by Sharelle B. McNair

April 14, 2026

Big Changes Coming To USPS As Officials Claim Old Business Model ‘Doesn’t Work’

There have been several attempts to bring reform to the Postal Service as the agency’s business model has not changed much in more than 50 years ago.

First Postmaster General David Steiner announced the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is on schedule to run out of cash by February 2027, and now officials claim more changes are on the way since the 1970s-dated system “doesn’t work” anymore, The New York Times reports.

With all the changes coming out of the agency, David Marroni, a postal service expert at the Government Accountability Office, blames the outdated business model.

“The core issue here is the existing USPS business model, where it’s supposed to be financially self-supporting based on providing postal services, just doesn’t work today,” Marroni said.

There have been several attempts to reform the Postal Service, as the agency’s business model has not changed much since its current iteration from more than 50 years ago, when Congress moved it from a cabinet-level department funded by taxpayers to a self-financed, independent agency.

But with Steiner admitting the agency is strapped for cash and calling on lawmakers to consider drastic changes to save money, more money is set to come out of American voters’ pockets under the proposed changes.

“We can do whatever you want us to do. We’ve been doing it for 250 years,” he said, according to The Sun. “But who’s going to pay for it? We cannot continue to do the things that lose us money on a very consistent basis.”

Shortly after Easter, USPS suggested raising stamp prices by 5%, saying it would temporarily suspend some payments to a government retirement fund. The agency also called on lawmakers to make room to permit them to dial back on delivery days and give longer consideration to revenue-losing routes.

The commitment to upholding the agency’s “universal service obligation” to deliver to everyone in the nation comes with a hefty price tag: more than $6.5 billion a year. Out of 10 USPS delivery routes, seven are “financially underwater,” Steiner told Congress during a March hearing. While it saves money, recipients in rural America will be affected the most; however, Maryland Democratic Rep. Kweisi Mfume vowed to work with Texas Republican Rep. Pete Sessions, a postal reform advocate, to ensure every American continues to be served.

“Americans in every part of this country rely upon and really deserve prompt, reliable and efficient mail services,” Mfume said.

“We cannot lose the postal service as we know it.”

In addition to stamps, the Postal Regulatory Commission approved a temporary 8% surcharge on packages amid rising fuel and transportation costs. While the increase leaves room for stiff competition from other delivery services such as FedEx, UPS, and Amazon, Americans rely heavily on the Postal Service for important mail delivery, including prescription drugs and election ballots.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 14, 2026

Russell Simmons Says He Was ‘Very Generous’ With Helping Kimora Lee Build Baby Phat

Russell Simmons claims he “gave” Kimora Lee the Baby Phat brand.

Russell Simmons appears to be pushing back on his ex-wife’s recent interview, in which she alluded to being shortchanged in the sale of the Baby Phat brand—something he claims he built and later “gave” to her.

Simmons made the remarks via social media to a clip from Kimora Lee’s interview on the Aspire With Emma Grede podcast, where she said she didn’t own a fair share of Baby Phat and received $20 million from the reporter $140 million sale, while Simmons and his associates controlled larger stakes.

“I gave her the brand, which already existed, I put her in baby phat leather shorts the day we met,” Simmons wrote in a comment captured by The Shade Room. “I found designers / made her famous and marketed the brand with her face. Eventually, she learned and blossomed. She did a good job, BUT NOTE ..Very generous of me.”

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A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom)

During the interview, Lee told Grede she was sidelined in the 2004 sale of Baby Phat, claiming she received a disproportionately small share despite the brand’s success being closely tied to her image. At the time of the sale, it was reported that Phat Fashions was sold to the Kellwood Company for $140 million.

“I probably got $20 million of that, or less,” Kimora told Grede.

The former fashion model and entrepreneur said she was unaware that early sale discussions were taking place at the time.

The claims mark the latest chapter in her ongoing feud with Simmons. The pair married in 1998, welcomed their two daughters, Ming and Aoki, in 2000 and 2002, separated in 2006, and finalized their divorce in 2009.

In 2021, Simmons sued Lee and Tim Leissner, alleging they conspired to transfer nearly 4 million shares of Celsius without his consent—a case that remains ongoing. More recently, Kimora said she has little relationship with her children’s fathers, a claim Simmons disputed on social media.

“I gave u 50,000 a month for 20 years,” he wrote. “I was ur best /only friend. I’m the godfather to your other 3 kids, until one day you stole my stock,” the hip-hop mogul wrote on Instagram. “I have been fighting for my kids’ love and my bread ever since. You threatened that if I sued you, I would never speak to my kids again. There are two sides to every story.”

