earned wage, tax braks
by Kandiss Edwards

April 8, 2026

A Metro Atlanta Woman Under Investigation For Tax Preparation Fraud

Victims of the alleged scheme reported that the IRS sent letters indicating their taxes were filed as "self-preparer" documents.

A metro Atlanta tax preparation business is under investigation following claims of theft.

Shannon Melton, the operator of Melton Wagner & Blake LLC, faces accusations of professional misconduct and theft by deception. Former clients in Douglas, Henry, and Gwinnett counties reported discovering major inaccuracies in their filings, including tens of thousands of dollars in fabricated business expenses. One customer, who chose to remain anonymous, spoke to WSB-TB about what they say are fraudulent returns. The customer says they received a refund exceeding $10,000. However, upon reviewing the paperwork, the individual found an inaccurate amount of business expenses that they never actually incurred. According to this taxpayer, the inflated refund was generated to procure a fee of nearly $2,500.

“The numbers were inflated, $15,000 in expenses that I didn’t incur,” he said.

Jabneel Springer also spoke to the outlet. Springer says he expected approximately $1,500 based on his personal records and tax history. Instead, he received a much larger amount, which immediately caused concern. Springer was alarmed and feared potential legal issues with the Internal Revenue Service.

Internal Revenue Service records indicate that Melton is not a licensed preparer, as she lacks a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). Federal law requires all paid tax professionals to possess a valid PTIN. The PTIN allows preparers to legally file returns on behalf of others. Additionally, business records show that the state dissolved the business license of Melton Wagner & Blake LLC in 2025.

Victims of the alleged scheme reported that the IRS sent letters stating that their tax returns were filed as “self-preparer” documents. This designation implies the taxpayer completed the forms themselves, which effectively shields the preparer from professional accountability in the eyes of the IRS. Melton’s clients allege she created unauthorized personal identification numbers to file documents without their final approval or knowledge.

Many of those affected have spent thousands of dollars in legal and accounting fees to rectify their records with the IRS. To avoid penalties and interest, these individuals have returned the fraudulent refund amounts to the government.

RELATED CONTENT: The IRS May Owe Millions A Pandemic Tax Refund

film, Kobe Bryant
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 8, 2026

Nike Plans June Release Of Kobe 4 Protro ‘Draft Day’ Collection For 30th Draft Anniversary

The collection will show the team colors of the 12 teams that bypassed him and the colors of the team that drafted him before trading him to the Lakers.

In a novel move, the Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Draft Day” collection will showcase the colors of the 13 NBA teams that passed on the legendary Laker guard Kobe Bryant

The sneaker will be released on June 26, 30 years after the 1996 draft.

According to Footwear News, the latest Kobes will sell through the Snkrs app and select third-party retailers, with a suggested retail price of $190. The Charlotte Hornets drafted Bryant with the No. 13 pick in that year’s draft, and he was quickly traded to the Lakers, setting up a long, historic career.

One of the sneakers, the one representing the Raptors, has leaked. It reveals both of Kobe’s uniform numbers from his career with the Lakers: 8 (on the left heel) and 24, both in the Raptors’ purple. The inside of the left tongue shows “1996 NBA Draft,” while the right tongue shows Kobe’s draft number 13, and K. Bryant.

The 12 franchises that passed up on Bryant are the Toronto Raptors, the Philadelphia 76ers, the Vancouver Grizzlies, the Milwaukee Bucks, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Boston Celtics, the Los Angeles Clippers, the Dallas Mavericks, the New Jersey Nets, the Indiana Pacers, the Golden State Warriors, the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Hornets, of course, traded Bryant after selecting him.

Chosen before Bryant in the 1996 draft: Allen Iverson (76ers), Marcus Camby (Raptors), Shareef Abdur-Rahim (Grizzlies), Stephon Marbury (Bucks), Ray Allen (Timberwolves), Antoine Walker (Celtics), Lorenzen Wright (Clippers), Kerry Kittles (Nets), Samaki Walker (Mavericks), Erick Dampier (Pacers), Todd Fuller (Warriors), and Vitaly Potapenko (Cavaliers).

Only two players, Iverson and Allen, made it to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Bryant played his entire career with the Lakers, winning five NBA championships, becoming a two-time Finals MVP, and earning the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player award. He made the All-Star team 18 times and became the youngest player to reach 30,000 points. In his final game before retiring in 2016, he scored an NBA season-high 60 points.

The 41-year-old basketball legend died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, along with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others on Jan. 26, 2020.

