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What You Need to Know: June 24, 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: June 24, 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/999bf33b-1eb7-4e3b-bd9b-b47300adef9c/transcript

1. Florida Primary Election Updates

Democratic socialist Angie Nixon scored a stunning upset in Florida’s Democratic Senate primary, defeating Alex Vindman despite being outspent by more than 10 to one. Nixon, a former union organizer and state lawmaker from Jacksonville, raised about $975,000 compared with Vindman’s $16.3 million but won more than 750,000 votes to his roughly 550,000. Her victory is being seen as another blow to the Democratic establishment as the party prepares for a difficult November challenge against Republican Senator Ashley Moody.

2. Judge Removed in Texas Track Meet Stabbing Retrial Hearing

A visiting Texas judge ordered the removal of District Judge John Roach from presiding over nineteen-year-old Karmelo Anthony's retrial motion. Defense attorneys requested Roach's recusal after he made televised comments stating that jurors "got it right" when convicting Anthony in the fatal stabbing of athlete Austin Metcalf. As reported by PBS NewsHour and KRGV News, a newly assigned judge will evaluate whether Anthony is entitled to a new trial. 

3. Car Insurance Premiums Projected to Rise in Over 30 States

Auto insurance rates are trending higher across the United States after a brief decline last year, according to a new industry analysis. Industry experts at Insurify report that full-coverage premiums rose 1% in early 2026, with price increases expected in 32 states by the end of the year. Reporting from FOX Business notes that a 45% surge in vehicle repair costs, severe weather events, inflation, and auto parts tariffs continue to drive rate adjustments. 

4. Venus Williams Earns US Open Wildcard Amid Black Business Growth

Tennis icon Venus Williams has been awarded a main draw wildcard for the 2026 U.S. Open, marking her return to Flushing Meadows at age 46. According to tournament coverage from Olympics.com and Tennis Now, the two-time singles champion will compete in her 26th Flushing Meadows appearance. Simultaneously, Black-owned food and beverage brands celebrated during Black Business Month are seeing a 22% surge in online sales, accelerating their placement on major retail shelves. 

5. Missing Person Alert: Cecelia Patterson

Maryland authorities and community advocates are requesting public assistance to locate 57-year-old Cecelia Patterson, who disappeared from Waldorf on August 16. Patterson is described as a Black female, 5-foot-5, weighing 200 pounds, with short black hair and brown eyes. Anyone possessing information regarding her current whereabouts is urged to contact the Charles County Sheriff's Office or submit tips directly to local law enforcement.

