Seattle Storm, University of Michigan Wolverines

by Kandiss Edwards

April 25, 2026

Amazon Prime Enlists WNBA Legends For 2026 Broadcast Lineup

The WNBA's 30th season tips off on May 8.

Ahead of the WNBA’s 30th season, Prime Video has unveiled a star-studded broadcast lineup.

The new roster is anchored by legendary figures Cynthia Cooper, game and studio analyst, and Teresa (T-Spoon) Weatherspoon, studio analyst, both of whom have been inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

In the studio are two more icons: Candace Parker and Swin Cash, who form an experienced commentary team with a double-digit count of WNBA championships and MVP awards. The talent also includes Duke University head coach Kara Lawson, Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Lindsey Harding, and longtime analyst LaChina Robinson. The collective of legends boasts a combined double-digit count of WNBA championships and MVP awards.

Amina Hussein, Prime Sports head of on-air talent and development, said the team brings “championship experience, broadcasting excellence, and fresh perspectives.” And the timing couldn’t be better. In addition to a historic season, the WNBA will debut two new teams: the Toronto Tempo—the WNBA’s first Canadian franchise—and the Portland Fire.

https://twitter.com/SportsonPrime/status/2047344766287798364

Allie Clifton will serve as the studio host for the newly introduced pregame, halftime, and postgame shows. Play-by-play duties will be handled by Michael Grady, Lisa Byington, and Mike Watts, while JayDee Dyer, Kayla Grey, and Morgan Ragan have been named as sideline reporters.

Prime Video’s 2026 coverage will feature 30 exclusive regular-season games and the Commissioner’s Cup. Industry analysts view the “talent pivot” as a strategic move to capture the surging global interest in the league, ensuring that the presentation of the game matches the high level of competition on the court. The 30th season starts Friday, May 8.

This video provides an overview of the legendary careers of the new broadcast team members, highlighting the championship moments they will bring to their analysis for Prime Video.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 25, 2026

Employer Honors ‘Fair Chance Month’ To Show Improved Company Culture Thanks To Second-Chance Hires

One employer is marking Fair Chance Month by championing second-chance hiring and highlighting its positive impact on company morale.

With April marking Fair Chance Month, one employer is highlighting how second-chance hires have positively impacted company culture and morale.

Tony Bedard, CEO of Frontier Co-op, champions second-chance hiring at his company, citing data showing 85% of HR professionals and 81% of business leaders say justice-involved individuals perform as well as or better than other employees. In an op-ed for Fast Company, Bedard highlighted the measurable influence the practice has had on his workforce.

“At Frontier Co-op, we’ve seen firsthand the tangible impact second-chance hiring can make on a community,” Bedard shared. “We implemented our flagship Breaking Down Barriers to Employment program in 2018 to take a more holistic approach to addressing employment barriers. It involves adopting second-chance hiring practices and working with a local nonprofit partner to provide access to comprehensive wraparound services.

Citing today’s tough job market, Bedard noted that the challenge is even greater for the one in three U.S. adults with a justice-involved past, who face added barriers to employment. In honor of Fair Chance Month, an annual chance to spotlight reentry programs, resources, and skills training for formerly incarcerated individuals, Bedard is advocating for second-chance hiring to help remove barriers that keep formerly incarcerated individuals from securing work and rebuilding their lives.

Despite growing momentum around second-chance hiring in recent years, people with criminal records still face steep barriers, including a 50% chance of not getting a second interview. Systemic challenges—like limited access to housing and transportation—also persist, with returning citizens far more likely to experience homelessness. These barriers, based on a checked box, deny them jobs and a foundation to create a new path forward.

Bedard says second-chance hiring can—and should—be tailored to each company’s needs, pointing to the impact at Frontier Co-op. Through its Breaking Down Barriers to Employment program, the company offers subsidized childcare, transportation support, apprenticeships, and skills training, along with a new savings match initiative. The approach has strengthened hiring efforts, with more than 25% of its production hires in the past year coming from justice-involved individuals.

One example is Alisia Weaver, who started as an apprentice and is now a machine operator. As she approaches her sixth anniversary this fall, she has shared how second-chance hiring has transformed her life and future.

“This experience has helped me advance in all aspects of my life. I have my own place, a vehicle, and daycare for my son. I’ve come forward to tell my story because I just want to encourage people and inspire them not to give up, no matter what setbacks they face,” she said. “I also want to encourage companies to try something different and consider adopting second-chance hiring practices. It could be beneficial for you, but it could also change someone’s life.”

