Zion Williamson, lawsuit, rap, domestic violence — (Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 14, 2026

Zion Williamson Falls Short Of NBA Playoffs 7 Seasons In A Row

'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
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) April 13, 2026

Black nurse, Police — Photo by Malikov Aleksandr/Getty Images

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 14, 2026

Surgeon Accused Of Knowingly Buying Stolen Vehicles For Rental Car Side Hustle

The allegedly deceitful doctor was a well-known surgeon in the Warner Robins area.

A Georgia surgeon allegedly bought stolen vehicles for a rental car side hustle.

Local law enforcement arrested Patrick Narh-Martey on April 10 in connection with the alleged scheme, as reported by 13WMAZ. Narh-Martey is a registered surgeon at the Emory Healthcare facility in Warner Robins.

However, when he wasn’t operating on patients, the doctor was covering up stolen cars to use as rental vehicles. To run his side hustle, Amanor Enterprise LLC, prosecutors claim, he stole the cars and then altered their VINs.

Now, the detained physician faces 11 counts of theft by receiving stolen property and eight counts of possessing a car with altered VINs. He reportedly did not work alone, conspiring with others to conduct the criminal car-rental scheme.

The incident report further detailed how many cars were illegally in his possession. Narh-Martey reportedly purchased 13 stolen vehicles across various states from North Carolina to Illinois. None of the vehicles came from Georgia.

According to the Middle Georgia Surgical Institute, Narh-Martey is a board-certified internal medicine physician. Known for his work in medical education, research, and communal wellness, he became a beacon of health expertise in the Warner Robins community.

“His holistic approach to healthcare emphasizes the importance of fostering strong doctor-patient relationships built on trust, empathy, and open communication, ensuring that each patient receives personalized attention and comprehensive treatment tailored to their unique needs,” wrote the webpage.

Now, the acclaimed doctor is at the center of an ongoing investigation into the stolen-vehicle scheme.

Ahead of his recent arrest, Narh-Martey came in contact with authorities before this issue in 2021. However, instead of becoming a suspect, the Georgia surgeon was listed as a victim in a case regarding a stolen vehicle from Florida.

A Houston County tag office employee reported a car title as potentially fake, leading police to reach out to Narh-Martey. He reportedly lied to police about where he purchased a 2019 Dodge Challenger Hellcat. He told authorities that he paid $44,500 for the vehicle on Facebook Marketplace.

It was not until years later that the police uncovered Narh-Martey’s ruse. Now, he faces not only jail time but a hit to his medical career as well. The news outlet confirmed that his page on the Warner Robins medical center’s website has been removed in light of the charges.

George Clinton, lawsuit — Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 14, 2026

FAMU And FSU Omegas Join George Clinton On Stage For Legendary ‘Atomic Dog’ Performance

George Clinton invited members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. to join him on stage at his inaugural P-Funk Festival for a legendary performance of "Atomic Dog."

George Clinton took the stage for his inaugural P-Funk Fest in Tallahassee, Florida, where he was joined by members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., for a legendary high-energy performance of his Billboard No. 1 hit “Atomic Dog.”

On April 11, Ques from Omega Psi Phi’s Florida A&M University’s Upsilon Phi Chapter and Florida State University’s Chi Theta Chapter joined George Clinton and the Parliament Funkadelic for a standout performance of “Atomic Dog” at the first of what’s expected to become an annual musical celebration, HBCU Game Day reports.

“One of my prophytes alerted us that Mr. Clinton wanted us to perform Atomic Dog with him at this festival,” said Cole Bigelow, a junior at FAMU and president of the Upsilon Psi Chapter. “I was so happy to not only see him perform some of his other songs, but have a chance to step as well. It was crazy. I can only say he is iconic, and it was an honor to be on stage with him.”

Released in 1982, Clinton’s “Atomic Dog” quickly became the unofficial anthem of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. During a 2021 interview, Clinton recalled how just weeks after its release, members of the fraternity’s Alpha Chapter in Washington, D.C. introduced him to their signature stepping to the track—an experience that helped cement its lasting cultural connection.

Since then, the song has been deeply woven into the fraternity’s identity and remains a staple across HBCU and Divine Nine culture.

Over the years, Clinton often invited local chapters of Omega Psi Phi to join him on stage during performances of “Atomic Dog”, creating a signature moment between the two. The tradition came full circle when Clinton was inducted as a lifetime member in 2020 alongside D.L. Hughley and Anthony Anderson.

Now, with the launch of P-Funk Fest, the moment could become an annual celebration.