RELATED CONTENT: Kobe Bryant-Michael Jordan Card Scores $3.17M At Auction

HBCU Track Legend, Jamaican Olympian, George Rhoden, Dies, Olympic
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 8, 2026

Full Throttle Track Club Records Fastest 4×200 Relay

Dylan Metz, Landon Bridges, River Jordan, and Riden Jordan broke the record with a time of 1 minute, 54 seconds for the fastest 4x200 relay in the 9/10 age group

The Full Throttle Track Club has reason to rejoice, as four boys have entered the record books with the fastest 4×200 relay in the 9/10 age group.

According to WAFB, Dylan Metz, Landon Bridges, River Jordan, and Riden Jordan participated in the AAU Indoor Championships in Virginia Beach. Virginia, during the weekend of March 6 and March 8. They broke the national record by running the race in 1 minute, 54 seconds. The team beat a record they had just set after competing in another track event at Louisiana State University in February.

The boys train with their coaches, Theodarryl Jordan and his son, Darryl Jordan, two times a week at Broadmoor High School.

“We knew the guys were fast, but we didn’t know they were No. 1 in the nation,” Darryl said.

“Those four work really hard in practice, so I’m surprised, but in a way I’m not. Cause they work really hard.”

The boys’ intentional training includes various activities such as pushups, sit-ups, bleachers, and up-downs.

Before this meet, according to the track club’s Facebook page, the boys had broken two indoor national/meet records at their first indoor meet at LSU on Feb. 28 for the Louisiana Indoor Youth and Masters Meet.

“Let’s talk about it:

• Two indoor national/meet records BROKEN.

– 4×200 relay

– 4×400 relay crushed by 7 seconds — a record that’s been standing since 2017. The fastest times in the nation EVER at age 9/10. That doesn’t just happen. That’s kids buying into a vision and executing when the lights come on.”

Now, the boys have set their sights on the outdoors as they prepare for their next six meets in May and June. 

May 2- SBR Jags Invite

May 16- Louisiana State Games

May 23- KY Betty Smothers Track Meet

June 6- Third Annual Mayors Cup Games

June 16- June 20- AAU Track & Field Region 11 Qualifier

June 27- Run Fast TC – Invitational

RELATED CONTENT: Jamaican High Schoolers Set Three Records At New York International Showcase

NAACP, lawsuit
by Sharelle B. McNair

April 8, 2026

For The First Time, NAACP Urges 25th Amendment To Oust Trump—Could It Work?

the NAACP called for “urgent action to invoke the 25th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution in response to alarming signs of President Trump's deteriorating health and increasingly delusional behavior.”

The NAACP is jumping in with calls for President Donald Trump to be removed or impeached using the 25th Amendment for the first time in the organization’s history after he declared the possibility of war crimes.

In a press release posted to the civil rights organization’s website, the NAACP called for “urgent action to invoke the 25th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution in response to alarming signs of President Trump’s deteriorating health and increasingly delusional behavior.” “The rhetoric and actions emanating from the highest office in the land has reached a level of instability that poses a direct threat to the well-being of millions of Americans and the integrity of our armed forces,” the release read. 

The call for action comes after Trump shocked the world by inciting violence against the country of Iran, saying “a whole civilization will die tonight” on his Truth Social app before agreeing to a two-week ceasefire. The nation’s oldest civil rights organization isn’t the only one to sound the alarm. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Tx.) sent a letter to Vice President JD Vance and members of the Republican Party to “do your fucking job” and invoke the 25th Amendment. 

NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson referred to the president as being “unfit, unwell, and unhinged” and described his behavior as “dangerous.” “This president is unfit, unwell, and unhinged. The rhetoric and behavior we are witnessing from Trump isn’t just alarming, it’s dangerous,” Johnson said. 

“When the person entrusted with the highest office in the land demonstrates a disregard for truth, stability, and the well-being of the American people, it’s a threat to the entire nation and the world. Trump must be immediately removed from office.” 

But could it happen? 

According to USA Today, the 25th Amendment outlines succession rules for the presidential office in the event of presidential disability or removal. In the first two sections, it places the vice president next in line to assume office when the leader vacates the office by death, removal, or resignation. Sounds simple enough, as the amendment can be invoked by or against any sitting president, but getting it cleared carries much higher stakes. 

Research shows the majority, if not all, of the current cabinet leaders — Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Scott Turner and more — will need to agree to invoke. 

That may be highly unlikely, as none have expressed support for removing the president or taking any actions against him. 

However, the NAACP thinks the time is now. “The NAACP stands firm in advocating for the rights and safety of all Americans. We urge the Vice President and the Cabinet to act with the urgency this situation demands,” the organization continued. 

