According to WSOC-TV, the body of 22-year-old Ta’haley Payton was found near a park on Monday, Dec. 16. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department confirmed that the body was found in a park near Uptown Charlotte. She was last seen on Nov. 20.
Payton’s family told the media outlet that she went to Charlotte to be with her boyfriend to celebrate her birthday. The couple reportedly argued at the Microtel Inn & Suites in North Charlotte, and he drove away without her the next day. Several local workers stated that they saw her that night.
An employee from a cookie store, Emily Stewart, witnessed the interaction. She said Payton went into the store around 5 or 6 that evening looking for help.
“I don’t know, it’s just wild, it’s wild. It was very weird how she came in multiple times,” said Stewart. “She just asked to use my phone and I just handed it to her. She said her boyfriend kicked her out of the car. He was found with some other girl, and she needed a ride.”
She said Payton called her mother and returned to the store twice to use the phone.
“It turns out she also messaged her boyfriend from my phone. I guess she said, ‘I’ll sleep outside tonight, and I’m sorry for everything,’” Stewart said.
Employees at a nearby Arby’s and Trader Joe’s saw Payton; according to her family and friends, they never heard from her after that night.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said no cause of death has been determined yet, but the case is classified as a homicide investigation.
The NC Beat reported last month that Payton’s boyfriend, 25-year-old Setoby Armstrong, was arrested for DUI and for failing to stop for blue lights after fleeing police officers who tried to stop him.
Trump Meets With TikTok CEO As Company Asks Supreme Court To Intervene With Ban
Leaders from the social media platform want the Supreme Court to overturn a federal appeals court ruling that would prohibit the social media app in the United States if the Chinese owner, ByteDance, doesn’t sell the company.
President-elect Donald Trump hosted TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, on Dec. 15, the same day the social media platform’s leaders asked the Supreme Court to block a law banning it, CNBC reports.
The platform’s leaders are asking the Supreme Court to overturn a federal appeals court ruling that would prohibit the social media app in the United States if the Chinese owner, ByteDance, doesn’t sell the company.
TikTok’s request came three days after the U.S. Court of Appeals upheld the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.
When asked about a potential ban, Trump told reporters that he plans to look at TikTok.
“You know, I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok,” Trump said, acknowledging the social media platform helped boost support among young voters in November.
In its request to the Supreme Court to review the appeals court ruling to uphold the law, TikTok’s lawyers said, “Congress has enacted a massive and unprecedented speech restriction. TikTok is an online platform that is one of the Nation’s most popular and important venues for communication.”
The lawyers added, “The Act will shutter one of America’s most popular speech platforms the day before a presidential inauguration. This, in turn, will silence the speech of Applicants and the many Americans who use the platform to communicate about politics, commerce, arts, and other matters of public concern.”
In the U.S. alone, there are more than 170 million TikTok users, according to the New York Times. TikTok points out that small businesses that use the app will lose more than $1 billion in revenue in just one month, and creators will lose nearly $300 million in earnings in one month.
Caribox Gifting Company Honors Its Heritage By Launching A Caribbean-Themed Line Of Gift Boxes
Founded with the mission to honor the rich heritage of the Caribbean, Caribox blends premium products with cultural flair to create an unforgettable unboxing experience.
Caribox, a recently launched gifting company, is making waves in the personal gifting market with its curated gift boxes that capture the vibrant culture of the Caribbean. Since its launch this summer, the brand has quickly become a preferred choice for those seeking meaningful and unique ways to celebrate special occasions or express gratitude.
Founded to honor the Caribbean’s rich heritage, Caribox blends premium products with cultural flair to create an unforgettable unboxing experience. Each box features handpicked items crafted by talented entrepreneurs from across the Caribbean, with 80% of the collaborating businesses being women-owned or led. These boxes embody the region’s artistry, craftsmanship, and flavors, making them ideal for corporate gifting, milestone celebrations, and personal surprises.
