Local News
Voletta Wallace, Mother of The Notorious B.I.G., Passes Away at 72
Her cause of death has been attributed to natural causes.
Voletta Wallace, the mother of legendary rapper The Notorious B.I.G., has passed away at the age of 72.
According to Monroe County Coroner Thomas Yanac, Wallace died on Friday morning in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, while in hospice care.
Her cause of death has been attributed to natural causes.
Wallace dedicated much of her life to preserving and honoring her sonโs legacy following his tragic 1997 murder.
As the overseer of Biggieโs estate, she played a crucial role in managing his assets and ensuring that his wealth was passed down to his family, including his daughter, Tโyanna Wallace.
Under her stewardship, Biggieโs estate grew significantly, expanding from an estimated $10 million at the time of his death to a current valuation of approximately $160 million.
A steadfast advocate for her sonโs legacy, Wallace celebrated Biggieโs induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and frequently shared updates about his enduring impact on music and culture.
Her social media presence was largely dedicated to her sonโs achievements, promoting his foundation, streaming milestones, tribute concerts, and cultural tributes.
In 2009, she played an instrumental role in the release of the biopic “Notorious,” emphasizing the importance of sharing Christopher Wallaceโs story with the world.
Born Christopher Wallace, The Notorious B.I.G. was fatally shot in Los Angeles in 1997, just months after the death of fellow rap icon Tupac Shakur.
His motherโs unwavering dedication ensured that his legacy continued to thrive for generations.
Local News
Suspended Dearborn Ford worker Thomas Sabula received more than $320K after Trump flips him off
DEARBORN, Mich. โ A suspended Ford Motor Company employee has become the focus of national attention after a confrontation with former President Donald Trump during a visit to a Dearborn assembly plant, prompting an outpouring of public support that has raised more than $324,000 for his family through an online fundraiser.
The worker, Thomas โTJโ Sabula, a 40-year-old United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 600 member, was placed on suspension pending an internal investigation following an exchange that occurred while Trump was touring the facility.
According to video later obtained and published by TMZ, an off-camera voice can be heard shouting โpedophile protectorโ at the former president, an apparent reference to the administrationโs handling of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.
In the footage, Trump appears to mouth an expletive and make a hand gesture before walking away.
The Washington Post subsequently identified Sabula as the individual who made the remark.
In an interview with the newspaper, Sabula confirmed that he was suspended after the incident and said he believes the action amounts to political retaliation.
โAs far as calling him out, definitely no regrets whatsoever,โ Sabula told The Post. โBut I am concerned about my job. I believe Iโve been targeted for political retribution for embarrassing him in front of his friends.โ
Sabula, who describes himself as politically independent, said he has never voted for Trump, though he has supported Republican candidates in the past.
In the days following the incident, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to assist Sabula and his family during his suspension.
The campaign states that Sabula is โa father of two young children, a husband, and a proud UAW Local 600 line worker,โ and that the funds will be used to help cover household and living expenses โduring this time of uncertainty.โ Donations quickly surged past $100,000, with notable contributions reportedly made by the rock band Dropkick Murphys.
Supporters have characterized Sabulaโs actions as a form of protest and free expression, while others have questioned whether his conduct violated workplace policies.
Ford Motor Company and union representatives have not publicly released details regarding the status of the internal investigation or whether disciplinary action beyond the suspension is being considered.
Following his visit to the Dearborn plant, Trump went on to deliver remarks at the Detroit Economic Club, where he had last spoken in October 2024.
The incident continues to draw attention amid broader political debate, as questions remain about workplace discipline, free speech, and the role of political expression in employment settings.