oprah, ozempic,wieghtwatchers, stock, shares
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 28, 2026

Oprah Winfrey Inks Multiyear Deal with Amazon

Oprah Winfrey is bringing her podcast, book club, and old episodes of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" to Amazon as part of a new multiyear deal.

Oprah Winfrey is bringing her billion-dollar media empire to Amazon after signing a comprehensive multiyear deal with the streaming giant.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

On April 27, it was announced that a new podcast from Winfrey, along with her book club and classic episodes of The Oprah Winfrey Show, will be coming to Amazon under a new deal, Deadline reports.

As part of the agreement, Wondery will hold exclusive distribution and advertising rights for The Oprah Podcast across audio and video platforms.

The podcast, produced by Harpo Productions and executive produced by Oprah Winfrey and Tara Montgomery—with co-executive producers Brian Piotrowicz and Brad Pavone—draws on the spirit of The Oprah Winfrey Show, blending self-improvement with conversations on topics like tech addiction, divorce, and grief.

“Hosting this podcast allows me to continue the work I feel called to do—opening the door for conversations that matter,” Winfrey said in a statement. “The kind of conversations that remind us we’re not alone, and invite us to see ourselves and one another more clearly. Expanding our reach globally is an opportunity I embrace, as we continue to connect through stories that invite new ways of seeing and, hopefully, deepen understanding.”

Guests have included Misty Copeland, Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson, Mel Robbins, and Serena Williams. The show will begin rolling out two episodes a week starting in July. Fans can stream the podcast on Prime Video, Amazon Music, Fire TV Channels, and Audible, as well as on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other distributors.

The agreement also grants Amazon rights to Oprah Winfrey’s Oprah’s Book Club and Oprah’s Favorite Things, along with the full 25-season archive of The Oprah Winfrey Show.

As Amazon expands its advertising business, it is increasingly integrating its retail platform with audio and video content.

The deal adds to Wondery’s repositioning as a celebrity-driven podcast hub alongside Audible, with shows like New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce, Baby, This is Keke Palmer, and Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard.

“Oprah Winfrey has built one of the most iconic, timeless brands in the world, spanning television, publishing, and beyond,” said Steve Boom, Amazon’s vice president of audio, Twitch, and games, in a statement. “Through this collaboration with Harpo Entertainment, we are bringing her voice to more people and expanding how her audiences engage with Oprah in ways only Amazon can deliver.”

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London Marathon,Sabastian Sawe,Yomif Kejelcha
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 28, 2026

Africans Dominate London Marathon In Under 2 Hours

The top 3 runners beat the previous world record of 2 hours and 35 seconds

Two African men finished the London Marathon in under two hours, marking the first time anyone has clocked a marathon time under two hours.

According to The Associated Press, Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe won the marathon in 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 30 seconds, smashing the previous record set by Kelvin Liptum at the 2023 Chicago Marathon, who clocked 2 hours and 35 seconds. Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha finished at 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 41 seconds to come in second behind Sawe. It was his first London Marathon.

“What comes today is not for me alone,” Sawe said after the race, “but for all of us today in London.”

Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo came in third, with a time of 2 hours and 28 seconds. All three African runners broke Kiptum’s three-year-old record.

Another runner has completed a marathon under two hours. Kenyan long-distance runner Eliud Kipchoge did that in 2019, but it did not enter the record books because it wasn’t a traditional race. He ran a tailored race, the “1:59 Challenge,” and finished in 1 hour, 50 minutes, and 40 seconds. The race was run in favorable conditions on a six-mile track with a stable of 41 rotating pacemakers.

The winning women also set records in the marathon. Three African women finished under 2 hours and 16 minutes.

Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa won the race when she finished in 2 hours, 15 minutes, and 41 seconds, making it the fastest-ever time in a women-only marathon. Although she set the record for a women-only race, she missed the fastest time by a woman in a mixed race by 16 seconds. Paula Radcliffe set that record in 2003.

“I screamed when I finished because I knew I was breaking the world record,” Assefa said. “I felt much healthier today and have worked really hard on my speed, and all my training has paid off.”

Kenya’s Hellen Obiri finished 12 seconds behind Assefa, marking her personal best time during her first London Marathon. Joyciline Jepkosgei, also from Kenya, followed Obiri after finishing two seconds behind, to come in third place. 

RELATED CONTENT: Educators Attempt Guinness World Record For Longest History Lesson

Miguel, NYU
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 28, 2026

Miguel Takes On Mentorship Role As NYU Scholar-In-Residence

Miguel is connecting with creatives in new ways as the 2025–2026 Scholar-in-Residence at NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development.

