Dexter Lawrence
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 16, 2026

NY Giants’ Brian Burns Insists Team ‘Figure It Out’ With Contract Negotiations For Dexter Lawrence

'Get it done. I don't want to see somebody else in that 97 besides Dex.'

After Dexter Lawrence requested a trade from the New York Giants, his teammate Brian Burns said that the team isn’t the same without “No. 97 in the middle.” He is hoping that the sides can work it out between them, stressing Lawrence’s importance to the team.

According to The New York Post, Burns is in favor of the team meeting his teammates’ demands after contract negotiations recently broke down. He wants Lawrence to remain a Giant, despite his trade request.

“Speaking for me, the Giants ain’t the Giants without No. 97 in the middle,” Burns told the media outlet. “So we are going to figure that out to keep him here regardless, I hope. That’s my boy. And I don’t want to play this season or any other season without him.”

According to USA Today, the nose tackle will be entering the third year of a four-year, $90 million extension he inked after the 2022 season. He is looking for more money. 

ESPN reports that the team’s general manager, Joe Schoen, and the new head coach, John Harbaugh, said the Giants would like a solution that makes both sides happy, as the team wants him in a Giants uniform.

“I’ll echo what coach said last week: We’d like for Dexter to be here, and at some point, we’ll come to a resolution here, whatever that may be. We’ll see. But conversations have been really good, they’ve been productive, and we’ll see what happens here down the road,” said Schoen.

Lawrence did not have a great year statistically. He recorded just 31 tackles and 0.5 sacks, the lowest totals of his career, but he is still considered a vital player on defense. Burns understands his strengths and knows that “business is business,” but reiterated that he prefers Lawrence to play right beside him. 

“Business is business,” Burns said to ESPN. “I’ve been through it. … How I feel technically is that we just need him in the building, regardless of whatever it is. Figure it out. Get it done. I don’t want to see somebody else in that 97 besides Dex. So that’s just my take on it.”

RELATED CONTENT: Michael Strahan Competing Against Eli Manning For Ownership Stake Of NY Giants

Akon, Jeffree Star
by Jameelah Mullen

April 16, 2026

No Regrets: Akon Defends ‘Street Code Violation’ In Working With Tekashi 6ix9ine

The superproducer says 'street code' is dead.

Akon is setting the record straight about a controversial choice he made in 2020, when he faced backlash for collaborating with Tekashi 6ix9ine on a “Locked Up” remix. In a new interview with The Shade Room, he says he’d make the same decision again.

The online criticism stemmed from Tekashi’s reputation as a “snitch” after he cooperated with federal authorities in 2019 to reduce his racketeering sentence. After the single’s release, rapper Tory Lanez, who publicly expressed his desire to work with Akon on the remix, took to social media to express his disappointment. 

“So what y’all telling me is …. Akon gave the #LockedUpRemix / SAMPLE to someone else !?!?? And not me?!???? I’m going back to bed, man,” the rapper who is currently serving 10 years in prison wrote on X. 

Other fans agreed with Lanez, condemning the superproducer for violating “street code” by associating with Tekashi 6ix9ine. 

Akon says he can’t violate what doesn’t exist.

“There is no street code,” the producer said. 

He noted that the codes he grew up with, which were once followed, are no longer practiced by the younger generation.  

“Everybody’s disobeying the codes, so there are no codes to even follow,” the artist said. 


The singer-songwriter also added that he chose to give the sample to Tekashi to reach a particular audience.

“It was more of a creative decision and a generational decision. Because the generation that I needed to speak to, they all followed Tekashi at that time,” the artist said.  

During the interview, the star discussed another controversial topic, polygamy. The Muslim Senegalese-American explained that a man having multiple wives is traditional. He also defends his friend Neyo’s lifestyle, which involves having multiple girlfriends.

“I applaud him for doing it, because he’s doing what a lot of guys wish and would want to do, they just don’t have the balls to be honest with the girls that they’re dealing with, Akon said. 

The loverboy friends will join forces as they co-headline “Nights Like This” Global Tour. The  57-city tour kicks off  Friday, April 24, in Dublin, Ireland. 

