Donna Brazile Says GOP Doesn’t Have The ‘Guts’ To Say Trump Is ‘Unfit’ For Office
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 18, 2023

Donna Brazile Says GOP Doesn’t Have The ‘Guts’ To Say Trump Is ‘Unfit’ For Office

Donna Brazile is calling out the GOP for seemingly being too afraid to admit how "unfit" Donald Trump is for office.

Former Democratic National Committee Chair Donna Brazile is calling out the GOP for seemingly being too afraid to admit how “unfit” Donald Trump is for office.

On Sunday, Dec. 17, Brazile appeared on ABC News’s This Week, where she blasted the possibility of another Trump presidency while lauding former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie as one Republican who has “shown some courage” in speaking out against Trump, The Hill reports. Not only is Brazile against Trump possibly taking office again, but she doesn’t understand why the GOP is allowing him to be the front-runner in another presidential election.

“Look, I’ve watched all of the Republican debates; I’m probably one of maybe two Americans that have found these debates to be very interesting because, on one hand,” she explained.

“Donald Trump has remained the front-runner and the reason why is because none of them have the guts or the gall to say what they are privately saying to each other and to their friends and maybe their family, that he is unfit for office.”

Brazile was also asked about comments made by Republican presidential candidate and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, who expressed criticism and support of Trump despite running against him for the 2024 election.

“What [Haley] tried to do today was just, like, try to go down the middle and say, ‘Well, I like this, but I don’t like that,’” Brazile said. “If you cannot point out your differences with the front-runner, then I don’t think you have a strategy to win.”

She continued. “After all, [Trump] controls the Republican Party. He controls the MAGA movement. He’s in charge, and if you are not willing to say that I disagree with him that immigrants poison the blood of the country, or I disagree with him on the election results. If you are not willing to disagree and point out your own vision, then I don’t think you are electable.”

Trump is leading in polls ahead of the 2024 election, while current President Joe Biden is seeing new lows, the Wall Street Journal reports.

RELATED CONTENT: Eldridge Cleaver Case Could Foreshadow Trump’s Removal From Colorado Ballot

drake, superbowl, super bowl
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 18, 2023

Drake Reacts To Being Tipped 20 Cents During Live Stream

"Um, thank you for the 20-cent tip, appreciate that. That’ll go to a good cause.”

Canadian superstar Drake went on a live stream on Dec. 17, and was given an unheard-of tip that he graciously accepted.

According to Uproxx, Drake was on the kick.com platform for a promoted $100,000 sub giveaway that was supposed to have taken place during and after Drake was on the live stream.

At some point during the live event, as Drake spoke, he seemingly notice a donation sent online. In the video clip, which was posted by XXL, Drake said, “F**k Drake for the night.” He then paused to take a sip of a beverage, and he came back and he said, “That’s what she said.”

Then he smiled and said, “But, no, honestly, forget about me, um, thank you for the 20-cent tip, [inaudible name], appreciate that. That’ll go to a good cause.”

In the same session of that live stream, the OVO artist used the time to throw shade at, presumably, another recording artist.

“And to the rest of you, the non-believers, the underachievers, the tweet-and-deleters, you guys make me sick to my stomach, fam. Look in my eyes. You guys wanna do something? That’s what I thought.”

Complex reported that fans felt Drake was sneak dissing producer Metro Boomin, who recently took to social media to complain about his project Heroes & Villains not getting as many Grammy nominations as Drake’s Her Loss album.

In a since-deleted post, Boomin wrote, “Yet Her Loss still keeps winning rap album of the year over H&V. proof that award shows are just politics and not for me. Idc about awards honestly, the true award and reward is knowing that the music I spend so much time on brings joy to people’s everyday lives.”

RELATED CONTENT:

Drake Promises To Cover Fan’s Medical Bills For MS On Last Tour Stop In Toronto

student loan forgiveness, fresh start program, idk, forgiveness, Connecticut student loans
by Atiya Jordan

December 18, 2023

Still Seeking Student Loan Forgiveness? Here’s What To Do Before The Deadline

Biden has already erased over $100 billion in student debt so far for more than 3.5 million borrowers − more than any other president in history.

The deadline to apply for the student loan forgiveness program is quickly approaching, and nearly a million qualified borrowers have already been notified. For those who do not qualify, there is still a chance to prove your case, according to MARCA.

In November, the White House announced that about 813,000 borrowers were notified via email about the Education Department’s one-time adjustment to their loan accounts. The evaluation was based on which borrowers had met the qualifying payment threshold on their repayment plan. By tapping into existing programs, President Joe Biden has already erased over $100 billion in student debt, so far, for millions of borrowers − more than any other president in history.

