by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 30, 2026

Michigan Voters Agree To Transform Detroit’s Belle Isle Into Country’s First ‘Special Economic Zone’

Michigan voters and Detroit residents appear to be on the same page about transforming Belle Island into the country's first special economic zone.

A proposal backed by a majority of Michigan voters and more than two-thirds of Detroit residents aims to transform Belle Isle into the nation’s first special economic zone.

Support for the plan grew after voters were given more details, according to a new poll, Click on Detroit reports. Backed by Belle Isle Freedom City Chairman Rodney Lockwood, the proposal would transform the 982-acre island park into a high-density development that would house up to 50,000 residents.

“Belle Isle would become the country’s first special economic zone with a great degree of autonomy with regard to taxation and regulation,” Lockwood said.

The plan would include high-end, mixed-use housing, entertainment, a monorail, restaurants, and retail space, along with a major investment deal in which developers would make a one-time $1 billion payment to Detroit in exchange for a long-term lease, plus $50 million annually for the city. It also wouldn’t require any local tax dollars, Lockwood declares.

“It’s a big plan, there’s no doubt about it,” Lockwood said. “We would do it with no federal money, or state money, or taxpayer money. It would be totally privately funded. From a sizing standpoint, it would be the largest, privately funded project in the United States.”

Belle Isle is operated as a state park by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, but Rodney Lockwood argues the island is underutilized.

“Our plan is to maintain it as a park, but to take the underutilized portions and bring people in to live on the island; build a community of up to 50,000 residents,” Lockwood explained. “It’s beautifully located. This would really be ideal to establish a community there.”

The poll, conducted in November 2025, surveyed 616 likely statewide voters and 197 Detroit voters and was commissioned by Belle Isle Freedom City. Initial support stood at 42% statewide and 71% in Detroit, but shifted to 51% statewide and 68% in Detroit by the end of the survey, according to Steve Mitchell, president of Mitchell Research & Communications.

“A majority, bare majority but nevertheless a majority, of Michigan residents and two-thirds of the city of Detroit voters who responded to the survey were in support of the concept after they heard it,” Mitchell said.

The project would require an estimated $50 billion investment, creating 20,000 construction jobs over a decade and 46,000 permanent positions, according to a press release. Lockwood described the plan as a potential economic boost for the region.

“If it were allowed to go forward, it’s a slam dunk to be a positive economic uplift for the city of Detroit and for the region and for the state,” he said.

If approved, the proposal would still face several hurdles: federal legislation would be required to authorize special economic zones, the state would need to pass its own law, and the city would have to sign off, either through the mayor and City Council or a voter referendum.

Some residents have also raised concerns about whether the homes planned under the project will be affordable.

“The people who like to come to this place and bring their kids to play could probably never afford to live here,” said resident Cheyanne Bradley.

“If you have people that’s living here and it’s going to be high-end residents, I don’t foresee that that is going to play well long term with the things that are public in this space,” said resident Kamaria Washington.

Judge, Las Vegas, gavel,Herman Whitfield III, Indianapolis police, David Merryman, racist landlord,

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 30, 2026

What In The Antebellum Hell? Florida Judge Under Fire For Asking Black Defendant If She Ever ‘Chopped Cotton’

Jordan, who presides in the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court covering Orange and Osceola counties, admitted that his comments were “ill-considered” but the committee isn't so sure.

A Florida judge is being investigated for his conduct after allegedly asking a Black defendant if she ever “chopped cotton” during a 2025 hearing, The Independent reported.

Judge John Jordan is under investigation and facing a “public reprimand” after two 2025 incidents that crossed racially offensive boundaries. Court documents reveal that while presiding over a July 28 plea hearing, Jordan was discussing a community service sentence with a 33-year-old Black defendant and her great-uncle, also Black. Jordan asked the great-uncle: “Do you own any land where I could have her work it for 30 hours?”

After hearing the defendant’s relative laugh the comment off, the judge kept going. “All my family’s farming. They’d love me out there,” the court transcript continued.

“You ever—You ever chopped cotton before? You know what that is? You take a hoe, and you knock out the weeds. That’ll—That’ll straighten you up real quick doing that stuff.”

Jordan, who presides in the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court covering Orange and Osceola counties, according to Fox 35 Orlando, admitted that his comments were “ill-considered,” and told the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission that the comments were the “first and only time he has ever inquired whether a person appearing before him had ever ‘chopped cotton.’” Judge Jordan also acknowledged that his questions and comments in this instance were undignified the documents read.

