Record-Breaking Viewing Audience Watched NFL Christmas Doubleheader On Netflix
A total of 65 million viewers watched the Baltimore Ravens-Houston Texans/Kansas City Chiefs-Pittsburgh Steelers doubleheader on Netflix on Christmas.
Netflix is having an amazing year as another new live programming spot has broken streaming records.
According to NFL.com, the Nielsen ratings for the doubleheader football games on Christmas (Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans and the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers) were seen by 65 million viewers during both games. The second game, the Ravens vs. the Texans, had a 24.3 million average minute audience. In contrast, the first game, Chiefs vs. the Steelers, had a slightly lower 24.1 million average minute audience, making them the most-streamed NFL games in U.S. history.
The second game featured homegrown Texas native Beyoncé, which brought in over 27 million viewers, according to Nielsen.
“Bringing our members this record-breaking day of two NFL games was the best Christmas gift we could have delivered,” said Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s chief content officer, in a written statement. “We’re thankful for our partnership with the NFL, all of our wonderful on-air talent, and let’s please not forget the electrifying Beyoncé and the brilliant Mariah Carey.”
Another record was broken during the second game. The Ravens-Texans contest was the most-watched Christmas Day game on record by viewers between 18 and 34 years old, with 5.1 million U.S. viewers (based on Nielsen records dating back to 2001).
“We’re thrilled with our first Christmas Gameday on Netflix with NFL games being streamed to a global audience,” said Hans Schroeder, NFL executive vice president of media distribution. “Fans in all 50 states and over 200 countries around the world watched some of the league’s brightest stars along with a dazzling performance by Beyoncé in a historic day for the NFL.”
The game was also a hit on social media. The hashtag #BeyonceBowl rose to be the No. 1 worldwide trend on X, formerly known as Twitter, as soon as she hit the stage. The hashtag replaced the hashtag #Christmas itself. Even after Beyoncé’s performance, Netflix had 10 of the top 12 trending topics on X in the U.S. #NFLonNetflix also trended around the world, reaching a peak of No. 2 in Australia, No. 3 in the UK and Germany, No. 5 in Brazil and France, and No. 6 in the U.S.
This game was the first in a three-season partnership that the NFL has with Netflix to broadcast NFL games on Christmas Day.
Floyd Mayweather Plops Down $100K Monthly Rent For Unit In Manhattan
The retired boxer has also been buying property in the city.
Retired boxer Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr. is paying a hefty price for the latest apartment he rents in Manhattan.
According to The New York Post, the undefeated fighter has rented an apartment in the Big Apple that is hitting his pockets for $100,000 monthly. The unit is a duplex inside the Baccarat Hotel and Residences in midtown Manhattan.
An industry insider has stated that the price is a record for a rental unit: “It’s a high price—a record—for a Midtown rental.”
The midtown apartment is a five-bedroom unit that covers 4,178 square feet and is located in the Gemstone Terrace section of the building.
Mayweather has recently been making significant purchases within the real estate realm.
In October, The Real Deal reported that the pugilist invested $402 million in a 1,000-unit affordable housing portfolio with more than 60 buildings in the heart of New York City. The deal was reportedly done with Josh Gotlib of Black Spruce Management. The units are concentrated in Upper Manhattan and would be one of the city’s biggest deals this year.
About a month later, the retired boxer made another deal in real estate in the city when he invested in 601W Companies, which aligned him with the office landlord’s extensive portfolio, a $10 billion collection comprising 18 buildings and 10 million square feet of space, The Real Deal reported. This deal was considered Mayweather’s “most significant” investment to date.
With this deal, Mayweather became an owner and partner in notable properties, such as the Amazon-anchored 410 10th Avenue in NYC’s Hudson Yards, Chicago’s Aon Center and Old Post Office Building, and the Harborside office complex in Jersey City, New Jersey.
“New York City is the center of the world,” Mayweather said in a written statement. “A wise person once told me if you buy real estate in New York and you hold on to it over the years, you will always make money and win.”
Cosby Star Still Struggles With Making Ends Meet After Quitting Trader Joe’s
Geoffrey Owen’s sat down with Big Tigger and talked about the reality for many middle-class actors.
