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April 23, 2026
After Kennedy seemed confused by the questions, Alsobrooks read the quote out loud and when that didn’t work, she suggested playing the clip after Kenendy said he would need to hear it.
In a tense exchange between Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Maryland Democratic Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, Kennedy apologized for recorded comments he made in the past about Black kids being “reparented,” but stood his ground on claims he never said it. 
During an April 22 hearing, Alsobrooks asked the secretary if he could admit to suggesting he had a plan that would send Black children to rural rehabilitation centers to be “reparented” after he failed to do so when Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Ala.) brought up the same remarks when appearing before the House Ways and Means Committee last week.
“Now, you’ve had some trouble with the truth, I’ve seen it myself during your appearances in Congress and as we all saw clearly during your exchange with Congresswoman Sewell. Can you admit today that you said that every Black kid can get reparented on a wellness farm?” she asked. 
After Kennedy seemed confused by the questions, Alsobrooks read the quote out loud, and when that didn’t work, she suggested playing the clip after Kennedy said he would need to hear it. Despite having a recording, the HHS leader said “he doesn’t believe it,” but then said, “If I said it, I apologize, but I’d have to see the transcript.” 
ALSOBROOKS: I have the recording. I can play it

RFK Jr: I do not believe that every Black kid should be re-parented on a wellness farm and I have never believed it

ALSOBROOKS: Well you said it, sir, I have the video

RFK Jr: I’d have to see the transcript pic.twitter.com/YQMGkMKYdg
He very much did suggest it. While appearing on the High Level Conversations podcast during his 2024 presidential campaign, he claimed “psychiatric drugs, which every black kid is now just standard put on, Adderall, SSRIs, benzos which are known to induce violence and those kids are going to have a chance to go somewhere and get reparented; to live in a community where there’ll be no cell phones no screens you’ll actually have to talk to people.”

This isn’t the only controversial comment Kennedy allegedly made, that Alsobrooks stood firm on, regarding the welfare of Black people. The Hill reported he once suggested that Black individuals shouldn’t follow the same immunization schedule as others since “their immune system is better than ours.” 
In a statement defending the agency leader, a HHS spokesperson said, “Prior to his time as Secretary, he described these communities as spaces where individuals, particularly young people facing alienation, mental health challenges, and rising rates of despair, could undergo a form of ‘reparenting.’” 
In his first appearance before Congress in 2026, the secretary praised the agency’s work, claiming it is changing the nation’s dietary guidelines and reducing waste, fraud, and abuse, according to the New York Amsterdam News.
While Republicans on the committee celebrated Kennedy’s work as “a breath of fresh air,” emphasizing nutrition and overall health, Democrats were focused on the Trump Administration’s plan to cut close to 12% from his department’s 2027 budget, carving over $100 billion from the agency that provides healthcare services to all Americans. 
In addition to cutting $5 billion from the National Institutes of Health, the nation’s leading health and biomedical research organization, the proposed cuts would also terminate a program that provides home heating and energy assistance to millions of households. 
It would also cut budgets for federal programs that assist in feeding low-income families and children.
RELATED CONTENT: Lawmakers Grill Health Secretary RFK Jr. Over Medicaid Cuts, Black Maternal Health

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“America Reads The Bible” is a week-long event of Bible scripture reading that was arranged to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the U.S.
It has been just over a week since President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus Christ on Orthodox Easter, deleted the post from his Truth Social account, and then gaslit the public by claiming he thought the image depicted him as a doctor for the Red Cross.
Now, Trump and a bunch of Republicans who claim to be Christians read bibilical passages during a marathon Bible reading — and we’re all supposed to pretend this isn’t about Trump either trying to get out from under his AI Orange Jesus backlash, or responding to his own fear that he might not get into heaven.
According to the Associated Press, on Tuesday evening, Trump and other conservatives participated in the president’s “America Reads the Bible” event, which is being livestreamed this week from the Museum of the Bible in Washington and other locations. The event is meant to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, which means a group of white Christian nationalists is getting together with the president for an event aimed at bolstering the false narrative that the U.S. is a Christian nation — an idea that star-spangled Jesus freaks can’t seem to get out of their heads, despite the fact that it’s debunked by a little-known document called the U.S. Constitution. Trump read his verse from the Oval Office.
From AP:
The America Reads the Bible event — with each participant reading a passage aloud — is being livestreamed from the Museum of the Bible in Washington and other locations. It featured a video of Trump from the Oval Office on Tuesday evening reading an Old Testament passage that called for national repentance in ancient Israel — words that have been used prominently for decades by those promoting the belief that America has been and should be a Christian nation.
Trump recited the passage from his desk with his hands folded on an open Bible in front of him, though he was looking straight into the camera. The video cut back and forth between two camera angles.

