unc, University of North Carolina, 3-year degrees

by Kandiss Edwards

May 6, 2026

UNC And Other Universities Shift Toward 3-Year Degrees

By condensing the traditional timeline, UNC hopes to reduce student debt and increase the accessibility

In a major shift for higher education in the Southeast, the University of North Carolina (UNC) System is moving forward with a pilot program to offer accelerated three-year bachelor’s degree programs.

The initiative, approved by the UNC Board of Governors on April 27, aims to address growing concerns about the rising cost of college and the time it takes for students to enter the workforce. By condensing the traditional four-year timeline, the system hopes to reduce student debt and increase access to higher education across the state’s 16 public universities, the Triangle Business Journal reported.

Unlike previous accelerated programs that relied heavily on students entering college with significant Advanced Placement (AP) credits, the new UNC model is designed as a “structured pathway” to streamline the curriculum. Participating campuses will re-evaluate general education requirements and major-specific courses to eliminate redundancies without sacrificing academic rigor. System officials estimate that graduating one year early could save students and their families up to 25% in tuition and fees.

The program will initially launch as a pilot at select institutions within the system, including UNC Greensboro, UNC Asheville, and Appalachian State University. Each campus will select specific majors—likely those with high workforce demand, such as Business, Communications, and select Social Sciences—to test the feasibility of the condensed format.

Proponents of the plan, including UNC System President Peter Hans, argue that “college should not be a one-size-fits-all time commitment.” Critics, however, have raised questions about whether the accelerated pace might lead to student burnout or a reduction in the “co-curricular” experiences—such as internships and study abroad programs—that often occur during a traditional senior year.

The UNC System’s move is part of a much larger seismic shift in American higher education. As of early 2026, the U.S. Department of Education notes that nearly 60 colleges and universities across the United States have officially launched or announced three-year bachelor’s degree options. This nationwide movement, spearheaded by the “College in 3” initiative, includes a diverse range of institutions from private liberal arts colleges to large public systems.

These schools are responding to pressure to prove the value of a degree amid rising tuition. By reducing the time to earn a degree, these nearly 60 institutions are prioritizing efficiency and workforce readiness for a new generation of students.

by Keka Araújo

May 6, 2026

Big Tech Buyouts: Strategic Staff Reductions and The Shift To Capital Investment

These programs allow the employer to reset its balance sheet

The tech industry is currently navigating a fundamental shift in how it manages headcount. After 92,000 layoffs across the sector this year, major players like Meta and Microsoft are moving away from involuntary terminations. Instead, they are utilizing voluntary separation programs to reduce staff numbers while simultaneously increasing their infrastructure budgets.

On Thursday, Meta confirmed a 10% reduction in its workforce, affecting approximately 8,000 employees. Unlike in previous cycles, this reduction is paired with a freeze on 6,000 open roles, reflecting a broader trend in which the industry is prioritizing physical assets over the expansion of human teams.

The Mechanics of Voluntary Separation

Microsoft is currently implementing its first-ever buyout program specifically for experienced tech workers. The eligibility criteria are based on the “Rule of 70,” where an employee’s age and years of service must meet that threshold. This targeted approach allows Microsoft to reduce its U.S. workforce by roughly 8,500 people.

“The voluntary exit option gives the employer the ability to say, ‘it’s not about the fact that we don’t think you’re doing a good job… I’m going to incentivize you to do that because we need to cut some staff,” said Domenique Camacho Moran, an employment law partner at Farrell Fritz.

By utilizing a buyout, Microsoft can reduce payroll costs for its most expensive roles without the administrative and legal complexities inherent in performance-based layoffs.

Capital Expenditure and Operational Efficiency

The financial motivation for these cuts is clear. Microsoft expects to reach $145 billion in capital expenditure this fiscal year. This is part of a larger $700 billion spending wave across the industry as firms race to build out new technical infrastructure.

Camacho Moran notes that these companies have determined they can maintain operations with fewer people. The goal is to move toward a leaner model where the remaining tech workers are strictly aligned with high-priority infrastructure projects.