RELATED CONTENT: Akon Counters Wife’s Divorce Request, Asking She Be Denied Spousal Support

Tamera Mowry-Housley, Trailblazer Award
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 16, 2026

Tamera Mowry Deletes Threads Account After Questioned On MAGA Ties

The Disney actress quickly deleted her Threads account over the MAGA questioning.

Tamera Mowry-Housley had a short stint on Threads, deleting the social media account after users questioned if she aligned with MAGA.

Mowry-Housley made her Threads debut on April 13, starting her new profile with a short and sweet, “I’m new here.” However, not everyone gave her a warm welcome.

Instead, the former “Sister, Sister” actress received warnings about expected behavior on the platform. Underneath her introductory post, other Threads users let her know that prior rules of celebrity engagement don’t exist here.

According to Aol.com, one user commented, “Rules: You will not be treated like a celebrity here. What is your stance on January 6?”

Others began to jump on the “rules” train, another letting her know, “Watch yourself TaMAGA.”

A third user referenced her former character on the ’90s teen sitcom. They also emphasized how the Housley version of the entertainer would not pass on the platform.

“Go ahead and head out,” shared the commenter. “On this app they either love on you or don’t. And when they don’t, it’s ruthless. Over here, they like Tamera Campbell and Tamera Mowry, but they don’t eff with Tamera Mowry-Housley.”

With the wave of critiques, Mowry’s time on Threads came to an abrupt end. However, the married mother of two has previously faced criticism for her husband, Adam Housley, and his divisive views. Housley was a reporter with Fox News for nearly two decades until 2018.

Given his alignment with the more conservative network, fans of his wife began to question her political stances, leading them to immediately probe the ex-Disney actress on the app. While the two have sparked controversies whenever Housley shares his political views on social media, even aligning with some Trump policies, he put an end to the MAGA rumors in 2018.

“This is just for clarification, so if you see any stupid people spewing lies…per usual…have them refer to this tweet. @TameraMowryTwo and I did not support [Donald] Trump or Hillary [Clinton], and nowhere has there ever been anything said to prove such,” he wrote during Trump’s first term.

While he denounced any alignment with Trump, their shared family views do not indicate liberal tendencies either. Given this, Mowry-Housley has kept things mostly silent on the political front, especially amid her Black fanbase.

However, her self-induced banishment from Threads comes amid a wave of zero-tolerance policies toward alleged Black Trump supporters. TLC singer Chili recently caught virtual hands after reposting racist imagery of Michelle Obama. She denied her status as a MAGA supporter, although political donations suggested otherwise.

RELATED CONTENT: Double Exposure: Tia & Tamera Mowry

Nurse, Abortion Pills, arrest
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 16, 2026

Florida Doctor Arrested For Manslaughter After Allegedly Taking Wrong Organ During Surgery

The doctor removed the man's liver instead of his spleen, as blood loss prompted the 70-year-old's death.

A Florida doctor is facing manslaughter charges for allegedly removing the wrong organ during surgery.

According to ABC 7, Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky was indicted for second-degree manslaughter by a grand jury for the fatal surgery, which occurred in August 2024. Prosecutors alleged that the botched operation led to “catastrophic blood loss,” resulting in the death of a 70-year-old man.

The senior citizen, who hails from Alabama, came in expecting the removal of his spleen. Instead, Shaknovsky removed his liver, with the man dying on the operating table. The patient’s widow revealed his identity to NBC News as Bill Bryan.

For the deadly mistake, Shaknovsky was detained on April 13 in Miramar Beach, Florida. The 44-year-old physician was transported to Walton County Jail ahead of his hearing the following day.

The legal filing detailed that Shaknovsky recommended the surgery after the 70-year-old Bryan arrived at Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital Emerald Coast with abdominal pain. After further inspection revealed a “suspected enlarged spleen,” Shaknovsky advised the old man to let him remove the organ.

The filing noted that Shaknovsky “continued to pressure” the man into agreeing to the operation, although Bryan wished to return home to Alabama. The patient also went into cardiac arrest during the procedure. The legal document mentioned that Shaknovsky proceeded with the operation anyway.

