Diddy’s Legal Team Seeks To Screen Jurors On Attitudes Toward Sex, Drugs, And Violence
Diddy's legal team is seeking to have jurors identify their views on sex, drugs, and physical assault.
As Sean “Diddy” Combs’ high-profile sex trafficking trial approaches, his legal team is pushing to question potential jurors about their attitudes toward sex, drug use, and physical violence.
Attorneys for the incarcerated Bad Boy founder submitted a proposed juror questionnaire on April 11 ahead of his May 5 trial in Manhattan federal court, AP reports. The form includes inquiries about prospective jurors’ comfort with viewing sexually explicit or violent footage, as well as their personal beliefs about sex, drugs, and physical assault.
Combs’ legal team also seeks to gauge jurors’ opinions on individuals with multiple sexual partners. They’re also requesting that jurors disclose whether they’ve watched documentaries on the allegations titled “The Fall of Diddy,” “Diddy Do It?” “The Downfall of Diddy,” or “Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy.”
Prosecutors pushed back in a follow-up letter, criticizing Combs’ legal team for submitting a questionnaire they say is too long and includes topics better addressed directly by the judge—if at all. They argued that several of the 72 proposed questions, some with multiple subparts, are “completely irrelevant to a juror’s ability to serve.”
Prosecutors cited the Ghislaine Maxwell sex trafficking trial as a cautionary example, noting how a lengthy questionnaire backfired on the British former socialite and convicted sex offender. After Maxwell’s December 2021 conviction, a juror admitted he failed to disclose being a sex abuse survivor, later saying he was “distracted” and had “skimmed way too fast” through the lengthy questionnaire.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to charges alleging he sexually abused multiple individuals over two decades. The Bad Boy Records founder has been held without bail since his arrest in September. Prosecutors say a key piece of evidence in the upcoming trial will be video footage showing his violent assault on ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura.
The questionnaires will be distributed to hundreds of potential jurors by the end of April. In-person jury selection will begin on May 5, and opening statements are expected to start on May 12.
Trump Administration And El Salvador’s President Agree: Mistakenly Deported Man Won’t Return To U.S.
Garcia entered the country illegally around 2011, but in 2019, an immigration judge ruled he couldn’t be deported to El Salvador after reviewing evidence
The Trump administration and El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele have decided that Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the man mistakenly deported to the Central American country, will not be returning to America, CBS Newsreports.
The decision was made during Bukele’s visit to the White House on April 14 just days after the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said it was willing to take “all available steps to remove any domestic obstacles” to facilitate his return. When a reporter asked the El Salvadorian president about a plan regarding Garcia, he referred to him as a “terrorist” and claimed he had no power to do so.
“How can I return him to the United States? I smuggle him into the United States, or what do I do? Of course, I’m not going to do it. The question is preposterous,” Bukele said. “I don’t have the power to return him to the United States.”
El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele says he won't return Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the man who was mistakenly deported to an El Salvador prison, back to the U.S. https://t.co/WE84Ki5hH5pic.twitter.com/VAPyNmfU4K
That’s when Attorney General Pam Bondi interjected. “That’s not up to us,” she said. “The Supreme Court ruled, President, that if El Salvador wants to return him …we would facilitate it, meaning provide a plane.”
In early April 2025, the Supreme Court failed to provide a qualifier of whether the foreign country wanted to send Garcia back and ruled that a lower court order required the government to “facilitate” his release from El Salvador’s custody. The high court then ruled Trump’s team must facilitate the Maryland resident’s release.
According to CNN, Garcia entered the country illegally around 2011; however, in 2019, an immigration judge ruled he couldn’t be deported to El Salvador after reviewing evidence. He found that a gang was “targeting him and threatening him with death because of his family’s pupusa business.” After being accused of being a member of the MS-13 gang, Garcia’s lawyer insists the client has no affiliation.
The Trump administration called Garcia’s deportation to the high-security prison known as CECOT a “administrative error.”
