by Jameelah Mullen

April 2, 2026

A Long Time Coming: Judge Approves Partial Payouts For Flint Water Crisis Survivors

About 57 percent of Flint’s population is African American.

A federal judge in Michigan has issued a new order allowing partial payments to adults with approved claims under the Flint water crisis settlement. The crisis, which began in 2014, affected over 100,000 residents exposed to lead and other contaminants in their drinking water.

Judge Judith E. Levy issued the order in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, approving a request from Special Master Deborah Greenspan to start the payments from a $626.25 million settlement fund.

The decision to proceed with partial payments immediately, while appeals continue, marks a change in the claims process. However, frustration grew after several missed deadlines in receiving compensation for those whose drinking water was contaminated with lead more than a decade ago. Victims have been waiting for claims payments since Nov 2021.

Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley reacted to the judges’ ruling.

“As a Flint resident, I certainly share the frustrations felt by residents over how long it has taken for the payments to be dispersed. I am thankful that Judge Levy has taken this step to begin distributing these funds. It is long overdue,” Neeley said in a statement.

The judge’s new order also authorizes payments to people with claims who were minors at the time of the crisis but are now adults, once initial payments to adults have begun.

Officials began issuing payments for property damage claims, capped at $1,000, in Dec 2025. The court sent out 8,251 award letters as of March 20, and more than 6,100 respondents have already responded, indicating how they wish to receive their payments, according to court documents. Reports show that approximately 4,000 children were exposed to high lead levels, and up to 14,000 children were exposed to lead-contaminated water, which can cause lasting cognitive and behavioral challenges. Researchers reported at least 12 deaths and 87 to 90 cases of Legionnaires’ disease linked to the water crisis. Additionally, roughly 25% of Flint residents reported having PTSD after experiencing the crisis.

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 2, 2026

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Sets The Tone In Historic Case As Trump Seeks To End Birthright Citizenship

The first Black woman Justice challenged arguments by government Solicitor General D. John Sauer, who argued that the phrase "subject to the jurisdiction" applies only to children whose parents have "allegiance" to the U.S.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is going viral for her arguments against President Donald Trump’s case to end birthright citizenship in the U.S.

Brown Jackson is one of three liberal justices and a majority of the court’s conservatives who raised doubts about the constitutionality of Trump’s executive order signed on day one of his second tenure. The order would limit American citizenship at birth for those born to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents.

The first Black woman Justice challenged arguments by the government Solicitor General, D. John Sauer, who argued that the phrase “subject to the jurisdiction” applies only to children whose parents have “allegiance” to the U.S., which he claimed is determined by being “domiciled” in the country. Brown Jackson fought back. “How does this work? Are you suggesting when a baby is born people have to present documents? Is this happening in the delivery room? How are we determining when or whether a newborn child is a citizen of the US under your rule?” she asked.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson: How does this work? Are you suggesting when a baby is born people have to present documents? How are we determining a newborn child is a citizen of the US under your rule? Are we bringing pregnant women into depositions? pic.twitter.com/0CUYbQ8tcD
— Headquarters (@HQNewsNow) April 1, 2026

When Sauer responded with verbiage from Social Security Administration documents about how Social Security numbers are curated, she reengaged by stating that’s not what the argument is about. “I’m talking about the particulars because now you say your rule turns on whether the person intended to stay in the United States,” she continued.

“Are we bringing pregnant women into depositions? What are we doing to figure this out?”

After Sauer referred back to the order “turning on lawfulness of status,” saying if a woman gives birth to a baby in the hospital right now, a birth certificate is received, but the justice cut him off to put a dent in his argument. “So there is apparently no opportunity then for the person to prove or say that they have intention to stay in the United States?” Once the solicitor said yes, Brown Jackson touched on it being “after the fact.”

Trump made history as the first sitting president to attend the high court’s arguments. He was seated in the front row of the public gallery along with White House Counsel David Warrington, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, according to ABC News. While it’s unclear if any of the justices, including Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett, both Trump appointees, made eye contact with him, Chief Justice John Roberts made it clear that the arguments would not be light hearted, which he claims the administration is expecting, saying the government is using “narrow exceptions” to claim that a broader class of people should be ineligible for birthright citizenship.

While Brown Jackson’s comments were celebrated on social media, conservatives — mainly white men — decided to pick at one comment where she used an analogy comparing the issue to stealing a wallet in Japan. “Oh, good grief, come on now!” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said on X.

