Jet Set, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Rubby Pérez, Pedro Martinez, nightclub, roof, collapse,ceiling

by Mary Spiller

April 15, 2025

NYC Mayor Eric Adams Honors Victims Of Jet Set Nightclub Tragedy In Dominican Republic

'We have a million Dominicans in New York. They believe in family. They believe in faith. They believe in public safety. They believe in children'

A clearly affected New York City Mayor Eric Adams visited the site of the catastrophic Jet Set nightclub collapse in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and paid tribute to the 225 who died in the incident.

Adams arrived at the site on Monday, April 14, and was caught by news cameras wiping away tears as he paid his respects to the victims.

Adams made the trip with Ydanis Rodriguez, the New York City Department of Transportation commissioner. Rodriguez translated for him as Adams began offering condolences to the affected community.

“[It’s] one thing to read about a tragedy, it’s one thing to see it on the news, but the impact of being here, and seeing the faces of the people we lost is something I had to do,” Adams said after a moment of silence. “We have a million Dominicans in New York. They believe in family. They believe in faith. They believe in public safety. They believe in children.”

Adams was invited to pay his respects in Santo Domingo due to New York’s large Dominican population. He attended the memorial and left a wreath.

“I’m leaving this wreath here as a symbol not only of my love, but of the love that this country, [and] New York, has for you,” Adams said.

Among the New Yorkers who died, according to the New York Post, was art dealer Elivira Malkic and her husband Kahim Boubazine. 24-year-old Passaic, New Jersey resident Jennifer Contreras, who was in Santo Domingo celebrating her birthday, was another tri-state area traveler who died.

The incident occurred when the nightclub’s cement roof collapsed around 1 a.m. as Rubby Pérez, a popular Merengue singer who was among the hundreds who died, performed.

MAIA CAMPBELL, PEACE, SOCIAL MEDIA, TYLER PERRY

by Mary Spiller

April 15, 2025

Maia Campbell Returns To Public Eye With Glowing Social Media Return And A Wish

'I'm doing great! I just wanted you to know that.'

Beloved ’90s actress Maia Campbell shook the internet on April 13 when she returned to social media. Best known for her roles in In The House, Sister Sister, and South Central, Campbell discussed her career prospects after a hiatus from the public sphere.

Over the weekend, Campbell dropped a photo of herself on Instagram, smiling with celebrity hair and makeup artist Jayson Glenn.

It was Campbell’s first photo on Instagram since May 2017, and her healthy glow drew an outpouring of support from her longtime fans.

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A post shared by Maia Campbell (@maia_campbell)

In response, Campbell posted a video on Instagram to confirm that she has been doing well. She captioned the post, “Thank you all for the love and support. More to come.”

In the video, she began, “Hey everybody! Thanks for checking in and wondering if I’m OK. I’m doing great! I just wanted you to know that.”

She continued to drop some hints about what her future projects might look like, revealing that she hopes to work with Tyler Perry to produce a movie based on her mother, Bebe Moore Campbell’s 2005 book, 72 Hour Hold..

“It was a monumental book for me. It was a New York Times bestseller, and July is Mental Health Awareness Month, so I’m still on that campaign,” she said.

Campbell concluded the heartfelt video by thanking her fans for their continued support and asking for people to keep sending prayers her way as she pushes forward in the recovery journey.

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A post shared by Maia Campbell (@maia_campbell)

“Keep me up in prayer, and thank you for praying for me,” she stated. “And I’m going to do my best to keep you guys happy. I’ll see you soon. Bye!”

Campbell was iconic in the ’90s due to her natural beauty and charm on hit sitcoms. However, she fell from the public eye after she began using drugs. In a journey that she has openly discussed, Campbell battled with addiction and spent time in jail. After appearing on Iyanla’s Fix My Life, she seemed to fall from the public eye.

Corrye Brewer, Colorado, daughter, hypothermia, mother

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 15, 2025

Autopsy: Woman, 97, Died From Hypothermia After Daughter Intentionally Left Her Out In The Cold

An elderly woman died after allegedly being left out in the cold by her daughter, according an autopsy report

A 97-year-old woman in Colorado died of hypothermia in January after her daughter allegedly left her outside in frigid weather,

An autopsy report ruled the January death of 97-year-old Corrye Brewer a homicide, placing blame on her unnamed daughter, according to The Independent. Brewer was reportedly left outside an abandoned home in El Paso County, Colorado, on January 24.

Authorities are now investigating whether criminal charges will be filed.

“Per the report, the decedent was intentionally left in the cold without any way to return home, get to adequate shelter, or call for help,” the coroner’s office stated. “Due to these circumstances, the manner of death is homicide.”

