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What You Need To Know: July 15, 2026

Everyday, Sybil Wilkes gives you "What You Need To Know."

Everyday, Sybil Wilkes gives you "What You Need To Know."

What You Need To Know

From HaHa’s to Aha’s is a podcast brought to you by two industry legends, radio
veteran Sybil Wilkes and entertainment executive extraordinaire, Stephen Hill.  
Sybil and Stephen Hill met over 25 years ago when Stephen was the executive
producer for the Tom Joyner Morning show.  From there, a friendship developed
that has span decades and endured trials, triumphs and celebrations.   For the
past 22 years the two friends come together for a time to connect, share, get
checked and have fun.   During this time, they regularly have “Roundtable Table”
discussions where they openly and honestly share their lives experiences, hopes
and dreams from the previous years.  

This podcast will cover a myriad of discussions from politics, to health, to
entertainment, to love, to sex, to the orthodox and unorthodox way of thinking
and living.   Sybil and Stephen will open the discussion to celebrities, people of
interest and regular everyday people.

From HaHa&rsquo;s to Aha&rsquo;s is a podcast brought to you by two industry legends, radio veteran Sybil Wilkes and entertainment executive extraordinaire, Stephen Hill. &nbsp; Sybil and Stephen Hill met over 25 years ago when Stephen was the executive producer for the Tom Joyner Morning show. &nbsp;From there, a friendship developed that has span decades and endured trials, triumphs and celebrations. &nbsp; For the past 22 years the two friends come together for a time to connect, share, get checked and have fun. &nbsp; During this time, they regularly have &ldquo;Roundtable Table&rdquo; discussions where they openly and honestly share their lives experiences, hopes and dreams from the previous years. &nbsp;
This podcast will cover a myriad of discussions from politics, to health, to entertainment, to love, to sex, to the orthodox and unorthodox way of thinking and living. &nbsp; Sybil and Stephen will open the discussion to celebrities, people of interest and regular everyday people.

From Ha Ha's to Aha's

Reach Media, the leading African-American Network now brings you one of the most trusted voices in the African-American community—Sybil Wilkes. Here to spread knowledge and information on the subjects and topics that matter most to us, her podcast hits home and raises the conscience of our community. Sybil Wilkes gives you a clear concise breakdown of everything that you need to keep you informed and empowered!

Reach Media, the leading African-American Network now brings you one of the most trusted voices in the African-American community&mdash;Sybil Wilkes. Here to spread knowledge and information on the subjects and topics that matter most to us, her podcast hits home and raises the conscience of our community. Sybil Wilkes gives you a clear concise breakdown of everything that you need to keep you informed and&nbsp;empowered!

The Sybil Wilkes Podcast

What You Need To Know: July 15, 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/f42fea95-33db-4016-a5f7-b48800b7afaa/transcript

1. Urban League Warns American Dream Out of Reach

A sobering new "State of Black America" report from the National Urban League warns that economic and political prospects for Black Americans have severely worsened under current administration policies. CEO Marc Morial emphasized that while these policy rollbacks specifically target Black communities, the economic fallout will ultimately harm all working-class and aspirational families. The annual report highlights major overhauls to federal civil rights enforcement and voting laws as significant setbacks to decades of hard-won progress.

2. Mandela Barnes Exits Wisconsin Governor's Race

Former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes has officially dropped out of Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial primary race less than two weeks before election day. Barnes conceded the nomination to state Representative Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist who currently holds a commanding lead in recent polling. The sudden departure marks another major shift in a volatile primary contest to replace outgoing Governor Tony Evers.

3. August Marks National Black Business Month

August officially marks National Black Business Month, celebrating more than three million Black-owned enterprises that generate an estimated $200 billion in annual revenue. Established in 2004, the national observance encourages consumers to actively support local entrepreneurs and bring awareness to systemic financial hurdles. Advocates stress that community patronage is particularly vital now as federal diversity programs, equity grants, and support initiatives face ongoing rollbacks.

4. Atlanta Father Launches "Library Dads" Movement

An Atlanta father turned his routine weekly library visits with his infant daughter into a thriving community movement known as "Library Dads." Founder Khari Arnold created the group to nurture early literacy skills while building a supportive brotherhood among local fathers. The cherished initiative now regularly brings dozens of neighborhood dads together, delivering a simple and powerful message that fathers show up for their children.

5. Know Our History: Lincoln's Retaliatory Order of 1863

On July 31, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued General Order No. 252, an "eye-for-an-eye" mandate designed to protect captured Black Union soldiers. In response to Confederate threats of executing or enslaving Black prisoners of war, the directive vowed equal retaliation against captured Confederate troops. The order represented a fierce, unprecedented federal attempt to enforce equal treatment and combat the brutal indignities faced by Black servicemen during the Civil War.

