Tabitha Brown Wins Her First Children’s & Family Emmy For Outstanding Host
Tabitha Brown is officially an Emmy award-winning star after taking home her first Children's & Family Emmy for Outstanding Host.
Tabitha Brown is officially an Emmy-winning star after taking home her first Children’s & Family Emmy for Outstanding Host.
Tab Time won big at the 2nd annual Children’s & Family Emmys that took place in Los Angeles over the weekend. Brown’s YouTube Original series was up for Outstanding Host and beatout five other shows on Food Network, Noggin, and Nickelodeon for the win, Variety reported.
The New York Times best-selling author took to Instagram on Sunday, Dec. 17 to celebrate her first Emmy award.
“OOOHHH GOD I THANK YOU🙌🏾 I WON😭😭😭🎉🎉🎉 #EmmyWinner,” she captioned a red carpet photo where she held up her gigantic Emmy award.
She followed up with a video clip of her acceptance speech where she thanked God and admitted that she didn’t expect to win.
“I would like to say thank you to my husband, my son who is here, Quest. My family, my team,” she continued.
Brown went on to sing the opening to her show’s theme song to close out her speech.
“Come on inside the room. Open your heart and mine. You never know what you’ll find. If you let a little love inside,” she sang to the audience. “If we all just let a little love inside, we never know what we find.”
She also gave a shoutout to her small-town upbringing in Eden, NC before thanking the audience “for seeing me” and encouraging them to have a good night and good day.
“And even if you don’t have a good day, don’t y’all go messing up nobody elses,” Brown added.
It was a huge turnaround from the 2022 Children’s and Family Emmys where she was nominated in two categories but ended up losing both. Now Tabitha is officially an Emmy-winner and she couldn’t be happier.
Minimum Wage Will Increase In 22 States On Jan. 1, 2024
In a significant development for workers across the nation, the minimum wage is poised to increase in 22 states as of Jan. 1, 2024.
According to AXIOS, the minimum wage is poised to increase in 22 states, a significant development for workers nationwide as of Jan. 1, 2024. The impact of this wage hike extends beyond those directly affected, as the adjustment often prompts employers to raise the pay scales for workers earning slightly more than the minimum wage.
According to the outlet, this move comes as part of a broader trend, with an increasing number of states mandating wages of $15 an hour. States such as New York, Maryland, and New Mexico are set to adopt this threshold, marking a milestone for the Fight for $15 campaign, which initiated the push for higher wages 12 years ago.
However, due to the impact of inflation, the real value of the dollar amount attached to the current wage has diminished. Notably, 13 states are witnessing this increase because their minimum wages, including California, Ohio, and South Dakota, are indexed to inflation.
The federal minimum, which has been stagnant at $7.25 since 2009, remains a point of contention, prompting individual states to take action to address the evolving economic landscape.
By Jan. 1, seven states and Washington, D.C., will boast a minimum wage of at least $15 per hour. Noteworthy increases include New York City, Westchester, and Long Island, where salaries are set to rise to $16 an hour, while the rest of New York will adhere to a $15 minimum wage.
In addition to state-level changes, certain cities and regions have implemented higher minimum wages to account for variations in the cost of living and rising inflation.
According to USA Today, among the 22 states increasing their minimum wages in 2024, notable adjustments include Alaska, moving from $10.85 to $11.73, California increasing from $15.50 to $16, and Florida rising from $12 to $13 (effective Sept. 30).
The Department of Labor reports that 78.7 million workers aged 16 and older, constituting 55.6% of all wage and salary workers, receive hourly rates. Within this group, around 1 million workers are paid at or below the federal minimum wage, comprising 1.3% of all hourly-paid workers.
Fantasia Accuses Airbnb Host Of Racial Profiling After Her Family Was Removed For Being ‘Loud’
Fantasia called out an Airbnb host in North Carolina who forced her and her family to leave a property for allegedly being too "loud."
