Tony! Toni! Toné!, D'Wayne Wiggins, Children, Estate — (Photo: Matei Brancoveanu/500px via Getty Images)

by Mitti Hicks

April 16, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jackie Robinson — (Photo: Public Domain)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 16, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For #Jackie42.

Thank you @Mets for joining us in honoring the life and legacy of Jackie Robinson. pic.twitter.com/sPdL3LesnS
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 15, 2026

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

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

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

RELATED CONTENT: Learning Through Jackie Robinson’s Legacy

gas prices — Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images

by Jameelah Mullen

April 16, 2026

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

If ‘playing in our faces” were a person.

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

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

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

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

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

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

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

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

This is such a ridiculous bald faced lie, it’s insulting to the American people.

Gas prices have increased 30% over the past year, yet Trump’s Press Secretary has the audacity to lie to you and claim that they’ve gone down.

The absolute lack of shame is appalling. https://t.co/8v8FyUqnCr pic.twitter.com/9XU2tygY8J

— Congressman Shri Thanedar (@RepShriThanedar) April 15, 2026

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

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

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

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

Black-owned businesses, app, Birmingham, Better Auth — Photo by Joshua Woroniecki: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-black-android-smartphone-4554696/

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 16, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RELATED CONTENT: Instagram for Android Now Available

Megan Thee Stallion, walmart, swimwear — Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 16, 2026

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

The affordable swimwear line at Walmart has expanded its offerings.

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

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

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A post shared by Megan Thee Stallion (@theestallion)

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

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

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

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

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

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

QUEEN LATIFAH, The Equaiizer — (Photo: Stephane Cardinale/Corbis via Getty Images)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 16, 2026

North Carolina A&T Taps Queen Latifah As Graduation Keynote Speaker

Queen Latifah and Dr. Nia Danielle Banks, M.D., Ph.D., FACS, will serve as keynote speakers for North Carolina A&T State University’s 2026 commencement ceremonies.

North Carolina A&T is bringing the star power to its 2026 commencement ceremonies, tapping decorated multihyphenate Queen Latifah as its keynote speaker.

On April 13, the esteemed HBCU announced Queen Latifah and Nia Danielle Banks ’95, M.D., Ph.D., FACS, as the Spring 2026 Commencement keynote speakers. The award-winning entertainment artist will serve as the keynote speaker for both baccalaureate student ceremonies on Saturday, May 9, in First Horizon Coliseum. Banks will give the keynote on Friday, May 8.

The first ceremony, at 9 a.m., will honor graduates from the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, College of Education, College of Engineering, and the John R. and Kathy R. Hairston College of Health and Human Sciences. The second, at 2:30 p.m., will recognize students from the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics, and the College of Science and Technology.

Queen Latifah brings a wealth of experience and inspiration to the graduating class. The Grammy and Emmy-winning artist and acclaimed actress has built a decades-long career across music, film, and television. A New Jersey native, she became the first hip-hop artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006 and earned an Academy Award nomination for her role in “Chicago.”

She later won a Golden Globe and SAG Award for “Life Support,” along with an Emmy nomination, and took home a Primetime Emmy as an executive producer for “Bessie.” More recently, she received the National Medal of the Arts in 2024 and was honored at the Kennedy Center Honors in 2023.

Banks, a North Carolina A&T State University alumna, is a plastic surgeon serving the Annapolis, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., areas. She earned her B.S. in chemical engineering from A&T. She completed her M.D., Ph.D., and surgical training at Johns Hopkins University, becoming the first Black woman to complete its plastic surgery program, followed by a craniofacial fellowship in Paris.

A leader in both medicine and business, she is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She serves on Maryland’s Economic Development Commission. In 2009, she founded the Beaux Arts Institute of Plastic Surgery, which she later expanded with the Art of Balance Wellness Spa in 2020.

Together, Queen Latifah and Dr. Banks will pour into nearly 2,000 undergraduate and about 350 graduate students who will take part in the commencement ceremonies, which will also be livestreamed.

by Jameelah Mullen

April 16, 2026

Jury Finds Live Nation, Ticketmaster Liable For Monopoly Practices And Overcharging Fans

“A jury found what we have long known to be true: Live Nation and Ticketmaster are breaking the law and costing consumers millions of dollars in the process."

After a five-week antitrust trial, a jury in New York found that Live Nation and its subsidiary, Ticketmaster, illegally maintained monopoly power in the ticketing market.

In the initial lawsuit in 2024, the Justice Department and several state attorneys general claimed that Live Nation monopolized the industry by controlling ticketing, concert booking, venues, and promotions.