The Bible is “indelibly woven into our national identity and way of life,” Trump said in a statement commemorating the event. The statement cited historical figures such as the Puritan leader John Winthrop as “imploring his fellow Christian settlers to stand as a beacon of faith for all the world to see.”
Critics say the event has a highly partisan list of participants and is part of a larger project to connect America’s upcoming 250th birthday with a Christian nationalist vision that portrays the nation’s founding as essentially Christian, something many historians dispute. White Christians, particularly evangelicals, have been crucial to Trump’s electoral base.
The list of participants — which overwhelmingly includes Republican politicians and Christian supporters of Trump — shows it to be “very much a right-wing MAGA, Christian nationalist effort,” said Brian Kaylor, author of “The Bible According to Christian Nationalists: Exploiting Scripture for Political Power,” referring to Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement.
“If they wanted this to be a unifying American project, there would have been a whole lot more attention to getting political diversity and ideological diversity,” added Kaylor, president and editor-in-chief of Word&Way, a progressive site covering faith and politics.
Yeah — I think we all know by now that Trump doesn’t do anything with “diversity” in mind. Virtually every group event the president takes part in, including his endless political events, is essentially a Klan rally by a different name.
Anyway, this marathon Bible reading event — promoted by the guy who once grifted MAGA Christians by selling them holy books at $60 a pop — still seems like a ploy to win back the devout Christians he turned off by posting himself as Jesus, which he did amid his ongoing, largely one-sided feud with Pope Leo XIV, whose only anti-Trump crime was being publicly critical of Trump’s  disastrous war in Iran. It’s like that time he posted an AI-generated image of Barack and Michelle Obama depicted as apes and got panned as a racist across social media, so he tried to deal with the fallout by sharing a video reel of him posing for photos with various Black celebrities, eulogizing Jesse Jackson by posting a lengthy tribute to himself and all he has done for Black people, and celebrating Black History Month by inviting Black MAGA supporters on stage to sing his praises, and, again, talk about all he has done for Black people — which, by the way, is generally nothing.
But whatever. If the so-called Christians want to watch the president of adjudicated sexual assaults and Epstein-related allegations reading a Bible passage, let them have at it. For the rest of us — including many who are practitioners of the Christian faith — we won’t be tuning in for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to the fact that we have seen what happens when Trump reads out loud before.
If Trump wanted me to tune in, he would have to agreed to read a Bible passage handed to him by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who also fancies himself as somewhat of an evangelical, despite mistaking a Pulp Fiction quote for an authentic verse. I’m just sayin’, I will definitely tune in long enough to watch Trump do his best Samuel L. Jackson impersonation unbeknownst to himself.
Anyway, I’m just going to leave you with another shining example of Trump devout Christianity: that time he tried to get God to co-sign his election fraud lies by claiming he would have won in 2020 if Jesus were counting ballots.
Is this your Lord and Savior? Is this your MAGA messiah?
SEE ALSO:
Trump Posts Image Of Himself Depicted As Jesus, MAGA Rejoices

Trump Claims His Jesus Post Actually Depicted Him As A Doctor

Pete Hegseth Weirdly Compares Pilot Rescue To Resurrection Of Jesus Christ

Donald Trump, Who Depicted Himself As Jesus, Read A Verse During A Marathon Bible Reading Event was originally published on newsone.com

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The John G. Carlisle Cafe will open this May 1 at the famed Buffalo Trace Distillery and is housed inside the Elmer T. Lee Clubhouse.
Buffalo Trace Distillery, one of Kentucky’s darlings in the world of bourbon and American whiskey, will soon expand its offerings on the grounds. The famed distillery will hold a grand opening for the John G. Carlisle Cafe, housed inside the Elmer T. Lee Clubhouse venue.
Buffalo Trace Distillery announced on Tuesday (May 21) that the John G. Carlisle will have its official grand opening next month. This announcement comes nearly one year after the acclaimed, award-winning distillery suffered flooding and damaged much of the grounds.
The John G. Carlisle Cafe will be focused on lunchtime meals and hospitality, with the 4,900-square-foot cafe able to host 70 guests. The menu includes made-to-order sandwiches, salads, the famed Kentucky Hot Brown, and meals featuring Buffalo Trace-inspired items, such as bourbon bacon and bourbon-infused fudge topping, in its dessert case.
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Drinks made with varying Buffalo Trace Distillery products will also be on offer, such as a Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned and a Traveller Whiskey Lucky Penny, among others.
The John G. Carlisle Cafe will also stand as a symbol of historical record, as artifacts connected to Buffalo Trace will be on display.
“For years, guests have asked for a dedicated place to enjoy a meal while spending the day with us,” said Tyler Adams, General Manager, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “The John G. Carlisle Cafe is a meaningful addition to the Distillery experience, opening this historic space to the public for the first time and inviting visitors to slow down, settle in, and fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere that makes Buffalo Trace so special.”
Adams added, “As we introduce the John G. Carlisle Cafe, our team is committed to delivering a terrific experience,” said Adams. “We encourage guests to plan extra time for their next visit and thank them for their patience as we welcome visitors into the space for the first time.”
Beginning on May 11, the grand opening date for the John G. Carlisle Cafe, a three-week lineup of daily activations will take place at the distillery in connection with the venue’s unveiling.
Below is what is on schedule:
· Monday (5/11, 5/18, 5/25): Kick off the week with Free Meal Mondays, complimentary for the first 100 guests (meal vouchers provided upon check-in).
· Tuesday (5/12, 5/19, 5/26): Explore Buffalo Trace Distillery history with From the Archives – an open house event from noon–2pm with Lead Archivist Nick Laracuente, featuring John G. Carlisle Cafe historical highlights and a curated archives display on the second floor of the Elmer T. Lee Clubhouse.
· Wednesday (5/13, 5/20, 5/27): Enjoy Whiskey Wednesdays with complimentary samples of a new, soon-to-be-announced release served all day. Bottles will also be available for purchase in the Buffalo Trace Distillery Gift Shop (limited quantities available).
· Thursday (5/14, 5/21, 5/28): Connect with the Distillery’s craftsmen through Meet the Masters – a limited, one hour meet and greet opportunity happening inside the John G. Carlisle Cafe.
· 5/14: Harlen Wheatley – Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller
· 5/21: Danny Kahn – Master Distiller & Distillation/Aging Operations Director
o 5/28: Drew Mayville – Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Blender
· Friday (5/15, 5/22, 5/29): Savor Freddie Fridays featuring complimentary Freddie’s Old-Fashioned Soda products available in the John G. Carlisle Cafe, plus special appearances by Global Brand Ambassador Freddie Johnson.
· Saturday (5/16, 5/23, 5/30): Experience Sippin’ Saturday featuring seasonal, limited-time cocktails in the Carlisle Cafe from noon-2pm, plus a Buffalo Trace Bourbon-infused Rebecca Ruth’s chocolate pairing.
· Sunday (5/17, 5/24, 5/31): Delight in Grain & Glass featuring complimentary breakfast bites from 11am-noon, including complimentary tastings of Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain.
The John G. Carlisle Cafe opens May 11, 2026. Hours of operation are Monday-Sunday from 11am – 3pm. For more information about the Carlisle Cafe and the lineup of daily offerings, please visit buffalotracedistillery.com/visit-us/cafe.
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Photo: Buffalo Trace Distillery/Sazerac
Buffalo Trace Distillery Unveils New John G. Carlisle Cafe was originally published on cassiuslife.com

