Rori Harmon,Texas , UCLA, Coach
(Photo: Markus Spiske/Pexels)
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 9, 2026

High School Freshman JJ Crawford Offered Scholarship To North Carolina Central University

Crawford is the son of former NBA player Jamal Crawford

High school basketball phenom, JJ Crawford, son of former NBA player Jamal Crawford, has been offered an athletic scholarship from North Carolina Central University (NCCU).

Although Crawford has been getting offers from many schools, this one is the first from an HBCU. In a social media post, the 15-year-old thanked Coach LeVelle Morton and the university’s staff after visiting the school.

According to HBCU Sports, the rush to entice Crawford, who is just a freshman, to commit to play when he is scheduled to graduate from high school in 2029 reveals the talent scouts see in him. So far, he has gotten 12 offers from Division I schools, including the University of Kansas, the University of Missouri, the University of Southern California, the University of Oregon, and the reigning NCAA champion, the University of Michigan (where his father played his collegiate career).

Crawford has been playing under his father’s tutelage for the Northwest Rotary Rebels on the Nike EYBL grassroots circuit.

The young basketball player recently attended the USA Basketball Men’s Junior National Team April minicamp, held at the Pacers Athletic Center in Westfield, Indiana, on April 4. He was invited, along with 64 other high school players from the graduating classes of 2027, 2028, and 2029. The athletes participated in various activities together, including one-on-one matchups, shooting drills, and scrimmages.

“It means a lot to me to play against the best players in the world, to see how good everybody else in the country is and to work on my game and see where I’m at,” Crawford said. 

His father and his mother, Tori, were at the facility with him. Jamal spoke about his son’s involvement and what it will do for him as he prepares for the basketball competition.

“It’s so cool because you know that the next great American players are coming through this pipeline, right?” Jamal said. “You get a chance to see them early, kind of follow their journey. Being invited, being one of the youngest ones in camp, has been really, really cool and a great experience for him. After he leaves and goes home, you can always tell his workouts are more serious, more intentional, so it’s been a blessing.”

RELATED CONTENT: Mother-Son Duo Graduate From HBCU Together In Incredible Feat Of Determination

Jackson 5, Top 10, 40 years, Christmas album
(Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
by Kandiss Edwards

April 9, 2026

Taj Jackson Urges Fans To Ignore ‘Sabotage’ Of ‘Michael’ Movie

The filmmakers have maintained that the intent is to humanize the global icon rather than provide a sanitized version of history.

Taj Jackson addressed what he believes is an attack on the upcoming biographical film Michael.

In the film, Jaafar Jackson stars as his famous uncle, Michael Jackson. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, ‘Michael’ is garnering criticism for its portrayal of the King of Pop’s publicly fraught legal battles. While the production aims to provide an expansive look at the singer’s career and personal history, some media outlets and public figures have expressed concern regarding how the script handles allegations of child sexual abuse.

Taj Jackson, one of the singer’s nephews, spoke out on X, asking fans to ignore the negative noise. Taj accuses the media as a whole of attempting to undermine the film before its release. The elder Jackson nephew argues that there is a concerted effort to sway public opinion and sabotage the biopic’s success. According to Taj, media publications are spreading “BS stories and lies” regarding the film.

“Can’t help but notice that the negative press, trolls, and tabloids are desperately ramping up their BS stories and lies about my uncle to try and sabotage all the positive publicity the “Michael” Movie is getting around the world. Please don’t contribute to their failing agenda. Don’t help them or their algorithm by clicking or reposting their lies,” Taj wrote.

In response, the production team has stated that the movie will cover all aspects of Jackson’s life. This includes the professional triumphs, personal highlights, and legal battles. The filmmakers have maintained that the intent is to humanize the global icon rather than provide a sanitized version of history.

“Michael’s life was epic, but you have to still focus on the human being to understand who he was, and it was a real opportunity to be making a film with people that really love Michael,” Fuqua told The Grio. 

Production for the film took place throughout early 2024, with various images of Jaafar Jackson in costume circulating online. The resemblance between the young actor and his uncle has generated significant interest among fans. Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International are handling the distribution of the movie, which is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release in 2026.

