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President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which takes effect this tax season, will reportedly “deepen a Black affordability crisis and widen the Black-white wealth divide.”
The Trump administration is touting President Donald Trump‘s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)” this tax season, highlighting its impact on this year’s filings.
“President Donald J. Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts are delivering real relief — putting more money back in the pockets of hardworking parents, strengthening families, protecting seniors, and helping build a brighter future for the next generation,” the White House said ahead of Trump’s visit to Las Vegas, Nevada, to promote his tax agenda.
But while the White House has framed President Trump’s changes to the U.S. tax code as a major win for working families, data shows that Black Americans, and a majority of Americans who need tax relief the most, won’t actually see much of the savings touted by the administration.
A new report by the Center for American Progress notes that, despite the Trump administration’s claim that the average American taxpayer would see a $1,000 increase in tax refunds, the average refund was up only $346 from last year. The data was based on an analysis of weekly IRS reports.
President Trump, administration officials, and Republicans in Congress have tried to brand the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” as a major middle-class tax cut. But the devil is in the details. Tax policy experts and analysts note that the tax and budget law will disproportionately benefit corporations and the wealthiest Americans. And with Black Americans representing only 4.7% of all U.S. wealth, according to the U.S. Census, they are far less likely to see those benefits.
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) estimate that Trump’s tax cuts will save nearly $15,000 per year per household for the richest 10% of Americans and more than $50,000 per year for the richest 1% of Americans. What’s worse, the nation’s poorest Americans, who are disproportionately Black (20% despite making up only 13% of the population), will see lower or no tax cuts under Trump’s tax agenda.
The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies provides a closer look at how Trump’s tax law will impact Black households. Given the OBBBA’s historic cuts to social services like Medicaid and food assistance through SNAP, and Obamacare subsidies in order to offset the cost of Trump’s $4 trillion tax cuts for the mostly rich and well-off, Black households are “most likely to rely on the slashed programs and least likely to have the resources to manage the increased tax burden.” The Joint Center estimates that millions of Black American families, or 47% of Black children, will not receive the full tax credit.
Experts note that even alluring provisions in the OBBBA, like “No Tax on Tips” — which one-third of tipped workers won’t benefit from because they earn too little — don’t make up for the thousands of dollars in lost health care and food costs. Not to mention, Americans are also experiencing higher gas and energy prices as Trump’s war in Iran is exacerbating inflation costs.
The Joint Center also reports that federal cuts will ultimately drive state and local governments to raise taxes or cut critical services.
“These sources include sales and excise taxes on everyday goods and services, flat fees for utilities, licensing, and transit, and fines and fees from courts, traffic enforcement, and code violations. Often, these taxes are concentrated in lower-income and disproportionately African American communities, which are more likely to be overpoliced and face code and traffic enforcement,” says the report.
It continues, “These fines and fees serve as a hidden tax on African American work and daily life. As states lean more on fines and fees to close budget gaps, effectively they are taxing consumption and work, instead of wealth. This lands hardest on Black communities and widens affordability gaps.”
Ultimately, the Joint Center report notes, Trump’s “high-end” tax cuts, cuts to anti-poverty credits, and their cascading economic impacts will “deepen a Black affordability crisis and widen the Black-white wealth divide.”
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Donald Trump did delete the photo, but it appears he has crossed a serious line with his base.
Donald Trump once posted about not going to heaven. After his latest unhinged posts on his God-awful social media platform, he definitely won’t be anywhere near the pearly gates.
Something is truly going on in the mind of Donald Trump, and it’s so off the rails that even his closest allies (who excused his felony convictions and being found liable for sexual assault) are saying this latest online tirade is a bridge too far for them.
During a late-night posting spree on Truth Social, the current occupant of the White House took people calling him Cheetoh Jesus literally and shared an AI-generated photo of himself as the son of God, Jesus Christ.
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Trump posted the image that has his closest and most adamant supporters screaming blasphemy after having the audacity to call out Pope Leo XIV, who has been very critical of his illegal war, war crime rhetoric, and immigration policies.
Orange Mussolini called Pope Leo, who also happens to be the first American chosen for the position, “weak” and took other shots at the Supreme Pontiff, seemingly after a 60 Minutes segment featuring the holy leader and his cardinals airing the administration out regarding the war and Trump’s inhumane stance on immigration.
Pope Leo even touched on Trump’s threat to Iran that “a whole civilization would die tonight,” calling it “truly unacceptable.”
“Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy … I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon,” Trump wrote. “I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s terrible that America attacked Venezuela, a Country that was sending massive amounts of Drugs into the United States and, even worse, emptying their prisons, including murderers, drug dealers, and killers, into our Country. And I don’t want a Pope who criticizes the President of the United States because I’m doing exactly what I was elected, IN A LANDSLIDE, to do, setting Record Low Numbers in Crime, and creating the Greatest Stock Market in History.”
The malignant narcissist even found a way to make Pope Leo’s appointment about himself, adding that he “was only put there by the Church because he was an American, and they thought that would be the best way to deal with President Donald J. Trump. If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican.”
Pope Leo did have time to respond to Orange Mussolini, telling the Associated Press, “To put my message on the same plane as what the president has attempted to do here, I think is not understanding what the message of the Gospel is,” he said. “And I’m sorry to hear that but I will continue on what I believe is the mission of the church in the world today.”
Pope Leo continued, “I will not enter into debate. The things that I say are certainly not meant as attacks on anyone. The message of the Gospel is very clear: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers.’ I will not shy away from announcing the message of the Gospel and inviting all people to look for ways of building bridges of peace and reconciliation, and looking for ways to avoid war any time that’s possible.”
Speaking with anotther journalist, Pope Leo let be known he isn’t scared of Trump adding, “I have no fear of the Trump administration or speaking out loudly of the message of the gospel, which is what I believe I am here to do, what the church is here to do.”
Following his comments, during a Truth Social binge that political commentator Harry Sisson broke down, Trump shared the AI-generated photo of himself as Jesus healing a sick man as Caucasians pray, fighter jets fly by, and soldiers look over him.
After much blowback from those on the far left, left, center, and even the far right, Trump deleted the photo.
Trump was asked about the photo, and he claims that he wasn’t depicting himself as Jesus, but as a doctor. LOL, really?
But it would appear Trump’s blasphempous madness was a bridge too far for folks, especially his allies, and they have been sounding off.
Damn Donnie.
You can see more reactions below.
Blasphemy 101: Donald Trump Infuriates MAGA Base After Posting Photo of Himself As Jesus & Slamming Pope Leo was originally published on hiphopwired.com

