US ARMY
by Kandiss Edwards

March 26, 2026

‘The Army Wants You’ Up To Age 42, With Only One Marijuana Conviction

The change is part of an expedited revision to Army Regulation 601-210, which outlines the service’s enlistment requirements.

The U.S. Army has officially raised the maximum enlistment age to 42 and will also waive one marijuana conviction.

The change is part of an expedited revision to Army Regulation 601-210, which outlines the service’s enlistment requirements. On March 20, the new were published and will take effect on April 20. As of now the change will apply to the main branch of the Army, the Army National Guard, and the Army Reserve.

The policy shift comes as the military adapts to a modern battlefield that values technical expertise over youth alone. By raising the age limit from 35 to 42, the Army aligns itself with the Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard, which already accept recruits up to that age. Navy officials currently cap enlistment at 41. The Marine Corps remains the youngest branch with an age limit of 28.

Army leadership emphasized that the decision was driven by the need for “mature talent,” particularly in high-tech fields like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and logistics. Col. Angela Chipman, chief of the Army’s Military Personnel Accessions and Retention Division, noted that older recruits often bring valuable civilian work experience. That experience can be fast-tracked into technical warrant officer roles.

Without prior service, applicants must be able to ship to basic training before their 43rd birthday. For those who have previously served, eligibility is determined by subtracting their years of honorable active service from their current age. If the calculation is less than 43, they may qualify to re-enter.

In addition to less stringent age requirements, the Army is dismissing requirements for candidates with prior marijuana drug convictions In order to account for societal evolution, the Army has eliminated the requirement for a formal waiver for applicants with a single conviction for marijuana or drug paraphernalia possession.

Though, older recruits have higher attrition rates in basic training they often score higher on qualification tests and show higher rates of retention and promotion compared to their teenage recruits.

As of late March 2026, the Army is on track to meet its annual recruiting goals. Some attribute the success to these modernized standards and new pre-training “prep” courses that help candidates meet fitness benchmarks. By opening the door to a generation of middle-aged Americans, the Army aims to build a more proficient and life-experienced force willing to go to war. 

RELATED CONTENT: As Iran War Intensifies, Here’s What To Know If A Military Draft Is On Horizon

2 Chainz, Rapper, road rage
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 26, 2026

2 Chainz’s Memoir, ‘The Voice In My Head is God,’ Lands On New York Times Best Seller List

The book was released on March 3.

Atlanta recording artist 2 Chainz has landed on The New York Times Nonfiction Best Seller list. It made its way to number 10.

According to The Source, the rapper’s first book, The Voice In My Head Is God, was released March 3 on Black Privilege Publishing, an imprint of Atria Books. The book is about his upbringing in College Park, Georgia, and his journey as an artist, actor, and businessman despite obstacles.

“I know sometimes when I think of artists and their stories, a lot of it deals with the struggle. We all have struggles, and we all have stories to tell. But this book is not about out-struggling or out-traumatizing the next rapper,” 2 Chainz said. “I’m tapped into a higher source. I’m trying to enlighten. I’m trying to draw some jewels. I’m trying to give you some game.”

The Breakfast Club‘s Charlamagne Tha God, the founder of Black Privilege Publishing, noted that “2 Chainz’s story is a story of perseverance. …This book will remind you that when GOD tells you to do something, it must be done.”

The Atlanta artist is gearing up to hit the road with New Orleans’ own Lil Wayne after Live Nation announced that he has extended his “20th Anniversary Tour,” celebrating Tha Carter Album Series.

2 Chainz will join Wayne on select dates, beginning on Tuesday, June 30 at Maine Savings Amphitheater in Bangor, Maine. 

RELATED CONTENT: 2 Chainz Sets Up Smoothie King Kiosk In Partnership With Atlanta’s State Farm Arena

A'ja Wilson,
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 26, 2026

A’ja Wilson Talks Pre-Game Style And Importance Of Wearing Heels Before Suiting Up

Wilson now wears high heels during her tunnel walks to embrace her femininity as a woman athlete.

