While speaking at the House GOP Dinner on Jan. 27, Trump suggested that federal income taxes should be “eliminated” while continuing to dance around the idea of issuing tariffs. “Instead of taxing our citizens to enrich foreign nations, we should be tariffing and taxing foreign nations to enrich our citizens,” Trump said, while stating that America was at its richest from 1870 to 1913, when tariffs were a thing.
He continued to say that income tax didn’t come about until 1913. The idea sparked controversy on both ends of the aisle. The idea would place a significant change in the country’s economic policy but could also affect Americans’ way of negotiating wages, in addition to increasing disposable income for a number of workers. “This increase in disposable income would have the effect of stimulating the economy, but at the expense of likely increasing real inflation,” Optic Tax CEO Crystal Stranger said.
“Thus, it is likely that, while people would benefit for a short time, soon their wages would be worth less. So, they would not get a long-term benefit in general.”
The proposal resulted in questions being left on the table regarding how the government would fund essential services and programs. Stranger highlighted that eliminating federal income tax would leave fewer incentives for businesses to hire in low-income neighborhoods, which could result in a problem for employers to hire. “So, we likely would see a faster shift to companies hiring more lower-priced workers abroad, where possible,” she said.
“The lack of [business] tax deductions and incentives would be a race to the bottom for the cheapest workers worldwide. This would cause it to be tougher for people to get hired or get raises when others will work for cheaper.”
But it’s not all negative. Financial planner and investment advisor at Miller Investment Management, Rick Miller, said the plan would allow businesses to restructure salary offers or renegotiate compensation packages already provided. “Employers would have maximum flexibility and creativity in the entire compensation arena,” Miller said.
“Job seekers could benefit from creative compensation plans and more freedom to negotiate an attractive job offer on both sides.” Democrats openly criticized the proposal as they predicted a national deficit that could lead to a trade war, according to Glute. Over $2 million is collected annually from income taxes. If eliminated, tariffs would have to come in very high in order to match the number.
Maryland Mother Arrested, Charged With Killing 11-Year-Old Daughter After Allegedly Killing 4 Pets
34-year-old Keyona Dillon is facing a charge of first-degree murder after being accused of killing her daughter
A woman in Maryland has been arrested and faces a murder charge after she allegedly killed her children’s pets before taking her daughter’s life.
According to WBAL, on Jan. 23, police officers detained and arrested 34-year-old Keyona Dillon after being accused of killing her own 11-year-old daughter, London Olsen. After being summoned to the residence, police officers stated they discovered Olsen’s body in the basement of the house. The girl’s shirt was pulled down, exposing her upper body. Investigators noticed bruises on Olsen’s neck and arms, as well as blood around her mouth, nose, and hands.
Dillon is facing a charge of first-degree murder.
Police stated that the 34-year-old was acting erratically and told them that groups of people were trying to set her up. While speaking to police, “she continued to display erratic behavior, including exclamations about exposing child sex rings, transsexuals and Proud Boys.” She believed that her daughter was involved in a relationship with the children’s father.
According to the charging documents, Dillon told investigators that she killed several animals in the house to demonstrate to Olsen “what would happen to her if she didn’t tell the truth.”
Three unharmed children were found in the house, and one of them expressed to investigators that she used a hammer, as well as her knee, to kill two cats, a rabbit, and a dog. The bodies of the animals were found in a plastic bin and the kitchen garbage.
Investigators also found a plastic drain cleaner on the floor that matched ligature marks seen on Olsen’s body. Detectives feel the drain cleaner was used to strangle the girl.
Dillon is being held without bond and has been ordered by a Baltimore County judge to obtain a mental evaluation. She is being held at the Baltimore County Detention Center.
At a bail review hearing on Friday, Jan. 24, Dillon refused to be represented by a public defender, telling the court that she would represent herself.
“I’m representing myself. Y’all violated my rights. I am an indigenous sovereign of the land. You collected DNA without my permission. You are violating my rights.”
“I do not want to be represented by a public defender. I want to represent myself.”
O.J. Simpson Estate Sues NFL Star’s Son For Moving Into Father’s Home Without Permission
Justin's company, Primary Holdings, LLC, bought the home to keep creditors from taking it.
