Track, Race, Sport, Sprint, Starting line, Track Athlete, 400 meter, university of Virginia
by Rafael Pena

January 3, 2024

Woman Track Athlete Goes Viral Outrunning Male Friend Who Doubted She Could Win Race

A Division 1 track athlete effortlessly debunked stereotypes when she took on a male friend who doubted any woman athlete could outrun him.

In a viral TikTok video posted on Dec. 17, 22-year-old Alahna Sabbakhan, a Division 1 track athlete at the University of Virginia, effortlessly debunked stereotypes when she took on a male acquaintance who doubted any woman could outrun him, according to DailyMail.

@lahnazak

Just to clarify, I did NOT want to race this man😂 I was already at the track with my bf doing a work out and he came to join. #trackandfield#running

♬ Diamondz n Roses – VaporGod

The one-minute clip showcases Alahna’s prowess as she and the young man engage in a 400-meter race, a challenging distance requiring a delicate balance of sprinting and endurance. Alahna’s narration provides context, explaining that the challenge arose when the acquaintance boasted about his athletic prowess, firmly believing no woman could beat him.

RELATED CONTENT: Sha’Carri Richardson, Shericka Jackson On Collision Course For 200M Showdown Friday

Amused by the challenge, Alahna agreed to the race, even though the acquaintance, not a regular runner, brought along his parents, family, and friends. The footage reveals Alahna maintaining a neck-and-neck position for the first 200 meters, strategically conserving her energy. As her challenger’s lack of fitness took its toll, Alahna accelerated and crossed the finish line with an impressive 57-second time, leaving the opponent trailing over 10 seconds behind.

In an interview with Today.com, Alahna shared her cool response to the challenger, highlighting that he acknowledged the race’s difficulty rather than being a sore loser. She stated, “He wasn’t like, ‘Oh, that wasn’t fair.’ He was like, ‘Yeah, that was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life.'”

The viral video garnered widespread attention and serves as a testament to breaking stereotypes and challenging preconceived notions about female athletes.

RELATED CONTENT: Dallas Track To Be Renamed After Sha’Carri Richardson

Streaming Services, netflix, customer, decrease, subscription, service, hull, Disney, decrease, fall
by Rafael Pena

January 3, 2024

Streaming Services See A Decline In Subscribers As Prices Rise

A surge in subscription cancellations is hitting major streaming services in the U.S., with defections rising to 6.3% in November.

Daily Mail reports a surge in subscription cancellations is hitting major streaming services in the United States, with defections rising to 6.3% in November, up from 5.1% a year earlier, according to analytics firm Antenna. Over the past two years, a quarter of U.S. subscribers to leading platforms, including AppleTV+, Amazon Prime Video, Max, Peacock, Paramount+, Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, have abandoned at least three services.

The trend coincides with a steady climb in prices for streaming services, with DailyMail.com analysis revealing that it now costs Americans $121.41 per month to subscribe to ad-free plans with the eight major services and Britbox. This marks a notable increase from just over $100 a year ago.

While streaming services were initially considered a cost-effective alternative to cable TV, the escalating prices, some raised by as much as 43% in the last year, are placing pressure on customer budgets. According to CableTV.com, the average TV-only service from cable providers costs around $83 a month, challenging the perception that cord-cutting is always a financial advantage.

Major streaming platforms, including Apple TV+, Disney+, and Britbox, have recently implemented significant price hikes, further contributing to the financial strain on consumers. Netflix, in particular, discontinued its $9.99 per month ad-free plan for new members, replacing it with a $15.49 per month option, and raised the premium ad-free plan from $19.99 to $22.99 a month.

Streaming companies are exploring alternative strategies to combat rising cancellations, including offering cheaper ad-supported plans and bundle deals. Netflix, Max, Peacock, Paramount+, Disney+, and Hulu are among those selling subscriptions with commercials at discounted rates. For instance, Peacock and Paramount+ provide $5.99 monthly plans, excluding taxes.

Disney+ and Hulu are combining approaches, enticing users with bundle deals. For example, the Disney Bundle Duo Premium, which includes Disney+ and Hulu without ads, is offered at $19.99 a month, saving subscribers $11.99. The Disney Bundle Trio Premium, priced at $24.99 a month, includes Disney+ without ads, Hulu without ads, and ESPN+ with ads.