In an interview with Atlanta’s V-103 radio station, TheCosby Show alum Geoffrey Owen admits that making ends meet is still a struggle after working with Tyler Perry.
The Yale graduate wants people to understand the difference between Hollywood and middle-class actors. He is the latter.
“People have a false impression of what the average middle-class actor makes and their ability to make a living in the industry,” Owens said.
His residual earnings for his stint on The Cosby Show are only “about 20%,” and the checks are insufficient to support his family.
“I struggle every day to make ends meet. And people can’t get their heads around that because they see me in movies,” he said.
Owens once played Elvin Thibadeaux on The Cosby Show, but he received fewer acting opportunities after the show ended. The Power actor returned to working a 9-5 job at Trader Joe’s.
Owens was recognized there by a “fan,” and while doing his job, his picture was taken. Soon, he became the subject of speculation on social media. Users began to wonder why an actor of such a beloved character was working at a grocery store.
The Poppa’s House star revealed he did not want to deal with public scrutiny and felt uncomfortable at his job. This realization led him to quit a job with good benefits in favor of the unknown.
He stated, “I was like, now that this is breaking, I’m not going to feel comfortable working in this store wondering who is around with a camera. It would just be too weird. I’m a very private person.”
Luckily for Owens, the viral moment did not last long or remain negative. Once the story spread nationally, fans and potential employers reached out with well wishes and some job offers.
Since then, Owens has acted in multiple shows, including Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots, Power, Power Book II: Ghost, and is currently starring in Poppa’s House with Damon Wayans, Damon Wayans Jr., and Essence Atkins.
Michigan Abolishes Most Court Fines And Fees For Child Offenders
New legislation in Michigan protects children from court fees and fines.
Michigan has enacted new legislation that abolishes court fines and fees related to children’s proceedings.
The bipartisan initiative now eliminates the requirement for juveniles to pay for court-appointed counsel and detention, which makes up the majority of court fees, Bolts Mag reports. This legislation was developed by a coalition of children, advocates, and politicians in response to a report revealing that kids and their families often owed a median of $850 for reimbursement costs, including out-of-home placement, evaluations, and treatment.
The 2022 report, carried out by a statewide task force established by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, found that approximately 1 in 10 kids paid over $1,000. The task force discovered that youth were being charged attorney fees, leading many to waive their right to counsel or to plead quickly to avoid larger bills.
Arrianna Jentink-Bristol was among the juveniles who repaid the $800 in court debt just six months before turning 18. She received her first charge at age 13 after getting into a physical altercation with her mother, who was intoxicated and hitting her 3-year-old sister. Following her arrest, she faced an additional charge.
Jentink-Bristol could have completed her probation at 15 if she had settled her fines and fees. However, her probation officer informed her that she had to stay under supervision until her debt was cleared, which included costs for her public defenders, detention stays, and restitution to the victims of her offenses.
The experience left Jentink-Bristol feeling anxious, depressed, and confused.
“I had my mom yelling at me to pay these fines and fees. I had the court yelling at me to pay these fines and fees. As a kid, you don’t know what the heck is going on,” Jentink-Bristol, now 19, said.
She finally paid off her debt after receiving a stipend for participating in a university program where she shared her story. Jentink-Bristol then made a bold move to ensure that other kids wouldn’t face the same challenges and collaborated with other youth, advocates, and politicians to develop a series of bills to eliminate most fines and fees for juveniles in Michigan.
After the legislation was enacted on Oct. 1, children are still required to pay restitution to victims, but courts can no longer charge them for costs associated with their proceedings. The bills also have retroactive effects, eliminating any past debts incurred by kids and their families within the juvenile justice system. Additionally, judges are prohibited from incarcerating children due to court debt or for refusing to participate in community service.
“It was very relieving because I do have younger sisters… say they get wrapped up in that [system], they won’t be going through as much pain in a struggle as I was,” said Jentink-Bristol. “If that had happened while I was going through it, it would have saved me so much pain and suffering.”