The lawsuit alleged that the company’s practices resulted in fans paying higher fees, left artists with fewer touring options, and coerced venues into using Ticketmaster. The jury found that Ticketmaster overcharged concertgoers by $1.72 per ticket.

“This is a fantastic outcome for the American people,” Omeed A. Assefi, the acting assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, said in a statement obtained by NBC News. “DOJ and some states settled their case and got instant relief. The remaining states received a liability finding and will now move on to the next phase of a remedies trial. Everyone but Live Nation wins with this scenario.”

New York Attorney General Letitia applauded the jury’s decision.

“A jury found what we have long known to be true: Live Nation and Ticketmaster are breaking the law and costing consumers millions of dollars in the process,” James said in a statement.

Live Nation said it will appeal the decision.

The company noted that the $1.72 per ticket “applies to those sold at 257 venues, which represent about 20 percent of total tickets. The company claims these overcharges applied to purchases by fans (excluding brokers) in certain states over the past five years.

The company saw its stock drop approximately 6.3 percent following the April 15 ruling.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has filed a separate case against Ticketmaster, alleging deceptive ticket resale practices.

Justin Fairfax, Cerina Fairfax, suicide, murder, — Justin Fairfax Photo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

by Keka Araújo

April 16, 2026

Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax and Wife Cerina Dead In Apparent Murder-Suicide

Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax and wife Dr. Cerina Fairfax found dead in Annandale home. Fairfax County police investigate an apparent murder-suicide.

Former Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax and his wife, Dr. Cerina Fairfax, were found dead in their Annandale home early April 16 in what authorities are describing as an apparent murder-suicide.

Fairfax County Police responded to the residence following a 911 call from the couple’s teenage son, according to the Washington Post.

“Former Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax shot and killed his wife inside their home and then shot and killed himself,” Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis said during a press conference Thursday. “This has been an ongoing domestic dispute surrounding what seems to be a complicated or messy divorce.”

Investigation Details and Domestic History

According to investigators, the shooting occurred while the couple’s two children, a teenage boy and girl, were inside the home. Chief Davis stated that Fairfax, 47, shot his wife several times in the basement before moving to an upstairs bedroom, where he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Police confirmed that Fairfax had recently been served with legal documents regarding an upcoming court proceeding. While the couple had been married since 2006, Davis noted they were currently separated but still residing in the same household.

Records show a prior police response to the home in January. At that time, Justin Fairfax reported he had been assaulted by his wife; however, responding officers determined no assault had taken place.

Political Legacy and Public Service

A Democrat and former federal prosecutor, Fairfax rose to political prominence in 2013 following a surprisingly strong primary challenge for the state attorney general nomination. He was elected as Virginia’s lieutenant governor in 2017, making history as the state’s second Black person to hold statewide office since Reconstruction, following L. Douglas Wilder.

Fairfax often spoke of his heritage, famously carrying a copy of the 1798 manumission document that freed his ancestor, Simon Fairfax, during his inauguration.

Former Governor Ralph Northam, who served alongside Fairfax, issued a statement Thursday morning. “Pam and I are devastated by this heartbreaking news. I had the privilege of getting to know the Fairfaxes while our families served together,” Northam said.

The Life of Dr. Cerina Fairfax

Dr. Cerina Fairfax was a well-known community figure and the owner of Dr. Fairfax & Associates, a dental practice in the Fairlee area of Fairfax County. A graduate of Duke University and the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, she had practiced in the region for nearly two decades.

The dental office remained closed Thursday, with a recorded message citing a family emergency.

Fairfax County authorities stated the investigation is ongoing, though they are not currently seeking any other suspects.

grand rapids, police, teen, mother — (Photo: D-Keine/Getty Images)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 16, 2026

Suspected Gunman Pleads Not Guilty In Fatal Shooting Of 7-Month Old Brooklyn Girl

Amuri Greene's next court appearance is June 10.

Amuri Greene pleaded not guilty in the fatal shooting of a 7-month-old girl and the wounding of her 2-year-old brother in Brooklyn.

According to the New York Daily News, Greene, 21, appeared in Brooklyn Supreme Court after police said he shot the children, who were not the intended targets.

Prosecutors said Greene, while riding on a moped with Matthew Rodriguez, shot the children, who were in a stroller. After being apprehended, he told police officers that he was aiming for the children’s father.

Rodriguez, 18, was driving the moped during the incident, which took place April 1 in the East Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. The infant was struck in the head.