“In particular, Judge Jordan acknowledges that he failed to consider how his comments, as a judge considering whether to order a black defendant to “work the land,” immediately followed by a reference to ‘chopping cotton,’ could have been interpreted (and indeed were interpreted) as inappropriate, especially in light of the historically demeaning stereotype associating black people with picking cotton.”

But “the Commission remains concerned that Judge Jordan failed to grasp in the moment, or in the days thereafter, how his words clearly were inappropriate.”

This isn’t the first time Jordan has been in the spotlight for inappropriate comments or behavior.

During the jury selection process last year, while presiding over an aggravated battery case, the judge allegedly scolded two public defenders in an unprofessional manner, including telling them to “shut up.” Jordan appeared “annoyed” that the lawyers didn’t confer with their client about the jurors’ lunch break, asking, “How much time do you need? Can I get you something to eat? Something to drink?” the filing said.

Similar to the “cotton” comment, Jordan admitted to his conduct being a violation of “the high standards required by the Code of Judicial Conduct.”

Jordan insists that he is not a racist and that he doesn’t make rulings or decisions based on race. The commission said there is no evidence to prove that race played a role in any of the judgments on his record; the public reprimand recommendation must still be sent to the state supreme court.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 30, 2026

Good Deed, Complicated Rules: TSA Workers Reportedly Told To Return Tyler Perry’s $1K Gift Cards

TSA workers must now give back the sizable gift as they continue to work without pay.

The TSA workers at Atlanta Airport are reportedly required to return the $1,000 gift cards given by Tyler Perry.

Prior to President Trump signing an executive order directing TSA workers to start receiving paychecks as early as today, they have been without paychecks for over a month as the partial government shutdown continues. As they continue working diligently while their pay remains in limbo, the workers accepted the billionaire’s gift.

However, due to the potential risk of violating federal law, the TSA employees have reportedly been asked to return the gift cards. They must comply, or they can potentially jeopardize their standing with the federal agency.

Due to federal restrictions, TSA workers cannot accept money or tips for performing their duties. The law prohibited Perry from implementing his initial plan of giving direct cash on March 26. After speaking with management at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, Perry concluded that gift cards could be used to aid TSA employees instead.

According to 11Alive, the filmmaker’s representatives handed out $250K in gift cards the following day. Although Perry cleared the donation with airport personnel and HR directors, additional concerns came from the airport’s federal security director.

The update is a significant blow to many TSA workers who have struggled to pay their monthly bills during this time. As expected, many employees called out of work over pay issues, leading to staffing shortages at several major airports.

As TSA wait times still fluctuate, with the longest waits lasting several hours, Perry tried to boost morale with the gift cards. However, the generosity from the “Good Deeds” director has fallen through due to legal issues.

During the last shutdown, communities came together to support TSA employees with complimentary car washes and food drives to help them sustain until the government reopened. Currently, lawmakers remain at a standstill over the Department of Homeland Security budget, which oversees the TSA.

As the partial shutdown begins its sixth week, airports continue to grapple with fed-up employees and significant call-outs that have wreaked havoc on U.S. air travel.

by Mary Spiller

March 30, 2026

Florida Attorney General Challenges NFL’s Rooney Rule, Threatens Legal Action

State official argues diversity policy violates Florida law as league stands by commitment to inclusion.

Florida’s top legal official is pushing back against one of the NFL’s longstanding diversity initiatives, warning the league it could face legal consequences if changes are not made. Attorney General James Uthmeier sent a formal letter Wednesday to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, arguing that the Rooney Rule — a policy requiring teams to interview minority candidates for key leadership roles — amounts to unlawful discrimination.

Uthmeier contends that hiring decisions should be based strictly on qualifications rather than demographic factors.

In the letter, as reported by ESPN, Uthmeier criticized the policy in blunt terms, writing, “NFL fans in Florida don’t care what color their coach’s skin is. They care what colors their coach is wearing — and that those colors are winning on the football field.” He further asserted that “the Rooney Rule and its offshoots are illegal in Florida,” and requested confirmation by May 1, 2026, that the league would stop enforcing the policy within the state. He warned that failure to respond could lead to a civil rights enforcement action.

