water, graduation, Joe Biden, pro-Palestinian, Israel, Gaza, students, protesters, UCLA, Columbia University, president, social security

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 6, 2025

Biden Signs Social Security Fairness Act To Secure Retirement Benefits For Millions Of Public Workers

President Joe Biden is getting things done during his final days in office.

President Joe Biden signed the bi-partisan Social Security Fairness Act into law, guaranteeing an increase in Social Security benefits for public sector workers who receive a pension, CNBC reports.

Biden signed the legislation on Jan. 5, paving the way for two provisions: the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) to be repealed after being in place for over 40 years.

The law will allow over 2.5 million Americans to receive a lump-sum payment in the thousands to cover the benefits they should have received in 2024.

“By signing this bill, we’re extending Social Security benefits for millions of teachers, nurses, and other public employees and their spouses and survivors,” Biden said. “That means an estimated average of $360 per month increase.”

Biden called the movie a “big deal” for middle-class households as the targeted provision places limitations on benefits for public workers.

The WEP reduced Social Security benefits for people who received pension or disability benefits from employment where Social Security payroll taxes were not withheld. Approximately two million beneficiaries were affected by this provision as of December 2023. Benefits for spouses, widows, and widowers were affected by the GPO, prohibiting them from receiving income from their partner’s government pensions. The provision affected close to 750,000 beneficiaries.

The Social Security Fairness Act will go into action on benefits payable after December 2023.

“With the repeal of WEP and GPO, federal retirees, along with so many others, will finally receive the full Social Security benefits they’ve earned. This victory is more than 40 years in the making, and while we celebrate today, we also reflect on those who were impacted by these provisions but are no longer here to witness this change,” William Shackelford, president of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, said in a statement.

“Their service and contributions are not lost on us, and we honor their legacy by continuing to advocate for fairness in retirement benefits for all public servants.”

The bill passed Dec. 21 with the support of a 76 bipartisan majority vote, including Democratic Sens. Sherrod Brown (OH) and Abigail Spanberger (VA) as well as Republican Sen. Susan Collins (ME) and Rep. Garret Graves (LA).

Though the act received bipartisan support, a number of GOP lawmakers pushed back due to the additional cost. The Congressional Budget Office quoted the law would add an estimated $195 billion to the federal deficit over the next 10 years.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 6, 2025

As NYC Congestion Tolls Begin, NY Media Outlet Voices Its Support For The Initiative

The controversial measure eventually went into effect on Jan. 5.

New Yorkers and fellow tri-state area residents are starting the New Year with new congestion tolls. The price hike affects drivers entering and exiting Manhattan, and a local media outlet has voiced its support for the controversial initiative.

The measure officially cleared its last hurdle after an appeals court in Philadelphia denied a last-minute motion prompted by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. While New York’s neighboring state opposed the new tolls, which would cost drivers $9 to enter the congested parts of Manhattan after 5 a.m. on weekdays., the new law went into effect on Jan. 5.

The new fares benefit public transit and encourage travelers to forego the pricier, personal option. However, many commuters find the fees unfair, with New Jersey’s specific lawsuit also stating environmental harm if enacted. Regardless, NY Gov. Kathy Hochul pressed the legislation after initially expressing interest in reviving the program two years ago.

Despite many naysayers, the program has found support within one New York-based platform. The New York Daily News has posted its 25th editorial piece in favor of congestion pricing since May 2023.

The media outlet states that New Jersey does not want drivers, many of whom are from the Garden State, to take on this financial burden. However, the outlet proclaims that drivers from this state heavily contribute to the traffic plaguing mid-to-lower Manhattan.

The publication emphasized the benefits of using this pricing model to support the public transit system. The subway system has also faced budget issues and backlash for increased fares.

The zone starts south of 60th Street and goes down to the Financial District. However, cars entering before 9 a.m. on weekends and after 9 p.m. daily can avoid paying this lofty tax. A discount during these off-peak times will amount to $2.25, per NBC News. For small trucks and multiple forms of buses, drivers can expect to pay significantly more, ranging from $14.40 to $21.60 during peak times.