“It is my understanding, based on official reporting from our Embassy in San Salvador, that Abrego Garcia is currently being held in the Terrorism Confinement Center in El Salvador,” senior State Department official Michael G. Kozak said. “He is alive and secure in that facility. He is detained pursuant to the sovereign, domestic authority of El Salvador.”
The visit between Trump and Bukele marks a new era of foreign partnerships for the new White House administration after alienating some of the U.S.’s main allies in the early days of the transition for the Biden-Harris administration. Popular amongst his country’s residents, Bukele has named himself “the world’s coolest dictator” and the “philosopher king” while working to suspend some civil liberties in order to go after some of the country’s violent gangs.
Karmelo Anthony Released From Jail After Texas Judge Lowers Bond From $1 Million To $250K
Judge Angela Tucker’s decision to grant the reduced bond underscores a fundamental aspect of the legal system: bail is intended to secure a defendant’s presence in court, not to serve as punishment before a verdict.
Seventeen-year-old Karmelo Anthony has returned home, a development that brought a measure of relief to his family, but leaves this North Texas community wrestling with the aftermath of a life lost at a Frisco track meet.
On April 14, Anthony’s release on a lowered $250,000 bond, a significant drop from the initial million-dollar bond, highlights the intricate legal battle ahead in a case that has sparked considerable debate and division.
Anthony, a student at Centennial High School, walked out of the Collin County lockup Monday afternoon, a stark contrast to his appearance just hours earlier during the bond hearing. He offered no words to the reporters gathered, his silence speaking volumes in a town still processing the events at Kuykendall Stadium. His parents were present, a clear indication of the support now tasked with ensuring he adhered to the stringent conditions of his house arrest.
Judge Angela Tucker’s decision to grant the reduced bond underscores a fundamental aspect of the legal system: bail is intended to secure a defendant’s presence in court, not to serve as punishment before a verdict. The conditions imposed –- an electronic ankle monitor, round-the-clock parental supervision, and restrictions on his online activity and contact with those grieving the deceased –- attempt to strike a balance between Anthony’s right to await trial outside jail and the understandable concerns of the wider community.
Defense Team Outlines Grounds for Self-Defense Consideration
During the emotionally charged bond hearing, Anthony’s parents offered personal accounts of their son. His father testified that Anthony was an “A” student and the captain of both the football and track teams, emphasizing that he had “never been arrested before this incident.”
His mother echoed these sentiments, describing the immense pressure the family has been under.
His attorney, Mike Howard, made a strong case for a bond allowing Anthony to be with his family. He highlighted the significant financial burden of the initial amount and the need to safeguard Anthony’s younger siblings from the intense public scrutiny surrounding the case.
“Given that Karmelo has no prior criminal history and given that this young man has not been in any sort of trouble before, $1 million is not necessary,” Howard argued. “This family needs to be able to survive. There’s been a tremendous amount of pressure. I think at this point, living in a gated community, given everything, the safety of their younger children is very warranted. Security details and criminal defense are not cheap.”
Howard further suggested the imposition of house arrest and an ankle monitor to “give this young man a chance to get out of jail and be with his family.”
Following the hearing, Howard addressed the media, stating, “Every Texan deserves the right to defend themselves when they reasonably fear for their life. Self-defense is a protection that applies to each and every one of us. There are two sides to every story. Karmelo is a 17-year-old kid and an excellent student. He is the captain of his track team and the captain of his football team. This is a tragedy all the way around for both families.”
When pressed about why Anthony was armed with a knife, Howard declined to elaborate, saying, “That’s an understandable question, but it’s not something that we are prepared to go into. It would be irresponsible for me or them to say this is why. We ask that the public, as hard as it is, withhold judgment.” He characterized the investigation as “one-sided” thus far but expressed confidence that “the truth will come out.”
“Bond, as the judge said, is not supposed to be an instrument of oppression; it’s not supposed to keep people in jail. It’s to ensure someone comes to court,” Howard concluded.