As the 2025–2026 Scholar-in-Residence at NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, Grammy-winning singer Miguel is witnessing the impact of his work firsthand.

Last October, NYU announced that Miguel would launch a yearlong residency, sharing two decades of industry experience with students through seminars, masterclasses, and cross-disciplinary collaborations. Now, six months into his “CAOS Curriculum”—inspired by his 2025 album—the “Adorn” singer is reflecting on how the residency is shaping his impact on emerging creatives.

“The funnest part has been the sharpening of the concepts and the lessons that I think are important to pass from one artist to other creators,” Miguel told Jabari Young on Forbes’ “The Enterprise Zone.” “I think the sharpening, the questions that I get, the interaction, that’s been the most rewarding because it lets me know that my experience is not only valuable for me but that it’s impactful for other people.”

The residency launched alongside CAOS, Miguel’s fifth studio album, released on October 23—his 40th birthday. His “CAOS Curriculum” covers topics like sparking creativity, finding collaborators, modern marketing, and the business side of music, including contracts and intellectual property.

Miguel says the timing feels intentional, reflecting what he sees as real “chaos” shaping both life and creative expression.

“Getting these questions, reinforcing the ideas and the concepts and my personal experiences and drawing parallels to historical events where people really spoke chaos to power in their own way, that gives me hope, and I think in a time of chaos, that’s what we need the most and specifically for artists,” Miguel explained.

With more than two decades in the industry—having released his major-label debut as a teenager and going on to collaborate with the likes of Usher and Musiq Soulchild—Miguel designed the program to challenge an industry he says often profits from creators while offering them the least protection.

“The CAOS Curriculum is about shifting that balance—re-centering power with artists and creative enablers,” he said in a press release. “It’s not just about making your best work, but knowing how to protect and sustain it.”

Through his coursework, Miguel has found a new way to share his passion for music and connect with fellow creatives.

“Art is important because you got to have hope to create. You have to have it,” he said. “And to make art gives other people hope because they see themselves in art’s details. And to see oneself in the details of others means that we’re drawing a connection to humanity. We’re giving a reason for people to connect to one another. And I think in a time again of uncertainty, we need that the most.”

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Obama-Appointed Judge, Trump Administration , Medicaid Data, Undocumented Immigrants, ICE
by Sharelle B. McNair

April 28, 2026

Trump Seeks To Rebrand ICE To ‘NICE’ Amid Record High Custody Deaths 

The call comes at an interesting time after data from NPR reveals immigrant deaths in ICE custody have already surpassed the 2004 toll of 28, the previous record.

As the number of immigrant deaths while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody has reached record numbers, President Donald Trump seeks to rebrand the agency, endorsing a name change to “NICE,” meaning “National Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” The Hill reported. 

Following an idea by conservative influencer Alyssa Marie, Trump supported the move on his Truth Social network. “I want Trump to change ICE to NICE (National Immigration and Customs Enforcement) so the media has to say NICE agents all day everyday,” Marie wrote on X. 

In response, the president said, “GREAT IDEA!!! DO IT.” 

Shortly after, other leaders, such as media personality Mick Sortor, chimed in with support. “100% agree! Make it happen, @SecMullinDHS!,” he wrote, tagging Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin. 

Even the White House and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) support the narrative, as evidenced by a post on X. 

During a speech at a National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) event, Trump claimed that the name change is something Americans want, claiming that when agents take off their masks at airports, people can see they are “nice guys.” 

But the call comes at an interesting time after data from NPR reveals immigrant deaths in ICE custody have already surpassed the 2004 toll of 28, the previous record. The new record is 29 deaths following the most recent death of Aled Damien Carbonell-Betancourt, 27, of Cuba, who was held in ICE custody in Miami. He was arrested for allegedly resisting an officer with violence in 2025. ICE released a report claiming Carbonell-Betancourt was found unresponsive in his cell on April 12.

The cause of death was listed as a “presumed suicide,” however, the official cause is under investigation.

Despite the call for a rebrand, it’s not that easy — according to government policy. A federal agency name change requires congressional action through legislation to amend the statutory authority that established the agency. But the Trump administration has shown it can bypass that, changing the name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War without congressional assistance. 

ICE immigration operations continue to be a contentious talking point on Capitol Hill amid the troubling deaths of U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were fatally shot by federal agents earlier this year during Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis. And senators unanimously approved a bill to fund DHS, except for ICE and Border Patrol. 

