and finest work. And there’s good reason why! …
10 Essential Tracks Engineered by Bob Power, The White Man Who Helped Define the Sound of 90s Hip Hop

10 Essential Tracks Engineered by Bob Power, The White Man Who Helped Define the Sound of 90s Hip Hop

The renowned music engineer and producer who passed away on March 1 was a force behind numerous hip-hop and R&B cuts …
Black U.S. Tourists Trapped in Dubai After Iran Attacks Share Their Terrifying Experiences on TikTok 

Black U.S. Tourists Trapped in Dubai After Iran Attacks Share Their Terrifying Experiences on TikTok 

American tourists are taking to TikTok to share the terrifying reality of being stranded in the Middle East following the attacks on Iran …
Ex-NBA Star Iman Shumpert Reveals Love of ‘Spirituality’ Behind Kountry Wayne’s Comedy After Viral Skit

Ex-NBA Star Iman Shumpert Reveals Love of ‘Spirituality’ Behind Kountry Wayne’s Comedy After Viral Skit

Former NBA star Iman Shumpert explains why collaborating with Kountry Wayne goes beyond skits, from big paydays to the comedian incorporating faith, family, consistency, and generosity into his work …
Rapper Monaleo Reveals The Heartbreaking Health Emergency That Interrupted Her Tour

Rapper Monaleo Reveals The Heartbreaking Health Emergency That Interrupted Her Tour

Rapper Monaleo recently had to abruptly cancel shows on her tour stop. But the reason why is something no one expected …