Trell Thomas, Las Vegas, Black Excellence Brunch

by Jameelah Mullen

April 3, 2026

Black Excellence In All-White! Trell Thomas Brings Black Excellence Experience To Las Vegas

The all-white affair celebrating Black excellence and joy expands its reach to Sin City.

The Black Excellence Brunch hit Las Vegas, kicking off spring with the ultimate all-white day party that brought together Black entrepreneurs, creatives, community leaders, and changemakers for connection and empowerment.

The Black Excellence Bruch is the brainchild of cultural curator Trell Thomas, who hosts events in various cities that celebrate achievements and address issues relevant to the Black community. This is Thomas’ first time bringing this internationally recognized experience to Las Vegas.

The Black Excellence Brunch was created as a space to celebrate the brilliance that already exists within our communities,” said Thomas in a press release.

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“Bringing this experience to Las Vegas continues our mission of creating intentional spaces where culture, connection, and community thrive,” Thomas said in a press release.

Sponsored by Bayer, the star‑studded March 12 event took place at the Stirling Club, a private luxury social club in the heart of Sin City.

The brunch welcomed a curated mix of entrepreneurs, creatives, and health and wellness professionals for an afternoon of conversations centered on women’s health. Actress and health advocate AJ Johnson delivered an empowering message about well‑being and purpose, while R&B songstress Chante Moore was honored at the all‑white soiree. The singer also took part in the panel “Real Talk: A Candid Conversation About Black Women and Menopause in the Workplace,” joining Anayah Ayoka, Dr. Kemi Doll, and other experts.

Moore took to Instagram to thank organizers for inviting her to participate in the event.

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A post shared by Chante Moore (@iamchantemoore)

“It was my 1st~ with you… but not my last! All my Ladies out there… let’s get informed and connected,” the singer wrote.

Founded in 2017, The Black Excellence Brunch began as a series of intimate gatherings inspired by the traditional Black Sunday dinner that shaped Thomas’s upbringing in South Carolina. Since then, it has expanded to cities like Los Angeles and New York and now hosts international events in Ghana and South Africa. The brunch has drawn notable guests, including Sheryl Lee Ralph and social media star Tabitha Brown. On Jan. 13, 2024, the Biden administration hosted the first‑ever Black Excellence Brunch on the White House South Lawn.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 2, 2026

Ex-Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick Accuses Prosecutors Of ‘Extortion’ Over Restitution Fight

Kilpatrick says that prosecutors are wrongfully freezing accounts associated with his family.

Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has issued a grievance against federal prosecutors for their handling of his racketeering case.

Prosecutors have reportedly remained on the hunt for money Kilpatrick owes from a 2013 racketeering conviction. Although the disgraced politician was found guilty of the conspiracy charges, he says prosecutors have engaged in corruption of their own by bullying his family.

In a federal court filing obtained by The Detroit News, Kilpatrick urged the release of a $13,000 hold on accounts that prosecutors have frozen to pay off his $823,649 left in restitution. However, Kilpatrick says that the money does not belong to him. Instead, the money sits in an account belonging to Pathfinder Consulting Firm LLC., in which his wife, LaTicia, serves as resident agent. The firm also has a nearly 4,000-square-foot home in its name.

Despite his claims, prosecutors say the money and home actually belong to Kilpatrick, making it viable for a federal seizure. In the filing, Kilpatrick pushed back against these claims, further asserting that the money is not up for the prosecutors’ grab.

He also disclosed that, amid federal pressure, he and his wife had to withdraw their children from school. He then suggested that leaked documents squandered potential speaking engagements, leaving his financial state in more peril.

“The freezing of this account and the lack of access to my financial resources for nearly four months stands as a travesty of justice,” Kilpatrick wrote. “Not only have we had to remove our children from school. But the deleterious effect of the leaked documents, conversations about sealed documents filed to the court has worked to chill invitations for speaking engagements.”

He called the prosecutor’s actions a “malicious enforcement” to reclaim the money owed, further arguing that his wife and her finances are under no obligation to pay off the restitution. He called the matter “akin to extortion” as prosecutors attempt to freeze any assets associated with the former mayor.

“LaTicia is not under any federal court jurisdiction, has never committed a crime, nor is she currently involved in any matter with any state or federal court,” he added. “This is bullying at best, but much more akin to extortion.”

Kilpatrick inked a secret deal with the federal government to pay back the stolen taxpayer dollars, an agreement that has since been made public as his legal fight wages on.

by Kandiss Edwards

April 2, 2026

Tiger Woods Will Seek Inpatient Treatment Oversees

Judge Steele agreed that the level of care required cannot be safely or effectively provided domestically.

