nursing home The family wants the nursing home to be held accountable.
Photo by Tatomm/Getty Images
by Sharelle B. McNair

April 8, 2026

Arkansas Police Chief Investigated After Viral Video Shows Him Striking Black Man in A Wheelchair

The victim says law enforcement was called to his neighborhood for assistance but has no clue that he would end up being the one needing help.

The newly hired police chief of Osceola, Arkansas, Robert “Bobby” Ephlin, is being investigated after he was allegedly seen striking a disabled Black man who uses a wheelchair. 

Ephlin was seen on a video with more than 13,000 views putting his hands on Danarius Williams after the chief was heard saying, “you’re not gonna talk to me like that” while engaging with a crowd on April 6. The victim says law enforcement was called to his neighborhood for assistance, but he had no idea he would end up needing help.

But when Williams, who has been disabled and paralyzed since 2013, asked Ephlin to get out of his personal space, things escalated.

“He smacked me. He smacked the hell out of me. Then choked me,” Williams said, according to KAIT 8. 

“I felt belittled, to be honest, for one, and for two, it’s just embarrassing to just feel helpless and powerless through the whole situation.” 

Social media users in the video’s comments feel that Ephlin and the police department should be held accountable for the alleged actions.

“Take everything from that YT man! Sue him directly & the police department! Press charges against him & the other officers,” @royaltee_jones wrote.

But Williams is already taking matters into his own hands.

“I already pressed charges against the chief. I did that as soon as I left there while I was in the emergency room last night,” Williams said. 

While the police department has failed to comment on the incident yet and it is unclear if Ephlin is on administrative leave, Osceola Mayor Joe Harris Jr., also a Black man, is in support of getting to the bottom of what happened, calling for an independent review “to ensure all the facts are collected and evaluated in a fair, transparent and accountable manner.” In a statement, Harris said the city is “committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and public trust,” and that the city would take appropriate action based on the findings of the review.

The ordeal comes just days after Ephlin touched on the type of leader he wants to be, having been in the role for just a little under a week. “When we make mistakes, and we will, we’re going to own those mistakes. We’re going to take care of those problems,” Ephlin said. 

Williams hopes that the investigation considers such sentiments in comparison to the way the victim feels he was treated.

“Can’t feel anything, can’t do anything from the belly button down. I have a suprapubic catheter stuck in my bladder that can come out any time,” Williams said.

“If they have no respect and no regard for my rights — I’m in a wheelchair, I’m disabled — what do you think they’ll do to one of y’all? What do you think they will do to your family?”

RELATED CONTENT: Black-Owned Lounge Cancels Kansas City Opening Amid Backlash Over Its Name 

Delta, Airline, Airport, Plane
(Photo: Delta News Hub/Flickr)
by Kandiss Edwards

April 8, 2026

Delta Hikes Fees For Checked Bags

Passengers could choose other airlines with minimal luggage fees.

Delta Air Lines announced it is raising baggage fees for domestic and short-haul international flights.

Starting April 8, an additional $10 will be added to the cost of each customer’s first and second checked bag. A first checked bag will now cost $45, while a second bag will cost $55. An even steeper price hike has been levied for customer’s third checked luggage. The price will jump $50 to $200.

The airline attributed the price hike, its first in two years, to “evolving global conditions and industry dynamics,” according to the Associated Press.

Not all travelers will be affected by the new pricing. Delta confirmed that SkyMiles Medallion members, active-duty military personnel, and customers flying in premium cabins—including First Class, Delta Premium Select, and Delta One—will continue to receive their standard complimentary bag allotments.

Additionally, customers using eligible co-branded Delta SkyMiles American Express cards will be exempt from the increase. Tickets purchased on or after April 8 will be exempt from the price hike. International passengers will continue to operate under the original pricing structure. 

Delta’s move follows other airlines that are using ancillary fees to offset what they claim are rising operational costs and fuel volatility. By increasing the third-bag fee aggressively, Delta may intentionally discourage heavy luggage on domestic routes.