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The idea of charging tourists entry to English museums has been met with criticism by some in the cultural sector
Photo: Alexey Fedorenko
The politician behind the proposal to charge overseas visitors to national museums in England has discussed the controversial topic in detail in the UK parliament, explaining she thinks that digital ID checks would need to be implemented first.
The Labour peer Margaret Hodge published her review of the UK public funding body Arts Council England last December which, she said, provided “a clear path, with a range of new initiatives that cover everything from new funding models to fundamental systems reform”.
The proposal that has garnered most attention centres on possible admission fees for tourists at national museums in England which, the UK government says, could “provide significant benefits”. In a recent address, Hodge suggested that such a measure would however require digital ID checks at museums entrances.
As first reported by the Museums Association, Hodge told the Communications and Digital Select Committee (14 April): “I would be totally opposed to us doing anything about charging for museums until we have that universal system [of digital ID].
“Just think about it: a Black kid comes up and the person on the desk says, ‘Are you a foreigner?’ There’s implications that you could have from that which would be completely against the spirit of everything that we want to achieve as a community in terms of cohesion… So we should not do it until we have universal ID cards.”
Digital ID has been the subject of renewed debate in the UK recently, with concerns raised over whether personal data will be kept secure.
Hodge said that introducing entrance fees at English national museums, would “bring in less than ten million [pounds]. She added: “It’s not worth doing it, and the hassle for it, and the unfairness, if you don’t have a clear way of identifying who’s who”
She also highlighted the “measly” pot of money available for arts spending, compared to that in other countries. “Berlin spends 525 million, pounds or euros, on arts and culture—one place; if you look at Arts Council on its NPO [National Portfolio Organisations] programme, it spends £458m,” she said. “And the Mayor of London spends £18.7m… we are pretty miserly [on arts spending].”
The proposal to introduce fees has drawn criticism from major figures in the cultural sector. Maria Balshaw, the former director of the Tate, said in March: “What does it say to people from the rest of the world if we say, ‘We’ve got your stuff, but we’re going to charge you to come in’? I don’t like that idea.”
In its long-awaited response published last month, the government said it “strongly agrees” with Baroness Hodge that there must be a national Arts Council, and that the “arm’s length principle”—the principle that ensures Arts Council England’s individual funding decisions are taken outside of political interference from all levels of government—must be protected.
The government also backs Hodge’s ideas for overhauling the model for National Portfolio Organisations which receive regular funding from ACE.
“[NPO reform] would be the first thing that I would grasp, particularly because we’re embarking on a new round, and I hope that some of some of my recommendations into that reform can be adopted quickly,” Hodge told the committee.
Hodge also said that philanthropy should be encouraged. “I’m very keen for totally pragmatic reasons that we should encourage more philanthropic giving. If you look at the public finances, much as I would love to think we could double the amount of money the Arts Council [gives]… that’s unrealistic over the next [parliamentary] period,” she said. Hodge also said philanthropy must be encouraged outside London and says that “a differentiated tax relief [scheme]” might be “worth a try”.
She added that “if you look at the French system, I think individuals get about 66% tax relief, corporations get a 60% tax relief, and the increase there on the amount of money…. in 2004 a billion [euros] went into arts and culture, by 2018, when [the Aillagon] law was in, it was four billion.” Under the Aillagon law in France, which came into force in 2003, companies that invest in culture can claim up to 60% in tax breaks for cultural philanthropy. For individuals in France, a gift to a charity or a charitable organisation is eligible for a tax reduction of 66%.
Hodge was also critical of so-called cancel culture. “This is a really, really difficult issue,” she said. “What I do think is the Arts Council, if it got back to its development agency role, because it’s supposed to be the organisation that thinks about the future and tackles the difficult issues, I think [it] ought to develop a protocol, because the cancelling has got too much and too wide and it’s scary… certainly for corporations, it has been a real turn off for putting money into the arts.”
“We’ve had to make invidious choices”, says Arts Council England’s chair, Nicholas Serota, as funding portfolio for 2023-26 announced
Developments at the public funding body are expected to impact almost 1,000 arts and culture organisations
Labour peer Margaret Hodge, who led the report, has suggested new funding proposals based on philanthropic giving
The government’s favourable response comes three months after the publication of Margaret Hodge’s landmark Arts Council England review