A Florida judge has permitted Tiger Woods to leave the United States to seek intensive inpatient treatment.

The 15-time Major champion’s attorney, Douglas Duncan, filed the motion following Woods’ arrest on March 27. The golf legend was taken into custody by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office on charges of misdemeanor driving under the influence, property damage, and refusal to submit to a urinalysis.

Issued by Martin County Court Judge Darren Steele, the order allows Woods to travel to an undisclosed international facility for a “highly individualized and medically integrated program.” Woods’ legal team argues that the golfer’s privacy has been “repeatedly compromised” through the media. The impediment creates significant barriers to his recovery. Judge Steele agreed that the level of care required cannot be safely or effectively provided domestically due to intensive public scrutiny.

Woods’ legal troubles stem from a rollover crash in Jupiter Island. According to the arrest affidavit, Woods’ Land Rover clipped a truck and flipped on its side. He told officers he was “looking at his phone and changing the radio station” at the time of the collision, Sports Illustrated reported. While a breathalyzer test showed a 0.00% alcohol level, officers insisted that Woods allow a urinalysis. Officers noted that Woods appeared “lethargic” and was “sweating profusely.”

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Martin County Sherrif’s Officers conducted a search, which led to the discovery of two hydrocodone pills in Woods’ pocket. Woods has entered a written plea of not guilty. Additionally, he has waived his right to an in-person arraignment, originally scheduled for April 23.

The timing of the treatment coincides with some of the most prestigious events in the gold world. Woods has confirmed several major changes to his 2026 schedule. Woods will not attend the Masters tournament at Augusta National next week. On April 1, Woods formally declined the opportunity to serve as the U.S. Captain for the 2027 Ryder Cup, according to the Professional Golf Association. The decorated golfer stated his desire to prioritize his well-being over professional obligations. In a statement, Wood says he is taking a step back to refocus.

“I am committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place,” Woods said.

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 2, 2026

Rep. John James, Candidate For Michigan Governor, Booed By His Own Party At State’s GOP Convention

It was a sign of James' dwindling support in the state.

Ever wonder what it’s like to be booed by those thought to be supportive? Rep. John James (R-MI) knows the feeling after he wasn’t kindly welcomed during remarks at Michigan’s GOP state convention, Blavity reports.

The Black GOP leader, who is running for governor of Michigan, got quite the welcome when he was introduced.

“Wow, he’s getting booed,” one person can be heard saying from off-camera. “John James just got booed.”

John James gets booed at @MIGOP convention: https://t.co/i6z5CWsGig
— Derrick Honeyman (@DerrickHoneyman) March 28, 2026

While it’s unclear why the Michigan crowd turned on James, Matt Maddock, who originally posted the clip, claims it was a vote for the Kill Switch legislation. The failed bill was curated by fellow GOP leader Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky in an effort to block the enforcement of the so‑called vehicle kill switch technology, which would enable the monitoring of driver behavior, and detect impairment like intoxication and intervene.

James is one of several Republican leaders looking to take over the governor’s seat held by Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, with the primary scheduled for Aug. 4, according to BET. He was once a front-runner, but things have changed, especially with the Black vote.

A February survey from Glengariff Group on behalf of the Detroit Regional Chamber revealed James received zero percent support from Black voters, even as a Black candidate. While only 81 of the 600 voters surveyed identified as African American, several offered support for former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who running as an independent, received 59.3% of Black respondents’ support.

During his time on stage, James gave a speech touching on his service in the Iraq War and his time in Congress, including a recent vote to fund the Department of Homeland Security, ending the partial government shutdown, calling it a responsibility rather than politics. “It’s not right for Congress to get paid while tens of thousands of these essential personnel work every day to keep our airports secure without timely pay. If they’re not getting paid, neither should we,” he said in a post on X.

Democrats are so obsessed with fighting Trump that they’re willing to treat our hard-working DHS law-enforcement officers and TSA screeners as collateral damage — after Republicans passed this funding weeks ago and Democrats voted against it 14 times!

I’ve directed the Chief… pic.twitter.com/dRYAY3iwJy
— John James (@JohnJamesMI) March 25, 2026

James is the latest Black GOP member to receive “boos” or non-support from their peers. Winsome Earle-Sears, who lost her bid for Virginia governor, failed to even get an endorsement from President Donald Trump, and former Congressman Wesley Hunt of Texas came in third place in the recent Senate primary.