A’ja Wilson may be known for her skills on the court, but her pre-game style has caught fans’ attention as well.

The WNBA star has a fashionable way to feel empowered before suiting up for the Las Vegas Aces, elevating her height and style in the tunnel walks before tip-off. The four-time MVP spoke with Vogue about how the greater emphasis on players’ personal style changed how she arrives at arenas.

“Tunnel ’fits changed our whole league,” she told the outlet. “It brought a different audience and set of eyes to us.”

Before the tunnel looks became their own segment, Wilson opted to focus on her on-court performance.

“There’s plenty of times where I’ve told my stylist, ‘I ain’t doing this. I need to pour into this scouting report before I put on a pair of heels,'” shared the 6-foot-4 power forward.

However, she began to change her perspective, especially on one element of women’s fashion, the high heel. Now, Wilson looks at the pair of heels as an empowering way to showcase her femininity as a professional athlete.

“People should understand how powerful it is to walk into a game in heels, crush it, and put those heels back on. That is so powerful,” she said, while adding, “That is women, and I love that for us.”

Wilson has grown in fashion circles as she has within the WNBA. Now a member of this year’s MET Gala host committee, she continues to pave the way for style in women’s sports. Her advocacy for women athletes to feel confident and beautiful extends even to the locker room. She made sure the Aces’ Locker Rooms had plenty of mirrors so players could look their best as they seek another championship.

“He was like, ‘What do you want the locker room to look like?’ I’m like, ‘Mirrors. It should look like a glam room,” she recalled of her conversation with team owner Mark Davis. We need spots for our own treatments. We need everything.”

While Wilson loves a good high-heeled shoe, another shoe also has the 29-year-old’s heart, her sneaker line with Nike. Currently known for how she struts on and off the court, Wilson has big plans for her ongoing collaboration with the athletic brand. They plan to drop the A’Twos, an upgrade from her 2025 A’Ones, this May.

“I’m going to do my job, which is making the shoe look good,” she joked with the publication. “I have an opportunity to sit at a table at Nike, one of the biggest companies in the world, and they’re asking me, ‘What do you want?’ ‘Oh, Imma tell you what I want! And we’re gonna see if we can do it.’ ”

Now, with a fashionista’s dream role at the MET Gala alongside her style icon, fellow event co-chair Beyoncé, the trailblazing WNBA star has stepped into a monumental 2026.

RELATED CONTENT: Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson Expected To Re-Sign For $1.4M Annual Salary

Angel Reese
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 26, 2026

Reebok Builds Hype Around Angel Reese 1 SS26 Collection With New Colorway Release

Reebok’s new Angel Reese 1 “Unapologetically Angel” colorway is a perfect fit for the spring season.

Spring is in full swing as Reebok teases a pastel-inspired new colorway for the Angel Reese 1 “Unapologetically Angel” collection.

Set to drop at 10:00 a.m. EST on Friday, March 27, the Reebok Angel Reese 1 “Unapologetically Angel” colorway blends Atomic Aqua, Dream Purple, and Peri Blue across the upper, as noted by Sports Illustrated. Reese’s signature logo stands out on the Peri Blue tongue in Deep Purple, while Atomic Aqua laces and a multicolor outsole with hints of lime green complete the look.

“This colorway is me—bold, unapologetic, and made to stand out,” Reese said. “This shoe was designed to inspire confidence and help you step into your power every time you lace up.”

The shoes feature Reebok’s Energy Return System (ERS) cushioning and a molded TPU upper designed to reflect Reese’s signature mix of style and toughness while delivering stability and durability on the court. A TPU heel cup adds extra support for powerful play, and with Reese’s strong season performance, the sneaker is built to compete at the highest level.

