Bali, Ohio, arrest, GoFundMe
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 20, 2026

UK Influencer Arrested On Suspicion Of Attempted Murder After Hitting Woman With Car After Fight

A UK influencer is in police custody, facing attempted murder charges after footage allegedly shows her driving into pedestrians following a street altercation.

A street fight between two influencers in London, England, escalated into a life-threatening incident when one allegedly ran over the other with a car, leading to attempted murder charges.

Social media influencer Gabrielle Carrington, 29—known as RIELLEUK—is facing multiple charges, including attempted murder, grievous bodily harm, dangerous driving, and drink-driving, the Daily Mail reports. The charges stem from a graphic incident around 4:30 a.m. on April 19 outside Inca nightclub, where Carrington is accused of driving her car into fellow influencer Klaudia Zakrzewska, also known as Klaudiaglam on Instagram and TikTok.

In addition to Zakrzewska, another woman and a man in his 50s who was unlocking his e-scooter were also injured. Emergency services responded to the incident on Argyll Street in central London, following reports of a car striking pedestrians.

Video circulating online shows a black vehicle driving into a group of people. In the footage, Zakrzewska is seen being knocked to the ground and trapped beneath the car as bystanders rush to help. A man in his 50s suffered life-changing injuries and was hospitalized, while a woman in her 30s was treated for minor injuries.

By April 20, rumors of Zakrzewska’s death began circulating on social media after her best friend appeared to mourn her publicly online.

“I’m the one left with the memory of watching my best friend, someone I love, get killed right in front of me….left there, fighting for their life, slipping away,” she wrote. “That image doesn’t leave me. It replays over and over, and I can’t escape it.”

Carrington remains in police custody, and authorities have confirmed the incident is not being treated as terror-related. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.

“As our inquiries continue, our thoughts are with those injured and their loved ones,” said Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell, of Specialist Crime South. “While this incident took place in the early hours of the morning, venues in the area were still open, and we believe a number of people will have seen what happened. I would urge anyone who witnessed the collision, or any activity prior to it that they feel may be of relevance, to come forward. The information you have — however minor you believe it may be — could be of crucial importance to investigators.”

Carrington rose to fame as a teenager on “The X Factor” in 2013 as a member of girl group Miss Dynamix. She later built a career as an influencer, amassing over 362,000 followers on Instagram, where she often posed alongside a black Mercedes similar to the vehicle involved in the incident.

RELATED CONTENT: Popular TikTok Content Creator Marquay The Goat Has Died At 24

Zara
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 20, 2026

Black Woman Accused Of Stealing And Chased Out Of Mall By Zara Employees Documents Incident On TikTok

Now-viral videos shows a Black woman being chased down by Zara employees in Lynwood, Washington, accusing her of stealing.

A Black woman in Lynwood, Washington, has gone viral after sharing video footage of Zara employees accusing her of theft and chasing her from a mall, claims police could not prove.

A TikTok user named Douniya racked up over two million views on a 30-second video documenting her experience of “shopping at Zara while Black.” The viral clip shows her being chased out of Alderwood Mall by multiple store employees.

@itsdouniya @ZARA #zara #fyp #shoppingwhileblack ♬ original sound – emomarcus96

In a longer follow-up video, Douniya shares police bodycam and mall surveillance footage showing Zara employees pursuing her after she left the store. The footage captures a tense verbal exchange as she tries to exit the mall, with multiple employees following her—at times grabbing her—and trailing her to her car.

In the clip, officers attempt to assess the situation and ask the staff to explain why they believe she stole merchandise.

“She said you guys were chasing her down,” the officer said.

“Well, obviously,” one Zara staffer replied.

Back in the store’s office, police told Zara’s staff that Douniya had consented to a full search of her car and that no merchandise was found. Employees then alleged she had “ditched” the items before police arrived.

“When she got in the car with her bag, which stuff was yours?” the cop asks.

In the video, another Zara employee alleges Douniya was carrying stolen items in her arms. However, in the caption, Douniya says she was holding her own jacket.

“I didn’t see,” said one staffer.

