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What You Need To Know: September 26, 2023

What You Need To Know: September 26, 2023

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

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1. Grand Jury Declines Charges in Death of Nolan Wells, Clearing Friends

A Jackson County grand jury unanimously declined to issue criminal indictments in the July 4, 2026 death of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells, who vanished during a holiday boating trip to Mississippi's Horn Island. District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath confirmed that autopsy findings ruled the manner of death consistent with drowning, finding no evidence of foul play or racial hate. The grand jury's decision exonerates Wells' friends and directly refutes widespread social media speculation and false claims that had surrounded the high-profile case.

2. Tesla Faces State Trial Over Alleged Workplace Discrimination

A major racial discrimination lawsuit against Tesla is heading to trial in California. State civil rights regulators accuse the company of permitting widespread harassment and wage disparities at its flagship plant. Tesla denies all wrongdoing and maintains that it enforces strict workplace misconduct policies.

3. Tax Rules Limit Deductions for Luxury Business Purchases

Luxury items like designer bags and eyewear rarely qualify as tax-deductible business expenses. The tax code requires deductible purchases to be ordinary, necessary, and directly tied to company operations. Proper documentation remains essential for business owners to withstand official IRS scrutiny.

4. Children's Entertainer Boosts Black-Owned Coffee Shop

Children's entertainer Ms. Rachel sparked a major business boost for a Black-owned coffee shop. She highlighted the specialty company Blended Joe after asking diverse entrepreneurs to share their businesses online. The viral social media endorsement generated thousands of new customer orders for the shop.

5. Know Our History: Issuance of the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation

On September 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. The historic decree warned Confederate states that all enslaved people would be declared free on January 1, 1863. The presidential order redefined the Civil War into an explicit fight for human liberation.

 

1. Grand Jury Declines Charges in Death of Nolan Wells, Clearing Friends
A Jackson County grand jury unanimously declined to issue criminal indictments in the July 4, 2026 death of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells, who vanished during a holiday boating trip to Mississippi's Horn Island. District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath confirmed that autopsy findings ruled the manner of death consistent with drowning, finding no evidence of foul play or racial hate. The grand jury's decision exonerates Wells' friends and directly refutes widespread social media speculation and false claims that had surrounded the high-profile case.
2. Tesla Faces State Trial Over Alleged Workplace Discrimination
A major racial discrimination lawsuit against Tesla is heading to trial in California. State civil rights regulators accuse the company of permitting widespread harassment and wage disparities at its flagship plant. Tesla denies all wrongdoing and maintains that it enforces strict workplace misconduct policies.
3. Tax Rules Limit Deductions for Luxury Business Purchases
Luxury items like designer bags and eyewear rarely qualify as tax-deductible business expenses. The tax code requires deductible purchases to be ordinary, necessary, and directly tied to company operations. Proper documentation remains essential for business owners to withstand official IRS scrutiny.
4. Children's Entertainer Boosts Black-Owned Coffee Shop
Children's entertainer Ms. Rachel sparked a major business boost for a Black-owned coffee shop. She highlighted the specialty company Blended Joe after asking diverse entrepreneurs to share their businesses online. The viral social media endorsement generated thousands of new customer orders for the shop.
5. Know Our History: Issuance of the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation
On September 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. The historic decree warned Confederate states that all enslaved people would be declared free on January 1, 1863. The presidential order redefined the Civil War into an explicit fight for human liberation.
&nbsp;

WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW: SEPTEMBER 22, 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/be29c01e-7dff-4f28-ba20-b4cd00390639/transcript

1. Media Outlets Denied Access to White House

Reporters from several major news outlets were denied access to White House grounds following a social media ban. Executive leadership cited dissatisfaction with critical coverage as the reason for revoking press access. Media organizations and press freedom advocates voiced strong opposition to the credential restrictions.

2. Representative Beatty Details Exchange Over Kennedy Center

Representative Joyce Beatty detailed a confrontational exchange with executive leadership during a virtual board meeting. The disagreement stemmed from proposed renovations to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Beatty stood firm against demands to alter the national landmark despite facing personal attacks.

3. U.S. Gas Prices Rise Ahead of Midterm Elections

U.S. gas prices rose to $4.46 per gallon, approaching the highest national average of the year. Rising crude oil and diesel costs continue to drive up transportation expenses across multiple states. Multiple states have already seen average fuel prices surpass $5 per gallon in recent weeks.

4. Ministry Monday: Understanding the Alpha and Omega

This week's reflection focuses on the biblical description of God as the Alpha and Omega. Drawing from Scripture, the lesson highlights divine constancy from the beginning to the end of time. Believers are encouraged to rely on their faith as a guiding anchor through life's trials.

5. Know Our History: Celebrating Mathematics Pioneer Dorothy Johnson Vaughan

September 20 marks the birth anniversary of pioneering mathematical engineer Dorothy Johnson Vaughan, born in 1910. She was among the first Black mathematicians hired at NASA's predecessor agency following federal anti-discrimination orders. Her historic leadership as a human computer helped advance the early American aerospace industry.