With the bill’s enactment, Michigan became the most recent of 17 states to eliminate most fines and fees for children and 1 of 10 states to do so since 2021.
Comedian Calls JetBlue Flight Attendant Out For Alleged $250 Flight Pass Scam
Be careful out here!
A comedian is telling his tale of how a JetBlue flight attendant scammed him out of $250 by selling fraudulent flight passes.
In an Instagram post, comedian Adam Hunter alleges JetBlue flight attendant Kat Beal scammed him out of $2,500 and others out of thousands by selling vouchers she claimed were given as prizes. “She told me she and the other flight attendants won a bunch of vouchers with JetBlue and could get me a great deal on vacations and flights because she’s allowed to sell the vouchers to friends and family members,” he wrote in a lengthy post.
“I spoke with her on the phone & she was so nice. I told her how excited my wife and daughter were for the upcoming trips. I took weeks off of work. The flight (she promised) for my dad never came, and now she tells me she will refund my money but NEVER does.”
Shortly before he told his story, Hunter said several people had sent him messages about the same experience. One victim allegedly had his house burnt down in the massive Maui, Hawaii fire, and another was an elderly woman. After Beal is called out, she allegedly tells her victims they will be refunded, but the money never comes.
“People have given her at least 75K in the last month. IG seems to be her way of reaching people, so she warns anyone she contacts. She’s done this to many people and has scammed them out of thousands of dollars,” Hunter said.
“I don’t know what else to do because every day (for the past 3 weeks), she tells me the money is coming, and it never does.”
The comment section was flooded with people who claimed to have been scammed out of money by the attendant, eventually catching the airline’s attention. The company’s social media team responded and pressed for Beal’s name to be sent over.
According to View From The Wing, JetBlue made an official statement asserting that the attendant no longer works for the popular airline and apologized for the mishap.
“We take matters like this very seriously, and after a thorough investigation, we learned that this individual was misrepresenting that they could sell JetBlue flights in an unauthorized and improper fashion. I can report the person no longer works for JetBlue,” the company wrote.
“We deeply regret that anyone was affected by this person’s conduct. We have strongly encouraged anyone who may have been a victim of this individual to contact their financial institution and law enforcement, as they may be able to assist in recovering funds. We have and will continue to assist law enforcement in whatever way possible to complete their investigation.”
Flight scams are seemingly popular, especially around the holidays. In August 2024, a Southwest Airlines employee was caught after hiding $36,000 in stolen travel vouchers in an airport locker while another sold $15,000 worth of travel each day.
While JetBlue reminded customers to purchase travel only from authorized channels or verified travel agents, Visa’s global head of fraud services, Michael Jabbara, said, “Scammers are increasingly targeting travelers with sophisticated schemes that can ruin trips and cause significant financial loss.”
He recommends that travelers “stay vigilant and double-check the legitimacy of deals and communications.” “Setting up purchase alerts to monitor transactions, enabling two-factor authentication, and treating codes like passwords are essential safeguards,” he continued.
Robert Brooks Was Beaten To Death At Marcy Correctional Facility, 13 Officers And 1 Nurse Responsible: Shocking Video Released
The footage, released on Dec. 27 by New York Attorney General Letitia James, shows officers beating, restraining, and humiliating Brooks in the facility’s infirmary.
In a chilling case that has reignited debates about systemic abuse within prisons, a group of corrections officers at Marcy Correctional Facility in New York has been implicated in the death of Robert Brooks, a Black inmate from Monroe County.
The footage, released Dec. 27 by New York Attorney General Letitia James, shows officers beating, restraining, and humiliating Brooks in the facility’s infirmary. The silent 30-minute video, captured by body cameras in standby mode, revealed a sustained attack that left Brooks limp and unresponsive. His death has been preliminarily attributed to asphyxia caused by neck compression, according to the Onondaga County medical examiner.
Inmate Robert Brooks Dies After Brutal Assault by Corrections Officers at Marcy Correctional Facility.