Last month, Leem announced she was dropping “Simmons” from her name, calling the move a step toward clarity and ownership.

Missouri Town Fires City Council Members Days After It Approved $6B Data Center Deal

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 14, 2026

Missouri Town Fires City Council Members Days After It Approved $6B Data Center Deal

The pushback is the latest in increased public backlash from rural area subjected to host hyperscale data centers.

Residents of Festus, Missouri, were not feeling the city council’s approval of a $6 billion data center, so they decided to fire more than half of the officials in a fight to save their community, Politico reports.

The small town, just 30 minutes south of St. Louis and home to roughly 12,000 people, showed up to an election to express disdain over the approval of the massive data center and relieve four elected officials who voted for the center of their duties: Jim Tinnin, Jim Collier, Brian Wehner and Bobby Venz.

“I ran because I thought the city was not listening to people,” said Rick Belleville, 70, who beat out Tinnin by more than 40 percentage points. “It’s really the way the deal was handled that led to this kind of uprising.”

Festus residents don’t plan on stopping at the city council. They are targeting Mayor Sam Richards by gathering signatures for a recall petition to oust the mayor and the remaining four council members. A lawsuit was also filed against the city and developer CRG, as residents have repeatedly called on council members to answer a few unanswered questions before the March 30 vote.

One such question: Who is operator for the center scheduled to be built on 360 wooded acres on the city’s southwest side?

Resident Sherman Boyle said, “This was so avoidable,” and pressured future city leaders to “listen to your residents.”

Fellow Festus resident Lori Merriman started a grassroots group, Wake Up JeffCo, to fight data center projects in her city and the surrounding areas. “This is going in almost next door to our house,” she said. “We just built it two years ago. It was supposed to be our forever home.”

The pushback is the latest in the growing public backlash against rural areas that host hyperscale data centers despite residents’ objections.

A large data center in South Memphis, Tennessee, operated by Elon Musk’s xAI, has drawn widespread criticism for being powered by natural gas. Residents accuse the data center of increasing nitrogen oxide air pollution, causing breathing problems for the people who call South Memphis home.

Data from the Pew Research Center revealed more than 1,500 new data centers are in development nationwide—and more are on the way— with most planned construction taking place in the South and Midwest. Seventy-five percent of all planned data centers will be built in these two regions, with the South accounting for almost half. Southern states are set to become home to 754 data centers in addition to 1,209 already in existence.

Just like Merriman, 38% of Americans live within a five-mile radius of at least one data center and since many are built in bulk, nine out of 10 data centers are within five miles of each other.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 14, 2026

White Woman Files Discrimination Lawsuit After Being Denied Entry Into Black Infant Health Program

A public health program for Black mothers and infants in California is facing a federal discrimination lawsuit after a white woman was denied entry.

A California health equity program designed to support Black mothers and birthing individuals is now facing a federal discrimination lawsuit after a white woman was denied entry.

On April 2, Erica Jimenez of Pasadena filed a lawsuit against the California Department of Public Health, alleging that it violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment and the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination in federally funded programs. Jimenez, whom the Pacific Legal Foundation represents, claims the Black Infant Health (BIH) program denied her access to prenatal and postpartum support services because of her race, citing its race-based enrollment criteria.

“California’s program treats race as a stand-in for need — assuming that only mothers of one race deserve or require the help this program offers,” said Andrew Quinio, an attorney with Pacific Legal Foundation. “Drawing a line around a public benefit program and saying only certain races may enter is precisely the kind of discrimination the Equal Protection Clause prohibits.”

The Black Infant Health program, established in 1989 and now partly federally funded, supports pregnant and postpartum Black mothers and birthing people, according to the California Department of Public Health. Created to address disparities linked to racism and socioeconomic stressors, it offers counseling and care to participants aged 16 and older with no income requirements.

The program explicitly focuses on empowering Black women through pregnancy and beyond, and this fiscal year received nearly $24 million in state funding and about $6 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Jimenez, who is white with a Spanish surname, applied to Pasadena’s BIH program while pregnant in February but was told she didn’t qualify based on race, according to the lawsuit. Despite meeting all other requirements, she was denied access to publicly funded pregnancy and early childhood services, benefits the suit claims were withheld solely because of her race.