“Leave it to Justice Jackson to defend the suicide pact of birthright citizenship for illegals by not understanding the difference between territorial jurisdiction (obeying local laws), and political allegiance,” Turning Point USA’s Andrew Kolvet said.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, Justice Jackson

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 2, 2026

Ketanji Brown Jackson, Lone Supreme Court Justice, To Vote Against Conversion Therapy

Jackson emphasized how the ruling could set a dangerous precedent for medical care standards in the U.S.

The Honorable Ketanji Brown Jackson was the only Supreme Court Justice to vote against a ruling regarding conversion therapy.

Her fellow liberal justices on the Supreme Court, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan, sided with the bench for the conservative decision, considered a major blow to the LGBTQ+ community.

The ruling sided with plaintiff Kaley Chiles, a Christian counselor, who argued that Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy violated her First Amendment right to free speech.

The court upheld her claims, noting Chiles’ counselorship was talk-based and not physical, and, thus, state law should not infringe on the content of her words. Conversion therapy, according to WebMD, is an emotional and/or physical therapy to try to change a person’s homosexual orientation to heterosexual. It is often used under Christian-based practices as an attempt to “cure” gay-identifying individuals of their same-sex attraction.

In her 34-page dissent, Jackson, the first and only Black woman Justice mentioned how Chiles imposes her views on minors, and not just shares her thoughts as a matter of free will.

“I respectfully dissent,” wrote Jackson. “Stated simply, the majority has failed to appreciate the crucial context in which Chiles’s constitutional claims have arisen. Chiles is not speaking in the ether; she is providing therapy to minors as a licensed healthcare professional.”

She stood firm on her stance, even delivering her dissent from the bench, emphasizing how this decision sets a new precedent in states’ rights. Jackson believes the ruling could undermine states’ authority to regulate medical care standards for the safety of patients.

Also, “it extends the Constitution into uncharted territory in an utterly irrational fashion. And it ultimately risks grave harm to Americans’ health and well-being,” she said.

Beyond the decision’s political implications, Jackson also noted the ruling’s potential impact on children subjected to conversion therapy.

She wrote, “Studies show that children often feel the effects of the shame and stigma from conversion therapy even more vividly than adults due to their ‘increased emotional vulnerability and less developed capacity to cope effectively with the harm of discrimination.’”

Her bold dissent speaks to the overarching activism historically displayed by Black women. Although not part of the LGBTQ+ community, Jackson’s values of equality and justice prompted her to vote against the conversion therapy case. Supporters of Jackson’s actions also noted how Black women have traditionally stood up for other marginalized groups, often due to foresight of how harmful policy could eventually impact others.

“This is the Black woman who’s making this argument for a group of people she is not even a part of, but understands the danger that this rule could present, not just to this group of people, but how it will be weaponized and expanded for other groups of people,” explained Dr. Christina M. Greer, political science professor at Fordham University, to theGrio in reference to the ruling.

Although conversion therapy does not directly affect Jackson, her words warn that validating the controversial practice may only cause more harm in the long run.

“Today, the Court turns its back on that tradition,” added Jackson. “And, to be completely frank, no one knows what will happen now.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 2, 2026

J. Cole Signs With The Chinese Basketball Association

He will be playing with the Nanjing Monkey Kings.

J. Cole, who was recently on the road (literally) promoting his latest album, The Fall-Off, is going back on another road trip: as a professional basketball player with the Chinese Basketball Association.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the rapper, born Jermaine Cole, has signed a deal to play for the Nanjing Monkey Kings.

J. Cole has signed a contract to play in the Chinese Basketball Association with the Nanjing Monkey Kings, per ESPN sources. The multi-time Grammy award-winning and multi-platinum artist had committed to playing a few games for the Chinese team last year, and now follows through. pic.twitter.com/8fFyHv1fvY
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 2, 2026

The rapper, who had committed to playing a few games for the Monkey Kings last year, will follow through on that commitment.

Cole, who played on his high school team in North Carolina, played in the Basketball Africa League in 2021 for the Rwanda Patriots. The next year, the 2014 Forest Hills Drive rapper signed to play in the Canadian Elite Basketball League with the Scarborough Shooting Stars.

Cole has had a more accomplished career dropping beats than dropping dimes. He won a Grammy in 2020 for Best Rap Song (“A Lot” by 21 Savage featuring J. Cole) and has several BET Hip Hop Awards. He also has six platinum albums and has produced songs for artists, including Kendrick Lamar, Janet Jackson and Young Thug.