NFL, Brother-Sister Duo, Ashley & Trey Smith

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 2, 2026

NFL Commissioner Responds To Florida AG’s Threat To End ‘The Rooney Rule’

'"We've evolved it, changed it. We'll continue to do that'

Last week, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier sent a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, to alert him that the league’s Rooney Rule (implemented to give Black coaches and executives in the league a better chance of being interviewed for open positions in the NFL) amounts to “blatant race and sex discrimination.” In response to the Florida AG, the commissioner has stated, “We’ll continue to do that.”

According to NFL.com, Goodell responded to the attorney general at the end of the NFL league meetings on April 1. While Uthmeier raises an issue regarding the DEI practices opposed by the current administration and the state of Florida, Goodell disagrees that there are any legal issues with the Rooney Rule, which requires teams to interview at least two minority candidates for head-coach, general-manager, and coordinator positions. Teams must interview at least one minority candidate for the quarterbacks coach position, per the guidelines.

Goodell understands the changes in the political landscape since President Trump returned to office, but doesn’t seem concerned about how the Rooney Rule has been used over the years, citing that there have been changes there as well. He notes that since the rule was created, it has also evolved with the times to remain effective for the NFL.

“The Rooney Rule has been around a long time,” Goodell said. “We’ve evolved it, changed it. We’ll continue to do that.”

The league has been a strong proponent of diversity on and off the field, in a sport where Black athletes dominate, and the commissioner wants to bring more diversity to the managerial and executive ranks. He is willing to speak to the Florida attorney general about the rule.

“One thing that doesn’t change is our values, and we believe in diversity and its benefit to the National Football League,” Goodell said. “We are well aware of the laws and where the laws are changing and evolving. We think the Rooney Rule is consistent with those, and we certainly will engage with the Florida AG or anybody else as we have in the past to talk about our policies.”

RELATED CONTENT: From NFL Hall of Fame to Heart Health Advocate

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 2, 2026

The International Olympic Committee Announces Ban Of Transgender Women Athletes

'Eligibility for any female category is limited to biological females.'

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recently announced a policy that affects transgender women athletes, stating that “eligibility for any female category is limited to biological females.”

The new policy was handed down by the IOC Executive Board, stating that it will take effect at the upcoming LA28 Olympic Games (in Los Angeles in 2028).

“As a former athlete, I passionately believe in the rights of all Olympians to take part in fair competition,” said IOC President Kirsty Coventry in a written statement. “The policy that we have announced is based on science and has been led by medical experts. At the Olympic Games, even the smallest margins can be the difference between victory and defeat. So, it is absolutely clear that it would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category. In addition, in some sports it would simply not be safe.”

“Every athlete must be treated with dignity and respect, and athletes will need to be screened only once in their lifetime. There must be clear education around the process and counseling available, alongside expert medical advice.”

There will be a once-in-a-lifetime SRY gene (Sex-determining Region Y) screening test to detect its presence or absence. The IOC considers the presence of the SRY gene to be with us throughout life and “represents highly accurate evidence that an athlete has experienced male sex development.”

The screening will include a saliva, cheek swab, or blood sample. Athletes who screen negative for the SRY gene will satisfy the eligibility criteria in the female category. This policy, based on evidence and experts’ input, protects fairness, safety, and integrity in the female category.

The Associated Press reported that the White House hailed the IOC’s decision. Last year, President Donald Trump issued the executive order “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.” He stated that the United States would deny visas to some athletes who would fall under the transgender category, who are trying to compete at the 2028 Olympics. Several months after the order, the U.S. Olympic body updated its guidance, saying it had done so to comply with the White House.

“The IOC aligning their policy with President Trump’s executive order ahead of the 2028 LA Games is common sense and long overdue,” White House spokesman Davis Ingle said in a written statement.

by Jameelah Mullen

April 2, 2026

A Long Time Coming: Judge Approves Partial Payouts For Flint Water Crisis Survivors

About 57 percent of Flint’s population is African American.

A federal judge in Michigan has issued a new order allowing partial payments to adults with approved claims under the Flint water crisis settlement. The crisis, which began in 2014, affected over 100,000 residents exposed to lead and other contaminants in their drinking water.

Judge Judith E. Levy issued the order in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, approving a request from Special Master Deborah Greenspan to start the payments from a $626.25 million settlement fund.

The decision to proceed with partial payments immediately, while appeals continue, marks a change in the claims process. However, frustration grew after several missed deadlines in receiving compensation for those whose drinking water was contaminated with lead more than a decade ago. Victims have been waiting for claims payments since Nov 2021.

Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley reacted to the judges’ ruling.