Despite the surge in cancellations, Antenna notes that some subscribers return to these services over time. The industry’s response to this challenge underscores the increasing reliance on competitive pricing and bundled offerings to attract and retain a diverse user base.

RELATED CONTENT: Netflix Posts AI Job Listing, Which Is Met With Concern

Dad Punishes Sons By Making Them Sing ‘The Wayans Bros.’ Theme Song
by Sharelle Burt

January 3, 2024

Dad Punishes Sons By Making Them Sing ‘The Wayans Bros.’ Theme Song

Talk about comedic gentle parenting...

Millennial parents find innovative ways to stop their kids from fighting during the holiday break. One dad has gone viral for making his two young sons hug it out while reciting the infamous “Wayans Bros.” theme song. The popular 1990s sitcom starred Marlon and Shawn Wayans with the late John Witherspoon as “Pops.” The theme song featured the two dancing in ’70s gear before helping an elderly woman cross the street in New York City.

It’s unclear what the two boys were fighting about but they didn’t look too happy about having to embrace each other while reciting the lyrics. “You gonna stop fighting over every little thing,” the dad can be heard saying. “Keep going…sing with a smile.”

The video has gone viral on X and Instagram with many fans of the show praising the “over it” dad’s resolution tactics.

One IG user said “sounds like he teaching them black history.” Another said she is taking the idea and running with it.

“I’m making my sons do this next time they snitch on each other,” @dajahs said.

It looks like parents are taking the tactic and using it with other iconic Black sitcom theme songs.

“Imma make my twins sing sister, sister 😂,” @_monsterla8 wrote on Instagram.

“Thanks for the idea.”

On X, fans took things a little further, imagining what the brothers did to their dad when the minute long video ended. Some felt the boys should have taken on the spirit of Marlon, who famously hit the camera man after he was done singing.

Another user said he doesn’t know if he would be able to make up with his brother.

“Just whoop me,” @diceyty wrote.

It’s unclear if the famous brothers have seen the clip yet but hopefully they do soon. Maybe we will get a Wayans Bros. biopic.

RELATED CONTENT: Dwyane Wade Praises Marlon Wayans’ ‘Unconditional Love’ For Transgender Son: ‘I Salute Him’ 

Same-Sex Marriage License
by Rafael Pena

January 3, 2024

Ex-Clerk Who Refused Same-Sex Marriage License Ordered To Pay $260K For Denial

Kim Davis has been ordered by a federal judge to pay $260,104 in David Ermold and David Moore's attorney fees and expenses.

According to the Lexington Herald-Leader, former Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis, who infamously refused to issue a same-sex marriage license in 2015, has been ordered by a federal judge to pay $260,104 in attorney fees and expenses to David Ermold and David Moore, the couple who won their lawsuit against her.

This ruling comes in addition to the $100,000 in damages previously awarded to the couple by a jury.

U.S. District Judge David L. Bunning dismissed arguments from Davis’ attorneys, stating that the fee request was not excessive. Bunning remarked that one claim by Davis’ lawyers was exaggerated, and another “belies logic.” The judge asserted that Davis must bear the legal costs for the couple who successfully sought to vindicate their fundamental right to marry.

“They sought to vindicate their fundamental right to marry and obtain marriage licenses,” said Bunning, who emphasized Ermold and Moore had successfully asserted their rights.

The Supreme Court had previously declined to hear an appeal by Davis, further solidifying the couple’s victory.

In addition to the lawyers’ fees, an additional $14,058 was granted for expenses. “We got every last penny that we asked for,” said Michael Garland, a lawyer for Ermold and Moore.

Davis, represented by attorneys from Liberty Counsel, a group specializing in conservative Christian religious freedom cases, plans to appeal Bunning’s ruling. This marks the latest development in a case that originated shortly after the Supreme Court granted same-sex couples the right to marry.

Davis, an evangelical Christian, cited her religious beliefs as the reason for refusing to issue marriage licenses to gay couples, a stance that led to legal action.