The congestion relief zone has also become the first-ever enacted in the United States.

Zimbbabwe, elephant, lions, state park,Tinotenda Pundu

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 6, 2025

Lost Boy Found After 5 Days In Zimbabwe Park With Lions And Elephants

Tinotenda Pundu survived among lions, elephants, and buffaloes inside Matusadona National Park.

A missing African boy in Zimbabwe was discovered five days later about 30 miles from his village, surviving by using survival skills taught to him.

According to Metro, Tinotenda Pundu, who resides in a village in northern Zimbabwe, went missing on Dec. 27 after getting lost but was rescued by park rangers in Matusadona National Park.

Outlets report that Tinotenda is either 7 or 8 years old.

Tinashe Farawo, a spokesperson for the park, said the boy was found on Dec. 31 after his footprints were discovered the previous day by people who went searching for the boy. The Zimbabwe Republic Police was assisted by rangers from ZimParks and the local community in the search.

Animals like lions, buffaloes, elephants, and other wild animals occupy the park, yet he somehow survived. He reportedly slept on perched rocks so he’d be out of the reach of predators.

“Remarkably, it is estimated that he walked through the harsh terrain of the lion-infested Matusadonha National Park for 49 kilometers from his village to the point where he was found,” Farawo said. “During this period, he survived on wild fruits and would dig a small hole along the dry riverbank to access underground water to drink, a technique that is well known in drought-prone areas.”

@Zimparks pic.twitter.com/85TyDQda5r

— Tinashe Farawo (@FarawoTinashe) January 3, 2025

Mutsa Murombedzi, a parliament member, took to social media and credited the local Nyaminyami community for their assistance. They beat drums at night in hopes that Tinotenda would follow the sound.

💫 A boy missing & found in Matusadonha game park

A true miracle in remote Kasvisva community, Nyaminyami in rural Kariba, a community where one wrong turn could easily lead into a game park. 8-year-old Tinotenda Pudu wandered away, lost direction & unknowingly headed into the… pic.twitter.com/z19BLffTZW

— Mutsa Murombedzi MP🇿🇼 (@mutsamu) January 1, 2025

The boy was taken to a local hospital, where is recovering.

NYC train, New York subway, Christian Valdez, girlfirend

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 6, 2025

71-Year-Old Woman Fights Off 4 Women Trying To Steal Purse In NYC Subway

The elderly woman's attackers remain on the loose and unidentified.

A 71-year-old woman managed to defend herself against four women trying to take her purse in a New York City subway, leaving with her belongings still in her possession.

According to the New York Daily News, the woman was riding the train in Downtown Brooklyn when she got to the Hoyt. St. Station around six that afternoon. However, upon leaving, four women attacked her in a quest to snatch her purse.

The fierce elder staved off the attack but took a beating as the four muggers ganged up on her. However, they could not break the senior woman’s grasp on her purse. The foursome ended up fleeing the scene without the item but did leave the woman in rough shape.

Medics eventually arrived to help the fallen woman, transporting her to Brooklyn Hospital. The 71-year-old expects to recover from her minor injuries but still seeks justice for what happened to her.

Her attackers remain unidentified and on the run. Despite this, police have encouraged the public to join in on the hunt for the culprits. The footage showed the attackers, three of whom did not wear face masks.

The attack follows a pattern of other crimes against women on the subway. Most notably, a woman was burned to death on Dec. 22 after a man lit her on fire and watched her die. Surveillance footage showed the man fan the flames as a police officer walked by the burning woman.

However, the older woman’s attack was not the only New Year’s Day assault on the subway. Two other stabbings occurred on the holiday despite the increased security measures on public transportation. To help ensure safety during the holidays, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced 250 more National Guard troops to guard the subway system, per CBS News.