Several House Republicans have stood their ground on refusing to pass legislation. Still, they are pressuring a reconciliation bill that would, as a result, fund DHS in full for several years.

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nursing home The family wants the nursing home to be held accountable.
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 28, 2026

Anonymous Angel Donor Pays For Veteran’s Wheelchair After VA Dept Refused Replacement

Lisa Groves was refused a new wheelchair by the VA department over claims she's had too many that later broke.

An anonymous donor has paid for a veteran’s new motorized wheelchair after Veterans Affairs services refused to cover it.

Lisa Groves was the focus of a recent WSB-TV news story, in which she detailed her conflict with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs over a replacement wheelchair. The VA refused to replace her broken power wheelchair, claiming that Groves had abused her prior devices.

The lack of a resolution left Groves crying out for help, as the broken chair left her immobile. Fortunately for Groves, her story fell upon the right ears as she described her plight.

The veteran had also reached out to local leadership across Metro Atlanta for help with her disability matter. However, no one had answered the call until an anonymous news watcher took action.

The person, who prefers to remain anonymous, footed the bill for a new custom wheelchair for Groves. Now, the veteran can move about safely and more efficiently, while thanking God for the answered prayer.

“I just thank God that you listened to me. I reached out to everybody, my Senators, Congresspeople, everybody. And everybody disregarded me. If it wasn’t for you coming out, I don’t know what I would do,” explained Groves to a WSB-TV reporter.

Before her new power chair, Groves’ broken device left her feeling discouraged about continuing her life. The Georgia veteran admitted to a suicide attempt over feeling trapped in her apartment.

However, the VA has remained adamant about not granting a replacement chair. In a statement to the news outlet, the department also noted that her past mobility devices had sustained over $30,000 in damage.

Despite this, Groves claims she did not cause the wear and tear, blaming faulty machinery from the vendors that produce the devices. Her last VA-provided chair had its motor go out shortly after the device received new wheels.

“Went to check my mailbox, it broke down. And I was sitting there humiliated because I’m in the middle of the street. My neighbors are coming and getting around me, directing traffic. I could have been killed,” Groves said.

Now, with this gift toward her mobility, Groves feels as though she can move forward with her life.

“I want to tell veterans, don’t give up. You’ve got to fight. I’ve been an advocate for 34 years, and I had to fight hard for myself. Don’t give up. Don’t let people tell you no,” explained the woman.

She added, “I feel like I got my life back. I feel a human being again.”

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Jim Jones
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 28, 2026

Jim Jones Records Encounter With Lowe’s Manager Who Called Police

The Harlem rapper says he was accused of switching prices on an item.

Jim Jones filmed a confrontation with a Lowe’s manager who called the police after accusing him of switching prices on an item.

The incident took place over the weekend when the 49-year-old rapper reportedly visited an unnamed Lowe’s in New Jersey. He ran into a situation where the item he wanted to purchase was labeled with the wrong price. While at the register, the manager, according to Jones, seemingly accused him of switching the price, which Jones denied.

Jones, who said that the locks were priced at $78, filmed the interaction while talking to the manager.

“I went to one of my favorite places today @loweshomeimprovement, and I was treated less than very embarrassing yal know my first thought was to crash, but I’ve learned I can’t handle every situation with that mentality cause it turns me being right into a wrong due to the way I react.”

In the video, Jones tried to speak to the manager, who ignored him. He told the manager that instead of de-escalating the situation he only made it worse by apparently calling the police.

The manager said nothing as Jones continued to complain about how he was treated.

The police arrived, and Jones explained the situation to them while another store employee approached the register. As the police tried to find out what’s going on, the employee spoke with them and then told the cashier to honor the items’ prices.

The product was sold to an acquaintance of the rapper, who paid in cash. Meanwhile, Jones had some final words for the manager, who left the area after the police arrived without saying a word.

It appeared that Jones was not arrested as he and his acquaintance picked up the locks and left.

You can view the interaction below:

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Toni Morrison
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 28, 2026

How Ohio’s Yearlong Celebration Of Toni Morrison Honors America’s 250th Anniversary

Toni Morrison is being honored throughout the year in her home state of Ohio, celebrating her enduring legacy as part of America’s 250th birthday.

Born in Lorain, Ohio, in 1931, and celebrated for a literary legacy that has endured across generations, Toni Morrison is being honored by her home state with a yearlong tribute.

