Suspect Arrested After 3 Students Shot At Dallas High School
Police officers arrested 17-year-old Tracy Haynes for his role in the shooting that took place at Wilmer-Hutchins High School
A suspect has been arrested after four Texas students were injured in a shooting at a Dallas high school, the second one there in just over a year.
According to The Dallas Morning News, police arrested 17-year-old Tracy Haynes for his role in the shooting at Wilmer-Hutchins High School on April 15. Haynes was charged with aggravated assault and mass shooting. His bail is set at $600,000.
Three of the students were injured by gunfire, while a fourth one was also injured, according to the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department. The victims were all males and were taken to local hospitals. The injuries range from serious to non-life-threatening.
The Dallas Independent School District issued a statement that the school was secure and that it planned to have parents and guardians reunited with students.
Wilmer Hutchins High School Updates:
April 15, 2025 2:12 p.m.
Families: Wilmer-Hutchins High School is secured. Reunification plans will be shared shortly. Please be prepared to arrive with your photo ID. We need everyone’s help to refrain from coming to campus.
Jason Evans, a spokesman from the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department, confirmed that the three students injured by gunfire ranged in age from 15 to 18. The fourth victim suffered a “musculoskeletal injury to the lower body,” but his age was unknown to Evans.
The incident reminded Dallas residents of a shooting that happened on April 12, 2024. A student somehow got a gun into the high school and shot a classmate.
“Quite frankly, this is just becoming way too familiar. And it should not be familiar,” Stephanie Elizalde, superintendent of the Dallas Independent School District, said at a news conference.
Approximately 900 students attend the high school.
Classes were canceled for the rest of the week, with the high school expected to reopen April 22. Officials said mental health support will be available.
Boxing Champ Adrien Broner Cops To Getting Jumped In Nightclub Brawl: ’18 vs. 2′
The details surrounding the recent nightclub brawl remain unclear, including the date and location of the incident
Boxer Adrien Broner copped to being involved in a physical altercation at a nightclub, confirming speculation fueled by a viral video.
In a recent conversation captured on video, Broner admitted to being struck during the incident but claimed he was initially the victim of theft.
“He stole me, though,” Broner said, referencing an unidentified individual. However, the former four-weight-class world champion said it plainly that he got his lick back. “Now it’s time to catch these, though. Return to send, I did.”
Broner further implied that the altercation was not fair, claiming that he and a friend were outnumbered.
“18 versus 2,” the boxer claimed in the video, which was shown on 411 Uncut.
The recent admission follows a pattern of incidents involving Broner outside of the boxing ring. TMZ Sports reported on a video showing Broner being restrained outside a Cincinnati nightclub, the Copa Lounge, after becoming agitated and attempting to confront a group of people.
While Broner did not throw any punches in that July 23, 2024, incident, it added to a list of legal issues the talented but controversial boxer has faced, ranging from DUI arrests to allegations of assault and robbery.
The details surrounding the recent nightclub brawl remain unclear, including the date and location of the incident. Broner did not elaborate on what was stolen from him or the specifics of the ensuing altercation. His claim of being significantly outnumbered also lacks independent verification.
Despite the ambiguity, Broner’s admission confirms his involvement in the viral video incident and adds another chapter to his turbulent history outside of professional boxing.
The TSA Was Created After 9/11. Republicans Introduce Bill To Eliminate It
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was created following the 9/11 attacks as a branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. TSA is in charge of security at the country’s airports, highways, railways, and ports.
Two republicans have introduced a bill to eliminate the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and replace it with private security. Republican Senators Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) say that eliminating the federal agency will help to “cut waste” at the federal level.
The TSA was created as a branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security following the 9/11 attacks. Before the 9/11 attacks, private security companies were tasked with securing the country’s transportation systems. TSA agents are in charge of security at the country’s airports, highways, railways, and ports. In 2024, the TSA screened more than 900 million passengers.
What To Know About the Bill To Eliminate TSA
Introduced on March 27, the Abolish TSA Act (S.1180) calls for the DHS Secretary to expeditiously eliminate or transfer all TSA authorities, enforcement functions, and programs. According to the bill, the senators are calling to privatize commercial airport security “to increase cost-efficiency and security.” It would also establish the Office of Aviation Security Oversight within the Federal Aviation Administration, headed by a director.
If the bill is passed, the TSA would be eliminated three years after its enactment. The bill reads that the Department of Transportation would assume more responsibilities amid President Donald Trump’s agenda to reduce the federal workforce and the federal budget. The Department of Transportation would be responsible for functions related to mass transit, freight rail, highways, motor carriers, and pipelines.
