NYPD, Sean Bell, film, Eyes In 'Aftershock: The Nicole P. Bell Story'
by Kandiss Edwards

April 23, 2026

NYPD Call For Backup On WhatsApp Group Chat In Corner Store False Arrest

NYPD Deputy Commissioner Tarik Sheppard expressed his displeasure at officers serving without the proper equipment.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) has revealed that the detectives involved in a viral Brooklyn arrest were not equipped with body cameras and utilized the messaging app WhatsApp to coordinate backup.

The incident, which took place outside a Bedford-Stuyvesant liquor store, gained national attention after footage showed 34-year-old Andre Williams being forcefully detained by officers who had mistaken him for a drug dealer. Despite Williams’ audible pleas that he was not resisting, he was pinned to the ground and handcuffed before being released without charges.

In a follow-up investigation into the tactics used during the encounter, the NYPD confirmed that the detectives were part of a specialized unit. The unit is currently exempt from the department’s general body-camera mandate, Fox 5 reported. NYPD patrol officers have been required to wear cameras since 2019. However, many undercover and plainclothes units remain unequipped.

Further review of video evidence obtained by Fox 5 revealed that the detectives did not use standard police radio frequencies to contact back up. Instead, officers utilized a WhatsApp group call to alert nearby units. The provided video shows an unidentified detective complaining about the mode of communication.

“Any of these guys don’t get a radio ASAP, I’m making a big f***ing problem. I’m not doing this WhatsApp s*** no more,” the detective said. He added, “How are these f***ing guys coming to work unprepared? No one does anything.”

NYPD Deputy Commissioner Tarik Sheppard expressed his displeasure at officers serving without the proper equipment. He also acknowledged that the arrest was unwarranted.

“If this had been the right guy, and he had a firearm on him, they would have to use WhatsApp to call or backup. That’s insane,” Sheppard said. “You should have a radio on you to get help when you need it, and as you see, that was the problem here,” Sheppard said. “It took so long for them to find where their guys were, and to be able to communicate.”

The NYPD maintains that the detectives acted within current guidelines, given the nature of their assignment.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘I’m Not Resisting’: NYPD Beats Brooklyn Man They Allegedly Profiled As A Drug Dealer

Michael Jackson
by Kandiss Edwards

April 23, 2026

Antoine Fuqua Talks About His Decision To Omit Michael Jackson Assault Allegations From ‘Michael’

Michael is scheduled for a global theatrical release April 24.

The director of the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, has confirmed that the film’s conclusion was altered to remove depictions of the child abuse allegations that shadowed the later years of the pop star’s life.

In a recent interview with The New Yorker, director Antoine Fuqua explained the creative decision to shift the film’s final focus away from the legal battles and controversies that defined Jackson’s public image in the 1990s and 2000s. Fuqua stated that the goal of the project is to celebrate Jackson’s artistic legacy and humanity, rather than re-litigating the high-profile accusations that have been extensively covered in documentaries and news media.

The biopic, starring Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the title role, reportedly concludes by focusing on the singer’s preparations for his ill-fated This Is It concert residency in 2009. By ending the narrative at this point, the film bypasses a more detailed exploration of the 2005 criminal trial and subsequent posthumous allegations.

“I wanted to tell a story about the man and the artist,” Fuqua said. He argued that the film provides a balanced look at Jackson’s life by showing his struggles with fame and the pressures of his upbringing, while maintaining that the movie’s primary purpose is to showcase his “extraordinary talent.”

While some appreciate a focus on Jackson’s musical contributions, others argue that omitting the allegations presents an incomplete and sanitized version of the singer’s history. The 38% Rotten Tomatoes score reflects a viewership that varies in its position. Estate representatives, who are involved in the production, have maintained that the film is an objective look at Jackson’s life. Representatives for the Jackson estate consistently deny the abuse allegations against him.

Michael is scheduled for a global theatrical release on April 24. The film is expected to be one of the year’s biggest cinematic events, featuring elaborate recreations of Jackson’s most iconic performances. Despite the director’s attempts to center the narrative on music, the choice to exclude the controversies ensures that they will remain a part of the discussion.

RELATED CONTENT: Michael Jackson Biopic Taps Human Jukebox, Sonic Boom & Marching 100 To Honor His Legacy

Harlem, cannabis, New York
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 23, 2026

Medical Marijuana To Be Reclassified To Schedule III Substance, Expanding Opportunities For Use

The drug would be officially reclassified as a Schedule III substance, listing its status among painkillers.

The U.S. Justice Department has moved forward with reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous substance.