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April 14, 2026
‘I haven’t experienced the playoffs, and it’s something that I would love to experience.’
New Orleans Pelicans player Zion Williamson has been in the NBA since 2019 and has yet to set foot on the basketball court in the playoffs. He is yearning to participate and will try something different in the offseason.
According to Athlon Sports, the former Duke player, who was once hailed as the future face of the NBA while still in college, is disappointed to have never experienced postseason play. Although the Pelicans have reached the playoffs twice since he was drafted, he has not played due to injuries. Williamson is the only player in the league who has been there for more than five years who has yet to play in a postseason game.
During his season-ending exit interview with the team, he said, “I do want to experience the playoffs. I haven’t experienced the playoffs, and it’s something that I would love to experience.”
The knock on Williamson is that he is always injured, and when not, he carries too much weight to be as effective as he could be. But this year, he played in 62 games, the most he has played since the 2023-24 season. That year, he appeared in 70 games. The typical NBA season is 82 games. His stats for the season were 21 points per game, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while shooting 60%.
He does hope to do better and has vowed to reach out to former NBA players during the offseason in preparation for next season.
“Using my resources to reach out to other Hall of Famers, reach out to other championship players, reach out to greats, and see what their journey was like. Because I would like to play in the playoffs.”
“It’s frustrating getting up here every year and not being in the playoffs,” he said. “And I take my responsibility in that. I’ve definitely held myself accountable. So, it’s time to start taking different approaches, gaining what knowledge I can, and working on different things.”
Zion Williamson during his exit interview: “I want to experience the playoffs…It’s frustrating getting up here every year and not being in the playoffs. And I take my responsibility in that”

Video via: https://t.co/S65FNxvBXW pic.twitter.com/SoLvH4JZIs
RELATED CONTENT: Federal Appeals Court Upholds Ruling In Favor Of Zion Williamson

