Honoring Dr. King Means Governing for Economic Justice

CNN Newsource on January 14, 2026

By Francis Page, Jr

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    January 14, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. warned that civil rights without economic justice would never add up to real freedom—and his warning has never been more urgent. In 2026, his words read less like history and more like a headline. Families are working harder, paying more, and still falling behind—and the gap between what people earn and what life costs keeps widening.

MLK Day should not be a symbolic tribute. It should be a governing test of whether we are willing to confront an affordability crisis that is denying families dignity in their everyday lives.

In April 1967 at Riverside Church in New York City, Dr. King offered a truth that still pierces through the noise:

“True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar. … It comes to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring.”

That is the assignment. Not sympathy. Not symbolism. Structural change—so working people can build stable, dignified lives.

Yet the reality in Houston and Harris County remains brutally clear. More than one in five Houstonians live at or below the poverty line—the highest rate among America’s biggest cities. In neighborhoods like Settegast, life expectancy is twenty years lower than in wealthier parts of the county. In the Fifth Ward, families have lived for decades with the fear that pollution and neglect are stealing their children’s futures.

Basic monthly bills are becoming a breaking point as rising housing, transportation, and utility costs compound on top of one another. Research shows that households in older, under-resourced neighborhoods such as Denver Harbor, Pleasantville, Magnolia Park, and Kashmere Gardens are spending around seven percent of their income on electricity. Our system is failing, forcing people to choose between keeping the lights on and buying groceries or medicine.

These are the conditions Dr. King warned us about: parents skipping meals so their kids can eat. Seniors cutting pills in half. Workers juggling two or three jobs and still falling behind on rent.

So what does it mean to honor Dr. King?

It means governing for economic justice.

In Harris County, we have taken some important steps. We adopted a living wage, raising wages for the custodians who clean our buildings and the construction workers who build them, because one job should be enough to live on. We strengthened worker protections and safety standards on public projects because no dollar amount or project deadline is worth a human life. We invested in affordable rental homes and expanded eviction prevention and legal assistance because housing is a human right. We stepped up during the federal shutdown, partnering with community groups to distribute food and connect neighbors to support. We fought to pilot guaranteed income, recognizing —as Dr. King did—that families need stability, not just survival, even as state leaders moved to block us from acting.

Yet much of our work is still ahead of us. We must continue to invest in programs that create more good-paying jobs, affordable housing, access to healthcare and childcare, and direct relief that meets people where they are. We must protect all neighborhoods from heat, flooding, and natural disasters, not just more affluent communities. In the face of state revenue caps imposed on us by the Legislature, and deep cuts to federal programs by Congress and the White House, these investments are that much more essential. Our community cannot afford another generation of policy failures.

Dr. King called for us to fundamentally transform our systems so we can abolish poverty. Honoring his legacy means choosing action over rhetoric—even when resources are constrained and higher levels of government stand in our way.

The true measure of our commitment to Dr. King’s dream will be whether our budgets, services, and policies rise to meet the dignity people deserve. More information: HCP1.net

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Francis Page, Jr
fpagejr@stylemagazine.com
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‘End of life doula’ helps make death less scary for families

CNN Newsource on January 14, 2026

By Meghan McRoberts

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    VERO BEACH, Florida (WPTV) — At our Let’s Hear It events, we hear from so many of you, but in Jensen Beach, one woman’s story caught us by surprise.

I listened to a “death doula”, or end-of-life doula, who explained how she’s working to make death less scary and ease the stress and fear of people’s final weeks, months and years. Much like a “birth doula” helps ease the start of life, and end of life doula eases the final years, months and days.

Melissa Ellison is a certified end-of-life doula with Floradoula LLC. She works with people facing a terminal diagnosis, the elderly, and others who just want to have an end-of-life plan — and someone they can trust to execute it as they wish.

Ellison tells me the primary goal is to enable people to pass away at home, if that’s their wish. Too many people, she says, end up passing in a hospital instead because their family caregivers feel overwhelmed by the dying process.

An end-of-life doula can’t administer medical care like hospice, but can spend more time with a patient than hospice can and serve as a hospice liaison. They can be in your life for years, thinking of ways to make your home more livable while battling illness or less mobility.

They can help with paperwork, making sure there’s nothing you’ve missed, and can plan vigils, funerals and eulogies. She also connects families with medical professionals and hospice care.

It’s all about helping patients have more quality time with their loved ones to make the end of life less scary and more meaningful.