RELATED CONTENT: Michael Jackson Biopic Taps ‘Human Jukebox,’ ‘Boom,’ And ‘Marching 100’; To Honor His Legacy

Kevin Durant, Maryland, after-school program
Photo by All-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 9, 2026

Kevin Durant Joins Investor Group To Transform Six Flags Property Into Entertainment Sector

Durant, a Maryland native, will spearhead the transformation of the property.

Kevin Durant is joining an investor group to transform a defunct Six Flags into an entertainment hub.

The Maryland native will help revitalize the property in Prince George’s County, providing residents with new amenities. Durant’s 35 Ventures firm teamed up with Atlanta-based TPA group to bring a mixed-use development to life.

News4 confirmed the future of the Six Flags America park after it closed in November. The property immediately went up for sale, with Durant and others capitalizing on the opportunity.

While Marylanders wondered what would happen to the 515-acre space, Durant and the investment team will spearhead the project. The investor group expects to create an entertainment destination, complete with upscale dining options.

Given its NBA superstar investor, the space may also include a sports activity. County Executive Aisha Braveboy shared that the sports-focused element remains a possibility.

The project will also be a family affair, with Durant’s mother, Wanda, also joining as an investor. Braveboy confirmed the news about the Durant family’s inclusion in the reimagining of the property.

“This is a new chapter for Prince George’s County and one that will be guided by a son of Prince George’s County, NBA legend Kevin Durant,” Braveboy said. “We are excited about being able to work collaboratively with Wanda Durant (Kevin Durant’s mother) and the team to really have an inclusive vision for the Six Flags site.”

As for what residents envision for the property, many have varied thoughts on the matter. While excited that a native is leading the transition, they want the space to serve the needs of the community.

“Kevin [Durant is] from here. Kevin from PG County,” one man shared with News4. And I know he’ll do the right thing because he was raised that way.”

Some called for a senior-citizen residence, while others approved the current idea of a mixed-use entertainment hub. Although many Marylanders have thoughts on the space’s future, no timeline has been revealed for when the development will break ground.

RELATED CONTENT: Kevin Durant’s Latest Sneaker Release, Nike KD19, Will Debut June 13

english only, school bus
Photo Credit: Megan Lee/Unsplash
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 9, 2026

Elderly Virginia Bus Driver Accused Of Strangling Child

A 73-year-old Virginia school bus driver has been arrested and charged with child neglect after allegedly choking an elementary school student.

A 73-year-old Virginia school bus driver has been arrested and charged with strangling an elementary school student on her bus.

Effie Wynn was taken into custody following a March 30 incident where the Lynchburg Police Department responded to Linkhorne Elementary School following reports of a “disorderly individual” involving an adult and a child, 13 WHAM reports.

“Upon arrival, officers began an investigation that revealed a bus driver, while parked in the school parking lot, allegedly assaulted a student on the bus,” LPD said. “LPD worked with Lynchburg City Schools and determined the student had been strangled during the encounter.”

Wynn was arrested on April 4 and faces charges of strangulation and child neglect. Police say the investigation remains ongoing, with more updates expected, and confirmed the child is safe and did not suffer life-threatening injuries.

The case reportedly ignited outrage across the community, with parents demanding tighter oversight and increased monitoring of school bus staff. School officials say they are fully cooperating with law enforcement as the investigation continues.

However, on social media, some have come to Wynn’s defense, speculating that the child may have acted in a way that provoked the elderly driver.

“She 73 she’s probably been doing this 40-50+ years before something like this happened. WHAT DID THE KID DO,” one Instagram user wrote.

“It was legal back in her day #freegranny,” another user jokingly added.

“She probably told that child to sit down about fifty-eleven times,” said someone else.

There was even one user who blamed it on the current generation of children, saying, “If you been around these new generation kids you definitely understand.”

Authorities are expected to release more details about the case involving Wynn and the events leading up to the incident on the bus.

RELATED CONTENT: Charlotte School Bus Driver Charged With Sexually Assaulting Teenage Boys

Dr. Dre, hip hop artists, Brain Aneurysm
Dr. Dre at New York City's Met Gala in 2023. (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 9, 2026

Dr. Dre Speaks On Becoming Hip-Hop’s Second Billionaire

The legendary hip-hop producer is only the second one, behind JAŸ-Z

After finally achieving billionaire status, as reported by Forbes, multi-platinum music producer Dr. Dre discusses his thoughts on reaching the coveted title.

