A former NFL player passed away at the age of 31.

Various reports have acknowledged the passing of former defensive lineman, Chris Smith, who played with seven different teams during his eight seasons in the National Football League. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, announced his passing on Tuesday when he sent condolences to his friends and family.

“Rest in Peace Chris. Condolences to all his family, friends and loved ones. We will miss you”

Rest in Peace Chris. Condolences to all his family, friends and loved ones. We will miss you pic.twitter.com/alpUAeqIhY

— Drew Rosenhaus (@DrewJRosenhaus) April 18, 2023

One of the teams he played on also sent a message via Twitter earlier today.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Browns DE Chris Smith. Chris was one of the kindest people, teammates and friends we’ve had in our organization. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”

We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Browns DE Chris Smith.

Chris was one of the kindest people, teammates and friends we’ve had in our organization. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/K8HySW4erM

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) April 18, 2023

Today reported that Smith hailed from Salisbury, NC, and played football locally at West Rowan High School. His high school alma mater acknowledged him as well on social media.

“Rest in Peace to a West Rowan Legend! Chris was a better person than he was player! The impact he had on those around him will be remembered forever!”

Rest in Peace to a West Rowan Legend! Chris was a better person than he was player! The impact he had on those around him will be remembered forever! pic.twitter.com/9oVKyM4Gs2

— West Rowan Football (@WRowan_Football) April 18, 2023

As of now, there are no listed cause of death in any of the reports.

Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx is still in the hospital. News of his medical complications began making rounds on the internet last week, CNN reports. 

Last week, the actor’s daughter Corinne shared news of her father’s illness on Instagram but didn’t reveal the cause of his hospitalization. 

“We wanted to share that my father, Jamie Foxx, experienced a medical complication yesterday,” the caption reads.

“Luckily, due to quick action and great care, he is already on his way to recovery,” the Oscar winner’s eldest daughter, Corinne, wrote via Instagram on Wednesday.

“We know how beloved he is and appreciate your prayers. The family asks for privacy during this time.”

 

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A post shared by Corinne Foxx (@corinnefoxx)

Foxx was last seen on the set of his latest project on April 10, and on April 11, the Ray actor was taken to the hospital, according to US. 

Several entertainers have sent well wishes.

Kerry Washington, who worked alongside Foxx in Django Unchained, and Ray shared a Foxx appreciation post.

 

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A post shared by Kerry Washington (@kerrywashington)

Jennifer Hudson, who also worked with Foxx in Dreamgirls, took to social media to spread the love for her former co-star.

 

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A post shared by Jennifer Hudson (@iamjhud)

Viola Davis also wrote a post to Jamie Foxx: Get well @iamjamiefoxx. We need you…. your light, your brilliance. ❤.

 

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A post shared by VIOLA DAVIS (@violadavis)

On Friday, CNN reported the comedian-turned actor was undergoing testing. 

Over the past few months, Foxx has been filming a Netflix movie, Back in Action, with actress Cameron Diaz. According to CNN, the medical complications did not happen on set, and Foxx was not transported to the hospital in an emergency vehicle.

CNN also adds Back in Action should conclude filming this week. 

Naturi Naughton teamed up with Essence for a stunning gender reveal photoshoot to announce the baby boy she’s expecting with her husband Xavier “Two” Lewis.

The announcement post showed the Power actress glowing on the beach in a blue satin gown.

“Naturi is having a BOY! Full circle moment here and we can’t wait to welcome Baby Lewis,” they captioned the post.

 

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A post shared by ESSENCE (@essence)

The gender reveal photoshoot was planned around the babymoon vacation in Jamaica that Naughton’s husband surprised her with.

“The #Babymoon in #Jamaica was EVERYTHING!” she captioned a video posted.

“Thank you Husband for the lovely surprise!💙 And for all those who were trying to figure out if my belly looked high or low or was my nose changing etc, now you know…ITS A BOY!! And the Glow is REAL! 💙☀️

 

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A post shared by Naturi Naughton (@naturi4real)

The newlyweds followed it up with a blue and brown-themed baby shower attended by family and friends, Bossip reported. Photos showed the former 3LW singer being planted with kisses from her mom and dad, who were front and center for the celebration.

This is the first pregnancy for Naughton and Lewis, who tied the knot last April at the St. Regis Buckhead in Atlanta. Naughton, who is already a mom to her 5-year-old daughter, Zuri, expressed her excitement for her first child with her husband.

“I am looking forward to seeing this baby’s cute little face and how it will be the perfect blend between my husband and me,” the actress said.

“My daughter is especially happy to be getting a younger sibling, so I’m excited to share this joy as a family.”