The initiative aims to bring Ohioans together to celebrate Morrison’s legacy and the power of storytelling—highlighting her lasting influence on writers and readers as the nation marks its 250th birthday.

“During the nation’s America 250 reflection, it felt important for our state to honor one of its most significant voices,” Brittany Lovett, project manager of “Beloved: Ohio Celebrates Toni Morrison,” told USA Today. “A single event would not do justice to her influence. A yearlong celebration allows communities across Ohio to read, reflect and participate together.” 

The celebration takes its name from Beloved, Morrison’s fourth novel that cemented her global influence and helped pave the way for her historic Nobel Prize in Literature win—the first for a Black woman. Set in Cincinnati, the story draws from the life of Margaret Garner, an enslaved mother who chose death for her child over a return to slavery.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning work was later adapted into a 1998 film starring Oprah Winfrey and Danny Glover. Though often challenged for its unflinching portrayal of slavery and violence, Beloved remains a vital reflection of American history. The book is one highlight of how Morrison, who died in 2019 at 88, continues to shape generations through her work.

Ohio’s celebration, running through February 2027—Morrison’s birth month—honors her enduring legacy and amplifies her impact.

“There is a common myth that reading Toni Morrison is difficult,” Lovett said. “I often say something slightly different: reading Toni Morrison challenges you. Her writing asks readers to think deeply about history, identity, memory and human relationships. When people come together to talk about those ideas, the learning expands.”

Events across Ohio invite locals and visitors to engage with Toni Morrison’s legacy in meaningful ways. Highlights include the Toni Morrison Reading Series in Cleveland, a weekly in-person and virtual book club hosted by Judson Park through February 2027; An Evening with Toni Morrison in Elyria, a live production blending storytelling, music, and movement; and screenings of Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am in Dayton, followed by guided discussions.

Other events include Protecting Pecola, a community book talk inspired by The Bluest Eye focused on safety and care in Northeast Ohio, and a Community Day Party in Lorainm featuring rare family artifacts, photos, and personal heirlooms shared by Morrison’s relatives.

A recent event in Cleveland saw locals receive 500 free Toni Morrison books distributed at the West Side Market.

RELATED CONTENT: This Day In History: Toni Morrison Is Born

Allyson Felix
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 28, 2026

Allyson Felix, 40, Announces Return To Track, Plans To Seek Gold Again At 2028 Olympics

Felix, 40, hopes to become the first American sprinter in her age range to compete in the Olympics.

Olympic track star Allyson Felix’s run is not over.

The seven-time Gold medalist wants to go for gold again in 2028. The mother of two told Time that she will return to the track to try out for the Los Angeles games, hoping to make history in her hometown.

If she makes the cut, she will appear in her sixth Olympic Games at the age of 42. Inspired by trailblazing athletes in their later years, such as Tom Brady, Serena Williams, and LeBron James, Felix says her Olympic journey has more life left in it.

“So many of us have been told not to do the big, bold thing,” Felix told the publication. “You know, at this age, I should probably be staying home and taking care of my kids, doing all that. And just, why not? Let’s flip it on its head. Let’s go after the thing. Let’s be vulnerable.”

Known as the most decorated female athlete in Olympic track and field history, her appearance would add another feat to her already-stacked resume. No American sprinters have raced during the global event while in their 40s. Now, Felix hopes to break new records in track and field.

Before her official announcement, “Project Six,” the name for her sixth Olympic audition, was already underway. Felix hopes to reclaim Olympic glory in the city where she first found her footing.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime homecoming,” Felix added. “And it is the only thing powerful enough to pull me back.”

Felix will begin training for her famed races, notably the 200-meter, 400-meter, and relay sprints, this fall. The news follows Felix’s grand return to running, which she announced last year. She initially retired from the sport after the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo, in which she helped Team USA secure gold in the relay races and bronze in the individual 400-meter sprint.

Despite the long road ahead to securing another spot on Team USA, Felix still has her eye on the prize. “I know, at 40, I am not at my peak. I have no illusions about that,” she said. “I’m very clear in what it is and what I want to see. And so I hope it’s seen that way.” 

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Republican Party, U.S. Congress
by Mitti Hicks

April 28, 2026

The GOP Has A Black Problem As Every Black Republican House Member Leaves Congress

While Democrats struggle with the older Black generation resisting calls to leave Congress, younger Black House Republicans are leaving Capitol Hill.