Critics say it’s a bad idea to return to the pre-9/11 framework.
“Security is an inherently government function, and if you take this idea to the logical extreme, then who needs a Secret Service, or who needs a government Department of Defense or Customs and Border Protection?” John Pistole, the president of Anderson University in Indiana, who served as TSA administrator under President Obama from 2010 to 2014, told FlyingMagazine.
“The TSA has become an inefficient, bureaucratic mess that infringes on Americans’ freedoms and wastes taxpayer money,” Tuberville reportedly said in a statement on the bill. “It’s a bloated agency that offers minimal security benefits while causing unnecessary delays and frustration for travelers. We need to focus on smarter, more effective methods to protect our country without sacrificing the liberties that make America great.”
‘He’s Got The Power!’ Newly-Elected President Of Gabon Celebrates To 90s Throwback On Stage
Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema cut a rug in celebration of his presidential victory.
Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema is celebrating his victory as the newly elected president of Gabon, the Associated Press reported.
According to official results, Nguema won the presidency with 90% of the vote. Voter turnout reached 87.21% in the African nation, which has a population of approximately 920,000.
The general joined supporters in a public celebration, dancing on stage as the crowd cheered the country’s new leadership. The event marked a symbolic end to Gabon’s Bongo dynasty, which ruled the country for over five decades.
Though the election secured Nguema a decisive majority, the vote has not been without controversy. Some critics, including former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze, an opponent of Nguema, have raised concerns about the campaign’s fairness, alleging that government resources were used to sway voters.
“What we experienced on Saturday, April 12, was not a free election,” said former Prime Minister Bilie-By-Nze. “Never, since entering politics, have I witnessed such a hijacking of all State resources.”
However, the Gabonese Civil Society Organizations Observation Mission reported that both the polling process and campaign tactics met acceptable standards.
Nguema entered government in August 2023, when he seized power as an interim leader following a military-led coup. That move came just hours after President Bongo was declared the winner of a disputed election. The military annulled the results, citing allegations of fraud and governance failures under Bongo’s administration.
Nguema’s formal election marks the end of Gabon’s transitional government period, and the beginning of what he has promised will be a new chapter focused on anti-corruption and institutional reform.
International observers are expected to watch the new administration closely as Nguema begins his term amid lingering concerns about democratic processes and military influence in governance.
Georgia Judge Checks Man And His Mama During Online Court Session, ‘If She Ain’t A Lawyer, I Don’t Want To Hear From Her’
'If she ain't a lawyer, I don't want to hear from her'
A judge chastised a man during an online court session after hearing his mother in the background trying to assist him in his court case: “Your mama’s not an attorney.”
A video has been circulating online showing a judge presiding over a case with a man during what appears to be a Zoom session. There are no details as to when the session took place, but it was posted on the YouTube channel of Law & Justice USA.
The judge in the case, Judge Tammi Hayward, whose courtroom is based in Jonesboro, Georgia., is seen speaking to a man she addressed as Mr. Pearson. After instructing him to turn a light on, he is seen walking in a room when he appears. The tone in Hayward’s voice immediately reveals that she is not to be played with. She then told him that since they are “conducting business,” he should have a seat somewhere. He wrinkled his face at the phone, and she quickly said, “Oh, I’m sorry, don’t give me the stink face.”
He responded by informing her that he is “listening” to her, and she told him she doesn’t want to talk to him while he is walking because his constant movements might make her dizzy.
After informing Pearson that he has three cases before her, including battery, family violence, another simple battery family violence matter, and a striking a fixed object case, another voice blurts out, “Wasn’t the other family violence case supposed to be dropped?”
Hayward then said, “First of all, if the person you’re talking to is the person who is on these cases, then you’re going to violate your bond conditions, get arrested, and come back and spend time in jail.”
Pearson then quickly said, “That’s my mama!”
The judge responded, “Your mama’s not an attorney, so I’m talking to you.”
Pearson claimed he doesn’t have an attorney, and Hayward reminded him he has a public defender.
“You have an attorney. You were given a public defender, so I want you to stop talking. You and your mama!”
Upon hearing that, Pearson’s mother yelled out to her, “Wait a minute! Don’t tell me…. now let me move closer!”
After asking Pearson how old he was (he said 30), she chastised him again, telling him that he is grown and needs to “handle” his own business.