The latest drop adds to the buzz surrounding the Reese 1 line, which launched in September 2025 after Reese built major hype during her time with the LSU Tigers. She initially partnered with Reebok through an NIL deal in college before signing a major extension in her rookie season that included a signature shoe and apparel line. Since then, Reese has continued to generate strong demand among sneaker fans and the basketball world as a standout both on and off the court.

The Reebok Angel Reese 1 “Unapologetically Angel” drops at 10 a.m. EST on March 27 for $120 in adult sizes, available on Reebok.com and at Dick’s Sporting Goods and Foot Locker. Fans can also shop other colorways now at select retailers, or look for deals on resale platforms like StockX and GOAT.

RELATED CONTENT: Angel Reese Joins Undefeated’s Rose BC For Final Playoff Push

Black Friday
by Kandiss Edwards

March 26, 2026

Digital Price Tags Are Coming To A Walmart Near You

Walmart store associates will no longer need to manually swap out thousands of paper tags.

Walmart is moving toward the future. The retailer recently announced the nationwide rollout of digital shelf tags to thousands of its locations.

The retail giant is replacing traditional paper price tags with electronic shelf labels (ESLs), a technology designed to streamline operations, reduce labor costs, and allow for near-instantaneous price updates across millions of products. The new system, developed in partnership with SES-imagotag, utilizes E-ink technology. The tech will display pricing and product information. By transitioning to a digital infrastructure, Walmart store associates will no longer need to manually swap out thousands of paper tags each week. The process was both time-consuming and prone to human error. Instead, price changes that once took days to implement across a store can now be completed in minutes, CNBC reported.

The implementation of digital tags is expected to change how Walmart manages its inventory and labor. Beyond simple price displays, the technology may have both advantages and drawbacks. By automating price changes, Walmart expects to free up thousands of hours of associate time, allowing staff to focus more on customer service. However, with the use of self-checkout kiosks, the need for more employees lessens.

Many retailers have replaced traditional registers with self-checkout. The technology is said to ensure that the price displayed on the shelf always matches the price at the register. Additionally, the tags can display real-time stock levels and “order by” dates directly on the shelf edge, helping managers identify supply chain gaps more quickly.

While the technology seems to benefit employees, the prospect of dynamic pricing raises concerns. Dynamic pricing is the practice of changing prices multiple times a day based on demand or time. This will allow retailers across the nation to raise prices in times of crisis if they so choose. Though Walmart executives have stated that the primary goal is efficiency and accuracy, they have not outright denied that dynamic pricing will also be utilized. 

The rollout is currently underway, with plans to equip over 2,300 stores with the digital tags by the end of 2026. 

RELATED CONTENT: Major Retailers Are Charging Shoppers Return Fees For Purchased Items

UFOs
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 26, 2026

Trump Admin Registers Aliens.Gov Website Amid Promises To Release Government Files On UFOs

Many hope the website will fulfill Trump's promise to release government files on UFOs.

The Trump administration has registered an Aliens.gov website, as the President promises to release files related to the existence of UFOs.

Registered by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the domain name went live on March 24, seemingly making way for Trump to fulfill his vow to U.S. citizens to shed light on alien life. Forbes confirmed the domain’s filing with GoDaddy registry data.

The domain comes after Trump condemned former President Barack Obama for confirming aliens do exist, adding fuel to a conspiracy that the government hid proof of extraterrestrial life. Obama gained heat from the GOP leader for sharing “classified information” after stating aliens were real during a rapid-fire questionnaire with podcast host Brian Tyler Cohen.

“They’re real, but I haven’t seen them,” he shared during the interview published in February, as reported by the BBC. “They’re not being kept in Area 51. There’s no underground facility unless there’s this enormous conspiracy and they hid it from the President of the United States.”

However, Obama reaffirmed in a follow-up social media post that he had not obtained any information regarding alien life during his own presidency.

“Statistically, the universe is so vast that the odds are good there’s life out there. But the distances between solar systems are so great that the chances we’ve been visited by aliens is low, and I saw no evidence during my presidency that extraterrestrials have made contact with us. Really,” exclaimed Obama.