As a second-chance employer, Bedard partners with groups such as the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice and the REFORM Alliance to build a more inclusive workforce at Frontier Co-op. The impact has gone beyond helping employees rebuild their futures—it has also reshaped company culture, with staff frequently expressing pride in the company’s commitment to fair hiring.

“So many people know or love someone who has been held back by a justice-involved past, and it matters to them to see their employer offering people a truly fresh start,” he said.

Bedard continued, “By embracing candidates with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, we’ve seen how this approach strengthens the resilience of both our workforce and our business.”

RELATED CONTENT: Here’s How To Impress Prospective Employees

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 25, 2026

NBA Legend Dr. J Partners With Rockport

A video was just released featuring the 74-year-old

ABA and NBA legend Julius “Dr. J” Erving has struck a brand deal with footwear company Rockport.

Dr. J, who, in 1976, was the first professional basketball player to have a sneaker deal, has signed his latest footwear deal as part of a campaign that uses artificial intelligence to recapture his younger playing days. In the promo video, the 74-year-old is shown on a basketball court as a younger version of himself, in a basketball uniform, showcasing his skills. As the video progresses, so does Dr. J in age, but also, transitioning from a basketball player to a businessman. He starts the clip in a uniform and sneakers, but ends in a suit and shoes.

The video was posted on his social media account:

By setting the tone for future basketball players when he signed with Converse, he continues to be the standard-bearer for former athletes-turned-businessmen.

“I’ve been an innovator since the day I stepped onto the court. Back then, it was about pushing the game forward, moves like the rock-the-baby dunk, a new kind of creativity, a new kind of performance. Today, that same mindset applies to how I live and move through the world.” Dr. J said in a written statement.

The basketball legend, known for his high-flying on-court skills and amazing dunks, served as a blueprint for players like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. After playing in the defunct ABA (American Basketball Association) with the Virginia Squires and the New Jersey Nets, he also played in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers following the two leagues’ merger. He led the team to an NBA title in 1983. Dr. J made the All-NBA Team seven times and won the 1981 NBA MVP Award. He played 11 seasons in the NBA and six in the ABA. He is the 76ers’ all-time leader in blocked shots.

Dr. J was recently featured in the Prime Video docuseries, “Soul Power: The Legend of the American Basketball Association.”

Atlanta Georgia, education, Super Bowl LXII, Atlanta Wine and Jazz Festival, Build-to-rent

by Kandiss Edwards

April 25, 2026

Atlanta Organizations Can Win Grants To Participate In World Cup Festivities

The initiative ensures that the "biggest sporting event on earth" is accessible to all residents.

Mayor Andre Dickens and Showcase Atlanta have officially launched the Community Engagement Grant, a $150,000 initiative designed to bring the excitement of the 2026 World Cup directly into Atlanta’s diverse neighborhoods.

The grant program aims to decentralize the global sporting event by providing local organizations with the resources to host free, public viewing parties and community festivals. According to the announcement, the initiative ensures that the “biggest sporting event on earth” is accessible to all residents, regardless of their proximity to downtown’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Grant Details and Benefits

Selected neighborhood organizations will receive a comprehensive support package to facilitate their local events:

Equipment: A professional outdoor screen and a high-quality sound system provided for the duration of the event.
Funding: A direct grant ranging from $3,000 to $4,000 to cover community programming costs, such as local food vendors, music, and activities.
Duration: Events can span between one and three days and must remain free and open to the general public.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Pittsburgh Yards® (@pittsburghyards)

Eligibility and Application

The city is targeting a wide range of Atlanta-based groups to ensure citywide representation. Eligible organizations include:

Neighborhood associations and Neighborhood Planning Units (NPUs).
Business associations and local nonprofits.
Faith communities and various civic organizations.

Showcase Atlanta exists to ensure that the impact of the World Cup extends into the local economy and social fabric of the city. By empowering neighborhoods to host their own sanctioned events, the city hopes to foster a sense of collective ownership over this historic moment.

“We want every Atlanta neighborhood represented,” the organization stated. The application window is currently open and will close on April 30. Interested organizations can apply directly through the official portal.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 24, 2026

Ticketmaster Prevented From Selling Tickets Above The Original Price In Ontario

Ontario has passed a new law banning Ticketmaster from reselling tickets above their original price.

