Universal Orlando Mardi Gras To Feature T-Pain, TLC, Kool And The Gang And More
Marking 30 years of Mardi Gras magic, Universal Orlando’s 2025 festivities promise to be unforgettable.
Universal Orlando Resort is turning up the energy for its 30th annual Mardi Gras celebration, which will run from Feb. 1 through March 30, 2025. Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval will feature star-studded concerts, dazzling new parade floats, global culinary delights, and exciting experiences—all included with general park admission.
Live Performances by Global Superstars
This year’s Mardi Gras concert series brings an extraordinary lineup of musical talent to the Music Plaza Stage. Headliners include GRAMMY-winning artist T-Pain, global pop sensation Joe Jonas, and Latin GRAMMY-winner Juanes. Performances will take place on select nights immediately following the Mardi Gras parade.
Mardi Gras 2025 will tantalize taste buds with a new menu inspired by international Carnaval celebrations. Guests can enjoy various dishes, such as Spicy Szechuan Chicken Bites from China, Hot Maple Lacquered Salmon from Canada, and a Colombian Burger. Food kiosks throughout Universal Studios Florida will offer unique flavors worldwide, giving guests a global dining experience to match the festivities.
New Parade Floats and Festive Fun
The Mardi Gras parade will showcase six brand-new floats inspired by the spirit of New Orleans’ legendary Krewes, with themes celebrating food, beads, and the bayou. These new creations join Universal’s traditional floats with performers, music, and vibrant decorations. Guests looking to get even closer to the action can reserve a spot on a float through the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience, which includes a three-course meal at select restaurants.
Exclusive Hotel Experiences and Special Offers
Guests can make the most of their Mardi Gras adventure by staying at one of Universal Orlando’s nine hotels. These hotels offer exclusive food and drink options, such as Bourbon Street Beignets and Bayou Shrimp and Grits. Hotel guests also enjoy perks like Early Park Admission and complimentary park transportation.
Special ticket packages and offers include:
Florida Residents: Get two free park days by purchasing a 2-Park, 1-Day ticket.
U.S. and Canada Residents: Save 30% on a 4-night stay at Universal’s Stella Nova Resort or Terra Luna Resort.
Annual Passholders: Enjoy exclusive Mardi Gras perks, such as discounts, complimentary buttons, and access to reserved parade viewing areas.
A Milestone Celebration
Marking 30 years of Mardi Gras magic, Universal Orlando’s 2025 festivities promise to be unforgettable. With incredible live music, stunning parades, mouth-watering cuisine, and immersive experiences, this year’s event sets a new standard for theme park celebrations.
Park admission or an annual pass includes access to Mardi Gras events. For details and reservations, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/MardiGras.
Cover360ixty and FUBU Studios and Network Announce Entrepreneur Reality Series ‘$ix Figure Makeover’
FUBU Network and Studios has a new competition reality series aimed at supporting entrepreneurs.
There’s a new reality series aimed at providing entrepreneurs with coaching, resources, and opportunities to achieve their fullest potential.
Cover360ixty™ and ForUsByUs (FUBU) Studios and Network teamed up to produce and distribute the highly anticipated reality TV series $ix Figure Makeover. Modeled after an innovative fusion of ABC’s Shark Tank and American Idol, the reality competition series is said to be hosted by serial entrepreneur Vanessa Simmons and will feature a star-studded panel of mentors to help aspiring entrepreneurs as they navigate the challenges of building successful businesses.
“ForUsByUs (FUBU) Studios and Network is excited to join forces with Cover360ixty on this transformative project,” John Askew, president of FUBU Studios, and Roberto “Rush” Evans, co-founder and co-CEO of FUBU Studios and president of FUBU Network said in a press release. “$ix Figure Makeover aligns perfectly with our mission to support and uplift the next generation of business leaders.”
This announcement follows a casting call issued last July, where producers sought contestants who were passionate about entrepreneurship and eager to elevate their creative ideas. The selected individuals will be featured in the exclusive docuseries hosted by Simmons, with special appearances from top celebrities, industry moguls, and subject matter experts.
Producers for the show are excited to amplify and inspire the next generation of visionaries and business leaders.
“We are thrilled to partner with ForUsByUs (FUBU) Studios and Network to bring $ix Figure Makeover to life,” said Jeremy Newkirk and Bryce Harris, co-founders of Cover360ixty.
“This show will not only entertain but also inspire and educate viewers on the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation.”