“As a Flint resident, I certainly share the frustrations felt by residents over how long it has taken for the payments to be dispersed. I am thankful that Judge Levy has taken this step to begin distributing these funds. It is long overdue,” Neeley said in a statement.

The judge’s new order also authorizes payments to people with claims who were minors at the time of the crisis but are now adults, once initial payments to adults have begun.

Officials began issuing payments for property damage claims, capped at $1,000, in Dec 2025. The court sent out 8,251 award letters as of March 20, and more than 6,100 respondents have already responded, indicating how they wish to receive their payments, according to court documents. Reports show that approximately 4,000 children were exposed to high lead levels, and up to 14,000 children were exposed to lead-contaminated water, which can cause lasting cognitive and behavioral challenges. Researchers reported at least 12 deaths and 87 to 90 cases of Legionnaires’ disease linked to the water crisis. Additionally, roughly 25% of Flint residents reported having PTSD after experiencing the crisis.

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 2, 2026

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Sets The Tone In Historic Case As Trump Seeks To End Birthright Citizenship

The first Black woman Justice challenged arguments by government Solicitor General D. John Sauer, who argued that the phrase "subject to the jurisdiction" applies only to children whose parents have "allegiance" to the U.S.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is going viral for her arguments against President Donald Trump’s case to end birthright citizenship in the U.S.

Brown Jackson is one of three liberal justices and a majority of the court’s conservatives who raised doubts about the constitutionality of Trump’s executive order signed on day one of his second tenure. The order would limit American citizenship at birth for those born to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents.

The first Black woman Justice challenged arguments by the government Solicitor General, D. John Sauer, who argued that the phrase “subject to the jurisdiction” applies only to children whose parents have “allegiance” to the U.S., which he claimed is determined by being “domiciled” in the country. Brown Jackson fought back. “How does this work? Are you suggesting when a baby is born people have to present documents? Is this happening in the delivery room? How are we determining when or whether a newborn child is a citizen of the US under your rule?” she asked.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson: How does this work? Are you suggesting when a baby is born people have to present documents? How are we determining a newborn child is a citizen of the US under your rule? Are we bringing pregnant women into depositions? pic.twitter.com/0CUYbQ8tcD
— Headquarters (@HQNewsNow) April 1, 2026

When Sauer responded with verbiage from Social Security Administration documents about how Social Security numbers are curated, she reengaged by stating that’s not what the argument is about. “I’m talking about the particulars because now you say your rule turns on whether the person intended to stay in the United States,” she continued.

“Are we bringing pregnant women into depositions? What are we doing to figure this out?”

After Sauer referred back to the order “turning on lawfulness of status,” saying if a woman gives birth to a baby in the hospital right now, a birth certificate is received, but the justice cut him off to put a dent in his argument. “So there is apparently no opportunity then for the person to prove or say that they have intention to stay in the United States?” Once the solicitor said yes, Brown Jackson touched on it being “after the fact.”

Trump made history as the first sitting president to attend the high court’s arguments. He was seated in the front row of the public gallery along with White House Counsel David Warrington, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, according to ABC News. While it’s unclear if any of the justices, including Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett, both Trump appointees, made eye contact with him, Chief Justice John Roberts made it clear that the arguments would not be light hearted, which he claims the administration is expecting, saying the government is using “narrow exceptions” to claim that a broader class of people should be ineligible for birthright citizenship.

While Brown Jackson’s comments were celebrated on social media, conservatives — mainly white men — decided to pick at one comment where she used an analogy comparing the issue to stealing a wallet in Japan. “Oh, good grief, come on now!” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said on X.

“Leave it to Justice Jackson to defend the suicide pact of birthright citizenship for illegals by not understanding the difference between territorial jurisdiction (obeying local laws), and political allegiance,” Turning Point USA’s Andrew Kolvet said.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, Justice Jackson

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 2, 2026

Ketanji Brown Jackson, Lone Supreme Court Justice, To Vote Against Conversion Therapy

Jackson emphasized how the ruling could set a dangerous precedent for medical care standards in the U.S.

The Honorable Ketanji Brown Jackson was the only Supreme Court Justice to vote against a ruling regarding conversion therapy.

Her fellow liberal justices on the Supreme Court, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan, sided with the bench for the conservative decision, considered a major blow to the LGBTQ+ community.

The ruling sided with plaintiff Kaley Chiles, a Christian counselor, who argued that Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy violated her First Amendment right to free speech.