Prosecution Underscores Irreversible Loss, Focuses on Accountability
While acknowledging the impact on the community, prosecutors underscored the seriousness of the incident. During cross-examination, they revealed Anthony had been involved in a previous “altercation” at school. They questioned the defense’s narrative, raising concerns about Anthony bringing a weapon to a school event. Collin County First Assistant District Attorney Bill Wirsk questioned the family’s inability to access the substantial funds raised online for bond, stating,
“For reasons unknown, the defendant brought a knife to a track meet for what probably could have been a fistfight at worst. [The family] could make this million-dollar bond as soon as they get access to it. I don’t know why we are here.”
He emphasized the devastating impact on both families. Notably, a fundraising effort on GiveSendGo has garnered over $420,000 in donations to support Anthony.
Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis addressed the media, calling the case “a tragedy for not just Frisco, but the Collin County community.”
He affirmed his office’s commitment to a thorough, fact-based pursuit of justice: “We will go where the facts lead us. It is hard for everyone to be level-headed at a time like this. It’s our job to be level-headed, fact-based, and follow the truth wherever it may lead.”
A Community Grapples with Grief and Allowing The Legal Process To Do Its Thing
Anthony’s return home has elicited various reactions across the Frisco, Texas, community. While some folks may view Anthony’s lowered bond as a necessary step within the framework of the legal system, ensuring the accused has the right to prepare for trial, others will undoubtedly feel a renewed wave of grief and frustration over the loss of a young life. The starkly different narratives presented by the defense and the prosecution highlight the challenging and potentially protracted path ahead as the legal system seeks to uncover the full truth of what transpired that day at Kuykendall Stadium.
Judge Angela Tucker, who presided over the bond hearing, emphasized the limited scope of the proceedings.
“This is a bond hearing and not a trial. The purpose of a bond is to ensure the defendant will return to court and to ensure the safety of the community. I don’t take that lightly at all. I take those things very seriously,” she stated.
Acknowledging the profound loss, she added, “There is no replacement for the loss of life or the loss of a child. I don’t want the family to think a bond amount is connected to the dignity of loss. You cannot make the person come back.”
The upcoming legal proceedings are expected to delve into the specifics of the interaction, the reasons behind Anthony’s possession of a weapon, and the precise context that led to the tragic outcome. As the case moves forward, the collective hope within the community will likely center on the legal process, delivering a just resolution that acknowledges the gravity of the loss and the complexities of the circumstances.
Practical Steps To Help Black Investors Maneuver And Thrive Amid Stock Market Volatility
Staying rational and not panicking can help investors pull through the current stock market tumult
Reflect on this breathtaking figure: Over $11 trillion has been erased from the nation’s stock market since mid-January of this year.
That massive rubout supposedly came just three days before President Donald Trump started his term and has not recovered as much since. More recently, U.S. stocks had their largest two-day loss, $6.6 trillion jointly on April 3 and April 4.
The damage has left stockholders, including Black investors, in a precarious position: What should they do as the market moves to bearish territory? Stocks surged on April 8 after Trump approved a 90-day pause on tariffs impacting most countries, perThe Wall Street Journal.
However, stocks crashed again on April 10 after the White House disclosed the tariff on China is now 145%. There is uncertainty about how stocks will perform subsequently. The unrest is being fueled by fears of a potential global trade war, a possible U.S. recession, and other headwinds.
Rising Number of Blacks Investing in Stocks
BLACK ENTERPRISE connected via email with well-informed Black U.S. stock market experts to gain their take on the chaotic Wall Street activity. Roughly 40% of Black Americans owned stocks in 2022, up from nearly 32% in 2016, based on Federal Reserve data.
Motivation wise: Investors have many options to help navigate this stock market turbulence. That could include adjusting their asset allocation, investing in so-called recession-proof stocks, and connecting with a financial advisor to help safeguard retirement savings in market downturns.