Fantasia Barrino used the power of social media to call out an Airbnb host in North Carolina who forced her and her family to leave a property for allegedly being too “loud.”
The Color Purple star made the rounds across social media on Sunday, Dec. 17 after calling out the Airbnb host who kicked her family off their property at midnight. Fantasia was in her hometown of North Carolina celebrating her son’s 12th birthday when she was asked to leave the rental due to the party supplies the owners took notice of.
“The host accused us of having a party with loud noises outdoors because they saw balloons being dropped off and a game truck with no generator in the early part of the day,” she wrote on Twitter/X.
According to the singer, she was never told she couldn’t host a party at the property and from the size and layout of the home, it was obvious that parties have been held at the lake house before.
“They never said we weren’t allowed to have any company over!!” Fantasia continued.
My stomach is so uneasy this morning as I’m riding back to my home in the cold and rain. I don’t say much when people do me wrong, but I can’t stay quiet on how my family and I were just treated from a host with @Airbnb@airbnbhelp trying to kick my kids and I out at 12:00…
“It’s evident from the sayings on the wall, to the outdoor fire pit/jacuzzi and a well equipped game room in the garage/poker table that people Hosts parties and/or gatherings here on the lake often as there were weights with balloon ribbon left in the garage from a previous party at the house. It’s evident to me this was racial profiling and the treatment we received was due to the color of our skin.”
Fantasia took to her Instagram Live while packing up to leave the property to provide more context on the situation. According to the American Idol winner, it was the neighbors who complained without any prior warning. Fantasia was having a “sip and paint” with hot chocolate for the children and outside by the fire pit they told scary stories where maybe the neighbors heard “one or two screams.”
“The kids were in the bed by 9 o’clock,” she said.
Yet, somehow, neighbors claimed there was a party bus and other commotion that allegedly never took place. As a result, Fantasia and her family were forced to leave the property in the wee hours of the morning, despite paying money to stay throughout the night.
“It feels like a color thing, I’m being honest,” Fantasia said. “I’m confused y’all. It feels like a Black thing.”
The encounter has motivated Fantasia to buy her own property to rent out instead of resorting to Airbnb, where she felt she might encounter another instance of racial profiling.
“Own your own. Buy your own,” she told her followers.
As the 2024 tax filing deadline looms, the IRS is issuing a timely reminder: act by Jan. 16 to sidestep potential penalties.
As the 2024 tax filing deadline looms on the horizon, the IRS is issuing a timely reminder to certain taxpayers to act by Jan. 16 to sidestep potential penalties. This early deadline is specifically aimed at taxpayers who fell short in their 2023 tax payments. By submitting a payment on or before the January date, individuals can avoid additional fees, possibly manifesting in the form of an unwelcome tax bill, according to The Hill.
While most individuals have taxes automatically withheld from their paychecks throughout the year, those who are self-employed or function as independent contractors bear the responsibility of remitting their tax payments directly each quarter. Jan. 16 signifies the end of the fourth quarter and the deadline concerning tax payments to the IRS, making it a critical date for those needing to catch up on their financial obligations to the government.
According to the outlet, the IRS highlights that individuals who found themselves owing taxes in the previous year often encounter a similar situation at the close of the subsequent year. Various factors contribute to this scenario, including a failure to adjust tax withholding, income derived from non-wage sources such as dividends, or involvement in complex financial situations.
The scope of taxable income is broad, covering a range of financial inflows. According to the IRS, taxable income includes, but is not limited to, unemployment income, refund interest, and profits from the sale of goods. Even workers participating in the “gig economy” are not exempt from the requirement to declare income earned through side hustles.
To facilitate the payment process and ensure compliance with tax obligations, taxpayers are encouraged to visit the IRS website for detailed information and guidance on making timely payments. While the general tax filing deadline for 2024 is still a few months away, this early deadline serves as a crucial checkpoint for those seeking to avoid penalties and stay on top of their financial responsibilities.