“Caribox was born out of a desire to expose the very best of the Caribbean to America,” said Shervin Stoney, co-founder of Caribox. “We pride ourselves on finding the very best products with the very best ingredients for our customers.”
Economic Empowerment: One Gift Box at a Time
Caribox is more than a gifting company—it’s a celebration of Caribbean culture and a vehicle for economic growth in the region. By sourcing products directly from small Caribbean businesses, Caribox creates meaningful connections while empowering local artisans to reach new markets.
“Today, it’s close to impossible for a small entrepreneur in the Caribbean to sell to customers in the U.S.,” Stoney explained. “From shipping logistics to tariffs, the barriers are daunting. Our goal is to break down those barriers and provide much-needed support to the incredible entrepreneurs building amazing products in the Caribbean.”
Engaging with Community and Growing Influence
In just a few months, Caribox has launched an affiliate program, enabling influencers to promote the brand while earning commissions. Notable partnerships include Dominican author, musician, and filmmaker Jade Leatham, who shares Caribox with her audience.
The company is also fostering new talent through a fall marketing internship program, recently welcoming Kemi Aliyu from Fordham University to help expand its reach and engage new audiences.
What’s Next for Caribox
Caribox is gearing up for the holiday season with appearances at local markets, including The Barley Beach House Holiday Market in Rye, New York, and the Holiday Vendor Market at Cross County Center in Yonkers. The company is also launching several new boxes for the season, including a spa box, a coffee and tea box, and a spice box.
“I wanted to start Caribox to provide those who appreciate Caribbean culture with unique mementos that celebrate the region’s rich heritage and natural beauty,” said Judah Coriette, co-founder of Caribox. “Through our boxes, we preserve the unique craftsmanship of the region while showcasing the Caribbean as a high-end destination.”
OutKast Receives First Diamond Single Certification
'Hey Ya' was off the now-beloved Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, the 2003 double album.
Atlanta hip-hop duo OutKast has achieved many goals over their careers but they only recently received their very first diamond single certification.
According to HipHopDX, the single, “Hey Ya” by Andre 3000 was certified diamond (meaning ten million units sold). The single was released in 2003 off the double album, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. The album went Diamond 15 months after being released.
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below was the next-to-last album the duo released. The soundtrack for the movie both appeared in, Idlewild, was released in 2006.
The double album showcased the two solo albums Andre 3000 and Big Boi made. “Hey Ya” was the second single released off the project.
The song was nominated for three Grammys, taking home one in the Best Urban/Alternative Performance category. It rested on top of the Billboard singles chart for nine weeks. Speakerboxxx/The Love Below also brought the duo two other Grammys, Album of the Year and Best Rap Album.
While music fans are clamoring for a new OutKast album, the best they can do right now is purchase some official OutKast gear. In November, Big Boi took to social media to showcase a limited-edition clothing line of sweatshirts and hoodies that features the OutKast and Falcons logos prominently displayed on the merchandise.
In a recent Rolling Stone interview, Andre 3000 revealed that there is no reunion album in the near future. Last year, the eclectic musician released a fully instrumental album, New Blue Sun.
“I’ll say maybe 10, 15 years ago, in my mind, I thought an OutKast album would happen,” he said. “I don’t know the future, but I can say that we’re further away from it than we’ve ever been. I think it’s a chemistry thing. We have to be wanting to do it. It’s hard for me to make a rap, period, you know? And sometimes I’m in the belief of ‘Let things be.’
Airbnb Rolls Out Anti-Party Precautions Ahead Of New Year’s Celebrations
The incident that spurred the change to its party policy occurred on Halloween 2019 when gunmen opened fire at a multimillion-dollar home in Orinda, California, killing five.
According to The Verge, although the technology will be rolled out globally, the company appears to focus on the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, France, Puerto Rico, Spain, and New Zealand.
Users of the platform will be barred from booking one to three-night stays, and guests booking an entire home will be required to agree not to use the home for party purposes.
According to Airbnb, the platform blocked 74,000 high-risk bookings in 2023, with 33,000 of those bookings coming from the United States.
