Morgan State, Miss New Jersey, Miss USA — Photo by Bestbe Models: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-silver-colored-crown-looking-right-side-2062542/

by Kandiss Edwards

April 24, 2026

Spelman Responds To ‘Miss Spelman’ Co-Queen Backlash

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DeSean Jackson — photo credit: Keith Allison from Hanover, MD, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 24, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Biggs has not returned to the team since the incident.

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

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

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

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

Jackson responded to the lawsuit via his social media page:

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

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Southwest — (Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

by Kandiss Edwards

April 24, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Parker says she will pursue a full refund.

Travis Scott, WNBA, Houston Comets, — (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 24, 2026

WNBA Battles Travis Scott-Linked Firm Over Houston Comets Trademark

TSTM Holdings presently holds the trademarked name

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Smokey Robinson, sexual assault — Photo credit: Gage Skidmore, Wikimedia Commons CCA

by Kandiss Edwards

April 24, 2026

Smokey Robinson’s Countersuit Partially Dismissed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Akon, Jeffree Star — (Photo: Shane Anthony Sinclair/Getty Images)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 24, 2026

Akon Signed Jeffree Star To Be ‘Male Version Of Lady Gaga’ Then Slid To Cosmetics To Make $50M A Year

Akon is revealing new details about the millions he earned with Jeffree Star

Akon is revealing new details about his business relationship with beauty mogul Jeffree Star, whom he signed early in his career before playing a role in the rise of Jeffree Star Cosmetics.

Akon recently appeared on the Kid L Podcast, where he reflected on his career, the music industry, and his business ventures—including his work with beauty mogul Jeffree Star. Speaking about Star, Akon said he recognized his potential early and signed him as an artist he believed could reach the level of Lady Gaga.

“He was supposed to be the male version of what Gaga is,” Akon said. “He’s like the perfect story. We put out his records called “Prime Night.” First week, we did a million, we thought we were gonna go on crazy, but then it stagnated and it moved.”

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Akon recalled that Jeffree Star kept promoting himself online, with his makeup tutorials gaining more traction than his music. Seeing the shift, Akon quickly recognized the opportunity and chose to invest in Star’s move into the beauty industry.

“I’m looking at the tutorials. Then I’m looking at the video. The video ain’t really moving. The music video I’m talking about,” Akon explained. “But then the tutorial videos start moving, jumping, 10 million views. I said, ‘Oh, we in the wrong business. We need to be selling makeup.'”

After meeting with Jeffree Star, Akon urged him to fully commit to the beauty industry, then traveled to China to lay the groundwork for what would become Jeffree Star Cosmetics.

“I went to China, started moving around with some manufacturers, found a company in LA that did it directly,” Akon recalled.

After launching in 2014, Jeffree Star Cosmetics quickly grew from an indie label into a global force, reportedly generating $50 million in its first year. Jeffree Star’s debut velour liquid lipsticks sold out almost instantly, fueled by his strong YouTube following and a standout formula. Spotting the opportunity, Akon encouraged him to prioritize beauty over music—a move that proved highly lucrative for both.

“We ended up not even doing music at all,” Akon said. “We ended up doing cosmetics with his line called Jeffree Star. We ended up doing 50 million a year on his cosmetics alone. Two months ago, he’s now valued at 2.1 billion.”

MEDICAID, FRAUD, — Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko: https://www.pexels.com/photo/silver-handcuffs-on-top-of-bundled-paper-money-6266771/

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 24, 2026

Georgia State Rep. Karen L. Bennett To Pay Restitution In Pandemic Fraud Case

Bennett resigned shortly after being charged, telling Gov. Brian Kemp she was retiring effective Jan. 1, 2025 but failed to give reason for her sudden retirement in the letter.

Former Democratic Georgia State Representative Karen L. Bennett was ordered to repay $13,940 after being charged with fraudulently obtaining pandemic benefits, Fox 5 Atlanta reports.

Instead of serving jail time, Bennett, who once represented House District 94 until retiring in 2025, was ordered to repay the full amount in benefits she received in addition to a $1,000 fine and $100 assessment.