The rapper decided to return to his musical roots when he was an up-and-coming artist in North Carolina, when he started selling his CDs from his trunk. When he went back on the road last year, he used the same Honda Civic (with a newly installed engine) in 2007. That’s when he released his first mixtape, The Come Up.

“Today I got my old Civic (with the brand new engine), a tour bus, and some sprinters. In the trunk of my car is boxes of The Fall-Off CDs. As a teenager, I had copies of the Fayettenam Bommuh’s album that Nervous gave me to sell. I used to go up to the gas stations trying to sell the album to strangers, “Yo, you like hip hop??” Was the beginning of the sales pitch.”

Mannnnn. Thank yall for the love. For real!!!

Yesterday I had daddy duties that came before album release celebrations. Today I got my old civic (with the brand new engine) a tour bus and some sprinters. In the trunk of my car is boxes of The Fall-Off CD’s. As a teenager I had… pic.twitter.com/DGbzs0DVfK
— J. Cole (@JColeNC) February 7, 2026

by Jameelah Mullen

April 2, 2026

Coca-Cola Announces $1 Billion Investment To Boost Operations In South Africa

The company says the $1 billion investment will roll out through 2030.

Coca-Cola and its authorized bottlers, Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa and Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, are investing 17.6 billion rand ($1.05 billion) in South Africa.

The company plans to invest through 2030 to expand production, strengthen distribution, boost innovation, and attract new investment in the region.

Luis Felipe Avellar, president of The Coca‑Cola Company’s Africa operating unit, announced the news at the sixth South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) in Johannesburg.

“Our R17.6 billion investment reflects our strong belief in South Africa’s potential and our commitment to growing alongside the communities we serve. We hire locally, produce locally, distribute locally and, where possible, source locally, helping to build a stronger, more integrated economy in South Africa,” Avellar said.

Findings from a study by consulting firm Steward Redqueen show that Coca-Cola and its subsidiaries contributed 1.2 billion rand to South Africa’s economy in 2024. Additionally, the company supported over 87,00 jobs across various sectors, including retail, agriculture, and manufacturing.

“We are optimistic about the future of South Africa, with a continued focus on investing in our business and in initiatives that promote economic inclusion and sustainable local prosperity,” said Charl Goncalves, chief executive of Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages.

Coca-Cola has continued to deepen its footprint across Africa through a series of major investments and acquisitions. Last year, Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (CCBA) announced plans to acquire a 75% stake in Coca-Cola Beverages Africa for $2.6 billion, Business Insider Africa reported.

The acquisition has sparked concerns about potential job losses in South Africa, as restructuring could result in layoffs. Local unions are calling on the company to prioritize job security alongside efficiency goals. Coca‑Cola HBC said the deal will boost long‑term investment and enhance operational sustainability across the region.

Founded in 2014, CCBA operates in 14 Sub-Saharan African countries, including Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania, and produces around 40 percent of all Coca-Cola beverages sold on the continent.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 2, 2026

2 Chainz Records Woman’s Fiery Road Rage Rant Over Claims He Owes Her Father Money

The woman even stuck her foot out the car window in her verbal attack of the rapper.

2 Chainz was seemingly caught up in road rage drama after a woman allegedly ran him off the road, claiming that he owed her dad money.

The Atlanta rapper caught the incident on video as the unidentified woman began flicking him off and cursing at him while at a red light. He shared the video on Instagram, seemingly unaware of what the woman was referring to.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 2 Chainz Aka Tity Boi (@2chainz)

“Who J a– daughter this is tryin to drive me off the road, talking bout I owe her daddy some money in Albany and throwing my son’s name around Bout put fy on her and her daddy,” he wrote in the caption.

While the artist did not seem to engage with her, the woman continued to taunt him with words and other obscene gestures. She even showed him her bare foot, putting it in the open window.

“I want my motherf-cking dad money,” she yelled. “[inaudible] from Albany, Georgia. Ain’t yo name Tity Boi?”

However, 2 Chainz, real name Tauheed Epps, is not from Albany, a city in southwest Georgia that is nearly three hours away from Atlanta. Instead, the rapper was born and raised in College Park, a suburb of the Georgia capital city.

Despite the presumed false claim, the woman still tried to show 2 Chainz she meant business. As the light turned green, she also tried to swerve into his lane before driving away. The rapper dodged any collision, but the incident still gained traction on social media.

Although 2 Chainz claims that he does not know the woman, commenters were divided on whether her allegations were actually valid.

Comedian Desi Banks wrote, “She mad mad idk what happened but she thinks she really knows you.”

Wale, on the other hand, noted the danger of road rage like this. He added, “The thought it’s people drivin on the road like this …wild.”