The company’s anti-party stance originated in 2019, and the following year, it added additional restrictions due to the pandemic.
According to a news release from Airbnb, the company‘s initiatives are touted as a reassurance for hosts who list their homes on its site.
“While issues are rare, we want to do our part to help reduce the risk of unauthorized and disruptive parties. Airbnb is committed to supporting hosts and the communities they live in, and we hope these defenses allow guests, hosts, and neighbors to celebrate the holiday with added reassurance,” said Tara Brunch, global head of Operations for Airbnb.
In recent years, Airbnb has been criticized for negatively impacting the housing crisis in America. However, perhaps the company’s more pressing issue is the perception that a service once proposed as a budget-friendly alternative to hotels no longer serves that purpose.
According to NerdWallet staff writer Sam Kemmis, that is only part of the issues plaguing Airbnb.
“The early days of Airbnb, like the early days of the internet, were full of promise. Here was a way for travelers to see the world while meeting hosts and enjoying authentic experiences, all on a shoestring. Yet this promise, like the promise of the internet itself, has been corrupted by greed, lack of competition, and poor product management,” Kemmis wrote.
According to a 2021 report from Bloomberg, the platform spent an average of $50 million on payouts to hosts and guests, including legal settlements and damages to homes listed on the platform.
Per its reporting, the incident that spurred the change to its party policy occurred on Halloween 2019 when gunmen opened fire at a multimillion-dollar home in Orinda, California, killing five.
Most of the attendees and organizers were Black, and given those facts, the media’s coverage of the story was criticized.
Cynthia Taylor, the mother of Raymon Hill, a Black 23-year-old victim who was attending the party, said that the company needed to be held accountable for its part in what happened.
“They (Airbnb) need to be held accountable for what happened,” Taylor told Bloomberg. “My son’s life was taken away at a property they allowed to keep renting on their service after multiple complaints.”
Jesse Danoff, a lawyer for Taylor and Hill’s family, said that Airbnb should have taken action long before Hill and others were killed at the party in the Bay Area.
“They knew, they ignored it, they took action once five people died of collateral damage,” Danoff told NBC Bay Area in 2019.
“If her name was Alison instead of Tiyon, if his name was Michael instead of Omar, if these children were white, or if it was one of your kids, would you still be OK with this coverage?” Sudduth said. “I guarantee the answer is not yes.”
She continued, “People see a white child as a victim, but a Black child is seen as part of the circumstances. People say, ‘What do you think happens when you have a party with more than a few of you?’”
Now Is The Time To Seize The Opportunity For Bold Innovation
The job market will likely continue to tighten as we head into 2025.
Written By Gayle Jennings O’Byrne
Despite what your instincts might tell you, now is the best time to seize the opportunity to start a business. When the economy faces political uncertainty, corporate restructuring, and a fluctuating labor market, consider it a green light to forge ahead instead of holding still. These watershed moments—these disruptions—create unprecedented opportunities for innovation and a fertile landscape for entrepreneurs.
Disruptions in consumer behavior and technological advancements have created an exceptional opportunity for founders to solve fundamental problems and build lasting ventures. This has always been true—market volatility drives innovation. As market demands align with technological capabilities and robust funding networks, we find ourselves in a perfect storm for business creation. These economic cycles, rather than barriers, serve as catalysts for transformation.
As we advance into 2025, entrepreneurs face a complex but promising environment. With the presidential election concluded and Washington’s political climate taking shape, several critical factors emerge. The labor market shows signs of continued contraction, while President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed tariff policies raise legitimate concerns about inflationary pressures on consumer spending. Meanwhile, the persistent tension between traditional office paradigms and remote work arrangements signals a fundamental shift in workplace dynamics.
The job market will likely continue to tighten as we head into the new year. Economists worry that Trump’s planned tariffs will push prices higher and place an economic burden on everyday consumers. And even while companies try to bring their employees back to the office, remote work doesn’t seem to be going anywhere.