1. Florida Primary Election Updates
Democratic socialist Angie Nixon scored a stunning upset in Florida&rsquo;s Democratic Senate primary, defeating Alex Vindman despite being outspent by more than 10 to one. Nixon, a former union organizer and state lawmaker from Jacksonville, raised about $975,000 compared with Vindman&rsquo;s $16.3 million but won more than 750,000 votes to his roughly 550,000. Her victory is being seen as another blow to the Democratic establishment as the party prepares for a difficult November challenge against Republican Senator Ashley Moody.
2. Judge Removed in Texas Track Meet Stabbing Retrial Hearing
A visiting Texas judge ordered the removal of District Judge John Roach from presiding over nineteen-year-old Karmelo Anthony's retrial motion. Defense attorneys requested Roach's recusal after he made televised comments stating that jurors "got it right" when convicting Anthony in the fatal stabbing of athlete Austin Metcalf. As reported by <a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/judge-removed-from-texas-track-meet-stabbing-case-as-defendant-karmelo-anthony-seeks-a-new-trial">PBS NewsHour</a> and <a href="https://www.krgv.com/news/judge-removed-from-texas-track-meet-stabbing-case-as-defendant-karmelo-anthony-seeks-a-new-trial/">KRGV News</a>, a newly assigned judge will evaluate whether Anthony is entitled to a new trial. 
3. Car Insurance Premiums Projected to Rise in Over 30 States
Auto insurance rates are trending higher across the United States after a brief decline last year, according to a new industry analysis. Industry experts at Insurify report that full-coverage premiums rose 1% in early 2026, with price increases expected in 32 states by the end of the year. Reporting from <a href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/category/fox-business">FOX Business</a> notes that a 45% surge in vehicle repair costs, severe weather events, inflation, and auto parts tariffs continue to drive rate adjustments. 
4. Venus Williams Earns US Open Wildcard Amid Black Business Growth
Tennis icon Venus Williams has been awarded a main draw wildcard for the 2026 U.S. Open, marking her return to Flushing Meadows at age 46. According to tournament coverage from <a href="https://www.olympics.com/en/news/us-open-2026-venus-williams-womens-singles-tennis-wildcard">Olympics.com</a> and <a href="https://tennisnow.com/venus-williams-receives-us-open-wild-card/">Tennis Now</a>, the two-time singles champion will compete in her 26th Flushing Meadows appearance. Simultaneously, Black-owned food and beverage brands celebrated during Black Business Month are seeing a 22% surge in online sales, accelerating their placement on major retail shelves. 
5. Missing Person Alert: Cecelia Patterson
Maryland authorities and community advocates are requesting public assistance to locate 57-year-old Cecelia Patterson, who disappeared from Waldorf on August 16. Patterson is described as a Black female, 5-foot-5, weighing 200 pounds, with short black hair and brown eyes. Anyone possessing information regarding her current whereabouts is urged to contact the Charles County Sheriff's Office or submit tips directly to local law enforcement.

WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW: AUGUST 20, 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/8c4d6bd0-82c2-4237-b9d0-b4ac00117404/transcript

1. Florida Primary Election Information

Byron Donalds won the Republican nomination for Florida governor, defeating several prominent rivals with the backing of President Donald Trump and positioning himself as the expected favorite in November. If elected, Donalds would make history as the first Black governor of any southern U.S. state, while Democratic nominee David Jolly faces a difficult path in a state where Republicans have dominated statewide elections for decades. Donalds has focused his campaign on affordability, property taxes and insurance costs, while also attacking Jolly over issues including transgender rights and other cultural issues.

2. Missing New York Grandmother Prompts Investigation in Las Vegas

Law enforcement authorities in Nevada are actively searching for sixty-three-year-old Alisa Goods, a New York grandmother who vanished while visiting a friend in Las Vegas. Family members reported receiving suspicious text messages from her phone requesting money, bitcoin, and gas funds despite Goods not owning or driving a vehicle. As detailed by CBS News, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department maintains an active missing person investigation and urges anyone with information to contact detectives immediately. 

3. Federal Meta Trial Begins Over Youth Mental Health Harms

A major federal trial against Meta Platforms began in California as a bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general accuses the tech giant of designing addictive features that harm youth mental health. As detailed in court coverage from KTVB News, state prosecutors allege Facebook and Instagram deliberately exploited children's developmental vulnerabilities while improperly collecting data from underage users. U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers will evaluate Meta's legal liability, which could result in substantial civil penalties and mandated structural changes to the social media platforms. 

4. Colin Kaepernick Renews $1 Million Pledge to Community Nonprofits

Marking ten years since initiating his national anthem protest, former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick announced a renewed one-million-dollar commitment to grassroots community organizations. As highlighted by Blavity, his foundation released initial twenty-five-thousand-dollar grants to youth-focused non-profits across New York, New Orleans, and Oakland. Direct updates regarding upcoming grant cycles and community initiatives are available through the official Know Your Rights Camp Portal. 

5. Know Our History: Benjamin Banneker's Historic Letter to Thomas Jefferson

On August 19, 1791, African American astronomer and mathematician Benjamin Banneker wrote a powerful letter to then-Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson. Citing the Declaration of Independence, Banneker directly challenged Jefferson's hypocrisy in owning enslaved people while championing human liberty. As archived by Encyclopedia Virginia, Banneker enclosed a draft of his astronomical almanac to prove the intellectual capacity and scientific reason of Black Americans.