Among those student loan forgiveness initiatives, some are approaching key deadlines − including one for Dec. 31 − and require you to plan accordingly. As with these programs, they vary from case to case. So take note. 

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS

Public Service Loan Forgiveness is the most common way borrowers apply to have their student loans forgiven. Any U.S.-based government organization at any level is considered a government employer for the PSLF Program. This program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loan after you’ve made the equivalent of 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer. For more information on eligibility and requirements, visit PSLF.gov.

“Any borrowers with loans that have accumulated eligible time in repayment of at least 20 or 25 years will see automatic forgiveness, even if they are not currently on an IDR plan,” according to the program guidelines published by the Department of Education.

Here’s what to do: Borrowers working in public service must submit an employment certification form and Public Service Loan Forgiveness application no later than the end of 2023. If borrowers have payments remaining after the review, they must enroll in an IDR plan.

However, public service employees who do not qualify for the PSLF loan can appeal their case by completing a form on Studentaid.com and attaching evidential documents to help with the case.

PRIVATE LOANS

If your loan is from a private institution or if you have multiple loans with different payment histories, you still have an opportunity to qualify for debt forgiveness. These include commercially held Federal Family Education Loans (FFEL), school-held Perkins loans, or Health Education Assistance Loans (HEAL).

Here’s what to do: You’ll need to consolidate your loan into a new Direct Consolidation Loan before Dec. 31 to get credit for that loan under the Income-driven repayment (IDR) account adjustment.

DEFAULT LOANS

Most programs require that you first get out of default and then apply for forgiveness. Under Biden’s debt cancellation plan, defaulted student loans may be forgiven for eligible borrowers. For example, defaulted Direct Loans aren’t eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program or income-driven repayment plan forgiveness. 

Here’s what to do: Even if your case does not meet the above requirements, you can still enter the program if you exit the default. You can do this through a Direct loan consolidation or by entering the Fresh Start program.

Time is running out! Weigh your options and take action. More will be available in 2024.

 

RELATED CONTENT: Biden Announces $9 Billion More In Student Debt Relief

 

Texas Cities Lead List Of Most Roach-Filled Metropolises
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 18, 2023

Texas Cities Lead List Of Most Roach-Filled Metropolises

A new ranking of most roach-infested cities in America has two Texas towns, Houston and San Antonio, leading the list.

Roaches are crawling all around certain cities. The Texas hotspots of Houston and San Antonio are leading the list of most roach-filled areas, with the top five being located throughout the hotter, humid regions of the United States.

According to a list released by Pest Gnome on Dec. 7, Houston ranks at the No. 1 place for roach infestations in homes. The platform, where homeowners can search for service providers for critter issues, has confirmed that Houston accounted for 37% of dwellings dealing with roach issues within the past year. San Antonio, located less than three hours west of its fellow Texas city, follows behind at No. 2.

In curating its list of the 25 most roach-infested cities, Pest Gnome collected data from the U.S. Census and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, compiling this information with the addition of climate knowledge as a factor in its ranking. Houston ranked not only No. 1 for overall “roachiest” city but also No. 4 in its average of “extremely hot days.” The particular weather conditions and higher humidity levels play a significant role in the influx of roaches. However, H-Town is not in the top 10 of pest control workers per 10,000 households, only ranking as No. 12. The outlet also notes that popular roaches in the area are American and German types.

Other cities rounding out the top 5 are Tampa, Phoenix, and Las Vegas, all known for their hotter weather. While Atlanta is ranked No. 7 overall, a lower ranking due to its lesser heat and more pest control workers, it takes second place in the number of homes with signs of cockroaches.

However, those residing in these crawling cities should not cower in fear. The platform also provided tips shared by experts on how to prevent and combat the insects. Sealing points of entry, fixing leaky pipes, and keeping a tidy, crumb-free home are everyday assurances to keep the roaches out.

FAFSA, application, students, deadline, aid
by Lauren Nutall

December 18, 2023

FAFSA To Undergo Dramatic Changes This Upcoming Cycle

FAFSA has implemented new changes to its form this year, drawing comments regarding its restructured application and distribution model.

FAFSA has revamped its application process this year, switching to a shorter form and changing how financial aid is distributed.

For every college student entering the new school year, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can often be a source of immense stress. However, this year, the U.S. Department of Education has implemented changes to make the task easier for parents and students. 

In an interview with PBS News, Danielle Douglas-Gabriel, an economics and finance expert at The Washington Post, broke down these recent modifications and what they could mean for students and universities.

