dr. Erica Schwartz, Trump — U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 17, 2026

Trump Nominates Dr. Erica Schwartz To Lead the CDC, Signaling Shift In Vaccine Approach

The move appears to signal a shift in the Trump administration's approach to vaccines.

President Donald Trump’s new nominee to lead the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who has actually lead vaccination programs, appears to signal a shift in the administration’s approach to vaccines.

On April 16, Trump nominated Dr. Erica Schwartz to lead the CDC, ending a months-long search for a permanent director, CNBC reports. A public health veteran, Schwartz served as deputy surgeon general during Trump’s first term, where she helped lead the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Her expected appointment comes as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, oversees a series of controversial policy changes at CDC, including updates to childhood vaccine guidance. Her nomination also signals a possible shift within the administration, arriving just hours after Kennedy made some of his most supportive remarks on vaccines during a congressional hearing.

During a House Ways and Means Committee hearing, Kennedy said the measles vaccine is safe and effective for most people and can be safer than infection. He also agreed, when pressed by Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA), that vaccination could have saved at least one child during last year’s Texas outbreak.

Kennedy and his team recommended Schwartz alongside a slate of CDC leadership picks announced by Trump. Other appointments include Sara Brenner as a public health adviser; Jennifer Shuford as CDC deputy director and chief medical officer; and Sean Slovenski as deputy director and chief operating officer.

“We’re bringing in an extraordinary team. … The team has been leaked, and it’s gotten applause from both Republicans and Democrats,” Kennedy said before the House Appropriations subcommittee on health. “I think this new team is really going to be able to revolutionize CDC and get it back on track and get it doing the job that it does better than any other health agency in the world.”

Schwartz’s nomination comes as the White House faced a deadline to name a permanent CDC director after Kennedy removed the previous leader. Under the Federal Vacancies Act, the role can only remain unfilled for 210 days, a deadline that passed in late March.

If confirmed, Schwartz will take over an agency navigating major changes, staffing shifts, and proposed budget cuts while maintaining its core public health mission. Schwartz will appear before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee for confirmation.

The former rear admiral spent 24 years in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and served as a Coast Guard rear admiral. She holds degrees from Brown University and the University of Maryland, and led disease surveillance, vaccination programs, and pandemic policy efforts, while also supporting federal responses to natural disasters.

Crawfish Harvest — (Photo: CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

by Ahsan Washington

April 17, 2026

7 Restaurants Serving Bayou-Inspired Flavors on National Crawfish Day

Crawfish were considered a “poor man’s food” for centuries and were often used only as bait.

National Crawfish Day occurs every April 17 to honor one of Louisiana’s most famous edible contributions.

The history of the crawfish—or “mudbug”—as a culinary staple dates back to Indigenous communities like the Houma people, who used it as a primary food source long before Europeans arrived. Crawfish were considered a “poor man’s food” for centuries and were often used only as bait.

It wasn’t until the first Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival in 1960 and the rise of commercial farming that crawfish ascended to its status as a gourmet delicacy and a symbol of Cajun-Creole heritage.

Today, chefs nationwide celebrate this history by creating both traditional and innovative dishes. The following restaurants—ranging from legacy establishments to new-school fusion concepts—are defining the modern culinary identity of crawfish.

Harold & Belle’s

Located in Los Angeles’ Jefferson Park, Harold & Belle’s is a family-owned Creole institution that has delivered genuine New Orleans traditions since 1969. As one of the city’s oldest Black-owned dining establishments, it is renowned for its crawfish étouffée. The dish features a signature slow-cooked gravy that merges generational recipes with a distinct spicy kick, maintaining the restaurant’s legacy of authentic soul and seafood.

Stick Talk Cajun Hibachi

The prominent Black-owned restaurant in Houston pioneered the fusion of Southern and Asian culinary influences. Established in the early 2020s, the concept applies high-heat Japanese hibachi techniques to Louisiana staples. Its standout menu item, crawfish dirty rice, exemplifies this hybrid style, blending traditional Cajun aromatics with the smokiness of a teppanyaki grill.