“What they’re trying to do is make sure that they work more leanly and efficiently,” Camacho Moran said. “They have figured out that the people they have are the people who are doing jobs they need, maybe at prices that are too high.”

Incentivized Departures and “Ramping Off”

The transparency regarding these programs varies by company. While some frame the buyout as an act of corporate support, others use it as a tool to address performance issues. Last year, Google offered a voluntary separation package that explicitly invited underperforming employees to exit the company.

In a memo reported by CNBC, Google Senior Vice President Nick Fox stated, “If you’re excited about your work… and performing well, I really (really!) hope you don’t take this! On the other hand, this VEP offers a supportive exit path for those of you who don’t feel aligned with our strategy.”

The Future for Tech Workers

For tech workers eligible for these packages, the choice is often between accepting a guaranteed payment now and facing the uncertainty of future restructuring. These programs allow the employer to reset its balance sheet while giving employees a window to transition to new roles on their own terms.

As Microsoft Chief People Officer Amy Coleman wrote to employees, “Our hope is that this program gives those eligible the choice to take that next step on their own terms, with generous company support.”

As the industry continues this $700 billion infrastructure pivot, the use of buyouts is likely to become a standard operating procedure for companies looking to swap labor costs for capital investment.

Pinky Cole, Slutty Vegan, Hoagies, Franchise

by Selena Hill

May 5, 2026

Pinky Cole’s Former CFO Indicted on Theft, Forgery, and Money Laundering Charges

The State of Georgia has indicted the former Bar Vegan CFO Aaron Mattison for allegedly stealing more than $87,000 from the company

The former chief financial officer of renowned restaurateur and Slutty Vegan founder Aisha “Pinky” Cole Hayes is facing criminal charges in Georgia involving her now-closed restaurant, Bar Vegan.

According to court filings recently obtained by The Neighborhood Talk, Cole’s former CFO, Aaron Mattison, was indicted in August on multiple counts, including theft by taking, first-degree forgery, and money laundering. Prosecutors allege Mattison orchestrated a series of unauthorized financial transactions while overseeing the company’s finances between 2021 and 2022.

Authorities claim Mattison created fraudulent financial documents that appeared to be approved by Bar Vegan, which he then used to execute an $87,300 wire transfer for personal gain. In addition, prosecutors allege he withdrew company funds in repeated $600 increments—totaling more than $24,999—over several months and moved the money through multiple accounts in what investigators describe as a laundering scheme.

Mattison’s indictment comes years after Bar Vegan faced a lawsuit in July 2022 from a former employee alleging unpaid minimum wages, overtime violations, and withheld tips. The case was settled in early 2023 for tens of thousands of dollars.

Bar Vegan, an Atlanta-based restaurant that was once part of Cole Hayes’ plant-based empire, officially closed its doors on May 5, 2025. With Mattison now facing potential prison time, the case raises ongoing questions about financial oversight, accountability, and the pressures of rapid entrepreneurial growth.

Cole Hayes has not been charged in connection with Mattison’s indictment. She previously denied intentionally withholding wages, citing operational challenges tied to rapid business expansion at the time.

The developments also come after Cole filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2026, citing liabilities estimated between $1.3 million and $1.4 million.

AI, right to disconnect, work-life balance, RTO

by Keka Araújo

May 5, 2026

Go Ahead And Just Cry: The Sandwich Generation Is Breaking In The Workplace—And AI Is Speeding Up the Collapse

The report LAYS IT OUT- PLAIN!

The modern workforce is hitting a wall, and the sandwich generation—those caught between raising children and managing aging parents—is feeling the impact first. According to a new report from Modern Health, the burden of caregiving is no longer just a personal logistical hurdle; it is a systemic crisis, compounded by rising fears about AI and the erosion of professional boundaries.

The survey of 1,000 workers paints a grim picture— workplace stress is no longer something employees leave at the office. Instead, it has evolved into a physical and emotional weight that 52% of respondents say has manifested as a panic attack on the job within the last year.