Ontario, Canada, is cracking down on inflated resale prices by introducing a new rule that Ticketmaster must follow.

On April 23, Ticketmaster emailed Ontario users with resale listings, confirming it is complying with Ontario Bill 97, which bans tickets from being resold above their original price, Billboard Canada reports. The policy applies to concerts, sports, and major events, including FIFA World Cup matches and Toronto International Film Festival screenings.

“Effective April 23, 2026, tickets in Ontario cannot be resold above the total original cost, including service fees and taxes,” the email, shared on X, states. “Beginning next week, you will be able to re-list your tickets in compliance with Ontario’s new legal requirements once updates have been made to our resale marketplace.”

damn this is huge pic.twitter.com/CS0Accoqpw
— surya (@suryasure05) April 23, 2026

The new law bars ticket holders in Ontario from reselling seats above face value—meaning a $150 ticket can’t be flipped for $500, a common practice still seen in many cities across the U.S. and Canada outside the province.

The move is part of a plan by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, though it has not yet received royal assent. The legislation would require resellers to show proof of the original ticket price, disclose both original and resale prices to buyers, and keep records for at least three years after the event. Ticketmaster has said it will comply with the new Ontario rules.

“With the legislation coming into force shortly, we have begun contacting all fans with tickets listed on our resale platform to let them know we have delisted their tickets from our marketplace,” a Ticketmaster Canada spokesperson said.

The measure comes weeks after a federal jury (in the United States) found that Live Nation Entertainment and its subsidiary Ticketmaster operated an illegal monopoly over live events and ticketing. The verdict, tied to a May 2024 U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit, said the company suppressed competition and overcharged fans through exclusive venue deals. Potential remedies include forcing Ticketmaster to be split off.

Following the announcement up north, fans are voicing support and calling for similar laws worldwide to curb inflated ticket prices and fees often associated with Ticketmaster.

“Let’s make it a rule internationally and for all ticket sales companies,” one X user wrote.

“Scalpers have wrecked the joy of live events long enough,” added someone else. “Now push further and cap Ticketmaster’s insane primary fees and dynamic pricing too.”

by Kandiss Edwards

April 24, 2026

Spelman Responds To ‘Miss Spelman’ Co-Queen Backlash

In response to the outcry Spelman officials have promised to overhaul protocols

Spelman College has made history by crowning its first-ever co-queens, Jillian Collier and Kinsley Wilson, after a scoring error during the institution’s 43rd Miss Spelman Pageant led to a tie.

The decision to name co-titleholders marks the first time in the pageant’s history that the crown has been shared. While the college administration framed the move as a demonstration of “sisterhood and grace,” the announcement has ignited a passionate debate across the HBCU community over the pageant’s integrity and the handling of the clerical error.

The dispute began following the initial Coronation ceremony on April 11, when Kinsley Wilson was originally declared the sole winner and Jillian Collier was named the first runner-up. However, a comprehensive audit of the results prompted by student concerns led college officials to identify a technical discrepancy in the initial scoring.

Upon recalculation, the audit findings revealed that Collier had actually earned the highest overall score. Rather than stripping Wilson of the title, Spelman leadership opted to name both women co-queens on April 17. The college stated this resolution was intended to rectify the error while acknowledging the excellence of both scholars.

“In the spirit of Spelman sisterhood, we recognize that both of these exceptional scholars embodied the excellence, poise, and leadership required of Miss Spelman,” the college said in a statement. “Naming co-queens allows us to rectify a technical error while celebrating two women who were equally deserving of the honor.”

The decision has divided the Spelman community and social media spectators. Many alumni and students argue that the co-queen compromise undermines the competitive nature of the pageant.

Collier herself reportedly expressed disagreement with the decision. In a statement obtained by 11Alive, Collier said she “vehemently disagrees” with the co-queen decision, calling it “unfair and unjust.”

In response to the outcry, officials have promised to overhaul protocols to ensure such an error does not occur again. According to 11 Alive, the institution also sent a message to the student body apologizing for the error and its impact on students and their families. Additionally, in a post on Instagram, Spelman said it is taking a “step back” from social media engagement as the conversation has become “ugly.”

As the 2026 homecoming festivities approach, both Collier and Wilson are expected to serve as official student ambassadors for the college.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 24, 2026

Delaware State and Football Coach DeSean Jackson Sued By Ex-Player For Injuries Caused By Teammate

Jackson's response on Instagram: "I have never fostered or encouraged hazing, bullying, or any violent environment, and that has never been the culture I have worked to build."