“It’s a window of opportunity for them to do legacy projects. Do they want to write letters to their grandchildren or record videos? Do they want to see old friends? A lot of times, at the end of life, they want to go through a forgiveness activity. Forgiving people for things they can’t even remember, and also to forgive themselves,” Ellison said.

This is personal for Ellison. She battled cancer, which was when she really faced her own mortality and found she was less fearful when she felt she had an end-of-life plan.

She’s also hoping for a great turnout at an upcoming “End of Life Festival” in Vero Beach on Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Center for Spiritual Care at 1550 24th St., Vero Beach, FL.

There will be games, letter writing, a wind phone and various vendors with conversations about death positivity, green burials and other end-of-life planning tasks.

Melissa Ellison can be contacted at floradoulallc@gmail.com

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Patagonia sues business for creating counterfeits

CNN Newsource on January 14, 2026

By Ethan Stein

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    BOCA RATON, Florida (WPTV) — Patagonia, the popular clothing company, is suing a Boca Raton company for its role in manufacturing and selling counterfeit products to retailers.

Patagonia is asking a judge to force JPC Apparel to give the company its profits, remaining counterfeit products and damages worth up to $150,000 for each work infringed at the company’s decision.

The lawsuit, which the company filed in federal court, comes as the government reports an increase in the value of fake merchandise coming into the country.

Susan Scafidi, who is the academic director for the Fashion Law Institute at Fordham University, said these types of copyright cases are common. She also said she’s noticed an increase in the amount of cases being filed as tariffs make goods more expensive, and dupes become more acceptable in society and gain appeal to consumers on a budget.

“I have seen an uptick in litigation over the past year or two,” Scafidi said. “That is to say, with the rise of dupes, it’s becoming a situation where brands decide that it is worth suing, it is worth making themselves publicly a harder target.”

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the value of products seized for violating intellectual property increased from $2.9 billion in 2022 to $7.3 billion in 2025, a 152% increase over a four-year period.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said the global trade in counterfeit goods was valued at approximately $467 billion, or 2.3% of total global imports. The group estimated counterfeit goods made up about 4.7% of total EU imports and mostly came from China.

Scafidi said these fake products are often not subject to tariffs because they are often snuck across the border, which can make these products even cheaper compared with more authentic products. She said these products are often worse products.

“If these are actually counterfeits, then you’re buying something that is almost certainly of lower quality,” Scafidi said. “So you think you’re buying Patagonia, you think you’re getting a deal on Patagonia. Instead, you get something that might fall apart after a few wears.”

She also said there are other social concerns, like the conditions of the people who created the clothes.

In the lawsuit, Patagonia said it conducted its own investigation into articles of clothing it found being sold at multiple retailers locations across different states. The company said customers posted videos showing the blacked-out labels and poor quality of the jackets.

The company said it believes a middle man sold the products to the retailer on behalf of JPC Apparel, knowing the products were fakes.

Patagonia said the products were sold as “Famous Maker Insulated Jackets” for $60, a reduction from $100. The company argues the fakes will hurt their ability to make money and reputation as a company.

“Defendants are causing and will continue to cause irreparable injury to Patagonia’s goodwill and business reputation, and dilation of the distinctiveness and value or the famous and distinctive PATAGONIA trademarks in violation of Florida law,” the lawsuit reads.

WPTV reached out to Patagonia to learn more about their motivation for suing the Boca Raton based company and their process for protecting their products, but didn’t hear back by publication.

Scafidi said companies like Patagonia, are more likely to sue if the company creating a counterfeit product is larger. WPTV’s Ethan Stein found JPC Apparel and their owner, Jules Capon, were sued by The North Face Apparel Corporation in August 2011 for creating counterfeit products with their logo.

A judge ruled on behalf of North Face after no response was filed by Capon or any of the other 28 defendants in the case.

Capon told WPTV’s Ethan Stein he didn’t want to talk about the case when reached by phone Monday night.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Months after deadly hit-and-run, a mom is still waiting for answers

CNN Newsource on January 14, 2026

By Aaron Cantrell

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    NASHVILLE, Tennessee (WTVF) — A Nashville mother said she is still searching for answers months after her son was killed in a hit-and-run — and the impact of that loss continues to ripple through every part of her life.

Anita Brown’s son, 50-year-old Mack Tyrone Cosby, was struck and killed last October while walking along Dr. D.B. Todd Jr. Boulevard. Police said the driver fled the scene, and no arrests have been made.

Brown said the uncertainty surrounding her son’s death has been devastating.