Forbes bestowed that title on the former N.W.A. member when it released its latest list of billionaires on March 10. The publication said that his fortune came mostly from his record label, Aftermath Entertainment, and Beats Electronics, which he and co-partner Jimmy Iovine sold to Apple for more than $3 billion over 10 years ago.

Before that sale was approved, a bit of controversy arose, leading to Dre narrowly missing the billionaire tag in 2014. R&B singer Tyrese was partly blamed for that situation when he blurted on social media that the impending Apple deal would give Dre the money to achieve that status.

The Washington Post captured the video and posted the interaction on YouTube.

Dre recalled the moment in a conversation with Forbes and said, “That’s not one of my proudest moments.”

Apple decided to lower its acquisition price by $200 million, which placed $500 million in Dre’s bank account (along with almost $100 million in stock), denying him the magic number to wear that title.

It took more than a decade to achieve that, but now that he is one, he attributes his success to betting on himself and ending up on top.

“I don’t chase money—I try to make the money chase me,” said Dre. “I’ve always been able to bet on myself, and whatever I do and wherever I go, I know I have my talent with me.”

Dre has never stopped working. With the success of many ventures he’s been involved in over the years, including his most recent, Gin & Juice canned cocktails, he still dabbles in music.

“Who knows if something is gonna happen to make me come up with the best thing I’ve ever done in my life? The exciting part is there’s the potential of that. It’s exciting and depressing at the same time because I know it’s there, and what if I don’t find it?”

RELATED CONTENT: Hip-Hop’s Latest Billionaire, Dr. Dre, Sells Malibu Beach House For $16.5M

WNBA, 2024 Season, Basketball, DICK BARNETT, BIG3
(Photo: Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 9, 2026

WNBA Celebrates 30 Seasons Of Women’s Basketball With ‘Legacy Trail’ And Other Initiatives

The WNBA's 30th anniversary campaign will feature films, a Top Plays series, and exclusive merchandise.

The WNBA is celebrating 30 seasons of professional women’s basketball.

The league has launched several initiatives to commemorate its official start in 1996. As the WNBA prepares for its landmark season to begin in May, the organization has put out all the stops to recognize three decades of women’s sports.

According to Hot97, the WNBA will release a Legacy Trail merchandise program, alongside a Top 30 plays series, campaign films, and a Court Origins programming featuring WNBA Court Origins Nights. The vast programming will promote the WNBA’s enduring legacy as an evolving women’s sports league.

With The W’s impact still reaching new heights, the tagline for this 30-year celebration stands as “There’s More Where Thirty Came From.” As the league explores lucrative opportunities for players and introduces two new franchises, the WNBA has much in store for fans as they kick off a new era.

“Season 30 arrives at the perfect transformational moment in our league’s history. Marking both a defining milestone and the beginning of a new era for the WNBA,” shared WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert in a statement. “The unprecedented growth and momentum we’re experiencing today is the result of three decades of commitment.”

As for its signature merchandise offering, the Legacy Trail launches this April with exclusive drops that champion the league as a driver of sports and fashion.

Each month of the season will feature a new partner for the merch drops, so fashion collectors and WNBA fans can own a part of history. The league already announced the first three partner brands, Nike, La Crema, and Mitchel & Ness, which will reveal their collaborations this month. Longtime fans of the WNBA have witnessed the league’s growth within and beyond sports, while its players and fans have become platforms for unity and justice worldwide. Now, the WNBA is celebrating its greatness while shaping its legacy for decades to come.

Engelbert added, “From players, teams, fans, partners, and investors. As we step into this next dynamic era together, Season 30 is tracking to be our most memorable yet. Celebrating both how far we’ve come while highlighting the limitless opportunities ahead as we continue to elevate women’s basketball to new heights.”

To boost the hype for this historic season, the league and the NBA also posted a shared video featuring “G.O.A.T.” Sheryl Swoopes. Swoopes, the first woman to sign with the WNBA, hinted at what’s to come from the league’s biggest initiative yet.

Lovers of the game can witness the first jump ball of the season on May 8.

Beyonce, Unreleased music, jury trial
(Photo: Getty Images)
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 9, 2026

Formerly Incarcerated Man Awarded $307M Over Prison’s Medical Negligence

A former Michigan inmate who was denied a colostomy reversal and forced to live with a waste bag has been awarded more than $307 million.