Others, on the other hand, thought 2 Chainz could use the woman’s rant for a more creative purpose.

“You GOTTA make this into an interlude on TRU 2,” a fan wrote on the post.

Another added, “Sounds like an intro to a new song.”

More sympathetic commenters, however, noted the woman probably struggled with some mental health issues.

“Mental health a real thing in this country,” someone expressed.

by Jameelah Mullen

April 2, 2026

Black Women Have Worse IVF Outcomes: New Study Uncovers Possible Culprits

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania analyzed data from thousands of patients from various racial backgrounds to better understand IVF outcomes in Black patients.

For two decades, fertility specialists have tried to understand why Black women experience lower live‑birth rates from in vitro fertilization (IVF) than their white counterparts.

Researchers point to two main factors: higher rates of fibroids among Black women, which can disrupt embryo implantation, and differences in how their bodies may respond to IVF stimulation medications.

In a recent study, published in Fertility and Sterility, the researchers analyzed more than 246,000 ovarian stimulation cycles, 7% of which were in Black women, to compare how women of different racial or ethnic groups responded to IVF treatments.

The analysis found that Black women responded slightly better than people of other racial or ethnic groups to ovarian stimulation drugs, and their eggs produced high-quality embryos. This was after the researchers adjusted for participants’ age at retrieval, body mass index, hormone levels, and infertility diagnoses, using data collected between 2017 and 2019 by the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, a U.S. professional organization that tracks IVF outcomes from fertility clinics.

However, the study showed that Black women still had a lower live birth rate. Their birth rate was about 45%, compared to approximately 60% for white women.

“There’s clearly something happening that’s a roadblock to getting to the ultimate goal of bringing home a baby,” Iris Tien-Lynn Lee, an ob-gyn at the University of Pennsylvania, told Scientific American.

“I think it’s an issue with implementation,” the lead author of the study said.

The exact cause remains unknown, but researchers note that potential culprits could be the higher rates of uterine fibroids and greater exposure to environmental contaminants, which other studies have shown are more common in Black populations.

Tarun Jain, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, emphasizes that the information in these studies is valuable because it can help address how Black patients are treated in the healthcare system. “Black women in healthcare experience worse outcomes in general, whether it’s maternal mortality, infertility treatment, or preterm birth,” Jain told Scientific American.

Trump, approval polls, immigration policies

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 2, 2026

Trump Calls Country That Voted Him In ‘Stupid’ After Birthright Citizenship Arguments in Supreme Court

“We are the only Country in the World STUPID enough to allow ‘Birthright’ Citizenship!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

On April 1, President Donald Trump expressed his grievances on his Truth Social App after things didn’t quite go his way after attending oral arguments at the Supreme Court in a case surrounding his executive order to end birthright citizenship, calling the United States “stupid,” ABC News reports.

“We are the only Country in the World STUPID enough to allow ‘Birthright’ Citizenship!” he wrote.

But he is wrong. Data from the Pew Research Center found that 32 other countries, mostly in the Western Hemisphere, have similar laws in place that guarantee citizenship to children born in the country.

Trump’s thoughts came after he appeared at the high court to hear arguments from Solicitor General John Sauer, who presented on behalf of the government. While cameras were not permitted in the courtroom, reports reveal that Trump wore a red tie and blue suit and sat in the front row of the public gallery with White House Counsel David Warrington, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

He seemed to be attentive and expressionless as his historic presence—the first sitting president to sit in on Supreme Court hearings—in the chamber was not publicly announced or acknowledged by any of the justices.

Several key justices seemed reluctant to upend birthright citizenship, which has long been understood to mean that almost anyone born on U.S. soil is automatically a citizen. The Trump administration argues that the principle has been misinterpreted. The administration is asking the justices to uphold his executive order, signed on day one of his second term, to eliminate birthright citizenship under an interpretation of the 14th Amendment and requiring parents to prove their legal status before citizenship is granted to their children.

Chief Justice John Roberts seemed unimpressed with. “The examples you give to support that strike me as very quirky,” Roberts said against the government, according to The Hill.

Outside of Truth Social, Trump expressed his shock in public after seemingly not getting his way from the people he put in position. “Republicans, judges and justices, they always wanna show that they’re independent. ‘I don’t care if Trump appointed me, I don’t care. It doesn’t make any difference to me. I’m voting against him.’ Cause they want to show their independence,” he said in a video posted to X.

“Stupid people.”