1. Florida Primary Election Information
Byron Donalds won the Republican nomination for Florida governor, defeating several prominent rivals with the backing of President Donald Trump and positioning himself as the expected favorite in November. If elected, Donalds would make history as the first Black governor of any southern U.S. state, while Democratic nominee David Jolly faces a difficult path in a state where Republicans have dominated statewide elections for decades. Donalds has focused his campaign on affordability, property taxes and insurance costs, while also attacking Jolly over issues including transgender rights and other cultural issues.
2. Missing New York Grandmother Prompts Investigation in Las Vegas
Law enforcement authorities in Nevada are actively searching for sixty-three-year-old Alisa Goods, a New York grandmother who vanished while visiting a friend in Las Vegas. Family members reported receiving suspicious text messages from her phone requesting money, bitcoin, and gas funds despite Goods not owning or driving a vehicle. As detailed by <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/alisa-goods-missing-las-vegas-texts/">CBS News</a>, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department maintains an active missing person investigation and urges anyone with information to contact detectives immediately. 
3. Federal Meta Trial Begins Over Youth Mental Health Harms
A major federal trial against Meta Platforms began in California as a bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general accuses the tech giant of designing addictive features that harm youth mental health. As detailed in court coverage from <a href="https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/nation-world/meta-facebook-instagram-lawsuit-child-safety-privacy-trial-court/507-175ef254-3fb6-47ab-a936-1903249a74cf">KTVB News</a>, state prosecutors allege Facebook and Instagram deliberately exploited children's developmental vulnerabilities while improperly collecting data from underage users. U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers will evaluate Meta's legal liability, which could result in substantial civil penalties and mandated structural changes to the social media platforms. 
4. Colin Kaepernick Renews $1 Million Pledge to Community Nonprofits
Marking ten years since initiating his national anthem protest, former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick announced a renewed one-million-dollar commitment to grassroots community organizations. As highlighted by <a href="https://blavity.com/colin-kaepernick-renews-1-million-pledge-to-community-orgs">Blavity</a>, his foundation released initial twenty-five-thousand-dollar grants to youth-focused non-profits across New York, New Orleans, and Oakland. Direct updates regarding upcoming grant cycles and community initiatives are available through the official <a href="https://kaepernick7.com/pages/colin-kaepernick-and-know-your-rights-camp-commit-1-000-000-to-fund-community-organizations-now-through-2027">Know Your Rights Camp Portal</a>. 
5. Know Our History: Benjamin Banneker's Historic Letter to Thomas Jefferson
On August 19, 1791, African American astronomer and mathematician Benjamin Banneker wrote a powerful letter to then-Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson. Citing the Declaration of Independence, Banneker directly challenged Jefferson's hypocrisy in owning enslaved people while championing human liberty. As archived by <a href="https://encyclopediavirginia.org/primary-documents/letter-from-benjamin-banneker-to-thomas-jefferson-august-19-1791/">Encyclopedia Virginia</a>, Banneker enclosed a draft of his astronomical almanac to prove the intellectual capacity and scientific reason of Black Americans.

WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW: AUGUST 19, 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/2e776dc2-0695-45d2-b899-b4ab00853df3/transcript

1. Primary Elections Underway in Florida, Alaska, and Wyoming

Voters across Florida, Alaska, and Wyoming are casting ballots today in primary elections to select party nominees for key state and federal offices. Voters seeking live election updates, sample ballots, or official vote tallies should consult the Florida Division of Elections or regional election commission portals such as Palm Beach County Elections. Checking official government election websites remains the most direct way to access certified primary updates as local election boards process ballots.

2. U.S. Army Pauses Apache Training Flights After Texas Crash

The U.S. Army has temporarily suspended Apache helicopter training missions following a fatal crash near Salado, Texas. As reported by CBS News, military officials identified the two fallen aviators as Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey and Warrant Officer Seth L. Olmstead. A safety investigation team from the Army Combat Readiness Center is actively conducting a full inquiry to determine the cause of the accident. 