NBA G League Player Arrested For First-Degree Kidnapping
G League basketball player Chance Comanche has been taken into custody in connection with the disappearance of Marayna Rodgers.
G League Stockton Kings basketball player Chance Comanche has been arrested by an FBI apprehension team for an alleged connection to the disappearance of Marayna Rodgers, a 23-year-old medical assistant from Washington State, according to ESPN. Comanche, 27, was arrested on a warrant for first-degree kidnapping issued in Las Vegas Justice Court, according to 8NewsNow. He is being held in Sacramento County Jail without bail. Rodgers was last seen on Dec. 6 while visiting Las Vegas with friends.
The G League Stockton Kings released Comanche on Friday, and the team declined to comment further on the matter. Marayna Rodgers’ disappearance has led to the arrest of a second individual, Sakari Harnden, 19, who faces a first-degree kidnapping charge. Harnden is currently detained in a Las Vegas jail on $500,000 bail.
Loved ones of Rodgers have emphasized that she had a good job and would not willingly leave her family and dogs behind. The criminal complaint against Harnden alleges that she held or detained Rodgers against her will and without her consent for the purpose of causing harm or death. Harnden’s bail conditions include high-level electronic monitoring, and she is due for a preliminary hearing on Dec. 28.
In a separate case in Las Vegas Justice Court, Harnden faces a theft charge unrelated to the kidnapping case. She is accused of stealing at least one Rolex. A status check for the theft charge is scheduled for Dec. 19. The arrest warrant for Comanche was issued by Las Vegas Justice Court Judge Diana Sullivan, who had also set bail for Harnden.
Comanche is scheduled to appear in court in Sacramento County on Tuesday afternoon. The Stockton Kings played against G League Ignite in Henderson, Nevada, on Dec. 5, a day before Rodgers went missing. The circumstances surrounding Comanche’s visit to Las Vegas remain unclear.
Jasmine Lee, CEO and founder of the Dock Ellis Foundation, an organization advocating for missing and murdered people of color, stated that the foundation is looking into Rodgers’ missing persons case. Las Vegas Metro Police encourage anyone with information to contact them at (702) 828-3111, and anonymous tips can be submitted through Crimestoppers at (702) 385-5555.
Comanche, a 6-foot-10 center, played college basketball at Arizona and appeared in one NBA game with the Portland Trail Blazers on April 9. His arrest has raised concerns and drawn attention to the broader issue of missing and murdered people of color, prompting advocacy efforts by organizations such as the Doc Ellis Foundation.
Don’t Hit The Road This Holiday Without These 8 Ways To Save
Driving instead of flying can be a more economical solution for traveling with the family. Here's how to save even more money during your road trip.
Originally Published Dec. 18, 2015
Many families will drive long distances to spend time with family and friends across the country to celebrate the season. Road trips are part of the holiday tradition for many who have extended families living at least three hours away.
Here are eight tactics to help minimize the cost of road trips before and during long drives. Using these strategies, you’ll arrive at your destination with plenty of money still in your wallet, where it belongs.
Rent early to save
The golden rule is to never wait until the last minute to rent your car. The earlier you book, the better deal you’ll get. Follow car rental companies on Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter, to find their latest discounts, or enroll in free member rewards programs, like Hertz Gold Plus, National Emerald Club, or Enterprise Plus. If you’re not afraid of extra travel steps, you may consider taking a train to get you close to your destination and then calling Uber or driving a Zipcar to Grandma’s house. Before you say no, consider ways to put the extra money you’ll save by paying hourly instead of 24-hour rental fees to good use.
Fill your tires with air before you leave
Before you set out, check your owner’s manual for the maximum recommended pressure for your tires. At the gas station, fill your tires to their optimized air pressure. It’s a good idea to have a small pressure gauge, which most gas stations and convenience stores sell. The small pressure gauge saves you money in two ways. First, automobiles with tires filled to the recommended level get better gas mileage than cars with lower pressure. Second, low pressure in your tires increases the chance of a blowout, so if you fill them up to the recommended pressure, you’ll reduce your chance of an unwanted – and potentially expensive roadside stop.
