News This Week #6 February 1st 2026
- Feb 3
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Famous rapper’s son found dead near Atlanta
The adult son of rapper Lil Jon, Nathan Smith, known professionally as DJ Young Slade, was found dead in a pond near his home in Milton, Georgia, north of Atlanta days after being reported missing.
Lil Jon confirmed his son’s death and expressed heartbreak in a joint statement with Nathan’s mother. Police said there were no immediate signs of foul play, and the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to officially confirm the identity and cause of death.
Nathan, 27, had left his house under unusual circumstances without his phone and was reported missing earlier in the week.
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Trump posts — then deletes — video depicting the Obamas as apes
US President Donald Trump shared a controversial video on his Truth Social account that included imagery portraying former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes.
The clip, which was part of a longer video spreading debunked 2020 election fraud claims, drew widespread bipartisan criticism for using a racist stereotype.
The White House initially defended the post as an “internet meme” before deleting it and attributing it to a staffer’s error amid intense backlash from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers.
“A bank employee tipped off robbers — victims were targeted after cash withdrawals.”
Novato bank employee helped robbers target victims: sheriff
Summary: Investigators say a Novato bank employee provided information that allowed robbers to identify and follow victims who had just withdrawn large amounts of cash from the bank, leading to multiple armed home robberies in Marin County. Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the scheme.
URL: https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/novato-bank-employee-helped-robbers-target-victims-sheriff/amp/
These Are the BART Stations That Could Close Under Transit System’s Worst-Case Scenario
Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) officials have warned that without new funding measures, the system could face dramatic service cuts in a worst-case budget scenario.
Plans under consideration include closing up to 10 low-performing stations, cutting evening and weekend service, and reducing train frequency drastically, unless a regional tax measure on the November 2026 ballot passes to help close a projected budget gap. The cuts reflect long-term ridership declines since the pandemic and the end of emergency operating funds.
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How unlicensed California trucking schools avoid state regulators CalMatters
Explanation: This article from CalMatters examines how a legal loophole in California allows private trucking schools charging $2,500 or less in tuition to avoid state licensing and oversight. The report found at least 184 such schools operating without regulation, limits on state enforcement, and efforts by some lawmakers to close the loophole.
Detroit bus driver sparks backlash for giving free rides to random students during cold weather
Summary
An independent bus driver in Detroit named Darrell Beaver is facing criticism after offering free rides to students during extreme cold weather. He reportedly live-streamed himself picking up kids who weren’t on his authorized route because he felt bad for them in the freezing conditions. School officials and police warned against the practice, saying adults shouldn’t pick up children they aren’t authorized to transport, and asked him to stop; Beaver said his intentions were to help.
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As his marriage crumbled, an Antioch man secretly drafted his wife’s suicide note with murder on his mind, police say
In a case originally ruled a suicide in 2015, authorities now allege that a former Antioch resident authored the suicide note found at the scene of his wife’s death. Decades later, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s cold case unit uncovered digital forensic evidence showing the note was not created on the victim’s laptop.
Prosecutors charged the 66-year-old former mayoral candidate with murder, saying his wife was killed and the scene staged. His arraignment has been postponed as the investigation unfolds, and if convicted he could face a sentence of 50 years to life in prison. :
URL https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/01/31/as-his-marriage-crumbled-an-antioch-man-secretly-drafted-his-wifes-suicide-note-with-murder-on-his-mind-police-say/amp/
Cal Expo terminates water park lease after developer misses $200,000 payment
Cal Expo ends its lease with the developer that had planned to rebuild the former Raging Waters water park after the company failed to pay a past-due balance of about $200,000, effectively collapsing the redevelopment project. �
Amazon to lay off nearly 800 workers across the Bay Area
Amazon to lay off nearly 800 workers across the Bay Area
Amazon has filed notices indicating it will eliminate 769 corporate jobs in the San Francisco Bay Area, effective April 28, as part of a broader round of layoffs that includes thousands of corporate positions nationwide. Most of the cuts are in Santa Clara County, with dozens of roles in Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Mountain View and Palo Alto, and 103 positions in San Francisco. These reductions are part of the company’s ongoing efforts to streamline operations as it continues to reorganize following earlier layoffs.
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