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What should have been a sacred, celebratory moment instead turned into something almost impossible to comprehend.
According to reporting by FOX8, a backyard baptism in Birmingham, England, ended in tragedy when 61-year-old Robert Smith drowned during the holy rite of passage. Baptisms are widely understood as symbolic acts of renewal and spiritual rebirth, not moments that should carry life-or-death consequences. Unfortunately, this particular baptism was not of a Godly nature.
Smith, a grandfather of seven, who had been part of the church community for years, was being baptized in a kiddie pool set up in the backyard of a private residence. The ceremony, led by pastor Cheryl Bartley, was livestreamed on Facebook, which made the situation that much more disturbing. At some point during the baptism, the live stream cut off, and it’s unclear what actually happened. However, by the time emergency responders arrived, Fox8 reports that Smith was unconscious and pronounced dead at the scene. 
The idea that a routine religious practice could escalate so quickly into a fatal incident is difficult to wrap your mind around. Even more confounding is that this was an organized ceremony, attended and broadcast, which suggests that there were multiple opportunities where intervention or caution might have made a difference.
The Crown Prosecution Service released a public statement regarding the incident:
“Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings. We have worked closely with West Midlands Police as it has carried out its investigation,” they said.
Authorities have ultimately charged Bartley with gross negligence manslaughter.
Pastor Bartley is expected to appear in Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on May 14. We will continue to keep our eyes on this case to see what, if any, punishment she receives.
Jesus Take The Wheel: British Pastor Drowns 61-Year-Old Grandfather During Kiddie Pool Baptism was originally published on bossip.com

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A tentative agreement between the district and support staff union keeps classrooms open for nearly 400,000 students.
Schools across Los Angeles will remain open after a last-minute labor agreement prevented a major strike that could have disrupted learning for hundreds of thousands of students.
According to the Associated Press, the Los Angeles Unified School District reached a tentative deal with SEIU Local 99, the union representing thousands of support staff workers. The agreement was announced early Tuesday, just hours before a potential walkout that threatened to impact nearly 400,000 students.
Union officials said the deal includes what they described as “major gains” for workers, including pay raises, increased working hours, and protections against subcontracting. The agreement also addresses concerns about potential layoffs in IT roles and calls for increased staffing levels across the district.
As part of the announcement, SEIU Local 99 instructed its members to report to work as usual, effectively calling off the planned strike. The union also thanked other labor groups and the broader Los Angeles community, describing the outcome as a shared victory.
The district confirmed that an agreement in principle had been reached and said schools would remain open while final details are worked out. Negotiators are expected to continue refining the terms of the contract in the coming days.
The situation had raised concerns over a large-scale shutdown, as multiple unions representing school employees had signaled they would strike together if any one group failed to secure a deal. In total, about 70,000 workers across three unions, including teachers, principals, and support staff, were involved in negotiations.
Over the weekend, unions representing teachers and school leaders had already reached tentative agreements with the district, increasing pressure to finalize a deal with support staff in time to avoid disruption.
A coordinated strike involving all three unions would have been unprecedented for the district. Previous labor actions, including a 2023 strike by SEIU Local 99, led to partial school closures, though some campuses remained open with limited staffing.
By reaching a last-minute agreement, district officials and union leaders have avoided what could have been one of the largest school disruptions in recent years, at least for now. Final approval of the deal will depend on the ratification process by union members.

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April 14, 2026
New Edition led the 2026 Rock Hall fan vote but won’t be inducted this year.
Despite overwhelming fan support, New Edition will not be part of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026.
The iconic R&B group, widely credited with shaping the modern boy band blueprint, secured the top spot in this year’s fan vote with more than one million votes. However, when the final inductees were announced, New Edition’s name was notably absent from the list.
This year’s class includes Phil Collins, Sade, Oasis, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Luther Vandross, and the Wu-Tang Clan, reflecting a wide-ranging mix of genres and eras.
Additionally, Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, and Gram Parsons will receive the Early Influence Award, which honors artists whose music and performance styles have directly shaped and evolved rock ‘n’ roll and its cultural impact.
For many fans, New Edition’s exclusion from the 2026 Rock Hall of Fame class may come as a surprise, but the fan vote has never guaranteed induction.
Rock Hall President and CEO Greg Harris explained that the vote allows fans the chance to participate, “but it counts for only one single ballot in the grand scheme of things.”
“The idea is that the fan vote can be weighted because you have a lot of social media followers, a large, contemporary fan base,” Harris said. “And it makes it a challenge for artists that maybe are no longer active and don’t have that same type of following.”
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s selection process combines fan input with votes from a larger body of industry professionals, historians, and artists, limiting its overall impact on the final decision. Historically, most top fan vote finishers are inducted, but there have been notable exceptions. New Edition now joins a short list of artists who won the public vote but did not make the final cut.
New Edition’s absence from the 2026 class has reignited conversations about how the Hall evaluates influence, particularly when it comes to R&B and Black music.
Formed in Boston in the late 1970s, the group helped define a generation of performers and directly influenced acts like New Kids on the Block, Boyz II Men, and *NSYNC. Their cultural imprint extends far beyond chart success, shaping the business and performance model for groups that followed.
RELATED CONTENT: The ‘New Edition Way’ Tour Adds ATL Encore, Delivers Musical Excellence