With these potential obstacles, we can expect a shift in how people spend, invest, and make decisions. Entrepreneurs can find opportunities to meet these new demands, whether through building more affordable products, providing more innovative, cost-effective business models, or meeting the changing world of work head-on. Times like these often lead to significant business breakthroughs, and those who see beyond the chaos and into the opportunities will be best positioned to succeed.
So, if you’ve been thinking about launching a business but have yet to take the plunge, now is the time.
Notably, the traditional barriers to entrepreneurial entry have diminished considerably. The contemporary ecosystem of accelerators, incubators, and sophisticated funding networks has democratized access to capital, allowing merit-worthy ideas to find necessary financial backing with unprecedented efficiency.
One of the most promising areas for innovation lies in sustainability and green technologies. Consumers have never been more aware of the environmental impact of their choices, making businesses offering sustainable solutions in higher demand.
Whether it’s renewable energy, electric vehicles, or circular economies, entrepreneurs have tremendous potential to help meet the consumers’ need for greener alternatives. The next wave of businesses will be built at the intersection of sustainability and consumer behavior. And the possibilities are endless.
Artificial intelligence is also reshaping almost every industry imaginable through advancements in modeling and simulations and providing enhanced data processing capabilities that allow businesses to gain deeper insights into their customers than ever before.
This makes industries like healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and financial services ripe for disruption. The healthcare sector, which saw its vulnerabilities exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, is now calling for innovative solutions to improve patient care, streamline supply chains, and reduce costs. Entrepreneurs who can harness new technologies to address these challenges will be at the forefront of a rapidly growing market. The same is true for manufacturing, where sustainable practices and locally sourced production models have—slowly—made inroads.
As we move further into the post-pandemic era, consumer behavior continues to shift. For instance, the staying power of remote work has forever changed how businesses operate and how people connect. This shift has created a demand for new tools and technologies to facilitate virtual interactions, enhance collaboration, and improve work-life balance. Whether it’s developing more efficient video conferencing platforms or creating virtual office spaces that foster connection, entrepreneurs have an opportunity to meet the evolving needs of today’s workforce.
In fact, the remote work trend highlights another significant shift in consumer behavior: the desire for more flexibility and personalization. People are looking for solutions that cater to their individual needs, whether it’s how they work, how they shop, or how they interact with others. Entrepreneurs who can leverage technology—increasingly through AI—to provide personalized, efficient and sustainable solutions will lead the charge in the coming years.
However, while the tools and resources are available, entrepreneurs must remain focused on solving real problems. It’s not enough to chase trends, capitalize on buzzwords, or focus on a local niche. Successful businesses are built by identifying needs, understanding consumer behavior, and creating products or services that address those needs meaningfully and thoughtfully. This is where true innovation lies: the ability to offer solutions that make a tangible impact on people’s lives.
There’s no perfect time to start a business, but very often, the best time to try is when the market is in flux. The current climate offers unprecedented possibilities for entrepreneurs. With appropriate strategic vision and execution, this moment presents an exceptional opportunity to create a lasting impact. Entrepreneurs who embrace this uncertainty and use it as a springboard for innovation will be the ones who drive the future of business.
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Gayle Jennings O’Byrne is the founder and CEO of Wocstar Capital, an early-stage investment fund focused on investing in tech companies with diverse and under-represented management teams.
Meghan Markle Invests In Black-Owned Haircare Brand After Using Boxed Dye During Pandemic
Meghan Markle serves as the lead investor in this Black-woman-owned haircare and wellness brand.
Meghan Markle brought joy and positive vibes to the launch party for her new haircare investment, Highbrow Hippie.
The Duchess of Sussex stepped out to celebrate the launch of Kadi Lee’s new Highbrow Hippie Haircare and Wellness line in Venice, California, on Nov. 15, People reports. Markle became an investor in Lee’s beauty brand after building a friendship over the past four years as one of her clients.
The two connected through Markle’s wedding hairstylist, Serge Normant, who recommended Kadi Lee as a must-know expert when the Duchess relocated to California. The introduction came at the perfect time, as the COVID-19 pandemic stopped everything, leaving Markle to rely on simpler methods to maintain her hair color.