Despite this and the addition of more security cameras, the burning death and other incidents, including several stabbings, still occurred. While the violence has concerned New Yorkers, Hochul did emphasize that subway crime has lessened since earlier this year.

In regards to the four female muggers involved in the elderly woman’s attack, anyone with information should contact the NYPD Crime Stopper’s hotline at 800-577-TIPS.

by Mary Spiller

January 6, 2025

Chick-fil-A Changes Waffle Fries Recipe, Customers Push Back

A little pea starch is making fans of the fries furious.

Chick-fil-A is getting pushback from customers who claim the fast food chain’s waffle fries taste bad after changing its recipe.

According to the Chick-fil-A website, during the week of Christmas, the fries now contain pea starch, and the change is just one of many that the company has made in recent months.

The company confirmed the move on its ingredients page. “Food safety and quality are our top priorities, and we take great care in adhering to stringent food safety procedures. While the new recipe doesn’t contain any of the nine major allergens, the new Waffle Potato Fries coating does contain pea starch.”

The company believes that the fries have “the same great taste” but just stay “crispier, longer.”

Customers disagree if a Chick-fil-A post, put to Instagram on December 23, is any indication.

Blogger Daryl-Ann Denner wrote, “CFA [Chick-fil-A], I love you more than anyone. You can do no wrong. Except for the fries. Please put them back.”

Another user agreed, “BRING BACK THE OLD FRIES!! Soggy is better!”

A customer agreed, “New fries are awful – we haven’t been back [to Chick-fil-A] since we noticed the change.”

One customer mentioned that the change will be an issue for people with severe allergies who eat at Chick-fil-A.

“Please go back to the original fries. My daughter has an allergy to peas and pea protein. We can no longer visit the restaurant due to allergy concerns and cross-contamination.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chick-fil-A, Inc. (@chickfila)

As previously reported, this is not the first poorly received menu change from the eatery. In spring 2024, Chick-fil-A announced that its chickens went from being raised with No Antibiotics Ever (NAE) to No Antibiotics Important to Human Medicine (NAIHM).

The company wrote at the time, “Serving quality food has always been our priority, especially when it comes to our chicken.”

“NAE means no antibiotics of any kind were used in raising the animal. NAIHM restricts the use of those antibiotics that are important to human medicine and commonly used to treat people, and allows the use of animal antibiotics only if the animal and those around it were to become sick.”

Bourbon Street , Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, New Orleans, New Year's Eve,

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 6, 2025

Law Enforcement Finds Bourbon Street Attacker Used Meta Glasses To Survey The Area Months Before The Attack

Just sad....

The FBI found that the man who staged a deadly attack on New Orleans’ Bourbon Street on New Year’s Day surveyed the area using Meta smart glasses in October 2024, the Washington Post reports.

He used the tech-savvy glasses to record footage of the area during a bicycle ride. Authorities found the footage while investigating and also recovered video of where the suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, placed explosive devices on Bourbon Street. FBI’s special agent in charge for New Orleans, Lyonel Myrthil, said Jabbar is believed to have worn the glasses when he rammed a white Ford pick-up truck down the popular tourist attraction, killing 14 innocent people. “We believe he was wearing them throughout the evening” of the attack, Myrthil said.

“We don’t have any indication that he was actually recording, but he was wearing those glasses.”

The glasses, which permit hands-free video recording, would have allowed the suspect to capture detailed footage of the area without drawing any attention. Created by Meta, the parent company of Facebook, the glasses were curated in partnership with eyewear conglomerate Ray-Ban. The frames hold a built-in camera, speakers, and artificial intelligence that carry voice control, buttons, and simple functions such as listening to music, according to the Associated Press.

They are also required to be paired with a phone or able to access the internet to use Meta’s AI assistant.

While a Meta spokesperson declined to comment on the discovery, more has been revealed about the glasses’ functionality. The frames can capture images and videos using the onboard camera and then upload them to Instagram or Facebook. Live streaming is also available. The AI assistant can see what a user sees and translate texts into several foreign languages. If a user asks the AI assistant a question, the glasses will answer and permit a person to search for the nearest landmark close to the user’s location.

