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A Black-led boycott against the retail giant Target will continue, announced three of the boycott’s organizers after meeting with members of the company’s leadership.

The announcement comes as Target continues to see the fallout of its decision to end diversity, equity and inclusion programs and efforts to support Black businesses as the company seeks to align itself with the Trump administration’s agenda.

Committee formed to coordinate efforts as Target boycott continues

“Target Fast” organizer Rev. Jamal Bryant, We Are Somebody founder Nina Turner and Until Freedom co-founder Tamika Mallory issued a joint statement Monday announcing that a boycott of Target stores will continue. The three leaders have been among the main voices calling on Black customers to avoid shopping at Target after the company announced in January that it was rolling back its DEI and pro-Black business initiatives to align with the Trump administration’s anti-DEI orders. Bryant had framed the boycott as a “Target Fast” to coincide with the fasting season of Lent that ended with Sunday’s Easter holiday.

The three leaders met with members of Target’s leadership, and while they left with the impression that “Target is feeling the power of our communities and wants this boycott to end,” they lamented that “we believe that Target CEO Brian Cornell remains unaware of the betrayal felt by our communities due to his company’s decision to cower to the Trump administration,” according to their statement. Given Target’s continued policy of distancing itself from DEI initiatives, the three organizers announced a continuation of the boycott and the creation of a Target Boycott Organizing Committee to facilitate clear communication between the company and the leaders of the boycott. The boycott is to continue until “Target reinstates diversity, equity, and inclusion programs by name to stand up to the Trump administration instead of bending to bigotry,” and the organizers pointed to companies like Costco that have maintained diversity efforts as examples to follow.

Target looking to reverse economic losses as boycott continues

The drama with Target began in January when, just days after President Donald Trump was inaugurated and began issuing anti-DEI orders, the company announced that it was ending its DEI efforts and its program to promote products from Black businesses. The announcement, reversing pledges the company made in 2020, led to multiple calls to boycott the store, including Bryant’s campaign. As Blavity previously reported, Target saw a significant decrease in foot traffic in its stores after the boycott was announced. Bryant and CNN reporter Victor Blackwell have also noted that Target’s stock shares have significantly dropped in value, noting a similar protest against Elon Musk’s Tesla as well.

Pastor Jamal Bryant, Nina Turner and Tamika Mallory announce that the Target boycott will continue after the 40-day Target ‘fast’ ended on Easter Sunday. pic.twitter.com/oNWoMAPR9h— Victor Blackwell CNN (@VictorBlackwell) April 22, 2025

With the boycott hitting Target’s bottom line, the company has been reaching out to members of the Black community; in addition to the meeting with Bryant, Turner and Mallory, Target CEO Brian Cornell recently sat down with National Action Network head Al Sharpton, who has supported but not been a leader of the boycott movement. So far, however, these efforts have not been enough to allay concerns from the Black community and allies that Target is abandoning its commitment to diversity in order to placate the Trump administration.

With the Trump administration continuing its heavy-handed efforts to push its agenda, including its anti-DEI platform, many companies and institutions have caved to these efforts while others resist the pressure coming from the White House. So far, Target has responded more to the pressure from the Trump administration than to the financial hardship created by customers going elsewhere, but with boycott efforts intensifying, it remains to be seen how much the company will lose and whether or not it will reverse its decision on diversity.

The family of Caleb Wilson, a student who died following an alleged hazing incident, is raising awareness about the issue. They rented billboards in New Orleans to draw attention to Wilson’s death and to hazing. Wilson, a Southern University student, died earlier this year after an alleged, unsanctioned Omega Psi Fraternity, Inc. initiation event for the Lambda Alpha chapter.

“Remember, while you celebrate… remember Caleb…” a billboard unveiled on Poydras Street on Thursday reads. It also includes a checklist with a single marked item: “Funeral and Burial.”

Caleb Wilson’s family is using billboards to raise awareness about hazing

The billboard was unveiled the same week members of Omega Psi Phi fraternity gathered for their annual district meeting.

“These billboards are a public declaration of our grief, our love, and our fight for justice,” the Wilson family said, according to FOX 8. “They speak to what Caleb lost—but also what the world lost. We want every student, parent, educator, and community member to understand the real cost of hazing. This is not tradition—it’s trauma. And we will not allow it to continue to go unchecked.”

A bill against hazing was introduced in Louisiana

State Representative Delisha Boyd has been in contact with the Wilson family since his death. She introduced the Caleb Wilson Act to the House Education Committee, which would require members of student organizations to take a hazing prevention course for a semester.

Boyd is hoping the billboards will raise awareness surrounding hazing and also send a message to members of the fraternity.

“No one from the fraternity has offered any condolences to the family,” she said.

“I hope that this billboard will somehow reach someone that will reach out to that family,” Boyd added. “If nothing else, just to send a note saying, ‘I understand, we’re with you. Let us know what we can do.