Trap Fusion

Based in Memphis, Trap Fusion specializes in Cajun flavors reimagined through urban comfort food. Founded by Markeith W. McCoy and Chef J. Gardner, the restaurant is knowng for Dnawlin Jambalaya Pasta featuring crawfish, shrimp, and sausage tossed in a rich, creamy Alfredo base, successfully uniting traditional Southern ingredients with contemporary pasta preparation.

CheSa Bar & Bistro

Founded by Chef CheSa, this Chicago restaurant focuses on elevated comfort food. Since opening in the 2010s, the bistro has gained national recognition for its crawfish tortellini. By uniting Italian pasta-making techniques with bold Cajun seasonings, the restaurant offers a sophisticated yet accessible bridge between European and Gulf Coast cuisines.

Filé Gumbo Bar

Situated in Manhattan’s West Village, Filé Gumbo Bar is an authentic Cajun-Creole destination owned by Eric McCree. Since its 2022 opening, the establishment has become a key source for Southern flavors in New York City. A highlight of the menu is the creamy crawfish macaroni and cheese, a dish that showcases the versatility of crawfish within a classic American comfort-food frameworks

Djuan’s New Orleans Bistro

Djuan’s New Orleans Bistro, located near Atlanta, is a full-service Cajun and Creole restaurant offering traditional fare with a modern modification. Owned by Donald Williams, the bistro is particularly famous for its crawfish beignets. Since opening in 2020, the restaurant has served as a vital cultural and culinary hub for the region’s Black-owned dining scene.

Neyow’s Creole Cafe

Founded in 2010 by Tanya and Timothy Dubuclet, Neyow’s Creole Cafe is a staple of New Orleans’ Mid-City neighborhood. The restaurant is dedicated to homestyle Louisiana heritage, best exemplified by its Savory Crawfish Balls. This signature dish features crawfish tails wrapped in seasoned crab meat and fried to a golden brown, representing a masterclass in traditional Creole seafood preparation.

Aaron Judge, Yankee, record — Photo by Sean Ingram: https://www.pexels.com/photo/exciting-baseball-game-at-yankee-stadium-28670355/

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 17, 2026

Chaos In The Stands: Fans Clash At Yankee Stadium

Video shows fans slugging it out in the Bronx.

Yesterday afternoon’s game between the Los Angeles Angels and the New York Yankees featured plenty of action off field.

A scuffle between fans took place during the sixth inning of April 16’s day game at Yankee Stadium. According to The New York Post, the incident, caught on video, shows fans throwing punches on the second deck along the left field line.

Someone who was at the game and witnessed the melee posted a short video clip on social media. For several seconds, arms and fists fly, but it doesn’t look like anyone was harmed.

Before the clip ends, a fan is heard screaming out, “He’s running away!”

https://twitter.com/batistanem516/status/2044869421756186755

According to The Big Lead, security arrived quickly to break up the fight. There was video footage of security leading the individuals involved in the altercation away from the section. No details were released publicly about what started the fight, how many people were involved, or what discipline they may face.

The Yankees may have wanted to channel that fighting spirit, as they ended up losing to the Angels 11-4, splitting the four-game series.

Angels star Mike Trout hit his fifth home run in the series, becoming the fourth opponent to hit five homers in a series against the Yankees. The last one to do it was George Bell in 1990. Hall of Famer Jimmie Foxx did it in 1933, and Darrell Evans accomplished the feat in 1985.

The Yankees next face the Kansas City Royals at home on April 17.

Spirit Airlines Flight, Racial Slur, Woman, FEES, FEE-FREE, BAGGAGE, — (Photo: Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)

by Jameelah Mullen

April 17, 2026

Fuel Price Surge Pushes Spirit Airlines Toward Collapse

Experts warn of possible liquidation within days.

Spirit Airlines faces mounting financial woes amid skyrocketing fuel costs, threatening to delay the company’s plans to exit bankruptcy by early summer. Some experts speculate that the airline could liquidate as early as this week.