All four Black Republicans in the House of Representatives are leaving Congress. Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida, Rep. Wesley Hunt of Texas, Rep. John James of Michigan, and Rep. Burgess Owens of Utah. There are only five total, when including South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott.

According to The New York Times, the four men were elected after then-House leader Kevin McCarthy set out to recruit more Black Republicans to run for Congress. He wanted the Republican Party to look more like the Democratic Party in terms of diversity.

“When you look at the Democrats, they actually look like America,” said McCarthy after leaving Congress in 2023. “When I look at my party, we look like the most restrictive country club in America.”

McCarthy’s progress could soon be erased.

While Democrats struggle with the older Black generation staying in power and resisting calls to leave Congress, younger Black House Republicans are leaving Capitol Hill. Rep. John James of Michigan notably flipped a district to red in 2022. He is now running for governor of Michigan. Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida, who won his first election to the House in 2020, is also running for governor of Florida.

Rep. Wesley Hunt of Texas, a West Point graduate who McCarthy recruited in 2022, was defeated in the state’s Republican primary last month. Meanwhile, Rep. Burgess Owens of Utah, a former NFL player, chose not to seek re-election after a court-ordered redrawing of his district in the state, where it’s Democratic-leaning.

Many saw them as the antidote to those who criticize President Donald Trump and call him a racist.

“I ran in a primary against nine other white guys and beat my nearest competitor by more than 25 points,” Hunt said during an interview with Fox News. “The left can claim the Republican Party is racist, but my story says otherwise.”

However, with all but one Black GOP leader leaving Congress, it’s hard for Republicans to refute those racist claims.

How Black Voters Are Feeling

Their exit comes on the backdrop of what many see as a hostile takeover of policies and initiatives that have leveled the playing field for people of color and women. Within his first days in office, President Trump signed an executive order that has effectively banned DEI efforts in public schools, higher education institutions, and within corporations.

During an interview with The New York Times, Nebeyatt Betre, a spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said Republicans have pushed policies that have hurt Black Americans, including slashing healthcare programs, backing tariffs that have increased the prices at the grocery store, supporting the war in Iran, and gerrymandering in states that have limited Black representation in Congress.

Exit polling data from the 2024 election revealed that over 90% of Black women voted for then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Over 70% of Black men voted for her.

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AI, artificial intelligence, trends, A.I., journey, technology, DryMerge, AI, job interview
by Black Enterprise

April 28, 2026

7 Black-Founded Platforms Thriving In The AI Industry

The following seven companies represent the vanguard of this movement

The global industrial landscape is undergoing a profound transformation driven by artificial intelligence. At the forefront of this shift, Black-founded platforms are asserting significant influence across the entire AI ecosystem — from engineering enterprise infrastructure and pioneering ethical governance to refining developer tooling and deploying sophisticated machine learning solutions.

The following seven companies represent the vanguard of this movement, driving the industry’s technical and strategic evolution:

Career Karma

Ruben Harris, Artur and Timur Meyster founded Career Karma in 2018. The company’s recommendation engine conducts a detailed analysis of user objectives, backgrounds, and career aspirations to create customized reskilling pathways.

Edlyft

Founded by Erika Hairston and Arnelle Ansong, Edlyft uses AI-driven analytics to support STEM education outcomes. The platform applies machine learning to identify student learning gaps and personalize academic support for technical subjects such as computer science.


Blackbird.AI

Wasim Khaled and Dr. Naushad UzZaman established Blackbird.AI in 2017 to use AI-driven narrative intelligence systems to detect misinformation, disinformation campaigns, and online manipulation. The platform’s machine learning models examine language patterns, network behavior, and content propagation.


PopCom

Established in 2016 by Dawn W. Dickson, PopCom specializes in automated vending kiosks that combine facial recognition technology with data analytics and blockchain-based transaction tracking. The kiosks use AI to study customer behavior and monitor engagement to optimize retail distribution without requiring human staff.


Gro Intelligence

Founder Sara Menker launched Gro Intelligence in 2014 as an AI-driven platform specializing in global agriculture, food systems, and climate risk forecasting. Through its machine learning models, the company analyzes datasets to forecast food insecurity.


HacWare

Founded by Tiffany Ricks, HacWare is a cybersecurity awareness platform that uses AI to automate phishing detection training and employee risk assessment. The system uses behavioral analytics and machine learning to create simulated cyberattacks.


AI Squared

Benjamin Harvey established AI Squared to enable the integration of machine learning models into existing software solutions. The platform allows businesses to utilize AI results directly without reconstructing legacy systems.

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