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The astronaut served as the pilot for the lunar fly-by mission, traveling over 250,000 miles from Earth. Glover’s wife and his family have been with him every step of the way on his journey.
252,726 miles from home, Victor Glover made sure his faith and family were always close by.
In his first public remarks since the Artemis II returned safely to Earth after a 10-day mission, going further than any human being ever had in space with its lunar fly-by mission, Glover stated emphatically that he loved everyone who was associated with the project, namely the families of his fellow astronauts who supported them through every step.
The loudest message was for his family.
“When this started, I wanted to thank God in public, and I want to thank God again, because even bigger than my challenge trying to describe what we went through, the gratitude of seeing what we saw, doing what we did, and being with who I was with, it’s too big to just be in one body,” Glover said.
“And I wanted to thank our families for everything,” he added. “I love you, but not just those five beautiful cocoa-skinned ladies right there… All of you.”
A post shared by CBS News (@cbsnews)
Those “five beautiful cocoa-skinned ladies” Glover referenced were his wife of more than two decades, Dionna Glover and his four daughters, Genesis, Maya, Joia, and Corinne. The Glovers have been married for two decades, and when Dionna discovered that her husband had been accepted into NASA’s astronaut corps, she immediately began to think about what was best for their family: a life in Washington, D.C., or relocating to Houston, where NASA and the Johnson Space Center are.
Dionna and the girls have made the move to pack up and support Victor whenever the job calls, from his time in Japan as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Navy to now, when his focus is on space. Even with the movement, Dionna helped ensure their family of five was taken care of, as her background in early childhood development helped her as a stay-at-home parent to her and Victor’s daughters.
During check-in on April 6, NASA surprised Victor by revealing his wife and one of his daughters were watching him on a livestream.
“I love ya, from the moon.” Victor Glover told his wife and the romantic gesture lit up Mission Control.
Back home in Texas, Glover was given a hero’s welcome with the entire neighborhood coming out to congratulate him and celebrate his massive accomplishment. But one of his first social media posts since touching down?
A photo with him, Dionna and his girls.
“Home, again! Mission complete,” Glover wrote on X on Sunday (Apr. 12). “I hope we glorified God, humanity, our families and our terrific teams a @NASA and @csa_asc. Time to share the good news!”
Home, again! Mission complete. I hope we glorified God, humanity, our families and our terrific teams a @NASA and @csa_asc. Time to share the good news! pic.twitter.com/uyfyu0hlks

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The Bella Brand is suing Ice Spice for breach of contract and seeking $400K in compensatory and punitive damages from the Hip-Hop superstar.
According to court docs obtained by TMZ Hip Hop, Ice Spice allegedly didn’t pony up the cash for some custom wigs, and the company is looking for their coins.
The “Big Guy” rapper allegedly refused to pay $20,000 for the 25 custom wigs she ordered from The Bella Brand, didn’t take the order, and slammed the brand on social media, and is now facing a deposition.
Per TMZ Hip Hop:
The legal drama started in 2025 when Spice was first slapped with the suit for allegedly reneging on a discounted $20,000 deal for the 25 custom-made wigs.