“This could’ve been you. It tears me up to think about that. That’s not normal. Mack wasn’t that kind of person,” Brown said.

Brown said her son lived with paranoid schizophrenia and received disability assistance, but she insists he posed no danger to anyone.

She said Cosby walked everywhere, was known for asking for a dollar often, and never caused trouble.

Friends and neighbors in North Nashville remember Cosby as someone who never met a stranger. Brown said people regularly stop her to share memories of her son and to express their support.

“When they see me, they hug me and say, ‘Miss Anita, I’m praying Mac gets justice, ‘cause we love Mack and Mack wouldn’t hurt no one,’” she said.

According to Brown, Metro Nashville Police Department released an image of a vehicle believed to be connected to the case shortly after the crash. She said she has not received any updates since.

Beyond the emotional toll, Brown said her son’s death has also created financial strain. She said the two shared a home with rent exceeding $1,200 a month, and without his income, she can no longer afford to stay.

“Rent is high here and it’s waiting lists everywhere you go, and I’m trying to get affordable housing based on my income,” Brown said. She said she has applied to several apartments and is receiving assistance from city agencies, but the process has been challenging.

Brown said no parent should have to bury their child, and while each day remains difficult, she continues to lean on her faith.

“God will answer the prayer. His timing isn’t mine, but I know he’s going to get me justice. I do believe in that,” she said.

Anyone with information about the vehicle or driver involved in the crash is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 615-74-CRIME.

This story was reported by reporter Aaron Cantrell and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Aaron and WTVF verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Death row inmate sues state in attempt to pause execution

CNN Newsource on January 14, 2026

By Eric Pointer

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    NASHVILLE, Tennessee (WTVF) — A woman on Tennessee’s death row is fighting for her life in court, claiming the state’s execution method could cause her to drown in her own blood.

Christa Pike is suing the state to halt her execution, arguing Tennessee’s lethal injection protocol would constitute cruel and unusual punishment due to her rare blood cancer that affects how her blood clots.

Pike was convicted at age 18 in 1996 for torturing and killing a girl while they were both in a job training program for troubled teens. Now 30 years later, she’s scheduled to die by lethal injection this September.

Pike suffers from a rare form of blood cancer, thrombocytosis, which causes dangerously high platelet levels. Her attorneys argue the state’s single-drug protocol using pentobarbital would cause her to suffer excessive bleeding in her lungs during execution.

A medical expert in the case says Pike would essentially drown in her own blood, making her death far more painful than intended. Pike also has difficulty with needles due to small veins, which could complicate the execution process.

If successful, this would be the first time Tennessee has had to modify its execution protocol for an individual’s medical condition. Pike’s execution would also mark the first time Tennessee has put a woman to death in more than 200 years.

The court has not yet ruled on the lawsuit.

This story was reported by Eric Pointer and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Eric Pointer and WTVF verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Family speaks out after car with daughter’s skates inside stolen days before competition

CNN Newsource on January 14, 2026

By Lucy Yang

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    WEST ORANGE, New Jersey (WABC) — A family in New Jersey is speaking out after their car, which had priceless personal belongings inside, was stolen from their driveway.

13-year-old Leighton Malone is a synchronized skater. Think figure skater, but on a team. She leaves Wednesday morning for a big competition to qualify for nationals.

“I want to be as dedicated as I can to the team, and I think that requires doing the best that I can,” Malone said.

The 8th grader has worked so hard for the competition, but it was almost taken away.

Last weekend, someone stole her family’s BMW from their driveway in Bloomfield. The problem: Malone’s skates and equipment were in the car.

“She cried for over an hour and she was not consolable. And I, as a mother, I just went into fix-it mode,” Malone’s mother, Dawn, said.

Once the devastation settled, the family purchased another $1,000 pair of skates, but money could not put more days on the calendar to break in the skates before the competition.

Trying to cram in extra sessions on the ice, Malone came in at 6 a.m. on Tuesday to skate before school.

“I definitely want to skate really hard and take advantage of all the practices that we get before we hit the ice and really compete,” Malone said.

Her brother’s cello was also in the car — a $5,000 instrument that he no longer has for practice or performances.

Eyewitness News got a preview of the routine that Malone’s synchronized team will be performing this coming weekend.

As for the person who stole their family’s vehicle, Malone is trying to understand the situation.

“I try to be as empathetic as possible. I hope that they can understand that was something that was valuable to me too. And I really just want my stuff back,” she said.