In a lawsuit, former Delaware State University (DSU) football player Malachi Biggs alleges that he suffered serious injuries after a locker-room altercation last November.

According to Delaware Online, the paperwork was filed on April 23 in Delaware Superior Court.

The suit places blame on DSU head coach DeSeanJackson and the school for an attack by Biggs’ teammate, Anthony Hebert, in the school’s locker room on November 19, 2025.

Hebert, assistant coach Travis Clark, and director of football operations Jane Hicks are also named in the lawsuit.

Biggs claims that Hebert placed him in a chokehold, where he became unconscious before he was dropped face-first to the ground. Biggs said his teammate ignored his pleas to be released. The reason for the attack, according to the lawsuit, was an Instagram post.

The lawsuit accuses DSU of improperly supervising its players and failing to investigate the matter and hand out discipline. Biggs is seeking compensatory damages for medical costs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost tuition, room and board, and educational opportunities, future lost wages and earning capacity, and punitive damages.

Biggs has not returned to the team since the incident.

He said that he “suffered severe and permanent injuries to his head, face, mouth, tongue, and teeth, including, but not limited to, multiple fractures to his jaw, a deep laceration to his chin requiring surgery, and irreparable damage to at least a dozen teeth requiring extraction, root canals, and additional invasive dental treatments.”

Athletic trainers tended to Biggs when he regained consciousness, and then he was transported to Bayhealth Hospital’s Dover facility for further treatment. After being released the next day, further examination revealed that he needed surgery for facial fractures. He received the surgery in his hometown of North Carolina. According to the suit, nine of his teeth were broken, and he suffered a severed ligament under his tongue and had to have his jaw wired shut. He will need further medical care.

The football player’s attorneys, Morgan & Morgan’s John Morgan and attorney Georgia Pham, released a statement:

“Our lawsuit alleges that the Delaware State University and its staff failed in their responsibility to adequately supervise these student athletes and failed to properly discipline violent behaviors. By dismissing violent assaults as mere ‘horseplay,’ the University and coach DeSean Jackson allegedly fostered a toxic culture of bullying and hazing in the locker room. Our client came to this University to play the game he loved. Instead, he’s leaving with catastrophic injuries that may be career-ending and have permanently derailed his life. These alleged systemic failures led to this predictable and preventable tragedy that ripped away the life he had always dreamed of.”

Jackson responded to the lawsuit via his social media page:

“I take the safety, well-being, and development of every student-athlete in the Delaware State University football program seriously. I have never fostered or encouraged hazing, bullying, or any violent environment, and that has never been the culture I have worked to build. Because this matter is the subject to pending litigation, I will not comment further. My focus has always been on creating a positive, respectful place for student athletes to train, compete, grow, and pursue their college dreams.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Desean Jackson (@0ne0fone)

by Kandiss Edwards

April 24, 2026

Southwest Passenger Says She Was Forced To Buy An Extra Seat Because Of Her Weight

The traveler claims that the policies and a lack of concrete assessments led to her paying for the extra seat.

An Atlanta traveler says she was discriminated against when she was forced to pay for an additional seat on a Southwest Airlines flight despite being eligible for one seat.

The incident occurred at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport as the passenger, Tammy Parker, attempted to board her flight. According to her account, gate agents informed her that she would be required to purchase a second seat to accommodate her physical size. However, when speaking with Fox 5 Atlanta, Parker proved she was able to fit into one seat with the armrest in the downward position. The passenger believes the interaction was handled incorrectly, as gate agents made a “subjective” decision about her size without any actual proof.

The traveler claims that the policy and a lack of concrete assessments led her to pay for the extra seat. She also alleges discrimination against larger people is the root cause of the gate agents’ actions. Parker says staff pressured her to pay for the extra space on the spot. She was grateful she had the financial means to pay for another round-trip ticket; otherwise, she would have been unable to reach her bucket-list destination, a “turn up cruise.” After losing over 100lbs, Parker was on the way to her dream cruise anchored in Los Angeles. It was only luck that she made it.

“Four-hundred forty-three dollars, for another round-trip ticket. Thank God I had it… But what if I didn’t?” she told Fox 5.

Fox 5 reported on Southwest’s response to the incident. “Our goal is to provide a positive experience for everyone onboard…Our care team will work with her directly if she requests a refund.”