A legendary investor among the nation’s top money managers, John W. Rogers Jr. stressed that one of the best ways to be successful is to be a long-term investor. He added history has proven that when you have storms that cause market volatility, eventually the storm passes
He is the founder, chairman, co-CEO, and chief investment officer at Ariel Investments. Started in 1983, Ariel is the nation’s first Black-owned mutual fund firm. Long part of the BE Asset Managers list, the company now has $12.9 billion in assets under management.
Rogers shared that Warren Buffet reminds us that the Dow Jones went from 66 to 11,000. Rogers noted we got past two World Wars in the last century, the Great Depression, many recessions, and a pandemic.
“Our capitalist democracy is the best system ever invented, and we’ll get back to normal,” he says. “We’ll get through this, and history shows that we solve our problems.”
Research a Company’s Fundamentals Before Investing In Its Stock
When looking for a stock that will be resilient during this time, Rogers says, “we want to make sure that they have the balance sheet to weather the storm and that’s really important.” His advice: Be sure the company has financial strength and can hold on until the sun comes out again.
He mentioned that his firm has been adding consumer discretionary companies to Ariel’s portfolio, including building positions in the cruise lines. He says those stocks have gotten hit hard in this environment, including companies like Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCLH).
He says Ariel also has been buying OneSpaWorld (OSW). The firm does all spa services on cruise ships and has a 90% market share. Part of Ariel’s strategy is buying undervalued stocks.
Chris Graham, chief investment officer at Nationwide Investment Management Group, shared what Black millennials, Gen Z, and Baby Boomers should be doing now or considering when it comes to investing in stocks or another asset class.
He suggests they stay calm and diversified. He says although the recent market swoon might feel uncomfortable, it is important to let market volatility settle. It’s crucial to recognize that market fluctuations are a natural part of the investment journey, he says, adding that having a diversified portfolio with a long-term horizon is essential for building wealth.
“Investors should resist the urge to make emotionally charged decisions and instead ensure their financial plan accurately reflects their risk tolerance.”
For newer investors who are unsure how to begin their investment journey, especially given the uncertain macro backdrop, Graham advises investors to consider developing a quality portfolio across all asset classes, including stocks, bonds, and alternative investments like real estate.
For investors who already have a portfolio allocation, if necessary, they should consider rebalancing their asset allocation framework if it drifts too far from their risk tolerance.“
Graham stresses that investors should remember that economic slowdowns are not unusual. They often occur every few years with growth scares, such as the current macro backdrop, causing 10% to 15% drawdowns for stocks.
“Diversifying investments across various asset classes not only mitigates the impact of volatility but also positions investors to capitalize on shifting market leadership.”
Kelly Johnson, a fixed income portfolio manager at Charles Schwab Investment Management, recommends concentrating on what you can control. You can’t control inflation or the stock market, but you can control saving as much as you can each month. He adds that you can prioritize paying down debt versus spending unnecessarily.
Further, Johnson says to consider establishing a financial plan using either software or a financial planner as “his will force you to set achievable goals and a path to growing wealth.”
Mutual Funds Can Compound Your Money and Bring Tax Benefits
On the 401(k) front, Johnson has advice for Black Americans with such a plan: invest enough to take advantage of the company match. Also, if you are not contributing the maximum allowed, then make sure to boost the contribution level each year to gradually reach the maximum to take full advantage of the benefit.
“Keep saving and investing to the extent possible in good times and in bad,” he says. “The consistency will have a powerful effect on your wealth over time.”
Rogers, also portfolio manager of Ariel’s flagship mutual fund, the Ariel Fund, says 401(k) plans are an important vehicle because you can compound your money and have it grow tax-free for a long time, from when you first get employed to when it’s time to retire.
Calling it a very tax-efficient way to build wealth. Rogers says, “It’s important that we as Black Americans sign up early for our 401(k)s, maximize our contributions, and be in it for the long run.”
The worst thing to do is to panic. “That’s what a lot of investors do,” he says. “They get nervous, and they bail out right at the worst time, right at the bottom. This is actually a time to lean in and take advantage of the companies that have gotten cheaper.”