The glasses allow bystanders to know if they are being recorded or not. The LED privacy indicator stays on while you use the camera functions, and users can’t disable the light to be more discreet.

As the loved ones of the victims of the attack look for answers, law enforcement is doing the same with their investigation. Myrthil and his team found that Jabbar did a bit of traveling before the attack. He traveled to the city again in November 2024 and went to Cairo in the summer of 2023 before flying to Ontario, Canada, and then back to the United States. “Our agents are getting answers as to where he went, who he met with, and how those trips may or may not tie into his actions here in our city of New Orleans,” the agent said.

by Daniel Johnson

January 6, 2025

DOJ OIG Report Criticizes FBI Response To Jan. 6 Insurrection

The impending inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump also brings with it the potential for presidential pardons, as Trump has made overtures on several occasions that he believes the insurrectionists are American patriots.

In December 2024, the Department of Justice Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz announced the release of the DOJ’s report on the intelligence collection by the FBI leading up to the attempted insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. According to the press release from the office of the inspector general, the report clarified a few points regarding the FBI’s preparation ahead of the events on Jan. 6.

Chief among those points was the determination that the FBI took significant and appropriate steps ahead of the attempted insurrection; however, the report also indicated that the FBI should have taken the additional step of canvassing their field offices to help prepare better for what transpired on Jan. 6.

In addition to this, there was confusion and a lack of coordination, which led the FBI to assert to Congress that it had canvassed its field offices when in fact, it had not.

Contrary to assertions from Elon Musk and others aligned with far-right Republicans, there were no undercover FBI agents or other FBI employees at either protests or crowds at the Capitol on January 6.

On Jan. 6, 2025, Attorney General Merrick Garland issued a statement in a press release recognizing the intensive work of the FBI to investigate what occurred on Jan. 6, 2021.

“Over the past four years, our prosecutors, FBI agents, investigators, and analysts have conducted one of the most complex and resource-intensive investigations in the Justice Department’s history. They have analyzed massive amounts of physical and digital data, identified and arrested hundreds of people who took part in unlawful conduct that day and initiated prosecutions and secured convictions across a wide range of criminal conduct. We have now charged more than 1,500 individuals for crimes that occurred on January 6, as well as in the days and weeks leading up to the attack,” Garland said.

He continued, “The public servants of the Justice Department have sought to hold accountable those criminally responsible for the January 6 attack on our democracy with unrelenting integrity. They have conducted themselves in a manner that adheres to the rule of law and honors our obligation to protect the civil rights and civil liberties of everyone in this country.”

According to CBS News, the impending inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump also brings with it the potential for presidential pardons, as Trump has made overtures on several occasions that he believes the insurrectionists are American patriots.

Trump’s transition spokesperson, Caroline Leavitt, told the outlet that Trump plans to “pardon Americans who were denied due process and unfairly prosecuted by the weaponized Department of Justice.”

According to documents obtained by CBS News, some of the Jan. 6 defendants have cited Trump’s promises of a pardon in their petitions to judges to have their cases paused or delayed.

The day after the election, attorneys for one defendant, Christopher Carnell, wrote in a petition that their client, who faced nonviolent disorderly conduct charges, was “expecting to be relieved of the criminal prosecution that he is currently facing when the new administration takes office.”

However, Carnell’s request was denied, and he was subsequently convicted on multiple counts and sentenced to serve six months in prison.

Despite the requests from January 6 participants, Alexis Loeb, a former federal prosecutor who helped to lead the Capitol attack investigation until October, noted that those particular cases are based on a large amount of evidence.

“These were prosecutions that were staffed by career employees. And the cases often had a remarkable amount of evidence given all of the video that was taken that day,” Loeb told CBS News.