This announcement comes on the heels of ForUsByUs (FUBU) Studios’ recent $450 million partnership with Pantheum Studios to produce inclusive content. The three-year, 30-film deal highlights FUBU Studios’ dedication to amplifying diverse voices and perspectives within the entertainment industry.
This joint venture will be available for streaming on the VYRE App across multiple platforms, including Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, and more, starting in early 2025. This initiative underscores FUBU Studios’ dedication to providing groundbreaking content that connects with global audiences.
“I am truly excited about the opportunity to collaborate with VYRE Network and bring exceptional live events and entertainment to audiences around the world,” said J. Alexander Martin, co-founder of FUBU Studios.
FDA Finally Revokes FD&C Red No. 3 For Food And Drugs
The additive is banned in most countries outside of the United States.
On Jan. 15, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the revocation of FD&C Red No. 3 for use in food and ingested drugs. The decision, rooted in the Delaney Clause of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), highlights the FDA’s commitment to ensuring public health and safety through regulatory oversight of color additives.
The synthetic dye, also known internationally as erythrosine, is widely used for its vibrant cherry-red hue in candies, baked goods, frozen desserts, and certain medications. To comply with the updated regulations, manufacturers must reformulate their products for food items by January 15, 2027, and for drugs by January 18, 2028.
The Delaney Clause: Protecting Public Health
Enacted in 1960, the Delaney Clause is a cornerstone of the FD&C Act’s color additive amendment. It prohibits the FDA from approving any food or color additive that induces cancer in humans or animals, regardless of dose.
In 2022, a coalition of consumer advocacy groups — including the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Environmental Defense Fund, and Consumer Reports — petitioned the FDA to revoke the approval of FD&C Red No. 3. They cited two studies showing cancer in male rats exposed to high doses of the dye.
Although the mechanism causing cancer in rats does not apply to humans, the Delaney Clause mandates a strict zero-tolerance approach. FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D., emphasized the agency’s adherence to this legal framework, stating, “Today’s action reflects our commitment to following the science and prioritizing public health.”
The Science Behind FD&C Red No. 3
FD&C Red No. 3 has been scrutinized since its initial approval in 1969. While the rat studies cited in the petition highlighted risks at high exposure levels, research involving humans and other animals has not demonstrated similar effects.
“This decision is not about immediate human risk,” said Susan T. Mayne, Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. “It’s about ensuring compliance with the law and maintaining public confidence in the safety of the food supply.”
Chemicals are essential in food production, enhancing safety, nutritional value, and shelf life. Substances like salt (sodium chloride) and Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) are prime examples of chemicals with dual scientific and common names. While chemicals like FD&C Red No. 3 serve functional purposes, their safety must be rigorously evaluated.
Petition Details and Advocacy Efforts
A coalition of 23 organizations and individuals, including the Children’s Advocacy Institute, Public Citizen, and Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, submitted the 2022 petition to revoke FD&C Red No. 3. The petition underscored Red No. 3’s potential carcinogenicity. It invoked the Delaney Clause to challenge its continued use in food and drugs.
The petition also highlighted the FDA’s inconsistent approach to the dye. In 1990, the FDA banned its use in cosmetics and topical drugs due to carcinogenic findings, yet it allowed its use in food and ingested drugs to persist.
“The FDA’s decision is a victory for science-backed advocacy,” said a Center for Science in the Public Interest representative. “It demonstrates that regulatory systems can work to prioritize public health.”
Industry Implications
The revocation of FD&C Red No. 3 presents significant challenges for manufacturers, particularly those in the food and pharmaceutical sectors. The dye has been a staple in creating visually appealing products, such as brightly colored candies, cakes, and frostings. Its absence will require companies to find alternatives that meet FDA safety and certification standards.
Red No. 3 remains authorized internationally under erythrosine in countries like Canada and parts of Europe. However, products imported to the U.S. must comply with domestic regulations.
“This decision underscores the need for manufacturers to stay proactive in monitoring regulatory changes,” Califf said.
FDA’s Commitment to Chemical Oversight
The FDA’s decision reflects its broader regulatory framework for managing chemicals in food. Pre-market approval processes require manufacturers to demonstrate that additives are safe for their intended use. Post-market reviews, however, are equally critical in reassessing safety as new data emerges.
Pre-Market Approval Process Before a substance like FD&C Red No. 3 can be used, the FDA extensively evaluates its safety. These include studying consumption patterns, manufacturing processes, and toxicological data. Only additives meeting strict standards for composition and purity are authorized.