3. Tax Strategy vs. Tax Preparation for Growing Businesses

Financial advisers highlight that proactive tax strategy focuses on guiding business decisions throughout the year, whereas tax preparation simply reports past earnings. Service firm owners who regularly assess entity structures, owner compensation, and allowable deductions can uncover substantial annual savings. Integrating year-round tax planning enables expanding companies to retain more revenue and secure long-term profitability.

4. Tennessee Barber Marks 30 Years of Free Student Haircuts

Tennessee barbershop owner Shawn Moses is continuing his thirty-year tradition of providing free back-to-school haircuts to K-12 students. Parents visiting Moses's shop highlighted how the complimentary haircuts offer crucial financial relief as back-to-school expenses continue to climb. Moses views the annual effort as a vital community mission to help young students feel confident and ready for the academic year.

5. Know Our History: Celebrating Olympic Champion Rafer Johnson

Today marks the birth anniversary of legendary decathlete, actor, and humanitarian Rafer Johnson, who was born on August 18, 1934. A standout multi-sport athlete at UCLA, Johnson earned global acclaim after winning the gold medal in the decathlon at the 1960 Rome Olympics. His historic athletic legacy and lifelong commitment to humanitarian service continue to inspire athletes and communities worldwide.

1. Primary Elections Underway in Florida, Alaska, and Wyoming
Voters across Florida, Alaska, and Wyoming are casting ballots today in primary elections to select party nominees for key state and federal offices. Voters seeking live election updates, sample ballots, or official vote tallies should consult the <a href="https://dos.fl.gov/elections/for-voters/election-dates/">Florida Division of Elections</a> or regional election commission portals such as <a href="https://www.votepalmbeach.gov/292/2026-Primary-Election">Palm Beach County Elections</a>. Checking official government election websites remains the most direct way to access certified primary updates as local election boards process ballots.
2. U.S. Army Pauses Apache Training Flights After Texas Crash
The U.S. Army has temporarily suspended Apache helicopter training missions following a fatal crash near Salado, Texas. As reported by <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/apache-helicopter-crash-salado-texas-fort-hood/">CBS News</a>, military officials identified the two fallen aviators as Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey and Warrant Officer Seth L. Olmstead. A safety investigation team from the Army Combat Readiness Center is actively conducting a full inquiry to determine the cause of the accident. 
3. Tax Strategy vs. Tax Preparation for Growing Businesses
Financial advisers highlight that proactive tax strategy focuses on guiding business decisions throughout the year, whereas tax preparation simply reports past earnings. Service firm owners who regularly assess entity structures, owner compensation, and allowable deductions can uncover substantial annual savings. Integrating year-round tax planning enables expanding companies to retain more revenue and secure long-term profitability.
4. Tennessee Barber Marks 30 Years of Free Student Haircuts
Tennessee barbershop owner Shawn Moses is continuing his thirty-year tradition of providing free back-to-school haircuts to K-12 students. Parents visiting Moses's shop highlighted how the complimentary haircuts offer crucial financial relief as back-to-school expenses continue to climb. Moses views the annual effort as a vital community mission to help young students feel confident and ready for the academic year.
5. Know Our History: Celebrating Olympic Champion Rafer Johnson
Today marks the birth anniversary of legendary decathlete, actor, and humanitarian Rafer Johnson, who was born on August 18, 1934. A standout multi-sport athlete at UCLA, Johnson earned global acclaim after winning the gold medal in the decathlon at the 1960 Rome Olympics. His historic athletic legacy and lifelong commitment to humanitarian service continue to inspire athletes and communities worldwide.

WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW: AUGUST 18, 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/06b95920-aa12-44f5-b813-b4aa0041bae9/transcript

What You Need to Know: June 24, 2026

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