Despite Davis’ re-election loss in 2018, the legal battle continued, with the case involving Ermold, Moore, and another couple, James Yates and Will Smith. The recent judgment underscores the court’s stance that Davis cannot use her constitutional rights to violate the rights of others while performing her duties as an elected official.

RELATED CONTENT: Study: 63% Of U.S. Adults Support Same-Sex Marriages

Claudine Gay, Harvard
by Stacy Jackson

January 3, 2024

Claudine Gay Could Make Almost $900K Salary In Return To Harvard Faculty

Claudine Gay will likely earn close to $900,000 a year in a faculty position in Harvard's political science department.

While former Harvard University President Claudine Gay announced her resignation this week amid increasing controversy, she will likely still earn nearly $900,000 a year when she returns to a faculty position.

Although details remain unclear, the Harvard alumna is expected to continue drawing a high salary when she returns to the political science department, the New York Post reports. In her resignation statement, Gay wrote that she looks forward to going back to “the scholarship and teaching that are the lifeblood of what we do” at the Ivy League institution.

According to the New York Post, it is uncertain how much of Gay’s presidential salary she will retain after serving half a year. Gay previously earned a substantial sum as a faculty dean: In 2021 she made $879,079; in 2020, she took home $824,068.

Critics argue she should not be allowed to simply return to the faculty given the severity of the allegations.

“She’s not fit to be a faculty member,” said Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), herself a Harvard graduate. “It’s unacceptable when you have students at Harvard who would be expelled for plagiarism to allow a faculty member who has nearly 50 examples of plagiarism in their very slim body of academic work.”

Gay released her letter of resignation to the Harvard community Jan. 2.

The political science professor stepped down as president after six months. Her departure came as allegations lingered that she had failed to adequately address issues of antisemitism and academic plagiarism at the university.

“I believe Harvard will best prosper under a new leader who will steward the university through this historic moment,” Gay wrote.

The New York Post reported that Harvard Provost Alan M. Garber will take over as interim president while the search begins for Gay’s permanent replacement.

RELATED CONTENT: BREAKING: Harvard President Claudine Gay Resigns Amid Plagiarism Scandal 

Damar Hamlin Gets Neck Tattoo To Commemorate Surviving On-Field Cardiac Arrest Last Year
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 3, 2024

Damar Hamlin Gets Neck Tattoo To Commemorate Surviving On-Field Cardiac Arrest Last Year

After being involved in a tackle, the Buffalo Bills defensive back suffered cardiac arrest in a nationally televised game

A year ago, the football world watched an NFL player lay on the ground with the audience wondering what was happening. After paramedics entered the football field, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin was taken out on a stretcher, and the game was postponed after concerns about the young player’s health. A year later, after surviving a cardiac arrest and returning to the playing field, Hamlin got a tattoo to commemorate the almost tragic event.

The Bills’ safety got a tattoo on the back of his neck that symbolizes his hand in the shape of a heart with heart monitor pulses between the fingers. Hamlin took a photo with Alexander Brenes, the artist who tattooed him. The picture was placed on Brenes’ Instagram account for the world to see on the anniversary of the cardiac arrest incident that took place in Cincinnati.

“1 year later still locked inn 🫶🏽 @d.ham3 @nfl @nbaonespn @espn @buffalobills #damarhamlin #tattoo #tattooshop #tat #tattooartist #tattoos #miami #3 #miamiart #miamiartist”

During the game last Jan. 2, which was being televised on Monday Night Football, the Buffalo Bills were playing against the Cincinnati Bengals. After being involved in a tackle, Buffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin fell to the ground after seemingly looking OK after the play. It was later discovered after he collapsed that he’d suffered cardiac arrest. After recovering and returning to be on the football field this season, things are looking good for the Bills player.

Earlier this year, through the work of his charity organization, Chasing M’s Foundation, he was announced as the NFL Players Association’s winner of the 2023 Alan Page Community Award. The award is the NFLPA’s highest honor. Every year, the Alan Page Community Award acknowledges one NFL player who demonstrates a dedication so deep that it positively impacts his team’s city and communities across the country.

His fellow players voted on the award, and the NFLPA (National Football League Players Association) donated $100,000 to Hamlin’s Chasing M’s Foundation.