Decreased weight can improve fuel efficiency and turnaround times while simultaneously driving high-margin revenue. Conversely, passengers may choose to opt out of Delta services instead. Exempting Medallion members and Amex cardholders reinforces Delta’s strategy of prioritizing its “sticky” customer base.

The luggage exemption clause may have another potential benefit, as Delta’s credit card partnerships and loyalty programs will seemingly gain value, as the financial burden is placed on infrequent or basic economy travelers. While a $10 increase may seem minor, for a carrier that processes tens of millions of bags annually, the cumulative revenue could be substantial.

RELATED CONTENT: Delta Air Lines Stands With TSA Agents, Suspends Congress Perks Amid Partial Shutdown Chaos

Muni Long, Singer, R&B
Photo by ErnieInAction/CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 8, 2026

Muni Long Breaks Down Music Contracts For Fans Confused About Pooh Shiesty and Gucci Mane Beef

Long hinted that a morality clause could have prompted Pooh Shiesty to allegedly take drastic means to get out his contract.

Muni Long is shedding light on music industry contracts amid Pooh Shiesty’s alleged beef with Gucci Mane over a deal he wants out of.

Pooh Shiesty was arrested for allegedly robbing and kidnapping Gucci Mane inside a Dallas studio on Jan. 10. The incident was reportedly over the Memphis rapper’s deal under Gucci Mane’s The New 1017 label. As the news made headlines, others questioned why Pooh Shiesty allegedly went to such lengths to remove himself from the Atlanta rapper’s company.

For those confused on the matter, Muni Long went to the comments section to explain how certain industry contracts work, providing potential insight into the “shiesty” shenanigans.

Although Pooh allegedly went to extreme measures to handle his business dealings, Muni claimed these methods would not have helped his cause. An X user posted a screenshot of the singer’s comment under a TikTok post.

“They have clauses in the contracts that if you go to jail, you forfeit all your rights to the label. Lawyers can’t help,” wrote the two-time Grammy winner.

Long is presumably referring to morality clauses, often implemented to hold signees accountable. If artists land in any legal trouble that could jeopardize the company or their contractual obligations, the clause allows the company to terminate or suspend certain agreements. This could also threaten artists’ payouts or agency under the contract, such as leaving a label on desired terms.

According to Fox 4, Pooh Shiesty, real name Lontrell Williams Jr., was with his father and other rap-affiliated assailants when he held Gucci Mane at gunpoint over his release from the label. Per the terms of his 2025 release from prison over a drug trafficking case, Pooh was supposed to remain under home confinement, reportedly breaking the rule for the Dallas kidnapping.

While Muni Long shared insights into artists’ legal strife with labels, Pooh Shiesty now has other legal ramifications to consider. The “FDO” rapper will appear at a federal court hearing in Dallas April 8 over the kidnapping and robbery charges. His lawyer remains optimistic that the courts will side with his client.

“We will have his dentition and probable cause hearing tomorrow. We expect to contest those, and we are looking forward to finding out more details that we don’t think the complaint reveals,” attorney John Helms said in a statement.

Kanye, Malibu, Brazil, Nazi
(Photo by Rachpoot/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 8, 2026

Wireless Festival Canceled After Ye Was Denied Request For Travel

The controversial artist was announced as the featured performer at the Wireless Festival at Finsbury Park in North London, which had been scheduled to take place between July 10 and 12

The United Kingdom has blocked Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, from entering the country, prompting the organizers of the Wireless Festival to cancel the entire three-day event.

According to The Associated Press, after Ye submitted an application for an electronic travel authorization to visit the U.K., the government denied the request, citing his presence as not “conducive to the public good.” Based on that decision, festival organizers canceled the outdoor event and assured customers who had already purchased tickets that they would receive a refund.

After news broke that the “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” rapper was headlining the festival, the controversies surrounding the music producer sparked an uproar, prompting the title sponsor, Pepsi, to pull out. Ye released a song in 2025 named “Heil Hitler” that caused controversy, and he also had a website advertising a swastika T-shirt for sale, which was taken down after people complained, as well as past antisemitic remarks.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who was vocal in opposition to Ye’s appearance, spoke about the organizers’ decision to invite the recording artist.