“So there are a lot of really important changes to this form, one being fewer questions instead of 106 are down to 36 questions, which is great for families,” said Douglas-Gabriel. “Also, there are far more people who will qualify for the maximum amount of the Pell Grant Award. This is a form of federal aid that goes to low and middle-income students. Now, instead of only a few million being able to qualify for the max, another 1.5 million students will get the full max, which at this year stands at over $7,000.”

The crux of this year’s FAFSA model is its newest aid calculation methodology, which differs from previous years. According to Forbes, rather than use the expected family contribution (EFC) metric to determine aid eligibility, FAFSA has moved to a Student Aid Index (SAI). Though both methods function similarly, there are still some distinguishments between the two. For instance, dependent students of separated or divorced parents must report the income of the parent who offers the most financial support as opposed to the parent they live with for most of the year. 

Additionally, families with multiple children in college are not given special consideration for financial aid. Instead, universities can choose to adjust aid packages on a case-by-case basis. This means these households may receive less financial assistance for the 2024-25 school year. 

Some people have expressed concerns regarding FAFSA’s changes, mainly how they can be applied given the country’s rising inflation rate and delayed release of updated SAI tabes. According to CNBC, FAFSA’s new model is based on outdated consumer price index figures from 2020, which fails to anticipate the effect of inflation. “In prior years, it wouldn’t matter all that much because inflation was low,” said Kalman Chany, a financial aid consultant and author of The Princeton Review’s Paying for College. “Given the high inflation in the past few years, the tables should be adjusted by a tad more than 18%.” 

However, the Department of Education plans to rectify this in the next application cycle. “The Department says they’re aware of it. They’re going to fix it for the next cycle. But for this upcoming cycle, the ’24, ’25 academic year, there are a lot of students who may not get as much aid as they are actually entitled to,” said Douglas-Gabriel.

Regarding the application’s late release, she cited many factors.

“All of these moving parts and pieces are happening at the same time, as the department has a laundry list of policy projects to try to get done, including making it easier for public servants to get loan forgiveness to make it easier for people who have been paying back their loans for 20, 25 years to get some loan forgiveness as well, in addition to lots of other policy priorities, and there are only but so many people at the department and they’re all working on all these very important policies,” she revealed. “So, as a result, the department says there have been some delays.”

Douglas-Gabriel offered advice for incoming applicants in light of FAFSA’s changes.

“Don’t be frightened; I have to say this forum is a lot simpler and a lot easier to access than what I filled it out many, many moons ago. And I think that’s a great thing, right? It’s a lot shorter. It’s a lot more intuitive. And it should be really helpful for parents to get through this with ease.”

 FAFSA’s new form will go live at the end of December this year.

Zion Williamson
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 18, 2023

Carmelo Anthony’s Advice to Zion Williamson: ‘You Have to Discipline Yourself’

"So, my message to Zion, is discipline. Do what you got to do, embrace, stop running from it, embrace the white hat"

The career and conditioning of New Orleans Pelicans’ star Zion Williamson has been the talk of sports reporters and fans alike over the past several years since the center was drafted as the first overall pick in 2019.

While playing collegiately at Duke, he was viewed as the strongest basketball player to enter the NBA and the most talked about since LeBron James was making noise during his high school days. Yet, the oft-injured center has not lived up to expectations, and many people have wondered why he hasn’t been the dominant player he was expected to be.

Now, a future Hall of Famer has given his views on what Williamson has to do to be successful in the NBA.

On the newly launched podcast, 7 PM in Brooklyn featuring Carmelo Anthony and The Kid Mero, released Dec. 14, Melo gave his thoughts on why Williamson hasn’t met the expectations placed on him.

“I think from the beginning, there was so much put on Zion Williamson, like crazy, thrown at him,” he said.

Melo speaks from experience. He was a much-talked-about high school player who attended Syracuse, won the NCAA championship in his only year of college, and was quickly drafted by the Denver Nuggets.

But talent can only get you so far.

“He needs to be disciplined like, you got to be disciplined when you’re that,” Anthony continued. “We talk about wearing the white hat being disciplined and having longevity. You not going to have that longevity that we all talking about if you’re not disciplined. So, my message to Zion, is discipline. Do what you got to do, embrace, stop running from it, embrace the white hat. I am who I am; this is what I got to do to take that next step. But as a fan, he ain’t got that window right now.

“So you have to discipline yourself, you got to start putting the resources into your body like you are Zion Williamson, like you are supposed to be that guy you supposed to be,” he added. “The face of the NBA.”