The officer told Zara’s staff there was no evidence to support a theft claim beyond their allegations, so no action could be taken. In a separate bodycam clip, Douniya is seen emotional but firm in denying any wrongdoing, calling out employees for pursuing her like loss prevention. The officer agreed the situation was mishandled and noted it wasn’t the first time he’d responded to that store for similar incidents involving staff chasing suspected shoplifters.

“It happens quite often. Their employees act as their loss prevention,” the officer said.

@pressplaymediacompany #pressplay▶️: A TikToker who goes by #Douniya has gone viral, amid 3, female, WA #Zara ♬ Shock sound effect – Comedy & memes – DONN ENTERTAINMENT

After the videos surfaced, many viewers criticized Zara and its staff, urging Douniya to pursue legal action against the employees, the store location, and the company.

“I’d sue the company n sue them separately as well. Good look beloved,” one user wrote.

“Girrl, get you a lawyer and sue them for harassment and defamation,” added someone else.

RELATED CONTENT: Samuel Ross’s Luxury Menswear Line Inks Multiyear Partnership With Zara

Former NFL Running Back, Doug Martin, Police Custody, Oakland
by Sharelle B. McNair

April 20, 2026

Family Of Murdered Pregnant Woman Wonders How Assailant Was Sent Back To The Streets With Violent Past

“We need to know what’s going on behind closed doors with our kids. If we only knew what was going on, we would not be standing here talking to you.”

The family of Ashanti Allen is seeking answers as to why her alleged killer, Kevin Faux, 24, was released back to the streets just two months later after assaulting her in Houston, Fox 26 reported. 

Faux is still at large after being accused of capital murder for allegedly killing Allen, 23, who was eight months pregnant with his child. Her family spoke out seeking answers as to how he was released from jail just two months after pleading guilty to assaulting the victim.

“This is not his first rodeo, okay, he’s done this before,” Edward Allen, Ashanti’s father, told reporters. “We need to know what’s going on behind closed doors with our kids. If we only knew what was going on, we would not be standing here talking to you.” 

Court records show Faux was charged with assault-continuous family violence in September 2025 and was accused of committing roughly two other acts of violence against Allen. Under the Texas Penal Code, as a third-degree felony, Faux could have been sentenced to a minimum sentence of two years in prison. But after taking a plea deal on Feb. 19, the charges were reduced to a Class A misdemeanor of assault of a family member, resulting in him being sentenced to 280 days in county jail. 

He was given credit for 143 days served.

Faux was also charged in 2019 with assault with a deadly weapon and a 2021 misdemeanor assault. 

Now, after Ashanti was found dead in a southwest Houston park last week, having been reported missing for six days, her parents’ anger transpired into questions of how someone with such a violent past was free. “That was your girlfriend. You were supposed to love her,” her mother said, according to KHOU 11. 

You were her child’s father.”

Victim advocate Andy Kahan said the community deserves answers as Faux is still at large. “There’s a lot of questions. Certainly, Ashanti deserves answers, the community deserves answers,” Kahan said. And the victim’s mother shares similar sentiments, claiming she never knew about Faux’s history of alleged violence until her daughter went missing. “I didn’t know anything about the incidents until she became missing, because if I would have known that, he would have never been around my daughter,” the mother said. 

Ashanti’s death is added to several headlining reports of Black women allegedly being killed at the hands of their partners or someone they knew. Shortly after the Easter holiday, Dr. Cerina Fairfax was killed before her husband, former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, took his own life. 
Weeks prior, Vice Mayor of Coral Springs, Florida, Nancy Metayer Bowen was found dead in her home, with her husband Stephen being the prime suspect.

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

CNN, STEPHANIE ELAM
by Sharelle B. McNair

April 20, 2026

Salute! CNN Correspondent Stephanie Elam Leaves Network After An Over 2 Decade-Run

Journalist Stephanie Elam announced she is leaving the network she called home, CNN, after 20 years on the air, AL reported. 