“Kanye West should never have been invited to headline Wireless. This government stands firmly with the Jewish community, and we will not stop in our fight to confront and defeat the poison of antisemitism. We will always take the action necessary to protect the public and uphold our values.”

Other festival sponsors (Rockstar Energy and Diageo) had also pulled out before Ye’s travel request was denied. Ye released a statement saying he would like the opportunity to speak to the Jewish community in the U.K. before learning of the denial.

He said he “would be grateful for the opportunity to meet with members of the Jewish community in the U.K. in person, to listen. I know words aren’t enough — I’ll have to show change through my actions. If you’re open, I’m here.”

However, Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said his group would meet with him if he withdrew from the festival.

“The Jewish community will want to see a genuine remorse and change before believing that the appropriate place to test this sincerity is on the main stage at the Wireless Festival,” Rosenberg said.

BBC News reported that the organizers of Wireless Festival released a statement saying that “multiple stakeholders” were consulted before booking Ye, and that no concerns were raised at the time. They also denounce antisemitism in their statement.

“Antisemitism in all its forms is abhorrent, and we recognize the real and personal impact these issues have had. As Ye said today, he acknowledges that words alone are not enough, and despite this still hopes to be allowed to begin a conversation with the Jewish community in the U.K.”

shark tank, Daymond, John, entrepreneurs, Stan, competition
(Photo: Christopher Willard/ABC via Getty Images)
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 8, 2026

Daymond John Sues Former COVID Mask Business Partners Over Alleged Millions In Unpaid Profits

He says Lisa Kornman Avila and Rashmi Budhram withheld profits after he brought them in on lucrative PPE deals with state governments during the early days of COVID-19.

Business mogul Daymond John is taking legal action against two former partners behind a PPE venture, claiming they owe him “at least tens of millions of dollars” in commissions.

In a lawsuit filed on April 3, John accuses product sourcing experts Lisa Kornman Avila and Rashmi Budhram of withholding profits after he brought them into lucrative PPE deals with state governments during the early days of COVID-19, The Independent reports.

“To date, defendants have refused to pay any money to Shark [Group, John’s company], despite securing multiple orders worth hundreds of millions of dollars from [the California Department of General Services] and other entities due to Shark’s efforts,” the complaint states.

According to the FUBU founder, he secured contracts through The Shark Group to supply agencies like the California Department of General Services, the New York State Department of Health, and the State of Michigan with critical PPE at the height of the pandemic, including N95 masks, goggles, and isolation gowns.

The lawsuit claims that once the deals were in place, Kornman and Budhram leveraged their manufacturing contacts to fulfill orders, generating nearly $150 million for themselves from a single transaction.

According to the complaint, John’s agreed-upon referral fee from the deal was roughly $30 million. However, he alleges that Kornman and Budhram, who previously worked out of his New York City office and even appeared on television with him, began cutting him out of the business shortly after the deal closed in spring 2020.

According to the complaint, Kornman and Budhram had worked with John since 2014 through their Palm Beach-based company, Buko LLC, under a deal where John referred clients and earned commissions. He now alleges they restructured the business under multiple entities, including 5 Time Zones LLC, to conceal tens of millions in profits and shield themselves from financial liability.

John’s attorney, Matthew Blit, declined further comment, saying the complaint “speaks for itself.” Kornman and Budhram’s lawyer, Christopher Frost, called the lawsuit “false and inflammatory,” adding that his clients are disappointed by the claims.

“As they will show in their legal response, both women are entrepreneurs with decades of experience sourcing and manufacturing a variety of products, including PPE, built on relationships that predate both the COVID-19 pandemic and their association with Daymond John,” Frost said.

Frost argued that John stepped away from the California deal, requesting no involvement in name, financing, or manufacturing after his group faced price-gouging allegations, and said Kornman and Budhram honored that request by passing the savings from his would-be commission onto the state.