“Our democracy, our armed forces, and the safety of our citizens depend on decisive action now. We call on all leaders to prioritize the health of our nation and uphold the principles enshrined in our Constitution.”

RELATED CONTENT: Top Civil Rights Attorney Joins NAACP In Voting Rights Fight

Bob Marley, adidas, soccer
by Kandiss Edwards

April 8, 2026

Bob Marley Estate Sues Tilray Brand Cannabis Company For $11.3M

Tilray is accused of moving the liability for the Marley licensing payments into an empty business entity.

The Bob Marley estate has filed an $11.3 million lawsuit against the global cannabis company Tilray Brand Inc., Bloomberg Law reports. 

Marley Green LLC claims that Tilray and its partners owe licensing royalties for the Marley Natural brand. The lawsuit, filed March 27 in Delaware, alleges that Tilray engaged in a “scheme to defraud” to avoid its financial obligations to the estate.

The estate claims that after Tilray acquired Privateer Holdings, the original partner, in 2019, the company engaged in a fraudulent transfer by structuring corporate entities to shield assets. 

Specifically, Tilray is accused of shifting liability for the Marley licensing payments to an empty business entity that lacked the funds to pay the contractually mandated minimum royalties. That led to a breach of contract, prompting the estate to terminate the licensing deal after the unpaid balance reached nearly $13 million by 2023.

While $1.7 million was recovered from a subsidiary, the estate is seeking the remaining balance.

The partnership between Tilray dates back to 2014, when the Marley family partnered with Privateer Holdings to launch Marley Natural as the world’s first global cannabis brand. Under the leadership of Bob Marley’s daughter, Cedella Marley, the estate manages a massive portfolio of brands, including Tuff Gong, Marley Coffee, and House of Marley. 

Notably, Cedella has been successful in previous suits, including a 2015 trademark infringement victory and a 2017 award against a former coffee partner. Tilray argues that its primary business entities are not parties to the original agreement following corporate restructuring.

However, the Bob Marley estate is now challenging the move as a bad-faith effort to escape liability. The lawsuit is another setback, as 24/7 Wall Street that as of April 2, the company’s stock has declined by 4 percent.

RELATED CONTENT: Rohan Marley Became An Entrepreneur After His Brother Ziggy Gave Him An ‘Ultimatum’; Between ‘Business Or Football’

Hudson River
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 8, 2026

Social Media Users Say Something Is Fishy About Fishing In The Hudson River

New Yorkers remain skeptical about eating fish from the Hudson River, despite health officials saying it’s now safe.

New reports say fish in New York’s Hudson River are safe to eat for the first time in 50 years—but many New Yorkers remain skeptical.

Just ahead of Easter weekend, health officials said the general public can safely eat certain fish from the Hudson River for the first time in 50 years, including species like goldfish, black crappie, and brown bullhead, the NY Post reports. But despite declining toxin levels in the once-polluted waterway, many locals remain skeptical about eating fish caught there.

“The Hudson already is one step above a sewer,” said Manhattan finance worker John Hummler.

“We are a modern society, and we already have sources of food,” Hummler, 68, added. “So why eat the remaining wildlife that we have? Just because you decide you don’t want to pay for fish.”

Over on X, user Kristin Sokoloff questioned if “did the Hudson River SUDDENLY get cleaner… OR DID THE STANDARDS JUST GET LOWER?”

Some species, including smallmouth bass, are still off-limits under the state’s updated guidance, which also recommends limiting consumption of Hudson River fish to no more than four times a month. The advisory covers waters from the Battery to Catskill.

Still, many locals remain hesitant. Analiese Colon said the idea of fishing off Manhattan feels “off-putting” compared to her experiences in Suffolk County, Long Island.

“The water on Long Island, where we’re from, is very, very clean and clear. You can see everything you’re looking for,” Colon said.

Ethan Cohen, who lives near Pier 25 at Battery Park, said it’s “a little gross” to think about eating fish out of the Hudson, “but if people want to eat it, it’s their decision … Eat at your own risk.”

Instagram users flooded the comments with jokes after It’s Onsite shared the report, informing locals they could fish and safely eat from the Hudson River for the first time in 50 years.

“They trynna get rid of some folks 😩😆🤣😭,” one user wrote.

“I think tf not,” added another.

RELATED CONTENT: Pilot Who Died In Hudson River Crash Was Navy SEAL Veteran Who Recently Moved To New York

nursing home The family wants the nursing home to be held accountable.
by Sharelle B. McNair

April 8, 2026

Arkansas Police Chief Investigated After Viral Video Shows Him Striking Black Man in A Wheelchair

The victim says law enforcement was called to his neighborhood for assistance but has no clue that he would end up being the one needing help.