“If she ain’t a lawyer, I don’t want to hear from her,” Hayward said before the clip ended.
Check out the clip below:
No details were revealed regarding the outcome of the court session that day. The video has gone viral and has been reposted on social media.
Week 10: Target Boycotters Still Standing On Business As In-Store Foot Traffic Continues To Drop
One TikToker had a great idea around boycotting.
Target continues to see a decline in in-store patronage. Foot traffic declined more than 9% in February and 6.5% in March compared to the same time last year, according to data compiled by the Minnesota Tribune.
Analysts attribute the slump to economic uncertainty, inflation, and public backlash over the company’s rejection of DEI initiatives.
Retail experts say the current economic landscape, exacerbated by rising tariffs, inflationary pressure, and decreasing consumer confidence, is affecting big-box retailers nationwide to scale back their DEI policies and has drawn criticism from civil rights leaders, most notably Rev. Jamal Bryant. The pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church launched a “fast from Target” campaign, urging consumers to refrain from shopping there. He argues the retailer’s shift betrays its once-strong public commitment to racial equity.
Retailers have responded with aggressive promotions to entice shoppers. Target is rolling out new initiatives and promotions to bring customers back into its stores. The retailer recently announced a collaboration with fashion designer Kate Spade and a limited-edition “Daisy Duck” clothing line in partnership with Disney.
But the moves have been met with resistance. Former customers and current protesters are speaking out on social media, calling on the Black community to reject the campaigns.
One TikTok user, @ajjustfly, posted a video walking through a Target store to highlight the impact of the ongoing boycott.
“You all were not playing with Target! Will they ever recover from this?” the user said in the clip. “The employees were literally fighting in the aisle. The cashier said, ‘Nobody really shops here.’”
The video has gone viral, adding to the growing backlash.
You all were not playing with Target! Will they ever recover from this? The employees were literally fighting in the aisle. The cashier said “nobody really shops here” #viral#fyp#boycott
TikTok user @veesasstravels offered an economic workaround for shoppers looking to avoid big-box stores like Target and Walmart. She suggested using the price-matching chat services provided by other retailers to find comparable products at the same cost.
Customers continue to clutch their coins for both economic and ideological reasons. Both seem to be putting large retailers in the hot seat. A University of Michigan report showed consumer confidence is down 12% from February and over 28% year over year, indicating widespread concern about the economic trajectory under the Trump administration.
This Extra Social Security Payment Arrives For Specific Retirees, Disability Recipients
The Social Security payment scheduled for April 16 will be directed to a specific segment of the beneficiary population.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed that millions of Social Security beneficiaries across the United States will receive their next monthly payment April 16. This upcoming disbursement is part of the agency’s established monthly schedule and will provide crucial financial support to eligible retirees, individuals receiving disability benefits, and survivors.
For many Americans, these regular Social Security payments form a vital cornerstone of their monthly income, assisting with essential living expenses such as housing, healthcare, and groceries. The timely receipt of these benefits can substantially impact their day-to-day financial stability, particularly for those who rely heavily or solely on Social Security. Beneficiaries who have opted for Direct Deposit will typically see their funds available more quickly, often on the same day the payment is issued.
Who Receives the April 16 Payment?
The Social Security payment scheduled for April 16 will be directed to a specific segment of the beneficiary population. To be eligible for this particular check, recipients must meet two key criteria:
Their Social Security benefits must have commenced in May 1997 or later.
Their date of birth must fall between the 11th and 20th of any month.
This eligibility group encompasses:
Retired workers receiving Social Security retirement benefits.
Individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
Widows and widowers receiving survivor benefits.
In addition to meeting these birth date and benefit commencement requirements, beneficiaries who have elected to receive their payments via Direct Deposit can anticipate faster access to their funds. Those who still receive paper checks or have not yet enrolled in electronic payments may experience a slight delay of several days due to postal service delivery times and bank processing procedures.
Remaining April Social Security Payments
Following the April 16 distribution, the SSA has one final payment scheduled for April:
April 23: This payment is designated for beneficiaries whose birth dates fall between the 21st and 31st of any month, provided their Social Security benefits also started after May 1997.
With this final distribution, the SSA will conclude its four-payment cycle for April. The agency’s system of staggering payments throughout the month, based on the recipient’s date of birth and the date they initially claimed benefits, is designed to ensure a more streamlined and manageable distribution process.