Brewer was left without her walker, a phone, or any means to seek shelter in temperatures that dropped to 16 degrees with snow, authorities said. Brewer, who had a cognitive impairment affecting her memory and relied on medication, was last seen around 1 p.m. on January 24 in Peyton, Colorado, before being reported missing by her family the following day.

“Our grandmother is deceased, and somebody needs to be held accountable for that,” said Brewer’s grandson Paul.

“We just want it brought out to the light. She is gone, and we hope that someone would take the time to provide answers for the family,” added Shari Robinson, Brewer’s granddaughter.

Brewer’s death was classified as a homicide after authorities determined a family member was the one who brought her to the abandoned house and left her there.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time,” a Facebook post from the National Center for Missing and Endangered, Inc. read. “We are deeply saddened by your loss and want you to know that our thoughts are with you and your family. Please remember that you are not alone; we are here to support you in any way we can.”

Harvard University, dEI. 2.2 billion, Trump

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 15, 2025

Harvard University Standing Up To Trump Results In $2B in Grants Being Frozen

Harvard’s President, Alan Garber, announced that the university would not submit to a list of demands handed down by President Donald Trump.

After Harvard University refused to change policies such as hiring and admissions, the Trump administration responded by freezing over $2 billion in multi-year grants and contracts.

In a formal letter to faculty and students, Harvard’s President, Alan Garber, announced that the university would not submit to President Donald Trump’s list of demands to eliminate DEI programs, ensure “viewpoint diversity” in its hiring process, and screen international students who are “supportive of terrorism or anti-Semitism.”

“No government — regardless of which party is in power — should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue,” Garber wrote.

The government threatened to remove close to $9 billion in federal funding.

Once Harvard’s legal team declined Trump’s demands, the university received a response from the government’s Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, stating the Ivy League school is entitled.

“Harvard’s statement today reinforces the troubling entitlement mindset that is endemic in our nation’s most prestigious universities and colleges -– that federal investment does not come with the responsibility to uphold civil rights laws,” the response said.

“The disruption of learning that has plagued campuses in recent years is unacceptable. It is time for elite universities to take the problem seriously and commit to meaningful change if they wish to continue receiving taxpayer support.”

In addition to $2.2 billion in grants being frozen, the U.S. General Services Administration and Department of Education also froze $60 million in multi-year contract value to Harvard, according to CNBC. A spokesperson from Harvard alluded that the government going against the university only causes more harm than good. “For the government to retreat from these partnerships now risks not only the health and well-being of millions of individuals, but also the economic security and vitality of our nation,” the spokesperson said.

Unlike other schools like HBCUs, Harvard feels it is in a better position financially, so Trump’s lack of funding won’t affect the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based school as much as one would think. Harvard has a $53 billion endowment, more than $10 billion higher than the second-largest endowment at a fellow Ivy League school, Yale University.

Harvard is one of many schools under fire from the new administration due to anti-DEI policies and protests. After an entire year of pro-Palestinian protests on Columbia University’s campus, the Trump administration pulled $400 million in federal money, froze close to $1 billion in funding for Cornell University, and roughly $790 million for Northwestern University.

Despite pushback from the White House, Harvard has remained steadfast in not giving in to demands but staying open to conversations of change. “Harvard remains open to dialogue about what the university has done, and is planning to do, to improve the experience of every member of its community,” the school’s attorneys wrote.

“But Harvard is not prepared to agree to demands that go beyond the lawful authority of this or any administration.”

women's wrestling, Delaware State University,

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 15, 2025

Capital One And Delaware State Host Pitch Competition To Promote AgricTech Solutions At HBCUS

The Innovation Venture hosted a pitch competition and expert panels to help HBCU students scale up their agritech solutions

Delaware State University and Capital One Financial hosted a pitch competition for HBCU Entrepreneurs developing agricultural tech solutions.

The “Innovation Venture” took place on Delaware State’s campus on April 14. It hosted not only HBCU students from across the country but successful Black entrepreneurs and agricultural experts who joined in critical discussions about the industry.

DSU’s partnership with Capital One for this national conference seeks to inspire the next generation of agribusiness leaders.

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A post shared by DSU Innovation Venture (@dsuinnovationventure)

“Delaware State University is proud to continue our partnership with Capital One and provide a platform to elevate the next generation of tech-driven leaders in agribusiness,” stated Tony Allen, President of Delaware State University, said in a press release. “Entrepreneurship is a key foundation for building generational wealth. In addition to startup seed funding, this partnership means university students will receive mentorship and guidance from private sector leaders on business structures and intellectual property, equipping them with knowledge and experience to successfully enter the job market.”