The newly hired police chief of Osceola, Arkansas, Robert “Bobby” Ephlin, is being investigated after he was allegedly seen striking a disabled Black man who uses a wheelchair. 

Ephlin was seen on a video with more than 13,000 views putting his hands on Danarius Williams after the chief was heard saying, “you’re not gonna talk to me like that” while engaging with a crowd on April 6. The victim says law enforcement was called to his neighborhood for assistance, but he had no idea he would end up needing help.

But when Williams, who has been disabled and paralyzed since 2013, asked Ephlin to get out of his personal space, things escalated.

“He smacked me. He smacked the hell out of me. Then choked me,” Williams said, according to KAIT 8. 

“I felt belittled, to be honest, for one, and for two, it’s just embarrassing to just feel helpless and powerless through the whole situation.” 

Social media users in the video’s comments feel that Ephlin and the police department should be held accountable for the alleged actions.

“Take everything from that YT man! Sue him directly & the police department! Press charges against him & the other officers,” @royaltee_jones wrote.

But Williams is already taking matters into his own hands.

“I already pressed charges against the chief. I did that as soon as I left there while I was in the emergency room last night,” Williams said. 

While the police department has failed to comment on the incident yet and it is unclear if Ephlin is on administrative leave, Osceola Mayor Joe Harris Jr., also a Black man, is in support of getting to the bottom of what happened, calling for an independent review “to ensure all the facts are collected and evaluated in a fair, transparent and accountable manner.” In a statement, Harris said the city is “committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and public trust,” and that the city would take appropriate action based on the findings of the review.

The ordeal comes just days after Ephlin touched on the type of leader he wants to be, having been in the role for just a little under a week. “When we make mistakes, and we will, we’re going to own those mistakes. We’re going to take care of those problems,” Ephlin said. 

Williams hopes that the investigation considers such sentiments in comparison to the way the victim feels he was treated.

“Can’t feel anything, can’t do anything from the belly button down. I have a suprapubic catheter stuck in my bladder that can come out any time,” Williams said.

“If they have no respect and no regard for my rights — I’m in a wheelchair, I’m disabled — what do you think they’ll do to one of y’all? What do you think they will do to your family?”

RELATED CONTENT: Black-Owned Lounge Cancels Kansas City Opening Amid Backlash Over Its Name 

Delta, Airline, Airport, Plane
by Kandiss Edwards

April 8, 2026

Delta Hikes Fees For Checked Bags

Passengers could choose other airlines with minimal luggage fees.

Delta Air Lines announced it is raising baggage fees for domestic and short-haul international flights.

Starting April 8, an additional $10 will be added to the cost of each customer’s first and second checked bag. A first checked bag will now cost $45, while a second bag will cost $55. An even steeper price hike has been levied for customer’s third checked luggage. The price will jump $50 to $200.

The airline attributed the price hike, its first in two years, to “evolving global conditions and industry dynamics,” according to the Associated Press.

Not all travelers will be affected by the new pricing. Delta confirmed that SkyMiles Medallion members, active-duty military personnel, and customers flying in premium cabins—including First Class, Delta Premium Select, and Delta One—will continue to receive their standard complimentary bag allotments.

Additionally, customers using eligible co-branded Delta SkyMiles American Express cards will be exempt from the increase. Tickets purchased on or after April 8 will be exempt from the price hike. International passengers will continue to operate under the original pricing structure. 

Delta’s move follows other airlines that are using ancillary fees to offset what they claim are rising operational costs and fuel volatility. By increasing the third-bag fee aggressively, Delta may intentionally discourage heavy luggage on domestic routes.

Decreased weight can improve fuel efficiency and turnaround times while simultaneously driving high-margin revenue. Conversely, passengers may choose to opt out of Delta services instead. Exempting Medallion members and Amex cardholders reinforces Delta’s strategy of prioritizing its “sticky” customer base.

The luggage exemption clause may have another potential benefit, as Delta’s credit card partnerships and loyalty programs will seemingly gain value, as the financial burden is placed on infrequent or basic economy travelers. While a $10 increase may seem minor, for a carrier that processes tens of millions of bags annually, the cumulative revenue could be substantial.

RELATED CONTENT: Delta Air Lines Stands With TSA Agents, Suspends Congress Perks Amid Partial Shutdown Chaos

Muni Long, Singer, R&B
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 8, 2026

Muni Long Breaks Down Music Contracts For Fans Confused About Pooh Shiesty and Gucci Mane Beef

Long hinted that a morality clause could have prompted Pooh Shiesty to allegedly take drastic means to get out his contract.