The AI Pressure Cooker

While the tech industry pitches automation as a path to freedom, the data suggests it’s doing the opposite. Two-thirds of employees report that AI has effectively “raised the bar” on their daily output, and 64% say their stress has spiked as a result.

“One in four employees say that AI is actually harming their mental health,” the report notes. For the sandwich generation, the window to manage a complex home life is shrinking as employers demand greater digital velocity.

The Office Meltdown is Becoming the Norm

The struggle to keep up is showing up in high-stakes environments, over half of the workforce—51%—admitted to crying at the office in the last month alone, a 12-point jump from last year. When the employer consistently prioritizes productivity over well-being, the human response is increasingly desperate: 63% of workers are using substances like alcohol or THC to wind down after hours, and 52% have used them during the workday.

“RTO mandates are exposing the cracks in how workplaces support women, who remain the primary caregivers,” says Alison Borland, chief people & strategy officer at Modern Health. “Without intentional flexibility, organizations risk pushing experienced women out of the workforce.”

The Boundary Myth

For many, the “always-on” culture means the workday never actually ends. About 57% of employees feel forced to respond to messages after hours, and 72% feel the pressure to work through significant mental health struggles.

“RTO may be universal in its reach, but data tells us it’s currently unequal in its impact,” the Modern Health report states. When an organization chooses productivity over well-being, it creates a “quiet weeding out” of parents and caregivers who cannot meet the rigid demands of a legacy office structure.

The report makes it clear– if an employer wants to keep its best talent, it has to stop treating workplace stress and AI fears as individual problems to solve.

These are structural failures.

Angela Bassett, met gala, girl in a pink dress, Laura wheeler Waring

by Ida Harris

May 5, 2026

Angela Basset’s Met Gala Gown Is A Nod To Harlem Renaissance Painter Laura Wheeler Waring

Angela Bassett didn’t just wear a gown—she wore history.

Angela Bassett hit the 2026 Met Gala red carpet, outfitted in a splendid rosy pink gown accented with floral appliqué and intricate beading that cascaded from her hip line to the Museum floor. The gown, designed by Prabal Gurung, paid homage to Laura Wheeler Waring, a prolific portrait artist who painted during the Harlem Renaissance. Waring’s most notable painting, “Girl In A Pink Dress,” is the source of inspiration for Bassett’s “Fashion is Art” attire, which is on par with “Costume Art,” the theme for this year’s Metropolitan Museum of Art Gala. Bassett is keeping Waring’s legacy alive. By referencing “Girl In A Pink Dress,” Bassett didn’t just wear a gown—she wore history.

During the Harlem Renaissance, Waring painted African Americans, placing emphasis on Black dignity and prestige. As well, Waring’s subjects included the most prominent Black individuals of that era: W.E.B Du Bois, James Weldon Johnson, and opera singer Marion Anderson, whose portrait towers over six feet and is part of the National Portrait Gallery’s collection.

In 2024, Waring’s work was revisited in the museum’s historic exhibition, The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism, curated by Denise Murrell. A standout artwork from that show is Waring’s “Girl In A Pink Dress,” an oil on canvas painted circa 1927. The MET store currently sells custom prints ranging from $30 to $125, depending on size and dimensions.

Bassett, 67, has a reputation for turning heads. At the 2025 Met Gala event, her look was all the rage. The Black Panther actress popped out in a Superfine dandy get-up and topped it off with a bell hat and a cane. Albeit fictional, even Bassett’s Wakanda wear was jaw-dropping. And surely diehard Bassett fans would remember when the Waiting To Exhale star “did the thing” for her role in “How Stella Got Her Groove Back.” Basset stunned audiences with box braids, defined biceps, and a sculpted physique as she played opposite Taye Diggs in the 1990s romance film.

In April, Bassett was an honoree at BLACK ENTERPRISE’s 2026 Women of Power Summit.

by Ahsan Washington

May 4, 2026

Black Fashion Designers To Know Ahead Of Met Gala 2026

These visionaries aren't just meeting the theme—they are defining the new aesthetic

Coming off the heels of last year’s historical Superfine: Tailoring Black Style exhibition, the 2026 gala moves the conversation from the archives to the cutting edge. As co-chair, Beyoncé leads a vanguard of icons up the limestone steps; the focus is no longer on the history of the garment but on the designer as a contemporary artist.