Pope Francis, leader of the Catholic Church for the past 12 years, died Monday at age 88 after a period of significant health challenges. Francis, whose background and social stances made him unique among popes, leaves behind a legacy of attempts to reorient the Catholic Church toward vulnerable populations, both internally and politically.

A history-making and unique pope

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Francis became pope in 2013 following the resignation of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI. The BBC reported that his election made Francis the first Latin American pope in history and the first pope in centuries to take office while his predecessor was still alive. Francis was also the first pope to be a member of the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits, a Catholic religious order known for its missionary work and public service; he adopted the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan religious order. According to The Associated Press, as pope, Francis embodied the humility and lack of self-aggrandizement represented by these religious orders; he lived in the Vatican hotel instead of the palatial Apostolic Palace, rode in a small car, and wore simple shoes instead of the traditional red loafers of previous popes.

Progressive social views caused controversy

As pope, Francis set a progressive tone for the Catholic Church, per The Guardian. Francis promoted greater incorporation of LGBTQ+ people, women and divorced Catholics into Church life and sometimes leadership positions. While he didn’t generally change official Church doctrine concerning these issues, his tone and willingness to interpret Catholic teachings in more inclusive ways were very different from his socially conservative predecessors. While not going far enough for some progressives, Francis’ social policies drew anger and opposition from many traditionalists in the Catholic Church, including the generally conservative contingent of United States bishops who sometimes questioned his policies and leadership, according to PBS. Francis’ relationship with the U.S. branch of the Church was not all negative, however. In 2020, he appointed Washington, D.C.’s Archbishop Wilton Gregory as the first Black American cardinal in the Catholic Church.

Francis and U.S. politics

Francis emphasized care for marginalized and vulnerable people, with a particular focus on refugees and the impoverished. His stances brought him into heated political debates around the world. Francis enjoyed a cordial relationship with President Barack Obama, Politico mentioned, with whom he agreed on issues such as addressing climate change and mass incarceration reform. Francis clashed with President Donald Trump during the latter’s first administration. CNN reported that Francis publicly criticized Trump’s pledge to build a border wall between the United States and Mexico.

“Those who build walls will become prisoners of the walls they put up,” the pope said.

Francis had a much closer relationship with President Joe Biden, the second Catholic president in U.S. history; during his final days in office, Biden awarded Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom, NPR reported. Although Francis had been critical of the immigration policies of the current Trump administration, The Associated Press reported that the pope met briefly with Vice President JD Vance, also a Catholic, on Easter Sunday.

With the passing of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church and the world have lost one of its most prominent voices for progressivism and inclusivity. The process will start soon to choose a new pope who may continue the agenda set by Francis or attempt to forge a new path, but for now, world leaders and Catholic faithful across the globe are mourning Francis and acknowledging his legacy.

Trader Joe’s plans to open 21 new stores in 12 states in the next year. The company made the announcement on its website, but did not confirm the date of the upcoming openings, The Mirror reported. However, a Trader Joe’s representatives previously told Nexstar that at least 10 the new stores will open by the end of 2025.

Where will the new Trader Joe’s stores open?

California, which already has the most Trader Joe’s locations, will add stores in Northridge, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, Tracy and Yucaipa. Additional locations are set to open in New Orleans; Hoover, Alabama; Westminster, Colorado; Rockville, Maryland; Boston, Massachusetts; Iselin, New Jersey; Oklahoma City; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; San Antonio; and Bellingham, Washington.

New York will see new stores in Staten Island and Glenmont. Pennsylvania will get stores in Berwyn and Exton.

What is Trader Joe’s strategy when opening new stores?

Trader Joe’s marketing executives Tara Miller and Matt Sloan discussed the company’s store-opening strategy during an episode of the Inside Trader Joe’s podcast last year. They explained that Trader Joe’s chooses new locations based on population density, traffic patterns and parking availability.

Miller and Sloan also said the company tends to avoid buildings that previously housed grocery stores, as those spaces might not feel like a typical Trader Joe’s. The company typically does not accept petitions from community groups lobbying for a store in their area.

“Our decisions, they’re business decisions. We’re excited when people are excited about us, but that’s really not what’s driving the decisions about what brings a Trader Joe’s,” Miller said on the podcast, per Nexstar.

Full list of upcoming/new Trader Joe’s locations

Alabama

Hoover – 1771 Montgomery Highway

California

Northridge – 9224 Reseda Boulevard

Sherman Oaks – 14140 Riverside Drive

Tarzana -18700 Ventura Boulevard

Tracy – 2530 Naglee Road

Yucaipa – 31545 Yucaipa Boulevard

Colorado

Westminster – 9350 Sheridan Boulevard

Washington, D.C.