Sharif Muhammad, a founding partner at JMG CPAs & Advisors LLC, says in the current market stock investors should remain disciplined to their risk-appropriate investment allocations.
Working with a Financial Advisor Could Prove Helpful
He says that means they should consider regularly rebalancing their portfolios so that when the market is bullish, they are reducing their risk exposure by selling excess gains and buying lower priced stocks when the market is down.
“Right now, people should take deep breaths and call their financial advisor if they are feeling overwhelmed and confused,” Muhammad says.
Muhammad is a board member of the Association of African American Financial Advisors, a national, member-based trade group of more than 3,000 Black financial advisors, financial planners, wealth managers, and affiliated professionals.
Black investors should review strategies tied to nearness to retirement. Economist William Michael Cunningham says it’s prudent for those nearing retirement to reassess their investment portfolio to ensure it aligns with their risk tolerance and retirement timeline. Other options: Consider reallocating assets to more conservative investments to save capital.
“Regardless of your retirement timeline, maintaining an emergency fund and staying informed about market developments are essential practices to ensure financial resilience,” Cunningham says.
Jazmine Sullivan Reveals Miscarriage In Somber Birthday Message
Jazmine Sullivan reveals the miscarriage she suffered leading up to her 38th birthday.
Jazmine Sullivan marked her 38th birthday with a heavy heart, revealing she recently suffered a miscarriage while still mourning the loss of her mother.
The “Need U Bad” singer took to her Instagram Story the day after celebrating her April 9th birthday to thank fans for their well wishes. Sullivan also opened up about her somber mood, revealing she recently experienced a miscarriage while still grappling with the loss of her mother, who passed away from cancer in July 2023.
“Whew.. thank yall for ur birthday wishes. Leading up to my birthday has been incredibly hard as I’ve been thinking abt my mother and missing her more than words can say,” the singer/songwriter wrote, as captured by People.
“I woulda have been holding my 2-month-old son that I never got to meet,” she revealed. “So needless to say, I’ve been down bad.”
Sullivan shared a glimmer of hope amid her grief, revealing that a birthday massage helped her begin to process some of the pain she’s been carrying. “It helped me release some of the deep pain I’ve been holding in for a while,” she wrote.
“So I’m grateful for that,” Sullivan added. “I’m also grateful that so many of you think of me and take the time to write! It’s all so beautiful!! Please continue to pray for me as I heal from life’s a** whooping.”
Sullivan’s mother, Pamela, passed away on July 22, 2023, at the age of 64, after a nearly four-year battle with breast cancer. On her birthday last year, Sullivan also spoke openly about the ongoing pain of grieving her loss.
“I tried so hard to keep busy for my birthday to distract myself, but I don’t think it works like that,” she wrote at the time.
“I cried all month,” Sullivan shared. “I’ll cry for the rest of my life. But I’ll also smile, laugh, and dance in between the tears! So thank God for that!”
Sullivan’s miscarriage reveal comes at the start of Black Maternal Health Week 2025, which centers on the theme: “Healing Legacies: Strengthening Black Maternal Health Through Collective Action and Advocacy.” The annual campaign, launched by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA, Inc.), aims to spotlight the impact of Black-led organizations in transforming perinatal, maternal, and reproductive healthcare while fostering collective healing and systemic change.
Among the initiative’s key focus areas are fertility and infertility—pressing issues as U.S. fertility rates hit a historic low in 2023. Research shows Black women experience higher rates of infertility than white women (11.2% vs. 7.7%) and face significant disparities in both access to and outcomes from assisted reproductive technologies. One study found that even when undergoing IVF, Black women were less likely to achieve a live birth compared to their white counterparts.
JAY-Z’s Attorney: No Settlement Agreement Made With Tony Buzbee
Alex Spiro stated that his client 'would never settle the lawsuit or pay any money to resolve it, given it was a heinous false accusation.'
Jay-Z’s attorney said there is no settlement agreement in place with attorney Tony Buzbee, who was accused of trying to defame the rap mogul.