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April 22, 2026
Voters approved a temporary amendment to the state’s constitution giving Democrats permission to draw new congressional lines that would favor the party in all but one of its 11 House districts.
Virginia Democrats handed Republicans a huge upset after voters approved a mid-decade redistricting plan that could help the Democratic Party win four more House seats ahead of the November midterms with a new map, The Hill reports. 
Voters approved a temporary amendment to the state’s constitution permitting Democrats to draw new congressional lines that would favor the party in all but one of its 11 House districts. Currently holding a 6-5 advantage, the new map will remain in place until the process returns to a bipartisan redistricting commission following the 2030 Census. 
Close to 1.5 million Virginians voted “yes” in the April 21 vote, compared with close to 1.45 million voting “no.” However, Republicans and anti-gerrymandering advocates are labeling the “no” vote as a strong message of resistance to the Democrat-led plan. “Even in defeat, this is a powerful message,” Brian Cannon, co-chair of the advisory council to the bipartisan group No Gerrymandering Virginia, said. 
“Despite being outspent by well over $60 million and facing biased ballot language, over a million Virginians stood up against a partisan power grab.”
But the conversation started because of the Republican Party. 
In 2025, President Donald Trump seemingly started a redistricting battle after demanding Texas Republicans find a way to secure five more congressional seats. The move pushed several Democratic-led states, including Virginia’s Gov. Abigail Spanberger, to push back by signing a redistricting bill. But when Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz called the bill “a brazen abuse of power & an insult to democracy,” state Sen. L. Louise Lucas responded with, “you all started it and we f*cking finished it.” 
You all started it and we fucking finished it. https://t.co/JU3IR4eEHt
The 82-year-old senator hasn’t been shy about her thoughts surrounding Trump’s threats or criticism. After the win, she posted an expletive-filled video that began with a recording of the president saying what would happen if Virginia sought to do what they felt was necessary. 
THANK YOU VIRGINIA! https://t.co/52jmrP0b1C pic.twitter.com/qTlZR91xkw
Since the redistricting war began, according to Democracy Docket, Republicans have already potentially gained seven more congressional seats — five in Texas, one in Missouri, and one in North Carolina. But after April 21, Democrats potentially picked up 10 seats, with five in California, one in Utah, and four in Virginia.
However, the battle isn’t over as Florida could still give Republicans a victory with five more seats added contingent on whether the Florida legislature passes a new map in a special session later this month. 
RELATED CONTENT: The NAACP Activates Virginia Residents To Increase Voter Turnout
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VA legislators Louise Lucas, Don Scott, and Charniele Herring took on redistricting and helped shape a pivotal political moment.
The campaign for Virginians to vote ‘yes’ on redistricting during yesterday’s special elections was a collective effort among Democrats as politicians like Barack Obama urged the state’s constituents to exercise their voting power to fight a conservative redistricting agenda that could have drastically changed the outcome of the upcoming midterm elections. But beyond the ads and banners, three Black Virginia legislators were working just as hard behind the scenes. In fact, it was Va. Sen. Louise Lucas who understood early on that an aggressive push would be needed to combat the Republican gerrymandering agenda.

“We’ve got to fight fire with fire,” Sen. Lucas recalled telling her Virginia House counterpart, Speaker Don Scott, in 2025, per CNN. “This is about pushing back on Donald Trump having what I consider unchecked control of the Congress because they don’t have backbone enough to push against him.”
The 82-year-old great-grandmother, who grew up in the Jim Crow South before becoming a prominent figure in Virginia politics, has grown a following for her no-nonsense, unyielding approach to politics, particularly when dealing with the Trump administration. 
Get our victory in Virginia out of your mouth while you echo MAGA talking points. Grow a pair and stand up to this President. This is just embarassing. https://t.co/iV2eHL6nI0
You all started it and we fucking finished it. https://t.co/JU3IR4eEHt
And this year, she helped push through a 10-1 map that, if upheld by the courts, could help Democrats win 10 of Virginia’s 11 House seats in the midterm elections in November 2026. With a Democratic-controlled House, Trump’s legislative plans could be obstructed, and new inquiries into him and his policies could be initiated during the last two years of his presidency, thus explaining why Trump is urgently pushing Republican-led states to redraw their district maps, an act that is typically done once a decade. 
However, efforts to get the 10-1 map onto the ballot began in October 2025, when House Majority Leader Charniele L. Herring (D-Alexandria) introduced a procedural resolution that would allow the General Assembly to consider a proposed constitutional amendment granting lawmakers the authority to redraw Virginia’s congressional districts mid-decade.
“These priorities reflect what Virginians told us this November: protect our rights and freedoms and deliver an economy that works for working families,” Leader Herring said in a statement about the procedural vote. “Part of that work is making sure Virginians have a fair say in their government. As Donald Trump encourages Republican legislatures to manipulate congressional maps, we are making sure Virginia is prepared to protect fair representation and uphold the integrity of our democratic process.” 
Despite Republican attempts to dissuade Virginia voters from endorsing the ‘yes’ vote, the campaign led by Scott and Lucas triumphed with a narrow 51-49 margin. 
“Tonight, Virginians sent a message heard across this country: we will not let Donald Trump or MAGA Republicans rig our democracy. This started in Texas when Trump launched an unprecedented power grab to rig the midterms, and tonight Virginia voters ended it and voted YES to stop his power grab,” Speaker Scott shared a statement, per 13 News Now. 
THANK YOU VIRGINIA! https://t.co/52jmrP0b1C pic.twitter.com/qTlZR91xkw
And while these legislators are thanking Virginians, social media users are celebrating and thanking them for their work in bringing this issue forward. 