Friendship Heights – 5335 Wisconsin Avenue NW

Brookland – 701 Monroe Street, NE

Louisiana

New Orleans, Louisiana – 2501 Tulane Avenue

Maryland

Rockville – 225 N. Washington Street

Massachusetts

Boston – 1999 Centre Street

New Jersey

Iselin – 675 US-1

New York

Staten Island – 6400 Amboy Road

Glenmont – 388 Feura Bush Road

Oklahoma

Oklahoma City – 6920 Northwest Expressway

Pennsylvania

Berwyn – 550 Lancaster Avenue

Exton – 125 West Lincoln Highway

South Carolina

Myrtle Beach – 115 SayeBrook Parkway

Texas

San Antonio – 11745 I-10 West

Washington

Bellingham, Washington 4255 Meridian Street, Suite 200

According to a news release, customers who purchase the pass will receive a black-and-gold card in the mail that earns them the right to one gourmet burger with a side of bottomless fries (one of the fast food chain’s signature […]

Donald Trump has scrapped the government website that had been providing vital information on preventing and fighting COVID-19. The site now redirects to a page claiming to offer information on “the true origins of COVID-19.”

Aligning with the theory Trump has been pushing since the pandemic began, the website criticizes China for spreading the virus, USA Today reported. It also features a banner that says “Lab leak” and blames Joe Biden’s chief medical adviser, Dr. Anthony Fauci, for failing to defend Trump’s theory. Any resources on vaccines, treatment and testing were removed from the previous page.

Who are the officials being slammed on Trump’s new COVID-19 website?

The new site slams officials who enforced preventive measures such as masks, social distancing and lockdowns. Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is among the officials blamed for how he handled the pandemic. According to Trump’s administration, Cuomo is guilty of “medical malpractice” for the policies he enforced. The website also criticizes the World Health Organization, saying its response to the pandemic was “an abject failure.”

“The Proximal Origin of SARS-CoV-2′ publication — which was used repeatedly by public health officials and the media to discredit the lab leak theory — was prompted by Dr. Fauci to push the preferred narrative that COVID-19 originated naturally,” the site states.

What is the CIA saying about Trump’s COVID-19 theory?

The CIA has shown support for Trump’s theory on the origins of COVID-19. Earlier this year, a CIA agent said the virus probably originated in a lab instead of in nature. However, the agency also noted that it’s still not confident in the theory and that it’s possible COVID-19 emerged naturally.

As WorldAtlas notes, “Humanity has physically explored more of our oceans than space. However, the journey of discovery in both fields has barely begun, promising endless opportunities for exploration and discovery in the future.” The idea of life on another planet is something that humans have thought about extensively. This is clearly demonstrated through art and science, both of which dream about the possibility of transcending space (and eventually, time). Science fiction has really set the precedent in terms of our planetary potential. In tandem, our modern times have brought advanced technology and new possibilities.

While things on Earth become divisive at times, we can always count on the excitement of exploration to bring mankind together. The International Space Station is kept running thanks to astronauts and experts from 15 different nations, all of whom are working toward “a long-range human space exploration strategy,” as NASA puts it. Long before the 1969 moon landing, adventurers have been curious about the potential of life on other planets. Now, new findings reveal that we’re closer to confirming alien life than ever before – although it’s trillions of miles away, on planet K2-18b.

What Does the Discovery on K2-18b Mean?

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At this stage, despite advances in technology, there has been no confirmation of extraterrestrial life (unless you believe conspiracies about Area 51). Most recently there have been some speckles of hope for life on another planet though. Cambridge scientists have detected some signs of molecules which are typically derived from simple organisms on a planet called K2-18b. This is the second time that a similar observation has been made in its atmosphere, as observed by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).

Professor Nikku Madhusudhan spoke with BBC about his team’s findings, expressing that more data is needed, although he remains optimistic. “This is the strongest evidence yet there is possibly life out there. I can realistically say that we can confirm this signal within one to two years,” he told the outlet this week. Madhusudhan and his researchers used the JWST to analyze the chemical composition of K2-18b’s atmosphere via light which passes through from the small red Sun it orbits around.

What stands out to the Cambridge team is that the planet’s atmosphere appears to contain the signature of at least one of two molecules associated with life: dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulphide. BBC explains that, on Earth, “these gases are produced by marine phytoplankton and bacteria.”

The professor told the outlet, “The amount we estimate of this gas in the atmosphere is thousands of times higher than what we have on Earth. So, if the association with life is real, then this planet will be teeming with life. If we confirm that there is life on K2-18b, it should basically confirm that life is very common in the galaxy.” Another expert, Dr. Subir Sarkar, suggested that the far-off giant could have an ocean that’s full of life, but for now, scientists “don’t know for sure.”