The docs say Spice signed a contract for Alexis to create the one-of-a-kind wigs, but Thee Bella Brand claims Spice didn’t make good on her promise to pay or take delivery of the wigs … and then went on to tarnish the reputation of Alexis and her wigs on social media when things went awry between them.
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What’s more, the lawsuit claims the lies spread by Spice and her team caused major reputational damage to Alexis that cost her thousands of dollars after she temporarily lost a repeat celebrity customer.
According to the celebrity gossip site, The Bella Brand is suing Ice Spice for breach of contract and seeking $400K in compensatory and punitive damages from the Hip-Hop superstar.
The company’s attorney, Justin Mungai, of ChaudhryLaw, told TMZ Hip Hop that the deposition date is scheduled for late April, but also says that it could change due to scheduling conflicts.
In a statement to the website, Mungai said, “This is what entitlement looks like. Fame is not immunity from the law. Ice Spice will be held accountable.”

Ice Spice did not respond when reached out to for comment.
Lawsuit Alleges Ice Spice Refused To Pay Company $20,000 For Custom Wigs was originally published on hiphopwired.com

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The actress and muse for many over her nearly four decades in Hollywood gets real about dating and why this chapter is all about freedom, fun, and self-care.
Nia Long has always been an image of beauty. From being many people’s celebrity crush to the muse of hit rap lyrics, Long is aware of how her cultural impact has transcended generations. And most recently, she tapped into that while posing for Playboy.
“I get a kick out of it because it means that I’ve contributed something to the culture,” Long told the outlet, reflecting on being the subject of public desire, “That is comforting, that is inspiring, that’s sexy!”
While she can’t quite pinpoint whether she’s “dating,” the 55-year-old actress was very clear about what she likes when navigating the dating world. 
“Here’s my biggest thing about dating. People talk too much. I need them to shut up. If we’re going to have a one-night stand, I almost feel like I need to have them sign NDAs. There are a lot of people that I would be down to have a little fun with! Not a lot, but some,” she admitted before admitting that she’s a “big fan” of women enjoying the company of younger men. 
“I’m a big fan of this. I love it. Why not?” Long shared. “I’m so picky. I’m really picky. I do like younger, though. I think there’s something fun about [dating] younger.”
However, the “Love Jones” star says dating is not her priority at the moment. 
“I am not in that space right now. I’m really focused on my kids, my work, and my girlfriends, and going out and having a good time. … I like to get up and do what I want to do when I want to do it. It’s not that I don’t want to have a partner, but I was in a relationship for a very long time, and I’m enjoying getting to know myself without feeling the need to be of service to a relationship. I want to be of service to myself, to my children, and to my career. And when the right man comes along [whom] I choose to commit to, then perhaps he will be of service to me,” she continued. 
In fact, she radiates that energy in her newest “The One” campaign with Estée Lauder as the brand’s first-ever North American brand ambassador. In the video, Long is seen prioritizing her beauty ritual over a hot date.
“I told you, I already have plans tonight,” she says, turning down her date before returning to her vanity to serenade her bottle of the Advanced Night Repair serum. “Everyone makes promises. But you always deliver. I love nights like this when it’s just the two of us.” 
A post shared by Nia Long (@iamnialong)
While her skincare routine may include serums designed to visibly reduce multiple signs of aging and help her maintain her youthful glow, Long is embracing this chapter of her life. 
“I feel like a woman gets better with age […] I’m going to still be hot at 65,” she said confidently, sharing what she loves most about this season in her life. “I’m able to trust my instincts completely. The knowingness, the grace, the acceptance of being wise enough. 
“To remain young enough to stay open and have fun. It’s freedom. One of my girlfriends asked me about two years ago: ‘If you could have one thing, what would you want?’ I said, ‘Freedom.’ Freedom can mean so many different things for women, but for me in that moment, it meant the ability to do whatever I want to do when I want to do it and how I want to do it. And I have that,” she concluded. 