Greene, who gave a fake name to paramedics while being transported to the hospital, broke his leg when the moped crashed after both suspects fled the scene. He is being held without bail until he next appears in court on June 10.

Rodriguez, who fled the city after the shooting, was found in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, and appeared in court April 14 after waiving extradition. He was charged with criminal possession of a weapon, assault, hindering prosecution, and tampering with a witness.

As the 18-year-old was being taken to the 90th Precinct station house, he told reporters, “I didn’t do it. I didn’t know that was going to happen. I promise I didn’t know he was going to do that. I didn’t know he was going to pull the trigger.”

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said, “I promised that the men who stole their child’s life would be held accountable and justice will prevail. Both defendants have now been arraigned. We will continue to fight for this family, and we will continue to fight to make sure that no family ever has to go through what this family went through.”

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

April 16, 2026

Unrivaled Opulence: Introducing Rolls Royce’s Project Nightingale

With a legacy as distinguished as Rolls-Royce’s, aficionados and collectors are always eager for the brand’s next unique offering.

Written By Kimatni D. Rawlins

With a legacy as distinguished as Rolls-Royce’s, aficionados and collectors are always eager for the brand’s next unique offering. Each hand-crafted model is a marvel, born from detailed planning and progressive design techniques.

Yet, what if customers wanted to advance a step further and order a one-of-a-kind luxury cruiser distinctly matched to their tastes? More than a few global clients have found such luck since Rolls-Royce announced its highly exclusive new program, the Coachbuild Collection. This invite-only initiative features special-order, limited-production models, each assembled with creative specifications and custom engineering tailored to individual preferences. Once built, each model will never be replicated.

The first model from the Coachbuild Collection is titled Project Nightingale, named after the Le Rossignol estate (where Rolls-Royce designers lived) adjacent to co-founder Henry Royce’s French Riviera winter home, aptly titled Villa Mimosa. Project Nightingale’s prestigious artwork is inspired by 1920s “EX” experimental motor cars and simultaneously influenced by Art Deco and Streamline Moderne design principles. Quite naturally, this heavenly open-top is an industry game-changer.

While Nightingale is a two-seater and similar in size to the retired opulent Phantom Drophead Coupe, it incorporates the next iteration of electric power that we see in Spectre. Its commanding presence stems from the massive 24-stalk Pantheon grille and 24-inch “directional styled” rims that mimic the propellers of a yacht when viewed from beneath the waterline. Bespoke features include a full-leather interior, a 10,500-star headliner, and a color palette exclusive to Nightingale. The hand-stitched, curated cabin features exotic veneers, fine leathers, precious metals, and soothing illumination.

Coachbuilding, in automotive terms, is like a tailor-made tuxedo or a personalized painting commissioned by your favorite artist. The process starts with a rolling chassis delivered to builders, who use detailed instructions to customize the body, interior, and sometimes the engine to meet customer requests. Many elite manufacturers, including Ferrari and Aston Martin, partner with these coachbuilders to create unique models. Notable Italian names include Zagato, Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, and Pininfarina.

Rolls-Royce is no stranger to this craft as coachbuilding has been in its DNA for over a century. The most recent ventures were all unveiled within the past decade, stemming from a reignited interest in the company’s limited-run models beginning with the 2017 Sweptail, a one-off coupe with gorgeously flowing lines and a classic curved rear. The yacht-inspired Boatail followed in 2021 and easily became one of the most expensive street-legal automobiles in the world with a $28 million price tag at the time. Two years later came the V12-powered Droptail featuring roadster design cues and three bespoke trims.

To further add to Project Nightingale’s exclusivity, only 100 models will be designated at the newly expanded Rolls-Royce factory in Goodwood, England. It’s speculated that about a third of these precious gems will come stateside, priced between $4 million to $5 million. Each client will have access to follow their vehicle’s full development cycle by visiting Rolls-Royce facilities and testing procedures. If you were aiming to claim a Project Nightingale, sorry: the build capacity has been reached.

Of course, as with all Rolls-Royces, Project Nightingale is led by the illustrious Spirit of Ecstasy hood emblem. Named after the actress Eleanor Velasco Thornton, the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy is the most recognizable vehicle ornament in the world. She breathlessly leans forward in motion, ready to take flight.

As the purveyor of pristine automobiles continues to reach beyond limits without sacrificing its signature traits, the Coachbuild Collection and Project Nightingale showcase that Rolls-Royce remains in a class of its own.

Kimatni Rawlins, Auto Flex, Electric G-Wagon — Photo credit: Courtesy of Kimatni Rawlins/BE