1. Urban League Warns American Dream Out of Reach
A sobering new "State of Black America" report from the National Urban League warns that economic and political prospects for Black Americans have severely worsened under current administration policies. CEO Marc Morial emphasized that while these policy rollbacks specifically target Black communities, the economic fallout will ultimately harm all working-class and aspirational families. The annual report highlights major overhauls to federal civil rights enforcement and voting laws as significant setbacks to decades of hard-won progress.
2. Mandela Barnes Exits Wisconsin Governor's Race
Former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes has officially dropped out of Wisconsin&rsquo;s Democratic gubernatorial primary race less than two weeks before election day. Barnes conceded the nomination to state Representative Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist who currently holds a commanding lead in recent polling. The sudden departure marks another major shift in a volatile primary contest to replace outgoing Governor Tony Evers.
3. August Marks National Black Business Month
August officially marks National Black Business Month, celebrating more than three million Black-owned enterprises that generate an estimated $200 billion in annual revenue. Established in 2004, the national observance encourages consumers to actively support local entrepreneurs and bring awareness to systemic financial hurdles. Advocates stress that community patronage is particularly vital now as federal diversity programs, equity grants, and support initiatives face ongoing rollbacks.
4. Atlanta Father Launches "Library Dads" Movement
An Atlanta father turned his routine weekly library visits with his infant daughter into a thriving community movement known as "Library Dads." Founder Khari Arnold created the group to nurture early literacy skills while building a supportive brotherhood among local fathers. The cherished initiative now regularly brings dozens of neighborhood dads together, delivering a simple and powerful message that fathers show up for their children.
5. Know Our History: Lincoln's Retaliatory Order of 1863
On July 31, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued General Order No. 252, an "eye-for-an-eye" mandate designed to protect captured Black Union soldiers. In response to Confederate threats of executing or enslaving Black prisoners of war, the directive vowed equal retaliation against captured Confederate troops. The order represented a fierce, unprecedented federal attempt to enforce equal treatment and combat the brutal indignities faced by Black servicemen during the Civil War.

What You Need to Know: July 31, 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/10f8f03e-4396-4da7-88fc-b4980082d537/transcript

1. Americans Shift Grocery Habits Amid 50-Year Price Surge

U.S. urban grocery prices have skyrocketed 33% since 2019, marking the largest food price jump in a half-century. Supply chain disruptions, extreme weather, foreign tariffs, and Middle East conflict continue driving costs upward. Millions of Americans are altering daily shopping habits to afford food, making grocery inflation a central issue in the upcoming midterms.

2. Ohio Governor Opposes Federal Haitian Deportation Plan

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine publicly criticized the Trump administration's plan to deport Haitian migrants, calling the move a mistake for his state's economy. The Supreme Court recently upheld ending Temporary Protected Status for roughly 330,000 Haitians nationwide, including 14,000 residing in Ohio. DeWine emphasized that Haitian residents have revitalized communities like Springfield by filling vacant jobs, opening businesses, and rehabbing local properties.

3. Corporate Boardroom Diversity Drops to Decade Low

Diversity among new S&P 500 corporate board appointments has fallen to its lowest level in over a decade. Diverse directors currently hold 49.3% of S&P 500 board seats, down from a peak of 72% in new appointments in 2021. Advisory experts attribute the decline to increasing legal, political, and regulatory pressures dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

4. Sigma Gamma Rho Inducts Prominent Trailblazers

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority inducted its 2026 "Trailblazer Class" of honorary members during its 61st Biennial Boule in Tampa, Florida. The new inductees include actress Tami Roman, hip-hop icon MC Sha-Rock, basketball legend Lynette Woodard, and former Rockette Jennifer Jones. The sorority honored the women for their pioneering accomplishments across entertainment, sports, business, and public service.

5. Missing Person Alert: Chicago Teen Yasmine Buchanan

Authorities in Chicago are requesting public assistance to locate 16-year-old Yasmine Buchanan, who vanished on July 23, 2026. She is described as a light-complexioned Black female, 5-foot-3, 110 pounds, with long black hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is urged to contact Chicago Police Area 3 SVU or the Black & Missing Foundation.

1. Americans Shift Grocery Habits Amid 50-Year Price Surge
U.S. urban grocery prices have skyrocketed 33% since 2019, marking the largest food price jump in a half-century. Supply chain disruptions, extreme weather, foreign tariffs, and Middle East conflict continue driving costs upward. Millions of Americans are altering daily shopping habits to afford food, making grocery inflation a central issue in the upcoming midterms.
2. Ohio Governor Opposes Federal Haitian Deportation Plan
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine publicly criticized the Trump administration's plan to deport Haitian migrants, calling the move a mistake for his state's economy. The Supreme Court recently upheld ending Temporary Protected Status for roughly 330,000 Haitians nationwide, including 14,000 residing in Ohio. DeWine emphasized that Haitian residents have revitalized communities like Springfield by filling vacant jobs, opening businesses, and rehabbing local properties.
3. Corporate Boardroom Diversity Drops to Decade Low
Diversity among new S&amp;P 500 corporate board appointments has fallen to its lowest level in over a decade. Diverse directors currently hold 49.3% of S&amp;P 500 board seats, down from a peak of 72% in new appointments in 2021. Advisory experts attribute the decline to increasing legal, political, and regulatory pressures dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
4. Sigma Gamma Rho Inducts Prominent Trailblazers
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority inducted its 2026 "Trailblazer Class" of honorary members during its 61st Biennial Boule in Tampa, Florida. The new inductees include actress Tami Roman, hip-hop icon MC Sha-Rock, basketball legend Lynette Woodard, and former Rockette Jennifer Jones. The sorority honored the women for their pioneering accomplishments across entertainment, sports, business, and public service.
5. Missing Person Alert: Chicago Teen Yasmine Buchanan
Authorities in Chicago are requesting public assistance to locate 16-year-old Yasmine Buchanan, who vanished on July 23, 2026. She is described as a light-complexioned Black female, 5-foot-3, 110 pounds, with long black hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is urged to contact Chicago Police Area 3 SVU or the Black &amp; Missing Foundation.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: JULY 30 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/ee99a573-6976-4408-8dd5-b4970073237a/transcript

What You Need to Know: July 29, 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/7dad617a-08b9-4e7f-92a2-b4960045366d/transcript

What You Need To Know: July 15, 2026

What You Need To Know

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