The budget carrier filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2024 and has been working toward a financial restructuring plan to stabilize itself. The airline reached an agreement with some of its creditors days before the U.S. and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran.

The lenders behind the airline’s revolving credit line filed an objection to the reorganization plan last week, arguing that the proposal doesn’t account for the airline’s higher fuel costs, according to Bloomberg.

Fuel remains one of the largest expenses for airlines, but unlike other major carriers, Spirit’s low-cost business model leaves it with limited flexibility to offset higher costs by raising fares without risking a decline in sales.

According to JPMorgan analysts cited by the Wall Street Journal, higher fuel prices could add roughly $360 million to Spirit’s expenses this year, exceeding the $337 million in cash the airline reported at the end of last year.

“If the debtors cannot demonstrate their viability at current (or possibly higher) fuel prices, they have no basis to represent that the plan is feasible,” attorneys for the lenders wrote in a Friday court filing obtained by The Wall Street Journal.

The February reorganization plan would also split a $275 million loan into two parts, violating the original contract, according to Citibank, which represents the lenders, as reported by the Journal. The bank says Spirit is already in default under the agreement, giving lenders the right to seize the company’s assets.

When asked about speculation that the airline may be headed for liquidation, Spirit declined to comment on what it deemed “rumors and speculation.”

The Spirit has already reduced expenses through layoffs and route cuts. But competitors have filled the gaps. Frontier Airlines and JetBlue Airways added service on routes where Spirit once had a strong presence, including Ft. Lauderdale and Miami International airports.

Ice protest — photo credit: Fibonacci Blue, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 17, 2026

As Immigrant Deaths In Custody Rise, ICE Releases Fewer Details

While ICE recently reported the 16th immigrant detainee death of the year, the number of people in ICE detention centers has dropped by 11% since February.

There was a time when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials released three-page reports on what happened following the death of immigrant detainees in custody.

But as the number of deaths has gone up, NBC News reports, the details have decreased to a few paragraphs.

The agency once required ICE to give notice to the public and Congress within two days of a detainee’s death. The next step was submitting reports within 90 days to be posted on the ICE website with details surrounding the death: timelines, timestamps of medical observations, regular medications, administered emergency medications, and times and causes of death.

Since mid-December 2025, released reports have only included a brief synopsis of the circumstances surrounding these deaths as lawmakers grow increasingly almarmed over the increase in detainee deaths under Department of Homeland Security (DHS) custody. The ICE website that posts investigations has not been updated since mid-February, with DHS blaming the delay on the ongoing department shutdown

“Under these conditions, certain administrative and public-facing updates are not fully operational. In a shutdown driven by Democrats’ failure to fund the government, non-essential reporting functions can be slowed even as ICE continues its core mission,” DHS said in a statement.

ICE recently reported the 16th immigrant detainee death of the year. In addition, the number of people in ICE detention centers has dropped by 11% since February, and arrests are down by 21%. But there are still more than 60,000 people in custody, close to double the number prior to President Donald Trump’s second term in office.

Under the Trump administration, DHS has committed to detaining and deporting as many immigrants as possible. However, lawmakers have focused on deaths in facilities like Camp East Montana in El Paso, Texas, which has more immigrants than any other facility.

As U.S. leaders like Democratic Rep. Veronica Escobar of Texas have called for Montana’s closure due to its conditions, world leaders like Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum have criticized immigrant deaths while in U.S. custody, including those with Mexican backgrounds.

According to PBS, Sheinbaum claimed, “There are many Mexicans whose only crime is not having papers.”

She’s not alone. A poll from AP-NORC found six in 10 U.S. adults feel the Trump administration has “gone too far” in sending federal immigration agents into American cities, as the disapproval of immigration enforcement increases.

“Growing dissatisfaction around ICE activities in the United States creates a more comfortable platform for members of the Mexican government to raise concerns about the fate of Mexican citizens,” vice president of content strategy for the Council of the Americas, Carin Zissis, said.