NBC News reports that the Justice Department will reclassify state-licensed medical marijuana. The substance is currently listed as a Schedule I drug on the Drug Enforcement Administration’s website.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche shared on X about the Trump administration’s push to immediately reschedule the drug. The result would expand opportunities in the growing cannabis industry and its medical usage.

“These actions will enable more targeted, rigorous research into marijuana’s safety and efficacy, expanding patients’ access to treatments and empowering doctors to make better-informed healthcare decisions,” wrote Blanche.

Currently, marijuana is deemed a Schedule I drug, detailed as “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse,” according to the DEA. Now, the Marijuana Policy Project confirmed that the substance’s official switch to a Schedule III classification would list it among the likes of painkillers and testosterone.

According to Yahoo Finance, this reclassification would have several impacts on medical marijuana usage. This issuance would pave the way for further research into its medicinal potential, enabling more healthcare professionals to recommend the drug to eligible patients, as emphasized by Blanche in a statement.

“The Department of Justice is delivering on President Trump’s promise to expand Americans’ access to medical treatment options,” stated the attorney general in a press release. “This rescheduling action allows for research on the safety and efficacy of this substance, ultimately providing patients with better care and doctors with more reliable information.”

Last December, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that cleared the way for the DEA to approve a reclassification. The order urged for more medical research on the drug as federal regulation of marijuana shifts.

This news has already impacted the stock market, boosting the stock prices of cannabis-affiliated companies such as Canopy Growth and Tilray Brands. Another positive effect for such firms is that looser restrictions could lead to lower tax burdens and wider funding opportunities for newer companies.

With the latest order to reclassify medical marijuana issued, the federal government also scheduled a new hearing, set for June 29, to change marijuana’s legal status at large.

RELATED CONTENT: Trump Signs Executive Order To Expedite The Reclassifying Of Marijuana

Brian McKnight, Niko McKnight, cancer
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 23, 2026

Brian McKnight Sues Former Wife, Son and Media Outlets Accusing Them Of Spreading False Narratives

The R&B singer has filed a lawsuit against Julie McKnight, Brian McKnight Jr., podcasters Marc Lamont and Tasha K, as well as the New York Post.

Recording artist Brian McKnight has filed a lawsuit against his former wife, Julie McKnight, his son, Brian McKnight Jr., podcasters Marc Lamont and Tasha K, as well as the New York Post. He accuses them of spreading a false narrative about his parenting and his refusal to tell his dying son, Niko, that he loved him.

According to TMZ, the R&B singer is claiming that the accused were involved in a coordinated attempt to ruin his reputation and make money, through “malicious character assassination” in the lawsuit filed. He said that he is the victim of a “shockingly dishonest” and “sensational but false narrative” after they said that he abandoned his children.

In the suit, he also claimed that Tasha K falsely reported that he was a cheater and that he had sex with a minor. He says that his reputation has taken a hit because of the narrative they spread. He is seeking damages because the “relentless and persistent assault upon his character” gave him no choice but to take legal action.

The singer is keeping his lawyers busy.

In May 2025, McKnight also accused controversial singer Jaguar Wright of spreading salacious allegations online. He claimed that she said that McKnight hired and mistreated prostitutes during sexual encounters. The “Back At One” vocalist also denied Wright’s claims that he was abusive toward his former wife, Julie, whom Wright says is her cousin. The singer also said that she has been evading service, as multiple attempts have been made to serve her.

“It is apparent that [Wright] is evading service,” McKnight’s attorney Ryan Saba said, as captured by Hot New Hip Hop. “Given that [McKnight] made reasonable attempts to serve [Wright] and [Wright] is evading service by refusing to answer the door or open the door, or to sign the return receipt, service by publication is necessary to provide notice of [McKnight’s] complaint.”

RELATED CONTENT: Brian McKnight and Estranged Daughter Settle Differences Before Court Battle

Arrested, Gun, Nashville, divorce, celebrate, Jose Vazquez
by Kandiss Edwards

April 23, 2026

Man Accused of Providing Weapon that Led to Killing Of 8 Children

Charles Ford faces federal charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and making false statements.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana has charged a 56-year-old man with illegally possessing and providing the firearm used in a weekend mass shooting that killed eight children

Charles Ford faces federal charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and making false statements to federal agents, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced April 21. Investigators allege that Ford provided the assault-style pistol used by 31-year-old Shamar Elkins to carry out the murders.

If convicted, Ford faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

According to court documents, Ford initially denied having the weapon before admitting he possessed it. He later claimed to investigators that Elkins likely stole the gun from his truck in the weeks leading up to the shooting. 