Malone’s family tells Eyewitness News it takes a minimum of 10-13 hours to be properly break in a new pair of skates. While Malone might not have that luxury, she has something the car thieves cannot steal: her determination.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Teens film and provoke man at Home Depot in viral video attempt

CNN Newsource on January 14, 2026

By Willie Daniely

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    CARY, North Carolina (WRAL) — A routine trip to a local Home Depot turned into a distressing experience for a Cary family, as a woman reported that her father was targeted by a group of teenagers engaging in a troubling trend.

She posted in part, “A group of teens appeared to be provoking him while filming- apparently part of a disturbing trend where individuals elicit a reaction and record it.”

Dr. Alice Cheng, a professor from NC State, has conducted research into social media and its impact. She says while social media platforms may not explicitly encourage such conduct, they inadvertently create an environment where provocative content is rewarded, leading to an increase in confrontational incidents.

“What we are seeing here from my view is a collision between viral attention incentives and the real-world risk,” Cheng said. “Teenagers are treating public spaces like social media platforms, but the consequences offline are far less predictable.”

Cheng told WRAL News that when teenagers see certain content go viral, they often seek to recreate it even if it could be damaging.

“They (social media platforms) do reward the content that triggers a strong reaction and that creates an incentive structure where confrontation feels profitable sometimes even,” Cheng said.

This incident is not isolated, as similar occurrences have been documented, some gaining millions of views online. The impact of these trends has prompted some users to reconsider their engagement with social media, opting to distance themselves from platforms that appear to reward negative interactions.

The Cary Police Department is currently investigating the reported assault, adding that they are trying to contact the man who was allegedly assaulted by the teens. A Home Depot shopper emphasized the unpredictability of human reactions, urging teenagers to exercise caution and awareness of the possible repercussions of their actions.

“You’re not in a controlled environment; you don’t know how someone is going to react, you don’t know if someone has PTSD or if someone has anger management issues,” the shopper said. “So you do have to be careful when you are interacting with strangers.”

As of now, the incident remains under investigation. WRAL News has reached out to Home Depot for a comment and is waiting to hear back.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Teen saves his brother’s life thanks to a lesson he learned in middle school

CNN Newsource on January 14, 2026

By Eric Miller

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    WILSON COUNTY, North Carolina (WRAL) — Cody Aliff says he doesn’t know how, but he knew something was wrong.

It was early in the morning on January 2nd. 14-year-old Cody and his older brother, Hunter, were in rural Halifax County, hunting ducks. Then Cody heard a splash.

“I heard a beaver splash originally, whenever we were walking in the swamp,” Cody said. “It just sounded different. So I called for Hunter, and he didn’t answer.”

Cody rushed over to find his brother face down in the water.

“All I could see was waders,” Cody said.

Cody credits God with giving him the strength to pull his brother out, and then to perform CPR on him, he says, for two full minutes

It’s a skill he’d learned just months prior, as part of a class at Springfield Middle School in Wilson County.

“I wasn’t really expecting having to use it, but it was really helpful,” Cody said.

After getting pulled out of the swamp, Hunter was rushed to Wilson Medical Center. He says his brother’s quick thinking saved his life.

“Well, at first, I was still shocked. I didn’t really know what happened, but I did thank him and told him I loved him many times,” Hunter said.

Both brothers say they’re now sharing their story, hoping it will inspire others to get CPR certified.

“We’re very proud of Cody, you know, the fact that he did not freeze. He did what was needed to be done,” said Barbie Aliff, the boy’s mother, and a registered nurse who is herself CPR certified for work.

“Our goal is to just spread awareness. If our story encourages just one person to take CPR, then something good can come from a very scary moment,” Barbie said.

Barbie says the staff at Wilson Medical Center also played a key role in saving her son. She says she’s also incredibly thankful for the outpouring of love and support that’s come from family, friends and the community.

For his part, Hunter says he doesn’t remember how he ended up in the water that day. He says now he’s just thankful for the brother who knew how to step in when the worst happened

“It’s a miracle that I’m still here,” Hunter said.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

After 70 years of marriage, this couple finally had their dream wedding!

CNN Newsource on January 14, 2026

By Joi Fultz

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    HOPEWELL, Virginia (WTVR) — Inside Cawson Street Church of Christ in Hopewell Saturday afternoon, guests arrived for a celebration seven decades in the making.

“Hey buddy, it’s a big decision, are you sure you want to get married? I think I will,” joked 91-year-old Harold Pugh, all set to say “I do” to his 90-year-old bride, Frances.

When asked if she stole his heart, Harold replied simply, “Yep. That’s a special girl.”