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April 14, 2026
The pushback is the latest in increased public backlash from rural area subjected to host hyperscale data centers.
Residents of Festus, Missouri, were not feeling the city council’s approval of a $6 billion data center, so they decided to fire more than half of the officials in a fight to save their community, Politico reports. 
The small town, just 30 minutes south of St. Louis and home to roughly 12,000 people, showed up to an election to express disdain over the approval of the massive data center and relieve four elected officials who voted for the center of their duties: Jim Tinnin, Jim Collier, Brian Wehner and Bobby Venz.
“I ran because I thought the city was not listening to people,” said Rick Belleville, 70, who beat out Tinnin by more than 40 percentage points. “It’s really the way the deal was handled that led to this kind of uprising.” 
Festus residents don’t plan on stopping at the city council. They are targeting Mayor Sam Richards by gathering signatures for a recall petition to oust the mayor and the remaining four council members. A lawsuit was also filed against the city and developer CRG, as residents have repeatedly called on council members to answer a few unanswered questions before the March 30 vote.
One such question: Who is operator for the center scheduled to be built on 360 wooded acres on the city’s southwest side?
Resident Sherman Boyle said, “This was so avoidable,” and pressured future city leaders to “listen to your residents.”
Fellow Festus resident Lori Merriman started a grassroots group, Wake Up JeffCo, to fight data center projects in her city and the surrounding areas. “This is going in almost next door to our house,” she said. “We just built it two years ago. It was supposed to be our forever home.”
The pushback is the latest in the growing public backlash against rural areas that host hyperscale data centers despite residents’ objections. 
A large data center in South Memphis, Tennessee, operated by Elon Musk’s xAI, has drawn widespread criticism for being powered by natural gas. Residents accuse the data center of increasing nitrogen oxide air pollution, causing breathing problems for the people who call South Memphis home.
Data from the Pew Research Center revealed more than 1,500 new data centers are in development nationwide—and more are on the way— with most planned construction taking place in the South and Midwest. Seventy-five percent of all planned data centers will be built in these two regions, with the South accounting for almost half. Southern states are set to become home to 754 data centers in addition to 1,209 already in existence. 
Just like Merriman, 38% of Americans live within a five-mile radius of at least one data center and since many are built in bulk, nine out of 10 data centers are within five miles of each other. 
RELATED CONTENT: Gen-Z Workers Navigate Tougher Job Market As AI Replaces Thousands Of Roles Monthly
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The 10th annual Black Maternal Health Week is officially underway after a kickoff walk and virtual pep rally.
Ten years in and Black Maternal Health Week, the annual call to confront the Black Maternal Health crisis in the country, remains rooted in justice and joy. Monday’s virtual pep rally only made that abundantly clear.
Beginning at noon with an upbeat remix of Jill Scott’s “Golden,” the rally’s energy was palpable. Midwives across time zones called in from mobile clinics, organizers checked in from conference rooms and community centers, and advocates greeted one another like family in the stream’s comments. There were minor technical glitches, laughter, and plenty of grace before a steady flow took hold. The 10th annual Black Maternal Health Week had officially begun.
This week, themed “rooted in justice and joy” for 2026, officially opened following an annual walk in Atlanta on Saturday, April 11, where families, birth workers, and advocates alike gathered for what has become a rallying kickoff.
“Campaign 2026 is a significant year for BMHW as we mark 10 years of establishing the global Black maternal health movement,” one speaker said early on during the virtual rally. “We have worked alongside Black mamas, families, birth workers, advocates, researchers and organizers to sound the alarm of the rising maternal mortality rates, confront inequities in maternity care and lift up community-driven solutions rooted in birth and reproductive justice.”  
When BMHW was initially launched in 2016 by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Roe v. Wade, the federal protection that once guaranteed a person’s right to abortion access in this country, was still the law of the land. After it was overturned in 2022, and a wave of restrictions that have reshaped reproductive care across the country was ushered in, the already dangerous landscape has become that much more precarious for Black women. In addition to some of the first deaths tied to the fall of Roe v. Wade being those of Black women, some of the first to be criminalized for their pregnancy outcomes have also been Black. 
Meanwhile, Black women, who have some of the highest rates for poor pregnancy outcomes, are still over three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than any other demographic in the United States, with more than 80% of those deaths considered preventable. These figures have barely budged, even as awareness has grown over the last decade. 
“We are at a critical moment where many of the policies being made are intentionally harmful to Black women and families, and where other policy making erases or ignores us all together,” said Elizabeth Dawes, co-founder of the Black Mamas Matter Alliance.  
As that reality remained top of mind, it became clear from the other rally participants that solving this problem and improving those odds once and for all is on all of us. 
“We are here. We are the solution,” one speaker said. 
Organizers from around the country, one by one, offered insight into what they have been doing to help the situation in their individual corners. In North Miami, a mobile midwife clinic recently rolled out as the centerpiece of a new initiative, offering free care directly to families. The bus, outfitted with exam rooms and stocked with supplies, delivers midwife and doula care alongside mental health services, nutrition support and essential baby items. 
“We are providing free midwife and doula care to every Black mama and every mama and family that needs us,” an organizer shared while virtually walking viewers through the space.  
Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, a maternal mental health conference unfolded alongside a community baby shower that served more than 200 people. Over in Nebraska, organizers have trained dozens of community members as doulas, building a pipeline of culturally competent care. In Georgia, a statewide doula network is bringing its work directly to college campuses, making sure the next generation of health professionals understands what comprehensive care should look like.
The overarching feeling was one that’s been increasingly touted lately, “no one is coming to save us.” Communities are building infrastructures that do not rely on the institutions that have only continued to fail them. Federal policy advocates are pushing for structural change while local organizations are filling gaps in real time through mutual aid, education, and direct services.
“This is the time where we stand strong, where we demand justice from the current system, while creating our own infrastructure of care,” Dawes said.
There are plenty of more opportunities across the country throughout the week for people to get involved, whether through national events led by Black Mamas Matter Alliance or through local efforts by organizations.
In Washington, D.C., this includes a full slate of events from D.C.-based organization Mamatoto Village, which kicked things off with a 5K walk at National Harbor and will continue with community tabling, a maternal health fair at Howard University Hospital, and an inaugural Friday night soiree designed to bring culture and support into one room. 
Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, organizers are hosting community baby showers and resource fairs across neighborhoods, pairing celebration with direct access to care. Then, in Austin, a weeklong summit is moving through conversations on mental health, physical health, advocacy, and fatherhood before closing out with a community celebration. The week spans through Friday, April 17, but organizers all attested that the work continues long after. 
“Black maternal health week is more than a moment,” the opening speaker said. “It is a declaration that Black mamas deserve to thrive.”
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April 13, 2026
BAFTA acknowledges shortcomings in its handling of the Tourette’s N-Word scandal involving Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo.
Following a formal review of the Tourette’s-related N-word controversy at the BAFTA Awards 2026 involving Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, the organization acknowledged it “fell short” in handling the incident that sparked global outrage.
On April 10, an independent review commissioned by the BAFTA board and carried out by RISE Associates found that the British Academy of Film and Television Arts fell short in its duty of care to guests, members, and viewers when a racial slur was shouted during the February awards. However, it found no malicious intent, the BBC reports. In response, the organization said it did not “adequately anticipate or fully prepare for the impact of such an incident in a live event environment.”
“As a result, our duty of care to everyone at the ceremony and watching at home fell short,” BAFTA said, noting the personal apologies the Academy gave to all parties affected by the incident.
During the live February ceremony, John Davidson, an executive producer on the BAFTA-winning film “I Swear,” involuntarily shouted a racial slur while Jordan and Lindo were on stage. The BAFTAs’ report follows a separate BBC investigation, which found the broadcast breached editorial standards and should not have aired the slur, though it was not intentional.
BAFTAs’ review found “a number of structural weaknesses” in the award show’s planning and crisis management.
“However,” the board noted, “it found no evidence of malicious intent by those involved in delivering the event, and we accept its conclusions in full.”
“We apologize unreservedly to the Black community, for whom the racist language used carries real pain, brutality, and trauma; to the disability community, including people with Tourette Syndrome, for whom this incident has led to unfair judgement, stigma, and distress; and to all our members, guests at the ceremony and those watching at home,” the board said in a statement. “What was supposed to be a moment of celebration was diminished and overshadowed.”
The British Academy said it is already implementing changes to prevent a repeat, including stronger escalation protocols, improved communication, and enhanced planning around access, inclusion, and support. The BBC has also pledged reforms, outlining steps to improve event planning, live production, and content takedown processes.
The backlash lingered for weeks. Davidson said he was “deeply mortified” by any suggestion his tics were intentional, while Lindo noted that no one from BAFTA contacted him or Jordan after the incident. The controversy also became a point of discussion at the NAACP Image Awards, where many voiced support for the actors.