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April 22, 2026
Nas’s involvement highlights the cultural icon’s commitment to investing in the cultural and economic fabric of his hometown.
New York’s 550 Madison Avenue has officially unveiled a high-profile culinary destination featuring the opening of Bar Chimera, COTE 550, and the world-renowned Sushi Yoshitake, a project fueled by a partnership between Gracious Hospitality Management and legendary rapper Nas.
The collaboration brings together COTE Korean Steakhouse founder Simon Kim and the Grammy-winning artist, a New York native.
The co-owner of the new hospitality concepts at 550 Madison made the announcement via Instagram. Nas’ smooth and distinct voice narrates a host of images explaining how the new venture blends seamlessly with New York culture.
The centerpieces of the development offer three distinct gastronomic experiences in the Philip Johnson-designed tower. COTE 550 serves as an evolution of the Michelin-starred COTE Korean Steakhouse, blending high-end dining with the building’s architectural grandeur. Adjacent to it, Sushi Yoshitake marks the North American debut of the legendary three-Michelin-starred Tokyo establishment founded by Chef Masahiro Yoshitake.
A post shared by Bar Chimera (@barchimera)
Rounding out the new offerings is Bar Chimera, a chic and versatile lounge designed to serve as a social hub for the building’s tenants and elite New York diners. 
For Nas, the project represents a homecoming to the luxury real estate and dining sector of Manhattan, emphasizing his continued advocacy for Black ownership and representation in high-end spaces. The project is expected to draw a mix of international tourists, finance professionals, and hip-hop enthusiasts, bridging the gap between fine dining and urban culture.
RELATED CONTENT: Nas Gets Early Preview Of Hip-Hop Museum In The Bronx Following $1M Investment

© 2026 Black Enterprise. All Rights Reserved.

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“Uniquely weird”: actor and artist Sarah Bernhardt’s self-portrait-cum-inkwell Autoportrait en Chimere (1880) © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2026/Royal Collection Trust
Jonathan Marsden joined the UK’s royal household in 1996—he was surveyor of works of art from 2010 to 2017—and, since then, he has embarked on a daunting mission: cataloguing around 1,800 sculptures in the Royal Collection, divided mainly between Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Hampton Court, Kensington Palace and Osborne House (in the guardianship of English Heritage).
This was not a scientific process of acquisition to create a balanced ensemble of European sculpture, as might be the case with a museum, but an accumulation of regal preferences and opportunities. Marsden’s introduction is very lucid, setting out the development of sculpture at court; royal involvement with sculptors; displaying sculpture (in galleries, state rooms, libraries and gardens); and stewardship of the collection. Then comes the catalogue, arranged by likely date of production.
One of the great recent discoveries comes early on: a bronze satyr by Benvenuto Cellini (1500-71), which came to light in a cupboard in 2002. The thoroughness of the catalogue reflects the care now devoted to the collection, but there have been accidents in the past. A melancholy entry for a series of four historical royal heads modelled in terracotta by John Michael Rysbrack for George II’s consort, Queen Caroline, notes that they are the survivors of a series of ten commissioned for her library at St James’s Palace in 1735: the rest were smashed when a shelf collapsed in 1906. Out of the many busts on parade here, the Louis-François Roubiliac portrait of Field Marshal John Ligonier is a highlight. Antonio Canova’s Mars and Venus (1815-19) took eight years to arrive in London but would become one of George IV’s outstanding acquisitions. This monarch benefited hugely from the disruption of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars and added extensively to the royal holdings.
Perhaps the greatest surprise here is the extent to which Queen Victoria and her consort Prince Albert enlarged the collection. Of works where provenance is known, over half the sculptures in the Royal Collection were acquired by them. They would buy many versions of the great works of antiquity, beside works by modern sculptors: Rome-based John Gibson (1790-1866) was a particular favourite. Albert rated sculpture as superior to painting because, as quoted by Marsden, “we have to deal with the three dimensions, and not with surface merely, and we are not called upon to resort to the illusion of perspective”. Several of Queen Victoria’s daughters were student sculptors, notably Louise under Joseph Edgar Boehm (1834-90), who rose to become the pre-eminent court sculptor during Victoria’s widowhood.
Alfred Gilbert (1854-1934) gets thorough coverage too, including his model for the Duke of Clarence’s tomb: as Marsden writes of this monument, it is “considered by many the greatest work of its kind to be erected in Britain in the second half of the 19th century”. Edward VII (prior to his accession in 1901) acquired several enticing nude statues, but his oddest purchase was surely the “uniquely weird” (Marsden’s words) bronze self-portrait-cum-inkwell by the actor and artist Sarah Bernhardt, Autoportrait en Chimère (1880), which shows her head over sinister bat wings.
Edwardian statuettes of soldiers, animals and royalty abound in volume four, but Marsden never relaxes his forensic and learned study of this outstanding collection, which closes with entries on works from the 20th-century by Oscar Nemon, Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth and (surprisingly) Anthony Caro.
With the welcome move to open up royal residences, the audience for encountering these notable works where they belong is set to grow. With Marsden’s magisterial catalogue to boost appreciation, these visits will be richer still.
Jonathan Marsden, European Sculpture in the Collection of His Majesty The King, Modern Art Press/Royal Collection Trust, 4 vols, 1648pp, 2510 col. & b/w illust., £350 (hb), published 23 September 2025
• Roger Bowdler is a partner at Montagu Evans, advising owners on historic buildings
The Carlton House treasures reassembled from the Royal Collection for the first time since 1827
More than just bronzes, this collection of essays captures 100 years of scholarship on the 19th century’s most famous sculptor
Three new books offer fresh angles on the Renaissance master