A former Michigan inmate who spent two years in prison with a bag of waste attached to his body has been awarded more than $307 million in damages over the prison’s handling of his medical care.

On April 2, a federal jury awarded former Michigan inmate Kohchise Jackson $307.6 million after a prison healthcare contractor denied surgery to reverse his colostomy to cut costs, leaving him with a leaking, foul-smelling bag, Click On Detroit reports. The verdict follows years of allegations that Corizon Health intentionally refused to approve Jackson’s medically necessary colostomy reversal surgery, forcing him to continue living with a waste bag during his incarceration from 2017 to 2019.

“It was a horrible experience for me,” Jackson said. “Shame on you. I’m still a human being at the end of the day.”

The decision wasn’t based on medical need, but on cost, his lawyers claimed. The move forced him to live with a colostomy bag in prison, where he endured abuse from other inmates, experiences he still finds too painful to discuss.

“It was horrible, having to be in those close quarters with guys wearing a colostomy bag, knowing that it was supposed to come off within two months,” Jackson said.

In a 2019 lawsuit against CHS TX, Inc.—formerly Corizon Health—and its successor YesCare, Jackson alleged civil rights violations during his incarceration from 2016 to 2019. The suit claims he developed a hole between his colon and bladder, allowing waste to leak into his bladder and causing severe infections, fever, nausea, and extreme pain.

“A billion-dollar company that makes a profit by bilking the taxpayers faced the music,” said one of his civil rights attorneys, Jonathan Marko of Marko Law. “The evidence showed the companies spent decades making a calculated decision based on profit that the lives of prisoners didn’t matter. No corporation is above the law.”

When asked how he was treated by staff and inmates while incarcerated, Jackson said: “I was scrutinized. I was treated like an animal.”

The jury awarded $300 million in punitive damages against CHS TX, Inc.—which acquired Corizon Health after its 2023 bankruptcy—along with $100,000 in punitive damages against Dr. Keith Papendick, Corizon’s former director of utilization management during Jackson’s incarceration. An additional $7.5 million in compensatory damages was also awarded against CHS TX.

RELATED CONTENT: Former New York Mob Prosecutor Calls For Larry Hoover’s Release, ‘He’s Grown Up’

Military Medical Care, military, veterans, navy seal
(Photo: Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
by Sharelle B. McNair

April 9, 2026

Auto-Registration For Military Draft Goes In Effect December 2026 For Eligible Men 

There hasn’t been a military draft since 1973 but that is changing as the SSS agency is streamlining the registration process for young men.

As part of an effort to streamline the self-registration process and to save money, eligible men from the United States will automatically be registered into the military draft pool, The Hill reports. 

The Selective Service System (SSS), the agency designed to keep a database of eligible men to be called to serve in the U.S. military in the case of a national emergency, issued a proposal to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs on March 30 as a way to save money since it “transfers responsibility for registration from individual men to SSS through integration with federal data sources.” 

Most men between the ages of 18 and 26 are already required to register with SSS; however, automatic registration was mandated in December 2025 as part of the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, after it was signed by President Donald Trump. 

According to USA Today, there hasn’t been an active military draft since 1973. And while the new rule isn’t set to take place until December 2026, many speculate whether it will be used for the current conflict in Iran. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the draft is “not part of the current plan right now,” but Trump is keeping “his options on the table.”

To fill out the form, eligible men are required to give their full name, home address, date of birth and Social Security number. Men already serving in the military on full-time active duty don’t have to register.  Those hospitalized or incarcerated during ages 18-25 are exempt. 

Immigrants who fail to register are at risk of losing their U.S. citizenship. 

While Trump doesn’t have the authority to bring back the draft through executive action, making it so that Congress would need to pass legislation to edit the Military Selective Service Act to give him authorization, failure to register in the draft is labeled as a crime. Not registering can prevent people from receiving state-funded financial aid and employment in several states.

There is also a risk of being labeled ineligible for federal employment opportunities and job training under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, as well as a hefty fine of up to $250,000 and up to five years in jail.

Despite Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth embracing the old motto of “no man left behind,” women have been a pivotal addition to military service; however, they remain ineligible for the draft, despite past efforts by lawmakers to add provisions to include them. 

On social media, users gave their opinion on the narrative, saying there are better things that 18-year-olds should be automatically registered.

“At 18, you have automatic military draft registration but NO automatic voter registration. It is nice to see that this administration has its priorities in order,” @legallyminded wrote on X.