***Leaked White House Video***

Trump criticized “stupid” Republican Supreme Court justices, even ones that he appointed, for being independent and ruling against him pic.twitter.com/rNTq9qbXdd
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) April 2, 2026

The final decision on birthright citizenship is expected by this summer.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 2, 2026

Memphis Grizzlies’ Brandon Clarke Arrested For Speeding, Drug Possession

"I’m aware of the report, but don’t have any comments," Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo said.

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke was arrested Wednesday, April, 1 in Arkansas after being accused of speeding and possessing drugs.

According to The Associated Press, the forward, who has been injured for most of the 2025-26 season, was charged with improper passing, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing, exceeding the speed limit, and trafficking a controlled substance.

Clarke, 29, was booked on Wednesday afternoon, as listed on the website of the Cross County Sheriff’s Office.

“I’m aware of the report, but don’t have any comments,” Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo said before the team played the New York Knicks.

The Commercial Appeal reported that Clarke, who was drafted by the Grizzlies in 2019, has been shut down for the season due to a knee injury that happened last season. He also suffered a right calf strain in December and has played in only two games this season, after the team notified its fans of his injury status.

The @memgrizz today announced the following medical update for Brandon Clarke. pic.twitter.com/GP0m2XAuMS
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) December 22, 2025

On March 24, the team announced that he would not play any remaining games while he rehabs the injury. As a member of the Grizzlies, Clarke has averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds a game in his seven seasons. Due to injuries, he has only been available for 72 games over the past three seasons.

In a social media post, the team stated that “recent imaging indicated that additional healing is required prior to clearance for high-intensity court work,” regarding Clarke’s road to recovery from his injury.

The @memgrizz today announced the following medical updates for Ja Morant, Brandon Clarke and Zach Edey: pic.twitter.com/gV8rLPlwbs
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) March 25, 2026

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 2, 2026

Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen Found Dead In Home, Husband Charged

Stephen Bowen, 40, was booked on charges of premeditated murder and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.

Nancy Metayer Bowen, the vice mayor of Coral Springs, Florida, was shot and killed in her home. Her husband, Stephen Bowen, is a suspect, Florida Politics reports.

The city leader died after an apparent domestic violence incident on April 1. Bowen was apprehended after attempting to flee.

Police became involved after a friend of Metayer Bowen couldn’t reach her. After reaching Stephen Bowen, who “sounded suspicious,” the friend decided to call the police. Coral Springs Police Chief Brad Mock said officers followed up with a wellness check around 10 a.m. After Metayer Bowen was found dead, authorities put a call out for Bowen.

According to NBC Miami, Bowen, 40, was wearing a long-sleeved shirt, athletic shorts and sneakers during his arrest. He was booked on charges of premeditated murder and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.

https://twitter.com/Raindropsmedia1/status/2039506412858929586

Once the news hit social media, an outpouring of condolences poured in, along with comments and videos about the work of Metayer Bowen, a Haitian-American with an impressive resume.

“Heartbroken to learn of the tragic loss of Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen. Praying for her family, loved ones, and the Coral Springs community during this devastating time,” Florida Rep. Byron Donalds wrote on X.

“May justice be swift, and may her memory be a blessing.”

Heartbroken to learn of the tragic loss of Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen. Praying for her family, loved ones, and the Coral Springs community during this devastating time. May justice be swift, and may her memory be a blessing.
— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) April 2, 2026

Principal Rosheika Y. H. Rolle of Broward County Public Schools posted a video of Metayer Bowen having some fun on a school playground while supporting students. “My heartfelt condolences to our Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen’s family. A wonderful leader who always supported the @HuntElementary community—your impact will never be forgotten,” she wrote.

My heartfelt condolences to our Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen family. A wonderful leader who always supported the @HuntElementary community—your impact will never be forgotten. 💙 pic.twitter.com/bFiwpG19km
— Rosheika Y. H. Rolle (@RolleRosheika) April 1, 2026

“Two years with the amazing Stephen Bowen,” she wrote on Instagram about her husband in 2024. “Cheers to love, growth, and building a beautiful life together.”

She worked diligently in the public sector, particularly on the rights of Haitian Americans, and worked on Haiti relief for roughly two years before taking a job with the Broward County government as a program manager with the county’s Junior Sustainability Stewards Program. When Vice President JD Vance started to spread lies about Haitian immigrants eating pets in Ohio, she was one of the first elected officials to publicly criticize him.

Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried reflected on speaking to the young politician “just days ago” and having a moment at the party’s Leadership Summit, “never imagining it would be one of our last moments together.”