Prosecutors claimed Bennett, a physical therapist, made false statements to receive the COVID-19 benefits through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program and federal supplements between March and August 2020. She claimed the quarantine mandates prevented her from working at Metro Therapy Providers, which she owns. However, attorneys allege the business continued to operate and generate income.

Prosecutors also said Bennett failed to disclose that she was receiving a $905 weekly stipend from a church where she served as a minister.

Bennett resigned shortly after being charged, telling Gov. Brian Kemp she was retiring effective Jan. 1, 2025, but failed to give a reason for her sudden retirement in the letter, according to AOL.

The Georgia state congresswoman isn’t the only elected Democratic official tied to COVID-19 fraud accusations. In January 2026, Kemp suspended state Rep. Sharon Henderson, representing District 113, from her duties after she was accused of fraud for collecting federal unemployment benefits during the pandemic.

Kemp’s decision came about after a review commission labeled the accusations of limiting her ability to perform her civic duties.

Henderson faced indictment in December 2025 on charges of theft of government funds and making false statements after being accused of collecting $17,811 in unemployment benefits illegally, but she pleaded not guilty and was released on bail.

After her indictment, Henderson spoke publicly on Facebook, saying, “I was extremely confused and shocked when I was told by FBI agents that I was being arrested.” “All I could think was ‘what could I possibly have done?’ I was baffled. I have never been accused of any wrongdoing in my entire life,” she wrote.

“I’ve never had any legal issues, never been accused of any crime, and I have never been arrested. I am 67 years old. I would never do this or do anything illegal!”

After Bennett and Henderson, Rep. Dexter Sharper, serving District 177, was also accused of fraud, with claims he allegedly applied for unemployment assistance benefits for April 2020 through May 2021.

LSU, law school dean — Photo by Mikhail Nilov: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-hand-holding-a-book-of-law-8731038/

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 24, 2026

Gender-Based Bathroom Bill Heads To South Carolina Governor’s Desk

House Bill 4756 requires each school to have a single-user bathroom or changing facility available.

A bill requiring public school students to use the bathroom that corresponds with their birth sex was passed by the South Carolina General Assembly and is now heading to the governor’s desk, but critics label it as an unfair move for transgender students, Greenville News report.

During an April 15 vote, lawmakers voted 77-31 on House Bill 4756, also called the “South Carolina Student Physical Privacy Act,” to accept Senate amendments to the bill, sending it to Gov. Henry McMaster’s desk to sign. The legislation says that public schools or universities should not use state funds to operate bathrooms or changing facilities that don’t comply with biological sex restrictions, in addition to requiring each school to have single-user bathrooms or changing rooms available.

Institutions that fail to comply with the bill risk a 25% cut in state funding.

The bill, which also creates an opportunity for litigation against a school if someone is using a bathroom and sees someone of the opposite sex using it, has received support from other elected officials like Republican Attorney General Alan Wilson. Wilson, who is running to replace McMaster, praised the bill’s passing as a day-one supporter.

“Our state’s women and girls rely on the privacy of these spaces and the assurance that they are safe from any potential harm when using them,” Wilson said in a statement.

“I am proud that South Carolina is taking this necessary step to keep men out of women’s spaces.”

Rep. Nancy Mace, also a Republican gubernatorial candidate and vocal opponent of transgender rights, praised the bill, calling it “common sense” in a statement posted on her website. “Men don’t belong in women’s bathrooms. Men don’t belong in women’s locker rooms. Men don’t belong in women’s sports. This is common sense,” the congresswoman said on her website.

“I’ve led this fight at the federal level and will follow suit as Governor. Protect our daughters. Sign this bill into law.”

But not everyone supports the sentiments of the Republican leaders.

Democratic Senate Minority Leader Sen. Brad Hutto says the legislature should focus on more important issues than bathroom restrictions, such as the rising cost of gas and the fast-growing pace of the Palmetto state. “We’re the fastest growing state in the country, we’re at war, we’ve got people paying over $5 for diesel, we’ve got all sorts of issues that we could deal with,” Hutto said.

“…And this is the most important thing we could put on special order?”

South Carolina Speaker Pro Tempore and state Rep. Tommy Pope called the move “sad,” according to WBTV. While he supported the bill, Pope said the point was to find common ground for everyone. “It’s sad to think that we’re in a situation where we’re having to legislate issues like this, that they just can’t be resolved that can accommodate everybody,” he said.