“The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) is engaged and committed to holding people accountable for illegal possession and use of firearms that harm our community,” said Alcohol, Tobacco, and Fireamrs Special Agent Joshua Jackson said in a statement. “Holding people accountable does not stop with the person who pulled the trigger but also includes those who give access to and proliferate firearms that are later used in violent crime.”

The shooting, described by officials as “beyond comprehension,” resulted in the deaths of seven of Elkins’ children and one of their cousins. The victims ranged in age from 3 to 11. Two women, including Elkins’ wife, were also shot and remain hospitalized. A ninth child escaped the massacre by jumping from the roof of the home during the shooting.

Elkins died following a police pursuit and a shootout with officers.

Because Elkins cannot face trial, U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller said federal prosecutors are committed to holding those who enabled the violence accountable. Keller noted that tracing the weapon led investigators to Ford after the original purchaser of the firearm informed law enforcement she had given the weapon to him.

RELATED CONTENT: Louisiana Man Kills 8 Children, 7 Of His Own, In Mass Shooting

Draya Michele, stepson, son, NBA, Jalen Green
by Jameelah Mullen

April 23, 2026

Chef’s Kiss: Draya Michele Reveals That She’s In Culinary School

The former reality star urges fans to embrace the pivot.

Former Basketball Wives star Draya Michele has stepped out from in front of the camera and into the kitchen as she embarks upon a new culinary career. 

The influencer revealed on social media that she had been quietly attending culinary school for months. In a series of Instagram photos and videos, Michele shared footage of herself in class, prepping ingredients and executing the French flambé technique, in which a chef adds high-proof alcohol to a hot pan and ignites it to create a burst of flames.

“Becoming a chef was never something on my mood board (until lately),” Michele wrote to over 9 million followers on Instagram. “I’ve enjoyed cooking for my loved ones for years, and now I’m just perfecting it.”

Michele described this new chapter in her life as her “Culinair era.” She encouraged her followers to pursue new interests, regardless of age or background. 

“You’re allowed to evolve. You’re allowed to pivot.” Her message said, “You’re allowed to discover new passions you never saw coming. It’s never too late to change your path or start something new. If you’ve been waiting for a sign… this is it.”

Michele has been incorporating cooking content into her social posts for several months, but she hasn’t positioned it as a pivot for her brand. 

Michele founded the swimwear line Mint Swim in 2011, using $12,000 to launch the brand, which offers high-quality swimwear for diverse body types. She also said she wanted to create a product that felt authentic to both herself and her fans.

“I wouldn’t start the company just to make a quick buck or to say I have a business. It’s something that I love, and I live, breathe, and eat it, and I think that my supporters that follow me, they can see that and they can tell. So, Mint Swim is just a genuine company altogether,” the entrepreneur told BLACK ENTERPRISE in 2016.

Also an actress, Michele has starred in nearly a dozen films. In 2022, she costarred with singer Ne-Yo in a BET+ film, The Sound of Christmas. 

RELATED CONTENT: Michael B. Jordan’s Career Before His Oscar Triumph

Trump, Iran War, inflation, NAACP, Democrats
by Sharelle B. McNair

April 23, 2026

White House Takes Steps To Reimburse $166B In Illegal Tariffs While Trump Focuses On Companies Without Hands Out

After companies like UPS and FedEx were one of the first to seek refunds, major retailers like Levi Strauss and Gap have followed suit.

The White House has agreed to reimburse companies for President Donald Trump’s tariffs after the Supreme Court ruled them illegal, but Trump is focused on companies that did not seek a refund, saying he will “remember them,” CNBC reported. 

During a phone interview on CNBC’s Squawk Box, Trump talked about the high court’s February ruling, resulting in the administration having to pay back $166 billion, claiming America is “giving money back to countries that hate our country.” 

As the host inquired about his thoughts on companies like Apple and Amazon seemingly not seeking refunds since they are potentially worried about “offending” the president, Trump said it’s “Brilliant if they don’t do that…Actually, if they don’t do that, they’ve got to know me very well. I’m very honored by what you just said,” he said close to 25 minutes into the interview. 

“If they don’t do that, I’ll remember them.” 

Companies seeking refunds can start applying for them, as the administration launched an online portal on April 20 to comply with the Supreme Court. 

After companies like UPS and FedEx were among the first to seek refunds, major retailers like Levi Strauss and Gap have followed suit. Levi’s Chief Financial Officer, Harmit Singh, said the company expects to receive close to $80 million in refunds for tariffs paid on imports of denim and other apparel items. Katrina O’Connell, the chief financial officer of Gap, whose brands include Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Athleta, said,” It’s been clear they want their money back. We’ve been clear that the tariff impact has been significant to our performance. As an importer of record, we’re definitely working on gaining clarity on whether we can recognize a refund,” O’Connell said. “Because the situation is fluid right now as to how, when, or whether any refunds will ultimately be realized.”