RELATED CONTENT: ZION WILLIAMSON AND FAMILY SUED BY TECH COMPANY FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT FOR $1.8M LOAN

Jonathon majors, Grace, Jabbari, cab driver, initiated attack, suicide, two pills, officers, trial
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 18, 2023

Jonathan Majors Found Guilty Of Assault And Harassment Against Ex-Girlfriend

Things aren't looking good for Jonathan Majors after he was found guilty of harassment and assault against his ex, Grace Jabbari.

Things aren’t looking good for Jonathan Majors after he was found guilty of harassment and assault against his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari.

On Monday, Dec. 18, a Manhattan jury found Majors guilty of two misdemeanor counts of harassment and assault, with him being acquitted on two additional counts, Variety reports. Majors, who stood with his girlfriend Meagan Good and legal team when the verdict was read, reportedly gave no reaction to the ruling.

The Creed III star has a sentencing date scheduled on Feb. 6. and faces up to a year in jail but will most likely be sentenced to probation. The verdict came after a two-week-long domestic assault trial where Majors never testified,d but Jabbari did. A six-person jury came up with the verdict after listening to the definition of harassment in the second degree and reviewing surveillance footage and testimony from a woman who attended a nightclub with Jabbari after the alleged assault.

During Jabbari’s testimonies, she became emotional when forced to watch back videos from the night in question. Surveillance footage showed the aftermath of their alleged fight inside a car that started after Jabbari saw a text message Majors received from another woman.

Majors was seen shoving Jabbari back into the car and running away from her. Other clips showed Jabbari chasing after Majors throughout the streets of New York City and following him to his apartment building.

The Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania star was arrested in March following the fight where Jabbari described in her testimony how Majors allegedly attempted to retrieve his phone and struck her with “a hard blow” across her head that resulted in bruising, swelling, and substantial pain.

A prosecutor accused Majors of being manipulative and controlling throughout his two-year relationship with Jabbari. A text message exchange revealed during the trial showed Majors threatening suicide following a disagreement and persuading Jabbari not to go to the hospital to treat a head wound.

A voice recording was also played where Majors told Jabbari (a white woman) to be more like Coretta Scott King and Michelle Obama.

“What this really boils down to is four simple words: control, domination, manipulation, and abuse,” prosecutor Kelli Galloway told the jury in her closing statement. “[Those are the] tactics used by those who commit domestic violence against partners, against Grace.”

Majors has already been dropped by his PR team, management, and from the film The Man in My Basement. But his major role as the villainous Kang the Conqueror in Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe is still up for question. Now, the guilty verdict could change all of that.

RELATED CONTENT: Jonathan Majors & Meagan Good Share An Emotional Moment During Defense Attorney’s Closing Statement

Shedeur Sanders, Deion, Nike, Jordans
by Derek Major

December 18, 2023

Colorado Quarterback Shedeur Sanders Rejects Endorsement Deal Set Up By Dad

Shedeur seems to think he and his father have the same value.

University of Colorado coach Deion Sanders has netted numerous endorsements since he began running the sidelines for the Buffaloes, including an eyewear deal. However, his son and Colorado quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, isn’t a fan of the glasses.

In an Instagram video posted by “Coach Prime’ himself, Sanders offers his son and quarterback, Shedeur, an endorsement deal with Blenders, the eyewear line the elder Sanders netted in an endorsement deal earlier this year.

“This is what I’m going to do for you three because I love you,” Deion tells his three children, who are present during the conversation. “I’m going to let y’all design your own shades, y’all gotta do it collectively, though, but it’s going to be under my brand with them Blenders,” 

Shedeur responds to his father’s words by laughing, adding, “I need my own s–t.” 

The Colorado quarterback explained that the Blenders brand is above his father’s name, and Shedeur considers himself at the same level as the former All-Pro and Hall-of-Fame cornerback.

The coach laughed and explained that Blenders and “Coach Prime” are on the same level, while on a lower level are his three children: Shedeur, Shilo, and Deion Jr., a.k.a. “Bucky.”

“Here’s how I see it. Blenders, Prime, Shedeur, Shilo, and Bucky,” Deion said in response to his son’s laughter.

Shedeur responded, “I don’t see it like that.”

Despite the disagreement, the father-son duo is on good terms, especially now that Colorado has revamped its offensive line through the transfer portal with the additions of former Texas Longhorn, Tyler Johnson; UTEP guard, Justin Mayers; and UConn lineman, Yakiri Walker. The additions give Colorado the top-ranked transfer class this off-season. 

Shedeur was the most-sacked quarterback in college football last season, as opposing defenses brought him down 52 times, but he still threw for 3,230 yards, 27 touchdowns, and three interceptions. Things should improve for Sanders next season with his new protection.