HBCU students, as well as participants from local middle and high schools, learned more about the agritech business and how to further develop their products for greater use. Heman Bekele, scientist and TIME’s 2024 Kid of the Year, also joined as a speaker to inspire his generation to start their entrepreneurial journeys now with the tools learned from the speaker series.

Additional speakers included elected officials such as Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer, U.S. Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester and entrepreneurial trailblazers such as Daymond John and James Lindsay, CEO of Rap Snacks.

“Agribusiness forms the very foundation of how we grow and produce food, yet innovations in the industry remain underfunded,” Dr. Cherese Winstead, dean of Delaware State University’s College of Agriculture Science & Technology, said. “As Americans confront rising food prices and supply challenges, HBCUs are uniquely positioned to lead the charge to strengthen supply chains and drive economic growth.

The Innovation Venture is the result of a years-long partnership between Capital One and Delaware State. As the HBCU further establishes its influence in emerging agriculture tech solutions, the venture hopes to extend this reach across HBCUs with more attention on the young visionaries shaping these new ideas.

“Innovation Venture marks an exciting new chapter of our partnership with Delaware State University by bringing students’ ideas to life and providing them with opportunities to address real world issues facing the agriculture industry,” Joe Westcott, Delaware Market President at Capital One, said. “Capital One and Delaware State University share a mission to empower this next generation of leaders to drive innovation through technology.”

The partnership has led to an extensive mentorship program, connecting professionals with sophomores. Capital One has also granted over $250,000 to the University’s Career Services Experiential Learning Program, which offers greater career pathways for HBCU students to find opportunities in the evolving business sector.

“Innovation is really the cornerstone of agriculture in today’s world. Some innovations are accepted quickly. However, others take more time before they are widely adopted,” said Delaware Secretary of Agriculture Don Clifton. “The individuals who accept the challenge and pursue these innovations are the leaders of the coming generation in agriculture.”

A recap of the live-streamed event is available on DSU’s YouTube.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 15, 2025

Ghanaian Artist Documents His Legal Journey To End His Life: ‘People Should Be Able To Talk About Uncomfortable Things’

A British-Ghanian artist is documenting his journey to legally assisted death in the Netherlands.

Artist Joseph Awuah-Darko is drawing conversation from his documented journey of pursuing legally assisted death in the Netherlands.

The British-Ghanaian artist, who has long struggled with treatment-resistant bipolar disorder, moved to the Netherlands, where assisted euthanasia for psychiatric conditions is permitted. Since announcing his decision to pursue a legally assisted death in December 2024, Awuah-Darko, 28, has received a range of reactions on social media.

“What usually happens when you cry on the internet is that people bully you and create memes from your ugly crying,” he told USA Today in late March. “To my shock and a bit of my bemusement, that didn’t happen to me.”

Sharing his path toward assisted death isn’t new territory for Awuah-Darko, who has openly documented his experience with bipolar disorder for years. After five years of considering assisted dying, he is now pursuing the option publicly, citing unbearable mental suffering as the reason.

“Hi,” he said in his initial video announcement. “I’m Joseph. I am bipolar, and I moved to the Netherlands to legally end my life. I’m not special. I’m just ready.”

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A post shared by Joseph “Nana Kwame” Awuah-Darko 🇬🇭 (@okuntakinte)

While some critics accused him of “romanticizing suicide,” thousands of others responded with compassion—inviting Awuah-Darko to share a meal. The overwhelming outreach inspired him to launch the “Last Supper Project,” a global tour of dinners with strangers.

As he awaits a decision on his euthanasia request, he’s already shared 93 meals and received more than 4,000 invitations. His journey has taken him to cities like Paris, Milan, Brussels, and Berlin, where people connect with him—some hoping to shift his perspective, others simply offering love and presence before his possible farewell.

“Dinner is a very, if not the most, intimate and intentional part of anyone’s day,” he says. “For me, that has just been a special way of fostering remarkable relationships and connections during the time I have left.”

Awuah-Darko, who has previously attempted suicide, describes himself as “just one person among millions” living with bipolar disorder and chronic suicidal thoughts. Aware of the power of social media, the artist is using it to amplify a personal story in hopes of sparking wider conversations.