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The actor and TV host is expanding into publishing, aiming to spotlight diverse voices and support both new and established authors.
Whoopi Goldberg is stepping further into the publishing world with the launch of her own imprint, WhoopInk, created in partnership with Blackstone Publishing.
According to the Associated Press, the new imprint will focus on bringing fresh and diverse voices into the literary space, while also working across a wide range of genres. Goldberg, who has authored more than a dozen books herself, is expected to play a hands-on role in the process, from shaping book concepts to contributing to cover design and promotion.
In a statement announcing the launch, Goldberg said she is eager to discover new writers while also collaborating with established authors. She described the imprint as a platform for “influential voices,” signaling a broader mission to expand representation in publishing.
WhoopInk already has projects in development. One of the first authors connected to the imprint is Rick Bleiweiss, a Blackstone executive who previously worked with Goldberg on her recent memoir, “Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me.” The imprint is expected to publish the next installment in his mystery series, “Pignon Scorbion & the Barbershop Detectives.”
Goldberg also plans to release additional books of her own through WhoopInk, including a follow-up to “Bits and Pieces,” which has seen commercial success and is now being released in paperback.
The move places Goldberg among a growing list of high-profile figures entering the publishing space. Celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker, John Legend, and Questlove have all launched their own imprints, while others such as Reese Witherspoon and Dua Lipa have built influential book clubs.
Best known for her stellar and decades-long acting career and as a co-host on “The View,” Goldberg is now adding publisher to her list of roles. With WhoopInk, she aims to create opportunities for a wider range of storytellers and bring new perspectives to readers.
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Offset’s mother, Latabia Woodward, is speaking out as her son continues to recover after being shot.
Offset’s mother, Latabia Woodward, is speaking out as her son continues to recover after being shot.
Woodward, who typically stays off social media when it comes to her son, whether the news is good or bad, broke her silence this time to address his recovery. She called his quick return to the stage nothing short of a miracle, noting that just days after being shot, he was already back doing what he loves.
“I don’t typically address things about my son on social media. I learned a long time ago that facts rarely survive the internet, and I refuse to feed that machine… But today, I have to speak. Six days ago, my son was shot. Four days later, he was released from the hospital. Last night he was on stage doing what he loves to do. He is a miracle walking.”
Giving all credit to God, “That is God’s grace, that is God’s mercy.”
Following the shooting, the former Migos rapper also shared a message of his own, letting fans know he’s focused on his recovery and staying positive through it all.
“I’m good…but I’m planning to be better! I’m focused on my family, my recovery, and getting back to the music…realizing that life is made up of quiet wins and loud losses… Life’s a gamble and I’m still playing to win.”
Just days after being released from the hospital, Set even hit the stage at Coachella, ditching the wheelchair and showing he’s already bouncing back.
Offset isn’t letting this setback slow his motion down.
Offset’s Mother Breaks Silence As He Recovers From Shooting, “He Is A Miracle Walking” was originally published on hiphopwired.com