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April 22, 2026
Rapper Xzibit is revealing the millions he owes in IRS and business debt while trying to end his monthly spousal support payments to his estranged wife.
Xzibit’s financial and IRS troubles are making headlines as he seeks to end the temporary monthly spousal support payments he makes to his estranged wife.
In newly filed court documents, the California rapper said he owes more than $400,000 in back taxes to the state and about $900,000 to the Internal Revenue Service—roughly $1.3 million total, TMZ reports. The former “Pimp My Ride” host also reports over $1.4 million in personal debt, another $2 million in business liabilities, and average monthly expenses of about $23,566.
Despite earning $66,547 a month, Xzibit (real name Alvin Nathaniel Joiner) said his mounting bills, debt, and temporary spousal support payments to his estranged wife, Krista Joiner, have become too much. He’s seeking to end the support once the divorce is finalized, noting she earns about $12,843 monthly.
Xzibit and Krista Joiner married in 2014, separated in 2021, and share a son, Gatlyn, whom they welcomed in 2010. The two, who have joint custody, are headed to trial later this month to finalize their divorce.
Court filings show Xzibit pays $5,145 monthly in child support, while in February 2025, Krista sought increased child and spousal support, citing financial hardship and missed expenses. She accused the rap star of having limited contact with their son.
At the time, Krista said she and their son had to leave their $10,000-a-month home and struggled to cover basic expenses, alleging Xzibit prioritized other spending on his current girlfriend over their child’s needs. She sought $9,313 in monthly child support, $21,380 in spousal support, more than $750,000 in alleged arrears, and $300,000 in legal fees, arguing his income was far higher than reported.
In response, Xzibit is seeking to end spousal support once the divorce is finalized. He also wants to keep a 1957 Chevy Bel Air, while he’s fine with Krista keeping a 2015 Jeep Wrangler.
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The singer’s mother praised her daughter’s newly shaved head on Instagram, calling Solange a “beautiful Egyptian goddess” and applauding her fearless individuality.

Tina Knowles is publicly celebrating her daughter Solange Knowles after the singer debuted a bold new shaved hairstyle, once again embracing her reputation for fearless self-expression.
Solange recently shared a series of images on social media revealing her newly shaved head, along with variations of closely cropped styles she experimented with during the transformation. Known for pushing creative boundaries in both music and fashion, the Grammy-winning artist’s latest look quickly drew attention from fans and fellow creatives alike.
A post shared by Tina Knowles (@mstinaknowles)
Among the most notable reactions came from her mother, Tina Knowles, who took to Instagram to praise her daughter’s striking appearance. Reposting Solange’s photos, she wrote that her daughter looked like a “beautiful Egyptian goddess,” adding a personal touch by recalling that Solange was conceived during a family trip to Egypt.
“You look like a beautiful Egyptian Goddess @solangeknowles Which is very appropriate since you were conceived on a cruise sailing down the Nile in Egypt,” Mama Knowles shared via Instagram.
Tina Knowles didn’t stop there. She also applauded Solange’s confidence and individuality, noting that she has always believed her daughter could pull off any look. In her words, Solange’s beauty and presence go beyond physical appearance, highlighting her long-standing admiration for her daughter’s boldness.
“I always said you could shave your head and wear a garbage bag and still look gorgeous. Well “Viola “! !!! You turn everything into Art!
I love your boldness!,” she concluded.
The heartfelt message quickly resonated with fans, many of whom flooded the comment sections with support. Admirers praised Solange for continuing to challenge conventional beauty standards and for using her platform to celebrate authenticity. Her shaved head, while a dramatic change, aligns with her history of artistic reinvention and cultural influence.
Solange, who has built a career defined by creative independence, has often used her image as a form of expression. From her critically acclaimed music projects to her distinctive visual style, she consistently pushes conversations around identity, Black culture, and self-definition.
This latest transformation is no exception. By sharing the process openly, she invites fans into her evolving journey while reinforcing a message of confidence and self-acceptance.
Tina Knowles’ public support adds another layer to the moment, reflecting the close bond within the Knowles family and their shared appreciation for individuality and artistic freedom.
As reactions continue to pour in, one thing is clear: Solange’s new look is more than just a hairstyle change. It’s another statement in a career built on authenticity, creativity, and the courage to stand apart.