The SSA continues to encourage all beneficiaries to enroll in Direct Deposit, emphasizing that it remains the most efficient and secure method for receiving Social Security funds, ensuring timely access to crucial income.
Hip-Hop and Fashion’s Fly Guy A$AP Rocky Covers Latest Issue Of Vogue
'I feel so blessed. I feel lucky. I feel happy. I feel joyful. I’m on a high.'
Harlem-bred Rakim Mayers, known to the world as A$AP Rocky, and co-founder of Harlem hip-hop group A$AP Mob, discussed his Harlem upbringing, his children, and his feelings on beating a gun charge earlier this year in an exclusive interview with Vogue magazine.
The conversation took place after a Los Angeles jury found A$AP Rocky not guilty of two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. The fashionable lyricist was accused of shooting at a former friend and A$AP Mob group member, A$AP Relli, in Los Angeles in 2021.
As the entertainer rode around Manhattan with Vogue writer Leah Faye Cooper, he was in his hometown of Harlem, New York, where many before him have thrived in many industries.
“Shooting in Harlem today was surreal,” Rocky said. “It was like a dream come true.”
“What I was privy to and got to experience made me so lucky. I grew up with both parents; I got to see love. And being from Harlem, it just gives you this…pizzazz.”
While having dinner, Rocky mentioned his love for his children, RZA and Riot. He also briefly described the personalities of the children he has with his girlfriend, Rihanna.
“The older one, he stays to himself—he likes his books,” Rocky said of the older son, RZA. He then described the nature of RZA’s younger sibling, Riot.
“He likes to take stuff from his brother so his brother can chase him.”
Rocky was facing up to 24 years in prison after rejecting a plea agreement that would have placed him in prison for six months with a suspended seven-year sentence plus three years of probation. While attending an event at Soho House, he raised his glass for a toast to the people around him and acknowledged the court victory, stating he was happy to be with them, as opposed to the alternative path Los Angeles prosecutors wanted.
“I’m so glad to be here with all of you and not in jail.”
“I feel so blessed. I feel lucky. I feel happy. I feel joyful. I’m on a high. I’m going to enjoy it while it’s still here. It’s just beautiful.”
ASU Honey Beez’s Dancer Laid To Rest In Atlanta, Family Demands Justice
Grimes' family and HBCU community have continued to spread awareness on her death.
The family of Gennia Grimes, the Alabama State University student allegedly killed by her boyfriend, officially laid their loved one to rest this weekend.
Grimes’ service occurred on April 12 at Antioch Baptist Church in Atlanta. The 21-year-old was a junior criminal justice major at the HBCU when she died from a fatal shooting on March 27.
Grimes was active in her HBCU community as a member of Alabama State’s Honey Beez dance team and a new mom to a 9-month-old son. Alabama State released a statement shortly after her death.
Montgomery County police initially responded to a shooting report off Highway 80 East in the Waugh community of Pike Road. There, they found the young woman in a car with a gunshot wound and airlifted her to a local hospital. However, she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the medical center.
The investigation led police to arrest Rogers McCloud Jr. on April 4. He was charged with capital murder in connection with Grimes’ death.
As recently covered on BLACK ENTERPRISE, McCloud is believed to be her boyfriend and the father of her young child. The 20-year-old remains held without bond at Montgomery County Detention Facility.
Following the unfortunate loss, Grimes’ family and the HBCU community have raised awareness on social media through a #JusticeforGenniaGrimes hashtag. They continue to advocate for Grimes, who reportedly died as a result of domestic violence.
Her family remembers the doting mom as a determined student with big dreams for success. Grimes was set to graduate this August, returning to school after having her child to accomplish her academic goals.
“My daughter did not deserve to die. My daughter was a superstar, and everyone who knew her knew that. She knew she was a superstar, so she was going to become famous. She knew that.”
The family also created a GoFundMe on April 3 to cover funeral expenses and other support for her son. Thus far, they have raised over $5,700 of their $50,000 goal to help honor this young woman’s life and legacy.
“This is not just about loss—it’s about justice,” detailed the GoFundMe. “Gennia was murdered, and we will not let her story be ignored. We are fighting for answers, for truth, and for the justice she deserves.”
They added, “We are asking for your support in any way—whether through a donation, a share, or simply spreading awareness. Every contribution will help us honor Gennia’s life and give her the farewell she deserves.”
The case highlights another potential instance of violence against women by intimate partners, especially on college campuses. Alabama State offers a Violence Against Women Program (VAWP), also known as M.O.V.E., to support victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.