“The government should not be in the business of discriminating,” said Jimenez, who gave birth to a boy in March. “I hope my son can grow up in a state that is more respectful of the Constitution. California has been getting away with a lot of stuff.”

The lawsuit asks the court to block California from excluding applicants based on race. It seeks class-action status so Jimenez can represent others who meet the program’s criteria but were denied for the same reason.

“If it is certified as a class action suit, then we will be litigating claims on behalf of a group of similarly situated individuals who are all excluded from the program,” Quinio said. “So the case would have a broader impact and significance to multiple mothers, not just Erica. The relief we seek, which is the elimination of the program’s racial barriers, would also apply to all members of the class.”

The case adds to a growing wave of lawsuits challenging programs aimed at supporting Black communities, with claims of “reverse discrimination,” illegal quotas, and hostile work environments. Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling on affirmative action, plaintiffs—often white men—have increasingly filed Title VII claims. With heightened opposition to DEI efforts and more than 75 ongoing cases, federal scrutiny has intensified over whether such initiatives violate civil rights laws.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 14, 2026

Morris Brown College Preps For First Graduation Of ‘Restoration Class’ Since Reaccreditation

Morris Brown will commemorate its first wave of graduations since regaining accreditation.

This year’s commencement ceremony for Morris Brown College holds a special place in the HBCU’s history.

This cohort of graduates, deemed the “Restoration Class,” is the first to graduate from Morris Brown since its reaccreditation. As the 92 spring graduates of Morris Brown bask in this milestone accomplishment, they also reflected on their own stories of second chances.

One senior, Faith Shamley, revived her academic journey just as Morris Brown did. After stepping away from college in 2019, Shamley took a leap of faith in herself and the institution she had renewed her commitment to.

Now, the Atlanta native expects to graduate with this restoration class, while also adding to a familial legacy. Shamley’s grandfather also attended Morris Brown years ago. Furthering his footsteps, she says the choice has changed her entire life’s trajectory.

“I always say that my experience at Morris Brown has been life-changing,” Shamley told WSB-TV.

As the school regained its own footing, Shamley appreciated taking part in this history. She also says that it allowed the smaller campus to form close bonds, even being on a first-name basis with the school’s president.

“The president knows me by name; he knows all the other students by name,” explained Shamley. “You’re not going to get that at any other college. So, it’s just a really, really special place to be.”

Morris Brown’s journey remains one of determination and resilience, inspiring other HBCUs at risk of losing accreditation. The school fought for decades to restore its status after losing it in 2002, regaining it 20 years later.

“[Shamley] was one of the first students to enroll in MBC in 2022 when we regained our accreditation,” explained the college’s President, Dr. Kevin James.

Now, as the HBCU inches closer to its former glory within the Atlanta University Center, it has its first wave of new era alums to thank. Instilling faith in one another has made both the school’s and the students’ efforts fruitful.

Shamley will end her undergraduate journey with a 3.9 GPA. Her academic performance also secured her acceptance to the Ivy League for her next degree.

“We are excited about the student success here at Morris Brown. This is what a resurgence and a comeback look like,” James added.

Following graduation, Shamley intends to join Columbia University’s graduate program for nonprofit management. While unsure of how she will matriculate, she remains excited to procure her Morris Brown degree as she extends her academic journey.

Kamala Harris, day of unreasonable conversations, 107 Days, book tour, Trump adminsitration

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 14, 2026

Kamala Harris Welcomes 2028 Speculation At NAN Convention: ‘I Know What The Job Requires’

Rev. Al Sharpton wasted no time asking the question that many voters want answered.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris opened the floodgates for speculation of a 2028 presidential run during Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network (NAN) Convention.

During her April 10 fireside chat with Sharpton, the civil rights leader wasted no time asking the question on many voters’ minds.: So are you going to run again in 2028?”

Following a quip—”We love you for many things, but not being subtle,” a laughing Harris got right down to it.

“Listen, I might, I might. I’m thinking about it,” she told the crowd. “Let me say this…I served for four years, being a heartbeat away from the presidency of the United States. I spent countless hours in my West Wing office, footsteps away from the Oval Office. I spent countless hours in the Oval Office in the situation room. I know what the job is, and I know what it requires.”

Former Vice President Kamala Harris is increasingly behaving like a candidate in waiting for the 2028 presidential election.

