A San Francisco federal court ruled that Tesla must pay a former worker, Owen Diaz, around $137 million after he endured racial abuse working for the company.

King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the world’s youngest reigning monarch when he took the crown at age 3 in 1995, has died.

Dolly Parton died on Aug. 25, 2026, in Nashville at age 80, ending a seven‑decade career that shaped American culture. Parton died after a brief battle with cancer, her publicist confirmed. Dolly Parton’s image became as iconic as her music. Her blond wigs and gleaming stage outfits helped her craft a look that made her instantly recognizable across generations. Yet her style was only part of her reach. Parton built one of the most influential catalogs in American entertainment, writing more than 3,000 songs and selling over 100 million records worldwide.

Target is facing renewed backlash after selling a children’s Halloween costume that critics say included “minstrel show features.

Actor Samuel Monroe Jr., best known for Menace II Society, died at 52 after a prolonged battle with meningitis.

The outages have prompted Indiana Gov. Mike Braun to call for an investigation into the local utility’s storm response, saying residents deserve accountability.

South Jersey rapper Cannon Cobain has released a new nine‑track album titled "Living Legend", marking the latest chapter in his independent catalog.

Samuel Brown’s family has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Baltimore County and Officer Derek Hadel, alleging excessive force.

A Florida family is grieving and planning two funerals after a mother and her 2‑year‑old daughter were struck and killed by lightning.

A Central Texas toddler is fighting for his life after doctors diagnosed 19‑month‑old Jahseh Bogan with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia.

Bronx hip‑hop pioneer Keith Caesar, known as “Keith Keith” of Funky 4 + 1, has died at 64, his family told News 12 The Bronx. 

Sean Grayson, the former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy convicted of second‑degree murder in the 2024 killing of Sonya Massey, died at 32.

A Texas judge has denied Karmelo Anthony’s request for a new trial, keeping the 19‑year‑old’s murder conviction and 35‑year sentence in place.

Wrongfully convicted at 19 and exonerated after 46 lost years, Louisiana’s Wilbert Jones is racing against time to complete a month‑long “Vision Journey” before glaucoma steals his remaining sight

Michael Wright, the acclaimed actor widely known for "The Five Heartbeats", has died at age 70, according to family statements shared publicly.

Hundreds gathered in Mississippi and online on Wednesday for a prayer rally to celebrate what would have been Nolan Wells’ 19th birthday.

Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris has woken up from a medically induced coma after suffering a medical emergency before a concert earlier this month, the band confirmed to People.

A GoFundMe has climbed past $40,000 for Derrick Moore, the Georgia teacher who died after rescuing two strangers from a rip current.

Former NFL linebacker Tae Crowder has launched a GoFundMe after losing his entire life savings in what he and other former players describe as a widespread investment fraud scheme.

LAS VEGAS — A New York grandmother who vanished during a trip to Las Vegas has been found dead, her family confirmed. This tragically ends a search marked by fear, confusion and unanswered questions. Goods, 63, disappeared on Aug. 8 after leaving a friend’s apartment to visit a CVS. She never returned. What Happened to Alisha Goods? Grandma Found Deceased Authorities found Alisa Goods early Aug. 21 near Terminal 1 at Harry Reid International Airport, Las Vegas police said. Officers responded around 1:45 a.m. after a body was reported in the area.

Alisa Goods, a 63‑year‑old New York grandmother, vanished in Las Vegas more than a week ago.

The NAACP’s Office of General Counsel has joined the legal team representing the family of 18‑year‑old Nolan Wells.

Jason Arday, the youngest Black professor in the University of Cambridge’s history, died Friday, August 14 at age 41 after weeks of intense scrutiny over plagiarism allegations and questions about his personal biography. 

Rockstar Riley, a longtime Waffle House employee whose rap videos about the chain drew millions of views, says the company fired him after he refused to delete content filmed in his uniform.

Kansas City mother Alexis Rayford is being hailed a hero after she died defending children when gunfire erupted at a family barbecue on Aug. 9.

The Congressional Black Caucus is urging the U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI to launch an independent federal review into the disappearance and death of 18‑year‑old Nolan Wells.

Kansas pastor Steven Mills, a former northeast Kansas radio personality, is facing another major health battle after surviving cancer twice.

OWN will premiere a season 12 of Love & Marriage: Huntsville on Sept. 12 centered on a Huntsville friend group navigating challenges.

Knowings appeared in more than 30 episodes between 1997 and 2000 and became one of the show’s standout performers.

A close friend of Malcolm‑Jamal Warner’s widow has launched a GoFundMe to support her and the couple’s 9‑year‑old daughter.

6‑year‑old Atlanta boy wakes from coma 3 months after being hit by car while walking home.

Romell Frazier Jr., 7, lost both of his arms in a March dog attack that also severely injured his legs.

Derrick Moore, 45, entered the water near 10th Avenue South around 7:53 p.m. after seeing the child struggling in the surf. Lifeguards had already gone off duty when the incident occurred.

Brittany Parks shared the diagnosis in an emotional Instagram post on Sunday, Aug. 2, telling fans she has been undergoing nonstop tests, doctor’s appointments and “mental rollercoasters” since learning the news.

Chris and Zana Guyton, parents of two young children, lost everything when fast‑moving fires burned through neighborhoods across Spokane County.

INDIANAPOLIS — Dailen Brewer, an 18‑year‑old Black teen, has sued the City of Indianapolis and IMPD Sgt. Robyn Frazier, alleging she lied in a sworn affidavit that accused him of pointing a revolver at her during an April 12 encounter at Riverside Park. Prosecutors later dropped all charges after reviewing body‑camera footage that contradicted her claim. Video Shows Brewer With Raised Hands According to reports, the incident happened on April 12 when Brewer drove into Riverside Park with a friend in the passenger seat. Police said he entered through an exit lane near closing time, but his lawsuit claims there were no clear signs or barriers showing the entrance was blocked.

Kiara Bowling is fighting for her life after police say two young brothers, ages 7 and 4, took their parents’ car and struck her while she walked a friend’s dog on a residential street.

New Jersey family says organ network sought body parts from relative who wasn’t a donor.

Pearson captured 65.8% of the vote, according to the Associated Press. Lamar earned 24.2%, Alexandria‑Williams received 6.8%, and Torino finished with 3.2%.

David Owori, one of Uganda’s most prominent football players, died after a violent street gang attack in Kampala. He was 27.

Police say Tyler Smith’s July 4 shooting was accidental, but his family demands justice, citing a lack of forensic testing and unanswered questions.

National faith leader Dr. Jamal Bryant is calling supporters nationwide to Biloxi on Aug. 19 for a National Prayer Rally marking what would have been Nolan Wells’ 19th birthday.

Teen creator DeJuan Strickland turned hunger into action, raising $30K to erase school lunch debt through his Tech Boy hero initiative.

Flo Anthony, the trailblazing entertainment journalist whose voice helped define Black celebrity news for more than four decades, has died at 74.

The family of Tasia Fortune, the 29‑year‑old woman found hanging from a tree behind a vacant Jackson home, is demanding justice as police continue investigating her death.

Baltimore recorded only seven homicides in July, the lowest total ever documented for the month and a striking marker of the city’s continued decline in violence.

King Best's family described him as a kind, creative boy who loved music, video editing and track and field

Bruce Charles Thomas, 24, was shot and killed by a Kansas City, Kansas, police officer on July 1 during what his family says was a severe mental‑health emergency.

The list arrives as interest in HBCUs continues to rise nationwide.

The 2026 lineup features Black Panther, New Jack City, and Scarface, each paired with a live soundtrack created in real time.