“We want to respect that, but not to the detriment of every other I keep saying, female, male, female, every other individual on the team — their privacy being jeopardized, or their rights being jeopardized.”

Seattle Storm, University of Michigan Wolverines — (Photo: Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 24, 2026

Dominique Malonga Receives FIBA Letter of Clearance, Eligible To Play In WNBA 2026-2027 Season

Dominique Malonga of the Seattle Storm has received clearance from FIBA, making her eligible to join the team for the upcoming WNBA season.

Dominique Malonga of the Seattle Storm has received her clearance from the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), officially becoming eligible to compete in the WNBA ahead of the team’s May 8 season opener.

The French standout, selected No. 2 overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft, received her clearance letter on April 22, the federation confirmed to ESPN. The update follows a contract dispute between Malonga and Fenerbahçe, which had created uncertainty about whether the club would release her to play in the WNBA.

The mixup followed Malonga’s signing a three-year deal with Fenerbahçe in the summer of 2025, with the club later saying she “unilaterally terminated” the contract. The agreement allowed her to play in the WNBA between seasons, helping pave the way for her eligibility to be cleared by FIBA.

To compete in both leagues, players must obtain a clearance letter from FIBA confirming eligibility. The process requires coordination between FIBA and the WNBA, with each league requesting clearance from the other depending on where the player is coming from.

However, on Oct. 20, Fenerbahçe said Malonga, 20, had “unilaterally terminated” her contract without cause and signaled possible legal action. Days earlier, Malonga shared on TikTok that a wrist injury had sidelined her in a cast for six weeks. Just days later, she was announced as a participant in Unrivaled on Oct. 30 and played the full season in Miami, averaging 16.4 points for Breeze BC. Because Unrivaled is not affiliated with FIBA, she did not need a clearance letter to compete.

With Fenerbahçe’s season ending April 19 in a EuroLeague title, Malonga is now fully eligible to rejoin the Seattle Storm for the upcoming WNBA season. She averaged 7.7 points and 4.6 rebounds as a rookie and is expected to take on a larger role, especially with Ezi Magbegor sidelined for several weeks and rookie Awa Fam arriving late due to overseas commitments.

RELATED CONTENT: WNBA Will Play Internationally In 2027

ludacris, Rock the country, MAGA, Kid Rock — (Photo: Derek White/Getty Images)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 24, 2026

Ludacris Drops In On FAMU For His ‘Pull Over Challenge’

'Had to Gas up the Jet To PERSONALLY see FAMU’s @TheMarching100 who killed the #PullOverChallenge'

Atlanta recording artist Ludacris is back, and after initiating his #PullOverChallenge to celebrate his latest single, “Pull Over,” the rapper/actor pulled over to make a stop at Florida A&M University (FAMU).

The “Southern Hospitality” lyricist posted a video to his social media account revealing his visit to FAMU to check out the school’s Marching 100 band. As a way to promote his latest single, the lead song off his upcoming project, his first in over a decade since the 2015 “Ludaversal” album, he has challenged marching bands to match the energy and spirit of the song. The song sounds like it was recorded with a marching band.

Ludacris appears in the video clip to let his followers know that FAMU accepted the challenge and that he visited the school. Not only did Luda fuel up the private jet for the excursion, but he also brought one of the school’s best-known alums, film producer Will Packer. Packer is also seen in the video with the Atlanta actor.

“Had to Gas up the Jet 🛩️ To PERSONALLY see FAMU’s @TheMarching100 who killed the #PullOverChallenge 🤯🤯 BUT which college is NEXT?? Tag them in the comment section! 🥁🏎️💨”

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FAMU answered the initial challenge by posting its rendition of “Pull Over,” earning Ludacris’ respect and attention.

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A post shared by FAMU's Marching "100" Band (@themarching100)

However, Ludacris didn’t have to go far, as Clark Atlanta also answered his call, and he didn’t have to fly, since the hometown HBCU had already hosted him weeks before the FAMU visit.

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Ludacris announced to the world in March that he had resumed his recording career while hosting the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards. He introduced “Pull Over” while performing a medley of his hits that evening. No release date for the album has been announced.