• News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 18, 2023

Crosley Green Sent Back to Prison After Being Released Two Years Ago For Murder He States He Did Not Commit

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A man who has claimed his innocence for years and was freed from prison two years ago after being convicted of a murder he says he did not commit has been ordered to go back.

According to CNN, Crosley Green has already served 30 years for a crime he says he didn’t do. After receiving a conditional release in 2021 and being free to live his life, his conviction was reinstated in 2022. A  judge has ruled he has to return to prison this month. He returned to prison on Monday.

Green surrendered to Florida’s Department of Corrections on Monday, April 17, at 5 p.m. He left freedom behind for possibly the last time. He appeared at the facility with his fiancée, Kathy Spikes, several family members, and his attorneys, Keith Harrison and Jeane Thomas.

“I’ve been with this man for two years,” Spikes told CNN. “To not be able to have a 5 o’clock phone call to say, ‘I’m home,’ for me to say, ‘What do you want for dinner,’ that’s what I’m anxious about.”

Two weeks ago, Green was ordered to return after US District Judge Roy Dalton ruled that he must return to the facility by April 17 to resume his life sentence.

Green was convicted in the shooting death of a 21-year-old man, Charles Flynn, in 1989. An all-white jury gave him a death sentence at that time and then resentenced him to life in prison in 2009 due to a technicality related to the sentencing phase of his trial.

Then in 2018, Judge Dalton ruled that prosecutors had improperly withheld evidence that police officers had suspected another person as the one who shot Flynn. Green’s conviction was overturned in 2021, and he was given a conditional release in 2021.

The state of Florida then appealed that decision and won, so Green’s conviction was reinstated. But the judge allowed him to remain free so he could find other legal options. He used his last chance in February after his attorneys petitioned the US Supreme Court. The court decided not to hear his case, exhausting all avenues Green had to remain free.

Now, the only options for Green are pardon or parole, according to his legal team.

“I can’t be angry at no one,” Green told CNN. “I don’t want no one else to be angry at no one. Anger isn’t going to take you nowhere. Ain’t going to do (anything) but harm you. I’m happy. I’m not happy about going back. I’ve got my future wife, I’ve got my friends that came up here with me. I’ve got my family.”

Green’s attorney, Thomas, said, “For 15 years now, we have believed wholeheartedly, 100 percent in the innocence of our client. As lawyers, we have to believe that the justice system will get it right. We’re going to keep fighting. This is a grave injustice. And we just believe that eventually we will get it right.”

• News

by Iman Milner

April 18, 2023

Father of Former NFL Player Responsible For Mass Shooting Sues University After Posthumous CTE Diagnosis

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On April 7, 2021, Phillip Adams shot and killed Dr. Robert Lesslie and his wife Barbara after forcing his way into their home in Rock Hill, SC, before killing their grandchildren, 9-year-old Adah and 5-year-old Noah. The former 49ers player also killed two heating and cooling workers who were servicing the Lesslie home at the time, James Lewis and Robert Shook, before turning the gun on himself at his parents home the following day.

Now, his father, Alonzo Adams, is suing his son’s alma mater, South Carolina State University, for a failure to “maintain a safe environment and follow safety procedures or properly train its employees on identifying, evaluating and properly treating” head injuries that were sustained by Adams and other players, according to CNN.

The wrongful death lawsuit comes after the late Adams was posthumously diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE. It alleges “negligence, carelessness, recklessness, willfulness, and wantonness” which contributed to the head trauma that the lawsuit claims led to the former player’s death on April 8th.

An examination of Phillip Adams’ brain by Boston neuropathologist, Dr. Ann McKee, found that the 32-year-old had “unusually severe” stage 2 CTE, according to CNN. McKee said that Adams had trauma in both frontal lobes of the brain. “When you have frontal lobe pathology you may have rage behaviors, violent tendencies, depression, impulsivity – all sorts of things. And that’s, I think, what we saw in Phillip Adams,” she said. The lawsuit is reflective of these findings as it claims Adams sustained head trauma while playing for South Carolina State. It also claims Adams sustained head trauma while playing in the National Football League for six teams; though the NFL teams are not named as defendants.

Alonzo Adams filed the lawsuit on behalf of his deceased son’s estate and is seeking a jury trial and an undisclosed monetary sum. The lawsuit is said to have been filed in hopes of benefiting Phillip Adams’ son.

• Celebrity News

by Stacy Jackson

April 18, 2023

Private Security, Nigerian Officials Helped Save Tiwa Savage from Alleged Kidnapping

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Hands off the queen.

After an alleged kidnapping, Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage, is reportedly safe and the suspects are in custody.

News circulated on social media that the artist’s recently hired domestic staff attempted to kidnap her, and authorities believe Savage’s private information may have been leaked by her staff to assist in the abduction.