While there’s still a lot to learn about K2-18b as Madhusudhan’s research continues, we know that the planet is two-and-a-half times the size of Earth, and located a mere 124 light years (or 700 trillion miles) away. If you’re excited about the potential of meeting life on another planet, you might be disappointed to know this distance is beyond what a human could travel in their lifetime.

How Are We Going To Get To Other Planets? Journeying to the New Frontier 

Beyond looking for pre-existing life on other planets, there are many different organizations trying their hand at space exploration right now. Along with the international efforts made on the behalf of human kind, there are private companies competing in the space race too. So far, they’ve sent robotic spacecraft to the Moon, Venus and Mars, making progress and conducting plenty of research. 

The main issue of getting mankind to another planet is the human body, which is very sensitive to its conditions outside of the International Space Station. We have yet to crack the code on how to endure the intense heat, cold and toxic gases present on other planets. Despite the odds, there is some hope of making it to Mars. In comparison to other planets like Uranus, Venus, Neptune and more, it has the most habitable conditions. Astronomy.com’s assessment of the situation puts it the plainest, “technological innovation and a better understanding of the human body, mind and how we might adapt to life on another planet” is needed before we take the next steps.

There is a lot of work to do, but private companies like Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin have set their sights on this planet. Only time will tell just who and what will help us cross that finish line of getting (or finding) life on another planet. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Has any human ever landed on another planet?

Beyond Earth’s Moon, which was reached by spaceflight Apollo 11 in 1969, no human has ever traveled to another planet. 

Will we eventually live on another planet?

There are hopes that we will, but scientists and spectators are split on the odds. If we do eventually live on another planet, it will likely be no time soon. 

Has anyone ever been lost in space?

While some astronauts have experienced delays or have been temporarily stranded, there have been no instances of them being lost. There have, however, been fatal incidents during spaceflights.

The parents of Karmelo Anthony, the 17-year-old student who was accused of stabbing another student during an altercation at a track meet, have spoken out for the first time. A press briefing was organized on April 17 by Next Generation Action Network, a social justice organization advocating for Anthony and supporting his self-defense claim.

Karmelo Anthony’s parents said they’re facing death threats

“In the wake of this tragic incident, our family has been under attack,” Anthony’s mother, Kala Hayes, said, according to ABC News. “Whatever you think what happened … my three younger children, my husband and I didn’t do anything to deserve to be threatened, harassed and lied about.”

“The lies and their amplification put my family in danger, as well as everyone in our community, everyone involved in the investigation from the police, the attorneys and the court staff,” she added.

Hayes added that her husband had to take a leave of absence from his job because he was afraid for his family.

“His mental health is deteriorating,” Hayes said. “Day by day, we have endured death threats.”

She noted that there is an “active investigation that everyone involved wants to be full and fair.”

“I don’t know why we are being targeted and discriminated against before a fair trial. Our son deserves the same rights under the law that everyone is afforded to,” Hayes said. “We believe in the legal process and that is where the truth will come out. To the family who experienced the loss, my heart truly goes out to you. To those who have supported my family, thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. We ask for your continued support, patience and prayers as we navigate this difficult process.”

Some people say the harassment of Karmelo Anthony’s family is coming from conservatives

Minister Dominique Alexander, the president and CEO of Next Generation Action Network, called out some conservatives for being “outright disrespectful” and “posting nonstop about this case.” He noted that the family has not yet received money from a fundraiser set up to help them cover Anthony’s legal fees.

Austin Metcalf’s father, Jeff Metcalf, showed up to the press conference and was asked to leave by law enforcement. Metcalf said he wanted to hear what was being said, according to FOX 4. However, Alexander called out his decision to appear at the briefing.

“I want to start off this press conference to say something as a deep note. A deep note that I can tell America. What we seen at the beginning of this press conference. The father being at this press conference. These are my words, don’t quote anybody, is a disrespect to the dignity of his son,” he said while opening the briefing, per FOX4.

What happens next in Karmelo Anthony’s case?

Metcalf was stabbed during an altercation with Anthony that took place at Frisco Independent School District stadium on April 2 during a track meet. Anthony was shortly arrested following the incident and immediately claimed self-defense. He was charged with murder.

Anthony was being held on a $1 million bond, which was then set at $250,000 during a hearing on Monday. He was also released from detention and was put on house arrest. Anthony was ordered to receive parental or adult supervision at all times, have no contact with the Metcalf family and request court approval in order to leave the house. The 17-year-old was also expelled from school, Alexander said during the briefing.

“Karmelo Anthony is a 3.7 GPA student, and if he doesn’t even go to class for the remainder of the year, he would graduate,” he said, according to FOX4. “Okay, we’ve asked that Frisco do not make a decision in this situation, but Frisco ISD has notified of their intent to expel Carmelo Anthony from school one month before his high school graduation. That just shows me that Frisco ISD is trying to push off the blame.”