by Kandiss Edwards

April 3, 2026

The ‘New Edition Way’ Tour Adds ATL Encore, Delivers Musical Excellence

This tour of legendary acts provided fans with a piece of nostalgia that was well worth the price admission.

New Edition, Toni Braxton, and Boyz II Men performed in Atlanta, Georgia, March 31, delivering a night defined by nostalgia and high energy.

Unlike traditional concerts, The New Edition Way Tour features a rotating lineup of legendary acts. The voices, dance moves, and nostalgia create a top-tier show of 1980s and 1990s R&B excellence—the trio of acts sold out ATL’s State Farm Arena. Demand and excitement were at an all-time high, prompting an additional night April 2.

Boyz II Men

Known for their vocal harmonies, Boyz II Men performed classics such as “Doing Just Fine,” “4 Seasons of Loneliness,” “Motownphilly,” and “One Sweet Day.” The crowd sang along so loudly that the group hardly needed to lead. However, the trio made sure to display their enduring vocals and prove that the microphone is always on.

Wanya Morris, Shawn Stockman, and Nathan Morris maintained their smooth, silky vocals. Wanya, known for his vocal runs, added extra flourishes to every song. During “Bended Knee,” one of Boyz II Men’s most popular tracks, Wanya stretched his vocal runs, Stockman’s soprano shone through, and Nathan’s baritone-tenor sound was silky smooth. The group’s theatrics kept the audience entertained throughout the set.

@everydaywithrae_ @BoyzIIMenOfficial @Wanyá Morris #neweditionmywaytour2026 #wanyamorris #fyp #BoyzIIMen #viral ♬ original sound – Raven|CLT Lifestyle Creator💕

Toni Braxton

Braxton, 58, took the stage as an entertainer thriving with lupus and gave the performance her all. As a ’90s diva, Braxton has always set herself apart with a deep, sultry voice that gives R&B a unique feel. Her vocals anchored a stage filled with flamboyant outfits and backup dancers. Braxton leaned into her persona, and though she has dealt with health challenges, she did not shy away from the choreography during her hit “He Wasn’t Man Enough For Me.” The performance allowed fans to celebrate her gift and her resilience simultaneously. Braxton ended her night with her own classic “Unbreak My Heart.” The sad, yet beautiful song displayed her maturing voice before the curtain closed.

@rdelva Seeing Toni perform last night and this Choreo 🔥 just wow !! #tonibraxton #hewasntmanenough #neweditiontour #nyc #concert @Toni Braxton ♬ He Wasn't Man Enough – Toni Braxton

New Edition

For nearly 40 years, Ronnie DeVoe, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ralph Tresvant, and Johnny Gill, have contributed to R&B, collectively and individually. Despite their respective acts, continue to demonstrate their strength in performance and brotherhood on stage. The setlist spanned from their debut album, Candy Girl, to their reunion album, Homecoming. Fans were treated to men on fire, still able and willing to give their all to the craft.

@iamtiffanyn New Edition- Can you stand the rain. #theneweditionwaytour ♬ original sound – I am tiffany n

Bobby “King of R&B” Brown

An endearing aspect of the brotherhood was the care members of NE showed for the “King of R&B,” Bobby Brown. Though he left the group in the early ’90s before returning in the ’00s, his role in the group is indisputable. In the past, Brown has suffered two heart attacks which left many to wonder if he’d ever perform again.

On stage, the original members often gathered behind him, providing support with background vocals, lead vocals, and dance moves which afforded Brown rest to perform at his own pace.

@newedition.live When I say Bobby, you say Brown! . Bobby….👑🔥❤️ . #NewEdition #NewEditionWayTour #KingBobbyBrown #MyPrerogative #TheNewEditionWayTour ♬ original sound – New Edition Live

Alongside New Edition hits, Tresvant performed his solo effort, “Sensitivity.” Johnny Gill slayed “My My My” and brought out surprise guest Keith Sweat to perform LSG’s “My Body.” Brown’s solo bops, “My Prerogative” and “Every Little Step” helped to close out the show. Bell Biv DeVoe performed their cultural juggernaut, “Poison,” which had concert-goers dancing their way out of the arena.

This tour of legendary acts, featuring a trade-off of stage time, provided fans with a piece of nostalgia well worth the price of admission. The New Edition Way Tour has one more night in Atlanta, April 2, after which, they will continue to New Orleans and Houston, Texas. The tour continues into the fall, ending Oct. 17 in New York City.

Atlanta Georgia, education, Super Bowl LXII, Atlanta Wine and Jazz Festival, Build-to-rent

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 3, 2026

Atlanta Celebrates Its Famed Area Code And Culture With 404 Day! Weekend

The weekend of festivities will celebrate the city's leaders and legacy in the South.

Natives and newcomers to Atlanta can celebrate the city’s area code culture with its 404 Day! Weekend.

The celebration, hosted by The 404 Collective, will commemorate Atlanta’s distinct culture and pride as a Southern hotspot for music, food, and entertainment. The events, beginning April 1, will allow residents to engage with one another with a shared mission to uplift Atlanta.

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The festivities commence with a 404 Fund Scholarship Gala. Taking place at Monday Night Garage, the event kicks off the days-long affair with a fundraiser to give back and empower Atlanta’s future leaders. Attendees can network in style while the elegant soirée promotes education for the city’s youth.