According to The Guardian, Savage was followed from her home by the domestic staff who allegedly shared her information with the suspects involved in the kidnapping attempt. Despite the betrayal from the musician’s staff, Savage was protected with the help of private security and Nigerian police.

“Yes, we have some suspects. They are in our custody, there are about four,” he said.

The 43-year-old released a statement on Instagram, updating fans on the incident.

“Following recent reports online, we can confirm that on Thursday 13 April 2023, there was a major security breach at the residence of musician Tiwa Savage,” the statement read, which was signed by management. “A number of suspects were caught and are currently being held under investigation at Alagbon Police Station, Ikoyi.”

The statement also confirmed Savage and her family are safe and doing well.

 

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A post shared by Tiwa Savage (@tiwasavage)

Fans rallied online in support of Savage, many thanking God for her safety. “Thank God our Queen is safe,” one user wrote behind another who commented, “May god continue to protect you and your family for us queen 🤲🏻.”

A third user said, “sending a lot of blessings for tiwa and her family ❤️🙌,” as other fans loaded the comments section with more blessings of safety to Savage who has been working hard and racking up accolades.

Last year, BLACK ENTERPRISE reported “The Queen of Afrobeats” received an honorary doctorate in music from her alma mater, Kent University in Canterbury, England. The recognition made her one of only 10 awardees in the institution’s history.

Megan Thee Stallion has finally broken her silence in the wake of Tory Lanez being found guilty of shooting her in July 2020.

The “Savage” rapper got candid about her traumatic experience in a personal essay she penned for the May issue of Elle magazine. Speaking openly, Megan shared her initial belief that she would be supported after naming Lanez as her attacker in the months after the shooting, only to spend two years being mocked and ridiculed by the public and her industry peers.

“I don’t want to call myself a victim,” she wrote. “As I reflect on the past three years, I view myself as a survivor, because I have truly survived the unimaginable.”

“Not only did I survive being shot by someone I trusted and considered a close friend, but I overcame the public humiliation of having my name and reputation dragged through the mud by that individual for the entire world to see,” she continued.

Megan Thee Stallion for Elle Magazine pic.twitter.com/fzGb34YUmO

— Stallion Stats (@MegansStats) April 18, 2023

Megan recalled wanting to handle the shooting incident “privately” but felt forced to come forward after Lanez made things public and attempted to portray her as a liar.

“For years, my attacker laughed and joked about my trauma,” she wrote. “For years, my attacker peddled false narratives about what happened on the night of July 12, 2020. For years, my attacker tried to leverage social media to take away my power. Imagine how it feels to be called a liar every day? Especially from a person who was once part of your inner circle.”

After coming forward and naming Lanez as her attacker, the constant criticism she was receiving started to take a toll on the “Body” rapper.

“The truth is that I started falling into a depression. I didn’t feel like making music,” Megan wrote.

“I was in such a low place that I didn’t even know what I wanted to rap about. I wondered if people cared anymore. There would be times that I’d literally be backstage or in my hotel, crying my eyes out, and then I’d have to pull Megan Pete together and be Megan Thee Stallion.”

Megan Thee Stallion on the verdict of the trial:

“When the guilty verdict came on Dec. 23, 2022, it was more than just vindication for me, it was a victory for every woman who has ever been shamed, dismissed, and blamed for a violent crime committed against them.” pic.twitter.com/BzrfqvaOck

— Pop Base (@PopBase) April 18, 2023

While she didn’t comment when Lanez was found guilty of the shooting in December 2022, she recently wrote about viewing his conviction as a win for her and other women who survived violence.

“It was more than just vindication for me, it was a victory for every woman who has ever been shamed, dismissed, and blamed for a violent crime committed against them,” she wrote.

Now in a “happier” place in the months since Lanez’s verdict, the Grammy-winning rapper ended her essay with a call to action of support for women overcoming physical and emotional trauma.

“We must provide stronger resources for women to recover from these tragedies physically and emotionally, without fear of judgment,” she wrote.

“We must do more than say her name. We must protect all women who have survived the unimaginable.”

• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 18, 2023

It’s Tax Day! Here’s What You Need To Know Before The Final Deadline

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Today is every accountant’s favorite holiday – tax day. Apr. 18 is the final deadline to file your 2022 federal and state income tax returns.

Experts told CNN that filing taxes is a lot less traumatizing than it has been in the past. The COVID-19 pandemic put a damper on things. “This is the first tax season since 2019 where the IRS and the nation were on normal footing,” IRS Commissioner, Danny Werfel, said. Thanks to new funding after budget cuts, employees of the IRS have been able to answer 87% of calls from filers – a major increase from 15% in 2022.

Now, with access to online tax portals, tax day is easier to cope with. USA Today reported that the IRS has processed over 101 million returns, with an average refund down to $2,878 from $3,175 last year.