Fill your gas tank before you leave
Check gas prices through sites such as GasBuddy, which lets you search for gas prices by city, state, and zip code, with updated listings in real-time for all cities in the U.S. and Canada. Most let you download apps such as Gas Guru to your tablet or smartphone, so you’ll have the locations you need at your fingertips while you travel. Remember: Some gas stations charge less if you pay cash, so consider this strategy in your travel budget.
Pre-filling the gas tank is also an indirect strategy for saving money because you’ll avoid the temptation of purchasing that extra coffee, soda, or sugary snack when you stop to fill up for gas. With gas station prices as expensive as they can be, splurging on unnecessary snacks is essentially money flying out of your pocket.
Refill your gas on the cheaper side of state borders
If you’re crossing any state borders, you’ll likely find very different gas prices in each state. GasBuddy tracks real-time prices at some 135,000 stations across America. It may be well worth your time to stop just before crossing a state border – or holding out until after a border crossing – to get cheaper fuel. You can check out varying prices at GasBuddy’s national gas price map. Some borders have a surprisingly large difference in fuel prices.
Pack snacks and meals
Avoid unnecessary convenience store expenses simply by packing your snacks, beverages, and even full meals that can be eaten at room temperature. Start by choosing perishable items from your pantry. Prepare sandwiches before you go, fill up a few water bottles, and you’ll have far less need to make an expensive stop. For inspiration and tips, check food blogs such as those on Food Network for healthy snack foods to pack when traveling.
Drive the speed limit
The primary reason for doing this is to avoid getting pulled over, which could result in a very expensive traffic ticket, aggravation, and time lost. But there’s another, more common-sense reason. Cars tend to be more fuel efficient when driven at around 55 mph. The faster you drive, the less fuel efficient they become, which means you’re churning out more money on fuel just to cover the same distance. Sure, you may save an extra five minutes on the parkway by speeding, but over a long trip, that’s sure to cost you an extra stop at a gas station.
Keep updated registration and proof of insurance in the car
If you get pulled over, that stop will be far less painful and time-consuming if you have proof of insurance and registration in the car, conveniently available. If you don’t have these documents, you can expect a much more expensive traffic ticket and the slow ticking away of much of your day. It’s worth spending the extra few seconds – and the 10 minutes required to print new ones if you can’t find them – to double-check and make sure you have these documents in your car to avoid the possibility of hundreds of dollars in tickets.
Avoid toll roads
Toll roads can be a large additional expense on your journey, easily adding $10 or more to the trip. They should be avoided even if this adds more miles to your trip. Thankfully, GPS often provides alternate routes that avoid toll roads. Adding another few minutes to your journey to avoid several tolls can save you a noticeable amount of money.
Smart planning before and while you’re on the road can save you significant cash during a holiday road trip.
Southwest Airlines Fined $140M By DOT Over 2022 Flight Disruptions
The U.S. Transportation Department imposed a record $140 million fine on Southwest Airlines on Dec. 18 for widespread flight disruptions.
NBC News reports the U.S. Transportation Department imposed a record $140 million fine on Southwest Airlines on Dec. 18 for widespread flight disruptions during the 2022 holiday season, affecting nearly 17,000 flights. The penalty, 30 times larger than any previous consumer protection violation fine, will primarily be directed toward compensating affected Southwest passengers for future delays or cancellations. This is in addition to the $600 million in refunds and reimbursements already provided by the airline.
During the almost yearlong investigation, the Transportation Department identified numerous violations of consumer protection laws by Southwest Airlines, including inadequate customer service through the call center, delayed flight status notifications, and failure to issue refunds promptly. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the significance of the penalty, stating, “Today’s action sets a new precedent and sends a clear message: if airlines fail their passengers, we will use the full extent of our authority to hold them accountable.”
Southwest responded with a commitment to delivering the highest standard of customer service and expressed satisfaction with the settlement, which includes a new policy to compensate customers during significant delays and cancellations.