The NFL confirmed it received the letter and is reviewing its contents. League Executive Vice President Jeff Miller responded by defending current practices, stating, “We believe our policies are consistent with the law and reflect our commitment to fairness, opportunity, and building the strongest possible teams.”

The Rooney Rule, introduced in 2003, requires teams to interview at least two external minority candidates for positions such as head coach, general manager, and coordinator. The policy was created to address longstanding disparities in hiring across the league. However, recent hiring cycles have continued to draw scrutiny. This offseason, only one minority candidate secured a head coaching position, and Black coaches filled none of the 10 openings.

Speaking ahead of the Super Bowl, Goodell indicated the league planned to reevaluate the policy to “continue to make progress” on diversity efforts. Meanwhile, Art Rooney II, who chairs the league’s diversity, equity, and inclusion committee, acknowledged the shifting legal and social landscape.

“There’s no question that the environment has changed in recent years,” Rooney said, adding that the league must ensure its policies remain compliant with evolving laws. “We do have an obligation to make sure that our policies comply with the laws…we’ve got to look at that and make sure we’re in compliance.”

As the league reviews the challenge, the dispute highlights growing tensions between diversity initiatives in professional sports and evolving state-level legal interpretations.

by Mary Spiller

March 30, 2026

A$AP Rocky Curates Interior Of Historic Modernist Home At Exclusive L.A. Design Event

The rapper’s HOMMEMADE studio transformd Paul Rudolph’s Walker Guest House into a fully shoppable installation.

An invitation-only design event in Los Angeles is drawing attention this weekend not just for its exclusivity, but for an unusual centerpiece: a fully reconstructed mid-century home styled by rapper and designer A$AP Rocky and available for purchase. The three-day showcase, hosted by Basic.Space.LA at the Pacific Design Center features more than 80 designers and galleries. At the center of the event is the Walker Guest House, a compact but influential structure designed in 1952 by modernist architect Paul Rudolph.

The home, listed for $2 million, has been reassembled for public viewing and outfitted with a curated interior led by Rocky.

Rocky’s creative studio, HOMMEMADE, makes its public debut with an installation that blends collectible design pieces with personal selections. The artist described the project as more than decoration, emphasizing atmosphere and narrative. “HOMMEMADE isn’t about decorating, it’s about storytelling through space,” Rocky told Architectural Digest. “I like when something feels intentional, but still lived in… I want people to experience design the same way they experience music—fully immersed.”

Inside the small, wood-and-glass structure, visitors encountered a mix of vintage and contemporary furnishings, all available for purchase. The display reflects Rocky’s multidisciplinary approach, merging elements of art, fashion, and architecture into a cohesive environment.

Originally built on Sanibel Island, Florida, the Walker Guest House is known for its adaptable design, including wooden panels that shift between shade and enclosure using heavy counterweights. The structure remained in Florida until a private collector acquired it and later relocated it to California, where it had been stored until this event.

To prepare the house for exhibition, architects oversaw its reconstruction outside the design center, carefully aligning it with its original orientation. Some structural adjustments were made to reinforce the building while preserving its historic character alongside A$AP Rocky’s decor.

Event Founder Jesse Lee said the goal was to surpass last year’s installation, which featured a transported European structure. “We wanted something that couldn’t be less impressive than last year,” he explained, recalling early discussions about showcasing the home.

By combining a rare architectural landmark with a contemporary retail concept, the exhibition highlights Los Angeles’ openness to creative experimentation. Rocky’s involvement, organizers say, underscores the event’s broader aim: to dissolve boundaries between disciplines and present design as an immersive, accessible experience.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 29, 2026

Proposed SAVE Act Could Jeopardize Voting Rights Of Black Elders Who Lack Birth Records

Older Black Americans without an official birth certificate or passport could lose their right to vote.

Black seniors without proper birth records could potentially lose their voting rights if a new bill passes.

The proposed legislation, known as the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE) Act, would require individuals to present proof of citizenship when voting. The GOP-supported bill has garnered pushback from Democratic lawmakers over claims of voter disenfranchisement, especially for Black communities.

If the GOP-controlled House and Senate pass the bill, many voting-eligible Americans would face stricter restrictions to exercise their right. If they wished to vote, they would need to show a birth certificate or passport. However, many older Black Americans lack such records, causing concern for voting rights advocates, according to Capital B News.

For many, growing up in rural American communities meant there were no nearby hospitals to deliver babies. Instead, Black mothers gave birth with the help of midwives. Records for documenting new life were frequently written down in a family Bible.