RELATED CONTENT: ICE Will Be On Base For Marine Graduation Ceremony

Ryan Coogler, sinners
(Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)
by Jameelah Mullen

April 9, 2026

A Seat At The Table: Ryan Coogler Joins Filmmaker Leadership Council, Aiming To Shape The Future Of Cinema

The filmmaker won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for Sinners in March 2026.

Oscar-winner Ryan Coogler is taking his expertise to the next level by joining the Filmmaker Leadership Council, Cinema United’s newly formed coalition designed to champion the future of movies. 

The council aims to increase interest in cinema attendance amid competition from streaming services. The council will work directly with Cinema United to provide feedback and recommendations on industry hurdles, including theatrical release windows, marketing, promotion, and technology. 

Jerry Bruckheimer, a veteran film producer, chairs the Filmmaker Leadership Council. Other team members include veteran filmmakers Brad Bird, Jason Reitman, and Celine Song. Producer Emma Thomas, who will serve as vice chair of the committee, emphasized the importance of the council’s mission.

“​​There is a profound cultural value in gathering together with a group of strangers and connecting while experiencing something special on the big screen,” Thomas said in a statement. “That shared moment —the laughter, the tears, the collective intake of breath — is irreplaceable, Thomas told Variety. 

In 2016, after the success of his film, Creed, which grossed about $173 million at the box office, Coogler was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the voting body behind the Oscars. Receiving an invitation to join the Academy is a highly coveted milestone for many directors. But Coogler famously declined the invitation, saying he doesn’t like the competitive nature of awards.

“It’s not out of animosity,” Coogler told The New York Times. “And I’m not good at judging things, bro. The act of ‘Hey, pick the best thing’ is very stressful for me, even when there’s no stakes involved,” the Oakland native told the outlet in a December 2025 interview. 

Coogler’s decision to join the Cinema United council appears to align with his broader ethos, which prioritizes collaboration over critique. 

Coogler emerged on the scene in 2013 with Fruitvale Station, based on the true story of Oscar Grant III, a 22-year-old unarmed Black man who was fatally shot by BART transit police at Oakland’s Fruitvale subway station. In 2018, he released Black Panther, a Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film. The record-breaking film grossed $292 million in North America in its first week of release. His most recent project, Sinners, received 16 Academy Award nominations, making it the most nominated film in history. 

RELATED CONTENT: N-Word Shouted At Michael B. Jordan, Delroy Lindo By BAFTA Guest With Tourette’s Syndrome

Gerber, Black Boy Joy
Photo by JGI/Jamie Grill via Getty Images
by Kandiss Edwards

April 9, 2026

Bless Him! 5-Year-Old Spends 200 Days On Transplant List Before Finally Receiving A Heart

Khu'meri Williams turned six on April 5.

Five-year-old Khu’meri Williams, who spent more than 200 days in the hospital walls battling a severe cardiac condition, has finally received a heart transplant.

His journey reached al turning point when his family learned that a matching heart had been located, ending a period of medical uncertainty that began during the previous summer.

In April, the surgical team at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta performed the transplant operation. On Day 202, Khu’meri got a new heart. On Day 212, he was discharged from the hospital. 

His departure was celebrated by hospital employees and Khumeri’s ringing of the ceremonial bell, signaling an end to his ordeal. 

“Khumeri’s purpose during his time at Children’s wasn’t just to receive a new heart, but to spread joy to everyone around him,” his mom, Sara Gibson, told Atlanta News First.

Returning to a normal routine has been a joyous occasion. Though the now 6-year-old will have a lifelong medication regimen, he is able to participate in everyday activities. Khu’meri expressed his gratitude to the medical team at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

“Thank you for taking such good care of me,” he said. 

While the transplant represents a major victory, Khu’meri will require ongoing medical supervision to monitor the new organ’s health. Pediatric transplant recipients not only follow a strict regimen of medication but also require multiple follow-up appointments to prevent complications.

As of 2025, Black or African American individuals represent approximately 27% of all candidates on the national organ transplant waiting list, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Black people only account for 23% of total organ transplant recipients in 2024.

Statistics specifically regarding heart transplants show that Black patients make up nearly 29% of those waiting for a match.

RELATED CONTENT: Restorative Justice Effort Addresses Long Delays In Kidney Transplants For Black Patients

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