The holiday disruptions last year left more than 2 million passengers stranded during Christmas and into the New Year, resulting in over 16,900 canceled or delayed flights, according to the outlet. Southwest attributed the chaos to bad weather causing daily flight schedule changes at an unprecedented volume, acknowledging its performance as “unacceptable.”
Passengers affected by the disruptions voiced their dissatisfaction, with some vowing never to fly Southwest again. The airline reported losses of $220 million in that quarter, and a top executive apologized for the disaster at a Senate hearing in February.
The total amount Southwest will pay, exceeding $750 million, will predominantly go toward passenger refunds, reimbursements, Rapid Rewards, or future compensation. The Transportation Department also directed the airline to set aside $90 million in vouchers for future travelers impacted by delays and cancellations.
“We have spent the past year acutely focused on efforts to enhance the Customer Experience with significant investments and initiatives that accelerate operational resiliency, enhance cross-team collaboration, and bolster overall preparedness for winter operations,” Bob Jordan, Southwest president and CEO, said in a statement. “Our commitment to Customers has been central to our success across our 52-year history and has helped us become one of the world’s most admired and trusted airlines.”
Southwest has since implemented measures to enhance the customer experience, including digital bag tracking, flight credits that don’t expire, refund options for canceled flights, increased rebooking choices, and improved weather notifications.
The Transportation Department also disclosed that it was investigating whether Southwest engaged in unrealistic flight scheduling, but as part of the settlement, it closed that investigation without a finding, emphasizing its goal to swiftly provide relief for the public.
LSU’s Angel Reese Tries To Calm Kim Mulkey After Coach Was Ejected From Game
"Me and coach Mulkey have similar personalities in we like to win no matter the score"
In a blowout victory for the Louisiana State University women’s basketball team over the weekend, a rare incident saw Angel Reese trying to calm down her coach after the coach was ejected from the basketball game.
According to The Daily Advertiser, in the 45-point blowout victory for the LSU Tigers, with a few minutes left in the game, Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey had to be restrained after getting heated about a call against junior forward Aneesah Morrow. Mulkey can be seen on the court yelling at the official, Timothy Green, as LSU’s star player, Angel Reese, is viewed trying to calm her coach down. Mulkey was ejected, and Reese approached her coach and said some things, even trying to grab her to get her to leave the court after being thrown out of the game.
Although there were literally minutes left in the game and the game had already been decided against the Northwestern State Demons, Mulkey reacted as if the game was tied; the ball was taken away from her team, and an uncalled foul took place that may have tied the game. The intensity the coach displayed reminds us of Reese’s court play.
After the game, during the press conference, Mulkey defended herself for disputing the call but also stated that by her reaction, the official made the right call.
“He did the right thing; I’m not questioning that. In fact, I think I helped him. I said, ‘I’m not leaving you, you better toss me,’ or something like that,” Mulkey stated. “It was like he had no choice. But I appreciate officials that know what you’re trying to do out there. I don’t appreciate bad calls but it’s part of coaching.”
Reese also spoke about going to try to calm down Mulkey during the heat of the action.
“Me and coach Mulkey have similar personalities in we like to win no matter the score,” Reese said. “Of course, she’s going to fight for us, and we all fight for her. That moment was fun, and we knew she had our back, and we had her back.”
The Tigers won the game, 81-36, making it the team’s 11th straight victory.
Entrepreneurs, 4 Tips To Help You Network Your Way Through The Holidays
Public relations expert Whitney Stringer shares four tips to help entrepreneurs expand their network during the holiday season.
Originally Published Dec. 16, 2017
The holidays are traditionally a time for giving, for family, for reflection. But for entrepreneurs, the holidays can also be an opportune time to build your network.
