Good afternoon!
Happy Friday, we made it through the first full week of 2025! Before you start your weekend, catch up on The Voice’s top stories from this week, in case you missed them.
In Today’s Newsletter:
- Words from Pres. Jimmy Carter’s personal pastor
- A new tax change will impact freelancers
- Missouri’s new driving law
- The Biden administration just made a big rule for medical bills
- America’s college-aged population is on the decline
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BUSINESS
1. If You Made Money via PayPal, Venmo or Cash App in 2024, Get Ready for This IRS Tax Change
The IRS is moving forward with its new 1099-K tax reporting change. Freelancers and side hustlers should expect a new tax form in January if they made $5,000 or more through third-party payment apps.
Here’s what that means for you
We’ve been enjoying and learning from our Black Trivia events so much, that we decided to let our newsletter members in on the fun with a regular Black Trivia question In our Monday and Friday newsletters.
Question: Senator Tim Scott just became the longest serving Black senator to serve in the U.S. Senate. Who is the second longest serving Black member of the Senate?
A. Hiram Revels
B. Edward Brooks
C. Barack Obama
D. Cory Booker
*See the answer after “In Other News”*
MISSOURI STATE NEWS
2. Understanding Missouri’s New Distracted Driving Law
A new Missouri law will now penalize drivers for using their cell phones while a car is moving. Inattention is a leading cause of collisions, said Captain John Hotz, director of public information and education for the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
NATIONAL NEWS
3. Jimmy Carter’s Personal Pastor Tony Lowden Speaks at Carter’s Service
“I believe the Carter spirit is here because I’m going to do everything I can to love on people the way President Carter would love on them,” Lowden said. “We’re going to do the exact same thing.”
Learn more about Lowden and his relationship with President Carter
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMUNITY VOICE
Nominate a Love Couple
How about being one of the featured couples in our 2025 Valentine’s Issue? Or recommend a couple whose relationship you admire. Learn more about the details and nominate somebody. Just click the photo or button below.
PERSONAL FINANCE
4. Biden Administration Bans Medical Debt From Credit Reports
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rule will remove $49 billion in medical debt from the credit reports of more than 15 million Americans, according to the bureau, which means lenders will no longer be able to take that into consideration when deciding to issue a loan.
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMUNITY VOICE
MLK Jr. Holiday Events
Looking for way to participate in the King Holiday? From banquets, to marches, and concerts, here’s the most complete list of community based events in Wichita, Kansas City, and across Kansas. If you have an event to add to the calendar, click here.
EDUCATION
5. America’s College-Aged Population is Declining
As America’s population ages and some state populations are expected to decline, demographic shifts may profoundly reshape the country’s colleges and universities.
Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman will be the first Black head coach to lead a team to the National College Football Championship. (Yahoo Sports)
Meghan Markle’s new Netflix Show “With Love, Meghan” premieres on Netflix January 15. Here’s a look inside the home she filmed the show in. Psst. It’s not her home. (AP News)
You’ve noticed it at the store. Here’s the truth about shrinkflation in 16 popular grocery brands. (Tasting Table)
*Trivia Answer*: B. Edward Brooks. The senator from Massachusetts served from 1967-1979. Tim Scott, entering his 13th year just surpassed Brooks. Barack Obama served just 4 years and Cory Booker is almost a full year behind Scott and Brooks in service. Hiram Revels was the first African-American to serve in the U.S. Senate during reconstruction from Feb. 1870-March 1871.
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