In a statement, Elam said she “has done it all” and is proud of her accomplishments. “For more than 20 years, I’ve been in the CNN orbit developing and delivering news stories on everything from the environment and entertainment to business and breaking news of all kinds,” Elam said.

“I’m so proud of my CNN career. Live or taped, writing packages or doing a show-and-tell, I’ve done it all, and having a front row seat to document history has been a gift.” 

During one of her final reports for the network, the former co-host of the “Black Enterprise Report” shared a “sister moment” with fellow reporter Sara Sidner, who credited her for helping her get through a cancer diagnosis, wishing her well, but said she can’t get rid of her that fast. “Oh, you’re not getting rid of me,” Elam said to her friend. “I love you.” 

While it is unclear what the journalist’s next career steps will be, in a statement, CNN praised Elam for her work and wished her all the best. “Stephanie brought clarity, credibility, and heart to every story she touched over her two decades at CNN. Her versatility and natural ability to connect with audiences made her a trusted voice and a valued colleague,” the network said. 

“We are grateful for her many contributions and wish her continued success in her next chapter.”

According to Mass Live, Elam started her career in New York as a copy editor for Dow Jones Newswires after graduating from Howard University. She then covered corporate earnings for PBS’s Nightly Business Report and anchored Market on the Close for the web network WebFN.

The San Francisco native then launched her CNN career, splitting into two chapters. During her first stint, she served as a New York-based business correspondent between 2003 and 2011, covering market downturns and breaking news, including the death of Michael Jackson. After leaving for a time to work at KNBC, she returned to CNN in 2013, where she covered major news stories, including Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano eruption and the death of legendary pop singer Prince.

Most recently, in 2024, Elam spoke on the death of controversial NFL star OJ Simpson, touching on how his 1995 trial regarding the death of his wife, Nicole Simpson, changed the trajectory of things such as racial unrest and policing in the city of Los Angeles after his acquittal. 

Elam is the second Black journalist to leave the network in recent weeks, following Early Start with Rahel Solomon host Rahel Solomon.

RELATED CONTENT: Sexual Assault Awareness Month: ‘Online Rape Academy’ Exposes Men Seeking To Learn Abuse Tactics

WWE, hampton,trick williams
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 20, 2026

Hampton Alum Trick Williams Takes Title At Wrestlemania

He won the United States Championship

Former Hampton University football player Trick Williams has emerged as the winner of Wrestlemania 42 on April 19 in Las Vegas.

Williams defeated the former champion, Sami Zayn, as recording artist Lil Yachty cheered him from ringside.

According to Wrestle Zone, Williams spoke about getting the opportunity to fight for the title and took aim at his opponent.

“I proved that I would do anything to get the job done,” Williams said. “What Sami Zayn doesn’t understand is that you don’t just wake up looking like this. You don’t just get handed opportunities; you get blessed, and I’m not going to sugarcoat that, but you work hard, man. I train very, very hard to get put in this situation, so no, if somebody doesn’t believe that I deserve it, I don’t care nothing ’bout that.”

According to HBCU Zone, Williams, whose real name is Matrick Belton, attended Hampton and played football for two seasons as a wide receiver. The Hampton University alumni account sent a message wishing him luck.

After Williams left the Virginia institution (he received no playing time), he went to the University of South Carolina, where, as a walk-on, he played in every game and made five starts. During his first season, he caught 11 passes for 121 yards. As a senior, he was used primarily on special teams, appearing in nine games. He played a total of 21 games over two seasons with the Gamecocks.

According to 247Sports, Williams attended a football camp with the Philadelphia Eagles before turning his sights to the wrestling ring. After training at the Combat Zone Wrestling Academy in New Jersey. He has won the WWE NXT title twice, is a one-time NXT North American Champion, and also won the TNA World Championship. On Jan. 2, Williams made his debut on the main WWE roster when he appeared on Friday Night SmackDown.

RELATED CONTENT: NBA Legend Dennis Rodman To Be Inducted Into WWE Hall Of Fame

Tyrese
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 20, 2026

Tyrese Brings That Turtleneck Energy To NYC Streets In Bid For Usher & Chris Brown Tour

Tyrese danced in street smoke for 37 minutes in his quest to make it on the tour.