Post-Market Review Framework The FDA is also modernizing its post-market review framework to address emerging safety concerns. “We are working to develop systems that prioritize chemicals for reassessment based on risk,” said Mayne.
Recent examples include the FDA reassessing per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food packaging and brominated vegetable oil. The agency’s ongoing surveillance helps ensure that the U.S. food supply remains among the safest in the world.
Public and Industry Reaction
Consumer groups have lauded the FDA’s decision, calling it a long-overdue step toward safer food practices. Advocates have urged the agency to apply similar scrutiny to other additives.
Meanwhile, industry leaders have expressed concerns about the logistical challenges of reformulating products. Smaller manufacturers, in particular, may have difficulty sourcing alternatives within the given timeline.
Transparency and Future Plans
The FDA aims to enhance transparency around its regulatory processes. The agency seeks to foster collaboration between consumer advocates, industry leaders, and lawmakers through public meetings, webinars, and stakeholder engagements.
“We’re committed to maintaining public trust,” said Mayne. “That includes sharing information openly and engaging all stakeholders in the regulatory process.”
The FDA has outlined plans for a unified Human Foods Program to strengthen its oversight of food chemical safety. The initiative will include routine surveillance to detect potential safety concerns and prioritize substances for in-depth review based on risk.
Looking Ahead
Manufacturers have three years to reformulate food products and four years to reformulate drugs ingested. With alternative dyes like FD&C Red No. 40 widely available, many expect the industry to adapt swiftly, though the transition may present temporary challenges.
For consumers, the revocation of FD&C Red No. 3 serves as a reminder of the complexities of food safety regulation. While the scientific findings behind the decision are specific to rats, the FDA’s adherence to the Delaney Clause reinforces its commitment to protecting public health.
To stay informed about the FDA’s regulatory updates and developments, visit FDA.gov.
According to CBS Sports, the former Baltimore Ravens great will join his n son, Ed Reed III, a senior receiver and defensive back on the team next season. Coaching his son’s team is not new for Reed, who has been doing so in an unofficial capacity.
“Excited about the opportunity to help the Chamblee community and teach this game to the Chamblee football team,” Reed said in a written statement. “Thanks for all the support out there, and while other coaching opportunities were available to me, at other levels of football, I couldn’t pass up the chance to coach my son.”
The Atlanta Voice reported that Reed will work alongside his former teammate, Jamal Lewis, who joined Chamblee High School in 2024 as the director of college recruiting. Lewis’ son, Jazz, is a freshman receiver on the Chamblee football team..
“We needed to tighten up the coaching staff and we need an offensive coordinator like Ed Reed because he knows how to get the ball around to our players,” Lewis told the Atlanta Voice.
The football team had a dismal 2024 season, finishing 2-9.
Reed was hired in 2023 to become the head coach at Bethune-Cookman, an HBCU located in Daytona Beach, Florida. But, before he could take over the team, Reed said the school forced him out before the contracts were done. He took to social media with a statement.
“I am NOT withdrawing my name as the Head Coach at Bethune Cookman. The administration and the AD are forcing me out. Thank you to all that supported me and my staff through this process. Good day, and God bless.”
Black, Asian, And Woman-Owned Wine Brand Takes Flight On American Airlines
The company's signature collection will be featured on American Airlines' long-haul, international flights.
KT Winery, a Black and Asian woman-owned wine company, has taken off in a new partnership with American Airlines. The U.S. airliner will start serving the wine in-flight starting January 2025.
Based in Denver and founded in 2020, the company prides itself on being a low-sugar option for wine lovers. Known for its flagship “Mom Juice” brand, it hopes to grow to new heights through this collaboration, announced on Jan. 15 in a press release obtained by BLACK ENTERPRISE. However, KT Winery’s Signature Collection will actually feature on America’s long-haul, international flights.
The collection offers an elevated yet affordable wine-tasting experience. The company’s co-founder and CEO, Kristin Taylor, shared her excitement about becoming part of this in-flight venture.
“As a frequent traveler, I often see the joy of the simple pleasures on flights. When I started KT Winery, it was a dream of mine to create and enhance those experiences,” expressed Taylor. “To now be part of that experience for other travelers is a true full circle moment.”