Harris told the crowd at the Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network (NAN) convention in New York City that she “might” run in 2028, an answer she’s… pic.twitter.com/8MLiBZrmu8
— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) April 10, 2026

Some of Harris’ behind-the-scenes allies say she’s been going through “a testing of the waters” as the midterm elections approach, according to The Hill. As one longtime donor put it, “She’s a smart woman and also isn’t going to do something fruitless for no reason”—especially if the support isn’t showcased.

While other presidential hopefuls like former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro also made appearances at the conference, the reception of Harris’ speculation carried a certain heft. “As she should. Nobody else has the requisite experience, certainly not on foreign policy, which will now be key,” @_kayah_ wrote on X.

“In 2028, especially, we can’t afford a newbie. Plus, she’s got the right temperament and grit for the job.”

As she should. Nobody else has the requisite experience, certainly not on foreign policy which will now be key. In 2028 especially, we can’t afford a newbie. Plus she’s got the right temperament and grit for the job.
— Kayah (@__Kayah__) April 10, 2026

Harris introduced the idea that she may make another bid for president during a February conversation with podcaster and author Sharon McMahon. “I haven’t decided,” she said. “I might.”

A few weeks later, she is making a round of public appearances, including with students at North Carolina A&T State University, where she spoke on the steps of the Dudley Building in the shadow of the A&T Four statue, which features the four students who started the 1960 Woolworth sit-in to protest segregation.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 14, 2026

Ice Cube Calls Cap On Rumors He’s Done With Acting

"Stop lying."

Former NWA member Ice Cube responded to a social media post saying that “he’s done with Hollywood” with two words: “Stop lying.”

A post on X prompted the Boyz in Da Hood star to nip rumors in the bud. Parody account @HoopsCrave initially tweeted that Cube was leaving Hollywood because “They keep offering me the same angry Black man role.” Before Cube answered, other users had disputed the comment.

X even posted a disclaimer under the message, “Readers added context: Ice Cube didn’t say that.” Of course, Cube confirmed it himself.

Stop lying https://t.co/BDCug6V6sq
— Ice Cube (@icecube) April 6, 2026

Cube was recently “honored” when the last movie he starred in, the 2025 remake of War of the Worlds, was a big winner at March’s 2026 Golden Raspberry Awards, which “reward” the worst movies released. The movie won five of six awards. In addition to the film being named Worst Picture, Cube won the Razzie for Worst Actor. The movie also received Worst Director, Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-Off or Sequel and Worst Screenplay.

Despite those distinctions, Cube’s movie career appears to be in good shape. One of his most famous films, Friday, will shoot the final sequel, Last Friday. This will be the fourth Friday film, following the original in 1995, Next Friday (2000), and Friday After Next (2002).

Deadline recently reported that another Cube sequel, Ride Along 3 is in early discussions at Universal. The film will star Cube and Kevin Hart again, with Tim Story directing and Will Packer producing.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 14, 2026

Debbie Allen To Deliver Commencement Speech At Clark Atlanta Ahead of ‘Different World’ Reboot

Allen will engage with the HBCU community as she brings its culture back to the small screen.

Debbie Allen will deliver this year’s commencement speech for graduates at Clark Atlanta University.

The “A Different World” producer will return to another HBCU graduation to serve as the keynote speaker. Clark Atlanta will further recognize the storied actress, director, and choreographer at the May 18 ceremony.

CAU highlighted her immense legacy and support of historically Black institutions in a new post to its Panthers community.

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A post shared by Clark Atlanta University (@cau1988)

“Her life’s work embodies discipline, creativity, and unapologetic excellence,” expressed the school in the caption.

As the artistic trailblazer prepares to grace Clark Atlanta’s stage, she brings an illustrious history of her own. Throughout her storied career, Allen has acquired numerous awards, including one Golden Globe and five Emmy Awards, particularly for her work in the ’80s television show “Fame.”

As a director and producer, she also directed most episodes of “A Different World,” the ’90s “Cosby Show” spin-off that focused on the fictional HBCU Hillman College. Allen, a fellow HBCU alum, helped establish the show as a landmark program to promote HBCU culture and tradition.

Alongside her return to a real-life campus, she will bring the world of Hillman back to the small screen with a Netflix revival. An advocate for stories that focus on Black collegiate life, Allen hopes this modern retelling will grow the Hillman legacy and encourage Black youth to attend such institutions.

“There couldn’t be a better time than now to reboot ‘A Different World,’” Allen told Tudum, Netflix’s media magazine. “Our show changed lives, tripled the enrollment of historically Black colleges and gave a strong voice and platform for Young Black America. The incredible fresh young talent we have discovered, paired with the lovable audience favorite OGs, makes this much-anticipated return a must-see on Netflix.”