“Dr. Shaknovsky removed an organ he believed to be the spleen, but due to his shock and the chaos, he was unable to properly identify the organ,” the filing states.

Shaknovsky listed his cause of death as a ruptured splenic artery aneurysm. However, an autopsy later found “no evidence” of the issue.

Following the deadly procedure, the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners filed a court order to suspend Shaknovsky’s medical license. It was subsequently suspended in Florida and New York as well.

Now, the elderly man’s family remains at a loss over the preventable death. Furthermore, they still wonder how such grave malpractice could happen.

“When I tell people what happened, it still sounds too awful to be true that that could happen,” explained Byran’s widow, Beverly Bryan. “I still have trouble believing it happened myself. Can you imagine?”

RELATED CONTENT: Family Of Georgia Woman Who Died From Negligence During BBL Procedure Awarded $52M

Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, president, endorse, vice president
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 16, 2026

Joe Biden Divides Internet After Bringing Man Onstage Who ‘Resembles’ Barack Obama

Biden joked about a Syracuse University trustee's resemblance to Barack Obama.

Joe Biden is facing mixed backlash after bringing a man onstage and noting his similarity to Barack Obama.

Biden’s comments raised eyebrows after he appeared at Syracuse University. Recorded by C-SPAN, Biden returned to his alma mater for the unveiling of his portrait at the Albany-based law school.

Its On Site reposted footage of the televised encounter between the former President and the chairman of the law school’s Board of Trustees.

“I always want to turn around to one guy and say.. ‘Barack, what are you doing?'” Biden joked while the audience laughed.

As the man, identified as Jeffrey M. Scruggs, walked up to the stage, Biden mentioned the resemblance to his former boss.

“I feel like he should be standing on the right and I should be standing on the left,” Biden shared as he stood alongside Scruggs.

According to Fox News, the comment referenced a backstage joke between the two public figures. A source reportedly told the news outlet that Scruggs’ daughter wanted the chairman to ask Biden if he favored Obama.

However, not all who witnessed the event found the joke a laughing matter. X users had divisive comments on the issue, with some calling the moment harmless.

One Tennessee Democratic politician, Chris D. Jackson, wanted right-wingers not to spin the moment to fit an anti-Biden narrative.

Others, however, took the joke as a signal of Biden’s racial bias.

“Admittedly, all black people look the same to Joe…” wrote another.

As the moment gained traction, many mentioned how conservatives used the comment to remark on Biden’s older age and mental state. Supporters of Biden called out the alleged right-wing agenda to discredit the 83-year-old.

Another naysayer also noted a potential double standard if Trump had made the same joke. However, given the vastly different relationship he has with Obama, the joke would have probably landed differently.

“If Trump said this, people would be calling for his head,” shared the X user.

While some have called for greater backlash, most Democrats have taken the incident as an innocent exchange. Others have even admitted that Scruggs’ facial features resemble those of the former President.

RELATED CONTENT: Kamala Harris Calls Joe Biden’s Reelection Campaign ‘Recklessness’ In New Memoir

Tony! Toni! Toné!, D'Wayne Wiggins, Children, Estate
by Mitti Hicks

April 16, 2026

Some States Changing Custody Laws To Keep Children Of Detained Immigrants Out Of Foster Care

It’s a move that comes as President Donald Trump promised the largest mass deportation in U.S. history.

Some states are changing their custody laws to mitigate a problem many didn’t see coming: keeping the children from detained immigrants out of foster care. It’s a move that comes as President Donald Trump promised the largest mass deportation in U.S. history.

According to an investigation by KFF, nearly 70,000 people are being held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement as of April 2026. In January, when records showed nearly 73,000 people in ICE detention, that represented an 84% increase compared to the same time last year. According to ProPublica reporting, the parents of at least 11,000 children who are U.S. citizens have been detained since Trump took office for a second term.

That’s prompting some states to amend existing laws that allow children to remain out of the foster care system.

As KFF detailed in its investigation, Maryland, New York, Virginia, and even Washington, D.C., had already amended their laws during Trump’s first term to allow guardians to be granted parental rights for immigration-enforcement purposes. Other states have joined in or are currently considering changes.

