Thursday Scoop: #MuteRKelly

The big story…

Lady Gaga Denounces R. Kelly

Lady Gaga has now become one of the many celebrities and musicians to denounce rapper R. Kelly following the premier of the docuseries “Surviving R. Kelly.” (Read more about it in Monday’s Morning Scoop.) Gaga has even gone so far as to promise to end all streaming of their duet “Do What U Want.”

In other news, CNN reports that a warrant was issued for R Kelly’s manager James Mason over the summer when Mason allegedly threatened to kill the father of one of the victims that appears in the docuseries. 

In global news…

The DRC’s Presidential Election Sparks Allegations of Vote Rigging

The Democratic Republic of Congo has a new president. Opposition to Felix Tshisekedi, the surprise winner of the election, allege vote rigging, and riots may soon break out in the country.

In politics…

Trump Walks Out During Meeting About Shutdown

President Trump walked out of a meeting to end the partial government shutdown Wednesday, saying the discussion with the congressional Democrats was “a total waste of time.” The shutdown is now in its third week. CNN reports, “Top congressional Democrats blasted Trump after the meeting Wednesday afternoon, accusing him of indifference to struggling federal workers and not trying to negotiate as the government shutdown drags on.” The meeting came to an abrupt end when Trump asked Pelosi if he opened up the government, would funds be given to a border wall. Pelosi declined, and the President left the room. Republican senators are hoping the immigration deal they are working on privately will provide funds for Trump’s wall while offering enticing incentives for Democrats.

In higher education…

Chicago State University to Pay Settlement in Free Speech Case

After a four-year legal battle, Chicago State University will pay a $650,000 settlement to two professors who published a blog criticizing university administration.

In breaking news…

Oldest Living Person in U.S. Lessie Brown Dies

At age 114, the country’s oldest living person Lessie Brown died on Tuesday. The key to her longevity? According to Brown, sweet potatoes and God.

In the economy…

Some Millennials Believe They Will Die in Debt 

According to a report by CreditCards.com, 20% of millennials expect to die without ever paying off their debt. Happy Thursday.

In tech…

Jeff and Mackenzie Bezos to Divorce

After 25 years of marriage, Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos and his wife Mackenzie Bezos are getting a divorce. I guess money can’t buy happiness. Or maybe, with $66 billion in divorce settlements on the line, it can.

Trending today…

Snow Day Blues

Last but not least…

CMN Vibes: Diverse Jazz/International

There’s a new session of our Music Journalism Course starting up and we’re already into Weather Report. Click here to see Robyn McDonald’s first playlist for CMN.

Today’s Morning Scoop was made possible by Robyn McDonald, Natalia Kolenko, and the CMN Staff. Baby Shark (doo doo doo doo doo doo doo) is now number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100. Probably because no one in the entire world can get it out of their head. P.S. Was this newsletter forwarded by a friend? Subscribe here to get the Morning Scoop straight to your inbox every day.