“If people choose to see it as romanticizing, I think that more reflects on them,” he said.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or emotional distress, you’re not alone—and help is available. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides free, confidential support 24/7. No matter what you’re going through, there are people who care and are ready to listen. Your life matters.

checks, Walmart,Tianna Cosby, Mendoza, USPS, Maryland, check fraud

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 15, 2025

Maryland Woman Sentenced Over 9 Years For Leading $5M USPS Check Fraud Scheme

A 24-year-old Maryland woman was sentenced to nearly a decade behind bars for running a check fraud scheme

A 24-year-old Maryland woman has been sentenced to more than nine years in prison for her role in leading a multi-million-dollar check fraud scheme, according to the U.S. District Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland.

Tianna Cosby, aka “Mendoza,” from Prince George’s County, Maryland, was sentenced to 114 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.

Cosby collaborated with co-conspirators to defraud banks by stealing checks from the mail, altering and forging them, and then depositing the fraudulent checks into various financial institutions.

Cosby teamed up with a group of young co-conspirators—Marche Sisco, 26, of Suitland; Tommi Cosby, 21, of District Heights; Biniah Carter, 24, of Upper Marlboro; and Zion Oluwademilade Adeduwon, 22, of Bowie—in a widespread check fraud scheme.

According to authorities, Cosby and her co-conspirators worked on the massive check fraud scam from the beginning of March 2021 to at least August 2021.

Officials say that in just five months, the group targeted over 900 victims, stealing more than 700 checks worth over $5 million. Cosby reportedly swiped checks from USPS collection boxes and also received stolen checks from Sisco, who took them from the Washington Network Distribution Center in Capitol Heights, according to the district attorney’s office.

The group used people as “account mules” to deposit stolen and altered personal and business checks and funnel the illegal proceeds through their bank accounts. Authorities also say that Cosby laundered money by routing funds through other accounts controlled by co-conspirators and created shell companies to transfer money into two separate accounts.

During a January 19, 2024, search of Cosby’s Woodbridge, Virginia, home, authorities seized 27 designer handbags worth approximately $113,065 and 14 pieces of jewelry valued at $24,490. They also found a BMW i8 she purchased for $114,296.02. Inside the car, officers discovered a Louis Vuitton bag containing 151 stolen checks from victims nationwide, totaling around $610,788.08.

by Mitti Hicks

April 15, 2025

Black Girl Vitamins Sponsors 40+ Double Dutch Club To Promote Wellness Among Black Women

As the sponsor, Black Girl Vitamins will provide members with essential vitamins tailored to the specific health needs of Black women. These include Vitamin D3 supplements, which help combat the common issue of Vitamin D deficiency among Black women, and Iron Gummies, which support energy levels and overall vitality.

Two Black-owned businesses are ensuring that Black women get the support they need to stay healthy. Black Girl Vitamins announced it will sponsor the Black-led 40+ Double Dutch Club.

As the official vitamin sponsor, Black Girl Vitamins’ year-long partnership will help 40+ Double Dutch Club’s mission of promoting health, community, and empowerment among Black women through nostalgic fitness activities.

Created in 2016, 40+ Double Dutch Club is for women ages 40 and above who want an exciting, affordable way to tone, burn calories, and improve their physical and mental health. It also allows women to build community by interacting, reliving positive childhood memories, and creating new ones.

“We jump Double Dutch, Chinese rope, hopscotch, hula hoop and play all of the games we did on the playground growing up,” a statement on the official Facebook page reads. “We end every meetup in prayer because we are grateful to God that 20, 30, and 40 years later, we can still JUMP!”

How Black Girl Vitamins Sponsorship Will Help Black Women

What started as a club in Chicago has expanded into sub-clubs worldwide. The 40+ Double Dutch Club now boasts thousands of members across 30 states and three countries.

As the sponsor, Black Girl Vitamins will provide members with essential vitamins tailored to the specific health needs of Black women. These include Vitamin D3 supplements, which help combat the common issue of Vitamin D deficiency among Black women, and Iron Gummies, which support energy levels and overall vitality.

“These products aim to help 40+ DDC members maintain the stamina and wellness needed to enjoy their active lifestyles fully,” Black Girl Vitamins released in a statement.

Black Girl Vitamins will also be present at five major 40+ DDC events throughout the year so attendees can sample its products, connect with the brand’s team, and learn more about how targeted nutrition can enhance their health and performance.

“This partnership reflects both organizations’ shared commitment to empowering Black women through health and community. By combining movement and nutrition, BGV and 40+ DDC aim to inspire women to embrace aging with confidence and strength.”

model, stabbing, nyc, ice cream truck, Detroit,

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 15, 2025

Tragedy in Detroit: Child Dies After Being Struck By Ice Cream Truck

The driver remained on the scene and was taken into custody

An ice cream truck hit and killed a young child in Detroit on Monday, April 14.

According to Click on Detroit, the child was killed around 7 p.m.