RELATED CONTENT: Damar Hamlin Tearfully Awards Buffalo Bills Staffers Who Saved His Life At Espys

Dwight Howard
by Derek Major

January 3, 2024

Report: Former NBA Star Dwight Howard To Sign With Philippines Basketball Team

Dwight Howard's next basketball opportunity will be abroad.

Dwight Howard is continuing his basketball comeback. The Athletic’s Shams Charania reports Howard, who played in Taiwan last year, is likely to play basketball with a team in the Philippines.

“In the midst of pursuing an NBA comeback, Dwight Howard plans to sign a deal to play for the Philippines team, Strong Group, in the two-week Dubai International Basketball Championship, in January, sources tell me,” said Charania.

Howard, the first pick in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic out of high school, spent 18 years in the NBA with seven teams, including the Magic and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Howard is an eight-time NBA All-Star, eight-time All-NBA player, five-time All-NBA Defensive team member, three-time Defensive Player of the Year, and two-time blocks leader. He won his only NBA title in 2020 as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.

The 6’10” big man has played in 1,242 regular season games, averaging 15.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game.

In his last season, his third stint with the Lakers, Howard was an effective backup, averaging 6.2 points and 5.9 rebounds a game.

If he signed with an NBA team, Howard wouldn’t be the only 38-year-old center roaming the paint. Taj Gibson recently signed a contract with the New York Knicks after center Mitchell Robinson hurt his foot, which could cause him to miss the rest of the season.

Some say part of the reason Howard is on the outside looking in is the youth movement in the NBA has taken over, especially in the Western Conference. Young teams, including the Minnesota Timberwolves (led by Anthony Edwards) and Oklahoma City Thunder (led by rookie Chet Holmgren), sit atop the standings while James’ Lakers are tenth in the conference with a 17-17 record.

RELATED CONTENT: Dwight Howard Ejected After Taiwanese Basketball Teams Participate in Brawl

military, army, sexual assault, Navy Affirmative Action, Affirmative Action
by Sharelle Burt

January 3, 2024

Independent Lawyers Now In Charge Of Sexual Assault Cases From U.S. Military

Someone has to hold them accountable...

Independent lawyers are officially taking over the prosecution of sexual assault cases in the U.S. military.

Taking effect on Dec. 28, military commanders will hand sexual assault and other serious crime cases to legal organizations within each service called the Offices of Special Trial Counsel. The change marks a significant shift in how the Department of Defense tries members accused of an offense.

Each office will host special trial counsel that will have permission to prosecute several charges, including murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, domestic violence, stalking, child pornography, and most sexual misconduct within the military.  Located around the world and across the United States, according to Associated Press, the Army will have 65 certified trial counsels, Air Force will host 40, the Marine Corps will have 33, and the Navy will have 24. Close to 10 more will potentially be certified by Summer 2024.

For years, Congress has been looking for ways to reform the rising number of sexual assaults throughout the armed forces. The Pentagon’s Annual Report on Sexual Assault in The Military shows cases rose 13% in the Navy, 9% in the Air Force, and close to 4% in the Marine Crops. Cases in the Army dropped 9%, but there were still almost 9,000 reports of sexual assault throughout all points of the force. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called the change a “landmark change to the U.S. military justice system.”

“It is the most important reform to our military justice system since the creation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice in 1950,” Austin said. “This reform aims to help strengthen accountability and increase all of our service members’ trust in the fairness and integrity of the military justice system.”

In 2023, President Joe Biden passed and signed legislation that strengthens protections for service members. However, some military leaders don’t think any good will come from the change. “While the military lawyers are ‘independent’ in the sense that they no longer are part of the accused or victim’s chain of command, instead working for civilian service secretaries, the entire military justice structure is one that lacks independence and impartiality and disserves service members,” president emerita of the National Institute of Military Justice, Rachel VanLandingham, said.

She said the majority of offenses in the military code, including disobedience, dereliction of duty, and insubordination, will continue to be handled by those in the chain of command who can no longer decide on a formal murder or rape charge.

Out of the 8,942 reported cases in 2022, 5,941 were unrestricted, needing the commander and law enforcement to be involved. A little over 3,000 were restricted, where the victim maintains confidentiality but declines investigation and potential prosecution.