The estate of O.J. Simpson wants the late NFL star’s son to pay up or move out of the Florida home his father once owned.
According to the estate’s attorney, Malcolm Lavergne, Justin Simpson allegedly moved into his dad’s home after his death. Lavergne is suing Justin’s company, Primary Holdings, LLC, for doing so without the estate’s permission. Simpson died at 76 from prostate cancer in April 2024.
TMZ obtained legal documents declaring that Primary Holdings LLC, the estate, bought the Kendall, Florida, home following Simpson’s passing to stop creditors from taking it. Lavergne claimed that although Justin’s company owned the house, his dad took care of its payments until his death.
Now, the estate discovered that Justin had moved into the house without notifying or making any payments. However, as his company owns the home, Justin felt he had legal authority to live there.
Despite this, Lavergne argued that Simpson wanted the house to remain part of the estate. Furthermore, he dictated that Justin taking residence there violates his father’s will. The attorney also noted that Justin has his property, albeit less luxurious, nearby.
Now, Lavergne wants Justin to either move out or pay back the payments his father made. Justin is one of two children Simpson had with his slain ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson.
A jury acquitted Simpson in the 1995 criminal trial that captivated America. However, he was found liable for her and her friend, Ron Goldman, deaths in a 1997 civil suit.
The civil suit resulted in a $33.5 million judgment owed to the families of Brown Simpson and Goldman, a debt that creditors are trying to collect through Simpson’s home. Due to growing unpaid interest, the judgment now totals an estimated $100 million.
To liquidate assets and pay down the debts, the estate has sold off numerous of Simpson’s belongings, including his prison pornography. However, they hope to keep the house intact and under their domain, with Justin paying his fair share.
Take advantage of many options to potentially help reduce what you pay in taxes to the IRS this year.
With the arrival of 2025, many people who owe money are preparing to file 2024 tax returns.
However, the uplifting news about that unpleasant experience is that there are many steps you can take now to lower taxes, avoid penalties, and save money.
The Internal Revenue Service anticipates that over 140 million individual tax returns for the 2024 tax year will be filed before the April 15 federal deadline. More than 50% of all tax returns filed this year are expected to come with the help of a tax professional. The IRS encourages people to use a reliable tax expert to deter scams.
You might also want to have a tax expert or financial advisor review your return before filing, though it might be an extra expense for accuracy and thoroughness. Based on research, here are ways to potentially help reduce the amount paid.
Fully exploit your deductions.
Deductions can be pivotal in helping trim your taxable income, so try to benefit by leveraging all the deductions offered to you. That could, for example, include mortgage interest and medical expenses. And charitable contributions. Those write-offs can help significantly reduce the amount owed.
Contribute to retirement accounts.
Contribute the highest amount permitted to a 401(k) or traditional IRA to help decrease your taxable income. That can assist in lowering your tax bill.
Research and find tax credits you might be eligible for
The IRS discloses a tax credit, which is the amount taxpayers can claim on their tax return to lower their income tax owed on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Eligible taxpayers can use tax credits to cut their tax bills and boost their refunds. You can explore more details online, check with a tax expert, use tax software, or visit the IRS to find a list of tax credits and see if you qualify.
Utilize self-employment deductions if you qualify.
You may be eligible for deductions if you are self-employed. You can subtract expenses tied to your business. That could include equipment, travel, health insurance premiums, and office space. Ask a tax expert what other withdrawals might be available.
Examine contributing to an HSA or FSA.
Health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) can both offer tax benefits. For instance, contributions to an HSA are tax-deductible. With an FSA, you can apply pre-tax dollars to pay for medical expenses not paid off by insurance. That can cut taxable income.
Look at tax-harvesting
This technique allows you to offset capital gains on an investment, such as artwork, with capital losses. You can use the money from the sale to buy an investment that matches a part of your portfolio. Be sure to work with a financial advisor on this one.
Check online to get more information on reducing tax debt
Several sites help trim tax expenses, including this one and another here.
To gain more information on filing taxes, including getting refunds, go here.
"The suspension is due to a continued pattern of disregard of team rules, engaging in conduct detrimental to the team and intentionally withholding services."
The Miami Heat announced that disgruntled player Jimmy Butler has been suspended once again for “engaging in conduct detrimental to the team.”