Doctors were seldom available and expensive, so families opted for home births. As a result, many older Black people lack official documentation of their citizenship.

The SAVE Act’s voting requirements shed light on inequitable healthcare systems that led to this uneven birth certificate access. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities confirmed that one-fifth of Black Americans born between 1939 and 1940 never received proper birth certificates.

Around 21 million voting-age Black Americans could lose their ability to vote.

Passports are also an unfavorable alternative to voting. U.S. Department of State data, detailed by Rustic Pathways, confirmed that only around 45-50% of Americans have a passport. And there are monetary and legal barriers to obtaining one.

The SAVE Act would also vastly shift voter registration efforts, a pillar of Black communal advocacy for political change.

While GOP supporters claim the legislation will crack down on noncitizen voting, the Brennan Center for Justice has emphasized that the issue is more myth than fact. Democratic lawmakers have already called out the measure as a modern way of restricting Black people’s voting rights.

“It’s Jim Crow 2.0,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said MS Now’s Morning Joe in February. “What they’re trying to do here is the same thing that was done in the South for decades to prevent people of color from voting.”

States and advocacy groups have already begun the work to expand voter protections to prevent disenfranchisement ahead of the midterm elections.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 29, 2026

Doulas Become Viable Service For Moms-to-Be Wanting Holistic Care During Pregnancy

Research has shown doulas can help Medicaid-covered women have healthier births.

The growing popularity of doulas has made women of all tax brackets get the holistic care they need during pregnancy.

As more health insurance plans begins to cover doula care, more expecting women have chosen that option. Doulas, trained birthing professionals who offer emotional, physical, and wellness support for pregnant women, have now become a mainstream service.

Beyond doctors and nurses, doulas often work as advocates for mothers in the hospital room. Although non-clinical aides, they serve as an extra means of support and guidance for moms throughout each trimester. They frequently provide a level of care that makes clients become family, ensuring pregnant mothers feel safe.

The check-ups with doulas do more than ensure the baby’s health. They ensure the pregnancy is running as smoothly as possible for mothers. The inclusion has become especially critical for Black mothers who face disproportionate maternal mortality rates.

According to the Black Maternal Health Caucus, Black women are more than three times more likely to die from childbirth complications than their white counterparts. However, a doula’s presence can add that vital care and attention Black mothers need to thrive post-pregnancy.

“Doulas can benefit everybody,” explained Sierra Hill, an employee at the Minnesota Health Department, to the Associated Press. “Especially communities facing inequities.”

A brief on Doulas in Medicaid confirmed that “doula-assisted mothers were four times less likely to have a baby with low birthweight, two times less likely to experience a birth complication for the mother or baby, and significantly more likely to initiate breastfeeding.”

Many hospitals and insurance companies have supported this trend of doulas in the maternal health process, with more working in tandem with medical professionals. Doulas are a growing way for pregnant women to feel championed.

Theresa Randle, arrest, domestic violence

by Mary Spiller

March 29, 2026

Actress Theresa Randle Released Without Charges In Latest Legal Incident

The "Bad Boys" star was briefly held on felony suspicion before authorities cited insufficient evidence.

Bad Boys actress Theresa Randle was taken into custody earlier this month on suspicion of a felony domestic violence offense but was later released after authorities determined there was not enough evidence to move forward with charges.

According to law enforcement records, as reported by Entertainment Weekly, Randle was detained on the evening of March 1 in Los Angeles on suspicion of causing injury to a spouse or cohabitant.

Officials confirmed that the arrest took place around 8:30 p.m. Randle remained in custody for approximately two days before being released on March 3.

Jail records indicate the reason for her release was “insufficient evidence,” meaning prosecutors declined to pursue the domestic violence case at this time. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed the allegation but did not provide additional details.

Randle, 61, is best known her role as Theresa Burnett in the Bad Boys franchise, where she starred opposite Martin Lawrence. She also appeared in notable films such as Malcolm X.

In October 2024, Randle was arrested in connection with a separate felony assault allegation stemming from a reported incident at a Los Angeles area residence. Authorities responded to a call but did not locate her at the scene. A follow-up call days later led to her arrest, which also included a reported violation of a restraining order. That case was ultimately dismissed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

Randle has faced changes in her professional career. Although she appeared in the first three Bad Boys films, reports in 2023 indicated she would not return for the fourth installment. The role of Theresa Burnett was recast with Tasha Smith, though no official explanation was publicly provided.