Tyrese wants an opener slot for Usher and Chris Brown’s upcoming joint tour.

The R&B crooner made his case on social media, showing off a snippet of his dancing skills while in the streets of New York City. To prove his dedication, he revealed that he danced in smoke for 37 minutes to get a call back, potentially.

He shared a snippet of his audition on social media, offering the full tape only on his Patreon.

“Y’all know what it is,” he said during a break from his dancing.

Fans, unsure of Tyrese’s level of seriousness, began to laugh in the comments at his audacious call. Some welcomed the idea of Tyrese joining the R&B royalty on tour. However, some wanted Tyrese there for his comedic presence, not his musical hits.

One commenter wrote, “Approved…We need a good laugh before we sweat and faint.”

Before he became an internet personality, Tyrese made his debut as a respected crooner and actor. His 2002 hit “How You Gonna Act Like That” climbed to #7 on Billboard Hot 100, while his fifth album, Open Invitation, received a Grammy nomination for Best R&B album in 2011.

Alongside hits such as 1998’s “Sweet Lady” and 2011’s “Stay,” Tyrese could hold his own onstage. However, Usher and Brown have yet to respond to the 47-year-old singer’s request to open their set.

Usher and Brown revealed the news of their “Raymond & Brown” tour with a cinematic announcement on April 10. The two will head out on their first joint tour, bringing their classic hits to entertain fans of the male R&B singers.

Tyrese also goes way back with his fellow 90s heartthrob, with one fan mentioning how he got a gig with Usher early in his career.

“Well idk if y’all remember, but Tyrese was in Usher’s “My Way ”video tho,” explained one commenter to fans. “He was dancing.”

The two could reunite again on a modern stage. However, the Raymond & Brown tour has yet to release official dates and cities for their heavily anticipated show. In the meantime, Tyrese may continue to plead his case for why he should join the tour.

RELATED CONTENT: Tyrese Offers Hope For Second TGT Album

The Voice, Alicia Jayy
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 20, 2026

Miles College Alum, Alexia Jayy, Becomes First Black Woman To Win NBC’s ‘The Voice’

HBCU alum Alexia Jayy has made history as the first Black woman to win NBC’s The Voice.

An HBCU alumna from Miles College in Alabama has made history as the first Black woman to win NBC’s “The Voice.”

On April 14, Alexia Jayy of Irvington, Alabama, was crowned the winner of Season 29 of “The Voice,” becoming the first Black woman to win in the show’s 15-year history, HBCU Game Day reports. The Miles College alumna and mother of three topped finalists Liv Ciara (second), Lucas West (third), and Mikenley Brown (fourth) with standout performances of “Lady Marmalade” and Adele’s “One and Only.”

Days after her win, Alexia Jayy (born Bri Jackson) returned home to Irvington, where family, friends, and community members welcomed her home with pride and celebration.

“These are all the singers in my family, and they’re celebrating because I won ‘The Voice,’” Jayy said.

Throughout the competition, Jayy stood out from her blind audition with “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” After joining Adam Levine’s team, she continued to impress with performances of “Nightshift” by The Commodores, Whitney Houston’s “You Give Good Love,” and Aretha Franklin’s “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You).”

From her beginnings in a gospel girl group to sharing stages with icons like Lauryn Hill at the Grammys, Jayy said the journey still feels surreal at times.

“For Miss Lauryn Hill to want me to be a part of something that she has going is probably the most amazing thing in the world,” Jayy said.

Her uncle, Leodis Payne, said his niece has always stood out, crediting her dedication and persistence in pursuing her passion for music.

“To perfect what you’re doing, you need to stay with it to be great. She stayed with it, and I don’t have to tell you she’s great, she’s great,” Payne said.

Shortly after her win on The Voice, Alexia Jayy took the stage on the “Today Show” to perform “Rent Free,” one of many major stages she hopes to continue gracing.

“I’m going to keep getting on those big stages, keep working, because this is only the beginning,” Jayy said.