Despite his explanation, the news furthered calls from citizens and leaders alike for the government to disclose UFO sightings and information. Although Obama even stated that he was “trying to stick with the spirit of the speed round,” Trump has seemingly tried to undermine his presidential predecessor by releasing government files to give alien enthusiasts what they want.

Although this move seeks to further Trump’s self-proclaimed transparency with the American people, some feel the Aliens.gov rollout serves more as a distraction than as a means of delivering the truth. One opposing lawmaker argued that the file release seeks to draw attention away from another, arguably more significant, set of documents.

“They’ve deployed the ultimate weapon of mass distraction, but the Epstein files aren’t going away…even for aliens,” wrote Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., on X.

Trump previously told reporters that he could not say if aliens were real, but leaned away from the probability. Regardless, the President has launched his own crusade regarding the conspiracy.

While the Aliens.gov domain does exist, the website itself remains under construction. However, alien truthers should remain on high alert if Trump does shed light on alleged government secrets on UFOs.

RELATED CONTENT: ERIC BENET AND TERRENCE HOWARD SAY THE GOVERNMENT IS PLAYING IN YOUR FACE

Four-Day Workweek Bill, Bernie Sanders, Mental Health, 4-day work week
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 26, 2026

Job Market Trends Show Laid-Off Workers Often Take Pay Cuts In Their Next Roles

Amid a grim job market, new data shows laid-off workers are often accepting lower-paying roles.

New research shows that a growing number of laid-off workers go on to accept jobs that pay less than their previous roles.

Revelio Labs, an analytics firm, recently reported that a growing share of workers are taking lower-paying jobs, Business Insider reports. Among white-collar employees who switched roles at the end of last year, 40% accepted pay cuts of more than 10%, the highest rate in at least a decade.

“Accepting this is going to set my career back five years,” said Scott, a tech worker who took a six-month contract technician role after losing his senior manager position in 2023 and spending two years trying to find a similar job. “I know I’m really good. I want a chance to prove myself.”

Among Revelio Labs’ findings, the share of professionals receiving comparable raises has also fallen to its lowest level, suggesting the labor market may be weaker than it appears. While just 4.4% of the U.S. workforce is unemployed, low by historical standards, that figure may mask how difficult it’s been for displaced workers to find new roles.

Long-term unemployment has nearly doubled over the past three years, and after extended job searches, many people, like Scott, are accepting positions they wouldn’t have previously considered. In December, when Scott took the job, he was among 7.5 million unemployed Americans competing for just 6.6 million available positions.

His situation underscores why many workers are accepting pay cuts: hiring has slowed, giving employers more leverage and making them more selective. One clear sign appears in job postings, where companies demand more experience. Mid-career roles now require about 10% more experience than three years ago, and senior roles about 11% more, according to the findings.

The situation could have lasting effects for workers like Scott. Taking a lower-paying job can lead to “wage scarring,” in which future earnings are anchored to a reduced salary. But with a weak job market, staying unemployed posed an even greater risk.

Hopes of a white-collar rebound have yet to materialize, as layoffs tied to AI and broader cuts continue across major companies, adding more workers to an already competitive job market. A working paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that fewer than half of surveyed CFOs (44%) expect AI-related job cuts.

Across the broader economy, that translates to about 0.4% of jobs, roughly 502,000 out of 125 million, with about half impacting white-collar roles. While that’s a sharp jump from last year’s 55,000 AI-related layoffs, it still represents a small share of the overall workforce.

“It’s not the doomsday job scenario that you might sometimes see in the headlines,” said John Graham, co-author of the study and the director of the Duke CFO survey.

For now, Scott is focused on proving himself in his new role and is already being considered for a promotion with a modest raise. He’s also interviewing for other positions that could offer better pay. Though none would match his pre-layoff salary, each could move him closer to his former career path.

“I know I can impress people if they give me a chance,” he said.