Currently, the Trump Administration has imposed at least a 10% tax on all goods imported into the U.S., with higher rates for commodities and products from specific countries, which has massively affected small businesses. “It’s impacted us tremendously, I mean, it’s a conversation with every customer. How’s tariffs gonna affect this, how’s tariffs gonna affect that?” Brian Barkley, sales manager at Poggesi, an outdoor furniture and umbrellas company made in Italy, Vietnam and China, said, according to NBC 6. 

The company estimates it will recoup about $300,000, which it, like others, sees as a huge relief.

“Well, now we can talk about the projects and design, which is the stuff that we enjoy, not how much extra this is gonna cost, depending on where you’re making it,” Barkley said.

RELATED CONTENT: Salt of Salt-N-Pepa Urges Fans To Give TLC’s Chilli Some Grace Amid MAGA Allegations

J.R. Smith
by Sharelle B. McNair

April 23, 2026

From The Court To The Classroom: J.R. Smith Set To Receive Bachelor’s Degree From NC A&T

His transition from the NBA to college student-athlete was featured in the Prime Video docuseries Redefined, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

Two-time NBA Champion J.R. Smith is winning in education as he is scheduled to graduate with his Bachelor’s degree from North Carolina A&T State University on May 9, WFMY News 2 reports. 

During the 2026 commencement services in Greensboro, North Carolina, where Grammy-Award-winning artist Queen Latifah is scheduled as the speaker, Smith will receive his Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies–applied cultural thought from the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. While his time in Aggie Land comes to a close, his time as a student was seemingly well spent. 

After enrolling as a student, the former New York Knicks player joined the university’s men’s golf program. His transition from the NBA to college student-athlete was featured in the Prime Video docuseries Redefined, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Smith was also named Academic Athlete of the Year for 2021-22.

As an athlete in his early years, the New Jersey native decided to forgo college to enter the 2004 NBA draft, where he was selected by the then-New Orleans Hornets. During his tenure in the NBA, he played for the Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers, and was named NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2013. 

Officials from A&T describe Smith’s educational path as encouragement that it is never too late to pursue higher education, tackle new challenges, and redefine personal goals. Smith has never been shy about expressing his grievances with higher education. 

In an interview with Uproxx, he opened up about being bullied in school after a learning disability diagnosis, causing him to develop a fear of education in elementary and middle school. “I know I was pretty decent athletically compared to everybody else in growth and stuff like that, but just mentally, how I function and how I focused and how I couldn’t read as good or just comprehend as good as the rest of the kids. I think that was the biggest thing for me…,” he said. 

But Smith says that’s all behind him now and that he is grateful for his journey at the HBCU. “It’s really gratifying just knowing that I’m able to continuously accomplish different feats that have overwhelmed me at times in my life,” he continued. 

Smith is added to a list of other Black celebrities and athletes who went back to the classroom after making it big. Four-time NBA Champion Steph Curry returned to his alma mater of Davidson College, also in North Carolina, to receive his bachelor’s in 2022, 13 years after declaring for the draft. 

The “Hot Girl” herself, Megan Thee Stallion, graduated from another HBCU, Texas Southern University, in 2021 with a bachelor’s in health administration after staying committed to graduating in honor of her late mother.

RELATED CONTENT: J.R. Smith Shares His Financial Regrets While Making Millions In The NBA

Chi Ossé
by Sharelle B. McNair

April 23, 2026

NYC Councilmember Chi Ossé Arrested During Planned Eviction Protest

Ossé and other protesters claim resident Carmella Charrington, who has lived in the brownstone apartment for decades, was being pushed out because of “deed theft,” defined as a form of fraud that disproportionately impacts Black homeowners.

New York City Council Member Chi Ossé was among five arrested by New York Police Department (NYPD) officers on April 22 during a planned eviction protest for one of his Brooklyn constituents, Politico reports. 

Ossé posted a video of his arrest on X, calling it a “result of deed theft and the ongoing displacement of Black homeowners in Bed-Stuy. Our office is closely monitoring this situation and will provide updates as this develops,” the elected official said. 

According to AM New York, Ossé and protestors were attempting to block access to a 212 Jefferson Ave property in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, where city marshals were instructed to execute an eviction. Protesters claim resident Carmella Charrington, who has lived in the brownstone apartment for decades, was being pushed out because of “deed theft,” defined as a form of fraud that disproportionately impacts Black homeowners. 

As a result, ownership is illegally transferred to a third party without consent.