“Now that the media coverage has died down, Mr. John seeks to profiteer by blaming [Kornman and Budhram] for following the very request that shielded him from scrutiny,” Frost said. “He threatened them for more than five years through two different lawyers before finding one willing to file this weak lawsuit. Ms. [Kornman] and Ms. Budhram have always acted honorably and within their legal obligations, and they look forward to the truth coming out.”

Buko LLC now has about three weeks to respond to the allegations formally.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Entrepreneurs Day; Tracee Ellis Ross, Spike Lee, Shaq and more Join Daymond John at the Apollo

Trump, healthcare, Obamacare
(Photo: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
by Sharelle B. McNair

April 8, 2026

‘We Didn’t Forget:’ Democrats Continue To Call For Trump To Be Removed From Office Despite Iran Ceasefire 

More than 85 House Democrats called for Trump to be impeached including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).

Mere hours after President Donald Trump threatened Iran with annihilation, saying “a whole civilization will die” on April 7, he agreed to a two-week ceasefire,

The reprieve didn’t stop Democrats from wanting him gone, Axios reports. 

Democrats called for Trump’s impeachment or removal by way of the 25th Amendment after the threat sent shockwaves across the internet and throughout Capitol Hill. More than 85 House Democrats called for Trump to be impeached, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) sent a letter to Vice President JD Vance and the Cabinet asking to remove Trump. Crockett showcased her disdain and the letter on X.

“We are watching a dangerous and unfit President drag this country toward catastrophe—and Republicans refuse to act. Invoke the 25th Amendment. Do your f*ck*ng job,” she wrote. 

Democrats like Rep. Yassamin Ansari of Arizona also want Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth out of office for his role in all this, making plans to file articles of impeachment against the former Fox News anchor. 

Unlike Democrats, the Republican Party has been relatively quiet about its leader’s chaotic words, with only a few speaking out against him, according to CBS News. 

Rep. Nathaniel Moran of Texas was one of the first to join Democrats and express sentiments of unease, announcing he does “not support the destruction of a ‘whole civilization.’”

“That is not who we are, and it is not consistent with the principles that have long guided America,” he wrote on X. 

Rep. Kevin Kiley of California, who switched his party affiliation from Republican to independent, urged the 47th president to dial back on the heightened escalation. “The United States does not destroy civilizations. Nor do we threaten to do so as some sort of negotiating tactic,” he said.

The shock of Trump’s threats went well beyond elected officials. Even those who once called themselves proud MAGA loyalists were taken aback. Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia condemned the president’s threats. So did Candace Owens, the right-wing pundit.

“The 25th Amendment needs to be invoked. He is a genocidal lunatic. Our Congress and military need to intervene. We are beyond madness,” the podcast host wrote on X. 

Those who have been radio-silent on the threats against Iran include House Speaker Mike Johnson (LA) and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (SD).

Maybe there are more important things going on.

RELATED CONTENT: Does Stephen A. Smith Have A 2028 Presidency Plan?

Keith Lee, Atlanta, food truck, event, redemption, Baltimore
(Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
by Janee Bolden

April 8, 2026

Keith Lee Waives Vendor Fees for Inaugural FamiLee Day Festival, Creating New Opportunities for Local Food Businesses

The one-day event will bring together a mix of food, music, and family-friendly experiences.

Keith Lee is turning his influence into impact, announcing that he will waive all food vendor fees for his inaugural FamiLee Day festival in New Orleans. 

Set for May 16 at the UNO Lakefront Festival Grounds, the one-day event will bring together a mix of food, music, and family-friendly experiences. But it’s Lee’s decision to eliminate vendor fees that is drawing the most attention, particularly among independent restaurant owners who often face steep upfront costs just to participate in festivals.

For many small businesses, those fees can be the difference between showing up and sitting out. By removing that barrier, Lee is opening the door for local vendors to not only participate but to profit more directly from the exposure. 

“FamiLee Day is rooted in creating real opportunities for local businesses,” Lee said in a statement. “By eliminating vendor fees, we’re prioritizing the success of our partners and ensuring they can fully benefit from the exposure, community engagement, and economic impact the festival is designed to generate.”