Marcy, NY – In a shocking revelation, court documents have detailed the violent death of inmate Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility, spotlighting systemic abuse within… pic.twitter.com/WcqZ9Q4jWB
Gov. Kathy Hochul has ordered 13 corrections officers and one nurse involved in the incident to be fired. However, no criminal charges have been filed, sparking outrage among activists and Brooks’ family, who called the assault “horrific and violent.”
Hochul released a statement regarding Brooks’ death, saying, “Like all New Yorkers, I was outraged and horrified after seeing footage of the senseless killing of Robert Brooks. I have been clear that it is the responsibility of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision to provide appropriate care and protection for those in its custody, and I will not tolerate anyone who violates that responsibility. That is why I ordered an immediate and full investigation into the death of Robert Brooks and further directed DOCCS Commissioner Martuscello to begin the termination process for the 14 individuals who were involved in his fatal attack.”
“The State of New York has zero tolerance for individuals who break the law, and I am committed to holding everyone involved fully accountable. Once again, I want to offer my deepest condolences to Mr. Brooks’ family and loved ones as they grieve his tragic death. I am grateful to the Attorney General and her team, our State Police, and everyone working with us to ensure justice is served in this case.”
Democratic New York Assemblywoman Patricia Dahy also released a statement regarding the devastating video.
Robert Brooks had been serving a 12-year sentence for stabbing his girlfriend. On the evening of Dec. 9, he was transported to Marcy Correctional Facility from nearby Mohawk Correctional Facility.
According to the attorney general’s office, Brooks arrived at Marcy facedown with his hands and feet bound. The footage shows guards carrying him into the infirmary and immediately subjecting him to a series of violent acts, including punches, kicks, and a cloth being stuffed into his mouth.
At one point, a guard wrapped his arm around Brooks’ neck and repeatedly pulled him off the hospital bed. Another guard hit Brooks with what appeared to be his boot.
The video also shows guards standing by and chatting as others delivered blows to Brooks, whose hands and feet were restrained for most of the ordeal. Nurses eventually attempted resuscitation, but Brooks was pronounced dead early on Dec. 10 at Wynn Hospital in Utica.
The guards implicated in Brooks’ death include several who were previously named in lawsuits alleging systemic abuse at Marcy Correctional Facility.
One of the officers, Anthony Farina, was accused in a 2022 lawsuit of being part of a “beat-up squad” that targeted inmates. Inmate William Alvarez claimed that Farina and Sgt. Glenn Trombly oversaw his beating in 2020, during which he was kicked and punched by guards while handcuffed. Farina was also accused of failing to intervene when another officer attacked Alvarez during transport to the infirmary.
Similarly, Officer Nicholas Anzalone, also under investigation in Brooks’ case, was named in a 2022 lawsuit filed by inmate Adam Bauer. The lawsuit alleged that Anzalone participated in a 2020 assault in which Bauer was kicked, punched, and left bleeding from head wounds that required 20 stitches. Guards reportedly told medical staff that Bauer’s injuries were self-inflicted or caused by another inmate.
These allegations, along with Brooks’ death, highlight what activists describe as a culture of impunity within New York State’s correctional facilities.
Family and Community Demand Justice
Brooks’ family, represented by attorney Elizabeth Mazur, viewed the footage earlier this week. Mazur, who previously won a $12 million settlement for the family of Daniel Prude in a police brutality case, described the videos as “horrific and extreme.”
“Members of the public can now see the deadly attack on Robert Brooks for themselves,” Mazur said in a statement. “He was fatally, violently beaten by officers whose job was to keep him safe.”
Gov. Hochul has called for the termination of the guards involved, but many are demanding criminal charges. The attorney general’s office, which has the authority to investigate deaths caused by law enforcement, has not yet announced whether it will pursue indictments.
Broader Implications and Calls for Reform
The video’s release has intensified scrutiny of New York’s Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS). Advocates are calling for increased oversight and accountability, particularly regarding the use of force by corrections officers.
“Prison should not be a death sentence,” said Corey Stoughton, an attorney with the Legal Aid Society. “What happened to Robert Brooks is not an isolated incident. It’s part of a pattern of unchecked violence in our prisons.”