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The hits made them stars, but the deep cuts made us fans! See if you know any of these “B-Side Bangers” by Al Green.

Showing love to the icons of Black music while they’re still here to receive their proverbial flowers is what we strive to accomplish in our goal with the B-Side Bangers series.
Thankfully, not only does living legend Al Green fit the bill to a tee, the critically-acclaimed “Last Of The Great Soul Singers” is also celebrating an anniversary this week as he commemorates an astounding 52 years since the release of his classic fifth studio album, I’m Still in Love with You, on October 23, 1972.

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Spawning three hit singles with “Look What You Done for Me,” the fan-favorite “Love and Happiness” and timeless title track “I’m Still in Love with You,” Green officially solidified his legend status with this album just half-a-decade into his career — his previous effort released only nine months prior, Let’s Stay Together, could arguably be considered the breakthrough. A mainstay on each update to Rolling Stone Magazine‘s coveted “500 Greatest Albums Of All Time” list, I’m Still In Love With You was both a success during its time —it topped the R&B Album chart for the entirety of December 1972 — and, as we can see today, the handful of decades that’ve followed.

Following in the B-Side Bangers tradition, we dug through the crates to find Al Green gems that don’t often get the love they so rightfully deserve. The 79-year-old Arkansas native has released an astounding body of work over the past six decades, including 29 studio albums — oftentimes he’d even drop twice a year — and just as many compilation LPs filled top to bottom with hits. Of the many soul classics within that collection, you better believe we found some serious deep cuts to put you all onto as well. Enjoy the selection!

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