The vehicle’s driver remained on the scene and was taken into custody by police. The incident occurred on Detroit’s west side between Diversey Avenue and Rutland Street.

Police did not reveal the child’s age, only that the child was under 10 years old.

Detroit police 6th Precinct Captain Shannon Hampton confirmed that the driver was taken in for questioning and that the child was killed in the accident.

The police department did not release any other information about the suspect or whether he would face any charges, though police said the driver is cooperating. No details were revealed regarding what led to the accident.

Hampton said drivers need to be on the lookout for children now that the weather is getting warmer and more kids are outside. “If you see school buses and ice cream trucks, just slow down a little and check your surroundings before proceeding past them,” Hampton explained.

Police officials said its homicide fatal squad is investigating the incident.

“We made sure that we brought plenty of resources, including our chaplain squad, to make sure they’re here to support the officers as well as the family. We’re just here to pray for the family right now,” Hampton said, according to WXYZ.

Katie Perry, Gayle. King, space, asstronauts,Blue Origin,Aisha. Bowe

by Mary Spiller

April 15, 2025

Blue Origin’s First All-Women Crew Returns To Earth From Historic Space Launch

The space shuttle included news host Gayle King, singer Katy Perry, journalist Lauren Sánchez, producer Kerianne Flynn, former NASA scientist Aisha Bowe, and civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen.

Blue Origin’s first all-women flight crew launched on April 14 to fly 62 miles above Earth’s surface to the Kármán line. After returning from a 10-minute journey, newly anointed astronauts Gayle King, Katy Perry, journalist Lauren Sánchez, film producer Kerianne Flynn, former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, and civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen discussed their historic trip into space.

Blue Origin’s flight crew took off at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, and the well-covered event picked up on the screams of excitement from inside the capsule.

CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King recalled, “I can’t even believe what I saw.”

As CBS News reported, Blue Origin was not only the first all-women flight into space, but Bowe made history as the first Bahamian and Nguyen, the first Vietnamese and Southeast Asian woman to enter space.

“I got chills. I got tears in my eyes…the enormous burst of sound, CBS Mornings host Vladimir Duthiers said as he watched the rocket blast off.

Another senior CBS national correspondent claimed that he heard “Katy Perry singing up there,” which King later confirmed.

As the Blue Origin excursion blasted off, Perry sang Louis Armstrong’s “What A“Wonderful World.”

After the rocket safely returned to Earth, the women reflected on their 10-minute journey to the Kármán line.

King stepped out of the shuttle and kissed the ground, stating, “I just have to have a moment with the ground…to appreciate the ground for just a second. That was amazing.”

She continued, “You look down at the planet, and you think, ‘That’s where we came from?’ To me, it’s such a reminder about how we need to do better — be better. I’ll never, ever, ever forget it.”
Sánchez described the experience as emotionally “profound” for her.

“You look back at Earth, and it’s this beautiful jewel. It was quiet. It felt like it was breathing. It was so alive,” Sánchez explained during a news conference featuring all the crew a few hours after landing.

The Blue Origin New Shepard space program is named after Alan Shepard, the first American to fly in space. The program, which brought King, Perry, Sánchez, Flynn, Bowe, and Nguyen to space, is designed to transport citizens to space in a completely reusable suborbital rocket.

Jeff Bezos founded Blue Origin and has been hailed as paving the way for more accessible human flights into space.

The recent all-women’s mission is the 11th human flight to blast off under Bezos’ New Shepard program.

NYC Mayor Eric Adams Honors Victims Of Jet Set Nightclub Tragedy In Dominican Republic

Maia Campbell Returns To Public Eye With Glowing Social Media Return And A Wish

Autopsy: Woman, 97, Died From Hypothermia After Daughter Intentionally Left Her Out In The Cold

Harvard University Standing Up To Trump Results In $2B in Grants Being Frozen

Capital One And Delaware State Host Pitch Competition To Promote AgricTech Solutions At HBCUS

Ghanaian Artist Documents His Legal Journey To End His Life: ‘People Should Be Able To Talk About Uncomfortable Things’

Maryland Woman Sentenced Over 9 Years For Leading $5M USPS Check Fraud Scheme​

Black Girl Vitamins Sponsors 40+ Double Dutch Club To Promote Wellness Among Black Women

How Black Girl Vitamins Sponsorship Will Help Black Women

Tragedy in Detroit: Child Dies After Being Struck By Ice Cream Truck

Blue Origin’s First All-Women Crew Returns To Earth From Historic Space Launch

Maryland Woman Sentenced Over 9 Years For Leading $5M USPS Check Fraud Scheme