The duo met in Charlotte before relocating to Denver. They envisioned a contemporary wine brand that prioritized health and wellness while becoming a beacon of diversity for the industry. Since its inception, the “clean” wine brand has expanded to multiple retailers at over 500 stores. While doing so, it maintains production and bottling in Napa Valley.
While its Mom Juice ranges from Pinot Grigio to Rosé, its Signature Collection boasts a Cabernet Sauvignon once recognized by the James Beard Foundation.
Her co-founder, COO, and Head Of Sales, Macie Mincey, added, “We are looking forward to having our Signature Collection served on American Airlines flights, offering the opportunity for new audiences to experience what we call ‘affordable luxury in a glass. As a mom of four, I love that busy moms get to experience premium wines like those in Mom JuiceSignature Collection in a welcoming community where they are seen and known.”
American Airlines passengers traveling abroad can now experience this minority-owned winery that continues to champion taste while promoting clean ingredients.
Brooklyn Entrepreneur Launches Virtual Tax Prep Services For Low-Income Families
Tahvia Shannon is transforming the financial landscape for low-income families nationwide.
Meet Tahvia Shannon, a 30-year-old African American entrepreneur from Brooklyn, New York, who is the vounder and CEO of Virtufin Precision Solutions, a Black-owned virtual tax prep company that is transforming the financial landscape for low-income families in all 50 states. Launched during the last tax season, her company specializes in providing comprehensive virtual tax preparation services, credit repair, and essential financial education tailored to meet the needs of the community—all from the comfort of clients’ homes.
Having risen from humble beginnings and having experienced the challenges of the New York City shelter system, Shannon understands first-hand the importance of financial stability and education. “I want to empower families to take control of their finances and build a secure future for themselves and their children,” she comments. With her personal journey fueling her passion, she is committed to making a difference in the lives of those she serves.
Shannon is trained in and dedicated to helping low-income families, families affected by the recent hurricane disasters, essential workers, gig workers, and small business owners who want to maximize their deductions and financial opportunities.
Shannon’s ultimate goal is to enter the real estate market, a move she believes will not only build wealth for herself but also secure her family’s future and ensure she will never face homelessness again. She is dedicated to creating pathways for others to achieve similar financial independence through education and support.
Virtufin Precision Solutions has already made a significant impact in the community through successful initiatives, including a financial literacy workshop at PS 41, a New York City public school in Brooklyn. Parents provided glowing feedback, expressing their gratitude for the valuable knowledge gained during the session. “We aim to continue facilitating workshops, not just for parents, but also to educate children about financial responsibility from a young age,” Shannon adds.
In line with her mission to uplift the community, Shannon is planning a series of exciting initiatives for 2025, including a back-to-school giveaway, a toy drive for Christmas, and a coat drive for winter. These events are designed to support families in need and foster a sense of community during the holiday season.
The virtual nature of Virtufin Precision Solutions ensures that clients can access top-notch tax services without the stress of travel, making it more convenient than ever to receive the financial support they need. As the tax season ramps up, Virtufin Precision Solutions is actively accepting new clients, ready to help families maximize their tax refunds and navigate the complexities of tax preparation with confidence.
With a focus on exceptional service, Virtufin Precision Solutions offers competitive referral fees and incentives for clients who bring in new customers, creating a collaborative environment where everyone can benefit. Shannon has also partnered with local daycares, hairstylists, nail technicians, salons, churches, and car dealerships for the ongoing tax season, ensuring that families have access to the resources they need.
“By working together with local businesses, we can create a network of support that extends beyond tax season,” Shannon explains. “Our goal is to help families achieve financial independence and instill the values of financial literacy in the next generation.”
As a proud mother herself, Shannon is dedicated to teaching her children about finances and instilling the importance of managing money wisely. She believes that with the right tools and knowledge, families can break the cycle of financial instability and create lasting change in their lives.
Virtufin Precision Solutions is poised to become a beacon of hope and empowerment in the community, providing essential virtual tax preparation services that cater to the unique needs of low-income families. With Shannon at the helm, the business is set to grow and make a meaningful impact, one family at a time.
For more information about Virtufin Precision Solutions, to schedule a consultation, or to learn how you can get involved, please visit https://linktr.ee/virtufinprecisionsolutions
Also, be sure to follow Tahvia Shannon on Facebook
This news was first reported by Blackbusiness.com.
Colman Domingo’s ‘Sing Sing’ To Make History As First Film Released In Theaters And Prisons
Colman Domingo's "Sing Sing" will become the first film to be released in theaters and prisons across the country.