According to HipHopDX, Buzbee claims Jay-Z agreed to drop his defamation lawsuit in exchange for the voluntary dismissal from Jane Doe, who alleged that Jay-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs sexually assaulted her when she was 13 in New York City in 2000.
In the motion to dismiss the suit, Buzbee stated that the rapper used his position as a wealthy and famous man to bully his client into dropping the case. He added that Jay-Z’s lawsuit was filed in the wrong court but that both parties have come to an agreement.
“Eventually, the relentless pressure that [Jay-Z] and his associates placed upon [Jane] Doe became too much for her. On February 4, 2025, an agreement to resolve the litigation was reached between Doe and Mr. Carter, through their attorneys which included the voluntary dismissal of the SDNY Action.”
Jay-Z’s attorney, Alex Spiro, denied there was an agreement between the parties.
“Total lie. He brought a false case, lost badly, and was forced to dismiss quickly. End of story.”
Buzbee’s attorney responded by telling the court that there was an “exchange of emails” between the attorneys, and as part of the dismissal motion, Spiro agreed to withdraw “the rule 11 motions for sanctions that he had brought against Mr. Buzbee’s law firm.”
Spiro, however, said his client “would never settle the lawsuit or pay any money to resolve it, given it was a heinous false accusation.”
The lawsuit filed by Jane Doe against Jay-Z and Diddy was dismissed with prejudice. That means she can never refile. Based on the information in the dismissal, there was no mention of an agreement between the parties.
New Leadership Arrives As Enrollment Hits Records Levels At North Carolina Central University
The incoming class is expected to the largest in the last 15 years.
Dr. Karrie Dixon was officially sworn in as North Carolina Central University’s 13th chancellor on April 11, WRAL reports, an event that the HBCU anticipates will be a highlight in a record-breaking year.
Since Dixon started her role in July 2024, the university has secured record-breaking growth in enrollment, with 1,918 first-year students, as of August 2024, 296 transfer students, and 18 second-degree students.
“Taking NCCU to the next level means expanding the possibilities for every student who walks through these doors. It means investing in research and innovation, ensuring that our faculty and students have the resources to make discoveries that change lives,” she said, according to ABC 11.
“I am committed to fostering an environment where every voice is valued, and every student feels empowered to pursue their passion” Dixon added. “Together, we will strive to ensure that all NCCU students have the resources and support they need to thrive.”
City and other organizational leaders feel confident in Dixon’s vision for leadership after she spent years as chancellor of HBCU Elizabeth City State University. She is the first woman to serve as a permanent chancellor for two UNC System institutions.
“Your presence was impactful from day one,” Durham Mayor Leo Williams said. “I know, based on what you’ve already done, that we are only going to grow better together.”
President and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Dr. Harry Williams, has experience working with the North Carolina State University alumna and siad the school is in the right hands.
Like any new leader, Dixon has some challenges to meet.
A state audit found false information in the university’s financials totaling $45 million. In addition to handling the school’s financial woes, Dixon said her main priority is the students and their success, highlighted by the new AI Research Institute in partnership with Google. The institute is the first of its kind at an HBCU.
“I am a chancellor who makes student success a priority. I am an approachable chancellor,” she said.“And they’re going to see a lot of me on campus and supporting their efforts because what I want them to do is build on their experiences and prepare themselves for great careers upon graduation.”
Board Finds Wichita City Council Member Brandon Johnson Violated Ethics With Bar Altercation
A number of witnesses captured the incident on camera, resulting in it going viral on social media.
The Wichita, Kansas, Ethics Board ruled that Wichita City Council member Brandon Johnson violated the city’s ethics ordinance after taking part in an altercation with Kansas Rep. Ford Carr at a bar in the capital city of Topeka in early 2025, the Wichita Eagle reports.