RELATED CONTENT: T.I. Set For Atlanta United’s HBCU Night, Performing With Clark Atlanta And Morehouse Marching Bands

grand rapids, police, teen, mother
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 20, 2026

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

The man was supposed to appear in court with his wife, also wounded in the gunfire, over their separation.

A Louisiana man has killed eight children, seven of them his own, in a mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana.

The fatal shooting occurred in the early hours of April 19, with police killing the alleged shooter, identified as Shamar Elkins, after a pursuit. During Elkins’ killing spree, 10 victims were hit with bullets, including two adult women, as stated by the Shreveport Police Department at a news conference.

However, nearly all of the fatalities were his biological children, with the additional child identified as one of their cousins. According to information from the coroner’s office obtained by CBS News, the slain children’s ages ranged from 3 to 11. The mothers identified the children as Jayla Elkins, 3; Shayla Elkins, 5; Kayla Pugh, 6; Layla Pugh, 7; Markaydon Pugh, 10; Sariahh Snow, 11; Khedarrion Snow, 6; and Braylon Snow, 5. 

A police report further detailed how the man initially shot one woman before going to another home and fatally killing eight people inside. One of the victims managed to escape to a nearby residence to call the police.

The police confirmed the incident as a domestic case. At the same time, the family’s relative told the Associated Press that both of the women shot were the mothers of the suspected shooter’s children. The relative recalled that he and his wife were due in court that Monday over their pending separation.

Shreveport police detailed that, following the gunfire, Elkins attempted to flee the scene by carjacking a vehicle. However, the police chase ended with open fire, leaving the Louisiana man dead. Elkins’ past includes a 2019 guilty plea to a weapons-related charge. He previously spent seven years in the Louisiana Army National Guard as both a signal support system and fire support specialist until 2020, according to Army records.

The shooting has shocked the Shreveport community while garnering national attention, especially considering its domestic nature. State and local leaders condemned the incident, noting it as one of the gravest acts of violence in Shreveport’s history. On a national level, the incident is the deadliest mass shooting in over two years.

“Over 30% of our crimes and 30% of our murders in the city of Shreveport are domestic in relation. Now that number has gone up,” Shreveport Councilman Grayson Boucher said at a news conference.“We’ve more than doubled our homicide rate in the city of Shreveport because of one act of domestic violence.”

According to a 2026 Domestic Violence Special Report released by the FBI, violent crimes within domestic relationships have also increased over a five-year study period initiated in 2020. Of these numbers, police nationwide reported 11,000 domestic violence murder victims. In total, they also documented over 1.1 million victims of domestic violence, with nearly 75% of all victims identifying as female.

As the Louisiana State Police and detectives begin investigating the mass shooting, anti-gun advocates have also spoken out about the scene. Former elected official and gun violence victim, Gabby Giffords, also called for justice to prevent such tragedies.

“This is a devastating act of domestic gun violence, taking the lives of eight young children. My heart is breaking for their families, the survivors, and everyone in Shreveport today,” Giffords said. “All of us should be outraged that we live in a country that routinely subjects our kids to such unimaginable violence.”

RELATED CONTENT: Cheating Prank Leads To Shots Fired And Boyfriend Behind Bars

cannabis, harlem
by Ahsan Washington

April 20, 2026

4/20 Guide: Cannabis, Music And Business Events To Get With

This year’s calendar features a diverse range of activations

As the cannabis industry matures, 4/20 has evolved from an informal counterculture holiday into a sophisticated intersection of entertainment, entrepreneurship, and community building. This year’s calendar features a diverse range of activations —from legendary hip-hop performances in iconic outdoor venues to curated networking sessions designed for the next generation of industry leaders.

420 on the Rocks (Morrison, Colorado) — West Coast icons Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube headline this premier concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater on April 20. The AEG-presented lineup includes Too $hort and Czarface, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and showtime at 7 p.m. This event is a central destination for cannabis culture, merging hip-hop history with the modern 4/20 holiday experience.