According to her obituary, Grimes was laid to rest at Lincoln Cemetery in Northwest Atlanta as her community continues to reel from her sudden death.
Black Public Media’s PitchBLACK Forum Poised To Surpass $2 Million In Funding For Black Creatives
Since its launch in 2015, BPM has channeled over $1.8 million to support 23 compelling film and immersive projects through the PitchBLACK competition.
Black Public Media (BPM), a national nonprofit championing Black content creators, announced Tuesday that its PitchBLACK Forum will award over $2 million in funding for film and immersive projects this year. The forum, recognized as the largest pitch competition in the United States for independent filmmakers and creative technologists focused on Black narratives, will convene in Harlem April 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The culmination of the event will be the PitchBLACK Awards May 1 at 7 p.m., where production and distribution awards will be announced. The evening will also feature the presentation of the prestigious BPM Trailblazer Award to Lillian E. Benson, ACE (American Cinema Editors), a celebrated figure known for her Emmy-nominated work on groundbreaking projects such as Eyes on the Prize II, Showtime’s Soul Food, NBC’s Chicago Med, and OWN’s Greenleaf.
Sponsored by industry giants Netflix and PBS, the PitchBLACK Forum will provide a platform for talented creatives to pitch their innovative projects before a distinguished audience of public media representatives, commercial television network executives, distributors, and funders nationwide.
Since its launch in 2015, BPM has channeled over $1.8 million to support 23 compelling film and immersive projects through the PitchBLACK competition. This year marks a significant milestone as the forum moves to The Apollo Stages at the Victoria in Harlem, the vibrant New York City neighborhood that serves as BPM’s base. With BPM anticipating awarding more than $225,000 in funding to projects this year alone, the organization is poised to break the $2 million mark in total funding awarded through the PitchBLACK program since its inception.
“We are happy to host PitchBLACK in the creative and cultural mecca of Harlem this year,” said Leslie Fields-Cruz, executive director of BPM. “PitchBLACK always offers a wonderful array of projects presenting unique mixes of entertainment, ingenuity and craftsmanship. We look forward to what this year’s creatives have in store for audiences.”
Advertising futurist Tameka Kee will return to moderate the PitchBLACK Forum for this year’s event. The film segment, scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon, will feature pitches for documentary projects from teams including Sidney Fussell and Jennifer Holness, Karen Hayes, Arlieta Hall and Brittany Alsot, Chelsi Bullard and Jacqueline Olive, and Caron Creighton. The immersive project competitors – Anatola Araba, Aya, Steven Christian, Jeremy Kamal, Joel Mack, and Rasheed Peters — will take the stage from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., presenting projects that incorporate cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality, 3D animation, and interactive games.
The PitchBLACK Forum winners will be announced at the May 1 awards ceremony at 7 p.m.
Hosted by comedian Jamie Roberts, the awards ceremony will include an insightful conversation with Trailblazer Award recipient Lillian E. Benson, moderated by NPR host Brittany Luse of the acclaimed podcast It’s Been a Minute.
The Nonso Christian Ugbode Fellowship winner, a prestigious award named in honor of BPM’s late director of digital initiatives and designed to support a talented under-30 creative, will also be announced during the awards ceremony. The evening will culminate in a lively after-party.
Tickets for the PitchBLACK Awards are priced at $300 and can be purchased through the Apollo Theater’s website.
Adding another dimension to celebrating Benson’s impactful career, this year’s BPM Trailblazer Film Retrospective will feature a curated collection of works edited by the esteemed honoree. These films will be available for free streaming on blackpublicmedia.org between April 28 and May 12, offering a wider audience the opportunity to experience Benson’s masterful editing. The featured films include Beyond the Steps; Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise; New World, New Forms; and The Taste of Dirt; and two pivotal parts of Eyes on the Prize II: The Promised Land (Part 10) and Keys to the Kingdom (Part 13).
PitchBLACK’s significant impact on the landscape of Black media is made possible through the generous support of key sponsors Netflix and PBS, with additional funding provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Acton Family Giving, Agog LLC, New York Community Trust, Rockefeller Family Fund, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, New York State Council on the Arts, Jerome Foundation, Sonder Foundation, and the New York Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment.
For those interested in learning more about the innovative projects competing in this year’s PitchBLACK Forum, detailed information can be found here. Further details about Black Public Media and its initiatives are available at blackpublicmedia.org. Highlights and updates from PitchBLACK can be followed on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok at @blackpublicmedia.