Colman Domingo’s A24 film Sing Sing will be re-released this week, making history as the first film to be simultaneously released to nearly a million incarcerated individuals across the U.S.
The Hollywood Reporter reveals that the Oscar-contender film will return to over 500 theaters on Jan. 17 with an even wider release, including prisons across the country. Correctional facilities in California, New York, Texas, and 43 other states will get to see the film, which tells the story of a group of men enrolled in a prison theater program.
The unique release is the result of a collaboration between A24, Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA)—the real-life nonprofit that inspired the film—and Edovo, a nonprofit that provides educational curricula to incarcerated individuals via tablets in over 1,100 correctional facilities nationwide.
“Storytelling has an incredible way of sparking hope and building connections, even in the toughest circumstances,” said Edovo Founder and CEO Brian Hill. “With Sing Sing, we’re giving incarcerated individuals an opportunity to see themselves in a story of resilience and transformation and to feel inspired to imagine new possibilities for their own lives. “
Domingo and Oscar nominee Paul Raci were among the few professional actors in the cast, with most of the performers being formerly incarcerated. Many of them are alumni of the RTA program, including Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin and Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez.
“My journey through education and the arts gave me hope during my wrongful conviction, restoring my faith in humanity, sparking a culture of redemption during my incarceration,” Velazquez said. “By providing access to the movie Sing Sing, we can transform lives in ways beyond our imagination.”
Domingo played Divine G, a wrongfully convicted man who helped spearhead the prison’s theater program. The film was originally released last summer and raked in $2.9 million at the box office.
The Color Purple star’s performance in the film earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination and three Independent Spirit Award nominations, including Best Feature, and has positioned him as an Oscar frontrunner this year, building on his Best Actor Academy Award nomination last year for his role in Rustin.
Medical Experts Say Elderberry Doesn’t Have the Juice to Support Immune Health
The research is still out on elderberry's usefulness.
Elderberry has gained popularity as a tea and supplement, often touted for its potential to alleviate cold and flu symptoms and support immune health. However, some medical professionals are skeptical about its effectiveness and argue that it may not be worth the cost, the Washington Post reports.
In 2023, Americans spent $12.551 billion on herbal supplements, marking a 2.6% increase from 2022, according to the American Botanical Council. Elderberry products—including pills, syrups, and powders—accounted for $175 million of those sales. Despite its widespread use, not all experts believe in its benefits.
Michael Macknin, a professor emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, conducted a 2020 study on elderberry. He found that elderberry, contrary to popular belief, did not contribute significantly to health maintenance or immune system boosting. In fact, Macknin said after his study, he discarded the elderberry products he had purchased for personal use.
While Cleveland Clinic physician Matthew Badgett acknowledged that elderberry has demonstrated anti-viral properties in lab conditions, he emphasized that these results may not translate to real-world conditions. Macknin’s study further concluded that elderberry’s supposed antiviral effects don’t hold up when applied to the human body.
Though elderberry may not be as effective in reducing inflammation or boosting immunity as some claim, it can still serve as a comforting, warm beverage on a cold day. If you’re looking for teas that both warm and soothe during illness, there are options that might offer real benefits beyond what elderberry provides.
Lemon is rich in vitamin C, which is known to support immune function. It’s often associated with helping to speed recovery thanks to its ability to potentially reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms, such as sore throat or congestion.
Green tea is packed with antioxidants, particularly catechins, which may help reduce inflammation and fight off viruses. Drinking green tea during illness could assist in flushing out impurities from the body, reducing throat irritation, congestion, and inflammation, which are common symptoms of a cold.
Chamomile tea is another antioxidant-rich option known for its calming properties. It can soothe a sore throat, reduce inflammation, and may even promote better sleep—an essential part of the healing process during illness. Chamomile also has mild anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can help with general cold symptoms.
Ginger tea is known for its warming properties and its ability to help thin mucus, making it easier to clear congestion. It also has anti-inflammatory effects, which can help soothe irritated throats and reduce the discomfort associated with a cold.
Peppermint tea contains menthol, which can help thin mucus and provide relief from nasal and chest congestion. It’s also effective at soothing a sore or irritated throat, making it a popular choice when you’re feeling under the weather.
While they options not be a cure-all, they can provide comfort and aid in the recovery process.
Drake Sues Universal Music Group, Claims Label Boosted Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ To Damage Career
The rapper claims that UMG boosted "Not Like Us" to gain a financial advantage over him.