Judge Royce Lamberth, a senior judge appointed by Ronald Reagan, seemed to agree with Loeb’s assertion and also backed how federal judges have handled the cases in his own statement.

“Just as the President must make decisions on matters of clemency without interference from the coordinate branches, so too must our judiciary independently administer the laws and sentence convicted offenders,” Lamberth wrote. “No matter what ultimately becomes of the Capital Riots cases already concluded and still pending, the true story of what happened on Jan. 6, 2021 will never change.”

Starbucks, closures, restructuring, tariffs

by Mary Spiller

January 6, 2025

Montpelier: The Only U.S Capital Without McDonald’s Or Starbucks Within Its City Limits

Montpelier is home to the largest and most well preserved historical district in Vermont.

Traveling to any major city in the United States nearly guarantees seeing a McDonald’s or a Starbucks. The big-name multibillion-dollar companies have a presence on almost every street corner. However, one United States capital doesn’t have a McDonald’s or a Starbucks — Montpelier, Vermont.

As reported by The Takeout, Montpelier is the only capital city without either within its city limits. It doesn’t stop at Starbucks and McDonald’s, either. Montpelier doesn’t have any other chain businesses like Walmart or Burger King; instead, it focuses on and emphasizes small local companies to supply the city’s integrated economy.

The Montpelier city website says they like “doing things a little differently [with a] local is a way of life.”

There is reportedly no shortage of interesting cuisine to compensate for the few to no big chain businesses within the city limits, though.

Their Montpelier Alive website reads, “Montpelier is not just a feast for the eyes. With a great restaurant explosion in recent years, Montpelier has become known as a place for foodies. We invite you to take a culinary adventure in the Capital City. No matter what your taste is, Montpelier has it all.”

Montpelier is home to the most significant historic urban district in Vermont and has plenty for visitors and natives to do outside of searching for McDonald’s or Starbucks. The site continued, “Exquisite historic buildings are home to Vermont’s state government, shopping, commerce, and world-class dining and arts. Outstanding outdoor recreation is within minutes of the downtown [area].”

Montpelier is relatively small, with only around 8,000 citizens. It is only 10.1 square miles and packed with thriving local businesses and historic buildings that preserve the capital’s rich political and cultural history from its development in 1895.

Draya Michele, stepson, son, NBA, Jalen Green

by Mary Spiller

January 6, 2025

Fans Slam Draya Michele For Sitting Courtside With Her 22-Year-Old Son To Support Her Boyfriend, Jalen Green

Fans pointed out that Kniko is the same age as his "stepdad" Jalen Green.

Model and entrepreneur Draya Michele has gone viral again over her relationship with NBA Star Jalen Green. On January 5, clips blew up online showing the 39-year-old reality television star attending one of Green’s games alongside her 22-year-old son Kniko.

The clip brought the controversy surrounding Michele and 22-year-old Green’s age gap back into the spotlight, as the young NBA star is the same age as Kniko.

The media personality was seen enjoying floor seats with Kniko.

https://twitter.com/KollegeKidd/status/1875969240471376156?s=19

The appearance of Michele with Kniko at Green’s game sparked online backlash, with many pointing out on X — formerly known as Twitter — that Kniko is the same age as his “stepfather.”

One user wrote, “Having a step dad the same age as you is weird as hell. Draya goofy as hell.”

Having a step dad the same age as you weird as hell. Draya goofy as hell
— Uncle Daddy Wee-Yum (@MrGee54) January 5, 2025

Another added, “Imagine having a son that is the same age as his “stepdad.” smh, Draya has her jersey retired & in the rafters at the Piece of S*** Hall of Fame.”

https://twitter.com/BlakCeezar/status/1876092109763358834?s=19

“Draya’s baby daddy graduated high school the same year as her son….that’s weird af.”