Around the same period, public concern about Randle’s well-being grew after footage circulated online that appeared to show her in Los Angeles’ Skid Row.

No formal charges have been filed in connection with the March incident, and it remains unclear whether further investigation will take place.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 29, 2026

Kim Kardashian, Ray J Reportedly Signed Secret $6M Settlement To Bury Infamous Sex Tape

The two famed exes remain in a legal and public battle over their recounts of the sex tape's release.

Kim Kardashian and her ex-boyfriend Ray J reportedly signed a multi-million dollar settlement to forbid either of them from speaking about their infamous sex tape.

The parties and their famous “momagers,” Kardashian’s Kris Jenner and Ray J’s Sonja Norwood, agreed to the 2023 settlement. TMZ reports that the deal paid Ray J $6 million.

Per its stipulations, the famous exes agreed to squash all legal threats regarding the sex tape.

“The parties have agreed to enter this agreement addressing all past, current, or future claims, disputes, causes of action, defenses, and alleged losses, including without limitation, all claims and defenses arising out of or concerning the subject matter of the sex tape,” stated the legal document, which was obtained by TMZ.

The document even ensured major companies like Hulu and Disney were not liable for any claims as well, especially as the streamer airs The Kardashians. Despite the settlement’s signing, the two unfriendly exes have regained the spotlight for new claims regarding their taped encounter.

In October 2025, Kardashian and Jenner filed a defamation lawsuit against Ray J, stemming from the “I Hit It First” singer claiming that the mother-daughter duo was under a federal investigation, an assertion both women have denied.

In response, Ray J filed a countersuit, denying Kardashian’s story that their sex tape leaked to the internet without her consent. He also confirmed that he got a $6 million check in an effort to silence him from speaking about the Skims founder and the 2007 tape.

The sex tape arguably catapulted Kardashian and her family to mega-stardom. The interest in the Hollywood socialite and her multiple siblings led to their reality show Keeping Up With the Kardashians, which ran for 20 seasons on the E!

While he was legally required not to speak about the sex tape, Ray J said that became void after Kardashian and Jenner discussed the video on their reality show.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 29, 2026

TLC’s Chilli Denies MAGA Ties And Michelle Obama Diss Despite Records Revealing Donations To Trump Campaign

Chilli has since denied her support of President Donald Trump and his MAGA movement.

TLC singer Chilli reportedly has ties to MAGA, with records showing her past donations to President Donald Trump and his 2024 presidential campaign.

MeidasTouch discovered records that show the ’90s singer sent almost $1,000 to the GOP candidate. Individual contributions listed by the Federal Elections Commission detailed that Rozanda Thomas of Stone Mountain, Georgia, Chilli’s real name and her residence, supported Trump with several monetary gifts.

The 17 total donations ranged in amounts from $3.50 to $180 toward MAGA-affiliated entities. These included “WinRed,” Never Surrender, Inc.,” and “Trump National Committee JFC, Inc,” which had the highest donation amount.

The news comes on the heels of the announcement of a tour with TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, and En Vogue. The three groups will co-headline the “It’s Iconic” North American tour starting Aug. 15.

Fans began to inquire about Chilli’s political leanings after she seemingly reposted a debunked conspiracy regarding Former first lady Michelle Obama this March. The post, later taken off Chilli’s Instagram, wrongfully claimed that Obama identified as transgender, with distorted images displaying the mother of two as a man.

Chilli took to Instagram to clarify where she stands politically. The 55-year-old said she thought her donation actually went to organizations against human trafficking and those that supported veterans.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chilli (@therealchilli)

“I WANT TO BE CLEAR: I am not MAGA and do not support any of the many policies that are causing great harm to the American people. I made a mistake too many make: I did not read the fine print…I thought I was supporting causes against human trafficking and for veterans,” she wrote. “Two things I care deeply about, as my dad is a veteran, and everyone knows I love children. I have learned a valuable lesson and ask for grace as I navigate this.”

In an additional video from the singer, Chilli also shared her “utmost respect and admiration” for Obama. She also denied knowledge of the repost occurring.

She declared, “.. I would never do anything that is disrespectful to her or to any woman.”

But Chilli has left more signs that she was down with the right. She follows several conservative politicians and influencers, including Donald Trump Jr. and Tomi Lahren, as well as conservative news networks like NewsMax.