The NBA team has stated that the suspension is for an indefinite period, but no fewer than five games.
“The Miami HEAT are suspending Jimmy Butler without pay effective immediately for an indefinite period to last no fewer than five games. The suspension is due to a continued pattern of disregard of team rules, engaging in conduct detrimental to the team and intentionally withholding services. This includes walking out of practice earlier today.”
Miami HEAT statement on Jimmy Butler
The Miami HEAT are suspending Jimmy Butler without pay effective immediately for an indefinite period to last no fewer than five games. (1/2)
NBA.com reported that this is Butler’s third time being suspended this season, as he requested a trade from the team earlier this year. “I want to see me getting my joy back playing basketball,” he expressed to the media at the time.
The contentious relationship between Butler and the Heat has reached another level after he left practice early on the morning of Monday, Jan. 27. After he was told he would not be starting in the game against the Orlando Magic, he left the team’s shootaround, according to a source.
Butler was recently suspended a second time after missing a team flight to Milwaukee last week. He has missed 15 of Miami’s last 20 games, 10 of the last 13 due to the two suspensions he received. He was initially suspended for seven games for conduct detrimental to the team.
The relationship between the team and the former Chicago Bulls player soured at the end of last season when team president Pat Riley decided against extending Butler’s contract. He was eligible to get an extension for up to $113 million over the next two years. He is in the final year of the contract, which is paying him $49 million, but he also has a player option for next season for $52 million.
The trading deadline is Feb. 6, so Butler may have played his last game with the Heat.
A screenshot of the viral post shows the comment reading, “Y’all should come to Fort Worth, TX to Northside High School. I have many students that don’t even speak English.” The person behind the comment alleged that students have to use a translator to communicate with her. Fort Worth ISD issued a statement alerting the community that they are aware of the post and issuing a full investigation. “We take this matter very seriously and are conducting a thorough investigation to understand the circumstances and ensure appropriate actions are taken,” the statement read.
“…we are committed to maintaining a positive and supportive environment for all students. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we address this matter.”
We are aware of a recent social media post referencing North Side High School which was allegedly made by a substitute teacher and has caused concern among our Fort Worth ISD community. pic.twitter.com/eoaKNZokJ4
— Fort Worth Independent School District (@FortWorthISD) January 26, 2025
Ninety-three percent of North Side High School identify as Hispanic or Latino.
The comment comes after President Donald Trump tossed out immigration protections at schools as he embarks on what he called the “largest mass deportation.” School and state leaders issued statements condemning the comments allegedly made by the sub. Fort Worth Council Member Carlos Flores called the tweet a “broken trust.” “With this controversial and very inappropriate tweet: that’s broken that trust. So I understand why people are hurt and concerned about it,” he said.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) spoke out on how ICE is going about detaining immigrants without cause after arresting more than 80 “varying degrees of criminality.” The congresswoman said people “deserve to know who is being detained and why!”
ICE reporting federal agents detained 84 people of “varying degrees of criminality,” is simply code for a blanket attempt at mass detentions and raids in our community.
While Flores assured that “students can still go to school and have a safe place to learn,” many students are uneasy about returning. Yadamarie Vasquez feels “upset” and also claims not to even know who the teacher is. “It makes me upset because I feel like all of us kids, we feel like safe around here. And then I feel like he just kind of made us not feel safe being here anymore,” Vasquez, a North Side student, said, according to NBC DFW.
“I seen a lot of things going on TikTok about this teacher. I don’t know who he is. I’ve never seen him before, but he just made a tweet about us kids, like, how we don’t speak English. How we’re all, like, basically illegal, although we’re not.”
The school district’s interim Superintendent, Dr. Karen Molinar, suggested that those concerned about a parent or guardian possibly being detained while a student is in school should update their emergency contact information immediately.
Google Maps Is Going ‘Gulf Of America’ Following Trump’s Executive Order
Trump has deemed the name changes as a way to honor the country's greatness.
Google will officially change the name of the Gulf of Mexico after President Trump signs an executive order renaming it the Gulf of America.
The tech giant confirmed the shift on Jan. 27, which will soon feature on Google Maps. The renaming follows Trump’s order declaring the switch of the gulf and Mt. Denali to “Mount McKinley” on all official maps and federal communications.