Draya’s baby daddy graduated high school the same year as her son….that’s weird af
— jordan (@_itzjanderson) January 6, 2025

The former star on Basketball Wives LA and Mint Swim founder has three children, the oldest of which is 22-year-old Kniko. She shares a second son, Jru, with Orlando Scandrick after the pair got engaged in 2015. Finally, following the pair’s split, Michele entered into a relationship with Jalen Green, a Houston Rockets player, and they welcomed a daughter together in May of 2024.

Michele shared a heartfelt Instagram post welcoming the birth of her daughter last year on Mother’s Day.

In the post, Michele opened up about the significance behind her and Green’s daughter being born on Mother’s Day.

“In 2021 on Mother’s Day, my dad passed away. Since then, it’s been extremely hard to celebrate that day without remembering the earth-shattering phone call I received that morning. Well, this Mother’s Day was different. My daughter was safely brought into this world and I’m forever grateful for the new memories we all get to experience moving forward. Love + Light everyone,” Michele wrote in the caption of the Instagram carousel.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 6, 2025

JetBlue Passengers Claim Airline Treated Them ‘Like Animals’ After Being Kicked Out Of The Airport Following Delayed Flight

One passenger compared the treatment to animals after they were forced out the Turks and Caicos airport.

Passengers traveling on JetBlue from Turks and Caicos claim the airline treated them inhumanely after their significantly delayed flight.

Travelers headed for Boston did not receive accommodations from the airline after the flight’s 24-hour delay. Although an unexpected inconvenience, what occurred next left many horrified by their treatment.

Given the circumstances, most assumed they could pass the time at the airport. Others thought they would receive hotel vouchers from the airline, as is often customary in the U.S. Instead, they were left with no options. The airport warned they would be kicked out, and no hotel options were reportedly available for that evening.

One passenger, Marty, told Boston 25 News that the airline allowed airport personnel to “put people out on the streets.” He compared the ordeal to being treated “like animals,” with his children also in tow.

“To put people out on the streets like animals was something I will never forget for the rest of my life,” explained the frustrated dad. “Just very unsettling, traumatizing experience you have three young kids all looking to you for an answer, a wife looking at you for an answer, for the first time as a husband and as a father and as a man, I had no idea how I was going to shelter my family for a night.”

The passengers had to quickly find lodging for the night or risk sleeping with the fish. Fortunately for Marty, his travel agent found a small hotel room so his family could stay safe. Another passenger, Brett, booked an Airbnb in a questionable area. Furthermore, he had to fork over a thousand dollars to fit his large party of 10.

“It was in a horrible, sketchy area. The actual Airbnb itself was OK, but the area was like something out of a horror movie,” shared the other traveler. “… Wild dogs were chasing the cab as we were driving by like very sketchy neighborhood, and kids are freaking out like ‘What are we gonna do?’”

Airport staff eventually allowed travelers with less agency and funding to stay, placing cots on the floor. Unfortunately, the problems continued for everyone on that delayed flight. Those who remained through the night faced another four-hour delay.

In response, JetBlue explained that Air Traffic Control congestion caused the intense delay. Although they apologized, they emphasized that the circumstances were outside their control. Regardless, they encouraged customers to seek reimbursement and offered a $200 travel credit for their troubles.

“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this delay caused and understand this was a frustrating situation,” shared the airline. “While the delay was created by circumstances beyond JetBlue’s control, we understand the impact this disruption had on our customers’ plans. Given that, we’ve provided instructions for affected customers to submit reimbursement requests for eligible out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Customer Service Plan. Additionally, as a goodwill gesture, we’ve issued $200 in travel credit for future JetBlue flights.”

However, Marty and others do not readily accept the apology. The man stated that better procedures must occur before forcing travelers “to the streets.”

“This was far beyond a delay; this was sending people to the streets in the wee hours of the night and asking them to fend for themselves with no solutions.”

However, the Department of Transportation’s newly established Automatic Refund Rule states that passengers do not have to get a refund if they accept the new flight despite cancellations or significant delays. Despite this, those who refused the new booking are entitled to an automatic airline refund.