⭐️🎙 Newz and Trendz with Dave and Len: Black News Roundup

Culture Wars & Clapbacks: Rap Feuds, White Grievance, and Student Loan Payback

This week on Newz & Trendz with Dave and Len, culture, politics, and accountability collide.
We break down reports that Maury Povich could step into hip-hop territory by mediating rap feuds — including the ongoing Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar saga — and ask whether pop culture spectacle has replaced real conflict resolution.
The conversation shifts to Bernice King’s reaction to Vice President JD Vance’s comments about no longer needing to apologize for being white, and what those remarks signal in today’s political climate.
We also examine new developments under the Trump administration that could allow the federal government to begin seizing wages to collect defaulted student loans, raising serious questions about economic pressure and fairness.
Plus, we react to Charlie Kirk’s comments questioning Nicki Minaj’s role as a model for Black girls — and unpack who gets to decide what “good role models” look like in Black culture.
And in Dave’s Corner, we lighten the mood with a personal reflection: What was the best Christmas gift you ever bought your parents — when you barely had the money to do it?
Tap in for sharp takes, real conversation, and the stories shaping the culture right now.

Airbnb Squatter Ousted After Months-Long Standoff — Homeowner Wins in D.C. Court

This episode of News and Trends with Dave and Len covers a range of stories: a D.C. homeowner wins a court battle to evict an Airbnb squatter after a months-long occupation; a memorial for Mary Turner, a 1918 lynching victim, is placed on display in Atlanta after repeated vandalism; and Maryland high school students launch a viral campaign that catches Michelle Obama’s attention.Hosts Dave and Len discuss local impacts, community responses, and how persistence and vigilance shape outcomes in each story.

Aerosmith to Radio Royalty: Bobby Keys’ Legendary Ride

Hosts Dave and Len sit down with veteran audio engineer and radio visionary Bobby Keys to trace his career from Record Plant sessions with Aerosmith and Kiss to touring with Rick James and crafting iconic studio mixes.Bobby shares behind-the-scenes anecdotes (including Mick Jagger and Eddie Murphy stories), introduces his character-driven project 986 The Boulevard, and talks about his radio work with stations like 98.6 and 101.5 The Fever.The hosts also discuss current hot topics — the National Park Service fee-free date changes and the Sean "Diddy" Combs documentary "The Reckoning" — before closing the episode with listener-minded reflections.

Oxford’s “Ragebait” to Rush Hour 4 — News & Trends with Dave & Len

Hosts Dave and Len discuss the week’s top stories: Oxford University Press naming “ragebait” Word of the Year, alarming reports of Black mothers denied timely care in hospitals, and President Trump’s unexpected endorsement of Rush Hour 4 amid controversy.
The episode also highlights a heartwarming daddy-daughter dance at Louisiana’s Angola prison, unpacks popular youth slang, and touches on local weather, holiday reflections, and cultural commentary.

Nurses Declassified? Student Loan Shake-Up Sparks Outrage

Hosts Dave and Leonard celebrate their anniversary and cover major stories: the Education Department's plan to exclude nursing from professional degree status and new loan caps, a young UK hairstylist repeatedly dismissed until diagnosed with stage 4 angiosarcoma, rising GOP dissatisfaction over Trump and "America First," and Lupita Nyong'o's account of post‑Oscar typecasting.The episode blends politics, healthcare, culture, and personal updates with listener interaction in "Dave's Corner," plus Thanksgiving messages and calls for community action.

A Front-Row Encounter with Jim Ellis — Celebrating a Swimming Pioneer

Leonard share a personal highlight meeting Jim Ellis, founder of the PDR Swim Team and inspiration for the movie Pride, and discusses the importance of representation in swimming.
They dive into the controversial rise of Xania Monet, an AI-generated R&B artist whose multi-million dollar deal and vocal likeness to real singers have sparked legal and ethical debates in the music industry.
The show also examines two viral incidents: a bystander attacked after a false theft accusation and a Texas trooper’s shoulder bump of college players that drew condemnation from LeBron and others, plus sports talk and local event updates.

Control, Move, Dominate — Inside the Larry Barnhill Story

Hosts Dave and Len interview Larry Barnhill about his rise from college track star and sports executive to involvement in bank robberies, 22 years in federal prison, and his transformation into a speaker and criminal-justice advocate.
Barnhill discusses rehabilitation, mentoring incarcerated men, and his memoir "Control, Move, Dominate."
The episode also covers current news stories — a controversy at a gym over a person in the women’s locker room, a Habitat for Humanity home for a single mother of four, and a viral experiment calling churches for emergency help — plus the hosts’ commentary and a final segment grading the president’s performance.

REPEAT: Unveiling the Journey: Frank Burton Jr., From FBI Agent to Apostle

In this episode of Newz and Trendz with Dave and Len, we dive into the intriguing life of Frank Burton Jr., a man who transitioned from an FBI agent to an apostle. Frank shares his experiences working in the FBl, including high-profile cases and the challenges he faced as a black man in law enforcement.
Frank also talks about the discernment and skills he brought from his FBI career into his ministry. He provides insights into how his faith guided him through dangerous situations and helped him solve complex cases. Additionally, Frank discusses his book, "From FBI Agent to an Apostle: Saga of a Spiritual Sniper," and the inspiration behind it.
In the second half of the episode, Dave and Len discuss various current events, including the commendable efforts of former NFL player Warrick Dunn in helping single mothers become homeowners and the ongoing issue of phone scams targeting specific area codes.
Tune in for an enlightening conversation that covers faith, law enforcement, community service, and much more. Don't miss this inspiring episode that highlights the power of resilience, faith, and community support.

Doritos Mistake: AI Gun-Alert Sparks Armed Police Showdown

Hosts Dave and Leonard discuss the week’s biggest stories: the federal shutdown delaying SNAP benefits, an AI gun-detection error that led to a Baltimore teen being handcuffed, and sweeping federal indictments tying NBA figures to illegal gambling and mob-run poker schemes.They also cover Target’s major layoffs after consumer boycotts over DEI changes, explore a psychologist’s take that no siblings share the same upbringing, and share personal concerns about AI’s impact on jobs, safety, and creativity.Listeners get a clear, conversational roundup of news, community impact, and the hosts’ personal takes and reactions.

Stephen A.'s Fiery D.C. Callout: Voices of the 'No Kings' Movement

Hosts Dave and Len break down the week’s biggest stories: Stephen A. Smith’s heated remarks at a D.C. event, the controversy over a Trump-posted AI video depicting a fighter jet dropping feces on protesters, and the rising concerns about AI deepfakes — including misuse of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s likeness.
They also discuss growing protests, notable conservatives who’ve criticized Trump, the challenges of social media and AI regulation, and close the show with a lighthearted Dave’s Corner riddle segment.