Vibe & Eat 4/20 Networking Experience (Baltimore) — Entrepreneurs @chefcapes and @tequierojugo host this professional social event on April 20 at JÜGO Fresco. Running from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the experience focuses on community-building for creatives and founders. By combining infused culinary arts with structured networking sessions, the event fosters collaboration among Black professionals and entrepreneurs in a high-energy environment.

Negro Jeoparty (Los Angeles) — Produced by Antidepressants Media, this Black culture-driven trivia experience returns to the Rockwell Lounge on April 21. The event merges comedy and community with “the art of the herb,” featuring interactive gameplay centered on Black history and pop culture. It provides a unique alternative to traditional nightlife by creating a space for cultural joy and connection.

Cannafest ATL: A 4/20 Celebration for the Culture (Atlanta) — Organized by Rick’s Rulez, this curated community activation takes place April 20 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at a private location. The event connects Black creatives and entrepreneurs through a marketplace of premium vendors and live performances. It prioritizes intentional networking and spiritual growth, encouraging professional involvement within the modern cannabis industry.

High on Vibes with Jadakiss (Brooklyn, New York) — In case you missed it, legendary rapper Jadakiss hosted a curated nightlife-meets-cannabis experience on April 19. Designed for cultural tastemakers, the event features live DJ performances and premium cannabis pairings in a VIP setting. This Brooklyn activation serves as a key component of Jadakiss’ expanding cannabis business portfolio, bridging the gap between hip-hop legacy and commercial industry growth.

RELATED CONTENT: 6 Black-Owned Dispensaries Leading Social Equity In Cannabis

Treasury Sec, Tax Withholding Adjustments,
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 20, 2026

Treasury Sec Encourages Tax Withholding Adjustments, But Bigger Paychecks Could Cost Later

Adjustments to tax withholding may be the right move for those paying more than they owe.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says taxpayers should adjust their tax withholding this year, which would put more money back into their paychecks.

With the Tax Day deadline passed, Bessent wants Americans to take advantage of new policies that could result in more money each payday. He encouraged taxpayers to get more out of this tax year by adjusting their withholding status.

“I want to encourage everyone out there watching today to change their withholding if they haven’t already done so,” he said during an April 15 White House press briefing recorded on C-SPAN.

According to USA.gov, tax withholding is the portion of a W-2 employee’s paycheck that is withheld and sent directly to the IRS to cover expected taxes owed. However, employees can adjust how much, if any, money is taken from their checks. This also depends on new life changes, such as having a child or holding multiple jobs.

“If you change your withholding, then you will get an automatic real wage increase … on a weekly or a monthly basis, and you will be able to keep more of your money this calendar year,” Bessent added.

This advice comes on the heels of Trump’s “One Big Beautiful” bill and during Financial Literacy Month. According to CNBC, the legislation implemented deductions for tips, overtime, and auto loan interest. However, the law took effect halfway through 2025, leaving employers without updated withholding tables, which also contributed to larger refunds.

While adjusters could see more money in the short term, this could come with its own drawbacks. With April as Financial Literacy Month, one should have an estimation of what they could owe next tax season.

If one received a higher-than-normal tax refund, it may make sense to lower their withholdings, even if no significant life changes occurred. However, they could run the risk of having a balance next season if they take back more than what Uncle Sam owes them.

Furthermore, tax experts say that tax withholding is a tricky situation, with everyday taxpayers unable to guarantee they will owe no money next season. Yahoo Finance also reports that one could incur underpayment penalties if one’s total withholding doesn’t cover 90% of the taxes on one’s returns.

However, taxpayers seeking to avoid overpayment can use the free IRS tax withholding estimator to estimate their expected taxes. While that can help employees make the best decision about withholding, it does not guarantee precise calculations, especially in more complex financial situations.

For those who don’t mind getting their money back at the end of tax season, they can skip out on the bigger paychecks, while also avoiding paying Uncle Sam further. On the other hand, those who could greatly benefit from keeping their money may find the adjustment worth any potential risk.

RELATED CONTENT: Here’s What The Average Refund Looks Like For 2026 Tax Day

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