Drake is not quite done with his rap beef with Kendrick Lamar and is now threatening legal action against his own label, Universal Music Group.
The rapper has sued UMG for defamation, claiming the label boosted Lamar’s “Not Like Us” that promoted the “false and malicious narrative” of him being a pedophile. According to TMZ, Drake filed the case in federal court in New York City on Jan. 15.
In the filing, he argues that UMG released and promoted “Not Like Us,” which featured disparaging lyrics against the “Family Matters” rapper, to devalue his brand. Calling the hit song a “gold mine,” he accuses UMG of having a financial motive for releasing it.
In his argument, UMG was able to take advantage of this devaluation of Drake’s brand for future contract negotiations. He says the label did nothing to stop the “inflammatory and shocking allegations” detailed in the song. The chart-topper rose to No. 1 on the Billboard 100.
Moreover, Drake’s team claims they have proof that UMG used its position to boost the song. This proposed evidence includes UMG’s payout to third-party sources that used bots for streaming purposes and a “pay for play” scheme with a radio promoter.
He also argued that UMG played a role in getting Lamar the coveted headlining spot for the Super Bowl Halftime Show. Calling it one of the “most significant cultural events of the year,” Drake believes that this booking only furthers their alleged plot to gain more out of their contract with Drake.
The news came shortly after Drake retracted his other suit against UMG and Spotify in New York State court. While many assumed Drake had ended the legal battle over this rap beef, he merely doubled down on his grievances against UMG.
He accused UMG of having “approved, published, and launched a campaign to create a viral hit out of a rap track,” as reported byThe New York Times. Furthermore, he said they “intended to convey the specific, unmistakable, and false factual allegation that Drake is a criminal pedophile and to suggest that the public should resort to vigilante justice in response.”
The vigilante justice mentioned may also refer to the multiple shootings at or surrounding his residence in Toronto. One of these instances resulted in the shooting of one of his security guards.
However, Drake emphasized that the lawsuit was not against Lamar but the players who made his song a worldwide hit. Drake remains one of UMG’s top artists, and his last contract was allegedly signed for a reported $400 million.
“This lawsuit is not about the artist who created ‘Not Like Us,” wrote the filing. “It is, instead, entirely about UMG, the music company that decided to publish, promote, exploit, and monetize [Not Like Us.]”
However, before contract discussions begin, Drake wants to ensure his fair treatment and is going through federal channels to do so.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens Leaves X For Bluer Skies
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens is joining BlueSky.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens is leaving X (formerly Twitter) in favor of Bluesky, a rising social media platform. While he did not provide a specific reason for the switch, he encouraged his followers to follow him on Bluesky.
Despite his departure from X, Dickens emphasized that any emergency communications would still be posted on the platform.
“Effective today, I’m leaving,” he wrote. “In the event of an emergency, updates will still be posted here. Stay connected: follow me on BlueSky (http://andreforatlanta.com) and join me there if you haven’t already. I’m excited to continue the conversation on this new platform!”
Effective today, I’m leaving X. In the event of an emergency, updates will still be posted here. Stay connected: follow me on BlueSky (https://t.co/bsRXqXJ3ml) and join me there if you haven’t already. I’m excited to continue the conversation on this new platform!
Since the re-election of President-elect Donald Trump, Dickens isn’t the only notable figure to depart X, which has seen a rise in user dissatisfaction. Leading up to the election, many users voiced concerns about a significant increase in right-wing content and forced interactions with Elon Musk, the platform’s owner.
The research found that Musk’s content saw a dramatic surge in engagement, with his posts receiving 138 percent more views and 238 percent more retweets after his endorsement of Trump. The study’s findings suggested that certain posts, particularly those aligned with Musk’s views, experienced a visibility boost that wasn’t in line with general platform trends.
This raised questions about whether the algorithm was influencing public discourse and whether the platform remained neutral.
“The results imply that while some aspects of engagement on the platform appear to have been enhanced broadly, specific visibility advantages may have been selectively applied, raising important questions about the potential impact of algorithmic adjustments on public discourse and the ‘neutrality’ of social media platforms as information carriers,” the report stated.
Following the presidential election, X’s update to its terms of service further fueled concerns, particularly around personal data security and how AI might be used to curate content, potentially involving users’ intellectual property. These changes contributed to a growing distrust of the platform, with many prominent users deciding to leave in favor of alternatives like Bluesky.