Google also explained why it is abiding by the controversial renamings. The company noted that questions arose regarding how the renaming would affect Maps users within and beyond the United States.
We’ve received a few questions about naming within Google Maps. We have a longstanding practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government sources.
“We’ve received a few questions about naming within Google Maps,” explained the account.
“We have a longstanding practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government sources.”
Subsequent posts to X detailed how the company would update this information and explained what viewers would see depending on their residence.
“For geographic features in the U.S., this is when Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) is updated,” a thread of posts read.
“When that happens, we will update Google Maps in the U.S. quickly to show Mount McKinley and Gulf of America.”
Google added, “Also longstanding practice: When official names vary between countries, Maps users see their official local name. Everyone in the rest of the world sees both names. That applies here too.”
Given this, Americans will only see the “Gulf of America” as the body of water’s official title. However, non-U.S. Maps users will see both names to reflect the varying change.
Trump also decided to give Mt. Denali its previous name, which honored President McKinley, a leader who made the country “very rich” in Trump’s view, according to CNBC. However, former President Obama removed McKinley’s name in 2015, bestowing the mountain a new name, Denali, paying homage to Alaska natives. This new name will also reflect on Google Maps.
Along the newly established “Gulf of America,” Trump calls the renamings a way to honor “American greatness.”
“It is in the national interest to promote the extraordinary heritage of our Nation and ensure future generations of American citizens celebrate the legacy of our American heroes,” detailed the executive order.
5 Books That Point Out Racist Systems As We Return To A Really Racist Administration
It’s an ideal time to sharpen our minds
Donald Trump has wasted no time trying to make America great again after being sworn in as the 47th president on Jan. 20, Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
In less than a week, Trump has dropped brazen executive orders, a reminder that a second Trump presidency will be no different than the first. Trump has a way of influencing his loyal followers to exhibit bold, racist, and discriminatory actions and practices against people of color, turning back the hands of history.
Now is an ideal time to sharpen our minds and sink our heads into these five books on racist systems to give us hope and wisdom over the next four years of uncertainty.
On A Move: Philadelphia’s Notorious Bombing And A Native Son’s Lifelong Battle For Justice
By Mike Africa Jr. and D. Watkins
Photo: Ahsan Washington
Published Aug. 6, 2024, On a Move tells a story about how the government can exercise its racist power over Black civilians in such a heinous way: “I still remember the black cloud of smoke from the fire above my West Philly block as it stretched to New Jersey on one side and Delaware on the other.”
Mediocre: The Dangerous Legacy of White Male America
By Ijeoma Olou
Photo: A. Washington
Mediocre dropped Dec. 1, 2020. The text is a significant read due to its subject matter and how it outlines the challenges Black Americans face while dealing with the reality of a racist and sexist culture that is passed down from one generation to the next.
“Even the most virulent American racist has to wrestle with the fact that the United States would not exist were it not for people of color,” Oluo writes.
Women, Race, & Class
By Angela Y. Davis
Photo: A. Washington
Published in January 1981, Woman, Race, & Class is a remarkable read because it makes connections between the United States’ history of slavery and modern-day oppression and examines the history of women’s freedoms, which is in alignment with today’s legislation around women’s reproductive rights.
“Birth Control—individual choice, safe contraceptive methods, as well as abortions when necessary— is a fundamental prerequisite for the emancipation of women,” Davis writes.
The Black Agenda: Bold Solutions For A Broken System
Edited by Anna Gifty-Agyeman
Released February 2022, The Black Agenda is notable because it holds transformative intel on healthcare, wellness, education, economy, public policy, and criminal justice that can be life changing for Black lives:
“No matter where you show up on the spectrum of Blackness, the United States owes you something.”
Metaracism: How Systemic Racism Devastates Lives
By Tricia Rose
Image courtesy of Tricia Rose
Tricia Rose’s book, released in 2024, broadcasts the unseen implementation of racist policies and actions. The acclaimed scholar offers ways to maneuver through and around systemic racism that floats beneath the radar:
“As painful as it can be to be exposed to the staggering evidence of a network of policies and practices written and/or enforced in ways that maximizes one’s disadvantage, I have also witnessed how bringing it to light carries with it the healing power of recognition and validation,” Rose writes.