Southwest Airlines’ long-standing Customer of Size policy typically allows passengers who require more than a single seat’s width to purchase a second seat. Under the current guidelines, travelers can purchase the extra seat in advance and sometimes request a refund after travel, or they can coordinate with a gate agent to be provided an additional seat at no cost if the flight has availability.

Parker says she will pursue a full refund.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 24, 2026

WNBA Battles Travis Scott-Linked Firm Over Houston Comets Trademark

TSTM Holdings presently holds the trademarked name

The WNBA is locked in a battle with a company affiliated with Texas rapper Travis Scott for the Houston Comets trademarked name.

According to Chron, the Connecticut Suns, who were recently bought, are planning to move to Houston, and the new owners want to bring back the Comets name (the Comets were one of the first WNBA teams when the league started in 1996 and won the first four WNBA championships). However, the trademark, which expired in 2021 (The WNBA did not renew it), had been granted to TSTM Holdings in 2024.

Based on documents from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), TSTM Holdings is a Delaware-based company represented by Los Angeles attorney Kia Kamran. The lawyer represents Scott and the rapper’s company, LaFlame Enterprises, Inc.

After the trademark was granted to TSTM, WNBA Enterprises (WNBAE) filed an opposition to TSTM’s trademark ownership in May 2025, and the opposition is still pending. In response to the league, TSTM has recently filed to dismiss WNBAE’s opposition. WNBAE responded last week in a letter to the USPTO.

“Notably, TSTM has provided no information to support that it has a legitimate claim to the name of a beloved sports team and the goodwill that WNBAE built and has maintained for a period of nearly thirty years,” WNBAE said. “The fact that TSTM has chosen to pursue a mark identical to WNBAE’s Comets Word Mark for identical and overlapping goods and services, along with its refusal to identify any bona fide intentions, absence of any evidence of use in the marketplace or even of its plans to use the mark. … raise[s] a plausible inference that TSTM lacks bona fide intent.”

TSTM Holdings’ use of the trademark includes plans to provide entertainment services and to sell apparel, household items, and paper goods.

The Suns intend to rename the team when the franchise plays in Houston for the 2027 season. The WNBA Board of Governors still has to approve the sale to the new owners.

by Kandiss Edwards

April 24, 2026

Smokey Robinson’s Countersuit Partially Dismissed

The proceedings will return to the discovery phase of the accusers' primary lawsuits.

A California judge has dismissed some parts of countersuit filed by Motown legend Smokey Robinson against four women who accused him of sexual assault, ruling that the singer’s legal claims regarding defamation lacked sufficient evidence.

The 86-year-old “Cruisin'” singer filed the retaliatory suit last year, alleging that the women were engaging in a “shakedown” and defamation. Robinson’s legal team argued that the accusers had fabricated the allegations in an attempt to extort money from his estate.

In a ruling handed down April 23, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Kevin Brazile determined that Robinson failed to meet the legal threshold required to prove that the women acted with “actual malice” or that their underlying claims were demonstrably frivolous at this stage of litigation, TMZ reported.

Brazile tossed out the defamation aspects of the countersuit, according to CBS News, because the disputed statements constituted protected activity.

But, “there is evidence supporting the Robinsons, including inconsistencies and unusual circumstances, like encouraging a sister to work after the assaults,” court records stated. “However, the evidence of actual malice does not approach the clear and convincing standard.”

Exclusive: Smokey Robinson's $500M countersuit against "Jane Doe" accusers partially dismissed.

Read more: https://t.co/S4KwKcxvvi pic.twitter.com/y3FdFjZGjP
— TMZ (@TMZ) April 23, 2026

In their original filings, the plaintiffs alleged that Robinson utilized his position of power and industry influence to groom and eventually assault them. They have sought unspecified damages for emotional distress and battery. Robinson has consistently denied all allegations of wrongdoing, maintaining that his interactions with the women were either non-existent or strictly professional.

Robinson’s attorneys have indicated they intend to appeal the judge’s decision, asserting that the dismissal “ignores the clear evidence of a coordinated effort to tarnish a legendary career.”

The case comes amid a continued wave of legacy litigation in the entertainment industry, as older statutes of limitations are challenged or expanded in various jurisdictions. For now, the focus of the proceedings will return to the discovery phase of the accusers’ primary lawsuits, as both sides prepare for further hearings later this summer.