California and Nevada passed laws last year to protect families separated. In California, the Family Preparedness Plan Act allows parents to designate guardians and share custodial rights, rather than having those rights suspended during detention. Parents regain full parental rights if they’re released.

In New Jersey, state lawmakers are considering a bill to amend a state law that currently allows parents to nominate temporary guardians in the cases of death, incapacity, debilitation, and add separation due to federal immigration enforcement.

The data from the Brookings Institution show that nearly 6 million children who are reportedly U.S. citizens also live with a parent or family member who lacks legal immigration status. Within that group, nearly 3 million children have two parents who are undocumented.

RELATED CONTENT: Data Reveals Black Immigrants​ Targeted In Aggressive New ‘Street Arrest’ Report

Jackie Robinson
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 16, 2026

MLB Pays Tribute To Jackie Robinson, Honoring The Man Who Redefined The Game And Opened Doors

April 15 was the 79th anniversary of Robinson breaking the color barrier in the league

On the 79th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s debut in Major League Baseball, becoming the first Black player to enter the league, every player, coach, umpire, and on-field staff for every MLB team honored his legacy by wearing his uniform number, No. 42.

Major League Baseball announced that the occasion would be celebrated through its MLB Together program at every game on April 15. On Jackie Robinson Day, everyone on the baseball field wore royal blue socks with 42 on them; the uniforms all bore 42 in the Dodgers’ royal blue, with a side patch matching Robinson’s number.

The league also introduced a campaign narrated by National Baseball Hall of Famer CC Sabathia, which debuted across MLB Media outlets, called “We Are Jackie.” It features social media interviews with current and former players speaking about the impact of Robinson’s legacy on their careers.

Along with Sabathia, other players who spoke about Robinson’s contributions are: 2026 Hall of Fame Inductee Andruw Jones, 2022 Jackie Robinson NL Rookie of the Year Michael Harris II, Oakland Athletics outfielders Lawrence Butler and Denzel Clarke, Victor Scott II of the St. Louis Cardinals, and AUSL (Athletes Unlimited Softball League) players Maya Brady and Jayda Coleman.

In Los Angeles, where the New York Mets took on the Dodgers, two of Robinson’s granddaughters, Sonya Pankey Robinson and Ayo Robinson, appeared with both teams, along with several scholars from the Jackie Robinson Foundation.

“My ask is that we remember how we got here,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “It’s one thing to appreciate where we’re at, the fruits of all that we have. We’re all the beneficiaries of what Jackie did and sacrificed.”

MLB also announced that each team had its own Jackie Robinson Day initiative.

Jackie Robinson made history when he made his debut on April 15, 1947, at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers.

RELATED CONTENT: Learning Through Jackie Robinson’s Legacy

gas prices
by Jameelah Mullen

April 16, 2026

Lies and Deception: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Says Gas Prices Are Down With A Straight Face

If ‘playing in our faces” were a person.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt sparked a firestorm on social media after claiming that gas prices have decreased under the Trump administration, when in fact they have risen. 

Since President Donald Trump and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a war with Iran, global fuel prices have surged. The increase is a consequence of the war in Iran, as limited shipping traffic has passed through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest oil shipping channels. 

However, these facts didn’t stop Leavitt from stepping up to the microphone in a recent press briefing, claiming that Americans are paying less at the pump. 

“Thank goodness we have a president in an administration that believes in American energy dominance in bringing down prices at the pump,” The 28-year-old press secretary said at an April 15  press briefing.

“Look at how gas prices decreased over the past year since this president was in office, Leavitt claimed. 

“They gaslight more than my ex,” a commenter wrote beneath the clip shared by The Neighborhood Talk on Instagram.

“These people are so shameless and despicable. Gasoline is up 33% to 50%, depending on where you live,“ an X user wrote. 

“This is such a ridiculous bald-faced lie, it’s insulting to the American people,” Congressman Shri Thanedar wrote on X. 

“Gas prices have increased 30% over the past year, yet Trump’s Press Secretary has the audacity to lie to you and claim that they’ve gone down. The absolute lack of shame is appalling,” The politician wrote. 

At the same press conference, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he’s “optimistic” that gasoline prices will decrease by summer 2026.