“I was using boxed dye when I met her!” Markle told the crowd through laughs.
The Duchess is a key investor in Kadi Lee’s Hippie Haircare and Wellness line. This line is an extension of Lee’s Highbrow Hippie brand, which she co-founded with her business partner, Myka Harris. The new namesake range focuses on addressing the root causes of hair loss and promoting healthy hair aging.
Lee put her 25 years of experience to use when crafting the brand. Her other celebrity clients include Julia Roberts, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Diane von Furstenberg.
Markle was happy to support Lee, as insiders noted how upbeat and jubilant she was throughout the launch. She was seen singing, dancing to a gospel choir performance, and engaging with friends.
“She was in a joyful mood,” a source said of Markle’s infectious energy at the event. “She was dancing and celebrating with her friends.”
Markle has shared that her investment portfolio includes five to 10 brands, such as Hippie Haircare and the female-founded, sustainably sourced handbag company Cesta Collective. Each of her investments aligns with the ethos of her emerging lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard.
Jay-Z Demands Rape Lawsuit to Be Dismissed After Accuser Admits To ‘Inconsistencies’ In Story
Jay-Z maintains that 'this incident didn't happen.'
Jay-Z is asking for a sexual assault lawsuit against him to be dismissed after NBC News reported that “inconsistencies” emerged in the accuser’s story of the incident.
The woman claimed that the rapper sexually assaulted her alongside Sean “Diddy” Combs at a MTV Video Music Awards afterparty in 2000. The accuser was 13 years old at the time.
EXCLUSIVE: Jay-Z rape accuser comes forward to NBC News; acknowledges inconsistencies in her allegations. pic.twitter.com/tzk8qIKSFJ
However, NBC News, which interviewed the Alabama woman, could not verify certain elements of her story. For example, despite stating that her father picked her up after she left the party post-assault, he said that he did not remember doing so.
“I have made some mistakes,” expressed Jane Doe regarding her recollections. “You should always advocate for yourself and be a voice for yourself. You should never let what somebody else did ruin or run your life. I just hope I can give others the strength to come forward like I came forward.”
The lawsuit was originally filed in October in the Southern District of New York, listing Combs as a defendant, and it was refiled Sunday, Dec. 8, to name Jay-Z as another defendant.
After admitting potential discrepancies in the lawsuit, Jay-Z requested to have the case dismissed. He also re-emphasized his low opinion of the woman’s attorney, Tony Buzbee.
“Today’s investigative report proves this ‘attorney’ Buzbee filed a false complaint against me in the pursuit of money and fame,” Carter said in an official statement to Roc Nation’s social media. “This incident didn’t happen, and yet [Buzbee] filed it in court and doubled down in the press. True Justice is coming. We fight FROM victory, not FOR victory. This was over before it began. This 1-800 lawyer doesn’t realize it yet, but, soon.”
Jay-Z’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, also condemned Buzbee for filing the complaint without “proper vetting” of the accuser. He filed a letter to the judge also noting that the accuser has no witness to corroborate her story.
“We are asking the court to dismiss this frivolous case today, and will take up the matter of additional discipline for Mr. Buzbee and all the lawyers that filed the complaint,” Spiro added.
Buzbee maintained that his client is telling the truth, even if certain details remain unverified.
“We will continue to vet her claims and collect corroborating data to the extent it exists. Because we have interrogated her intensely, she has even agreed to submit to a polygraph. I’ve never had a client suggest that before,” Buzbee told CNN. “In any event, we always do our best to vet each claim made, just as we did in this case. This has been extremely distressing for her, to the point she has experienced seizures and had to seek medical treatment due to the stress.”
Klay Thompson Helps Dallas Mavericks And Golden State Warriors Break 3-Pointer Record
Thompson's last three-pointer helped break the record for most threes made by two teams in the same game, with 48.