For the 2026 Met Gala, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has set a formidable challenge: Costume Art, with a dress code that declares “Fashion is Art.” While the theme invites the global elite to treat the body as a living canvas, the evening’s true gravity lies with the Black designers who have long operated at the intersection of sculpture, identity, and avant-garde construction. From the razor-sharp architectural lines of LaQuan Smith to the narrative-heavy textiles of Thebe Magugu, these visionaries aren’t just meeting the theme—they are defining the new aesthetic.

The Architects of Glamour

Christopher John Rogers (CJR): Often referred to in the media as the architect of “pragmatic glamour,” Rogers is a master of structural geometry. His March 2026 collection, “No Strings,” emphasized the emotionality of dress, utilizing signature architectural volume and vibrant color-blocking that turns the body into a living canvas.
- Christopher John Rogers Collection 017

LaQuan Smith: Known for sculptural, body-conscious silhouettes, Smith reaffirmed his “high-glam” edge at NYFW Fall/Winter 2026. His mastery of high-shine fabrics and provocative tailoring positions him to lead a carpet celebrating the human form.
- LaQuan Smith Mentors NextGen

Olivier Rousteing (Balmain): As Balmain’s creative director, Rousteing bridges historical couture and futuristic concepts. His architectural design approach and luxurious detailing make him an ideal choice for the complex, technically advanced garments required for an art-driven theme.

The Storytellers

Grace Wales Bonner: The master of “intellectual elegance,” Wales Bonner blends European tailoring with Afro-Atlantic expression. Her 2026 collections, Jewel and Morning Raga, draw inspiration from modernist architecture and musical traditions, making her a leading voice for fashion as a narrative art form.
- Wales Bonner 2026 Collection & Met Gala History

Thebe Magugu: A South African visionary who uses luxury tailoring to present historical and socio-political stories. His garments are known for their deep cultural significance and visual elegance, making him a prime candidate to dress celebrities for an art-centric gala.

Kerby Jean-Raymond (Pyer Moss): Jean-Raymond treats the runway as a site for social critique. His work, which merges fashion with performance art and historical storytelling, aligns perfectly with the Met’s tradition of treating clothing as a medium for identity and history.
- The Storytelling of Kerby Jean-Raymond

The Tailoring Experts

Sergio Hudson: Representing modern American power dressing, Hudson’s Fall/Winter 2026 show marked a decade of design authority. His aesthetic features clean lines and “opera-level drama,” providing a refined, commanding presence that translates perfectly to the Met Gala stairs.
- Sergio Hudson

Romeo Hunte: Born in Brooklyn, Hunte combines luxury craftsmanship with “streetwear deconstruction.” His asymmetrical, structurally experimental designs transform common items into avant-garde pieces, aligning with the Gala’s theme of artistic reinterpretation.

FAMU, Florida A and M University,DI, Black History Month

by Kandiss Edwards

May 4, 2026

FAMU’s First Head Woman Drum Major Stands ‘Head And Shoulders’ Above The Rest

Oloyede’s journey to the graduation stage has been defined by a series of trailblazing achievements.

Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) Spring 2026 commencement speaker, Omar Goff, announced that Oluwamodupe “Dupe” Oloyede has signed a brand endorsement deal with Head & Shoulders.

Oloyede, a senior theatre major, made history as the first female head drum major in the 79-year legacy of FAMU’s legendary “Marching 100″ in June 2025. The May 2 announcement marks one of the most significant commercial milestones for a student leader in HBCU history, HBCU Gameday reported.