RELATED CONTENT: 10 Signs That You’re About to Be Fired

elderly woman, london, metro
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 25, 2026

London Public Worker Checked For Disrespecting Elderly Black Woman In Customer Service Lesson

After a transportation worker told an elderly Black woman that she was not using her brain, another woman stepped in to check him on his rudeness.

A public worker in London has been checked for disrespecting an elderly Black woman who asked him for directions.

Another Black woman caught a Transport for London employee on video rudely speaking to a senior citizen. In the footage, he was seen telling the elderly woman that she “was not using her brain,” prompting the other woman to step in.

@boujeeblendss #stagecoachlondon #tfl #transportforlondon #fyp #microaggression ♬ original sound – Boujee Blendss

“She’s not using her brain, right? You’re talking to her in a patronizing tone, and she’s not using her brain right, and she’s a fool,” questioned the woman in the TikTok.

Her insertion immediately brought the worker to a halt. As he stood there seemingly dumbfounded, the Black woman kept pressing him to explain why he treated the older woman that way.

She pressed on, “We can all record. You have nothing to say, honey, nothing to say. Where’s the energy? Are you going to do it in a tone that’s more acceptable?”

While he tried to explain himself, the Black woman cut him off. Instead, she told him he had no excuse for disrespecting an innocent elderly woman just because she seemed confused. The TikToker then informed the man that she would report the video to his supervisors so they could handle the matter as well.

“But what is your excuse? Cat got your tongue? She’s an elderly lady. You should have shown some respect. Because of this video, I’m going to send it to them, and then you can explain it to them. Don’t talk to people like that, because I don’t see you talking to me like that either,” she added.

She then pressed the man to apologize to her. However, the public worker apologized only to the person recording the encounter, apparently for offending her.

“Are you going to apologize?” she inquired. “Because I don’t like the way you spoke to her. I don’t care… You need to learn how to work with people…”

After the video went viral, Transport for London released a statement on social media. They emphasized that everyone should “behave respectfully” when using public transport and noted that an investigation into the incident has been launched.

“We expect everyone to behave respectfully towards one another on our network, and we are urgently investigating this incident.”

RELATED CONTENT: Colonialism On The Stand: 93-Year-Old Belgian Diplomat To Stand Trial For Patrice Lumumba’s 1961 Assassination

suge, knight, request, denied
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 25, 2026

Suge Knight Memoir ‘Your Pain Is My Joy’ To Be Released In August

The book will be published under the Simon & Schuster imprint, Gallery Books, and is scheduled for release on Aug. 4, 2026

Former Death Row Records owner Suge Knight, currently incarcerated after pleading no contest to voluntary manslaughter in September 2018, has an upcoming book that is slated to be released in the summer of 2026, titled Your Pain Is My Joy.

The book, which will be published under the Simon & Schuster imprint, Gallery Books, is scheduled for release on Aug. 4. It promises tales from Suge, including memorable moments from his career as a music manager/label owner. Your Pain Is My Joy is a “candid and unapologetic look inside the mind of the original rap kingpin.”

Suge wrote the memoir while in prison, and he tells his own story, even detailing things that may have been rumored or heard about over the years, including incidents like allegedly dangling rapper Vanilla Ice off a balcony, his not-so-friendly encounters with his nemesis and East Coast rival, Bad Boy Records’ Sean “Diddy” Combs. He speaks about the night in Las Vegas when Tupac Shakur was shot right beside him in a car, when the recording artist was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting. Other stories will emerge throughout the book, unfiltered and raw.

The former record executive is in prison now after he struck two men with his vehicle in January 2015, killing one man, Terry Carter, and leaving another severely injured. The incident took place near the production office of the N.W.A. biopic, Straight Outta Compton. The victim’s family sued him for wrongful death, and on the eve of jury selection for the trial on April 30, 2025, he decided to settle the lawsuit to avoid testifying in the case, according to Rolling Stone.