TED Talks, Brooklyn, comedy show, Black-Owned Comedy Venue, black music — (Photo: 7713Photography/Getty Images)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 14, 2026

Maryland Passes New Law To Restrict Prosecutors From Using Rap Lyrics In Criminal Cases

Maryland's new PACE Act makes it the third state to pass laws restricting prosecutors' use of rap lyrics in criminal cases.

Maryland has passed a new law as part of a nationwide effort to limit prosecutors‘ use of rap lyrics in criminal cases.

Passed April 9, Maryland’s Protecting Artists’ Creative Expression (PACE) Act restricts when prosecutors can use rap lyrics as evidence, Billboard reports. Under the new law, lyrics and other creative works can only be admitted if a judge determines they meet strict standards—including proving they were intended as literal statements tied to the case.

The law, expected to be signed by Gov. Wes Moore, is part of a broader push to curb the practice, which critics argue undermines free speech and can bias juries—pointing to recent cases involving Young Thug and Lil Durk, where lyrics were used in indictments.

“The passage of the PACE Act in Maryland marks an important victory for music creators,” said Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “Silencing any genre or form of artistic expression is an attack on creative freedom.”

While the law, also known as House Bill 687, doesn’t ban the use of lyrics in criminal cases, it requires prosecutors to prove—by a preponderance of the evidence—that the lyrics are relevant. Judges must determine that they were intended as literal statements, directly tied to the case, and material to a disputed fact before they can be admitted.

Maryland becomes the third state to curb the practice, following a 2022 law in California and similar limits in Louisiana. New York has considered comparable measures, while federal legislation has been introduced multiple times in Congress.

Music industry veteran Kevin Liles, chairman of the Free Our Art campaign, advocated for the Maryland bill and hopes its passage encourages other states to address what he calls the “growing weaponization of creative expression in courtrooms across America.”

“As a kid growing up in Baltimore, music found me and hip-hop saved my life,” Liles said. “When this bill is signed, we’re turning our attention to New York State next, and we hope to have two bills passed this year.”

Flau'jae Johnson, NIL, SCORE Act — (Photo: Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 14, 2026

Louisiana State University’s Flau’Jae Johnson Traded On WNBA Draft Night

After being selected at No. 8 by the Golden State Valkyries, she was traded to the Seattle Storm

In an unexpected move at the 2026 WNBA Draft, Louisiana State University’s Flau’Jae Johnson was traded shortly after being drafted with the No. 8 pick by the Golden State Valkyries.

The Seattle Storm announced that it traded the draft rights of the No. 16 overall pick, Marta Suarez, and the team’s 2028 2nd round pick to the Valkyries in exchange for the draft rights to Johnson. The team welcomed her via a social media post.

https://twitter.com/seattlestorm/status/2043851977910812710

“Flau’jae is one of the most dynamic, creative, and explosive players in this draft, and we’re excited to get another first-round pick to select her,” said Storm General Manager Talisa Rhea in a written statement. “Her playmaking, ability to score in multiple ways, and energy on both ends of the court will impact our team immediately. We can’t wait for Flau’jae to get to Seattle.”

Johnson just completed her collegiate career, during which she won an NCAA Championship as a freshman in 2023. She averaged 11 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, and was named the 2022–23 SEC (Southeastern Conference) Freshman of the Year, as well as being named to the SEC All-Freshman Team as the starting shooting guard. She ended her career at LSU, averaging 14.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 46.5% shooting from the field during her senior year. She scored in double digits 27 times, including nine games with more than 20 points.

This past season, Johnson was named First-Team All-SEC and Third-Team All-American. In her four years, she achieved numerous accolades, including being named a Third-Team All-American in 2025, First-Team All-SEC (2025), and Second-Team All-SEC (2024). She became the sixth LSU player to score more than 2,000 career points.

Before attending LSU, the Georgia native played at Sprayberry High School in Marietta and was a 2022 McDonald’s All-American who finished her high school career as Sprayberry’s leading scorer.

new edition — Photo credit: (ABC via Getty Images) NEW EDITION

by Janee Bolden

April 14, 2026

New Edition Wins Fan Vote But Misses Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction

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.

Whoopi Goldberg, millennials — Whoopi Goldberg became widely known in 1985 when she won a Golden Globe Award as Best Actress for The Color Purple. By 1993, Goldberg had already been the highest-paid actress and had more than 150 television and film appearances to her credit. Goldberg is a historical first, a Black woman with an Emmy, Grammy, Tony and Oscar. With decades of work, Goldberg's current estimated net worth is $60 million: (Photo: Lou Rocco/ABC via Getty Images)

by Janee Bolden

April 14, 2026

Whoopi Goldberg Launches Publishing Imprint With Blackstone To Spotlight New Voices

The EGOT winner is expanding her business portfolio with a new imprint focused on amplifying diverse authors and stories.