Muni Long is shedding light on music industry contracts amid Pooh Shiesty’s alleged beef with Gucci Mane over a deal he wants out of.

Pooh Shiesty was arrested for allegedly robbing and kidnapping Gucci Mane inside a Dallas studio on Jan. 10. The incident was reportedly over the Memphis rapper’s deal under Gucci Mane’s The New 1017 label. As the news made headlines, others questioned why Pooh Shiesty allegedly went to such lengths to remove himself from the Atlanta rapper’s company.

For those confused on the matter, Muni Long went to the comments section to explain how certain industry contracts work, providing potential insight into the “shiesty” shenanigans.

Although Pooh allegedly went to extreme measures to handle his business dealings, Muni claimed these methods would not have helped his cause. An X user posted a screenshot of the singer’s comment under a TikTok post.

“They have clauses in the contracts that if you go to jail, you forfeit all your rights to the label. Lawyers can’t help,” wrote the two-time Grammy winner.

Long is presumably referring to morality clauses, often implemented to hold signees accountable. If artists land in any legal trouble that could jeopardize the company or their contractual obligations, the clause allows the company to terminate or suspend certain agreements. This could also threaten artists’ payouts or agency under the contract, such as leaving a label on desired terms.

According to Fox 4, Pooh Shiesty, real name Lontrell Williams Jr., was with his father and other rap-affiliated assailants when he held Gucci Mane at gunpoint over his release from the label. Per the terms of his 2025 release from prison over a drug trafficking case, Pooh was supposed to remain under home confinement, reportedly breaking the rule for the Dallas kidnapping.

While Muni Long shared insights into artists’ legal strife with labels, Pooh Shiesty now has other legal ramifications to consider. The “FDO” rapper will appear at a federal court hearing in Dallas April 8 over the kidnapping and robbery charges. His lawyer remains optimistic that the courts will side with his client.

“We will have his dentition and probable cause hearing tomorrow. We expect to contest those, and we are looking forward to finding out more details that we don’t think the complaint reveals,” attorney John Helms said in a statement.

Kanye, Malibu, Brazil, Nazi
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 8, 2026

Wireless Festival Canceled After Ye Was Denied Request For Travel

The controversial artist was announced as the featured performer at the Wireless Festival at Finsbury Park in North London, which had been scheduled to take place between July 10 and 12

The United Kingdom has blocked Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, from entering the country, prompting the organizers of the Wireless Festival to cancel the entire three-day event.

According to The Associated Press, after Ye submitted an application for an electronic travel authorization to visit the U.K., the government denied the request, citing his presence as not “conducive to the public good.” Based on that decision, festival organizers canceled the outdoor event and assured customers who had already purchased tickets that they would receive a refund.

After news broke that the “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” rapper was headlining the festival, the controversies surrounding the music producer sparked an uproar, prompting the title sponsor, Pepsi, to pull out. Ye released a song in 2025 named “Heil Hitler” that caused controversy, and he also had a website advertising a swastika T-shirt for sale, which was taken down after people complained, as well as past antisemitic remarks.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who was vocal in opposition to Ye’s appearance, spoke about the organizers’ decision to invite the recording artist.

“Kanye West should never have been invited to headline Wireless. This government stands firmly with the Jewish community, and we will not stop in our fight to confront and defeat the poison of antisemitism. We will always take the action necessary to protect the public and uphold our values.”

Other festival sponsors (Rockstar Energy and Diageo) had also pulled out before Ye’s travel request was denied. Ye released a statement saying he would like the opportunity to speak to the Jewish community in the U.K. before learning of the denial.

He said he “would be grateful for the opportunity to meet with members of the Jewish community in the U.K. in person, to listen. I know words aren’t enough — I’ll have to show change through my actions. If you’re open, I’m here.”

However, Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said his group would meet with him if he withdrew from the festival.

“The Jewish community will want to see a genuine remorse and change before believing that the appropriate place to test this sincerity is on the main stage at the Wireless Festival,” Rosenberg said.

BBC News reported that the organizers of Wireless Festival released a statement saying that “multiple stakeholders” were consulted before booking Ye, and that no concerns were raised at the time. They also denounce antisemitism in their statement.

“Antisemitism in all its forms is abhorrent, and we recognize the real and personal impact these issues have had. As Ye said today, he acknowledges that words alone are not enough, and despite this still hopes to be allowed to begin a conversation with the Jewish community in the U.K.”

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