RELATED CONTENT: Officer Involved In The Death Of Elijah McClain Found Not Guilty

Illinois, mayor, salary, first African American, Darby, Ed Tomlin, municipality,
by Lauren Nutall

January 3, 2024

Ed Brown Becomes First Black Mayor Of Upper Darby, PA

Ed Brown has been elected as the first Black mayor of Upper Darby, replacing Republican mayor Brian Burke.

 

Ed Brown, a Pennsylvania Democrat, has become Upper Darby’s first Black mayor. He assumes office following the tenure of former Republican mayor Brian Burke, who had served as the mayor of Upper Darby since 2019. However, Burke’s switch to the Republican party in 2022 led to a loss of substantial voter support, ultimately opening the door for a Democratic successor, WHYY News reported.

“We have a lot of diversity in our township,” said Brown. “So for me to be the first African American to be elected mayor by the constituents — by the community, I consider that a huge honor and that’s one that I take very seriously and will hold very near dear to my heart.” Brown’s appointment comes only three months after Cherelle Parker was elected as Philadelphia’s first woman mayor. Brown previously defeated vice president of city council Laura Wentz in the mayoral primary race. Since launching his bid for candidacy, Brown has promoted a four-year agenda to increase fiscal responsibility in the city and developed a five-point action plan to improve the Upper Darby district. 

“I want to ensure quality and efficient municipal services to address the needs of the community,” he told WWYY News in May 2023. “I want to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing. I want to establish safe and attractive neighborhoods. I want to enhance the resources for individuals, families and community growth. And I want to create economic growth by investing in the business sector.” In addition to being elected into mayoral office, Brown currently resides as President of the Upper Darby School District Board of Directors.

As mayor, Brown plans to transform Upper Darby, which is Pennsylvania’s eighth largest municipality. One of his core goals is to promote safety through his support of affordable housing measures, an idea that many voters endorsed as well. “Safety is first. Safety is paramount. It’s important that people have a sense of security in their home, in their community — the ones who work in Upper Darby and the ones who worship in Upper Darby — people need to feel like they’re safe in their community,” said Brown.

RELATED CONTENT: Yasmine-Imani McMorrin Elected First Black Woman Mayor Of Culver City

Mike Tomlin, coach, Pittsburgh, steelers, Lombardi trophy, youngest coach
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 3, 2024

Mike Tomlin Sets NFL Record With 17th Straight Non-Losing Season To Start Coaching Career

The amazing career of Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has reached another pinnacle.

The amazing career of Pittsburgh Steelers’ head coach Mike Tomlin has reached another pinnacle.

When the Steelers won Dec. 31, it guaranteed a winning season for the team, making it the 17th straight year that Tomlin has had a non-losing season since he started his coaching career. That is a record, according to NFL.com. Two coaches have had longer non-losing season streaks: Tom Landry (Dallas Cowboys) with 21 and Bill Belichick (New England Patriots) with 19.

With the team’s 30-23 win over the Seattle Seahawks, the Steelers kept their postseason hopes alive. At 9-7, Tomlin also guaranteed himself a 14th season with a winning record.

In 2009, when the Steelers won Super Bowl XLIII, Tomlin, then 36, became the youngest NFL coach to take home the Lombardi Trophy. That record was broken when Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay won Super Bowl LVI in 2021.

Tomlin’s’ career record is 180-109-2, a .622 winning percentage.

Another stat that the Steelers can be proud of is having a 20th straight season of ending the season with a .500 or better won-loss record. That is the second-longest streak in the history of the NFL. The record, which can be tied next season, is 21, held by Landry’s Dallas Cowboys, which had 21 straight non-losing seasons from 1965-1985 on its way to becoming “America’s Team.”

The Steelers’ last game is a toughie: a road tilt against the AFC’s #1 seed, the Baltimore Ravens, on Saturday Jan. 6. For the Steelers to make the playoffs, the Tennessee Titans must beat the reeling Jacksonville Jaguars and/or the Miami Dolphins beat the resurgent Buffalo Bills, which have won four games in a row.

RELATED CONTENT: PER SCHOLAS AWARDS PITTSBURGH STEELERS COACH MIKE TOMLIN FOR CHAMPIONING DIVERSITY

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