The curated food village is expected to spotlight a range of New Orleans-based eateries, giving them access to a national audience fueled by Lee’s massive social media reach. With more than 17 million followers on TikTok, his influence has already been credited with boosting visibility and revenue for small food businesses, a phenomenon widely referred to as the “Keith Lee effect.” 

The festival itself is designed to be more than just a food event. Organizers are planning a full-day experience featuring live performances by artists such as Kirk Franklin, Mannie Fresh, Tobe Nwigwe, and Andra Day, along with carnival rides and family-centered activities.  

In an industry where access often comes at a price, waiving vendor fees represents a shift in how creators and entrepreneurs can leverage their platforms to redistribute opportunity. Instead of extracting value from vendors, Lee is positioning the festival as a space where small businesses can build it. 

It’s also a strategic extension of his brand. Known for spotlighting under-the-radar restaurants and driving viral traffic to local spots, Lee has built credibility as a trusted voice among both consumers and small business owners. FamiLee Day takes that influence offline, translating digital impact into real-world economic opportunity. 

VIP tickets for the inaugural event have already sold out, signaling strong demand and suggesting that Lee’s online audience is ready to show up in person. 

As the creator economy continues to evolve, Lee’s approach offers a blueprint for what it looks like when influence meets infrastructure. 

RELATED CONTENT: Keith Lee Joins Brooklyn Dumpling Shop As An Official Investor: ‘God Is Amazing’

Will Smith, Net Worth
(Photo: Isa Foltin/WireImage)
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 8, 2026

Will Smith Reportedly Invests In Philadelphia’s WNBA Expansion Team

Philadelphia’s upcoming WNBA expansion team is set to debut in 2030.

Will Smith is bringing his latest investment home, reportedly buying a minority stake in Philadelphia’s expansion WNBA team.

On April 6, sports business reporter Kurt Badenhausen revealed that the Oscar-winning actor had secured a minority stake in his hometown’s incoming WNBA franchise. The small stake is estimated at a humble 0.1%, enough to strengthen the ownership group’s local connection in a city deeply rooted in basketball culture.

The news comes as Philadelphia was officially awarded one of three expansion teams, part of the league’s plan to grow to 18 franchises by the end of the decade. The new WNBA team will be operated by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, with Josh Harris serving as governor and leading an ownership group that includes David Blitzer, institutional investors, and Smith as a minority stakeholder.

Philadelphia’s WNBA team is expected to play at Xfinity Mobile Arena, with ownership committing at least $50 million toward a dedicated practice facility. Comcast is also set to take a minority stake as part of a larger arena partnership.

The expansion underscores the league’s continued growth, with Commissioner Cathy Engelbert citing record viewership and rising demand as driving forces behind the addition of teams in Cleveland (coming in 2028), Detroit (coming in 2029), and Philadelphia (coming in 2030). Each city was selected based on long-term viability, strong ownership groups, and infrastructure readiness.

Philadelphia’s WNBA expansion is expected to draw strong crowds, building on the more than 21,000 fans who packed Xfinity Mobile Arena for an Unrivaled 3×3 doubleheader in January—setting a record for a regular-season women’s pro game. The star-studded turnout, featuring celebrities, NBA veterans, and local figures, highlighted a demand that goes beyond individual players.

With solid ownership backing from celebrities and industry figureheads, along with the league’s growing momentum, Philadelphia’s arrival is part of a broader push to expand the WNBA’s national footprint.

RELATED CONTENT: Does Stephen A. Smith Have A 2028 Presidency Plan?

College, Whiz Kid, First Course, San Bernardino Valley College
Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-black-and-white-polo-shirt-beside-writing-board-159844/
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 8, 2026

Colleges Shorten Bachelor Programs To Three-Year Degrees To Fast-Track Entry To Job Market

Schools like Johnson & Wales University have already adopted some three-year programs to attract career-focused applicants.

Colleges across the United States are keeping up with a demanding job market by shortening students’ time in class.

Certain schools are now offering three-year degrees, a move many have made to make college more affordable while streamlining the process of making an income. While some feel this could undermine the college experience, others have seen it as a cost-effective way to earn a degree without accruing four years of debt, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.