Allen is also a seasoned commencement speaker. She previously spoke at other graduation ceremonies while receiving honorary doctoral degrees from schools such as the University of North Carolina, Yale University, and her alma mater, Howard University.

Now, Allen will inspire Clark Atlanta’s class of 2026, encouraging graduates to make their marks on the world, just as she has.

Black Women’s Health Imperative, Her Health Challenge

by Mitti Hicks

April 14, 2026

ACA Subsidies May Trigger A Surprise Tax Bill For Some Americans

Tougher rules for 2026 for anyone who receives an ACA could lead to a bigger tax bill.

If you received an Affordable Care Act Premium in 2025, you may face an unexpected tax bill this filing season.

According to CNN, more than 90% of enrollees received at least some subsidy assistance last year. Subsidies were paid directly to insurers based on projected household income. Enrollees will have to reconcile what they received against their actual earnings by filing Form 8962, using income data the IRS sends on Form 1095-A during tax time.

If the filer’s income exceeded projections, enrollees will have to repay a portion of the subsidies.

For 2025, repayment is capped on a sliding scale, starting at $375 for a single individual earning under $31,300 or two times the federal poverty level. The maximum is $1,625 for individuals and $3,250 for families.

There is no cap for those earning above four times the federal poverty level, totaling $62,600 for an individual in 2025 or $106,600 for a family of three. This means they could owe back all amounts that exceeded their eligibility.

Tougher Rules For ACA Subsidies That Could Impact 2026 Taxes

It’s important to note that repayment caps disappear in 2026 after President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. For taxpayers, this means there will be no sliding-scale limit on how much people could owe back in subsidies for 2026 if their income exceeds their projections.

One problem taxpayers could run into for 2026 is that the average monthly premium for ACA health insurance is around $619. The average subsidy enrollees receive is reportedly around $74, according to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker.

Since Congress did not extend subsidies, people are working more to cover healthcare costs. By doing this, many will likely increase their income, which could lead to earning too much in 2026. If workers receive a subsidy in 2026, they could owe it all back next tax season if they earn too much, since there is no cap.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 14, 2026

Teyana Taylor Teases Team Shake-Up After Missed Call From Young Thug, ‘Somebody’s Getttin’ Fired’

Taylor reassured Young Thug that she wasn't dodging his call.

Teyana Taylor doesn’t seem to take missed opportunities lightly.

The multi-hyphenate entertainer said someone on her team could be fired after The Aunties missed a styling call from Young Thug. Taylor addressed the situation after Young Thug mentioned it onstage at the Coachella music festival.

The “One Battle After Another” actress cleared the air about the miscommunication and, presumably, joked about giving someone the boot for not letting her know about Thugger’s request. According to fan account Thugger Daily, she shared her response on an Instagram story, even tagging Young Thug’s profile.

Teyana Taylor reacts to Young Thug mentioning on stage at Coachella that he’s been waiting on her call back

“Somebody getting fired… I gotchu tho say less!” pic.twitter.com/Lx1aawW9UY
— THUGGERDAILY ひ (@ThuggerDaily) April 13, 2026

“Somebody getting fired cause ain’t nobody told AunTEY nothinnnn, nothinnnnn,” asserted Taylor.

The 35-year-old promised directly from her account that she’s open to future collaborations with Thug.

“and that’s word to Dolla Bill aka Uncle Bernie Mac! I gotchu tho @thuggerthugger1 say less,” she added.

Her comments came shortly after Thug paused his Coachella set to make note of her attendance. Right then, he revealed his requests for her styling expertise.

“Teyana Taylor in here, what’s up?” he told her through the crowd. “I been tryna get in touch with her for the last month…I wanted her to style me.”

However, things seemed to become awkward as they vented about Taylor’s busy schedule.

He continued, “She too big, wasn’t calling back.”

Young Thug further claimed that her team made false promises to connect the two, which the 34-year-old took as excuses to avoid working together.

“We promise she’s gonna call back later. We promise she’s rehearsing,” he recalled, before adding, “I’m like, ‘What she rehearsing for?’”

Fortunately, Taylor denied being uninterested in styling Young Thug. Taylor, through her visual production company, The Aunties, has made a name for herself in the creative direction space.

Since launching this other side of her artistry, she has transformed the styling and staging for artists such as Latto, Summer Walker, and just added Essence Fest.