Oloyede’s journey to the graduation stage has been defined by a series of trailblazing achievements. Throughout the 2025–2026 season, she appeared in a commercial for the Michael Jackson biopic Michael and was featured in an NBA on Prime campaign with rapper Common. In December 2025, Oloyede famously delayed her original graduation date to lead the band in the “Band of the Year” competition in Atlanta, choosing to finish her final season on the field with the “Marching 100” before walking the stage in the spring.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Black Enterprise (@blackenterprise)

The endorsement deal follows a string of monumental career milestones, covered by BLACK ENTERPRISE, that have expanded Oloyede’s influence far beyond the football field. On March 15, 2026, she made a stunning appearance at the 98th Academy Awards, performing as part of the cast for the musical showcase of the record-breaking film Sinners. Sharing the stage with Misty Copeland and Miles Caton, Oloyede executed precise baton choreography, bringing the energy of HBCU band culture to a global audience of millions.

Furthermore, 2026 has been a year of profound personal and professional recognition for the trailblazer. Just days after her Oscar Award show debut, her history-making leadership was immortalized in a featured exhibit at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. During the same season, she reached a significant personal milestone by crossing into the Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Oloyede’s exceptional senior year, combined with her new corporate partnership, solidifies Oloyede as a soaring example of 2026 Black excellence.

Student Loan, credit score, Laptop, stress, FICO Credit Score, bank account

by Kandiss Edwards

May 4, 2026

Trump Administration Decides Which Professions Deserve Student Loan Assistance

The policy, unveiled May 3 by the Department of Education, creates a rigid "Value-Based" funding model.

New “Return on Investment” (ROI) standards could cause irreparable harm to future degree holders and workforce diversity.

The policy, unveiled on May 3 by the Department of Education, creates a rigid “Value-Based” funding model. Under these rules, the federal government will revoke financial aid eligibility for degree programs that do not meet specific post-graduation salary benchmarks. While framed as a measure to protect consumers, critics argue the move effectively punishes students for pursuing socially essential but lower-paying careers.

The core of the controversy lies in the “Earnings Threshold,” which requires program graduates to earn more than the average high school graduate within five years. For students currently enrolled in or considering fields such as social work, education, community nursing, and the arts, the Earnings Threshold requirement creates uncertainty about their future, Fortune reported.

By tethering federal loans strictly to raw salary data, the government is incentivizing students to abandon “passion-led” public service roles in favor of high-profit corporate sectors. Programs at smaller regional colleges and minority-serving institutions, which often serve first-generation students entering community-focused roles, are most likely to be flagged as “low ROI,” potentially cutting off the only accessible path to higher education for these populations.

Trump Admin. Doesn't Deem Education Degree 'Professional' in Student Loan Rule https://t.co/nHPg6Ldmz6 pic.twitter.com/lcghSdrh72
— Education Week (@educationweek) May 1, 2026

If colleges shutter programs to avoid losing federal funding, future students may find themselves in regions where essential degrees, such as early childhood education, are no longer offered. The new transparency requirements, including mandatory Financial Fact Sheets, are being criticized for reducing the college experience to a mere transaction. Critics argue that by forcing students to view their education primarily as a debt-to-earnings ratio, the government is stripping away the civic and intellectual value of a degree.

In a March 2 statement, the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education spoke about the potential harm to the educational landscape.

“If education is not included in the professional student category, we can expect reduced enrollment in education graduate programs, higher drop-out rates when students do enroll, and increased shortages in key education occupations.”

This federal shift arrives as the efficiency movement gains momentum. While initiatives like the UNC System’s three-year degree pilot and the nationwide “College in 3” movement aim to lower costs, the combination of these accelerated paths and the new federal ROI sanctions could create a hollowed-out educational landscape. Future degree holders may be forced into narrow, hyper-specialized tracks designed to meet federal salary quotas.

by Kandiss Edwards

May 4, 2026

Rick Fox Squabbles Up While Campaigning For Bahamas’ General Election, ‘I’m Going To Defend Myself’

The heat of the campaign trail has not been without its physical tensions.

Former NBA player Rick Fox got into an altercation at a campaign event as he and over 50 millionaires compete in the Bahamas’ upcoming general election.

The heat of the campaign trail has not been without its physical tensions. Fox was involved in a heated verbal and physical altercation with a man on the streets of the Bahamas. Video footage of the incident surfaced on X showing the former NBA forward in a tense standoff.