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April 22, 2026
Atlanta Influences Everything’s bold vision has materialized into a storefront at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
What began as a declaration of Atlanta’s culture-shifting influence has grown into Atlanta Influences Everything (AIE) securing a 10-year partnership at the world’s busiest airport.
On April 22, AIE will open a storefront in Concourse B of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, according to a press release.
Done in collaboration with Paradies Lagardère, a leading airport retailer and restaurateur, the brick-and-mortar location will feature a curated selection of exclusive apparel, including T-shirts, hoodies, hats, and sweatshirts that amplify a “Made in ATL” vision.
“This moment is about more than us,” said the AIE leadership team. “It’s about showing what’s possible when Black entrepreneurs are given the space to build, to dream, and to execute at the highest level. This is about Atlanta, but it’s also about every city, every creative, and every visionary who knows their impact deserves a global stage.”
A post shared by ToNeTo Atlanta (@tonetoatl)
The launch event will run from 3 to 5 p.m., with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and a host of cultural leaders and special guests scheduled to attend the ribbon-cutting, which comes after three years of effort.
“For three years, this deal has been carefully built and negotiated,” the press release stated “And now, it stands as proof of what happens when vision, culture, and strategy align. Positioned inside the busiest airport in the world, AIE is no longer just a mantra, it is a movement with a permanent global footprint.”
Founded by Tory Edwards, Bem Joiner, and Ian Ford, Atlanta Influences Everything has helped shape Atlanta’s cultural narrative through initiatives like 404 Day and partnerships with brands including Coca-Cola, Lululemon, Prudential Financial, and Atlanta United FC. Guided by its “Three C’s”—Corporate, Culture, and Civic—the group focuses on driving lasting impact.
Now AIE is at the gateway connecting the city to the world.
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Scott’s age and reports of health issues had overshadowed his political career in recent years.
U.S. Rep. David Scott, who represents Georgia’s 13th Congressional District, is dead at the age of 80, CBS News reports. Scott’s death came as he was running a campaign for re-election in Georgia’s primary election on May 19. Scott has served in the United States Congress since 2003.
While serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Scott was the first Black chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture and later its ranking member. However, amid growing concerns about his ailing health and missing votes, Scott was removed from the high post.
David Scott, born in 1945 in Aynor, South Carolina, began his political career in 1974 when he successfully ran for the Georgia House of Representatives. He served in the House for more than a decade before he was elected to the state Senate in 1982. In 2003, Scott was elected to represent Georgia’s newly created 13th District.
Scott was a graduate of Florida A&M University and The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first and oldest historically Black fraternity in the country. Prior to entering politics, Scott founded and ran a family-owned advertising business.
Scott’s age and reports of health issues had overshadowed his political career in recent years. His health had declined to the point that he was wheelchair bound. Despite calls to step down and challenges from a half dozen people in a Democratic primary, including Everton Blair Jr., former Gwinnett County Board of Education chairman, Georgia State Rep. Jasmine Clark, and “Married to Medicine” star Dr. Heavenly Kimes, Scott campaigned for re-election.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Congressman David Scott. For more than two decades, he answered the call to serve the people of Georgia’s 13th Congressional District with dedication and conviction, and his legacy of public service spans a lifetime of leadership — from the Georgia General Assembly to the halls of the United States Congress,” said Blair, a progressive candidate who graduated from Harvard College and Stanford University.
He continued, “My prayers are with Mrs. Alfredia Aaron Scott, the entire Scott family, and all of Congressman Scott’s loved ones as they mourn this loss. My thoughts are also with his dedicated staff and every resident of the 13th District who called him their Congressman. A community grieves today, and we grieve alongside it.”
In light of Scott’s death, Governor Brian Kemp will likely call a special election to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term. That process will likely be complicated by the upcoming primary race and the November general election to determine who will serve Georgia’s 13th District for the 2027-2029 term.
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The stars of the ‘Michael’ biopic brought out their best looks for the Los Angeles red carpet premiere including Jaafar Jackson, Nia Long and more.
This Is It!
The stars of the highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic moonwalked onto Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre red carpet on April 20, marking a night of sparkle, style, and heartfelt tributes ahead of the film’s premiere this Friday. Now the anticipation for the biopic is reaching a fever pitch, “Can you feel it?”
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film chronicles the life and career of the King of Pop himself, and the star-studded cast and the Jackson family hit the black carpet to celebrate.
Central to the evening was Michael Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, who steps into his uncle’s iconic shoes in the film. Jaafar, 29, stunned in a sleek, understated custom black look styled by Petar Boy, an ensemble that let the story, rather than the wardrobe, take center stage. On the red carpet, Jaafar shared with ExtraTV the thrill of seeing himself embody Michael on the big screen:
“It was a lifetime experience or I should say a defining moment in my life,” he said, visibly moved.
He admitted that, despite all his preparation, he still felt he hadn’t completely “nailed” Jackson’s legendary moves. But the joy of watching the audience react to his performance, and being part of this once-in-a-lifetime project, was unforgettable.
Jaafar wasn’t the only Jackson family member turning heads. His aunt, La Toya Jackson, embraced the classic theme in a flowing black satin gown, paired with opera-style gloves, a dazzling diamond necklace, a bold red lip, and softly waved hair. Speaking with Variety, she reflected on the family’s excitement about Fuqua’s project when he first approached them about the idea.
“I said this is wonderful and just make sure it’s true to life,” she recalled.
La Toya gushed about Jaafar’s performance, revealing that at moments she and other family members forgot they were not watching Michael, whom she affectionately referred to as “Mike.” 
“Jaafar was absolutely fabulous,” she said. 
Adding her own star power, Nia Long glimmered in a shimmering Pamella Roland gown, her bold red lip complementing the sparkle of her dress. Playing the matriarch Katherine Jackson, Long praised the 95-year-old’s quiet strength and confident energy. Long said she wanted to portray the icon “with grace, and patience and love and groundedness.”
She continued,
“Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is to be quiet, and watch and listen and gently encourage and I think that is what the divine feminine energy is all about. Not always being forceful and loud…but deliberate.”
Long shared that fully stepping into the character with hair and makeup helped her bring Katherine Jackson to life, and when asked about a potential sequel, she didn’t hesitate:
“Of course I want to do it, like why not!”
Colman Domingo, portraying Joe Jackson, made a striking statement in a custom black Maison Valentino tuxedo, embodying the family patriarch with sharp elegance.
Meanwhile, Kendrick Sampson, who plays the legendary producer Quincy Jones in the Michael biopic, nodded to the late ’60s and ’70s in a coral blue suit featuring flared pants and wide cuffs—pure retro glamour.
Not to be outdone, Wale honored the King of Pop with a Michael-inspired red-carpet ensemble, complete with tribute elements that echoed Jackson’s most famous wardrobe choices.
He also hit some of Michael’s iconic moves on the carpet, much to the delight of the press.
Other attendees at the Michael red-carpet premiere nodded to the legend, wearing bedazzled jackets and classic red leather, creating a sea of homage across the Dolby Theatre.
As excitement buzzed through the theater, fans eagerly anticipated the worldwide release of the biopic on April 24. With its combination of family insight, stellar performances, and stylish homage, the film promises to be a must-see for Michael Jackson fans and cinephiles alike. 
Will you be watching?