DHS defended the reported increase in death rates, calling them a small percentage of the overall detainee population.

“All detainees are provided with proper meals, water, medical treatment, and have opportunities to communicate with their family members and lawyers,” the agency said. “In fact, ICE has higher detention standards than most U.S. prisons that hold actual U.S. citizens.”

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Angel Reese, Michelle Obama, podcast — photo credit: John Mac, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

by Jameelah Mullen

April 17, 2026

Angel Reese Hosts Baltimore STEM Program, Inspiring Female Student-Athletes Beyond The Game

Angel Reese paid it forward again.

WNBA star Angel Reese partnered with video game publisher 2K through its philanthropic arm, the 2K Foundations, to host a six-week STEM program for girls at Crossroads Middle School in Baltimore.

This marks a full-circle moment for Reese, who is from Randallstown, Maryland, a Baltimore suburb.

2K Foundations, which provides mentorship and sports programming in underserved communities, collaborated with nonprofit STEM organizations Living Classrooms Foundation and Project Scientist to develop courses in coding, robotics design, 3D printing, career development, and STEM-based sports projects.

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The partnership supports the Angel C. Reese Foundation’s mission to expand access to sports, education, and financial literacy for girls in underserved communities, according to the foundation’s website.

“The Living Classrooms’ partnership with Angel Reese, the Angel C. Reese Foundation, and 2K Foundations reflects a shared belief that girls thrive when they are given access, encouragement, and real-world opportunities to explore who they can become,” said James Piper Bond, president and CEO of Living Classrooms Foundation Bond in a press statement. “By investing in STEM education for our female Crossroads scholar-athletes, we are expanding what’s possible—helping young women build confidence, critical-thinking skills, and pathways to bold careers.”

Angel Reese launched the Angel C. Reese Foundation in 2023 while she was a student at Louisiana State University.

The “Bayou Barbie” hosts annual back-to-school block parties featuring donated backpacks filled with school supplies. Its inaugural event was held at her high school alma mater, St. Frances Academy, and included a $12,000 donation to the school’s basketball team. Since its launch, the organization has invested nearly $190,000 in programs across Baltimore, Chicago, and Baton Rouge.

“I hope to always bring a positive impact to the community,” Reese told 225 Baton Rouge in 2023. “I want to be an inspiration for young girls and the next generation, so that they can do this too. There’s no limit to what you can do.”

DOJ, trafficking victims — Photo by Peter E/Flickr

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 17, 2026

Legal Expert Flags DOJ’s ‘Searing Inconsistency’

“There is no rhyme or reason to what this Department of Justice does.”

During an episode of The Legal Breakdown, hosted by YouTuber Brian Tyler Cohen, legal expert Glenn Kirschner argued that President Donald Trump’s Department of Justic had continued to show a “searing inconsistency” when applying the law to high-profile cases.

He highlighted the difference in DOJ by comparing its recent request to courts to drop convictions for members of white supremacist groups the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers and the case of Brian Cole Jr., a Black man initially accused of a crime.

“Here we are piling charges on Brian Cole when at virtually the same time, Donald Trump’s dirty DOJ leadership is trying to dismiss the convictions of the Oath Keepers and the Proud Boys who were convicted of seditious conspiracy,” Kirschner said. “There is no rhyme or reason to what this Department of Justice does.”

The two paramilitary groups helped organize and participate in the Jan. 6 insurrection while Cole Jr. allegedly planted pipe bombs outside of the Democratic and Republican National Committees before the insurrection took place.

But KATV reports the department recently added new charges—attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and committing an act of terroris—on top of prior charges of transporting and attempting to use explosives.

On Trump’s first day in office, he commuted the sentences of Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes and Proud Boys leaders Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, and Zachary Rehl. However, their cases continued to move through the Washington D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Cole’s added charges could result in a life sentence, but for the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, as appeal deadlines are coming up, the DOJ asked the court to drop the cases altogether. Kirschner called the decision bizarre.