He agreed to pay the family members, Carter’s wife, Lillian, and their two daughters a total of $1.5 million, with each receiving $500,000 each from him.

“It’s hard living without him when I lived all those many years with him,” Lillian said. “It’s been very, very difficult. I’ve been in pain ever since January 29, 2015. I haven’t had a good day, not one good day.”

Suge has always denied that he intentionally hit Carter.

RELATED CONTENT: Eve Says Past Romance With Suge Knight Was Meant To Upset Dr. Dre

franklin, childhood home, Memphis, Tennessee
by Ahsan Washington

March 25, 2026

Happy Birthday Aretha Franklin!: 7 Songs That Champion Womanhood And Empowerment 

Aretha Franklin’s legacy deserves renewed recognition during Women’s History Month as her birthday falls on March 25. Franklin sang several songs that coincide with the cultural and social advancement represented by Women’s Month. Franklin, who was born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1942 and raised in Detroit, Michigan, became one of the leading forces in the Civil Rights Movement while serving as a symbol of Black womanhood, empowerment, and artistic excellence. Through her musical transformation of “Respect” into a feminist anthem and her affirmation of identity and self-worth, Franklin’s music embodies themes celebrating women’s agency, resilience, and progress. This list demonstrates how Franklin’s voice continues to express the changing story of women’s fight for recognition, equality, and respect through her music, which audiences revisit.

“Bridge Over Troubled Water” 

Through her 1971 release, Franklin reinterpreted Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” using Black gospel musical elements. The gospel-inspired message of support and resilience in the song creates a deep connection with women by showcasing their emotional strength and communal uplift. In her version, Franklin converts the song into a spiritual support system that shows how women help others through their personal challenges.

“Young, Gifted and Black” 

Franklin performed the song “Young, Gifted and Black” by Nina Simone in 1972. The song is a cultural statement that celebrates Black identity, pride, and potential. The song gained worldwide significance within Black communities when it was released in 1972 during the Black Power movement. The main objective of the song is to empower young people by validating their intelligence and value. The song accomplishes this. 

“A Rose Is Still a Rose” 

Aretha performs this song, which was written and produced by Lauryn Hill, to explore self-worth and resilience. The song combines soul music with contemporary R&B and reached audiences in the United States in 1998. It delivers a message that women maintain their intrinsic worth no matter what happens to them. The song brought Aretha Franklin back into the music scene in her later years and connected with younger listeners through its message of self-worth.

“Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves” 

The 1985 song “Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves” is a feminist anthem that honors women’s independence and accomplishments. Franklin and Annie Lennox perform together on this song, uniting international pop music with soul. The song openly praises women’s self-rule and has gained recognition as a women’s anthem that promotes both individual independence and group empowerment.

“Think” 

Aretha wrote and performed the 1968 song “Think,” which makes a strong demand for liberation and self-determination. The song emerged amid major social and political changes in the United States and resonated deeply with people seeking independence and dignity, especially women. “Think” has established itself as a lasting anthem of empowerment, recognized as a symbol of freedom and self-governance.

“(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” 

Aretha performed the 1967 song “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” Carole King and Gerry Goffin wrote the song, which delivers a strong message about emotional depth, love, identity, and womanhood to its female listeners. This recording achieved cultural and social prominence as Franklin’s vocals gave it superpower.

“Respect” 

Otis Redding wrote the original song, which Aretha Franklin reinterpreted in this iconic track. The song emerged as a feminist and civil rights anthem that demanded respect in personal and social relationships. “Respect” was recorded at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, during the Civil Rights era of 1967. With her powerhouse voice, Franklin changed the song’s perspective to reflect a woman’s fight for independence and respect. “Respect” established itself as a fundamental cultural element that both feminist activists and Civil Rights supporters adopted as a statement of personal value and equal rights.

RELATED CONTENT: Aretha Franklin Was Heavily Surveilled by FBI, According to Declassified Files

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