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This Is It! Jaafar Jackson, Nia Long, Colman Domingo, Larenz Tate & More ‘Michael’ Stars Shine On The Black Carpet was originally published on bossip.com

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President Donald Trump blasted New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani over his tax policies on social media, claiming “people are fleeing.”

A new rant by President Donald Trump is zeroing in on New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s proposal on taxing the second homes of the wealthy. Trump blasted the mayor in a post on his Truth Social media platform on Thursday (April 16).
“Sadly, Mayor Mamdani is DESTROYING New York! It has no chance! The United States of America should not contribute to its failure,” Trump wrote, continuing: “It will only get WORSE. The TAX, TAX, TAX Policies are SO WRONG. People are fleeing. They must change their ways, AND FAST. History has proven, THIS ‘STUFF’ JUST DOESN’T WORK.”
The “Pied-à-Terre” tax was announced on Wednesday (April 15) by Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul. It will levy an annual surcharge on individuals who, according to the city’s press release, own “one to three family homes, condominiums and co-ops valued above $5 million when owners have a separate primary residence outside of New York City.”
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The tax is aimed at the ultra-wealthy, and the press release notes that the proposal was supported by 93% of New Yorkers. Democratic leaders note that it would raise $500 million for New York City, and Mamdani stated in a press conference on Thursday that it would count toward lowering the city’s $5.4 billion budget deficit. Hochul said that the tax would affect 13,000 properties.
Trump’s rant against Mamdani comes weeks after the two had another productive meeting at the White House, where they both discussed potential projects to expand affordable housing in New York City. It occurred as a student at Columbia University was abducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Trump directed the student to be released soon after his meeting with Mamdani.
Trump had previously called Mamdani a “despot” as well as a “communist” during the assemblyman’s campaign for mayor, but warmed up to him during their first meeting last November, even defending him from questions from the press that could be deemed adversarial.
Trump Rant Claims Mamdani “Destroying” New York City was originally published on hiphopwired.com
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The October Gallery Museum places art in the community. Here are partner locations where you can have an art experience.
Some locations art is installed inside buildings and visits are during regular business hours. Other locations are by appointment only. Schools are not open to the public. In addition, we have many outdoor installations that you can enjoy around the clock. Check each location below for details. Tours are available upon request. 215-352-3114.
Here are some of our patrons that have donated art and art related items installed as part of our Art in the Community program. Thanks!
Watson and Sonia Brown
Stephanie Daniel
Chad Cortez Everett
Gail Gaines
Dr. Darryl J. Ford
Kelly R. Harrison
Deborah Kelly
Betty Ann D. Lawrence
David Lawrence
Leon McDuffie
Michael Muhammad
Jay R. Ogilvie
Marjorie H. Ogilvie
Junious Rhone, Sr.
Robin Rhone
Shirley Rhone
April Rice
Karen Roach
Monica Rocha
Steve Satell
Deborah Stephens
Staci Watson 
Stephanie R. West
Horace Wright

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Art and art related items may be returned to October Gallery in good condition within twenty (20) days of the purchase for store credit ONLY – unless otherwise stated on an invoice.
Items on layaway or even items paid for will be held by the gallery for no more than ninety (90) days from the original sale date. Refund is in store credit ONLY – unless other stated on an invoice.

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U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigns from Trump’s Cabinet following multiple abuse of power allegations and ongoing internal investigations.
Lori Chavez-DeRemer has stepped down from her role in Donald Trump’s Cabinet following a wave of allegations tied to abuse of power and workplace misconduct, according to the White House.
The announcement was made on April 21, with officials confirming that Chavez-DeRemer will leave her post as U.S. Labor Secretary and transition to a role in the private sector, according to the Associated Press. Her departure comes after months of scrutiny, including claims that she maintained an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate, consumed alcohol while on duty, and used staff for personal matters.
In a statement, Chavez-DeRemer defended her record and dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, claiming they were driven by “deep state actors” working against the administration. Despite those denials, multiple reports indicated that an internal investigation by the Labor Department’s inspector general had been reviewing her conduct and that of her close associates.
According to reporting, investigators examined communications suggesting that Chavez-DeRemer and members of her family had inappropriate interactions with younger staffers. The probe also followed earlier complaints, including one alleging a relationship with a member of her security detail.
Her exit marks the third Cabinet-level departure in recent months, following earlier leadership shakeups within the administration. White House communications director Steven Cheung praised her tenure, stating she had worked to advance policies aimed at supporting American workers and expanding job opportunities.
Keith Sonderling, the current deputy labor secretary, has been named acting head of the department.
Chavez-DeRemer, a former Republican congresswoman from Oregon, was confirmed to the Cabinet in March 2025 with bipartisan support, including backing from some labor unions. During her time in office, she played a role in advancing the administration’s deregulatory agenda, including efforts to roll back dozens of workplace rules. Those changes drew criticism from labor advocates and safety experts, particularly around protections for vulnerable workers.
Her tenure also included the cancellation of several international labor programs focused on combating child labor, a move that sparked concern among global labor organizations.
While the White House initially pushed back against the allegations, the tone of official responses shifted as more claims surfaced and internal investigations progressed. Several Labor Department officials linked to the situation were removed from their positions prior to her resignation.
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