“Are we supposed to like and reward election deniers who commit massive felony crimes? Are we supposed to dislike and prosecute election deniers who commit massive, potentially violent crimes?” he continued.

For months, the DOJ has been under scrutiny from Congress and litigators for its handling of cases such as the Jeffrey Epstein files and white-collar crimes. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche claimed some lawyers would benefit from not publicly criticizing the Trump administration.

“If folks in this room are going to be honest brokers when counseling clients, posting on LinkedIn or writing client alerts, the public narrative should match the private one,” he said during a conference. “If you publicly claim we are not enforcing white-collar crime aggressively enough, but privately insist that your clients are the victims of overreach, we notice that inconsistency.”

by Kandiss Edwards

April 17, 2026

Coach Stormy Speaks Out After Settling FTC Lawsuit

Stormy Wellington is barred from making any future earnings claims unless they are truthful, non-misleading, and supported by written evidence

Multi-level marketing influencer Stormy Wellington is speaking out after settling a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) lawsuit alleging she used deceptive earnings claims to recruit participants into two different companies.

Under the settlement terms, Wellington is now permanently banned from misrepresenting potential earnings through her company, Farmasi. She is prohibited from making direct statements or using suggestive lifestyle imagery, such as photos of luxury goods. This ban extends to any other future business ventures she may promote. In an interview on the Isaiah Factor Uncensored podcast, Wellington stands behind her business practices. However, she says her future endeavors will have to be presented and worded carefully.

“There are some things that I use as a marketer. There are some things that I use as strategies, you know, I’m a manifestor. I believe that life and death is in the power of the tongue.” Wellington said. “I learned through this experience that you can’t do that when you become a woman of my caliber. You can’t say things that’s based on wishful thinking.”

Additionally, she is barred from making any future earnings claims unless they are truthful, non-misleading, and supported by written evidence at the time the claim is made. This evidence must remain available for inspection by the FTC at any time. Furthermore, the settlement outlines a notification process, requiring Wellington to inform all current participants in her recruitment network of the court order and the strict terms prohibiting deceptive financial claims.

The FTC’s legal action centers on Wellington’s role as a top-tier “Life Changer” at TLC and a high-ranking “Influencer” at Farmasi. According to the complaint, Wellington utilized social media platforms and YouTube videos to report baseless earnings claims, allegedly promising recruits they could earn between $100,000 and $1,000,000 within short timeframes. Federal investigators characterized these recruitment efforts as aggressive, citing a specific instance in which Wellington vowed to create “60 new millionaires in 2026.”

These promises of guaranteed wealth contradicted the hard data. The FTC noted that Farmasi’s own 2023 income disclosure revealed that fewer than 1% of active participants actually reached a six-figure income. Furthermore, the agency accused Wellington of using deceptive imagery to mislead the public, frequently showcasing luxury homes, high-end vehicles, and expensive travel to imply that such a lifestyle was a probable outcome for anyone joining her sales network.

AI, artificial intelligence, trends, A.I., journey, technology, DryMerge, AI, job interview — (Image: iStock)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 17, 2026

An AI Private School Launches In Chicago For City’s Youth To Learn Through Artificial Guides

The Alpha School has a unique approach to the traditional school day, all with the help of AI guides.

An AI private school has launched in Chicago, aiming to help students unlock their fullest potential with artificial guides leading the classroom.

The institution, called Alpha School, has already started sessions in other cities, including Atlanta, Dallas, and Washington, D.C. Now, as it makes its way to the Windy City, the AI private school wants the city’s youth to take advantage of this unique learning opportunity.

According to the website, the school’s schedule implements a two-hour specialized learning period. Their “Alpha classes” replace teachers with AI tutors leading instruction, allowing independent learners to thrive during this allotted time.

While AI guides handle the lessons, adult facilitators also contribute to class, ensuring students’ well-being and providing an in-person connection. By lunch break, students have finished traditional school time.

Alpha curriculum’s incentive is dedicated to learning by offering the rest of the day for life skills and extracurricular passions. The school’s founders believe they have mastered the intersection of technology and traditional learning to build future leaders.