Rose sat down with BLACK ENTERPRISE to deconstruct the tenets of Metaracism.
Meta Alum Robert Traynham Appointed President And Chief Executive Officer Of The Faith & Politics Institute
Political and communications expert Robert Traynham will now lead the Faith and Politics Institute as President and CEO.
Meta’s former global spokesperson, Robert Traynham, will now serve as the president and chief executive officer of the Faith & Politics Institute (FPI).
FPI revealed that its board of directors made the decision on Jan. 27, with Traynham starting on Feb. 17, 2025.
Traynham, a political veteran and communications specialist, will help the organization advance its mission of fostering mutual respect and promoting open dialogue among political leaders.
His appointment comes at a pivotal time for the organization, as Traynham will oversee the planning and execution of FPI’s annual Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage to Alabama. This year’s pilgrimage will commemorate the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama, in March.
“I had the privilege of working on the 50th anniversary of the Pilgrimage, and it is only fitting that I return to the organization as we begin to celebrate and reflect on the 60th anniversary,” Traynham said in a press release. “With a new administration and a new Congress, I am honored to be at the helm of an organization driving increased understanding through nonpartisan work, and I am motivated by FPI’s unwavering commitment to creating opportunities to advance productive discourse and constructive collaboration for our democracy.”
Traynham, a professor at Georgetown University and a Georgetown University Fellow, boasts an acclaimed list of previous roles in politics and media. He was global spokesperson for Meta, and head of external affairs and head of global public affairs for Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus.
He has also served as an MSNBC political analyst, moderator for the public affairs program Newsmakers, and co-host of the election and campaign-focused radio talk show, The Flacks. In politics, Traynham held senior roles, including chief of staff and communications director for the Senate Republican Conference. He also was a longtime senior aide and press secretary to Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA).
“Robert is the best person to help lead us to where we need to go,” said David Marventano, FPI board chair. “We are looking forward to embarking on this new chapter under his guidance.”
Haiti’s Transitional Council President Says Trump’s Immigration Policy Will Devastate The Country
Leslie Voltaire says Trump will not offer any assistance to Haiti given his past comments about the island nation.
Leslie Voltaire, president of Haiti’s transitional presidential council, said the Trump administration’s decision to end funding for aid programs, deport migrants, and block refugees represents a nightmare for the island nation.
“I’m knocking on the doors of people who love Haiti. The pope loves Haiti, and he is eager to help,” Voltaire told reporters.
Half of Haiti’s 11.6 million residents are going hungry. Freezing humanitarian aid will only push those numbers up further, and Voltaire does not believe President Trump will offer any assistance to Haiti.
“Trump said that Haiti is a ‘sh*thole,’ so I don’t think he will care about Haiti,” Voltaire said. The new policies of the United States, he added, likely ensures that “the situation will be catastrophic.”
Voltaire also referenced the Trump administration’s plans to expel the 1.5 million Haitians who are living in the United States, saying that the country, already dealing with a morass of problems stemming from the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021, cannot handle the influx of people.
“This could allow the gangs to overrun the entire metropolitan area, resulting in a complete breakdown of state authority and rendering international operations, including those to support communities in need, in the country untenable,” Guterres said. “We must urgently do everything in our power to prevent such an outcome.”
Voltaire remains confident that if security in Haiti is bolstered through a multi-national peacekeeping force, the country can hold elections in November.
“We have to do a referendum on a new constitution and also the election at the end of November. I say that we can do the elections because we have like eight departments, like 80% of the country. We can do the election,” Voltaire said.
Guterres’ prognosis is less optimistic, however, especially since progress on the transition in Haiti has been much slower than anticipated.
“Simply put, the goal of restoring democratic institutions by February 2026 is in jeopardy. Disagreements among authorities and stakeholders on power-sharing and ways to strengthen transitional governance have hindered progress. Ongoing allegations of corruption risk further eroding public trust in the political transition,” Guterres said.
“We strongly encourage Haitian efforts aimed at addressing corruption allegations and promoting transparency and accountability,” she added. “These measures are essential for the transition government to maintain the trust of the Haitian people.”