The allegations against Marcy Correctional Facility extend beyond Brooks’ case. Lawsuits like those filed by Alvarez and Bauer detail similar abuse patterns, including beatings during transport to medical facilities and fabricated accounts of injuries.
Such patterns have prompted calls for systemic changes, including the installation of always-on body cameras, third-party oversight of inmate injuries, and stricter penalties for corrections officers who abuse their authority.
A Troubling History
Marcy is no stranger to controversy. Officer David Kingsley, another guard implicated in Brooks’ death, was named in a 2006 lawsuit alleging that he participated in the beating of inmate Cleo Wright at Great Meadow Correctional Facility. Wright, who suffered a fractured nose and other injuries, settled the case for $22,500 in 2012.
These past incidents, combined with the lack of criminal charges in Brooks’ case, have fueled skepticism about whether the justice system can adequately address abuses within prisons.
Brooks’ death has become a flashpoint in the broader conversation about prison reform, systemic racism, and accountability for law enforcement officers. As the deceased man’s family and advocates await further action from the attorney general’s office, the haunting video of his final moments stands as a stark reminder of the human cost of unchecked power.
Kwanzaa Celebrations Are Kicking Off Across The South
The seven principles of Kwanzaa are being passed down through immersive events and education.
The International African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina, hosts special Kwanzaa events on Dec. 26–27.
The events commence on the first day of Kwanzaa, which is always the day after Christmas. The non-religious holiday was created in the 1960s to help Black Americans connect and reclaim traditions and knowledge in the Diaspora. Brandon Reed, public historian of the International African American Museum, spoke with Live 5 about the significance of Kwanzaa.
“Kwanzaa is essential to how we understand the African Diaspora and its connections to this African-American identity. Thinking about these African values and traditions and how they build and inform on what we do today.”
The Spirit Of Kwanzaa: Drop-In Educational Workshop features crafts and educational materials to enlighten attendees about the holiday’s seven principles: Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujima, Ujamaa, Nia, Kuumba, and Imani.
Charleston is not the only city celebrating the holiday. Kenneth Zakee, who has been organizing festivities for the past four decades, is working to bring Kwanzaa observation activities to the metro Atlanta area. The elder told 11 Alive that he believes the celebration is timely, as this year has been trying for many. Zakee believes that embracing the founding principles of unity, self-determination, and collective work will bring Atlanta’s Black community together.
“This year has put a dent in many people’s faith, but as we go into the new year, it’s important to restore that faith and focus on what binds us together,” he said. “It’s time to come together, celebrate, and carry these principles with us into the future,” he continued.
If you’re in Atlanta and want to join in on the Kwanzaa festivities, you can check out a few of Atlanta’s events below.
New IRS Update Requires Form 1099-K For Payments Of $5K+ Received Through Cash App Or PayPal
Freelancers making $5,000 from third-party payment apps will be required to report it on their taxes.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) now requires freelancers to report payments of $5,000 and up received via third-party apps like CashApp, PayPal, or Venmo.
The new tax reporting rule requires platforms like PayPal, Venmo, and CashApp to issue tax form 1099-K for earnings exceeding $5,000, CNET reports. While it’s not a new rule for freelancers, it’s a new requirement for third-party payment apps so that the IRS can keep track of transactions that might otherwise go unreported.
A 1099-K is a tax form that reports income received through a third-party payment platform for temporary work, such as side hustles, freelance agreements, or contractor positions where taxes are not withheld. The tax agency is solely concerned with the income you earned as a freelancer, not the money you may have sent to family or friends for rent or to share a dinner bill.
“The taxation and tax treatment requirements for taxpayers has not changed,” said Mark Steber, chief tax information officer for Jackson Hewitt. “The IRS has always considered this taxable income to be taxable and should be reported on a tax return.”
Those who made $5,000 or more through a third-party payment app will be sent a 1099-K form to report their income when they file their tax return in 2025. This is nothing new to freelancers earning over $20,000 in commercial payments across more than 200 transactions from third-party payment apps.
If you consistently earn over $20,000 in freelance income, are paid via Venmo, and have received more than 200 transactions, you may have previously received a 1099-K tax form. Now, those who make at least $5,000 can join the club.