After decades of building a career in entertainment, including publishing more than a dozen books of her own, Whoopi Goldberg is adding publishing executive to her résumé.

The Oscar-winning actress has launched a new publishing imprint, WhoopInk, in partnership with Blackstone Publishing, with a mission to bring fresh and diverse voices to the marketplace.

“I am personally looking forward to finding new authors, working with established authors, and bringing influential voices into this curated imprint,” Goldberg said in a statement Monday.

According to the announcement, Goldberg will play an active role in the imprint, contributing to everything from cover design to marketing and promotion.

The move positions Goldberg alongside a growing number of high-profile creatives, including Reese Witherspoon, John Legend, and Sarah Jessica Parker, who have all launched their own imprints or literary initiatives in recent years.

One of the first authors under WhoopInk will be Rick Bleiweiss, a Blackstone executive who worked on Goldberg’s bestselling 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.”

The longtime co-host and moderator of “The View” also plans to release new work of her own through the imprint, including a follow-up to her memoir “Bits and Pieces,” and a collaboration with longtime business partner Tom Leonardis.

Goldberg’s move into publishing is the latest chapter in a long-running pattern of entrepreneurial expansion. Over the years, she has consistently leveraged her platform to build businesses that center both purpose and underserved audiences.

One of her most notable ventures includes her early entry into the cannabis space with Whoopi & Maya, a medical cannabis company launched in 2016 that focused on providing relief for menstrual discomfort. As previously reported, the brand helped establish a niche market within the industry before ultimately shutting down in 2020 amid shifts in the business and regulatory landscape.

More recently, Goldberg has continued to explore opportunities in the cannabis sector. In 2025, she partnered with Pure Genesis to launch Whoop-Tea, a hemp-derived THC beverage designed to offer a more social and accessible alternative to alcohol. The collaboration reflects her ongoing interest in wellness-focused products and culturally driven consumer experiences.

With each new venture, Goldberg continues to position herself not just for growth, but for long-term influence across industries where culture and commerce intersect.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘I’m Getting Dragged’ Whoopi Goldberg Explains Her Appearance In The Epstein Files

USPS, postal service — Photo by Ekaterina Belinskaya: https://www.pexels.com/photo/postal-service-van-parked-on-a-street-sidewalk-4744769/

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 14, 2026

Big Changes Coming To USPS As Officials Claim Old Business Model ‘Doesn’t Work’

There have been several attempts to bring reform to the Postal Service as the agency’s business model has not changed much in more than 50 years ago.

First Postmaster General David Steiner announced the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is on schedule to run out of cash by February 2027, and now officials claim more changes are on the way since the 1970s-dated system “doesn’t work” anymore, The New York Times reports.

With all the changes coming out of the agency, David Marroni, a postal service expert at the Government Accountability Office, blames the outdated business model.

“The core issue here is the existing USPS business model, where it’s supposed to be financially self-supporting based on providing postal services, just doesn’t work today,” Marroni said.

There have been several attempts to reform the Postal Service, as the agency’s business model has not changed much since its current iteration from more than 50 years ago, when Congress moved it from a cabinet-level department funded by taxpayers to a self-financed, independent agency.

But with Steiner admitting the agency is strapped for cash and calling on lawmakers to consider drastic changes to save money, more money is set to come out of American voters’ pockets under the proposed changes.

“We can do whatever you want us to do. We’ve been doing it for 250 years,” he said, according to The Sun. “But who’s going to pay for it? We cannot continue to do the things that lose us money on a very consistent basis.”

Shortly after Easter, USPS suggested raising stamp prices by 5%, saying it would temporarily suspend some payments to a government retirement fund. The agency also called on lawmakers to make room to permit them to dial back on delivery days and give longer consideration to revenue-losing routes.

The commitment to upholding the agency’s “universal service obligation” to deliver to everyone in the nation comes with a hefty price tag: more than $6.5 billion a year. Out of 10 USPS delivery routes, seven are “financially underwater,” Steiner told Congress during a March hearing. While it saves money, recipients in rural America will be affected the most; however, Maryland Democratic Rep. Kweisi Mfume vowed to work with Texas Republican Rep. Pete Sessions, a postal reform advocate, to ensure every American continues to be served.

“Americans in every part of this country rely upon and really deserve prompt, reliable and efficient mail services,” Mfume said.

“We cannot lose the postal service as we know it.”

In addition to stamps, the Postal Regulatory Commission approved a temporary 8% surcharge on packages amid rising fuel and transportation costs. While the increase leaves room for stiff competition from other delivery services such as FedEx, UPS, and Amazon, Americans rely heavily on the Postal Service for important mail delivery, including prescription drugs and election ballots.