404 Day! will head to City Hall for another engagement, honoring pivotal local figures such as Organized Noize, Ryan Cameron, and Brandon Butler. That same evening, guests can head over to Retreat by The Gathering Spot to bask in Atlanta’s skyline with its leading tastemakers.

Tapping into the city’s emerging wellness sector, a Run Atlanta Weekend 5K will also encourage all to put on their sneakers and “put on” for their city. Following the run, the weekend’s second annual 404! Day Parade will take place in Downtown Atlanta.

On a mission to “shut down Peachtree,” attendees can expect appearances by Da Brat, Pastor Troy, and Mayor Andre Dickens to reflect on Atlanta’s legacy. As a “reflection of Atlanta in all its diversity,” the city offers families the chance to witness creative floats and the wide-ranging cultural institutions that have shaped the city.

The weekend will end with a block party across Underground Atlanta. The free event will feature music, food, and vendors, bringing out the best of “ATL.” From lemon pepper wings to a special presentation at 4:04, “ATLiens” are highly encouraged to pop out for this signature event.

Through partnerships with other local institutions, such as the Trap Music Museum and Atlanta Influences Everything, the 404 Collective has curated a jam-packed schedule to celebrate the city during a legendary weekend.

AI, artificial intelligence, trends, A.I., journey, technology, DryMerge, AI, job interview

by Kandiss Edwards

April 3, 2026

Artificial Intelligence Is Changing The Way Students Pick College Majors

While STEM fields have traditionally been viewed as the safest bets many students to pivot toward roles that require high-level human emotional intelligence

A new comprehensive poll reveals a significant uptick in students switching majors due to the rapid integration of Generative AI.

Lumina Foundation and Gallup data suggest that nearly 30% of undergraduates in specific technical and creative fields have either changed their course of study or strongly considered doing so to “future-proof” their careers against automation. The survey, which sampled over 5,000 students at major U.S. universities, identifies a growing anxiety regarding entry-level job security. While STEM fields have traditionally been viewed as the safest bets for employment, the rise of advanced coding assistants and automated content creation tools has led many students to pivot toward roles that require high-level human emotional intelligence, physical presence, or complex manual dexterity.

The poll highlights a distinct trend among majors that deal primarily with digital outputs. Students in these fields are increasingly moving toward “AI-resilient” sectors.

The most significant movement is occurring within the Computer Science and Data Entry tracks. Students who previously focused on front-end web development or basic Python scripting are now pivoting toward hardware engineering, cybersecurity, and robotics. The consensus among these “switchers” is that while AI can write boilerplate code, the physical maintenance of infrastructure and the defense of sensitive networks remain uniquely human domains.

Similarly, the Digital Arts and Graphic Design sectors are experiencing a shift. Students are moving away from purely digital illustration and toward Industrial Design or Specialized Architecture. Many express concern that entry-level “production” roles in creative agencies are being consolidated by AI tools, leading them to seek majors involving physical materials or complex urban planning, where human oversight is still legally and practically mandated.

As students flee certain technical paths, “Human-Centric” majors are seeing an unexpected renaissance. Enrollment is climbing in Nursing, Early Childhood Education, and Occupational Therapy. These fields are perceived as having a “protective moat” because they require physical empathy and nuanced interpersonal navigation that current AI models cannot replicate.

This trend indicates that the next generation of workers isn’t necessarily abandoning technology, but rather rebranding themselves as the “human governors” of automated systems.

ICE, Syracuse Player, Deportation, South Sudan

by Kandiss Edwards

April 3, 2026

ICE Will Be On Base For Marine Graduation Ceremony

It is unclear if this deployment will be replicated at other major training facilities.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel will be present at the Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot in South Carolina.

The purpose of ICE agents on scene is to conduct “enhanced screening and lawful immigration status inquiries” for those attending recruit celebrations. Increased “force protection measures” is the primary justification for the deployment. Giving ICE agents access to a federal base is said to be unprecedented, Military Times reported. The move has raised fears that undocumented relatives traveling to celebrate the achievements of their loved ones could be identified, turned away, or potentially targeted for future deportation. In a post on X, the Department of Homeland Security says the implication of arrests taking place is “fake news.”

The deployment of ICE agents at Parris Island follows a period of heightened security across U.S. military installations. Visitors must, at a minimum, present a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or a Real ID-compliant identification to gain entry. While a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that agents do not intend to make arrests during the graduation ceremonies, the specific scope of their authority at the access points remains unclear.

Citing “increased force protection measures,” visitors at the Marine Corps recruit depot can expect ICE personnel posted outside the base. https://t.co/p4BlLbLQCe

— Military Times (@MilitaryTimes) March 31, 2026

The decision to station ICE at Parris Island contrasts sharply with traditional efforts to highlight the military as a pathway to integration, legitimacy, and stability for immigrant families. While the Marine Corps routinely coordinates with federal partners for logistical support, the direct involvement of immigration agents in screening family members is a significant departure from standard operating procedures. It is unclear if this deployment will be replicated at other major training facilities.

For the graduating Marines, who have just completed 13 weeks of grueling basic training, the controversy adds a layer of stress to what is meant to be a proud homecoming. Families with sensitive immigration status should consult with counsel before attempting to access the base under the new, intensified screening protocols.

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.