Speaking with local reporters, Fox asserted his right to protect himself and those around him.

“And if you’re going to swear and threaten people’s lives and say you’re going to your car to get something, then I’m going to react. I’m going to defend my team, I’m going to defend myself, and I’m going to defend anybody that is in the area, quite frankly, because that was a dangerous situation,” he said.

Rick Fox was ready to squabble, these Bahamian elections are something else😂😂😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/xGXMckM85w

— justasistertryingtotweet (@Igottafigh64510) April 30, 2026

The influx of high-net-worth candidates like Fox marks a significant turning point as successful business leaders pivot from private enterprise to public service. Fox, a three-time NBA champion who has built a diverse portfolio in esports and sustainable building technology, is running on a platform of economic revitalization and climate resilience. Fox is reportedly a Free National Movement candidate for the Garden Hills constituency, Our News Bahamas reported.

The 2026 election cycle is unprecedented in the Bahamas, with nearly a quarter of parliamentary seats contested by individuals with net worths exceeding $1 million. Fox leads the group with a net worth of $469 million, the Tribune reported. The candidate pool includes established hospitality moguls, international financiers, and tech innovators who argue that their financial independence makes them less susceptible to traditional political corruption.

“I’ve spent my life competing at the highest levels,” Fox stated during a recent campaign event. “Now, I’m bringing that same intensity to ensure that every Bahamian has the opportunity to thrive in a sustainable, modern economy.”

by Kandiss Edwards

May 4, 2026

ATLiens Outraged After Removal Of Jovita Moore Mural, Building Owner Responds

Bellwood Coffee admitted it made a mistake.

An Atlanta coffeehouse promises to restore the Jovita Moore mural after facing significant backlash for painting over the tribute dedicated to the late news anchor.

The mural was created in 2021 to honor the legacy of the Channel 2 Action News anchor following her passing from glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Moore had been a staple of Atlanta journalism since 1998, and the mural served as a key local monument in the #JovitaStrong movement.

On May 1, news spread that the tribute had been covered by Bellwood Coffee shortly after the business moved into the Atlanta neighborhood. Many residents viewed the act as a disregard for the city’s culture and the legacy of a Black woman who was a foundational figure in Atlanta news. An X user, @3MuchHutch, posted about her disappointment.

“If you grew up in Atlanta/ been around a while you knew who Jovita Moore was and you know how the city responded when she died. This coffee shop just moved into my neighborhood and painted over a mural dedicated to her for their signage and honestly it’s not sitting well w/ me,” the post read.

In response to the outcry, Bellwood Coffee issued a series of statements on X to explain the decision and offer an apology. The shop owners initially stated that new windows installed during their building renovation “cut into the mural significantly,” making it difficult to preserve the original artwork in its entirety.

In a later post, the company admitted they made a mistake, stating, “We knew Jovita Moore’s story, but we truly had no idea how much this specific mural meant to the community of Atlanta… The truth is, the reasons aren’t good enough.”

To make amends, Bellwood Coffee has pledged to commission a brand-new mural honoring Moore and has invited community input to ensure the new tribute reflects the neighborhood’s wishes.

Hey, it’s us.

We knew Jovita Moore’s story, but we truly had no idea how much this specific mural meant to the community of Atlanta. Unfortunately, the windows in our buildout cut into the mural significantly. Seeing how much this mural meant to so many, we realize we made a…
— Bellwood Coffee (@Bellwoodcoffeee) May 1, 2026

The controversy over the mural comes at a time when Moore’s impact is being celebrated through tangible action. On May 2, hundreds of supporters gathered for the annual Race for Research, an event dedicated to funding brain cancer studies, WSBTV reported. The atmosphere was one of remembrance and hope as participants donned #JovitaStrong gear to continue the fight against the disease that took her life.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the first-ever “Jovita Moore Impact Award.” The honor was established to recognize individuals who embody Moore’s spirit of community service and journalistic excellence. This inaugural award serves as a powerful reminder that while paint on a wall can be covered, her influence on the city of Atlanta and the push for medical breakthroughs remains indelible.