For taxpayers who haven’t filed yet, there are a few things to know. For those that live or have a business in a disaster area, declared federally, the IRS may have already issued an extension on the deadline. Tax filers in states like California, who have experienced extreme weather, have already been gifted an extension until Oct. 16. California natives make up close to 15% of all federal filers.

If you made less than $12,950 for single filers and $25,900 for couples, according to CNN, you may not have to even file at all. However, if filers feel they are eligible for a refund, they may want to take a chance. Using the IRS Free File system, there may be no cost associated to submit a return. For those in the armed services who have been recently stationed in a combat zone, an extension has been granted for 180 days, but there is a catch. The specific extended filing and payment deadline all depends on  the day filers leave, or have left, the combat zone.

So what happens if you don’t file by the deadline? Non-filers can receive a “failure to file” penalty, which is 5% of unpaid taxes for each month you don’t pay, not exceeding 25%.

The prolific R&B soul queen Erykah Badu is set to hit the road for a North American tour, and she’s bringing renowned rapper Yasiin Bey along for the ride.

On Monday, Badu’s “Unfollow Me” tour was unveiled ahead of its June kickoff, Pitchfork reported. The 25-city tour starts and ends in Badu’s home state of Texas, with the first show slated for June 11 in San Antonio and the last day scheduled for Sunday, July 23 in the singer’s hometown of Dallas.

Other dates include stops in Arizona, California, Chicago, Philadelphia, New York City, and more. The “Unfollow Me” tour follows Badu’s “The Digging Crystals in Badubotron Tour” she hosted last summer, as reported by Hypebeast.

But the 2023 tour was short with only seven shows. In fact, the “Next Lifetime” singer hasn’t hit the road for a full-fledged tour since 2018, per Yahoo. Badu and Bey’s fans should expect “more extraordinary guests,” according to the tour announcement.

https://twitter.com/TheRealAntonioA/status/1648108881904558080?s=20

Badu is also set to perform at London’s All Points East festival in August, alongside Stormzy, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Jungle.

Presale tickets are already underway, with the general sale set to begin on Thursday, April 20. Check out the full tour dates below.

06-11 San Antonio, TX – AT&T Center
06-13 Glendale, AZ – Desert Diamond Arena
06-15 San Diego, CA – Pechanga Arena
06-16 Las Vegas, NV – Michelob Ultra Arena
06-17 Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena
06-20 Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center
06-21 Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena
06-23 Seattle, WA – WaMu Theater
06-26 Denver, CO – Ball Arena
06-28 St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center
06-30 Saint Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
07-01 Chicago, IL – United Center
07-02 Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
07-07 Boston, MA – TD Garden
07-08 New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
07-09 Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at the Mann
07-11 Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
07-12 Norfolk, VA – Chartway Arena
07-13 Washington, D.C. – Capital One Arena
07-15 Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
07-16 Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center
07-18 Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
07-19 Birmingham, AL – Legacy Arena at the BJCC
07-21 Memphis, TN – FedExForum
07-23 Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center

• News

by Iman Milner

April 18, 2023

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Public Strip Search Of A Suspect Deemed ‘Outrageous, Unwarranted, Embarrassing’

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Corrupt policing is a national issue. But there is no other demographic that finds themselves the victims of that truth more than Black people. From being unjustly overpoliced to, in some cases, never making it home after an encounter with law enforcement; the relationship between police officers and the Black community is tense at best.

In yet another instance of police officers wielding their power to humiliate, a Jacksonville sheriff forced a Black man, Ronnie Reed, who he suspected of taking part in a $20 drug deal, to strip down in front of his aunt and other bystanders to have his genitals inspected. The incident, which took place last September, is now at the center of an internal investigation, according to The Tributary. The Sheriff’s office has yet to comment on the case.

The Tributary reported that an undercover police officer attempted to procure cocaine from a different man, who they claim approached Reed and then returned with the product. Once this happened, Reed was detained by another officer before being approached by the officer in question who unbuckled Reed’s pants before pulling them down to check for contraband. The investigation said this action could have been a violation of Reed’s Fourth Amendment rights; a claim that the chief assistant public defender for Palm Beach County, Daniel Eisinger, agreed with.

“If they had probable cause [to arrest], which I think arguably they could have, they should have waited … and had him searched at the jail,” said Eisinger. “I think there are many different legal issues here in terms of the police conduct.” Nellie L. King, president of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, also supports Reed’s right to assume that he would not be exposed publicly. “There appears to have been no urgent need to conduct an invasive and humiliating search,” she wrote in an email. “This outrageous, unwarranted, embarrassing, and futile strip search appears to violate the Fourth Amendment ban on unreasonable searches and relevant Florida statutes.”

According to body cam footage obtained by The Tributary, the officers who approached Reed did not explain why he was being stopped or searched.