The Splash Brothers were on the basketball court together and made history. However, Golden State Warriors player Stephen Curry and former teammate Klay Thompson, now playing for the Dallas Mavericks, were opponents. With Thompson’s last three-pointer made in the game, the former Warriors player helped break the record for the most threes made by two teams in the same game with 48.
According to The Athletic, Thompson eclipsed the record with less than seven minutes left in the contest with his seventh three-pointer of the night. It was Thompson’s second game back at the stadium where he had played his whole career before leaving the Warriors to join the Mavericks in the off-season. In the Mavericks’ victory on Sunday, Dec. 15, the Warriors made 27 shots beyond the three-point arc while their opponents connected on 21.
KLAY FOR HISTORY IN THE BAY 🔥
The Mavericks and Warriors have combined for an NBA-record 45 3PM tonight!
Thompson scored 29 points for the game, scoring 13 in the last quarter. He made three three-pointers in the last 6 1/2 minutes.
After spending 13 years in the building, Thompson has a feel for the Chase Center.
“I love shooting in Chase Center,” Thompson said following the victory. “ I have been lucky enough to set records here and have incredible memories. I try to tap into that every time I’m back. It’s just as fun as the first time I was back, especially seeing the No. 11 jerseys and the young fans. Just to see the impact I had when I was here, it makes me incredibly proud of what I was able to do.”
His former team, the Warriors, also set a record for making the most three-pointers by a team in an NBA defeat.
Thompson’s 29 points were the most he has scored this season thus far.
The Dallas Mavericks won the game with a score of 143-133.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said, “I think he was fired up. There is emotion coming back here. Winning championships and being in a lot of battles on the other side. His confidence to be able to make big shots in the rhythm of the offense was (great).”
The Mavericks are now 17-9, winning their 12th game in 14 tries.
John Hope Bryant Gives Albany State University $1.8M Grant For 70 Aspiring Entrepreneurs
This is the true definition of giving back.
Operation HOPE CEO and founder John Hope Bryant announced a massive $1.8 million donation to 70 Albany State University graduates who want to pursue entrepreneurship, WALB reports.
Bryant delivered the news as he spoke as the commencement speaker at the HBCU’s fall graduation on Dec. 14 in Albany, Georgia.
Each graduate will receive $25,000 along with a “special forces team” to assist them in getting their businesses off the ground: “a free domain name that they own, a free website that they own, a free payment system set up that they own, a Shopify account for e-commerce, and all the banking support.”
While Bryant isn’t an Albany State alumnus, his philanthropic work pushes toward the need for more Black-owned businesses in the world.
“In every community, there’s a Steve Jobs. In every community, there’s an Oprah Winfrey. In every community, there’s a hero waiting to be born, but somebody’s got to pull that out of this community and shine a light on them,” Bryant said. “I mean, that’s really the whole point of power. You gather it so you give it away.”
“They will also get a business manager and an e-commerce executive,” Bryant added.
Historically Black colleges and universities like Albany State are known to play a crucial role in producing Black business owners and entrepreneurs. A 2022 report from global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company found there is an opportunity for HBCUs to “help train and develop the next generation of Black entrepreneurs and to help Black entrepreneurs scale up and sustain businesses in their communities,” according to Forbes.
It was revealed that other venture capitalist firms like Andreessen Horowitz and SoftBank “made multimillion-dollar pledges to invest in Black entrepreneurs.”
The opportunity to uplift the next generation of entrepreneurs is one of the reasons Dr. Lawrence M. Drake, II, ASU’s interim president, invited Bryant to speak at the commencement ceremonies. He said there was a time in his life when no one believed or invested in him.
“John and I are good friends. We’ve known each other for a while. I also thought he could relate to the audience effectively. He and I both share a journey that’s similar to many of those students that are sitting there today,” Drake said. “So when we were looking for the kind of person that we wanted to ignite and be a person that our scholars would remember, John certainly came to mind.”
There is still work to be done on the criteria to determine which Albany grads will receive the grant; however, GPA, business goals, and an essay will be taken into consideration. The criteria will be confirmed after the holiday break.