The violation correlated to a confrontation between Johnson and Carr at Topeka’s Celtic Fox bar on Jan. 22 during a reception hosted by the city of Wichita, Sedgwick County, and the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce. Witnesses claim Carr and Johnson, both Black men, began arguing about how the government responded to a massive groundwater contamination crisis that touched both officials’ districts near 29th and Grove in Wichita.
Several witnesses captured the incident on camera, resulting in it going viral on social media.
KAKE News: WATCH: Wichita City Councilman Brandon Johnson and Kansas Rep. Ford Carr exchange heated words at a pub near the statehouse. Rep. Henry Helgerson suffered minor injuries while trying to break it up. pic.twitter.com/hKlBNYFJ39
Police officer Brad Couch filed a complaint against Johnson, alleging he “used vulgar and racist language, provoked an assault, challenged an elderly man to engage in a physical fight, used offensive language, which disturbed the peace in a public place, and refused to calm down.” “I don’t have a problem beating my elder’s ass,” Johnson allegedly told Carr at one point during the argument.
Couch claimed Johnson violated the ethics ordinance rules requiring city officials to be “dedicated to the ideals of honor and integrity, conduct themselves so as to maintain public confidence, address constituents’ concerns, and work in full cooperation with other officials” with the board agreeing. However, the board ruled that Johnson wouldn’t be fined for the violation due to “the extenuating circumstances of the repeated provocations and physical aggression of Carr.”
“While the Ethics Board understands the emotional reaction Johnson had to Carr’s conduct, it could not overlook that Johnson’s conduct was unbecoming of an elected official.”
According to KAKE ABC, Johnson made a Facebook post stating he fully accepts the Ethics Board’s findings. “I fully accept the Ethics Board’s findings,” he wrote. “Let me be clear: I have never — and will never back down from bullies, especially when I am standing up for what is right and what best serves the people I represent.”
While Carr was not interviewed, the city council member claimed the 59-year-old was the aggressor, standing up in a threatening manner and “in a defensive posture.” Johnson, 39, said Carr “nearly knocked over Wichita Mayor Lily Wu.”
The ruling decided not to punish Carr but reprimanded him after state Rep. Leah Howell filed a complaint accusing him of creating a hostile work environment and displaying a pattern of inappropriate behavior on the House floor.
The End Of An Era: How Dreamville Fest Became The Place Dreams Are Made And Live On
The 2025 Dreamville Fest took over Raleigh's Dorothea Dix Park one last time after founders Adam Roy, Ibrahim Hamad, and J. Cole announced the festival was ending
Since 2018, Dreamville Fest in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been the go-to festival for music lovers from North Carolina and beyond, and with 2025 being the final one, nothing has changed.
The 2025 Dreamville Fest took over Dorothea Dix Park one last time on April 5-6 after founders Adam Roy, Ibrahim Hamad, and Dreamville Records head honcho J. Cole announced the festival was ending in late December 2024. Approximately 104,000+ festival attendees were welcomed with fantastic weather as over 75 food and beverage vendors, muralists, artisans, and nonprofit organizations set up shops. At the same time, some of music’s elite performed on the Rain or Shine stages.
The festival, which is made of dreams, brought out Dreamville’s roster of heavy hitters, including Earthgang, Ari Lennox, and Charlotte’s own, Lute, for one last time. While fans were saddened to hear about the event ending, it also took a toll on some artists. “I don’t feel about it yet. Every year after Cole’s set, it always sinks in of what this weekend was,” the “Gold Mouf” artist told BLACK ENTERPRISE. “How we were trying to build the culture, it’s really dope to see it grow and evolve into what it is now.”
Outside of heightened sing-alongs from the crowd, the Dreamville experience is open to fans who may not have been able to purchase tickets. In downtown Raleigh, fans could turn up with Dreamville Public Access, which is free to the public. The list of events included Omen’s Game Night, moderated panels with producers like BOI-1DA, and Lute’s annual Gold Mouf Garage Block Party, which exceeded expectations, “getting bigger and bigger every year.”
For those who have experienced the festivities year after year, they only get better, but for others, they are seen as a new opportunity.