The Colorado signal-caller is not starving for endorsement deals. He’s number two in the NIL top 100, according to ON3.com, making $4 million annually in deals with Google, Topps Trading Cards, and Urban Outfitters. Meanwhile, his father has endorsement deals with Nike, Pizza Hut, GMC, Van Heusen, American Express, and AFLAC.

Tamar, Tour LeTroy, organize, promote
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 18, 2023

Tamar Braxton’s Ex-BFF Accuses Her Of Not Paying Staff for Promotional Footage: ‘You Have No Respect For Anyone’

Tamar Braxton has fallen out with yet another friend.

Tamar Braxton has fallen out with yet another friend. This time, she’s been accused of not compensating him (and others) for footage she used in promoting her tour.

All the drama unfolded on Twitter Thursday, Dec. 14 after Tamar posted a promotional video of her current “Love and War” 10-year anniversary tour.

“I can’t wait to see you all my Tamartians friends! Tickets are on sale right now and are going fast!” she wrote.

But once her former best friend LeTroy caught wind of the video post, he left a comment claiming to be the rightful owner of the footage.

“Since this is YOUR tour, you need to pay your own camera people and editors to shoot and edit footage of you,” he wrote. “You were sent notices to not use this footage, yet you did. You have no respect for anyone. Take this down please.”

LeTroy followed up with another tweet providing more context into his quarrel with Tamar. He claimed that he offered the singer the rights to use the footage, but she responded with shade.

“I sent you and your team this edit being nice offering you the rights to acquire this footage you refused and said “this girl has gone wild” in reference to me,” he explained. “So wild my footage off your page.”

LeTroy then went on a Twitter rant claiming to have planned Tamar’s current tour and demanding for the footage to be taken down.

“Dog I have had enough. I’m not protecting her anymore. I wish I never ever planned that tour,” he wrote.

“I just want my footage taken down,” he added.

“I’ve been beaten down for over a month straight publicly and privately and today just sent me OVER,” LeTroy continued.

“I am about to lose my mind! I’ve been trying to be done with this for a month! I’d jump off the roof but then Tamar would say I did it to hurt her and that if it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t have a roof. And that I should apologize to her for jumping.”

There’s apparently more to this story, but according to LeTroy, “She don’t care. We have fallen out before but THIS is the worst betrayal yet.”

LeTroy’s comments come in the wake of an incident on Tamar’s tour with Chrisean Rock where the Zeus star reportedly assaulted Tamar’s background singer James Wright Chanel. LeTroy claims that Tamar is mad at him for speaking out on the incident before she did.

“Yall notice how she been so quiet about what happened to James? She mouth of the south any other time,” he quipped. “She mad cuz I said something before her.”

On Friday, Tamar appeared to post a subliminal response to LeTroy claiming to be owed an apology.

“Some of y’all really owe me an apology. Seriously!! y’all believe ANYTHING negative ANYONE says about me. SMH💔,” she wrote.

https://twitter.com/TamarBraxtonHer/status/1735738974889484755

RELATED CONTENT: Tamar Braxton In Turmoil Over Chrisean Rock Concert Fiasco

tsa
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 18, 2023

Atlanta Airport TSA Line Wait To Shorten With Early Project Completion

The early completion of a $66 million project is already making the TSA wait times at Atlanta Airport speed up.

The world’s busiest airport is getting some help.

Hartfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta has some happy news for frequent travelers. With the early completion of its $66 million dollar project, notoriously long lines at TSA may be a thing of the past.

The project, primarily the overhaul of all the security screening equipment, commenced in May 2022. While it was set for completion in April 2024, the early finish right in the midst of holiday travel is relieving stressed voyageurs from the headache of long wait lines.

According to FOX 5, the project will feature advancements made to its screening machines, updates to it its analogic CT machines, lighting enhancements, and overall upgrades to its technological and mechanical systems.

“I think that’s great. I’ve heard some not-so-great experiences from friends and family of coming through the main checkpoint,” Ellen Daniel, who was at the airport a day prior to the update, told FOX 5. “Sometimes two-hour waits, missing flights, that kind of thing, and if it’s going to help expedite that, I think it’s a great idea.” 

The newly-renovated TSA checkpoints were available to flyers starting Dec. 14; the airport now can get 600 more passengers through security every hour.

The unexpected news comes as those coming through the Atlanta airport have been told to anticipate long waits of nearly 3 hours due to the heavy amount of travel. Forbes also reports that 115 million Americans are expected to take to the skies this holiday season.

As for Atlanta airport itself, the AAA has estimated that 3.3. million passengers will fly through the city from Dec. 22 to Jan 2. With the airport anticipating a record-breaking number of travelers until early next year, these new security updates could serve as a game-changer for all flying in and out of Atlanta.

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