Instead of the traditional 120 credits, comprised of electives, minor courses, and more, students at certain universities only need around 90 credits to walk across the stage. Upon graduation, they will essentially have the equivalent of a four-year degree, a key difference from two-year degrees, which are awarded at the associate’s level.

The three-year shift hosts benefits for students, employers, and school administrators. Students can matriculate through school with less debt waiting for them post-graduation, and schools also see reduced dropout rates accompanying the shorter timelines.

Employers have also capitalized on this quicker entry into the workforce, filling the demand for workers in certain industries. The degrees have already been transformed into shorter programs that typically align with job-ready industries, such as criminal justice, computer science, and hospitality.

However, the switch to three-year degree programs comes at a price, even if it is cheaper. The curriculum takes out electives typically used to create a holistic academic experience.

The academic community remains conflicted on the topic, as it could upend the traditional collegiate system as it stands. It would not only signal a divide between students who could afford to stick around all four years and those who took the more cost-effective route to begin their careers, but also bypass the critical thinking skills acquired through the wide-ranging curriculum.

Furthermore, questions remain on whether degree recipients will receive the same consideration as someone with a four-year bachelor’s degree. As these degrees often carry “applied” or “career-focused” designations, some fear that this will diminish students’ standing in the job market or in the graduate school admissions process.

However, certain professional degrees that require advanced schooling will most likely not host a fast-track program anytime soon. Those pursuing medicine, law, and other high-earning fields will need to complete all required years of education to satisfy accreditors.

As the concept is still in its early stages, employers and graduate schools are beginning to warm up to three-year degrees. While some see this as the evolution of the academic system, others fear it will widen the gap in access to education.

RELATED CONTENT: Artificial Intelligence Is Changing The Way Students Pick College Majors

Shaquille O’Neal, shaq, Georgia, NordVPN, cybersecurity
Photo: Nathan Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 8, 2026

Shaq Introduces Dunkman League Debuting Summer 2026

'These athletes are innovators, and DUNKMAN is going to give them a global stage, real stakes, and a chance to build careers doing what they love.'

The excitement of the dunk in the NBA has been missing from the league for many years, but Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal has the answer to combat those who miss those glory days. Warner Bros. Discovery has announced a partnership with Shaq to launch “DUNKMAN,” the first professional league focused on dunking.

The new league is slated to start this summer and is being brought to you by Shaq, Authentic Brands Group (Authentic), and TNT Sports, in partnership with Eli Lilly and Company. The DUNKMAN league drew its inspiration from the success of last year’s television series of the same name. It will transform dunk competitions into a professional sport, giving athletes from around the world the opportunity to show off their abilities.

“These athletes are innovators, and DUNKMAN is going to give them a global stage, real stakes, and a chance to build careers doing what they love,” says the former Orlando Magic player in a written statement. “We are transforming dunking from a one-night contest to the fastest growing professional sport off two feet.”

Shaq will also serve as the league’s commissioner when it debuts.

The league will feature 24 of the best dunkers in a brand-new league format. There will be four group-stage events where competitors will battle for a spot in the DUNKMAN World Championship. The winner will take home a $500,000 grand prize and the title of DUNKMAN World Champion.

Fans will be able to watch the competition live across TNT, TBS, truTV, and HBO Max. Followers can also view additional content across the league’s social channels, as well as Bleacher Report, House of Highlights, and YouTube.

“At TNT Sports, we aim to reach fans at the intersection of sports and culture, and the DUNKMAN league will allow us to showcase that convergence through the creativity and personalities of the best dunkers in the world,” said Craig Barry, chief content officer, TNT Sports. “Partnering with Shaquille to build the first professional dunk league lets us create and amplify moments that excite our fans and extends through across our platforms.”

Interested fans can get information about the league on the DUNKMAN website at www.dunkman.com and across social channels @dunkmanofficial.

RELATED CONTENT: Shaquille O’Neal To Cover Funeral Costs For 12-Year-Old Who Died After Bus Stop Fight

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