The court upheld her claims, noting Chiles’ counselorship was talk-based and not physical, and, thus, state law should not infringe on the content of her words. Conversion therapy, according to WebMD, is an emotional and/or physical therapy to try to change a person’s homosexual orientation to heterosexual. It is often used under Christian-based practices as an attempt to “cure” gay-identifying individuals of their same-sex attraction.

In her 34-page dissent, Jackson, the first and only Black woman Justice mentioned how Chiles imposes her views on minors, and not just shares her thoughts as a matter of free will.

“I respectfully dissent,” wrote Jackson. “Stated simply, the majority has failed to appreciate the crucial context in which Chiles’s constitutional claims have arisen. Chiles is not speaking in the ether; she is providing therapy to minors as a licensed healthcare professional.”

She stood firm on her stance, even delivering her dissent from the bench, emphasizing how this decision sets a new precedent in states’ rights. Jackson believes the ruling could undermine states’ authority to regulate medical care standards for the safety of patients.

Also, “it extends the Constitution into uncharted territory in an utterly irrational fashion. And it ultimately risks grave harm to Americans’ health and well-being,” she said.

Beyond the decision’s political implications, Jackson also noted the ruling’s potential impact on children subjected to conversion therapy.

She wrote, “Studies show that children often feel the effects of the shame and stigma from conversion therapy even more vividly than adults due to their ‘increased emotional vulnerability and less developed capacity to cope effectively with the harm of discrimination.’”

Her bold dissent speaks to the overarching activism historically displayed by Black women. Although not part of the LGBTQ+ community, Jackson’s values of equality and justice prompted her to vote against the conversion therapy case. Supporters of Jackson’s actions also noted how Black women have traditionally stood up for other marginalized groups, often due to foresight of how harmful policy could eventually impact others.

“This is the Black woman who’s making this argument for a group of people she is not even a part of, but understands the danger that this rule could present, not just to this group of people, but how it will be weaponized and expanded for other groups of people,” explained Dr. Christina M. Greer, political science professor at Fordham University, to theGrio in reference to the ruling.

Although conversion therapy does not directly affect Jackson, her words warn that validating the controversial practice may only cause more harm in the long run.

“Today, the Court turns its back on that tradition,” added Jackson. “And, to be completely frank, no one knows what will happen now.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 2, 2026

J. Cole Signs With The Chinese Basketball Association

He will be playing with the Nanjing Monkey Kings.

J. Cole, who was recently on the road (literally) promoting his latest album, The Fall-Off, is going back on another road trip: as a professional basketball player with the Chinese Basketball Association.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the rapper, born Jermaine Cole, has signed a deal to play for the Nanjing Monkey Kings.

J. Cole has signed a contract to play in the Chinese Basketball Association with the Nanjing Monkey Kings, per ESPN sources. The multi-time Grammy award-winning and multi-platinum artist had committed to playing a few games for the Chinese team last year, and now follows through. pic.twitter.com/8fFyHv1fvY
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 2, 2026

The rapper, who had committed to playing a few games for the Monkey Kings last year, will follow through on that commitment.

Cole, who played on his high school team in North Carolina, played in the Basketball Africa League in 2021 for the Rwanda Patriots. The next year, the 2014 Forest Hills Drive rapper signed to play in the Canadian Elite Basketball League with the Scarborough Shooting Stars.

Cole has had a more accomplished career dropping beats than dropping dimes. He won a Grammy in 2020 for Best Rap Song (“A Lot” by 21 Savage featuring J. Cole) and has several BET Hip Hop Awards. He also has six platinum albums and has produced songs for artists, including Kendrick Lamar, Janet Jackson and Young Thug.

The rapper decided to return to his musical roots when he was an up-and-coming artist in North Carolina, when he started selling his CDs from his trunk. When he went back on the road last year, he used the same Honda Civic (with a newly installed engine) in 2007. That’s when he released his first mixtape, The Come Up.

“Today I got my old Civic (with the brand new engine), a tour bus, and some sprinters. In the trunk of my car is boxes of The Fall-Off CDs. As a teenager, I had copies of the Fayettenam Bommuh’s album that Nervous gave me to sell. I used to go up to the gas stations trying to sell the album to strangers, “Yo, you like hip hop??” Was the beginning of the sales pitch.”

Mannnnn. Thank yall for the love. For real!!!

Yesterday I had daddy duties that came before album release celebrations. Today I got my old civic (with the brand new engine) a tour bus and some sprinters. In the trunk of my car is boxes of The Fall-Off CD’s. As a teenager I had… pic.twitter.com/DGbzs0DVfK
— J. Cole (@JColeNC) February 7, 2026