Ossé can be heard asking in a video, “What are you doing?” while approaching officers arresting a fellow demonstrator. After a brief back-and-forth exchange, an officer was seen grabbing Ossé’s jacket collar and shoving him to the ground before placing him in cuffs. That’s when a protester stepped in to defend him. “Motherfucker, that’s a Councilmember, what the f*** are you doing?” the protester can be heard shouting. 

“You’re going to be all over the national news tonight.”

The councilman was released from a local precinct after being charged with one count of obstructing governmental administration and two counts of disorderly conduct. Once released, he mentioned being sore and feeling bouts of dizziness after being “manhandled” and “slammed” against the ground by the NYPD’s finest. “I will absolutely be filing a misconduct report against the officers who slammed me on the ground,” he said after being released. 

“I urge the other folks who were taken into captivity to do the same.” 

The video, which State Attorney General Letitia James called “disturbing,” is adding pressure to Gov. Kathy Hochul to pause evictions in suspected deed-theft cases such as the one involving the ongoing Carrington dispute. Reports from The City give a detailed account of the dispute, dating back to 2021, with a company called Brooklyn Gates LLC. 

In 2024, another company, 227 Group LLC, purchased the home for $1.4 million from several alleged family members as part of the estate of the former owner. In a statement from 227 Group LLC, the company called the deed theft allegation “unequivocally false” and said the 2024 purchase was an all-cash transaction with title insurance.

However, after watching the protest and arrest, Carrington said she feels like she’s in Get Out, referring to the 2017 Jordan Peele film. “It’d be devastating. It’s four generations of irreparable harm,” the resident said about the potential eviction from the property.

RELATED CONTENT: DeKalb County Plato’s Closet Eviction Leads To Public Scramble For Designer Merch

Edward Water University,
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 23, 2026

Florida HBCU Marching Band Appoints Originator Of ‘Triple Threat’ Program As New Director

Edward Waters University has brought in its marching band's original architect to carry the program to its next era.

One Florida HBCU is regrouping with a new director of bands, returning to the man who helped establish the program.

Edward Waters University has appointed Marques D. Graham as its new director of bands, as confirmed by the Jacksonville institution on April 21. According to HBCU Gameday, Graham has historic ties to the school’s “Triple Threat” marching band.

Graham once led the “Triple Threat” marching band to campus-wide recognition, leading as a founding architect of the organization. In honor of the program’s 25th anniversary, Edward Waters hopes Graham will return the band to the spotlight.

“Returning to Edward Waters University presents a meaningful opportunity to build in alignment with the institution’s academic mission, growth, and commitment to student success,” Graham said in a statement.

He added, “The vision for the ‘Triple Threat’ Marching Band is clear—one rooted in structure, accountability, and excellence—where performance is matched by academic achievement and disciplined execution. I am extremely excited to bridge the gap between current students and generations of students who have participated in the band program throughout the program’s history.

Graham will lead a newly imagined “Triple Threat,” as its next phase intends to create a modern marching band that propels the school’s academic profile. In this phase, new uniforms will feature an emboldened EWU symbol and provide a year-round instructional model.

Band members will also uphold academic accountability as they matriculate through the Florida HBCU, while expanding its music program to other ensembles. With this investment, the school aims to become the latest force in the world of HBCU marching bands.

The school made the appointment after its original Director of Bands selection, Moses Evans, decided not to move forward. Evans opted to forgo the opportunity, leaving Edward Waters to find a fitting replacement to lead its renewed tradition.

Now, Graham will take over the re-envisioned program, bringing his expertise in leading several HBCU marching bands across the Southeast. Furthermore, his storied relationship with the “Triple Threat” program will also serve this purpose, as he helps restore the marching band to national awareness.

Especially at a time when HBCU marching bands have gained a modern spotlight, these symbols of HBCU culture are more prevalent than ever. With this emphasis, EWU and Graham hope to support band members as academic leaders throughout the HBCU’s campus. A part of the university’s mission to foster greater academic excellence, band members and their leadership are expected to fulfill these responsibilities as EWU embarks on a new era.

Edward Waters University, located in Jacksonville, is a private historically Black university established in 1866 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church to educate formerly enslaved individuals and their descendants. As Florida’s oldest HBCU and among the state’s first independent institutions of higher education, it has sustained a legacy defined by access, resilience, and community advancement.

Today, the university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fields including business, public health, and cybersecurity, with a strong emphasis on academic rigor and social impact. Edward Waters University remains a vital educational and cultural institution, reflecting its Reconstruction-era foundation while continuing to prepare students for today’s professional landscape.

New members can audition for the HBCU marching band this spring and summer, with scholarship opportunities available for those who make the band.

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