“I’m optimistic that during the summer we will see gas with a 3 in front of it sooner rather than later,” the Treasury secretary said in a statement obtained by Politico.

According to AAA as of April 2026, U.S. gas prices have experienced their largest monthly jump in over six decades, rising over 21% since February. The current national average for regular gas is over $4 per gallon.

RELATED CONTENT: 8 Actions To Help Save Money On Gas As Prices Continue To Soar

Black-owned businesses, app, Birmingham, Better Auth
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 16, 2026

Android Users Might Qualify For Google’s $135M Settlement: Here’s How

Anyone in the U.S. who used an Android device with a cellular data plan anytime since November 12, 2017, might qualify.

People who have used an Android phone since 2017 may be eligible for a share of a $135 million Google settlement—here’s how to find out if you qualify.

Google recently settled a lawsuit alleging its Android system transmitted user data without consent, The Independent reports. While the company denied any wrongdoing, it agreed to pay $135 million.

“We are pleased to resolve this case, which mischaracterized standard industry practices that keep Android safe,” said José Castaneda, a Google spokesperson. “We’re providing additional disclosures to give people more information about how our services work.”

Roughly 100 million people could qualify for the settlement. According to the administrator, a final approval hearing is set for June 23. Eligible claimants must be U.S. residents who used an Android device with a cellular data plan anytime since November 12, 2017. Those included in a prior California case tied to a $350 million settlement are not eligible. If approved, the $135 million fund will be distributed to qualifying users after attorney fees and court costs are deducted.

Individual payouts are expected to be modest, roughly $1 to $1.50 per person and capped at $100. U.S. Android users may be eligible, with key deadlines set for May 29 (objections) and June 23 (final approval hearing). Eligible Android users have been notified by mail or email, according to the settlement administrator, with payments to be issued electronically. Individual payout amounts have not yet been determined.

Users can contact the settlement administrator or visit the official website to verify their eligibility. Those unsure of their eligibility can contact the settlement administrator at 1-844-655-4255.

The lawsuit alleges that data transfers on Google’s Android system occurred in the background without user notice—even when devices were idle. It also claims these transfers could happen over cellular networks, potentially consuming users’ data plans.

RELATED CONTENT: Instagram for Android Now Available

Megan Thee Stallion, walmart, swimwear
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 16, 2026

Hot Girl Summer Goes Co-Ed (And Canine): Megan Thee Stallion Expands Swim Line

The affordable swimwear line at Walmart has expanded its offerings.

Megan Thee Stallion wants every person and animal to show off their hottie status this summer.

The rapper and entrepreneur has expanded her Hot Girl Summer swimwear line to introduce new pieces for men and furry friends. A dog owner herself, Megan Thee Stallion showed off the new collection on Instagram on April 14.

“CALLING ALL MY HOT GIRLS, HOT BOYS & HOT DOGS !! Hot Girl Universe just landed at Walmart,” she explained in the caption. “Grab your Hot Girl Summer swim now.”

The promotional teaser showed the 31-year-old in vibrant swimwear as she introduced the “Hot Girl Universe.” As for the pet line’s cover model, Megan brought in her own furry friend, a French bulldog named 4oe.

The collection, available at Walmart, already had bikinis, one-pieces, and coverups for the ladies. Now, it features more variations, including “Hot Boy Summer” swim trunks in tan, pink, and orange. For the little hotties, Megan has a “Hot Dog Summer”: T-shirts and “barkinis” for dogs to match their loving owners.

As the self-proclaimed leader of the season, the rapper is doing her part to ensure another Hot Girl Summer.

“I really wanted to expand my reach with this year’s collection and bring everyone into my Hot Girl Universe,” Megan said in a press release, according to Billboard. “Our brand is all about inclusivity, so it was important for me to design pieces for everyone to kick off the summer in style. It’s going to be so much fun seeing the Hotties and their pets wearing their matching looks.”

With prices ranging from just under $10 to $32, those with poolside plans can purchase swimwear for everybody in the group chat.

RELATED CONTENT: Megan Thee Stallion Hospitalized During Performance of ‘Moulin Rouge!’

×