“AI is going to help us unlock the greatest untapped resource in our world, which is human potential,” shared the Alpha School Co-Founder, MacKenzie Price, to the Chicago Tribune.

However, this type of education does not come cheaply. Tuition starts at $55,000 annually for the school, which serves students from kindergarten through 8th grade.

Alpha’s leadership also insists that they are not trying to replace teachers. Instead, they want educators to take on a more holistic approach.

“We’re not replacing teachers. The role is just changing. Our teachers don’t need to be subject matter experts,” Price added.

Despite their enthusiasm, naysayers feel AI-powered learning takes away from the educational experience. Critics say placing students in front of computers, stifling human-to-human interaction, brings more concerns than benefits.

“There’s just so much that teachers are doing that is well-beyond what even the most sophisticated language models can do,” argued Victor Lee, an associate professor at Stanford University, to the Tribune. “Right now, the evidence just is not there.”

Lee also noted that the Alpha School’s success likely ties to its higher-income student body. With this in mind, how AI learning helps students across all financial backgrounds has yet to be documented.

He added, “This is a private school with tuition, and therefore tends to cater to a particular socioeconomic status, whose students would tend to perform very strongly on these measures.”

However, Alpha hopes to challenge this notion by becoming a chartered institution, allowing for more students from lower-income backgrounds to enroll. In the meantime, the school plans to branch out to more cities, integrating its AI education into these academic landscapes.

dumpster, Pennsylvania Mayor — Photo by Victor Moragriega: https://www.pexels.com/photo/green-dumpster-by-red-fence-in-urban-area-30225009/

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 17, 2026

The Big Payback! Dumpster Company Dumps Massive Amount Of Trash On Customer’s Property Over Failed Payment

When the company owner says he continued to call the client and calls were ignored trying to settle the $700 dispute, things escalated, saying he felt he had "no other option."

San Francisco-area dumpster company Express Rental Dumpster took matters into its own hands by dumping a bin full of trash onto a customer’s property after they failed to make payments.

The video posted on social media shows a company truck dumping a huge pile of trash onto the homeowner’s lawn in San Pablo, California. Owner Martin Perez said the incident occurred following an issue with the credit card number he received. “It’s declined. They declined the card,” Perez told KTVU.

But when he continued calling the client, and his calls were ignored while he tried to settle the $700 dispute, things escalated. Perez says he felt he had “no other option.” What he claims pushed him over the edge is that the client allegedly left him an invoice of two dollars and a happy face. “You think that ‘it’s like that,’ right?” the owner asked.

The neighbor who caught the dumping on home surveillance footage said he understands the issue, but the trash then became a bigger issue for the neighborhood, with the debris including appliances. “This is not just between the driver and the neighbor. This started affecting all the community,” the unidentified neighbor said.

One neighbor, named Mary, said the police were called and eventually came to see what happened. She claims the property owner said the debt was paid, so she was a little taken aback by seeing the trash. “She says she paid $700 for it, and then, all of a sudden, I see him back up and dump it all on the ground. I don’t really know what that was about,” the neighbor said.

According to ABC7 Eyewitness News, San Pablo police confirmed that the department has been receiving reports of illegal dumping; however, no crime has been committed. Perez said his team returned to ensure the area around the home was cleaned up, guaranteeing that no debris was left on the street or sidewalk. But he feels bad that it happened in the first place. “I feel bad, because I don’t want to cause any issues,” he said.

“But, sometimes, it’s hard doing this kind of work.”

The case is being handled by city code enforcement, with a violation addressed to a name listed as the property owner, but that hasn’t stopped social media users from getting a good laugh from the drama. “Now this is my kinda petty the Taurus in me loves it,” @meleliz_ said on Instagram.

“I’m with the driver,” @wiljlifts03 said.

One user argued that the company owner should have taken the case to small claims court, but another issued a rebuttal claiming the case would’ve been at risk of being drawn out.