“I just feel so blessed,” Frances said.

It’s a love story that began in the 1950s. The two met at a skating rink and then eloped in their twenties. Now, having made it to their 70th wedding anniversary, friends and family felt it was only fitting they renew their vows with the wedding they never had.

“Look at my handsome husband up there,” Frances said as she prepared to walk down the aisle.

“After all these years, I still love him, I cherish him, I appreciate all he’s done for me over these years,” she said.

For the first time ever, the pair met at the end of the aisle, re-exchanging those very precious promises with each other.

“Will you continue to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health and forsaking all others, continue to be faithful to her, so long as you both shall live?” the officiant asked.

“I do!” Harold responded.

“I do,” Frances said when asked the same question.

The ceremony celebrated thousands of memories leading up to this meaningful moment.

“Traveling, riding roller coasters in your 90s, hosting Bible studies in your home, we see in you a pair blessed by God with years of life and the wisdom to take advantage of every opportunity to live,” the officiant said.

Loved ones served as witnesses to the deep love they’ve had all these years, not just for each other but for their community.

“They would deny themselves everything and give to anyone that needs,” one guest said.

“They just are a wonderful, wonderful couple and they just have inspired me,” another added.

Having overcome several health scares, the pair stood hand in hand at the altar, grateful to be joined by their friends and extended family.

“I’m thankful for every year, for every day we have together,” one of them said.

Their advice to other couples hoping to make it to this monumental mark? “Pick the right person as you will spend the rest of your life and I think the second thing is just as important, put God first,” they said.

“What God has joined together, let not man separate. Harold, you may now kiss your bride,” the officiant declared.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is my privilege to present to you a 70-year commitment to a covenant made before God and man, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Pugh,” he announced.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Through coaching rise, Tomlin left mark on Hampton Roads

CNN Newsource on January 14, 2026

By Marc Davis

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    NORFOLK, Virginia (WTKR) — Mike Tomlin’s accomplishments are well-documented.

In his 19 years as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, he never suffered a losing season. Tomlin led the franchise to a Super Bowl win, 13 playoff appearances and eight AFC North titles.

Tuesday, news of his resignation quickly hit Hampton Roads, including his alma mater, William & Mary, where head coach Mike London digested the news with the rest of the football world.

“You know a person, as I know Mike, and you know what he’s meant to the NFL, football and the development of men that you’re like, ‘really?,'” said London of his reaction upon hearing the news.

Tomlin got his football start in the 757. He was born in Hampton, grew up in Newport News, graduated from Denbigh High School and played his college football as a wide receiver for the Tribe. London was an assistant coach during Tomlin’s playing days at William & Mary and says that energy fans see on the sidelines is the same he brought as a player.

“Intense, would get after it,” London described his former player. “If you’re standing around a pile or something like that and you’re supposed to get blocked, you’re going to get blocked. If you’re involved in a play, then you’d better go to the echo of the whistle.”

Tommy Reamon Jr., like Tomlin, grew up in Newport News. He got the chance to work for the Steelers during the 2014 offseason.

“I saw him up close and personal,” Reamon recalled. “It was the green light. I could go into all the meetings and I really witnessed the guy that we beloved on TV up close and personal.”

During his time in Pittsburgh, the sideline leader gave him plenty of pointers. Some of the advice he still uses today.

“He said ‘Tommy, in this profession, you need to be politely aggressive,'” Reamon remembered. “That means you need to be aggressive enough to let people know that you are serious and that you want this job, but you want to be polite. You don’t want to come off annoying and just kind of bothersome.”

Even as he rose through the coaching ranks, from college to NFL assistant to the Steelers’ head whistle, he never forgot from where he came. He continued to leave his mark on the Tribe, his city and those coming behind him.

“Different people at the university would reach out to him to get him involved in different initiatives and that’s the kind of guy that he is in his interactions with this place, William & Mary” London noted.

“He’s a hard-working guy,” added Reamon. “He was the youngest head coach to take a job in the NFL and I followed his coaching tree, hoping to be like him one day. I’ve had a stint coaching and I looked at his resume and I tried to follow it.”

Neither London nor Reamon know what’s next for Tomlin, but no matter what he does or where he ends up, his entire community will be behind him cheering him on.

“When you want to see what an NFL coach looks like from A to Z, he’s kind of been that model,” London said. “As the opportunities may present themselves for him, he’ll continue to keep being successful.

ESPN is reporting that Tomlin will not coach anywhere in 2026. He departs the sidelines with a career record of 201-126-2.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.