Whitney Stringer, founder of boutique lifestyle public relations firm Whitney Stringer PR, helps her clients elevate their business development and networking skills. She shares her advice for small business owners who want to make the season more social:
1. Start by sending a card
“Holiday cards are a great way to touch base with your extended network,” Stringer says. “You can do Christmas cards, general holiday day cards, or—my favorite—New Year’s cards! You can do them digitally or send hard copy cards, but chances are the hard copy version will make a deeper impression.”
Stringer reminds entrepreneurs to get their list together early. And to make sure to have some extra cards available for contacts you may have forgotten or in case you meet someone new.
2. Have a holiday party networking plan
Do you have a calendar full of client holiday parties, or even a stack of invites to celebrations from your personal network? The very social nature of the holidays makes them a great time for making new connections.
Remember, it’s the holidays, so don’t be pushy with your business cards, advises Stringer. But do be strategic.
“If you know someone you want to meet is going to be there and you have a mutual contact, ask for an introduction ahead of time,” she suggests. Also, “bring along a guest that can speak to your accomplishments.”
3. Take advantage of the downtime
The slower pace of work during the holidays is an ideal time to schedule catch ups.
“While many people may be traveling, that doesn’t apply to everyone. Since many offices are closed or working on modified schedules, use that time to catch up with former colleagues, business neighbors, college mates, etc. that you just didn’t get around to seeing over the year,” Stringer says.
If you can’t get face time, you can still connect digitally. “Social media is a great tool to connect with people, whether it’s someone you just met at a holiday party or a former association you want to get reacquainted with. See if they’ve shared any articles recently on LinkedIn, or check out their YouTube channel.”
If you’re usually too busy to stop and comment on postings, make the time to do so during the holidays while your workload is lighter, Stringer advises, adding, “They’ll remember that when you reach out in the new year!”
4. Build your network by shopping locally
“This one is especially important for small business owners,” Stringer says. “If you want people to support your small business, when it’s time to do your holiday shopping, be sure to shop local as well.”
This not only gives you the chance to support other entrepreneurs, and to add some good karma credits to your business. But by chatting up the team when you pop in your local boutiques, you might just walk away with a new customer or two. It’s another point of contact, Stringer says, that shouldn’t be overlooked.
“Chances are you might not have gotten that one-on-one opportunity at the big box store or shopping online.”
Metro Boomin Receives St. Louis’ Key To The City, Acknowledges Single Mothers In Honor Of Late Mother
"This is only the beginning of all the great things that I want to do for the city to help turn things around one household at a time"
Last week, St. Louis honored music producer Leland Wayne, better known as Metro Boomin, by giving him the key to the city. St. Louis also declared Dec. 14 “Leland ‘Metro Boomin Wayne Day” and “Leslie Joanne Single Mothers and Caregivers Appreciation Day” in honor of the producer’s late mother. The honor was given to him by St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones.
According to St. Louis Public Radio, Jones acknowledged the talent of the producer while bestowing him with the honor. “Metro has a distinct ear for music composition, creating melodic, yet percussive beats, that you can’t help but dance to. It’s a bop, ya’ll. It’s a bop!”
That same day, the seventh annual “Single Moms Are Superheroes” holiday eventwas relaunched as the Leslie Joanne Soirée, named after Metro’s mother. The event was a gala for 250 single mothers and included a performance by R&B singer and actress Brandy.
Metro said it was the start of helping the city “turn things around.”
“This is only the beginning of all the great things that I want to do for the city to help turn things around one household at a time. As far as today, the day is officially Leslie Joanne Day after my mother — and not after myself.”
Metro accepted the accolades and the key with his brothers and sisters — 27-year-old Leah, 25-year-old Landon, 13-year-old Lauren, and 9-year-old Logan — by his side.
The Leslie Joanne Soirée was created in conjunction with Rung for Women, an organization dedicated to assisting women seeking independence for themselves via career coaching, skills training, and coordinated resources. There is no cost to the women who participate in the program.
Last year, Metro collaborated with The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation to launch the “Single Moms Are The Real Superheroes” campaign. The initiative was created to assist women who are met with struggles they may face as solo parents.