 

1. Media Outlets Denied Access to White House
Reporters from several major news outlets were denied access to White House grounds following a social media ban. Executive leadership cited dissatisfaction with critical coverage as the reason for revoking press access. Media organizations and press freedom advocates voiced strong opposition to the credential restrictions.
2. Representative Beatty Details Exchange Over Kennedy Center
Representative Joyce Beatty detailed a confrontational exchange with executive leadership during a virtual board meeting. The disagreement stemmed from proposed renovations to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Beatty stood firm against demands to alter the national landmark despite facing personal attacks.
3. U.S. Gas Prices Rise Ahead of Midterm Elections
U.S. gas prices rose to $4.46 per gallon, approaching the highest national average of the year. Rising crude oil and diesel costs continue to drive up transportation expenses across multiple states. Multiple states have already seen average fuel prices surpass $5 per gallon in recent weeks.
4. Ministry Monday: Understanding the Alpha and Omega
This week's reflection focuses on the biblical description of God as the Alpha and Omega. Drawing from Scripture, the lesson highlights divine constancy from the beginning to the end of time. Believers are encouraged to rely on their faith as a guiding anchor through life's trials.
5. Know Our History: Celebrating Mathematics Pioneer Dorothy Johnson Vaughan
September 20 marks the birth anniversary of pioneering mathematical engineer Dorothy Johnson Vaughan, born in 1910. She was among the first Black mathematicians hired at NASA's predecessor agency following federal anti-discrimination orders. Her historic leadership as a human computer helped advance the early American aerospace industry.
&nbsp;

WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW: SEPTEMBER 21, 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/22654628-ee20-42b6-ad56-b4cc0086dfe9/transcript

1. U.S. House Races to Watch in 2026

Democrats are working to flip the U.S. House of Representatives in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. While recent redistricting changes present challenges, a record number of female candidates are competing across key battleground districts. Voters can track competitive contests through The 19th News Election Tracker.

2. Starbucks Settles Florida DEI Lawsuit

Starbucks agreed to pay $1 million to settle a civil rights lawsuit filed by the state of Florida. Under the nationwide agreement, the company will end race- and sex-based hiring and promotion preferences across all corporate locations. Florida officials stated that all workplace opportunities must be based strictly on merit and professional qualifications.

3. Black-Owned Tech Firm Relaunches TapBlk App

Go Black Own, LLC has relaunched TapBlk, an all-in-one social networking platform for Black professionals and entrepreneurs. The app integrates digital wallet business cards, video introductions, and industry networking groups into one system. Designed for privacy, the service allows users to recommend businesses and collaborate without public follower tallies.

4. 'Hey, Soror' App Connects Divine Nine Members

A new mobile application called Hey, Soror has launched to connect verified Divine Nine sorority members worldwide. The platform helps users locate Black-owned businesses, find trusted travel partners, and coordinate local event attendance. Founded by LaToia Jones, the network leverages community ties to foster professional networking and personal safety.

5. Know Our History: Opening of the Tuskegee Institute

On September 19, 1881, educator Booker T. Washington opened classes at the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute. The institution initially focused on practical agricultural skills and manual trades to build economic self-reliance. As detailed by Tuskegee University History, the school eventually grew into a renowned degree-granting university.

BE INFORMED. BE EMPOWERED.

1. U.S. House Races to Watch in 2026
Democrats are working to flip the U.S. House of Representatives in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. While recent redistricting changes present challenges, a record number of female candidates are competing across key battleground districts. Voters can track competitive contests through <a href="https://19thnews.org/2026/09/us-house-races-election-2026/?utm_source=gemini">The 19th News Election Tracker</a>.
2. Starbucks Settles Florida DEI Lawsuit
Starbucks agreed to pay $1 million to settle a civil rights lawsuit filed by the state of Florida. Under the nationwide agreement, the company will end race- and sex-based hiring and promotion preferences across all corporate locations. Florida officials stated that all workplace opportunities must be based strictly on merit and professional qualifications.
3. Black-Owned Tech Firm Relaunches TapBlk App
Go Black Own, LLC has relaunched TapBlk, an all-in-one social networking platform for Black professionals and entrepreneurs. The app integrates digital wallet business cards, video introductions, and industry networking groups into one system. Designed for privacy, the service allows users to recommend businesses and collaborate without public follower tallies.
4. 'Hey, Soror' App Connects Divine Nine Members
A new mobile application called Hey, Soror has launched to connect verified Divine Nine sorority members worldwide. The platform helps users locate Black-owned businesses, find trusted travel partners, and coordinate local event attendance. Founded by LaToia Jones, the network leverages community ties to foster professional networking and personal safety.
5. Know Our History: Opening of the Tuskegee Institute
On September 19, 1881, educator Booker T. Washington opened classes at the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute. The institution initially focused on practical agricultural skills and manual trades to build economic self-reliance. As detailed by <a href="https://www.tuskegee.edu/explore/History-and-Mission.html?utm_source=gemini">Tuskegee University History</a>, the school eventually grew into a renowned degree-granting university.
BE INFORMED. BE EMPOWERED.

WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW: SEPTEMBER 18, 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/1d976db2-c0b8-4df4-a984-b4c90092491a/transcript

What You Need To Know: September 26, 2023

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