This comes ahead of new reporting requirements, first announced in the American Rescue Plan. The plan will eventually require third-party payment apps to report earnings over $600 to the IRS.
“Prior to 2024, the earnings threshold was $20,000 and 200 transactions to receive a 1099-K tax document,” Steber said.
For freelancers’ 2024 taxes (to be filed in 2025), the IRS plans a phased rollout requiring payment apps to report earnings of freelancers and business owners over $5,000 rather than the previous $600 threshold. This increase minimizes inaccuracies and allows the agency and payment apps more time to prepare for the $600 minimum.
Texas Woman Posts Bond After Allegedly Locking 7-Year-Old In Dog Cage
Court documents alleged the child was zip-tied and her mouth was duct-taped shut as the 55-year-old woman struck the dog cage with her foot.
A Texas woman, Rose Marie Anderson, is facing two felony charges after being accused of locking a 7-year-old girl inside of a dog cage and leaving the child without food and water for hours.
Houston ABC affiliate KTRK reported that Anderson committed the alleged attack at her Houston apartment on Dec. 13, near the Old Spanish Train off of Dixie Drive. The single mother, who reportedly works three jobs, “unlawfully, intentionally, and knowingly” restrained the child “by force.” The criminal complaint added that the child suffered bodily injury due to strikes from Anderson’s foot.
Anderson was charged with unlawful restraint and injury to a child. After being processed at Harris County Jail on Sunday, she posted a bond of $5,000 and was released. She is expected to appear for all court dates and refrain from any behavior resulting in an arrest. Additionally, she is prohibited from committing any acts of threats, assault, or harassment toward the victim. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 6, 2025.
According to the Texas Department of Family Services Spokesperson Melissa Lanford, the child has been placed in foster care and is receiving the care she needs. The victim’s identification has not been released. CPS and law enforcement are investigating the alleged attack against the child.
Nurses Resorting to Gig Work Apps Subjected to Low Pay and Less Protections, ‘AI Has Eaten the Managers’
Gig work is taking over the nursing industry and creating new challenges.
Gig work apps are taking over the nursing industry and increasing crucial risks that are not present in food delivery or rideshare.
A new report from the Roosevelt Institute called “Uber for Nursing” reveals the horrors nurses across the country face as they resort to gig work to make ends meet. The study emerges as apps like CareRev, Clipboard Health, and ShiftKey expand their user base by adopting strategies similar to those used by companies like Uber and Instacart to build their workforces, applying these methods to nursing in hospitals, care homes, and other medical facilities.
However, as more nurses and medical facilities turn to gig work, issues are beginning to emerge, Business Insider reports. The study found that medical facilities frequently rely on gig nursing services to reduce costs, particularly under the guidance of private equity firms.
“The stakes are higher because this has to do with patient safety, and the immediacy of health and care makes things more palpable,” said Katie Wells, a senior fellow at think tank Groundwork Collaborative and one of the report’s authors.
Medical professionals using these apps encounter many of the same challenges as other gig workers, including low pay and sudden account deactivations with little or no explanation. Nursing apps typically charge an access fee, and workers compete by bidding on their pay rates. According to the report, the user who offers the lowest rate secures the shift.
When they work the shift, they face new challenges, including not knowing how to navigate the facility.
“At most hospitals and medical facilities, no orientations are required for gig nurses and nursing assistants,” the report reads. “Workers do not know where supply closets are located, how to access patient portals with medical histories and current medication lists, and whom to contact in the chain of command.”
Nurses who use the apps also don’t have protection from a boss or human resources when they’re met with challenges. One nurse was barred from using the app for two weeks after leaving a shift early due to a hernia.
“It’s really as if AI has eaten the managers,” Wells said.
While the apps advertise that nurses can earn more money using their platforms, one nurse interviewed by the researchers reported a gross pay of $23 an hour on ShiftKey. After deducting the fees paid to ShiftKey, her earnings fell to about $13 an hour.
Despite the challenges, the report revealed that 19 of 29 interviewees intended to keep working for the apps. However, some mentioned they also held jobs in other industries to earn enough to make ends meet.