Going on stage before legendary performers like headliners Erykah Badu, Lil’ Wayne, The Hot Boys, Big Tymers, and Cole gives up-and-coming artists time to shine. While other artists like Glorilla, Keyshia Cole, and BigXThaPlug are used to having large crowds sing along to their hits, newcomers like rapper Trap Dickey from South Carolina not only graced the Dreamville stage for the first time but succeeded in being on a festival stage for the first time. Born and raised in Hartsville, Dickey said he is grateful that Cole saw something in him. “It’s a wonderful feeling, and you know it’s in Carolina and Dreamville. It’s a great experience,” the “Blue Devils” rapper told BE shortly after coming off stage.
At the start of his career, the 22-year-old artist wanted to touch more people with his music. He highlighted the feeling of watching the crowd react to his performance on stage.
“It felt really good. Being from Carolina, seeing North Carolina fans show love, it felt great,” he said. “It felt great to see other fans sing along to my music…it was amazing.”
Fans can only hope that Dickey and other artists will be back to grace music lovers with their presence as the Dreamville team ended the weekend with a big surprise — that the festival isn’t going anywhere, returning with a new twist. Raleigh City Manager Marchell Adams-David and Roy and Hamad announced a new four-year deal with Dreamville Festival organizers to launch a new festival concept in 2026 at the same park.
As the festival provides an economic impact for millions year after year, Roy said working with the city has “been an absolute pleasure,” according to Raleigh.gov. City of Raleigh Parks Director Stephen Bentley noted that an event of such a large magnitude takes a dream team to pull off. “It really does take a village,” he said.
“It takes all of us working together to build something that’s unique.”
Cole touched on similar sentiments during his closing segment, reminiscing on what the festival has felt like to him over the years. “When you all out here, I don’t know if you all feel it, but to me, this feels like a cookout, a family reunion. There’s so much love with this…,“ he said.
“This festival will exist. It might not have a Dreamville Festival name on it, but we will be back with this feel.…I want to say thank you all for making Dreamville Festival a massive success every year…we will be back, just in a newer form.”
Bronx Woman Arrested After Going Viral For Allegedly Socking Pro-Life Activist In The Mouth During Street Interview
The arrested woman, 30-year-old Brianna Rivers, claims the interviewer twisted her words.
A Bronx woman has been arrested after going viral for an altercation with a pro-life activist who allegedly misconstrued her words during a street interview.
The botched interview left the activist with a bloody nose after provoking the wrong woman on the street. The New York Post confirmed that NYPD officers arrested Brianna Rivers for second-degree assault over the recorded incident. The Neighborhood Talk reposted a clip that led up to the punch.
The incident sparked after Craven Antao began asking her interviewee questions about abortion and Planned Parenthood. However, things took a turn when Rivers accused Craven Antao of twisting her words to fit her conservative agenda.
“I’m not the one who admitted they would be OK with killing babies in foster care and killing children that have been abused,” said Craven Antao in the clip.
Rivers began to respond, but frustration took over, leading her to jam her fist into Craven Antao’s face. While she walked away from the scene, Rivers later released an apology on Facebook. However, she emphasized that it was Craven Antao’s fault for how the situation played out.
“To Savannah, I sincerely apologize, but I cannot sit around and allow you to continue pushing this one-sided narrative,” stated Rivers. I understand hands being put on someone is never the answer, but throwing rocks and hiding hands is worse. She knows the truth, and she needs to release the footage in its entirety. Savannah is a professional antagonist, not a ‘reporter,’ and the truth will be told.”
Despite the apology, Craven Antao broke the news of River’s arrest to the internet days later. She publicly thanked New York City’s 28th precinct in the post for handling the matter. However, she has yet to address River’s regrets for getting physical.
Moreover, Craven Antao did not address Rivers’ concerns that she controlled the narrative by withholding the entire interview footage. The continued issue sparked debates across social media on Craven Antao’s alleged manipulation tactics and the heightened reaction from her interviewee.
