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Blac Chyna, also known as Angela White, has become a household name, thanks to both her relationship and media endeavors. Before she became one of the top influencers, Chyna was one of the top exotic dancers, known for her pole tricks in the likes of iconic clubs, such as Miami’s King of Diamonds in the 2010s. She became known for her iconic bangs and stunning looks, which caught the attention of rapper Tyga, who cast her in the video for his party classic, Rack City, in 2011. The pair became a couple soon after, welcoming their son, King, in 2012. The pair got engaged shortly after and Chyna had officially hung up her dancing shoes. Sadly, the pair broke it off in 2014 and the model would claim years later that she was thrown out of their shared Los Angeles mansion. 

By the time the relationship crumbled, Chyna had made a name for herself enough to make money from bookings. She has appeared in music videos for Nicki Minaj and Future, to name a few, and took her talents to several reality shows. With such a hustler mentality, Blac Chyna’s net worth has skyrocketed throughout the years. Let’s explore how this innovator has become so wealthy.

The Model Launched Her Beauty and Clothing Brands

Blac Chyna established herself as a businesswoman, beginning in 2013. She first enrolled in JLS Professional Makeup Artist School in Los Angeles, to learn all she could about cosmetics and proper application of makeup. Afterward, she kicked off her first company, 88Fin. The online clothing store offered a wide variety, much of which was modeled by Chyna herself. As of 2024, the brand has been closed down, though it’s unclear why.

Putting her makeup training to use, she created Lashed by Blac Chyna, also in 2013. The brand initially only offered high-quality eyelash extensions. The following year, she took Lashed to new heights by opening a beauty bar in Encino, Los Angeles, which specialized in the perfect eye looks. Throughout the years, the 36-year-old has grown Lashed into a full cosmetic line, offering lip glosses, bronzers, and skincare products. This seems to be her long-running business, now having been operating for over a decade and contributing to her $1.5 million net worth, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

Reality Television Has Been a Lucrative Venture for Blac Chyna

In early 2016, Chyna began dating Rob Kardashian, and the couple welcomed their daughter in November of that year. Their love was showcased on the E! series, Rob & Chyna. The show only lasted seven episodes, with rumors of their tumultuous relationship as the reason the network pulled away. However, Chyna suggested that the Kardashian family had sabotaged their series and relationship. When the show was canceled, she was paid a $100,000 “kill fee.”

She bounced back with another show in 2019, The Real Blac Chyna, which aired on Zeus Network. The series followed her personal and business life. It even showcased her tumultuous relationship with her mother, Tokyo Toni. In June 2024, the mom-of-two joined the season three cast of BET’s College Hill: Celebrity Edition. Her TV moves didn’t stop there. Chyna and her current fiance, Derrick Milano, were announced as cast members of Love & Hip-Hop: Miami season six, which premiered in November. It’s unknown how much Chyna was paid to appear on each of these shows, though it’s evident the content creator makes a comfortable living in front of the camera.

John Sheeran, a white 15-year-old teen from Massachusetts, has pleaded guilty after being accused of nearly drowning a Black teenager in a pond. According to People, Sheeran is facing charges for attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon. The 15-year-old is charged as a “youthful offender,” meaning he could be sentenced as an adult.

Controversy is brewing at Chick-fil-A after the fast-food chain announced changes to its popular waffle fries. On its website, the company revealed it is “making a slight adjustment” to the recipe to help the fries “stay crispier, longer.” However, the new recipe may pose issues for customers with food allergies.

“While the new recipe doesn’t contain any of the nine major allergens, the new Waffle Potato Fries coating does contain pea starch,” Chick-fil-A stated.

A Fashion Designer’s Displeasure With the New Recipe

Fashion designer Daryl-Ann Denner joined the chorus of complaints, expressing her disappointment on Instagram Stories, according to People.

“One of my New Year’s resolutions is to somehow convince @chickfila to return their fries back to normal,” Denner wrote. “They added this P protein according to their website so they don’t get soggy. But now they just taste gross. You know I love you, Chick-fil-A. You can do no wrong, except this lol.”

Denner, a frequent Chick-fil-A customer, said she first noticed the change during a November visit.

“At first, I just thought I kept getting a bad batch,” she told Southern Living. “Then, I blamed it on the location being off, but when I visited another location with my mom, I asked her if she noticed that the fries were grainier than usual.”

After seeing the announcement on Chick-fil-A’s website, Denner decided to stop ordering the fries.

“They used to be my favorite snack,” she said. “[But] they are dry, grainy, and have no flavor anymore. My kids won’t even eat them.”

Fans Voice Concerns About the New Waffle Fries Recipe

Many fans took to social media to share their frustration with the updated waffle fries recipe.

“I love soggy fries. Please, we are begging you,” one person commented on Instagram, according to People.

Another dissatisfied customer wrote, “Please change the fries back. They aren’t as good anymore. They don’t taste the same, and I hate how hard they are.”

Allergy Concerns Add to the Backlash

One mother expressed concern about how the new recipe affects families with food allergies.

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

Carol Acosta, a Dominican influencer famously known as Killadamente, has tragically passed away after reportedly choking on her food during dinner. The 27-year-old was having dinner when she began to choke and suffered cardiac arrest, her sister, Katyan, shared, according to The Mirror.

“I love you, sister, and I will always love you,” Katyan wrote on social media. “I give thanks to God for giving me a sister like you with your big heart. Rest in peace, my sister.”

Acosta’s sister also expressed gratitude to fans for their outpouring of support.

“To all the people who are sending me messages of condolences, I want to thank you a lot for being there and for your support,” she said in a video. “And thank you also for supporting my sister while she was still alive.”

Although Katyan shared the news of her sister’s passing, the Acosta family is awaiting the official autopsy report to confirm the cause of death.

“I know everyone wants to know what happened, but we still are not too sure and we are awaiting the post-mortem results,” a cousin told The Mirror. “All I know is that she was having dinner as normal and began to choke and have difficulties breathing. She had an attack of some kind, she was taken to the hospital, but they couldn’t save her.”

The Acosta family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral costs and support the influencer’s two children.

“On January 3, our dear Carolar, better known as Killadamente, passed away,” a family statement read, according to the news outlet. “The Acosta Gonzalez family shares its pain with everyone who knew her. At her young age, she managed to help thousands of people through her work. On this occasion, we unite and ask for your help in ensuring she has the farewell she deserves. If it’s within your possibilities, we would appreciate a contribution, however small, to help with funeral costs and to support her family and children through this enormous loss.”

Acosta moved to the United States from the Dominican Republic at age 12. She built her career as an influencer by sharing empowering and relatable content, amassing 6.7 million Instagram followers. Killademnte often spoke candidly about her life, including her experiences with bullying and her journey as a mother.

In addition to her online content, she released music, such as her 2017 song, “Me Amo y No Me Importa,” which translates to “I love myself and I don’t care.”

Fred Kerley, a track-and-field athlete who competed in the Paris Olympics for Team USA and won a bronze medal in the 100m, was arrested in Miami on Thursday. Footage of the arrest, circulating on social media, shows him being held down and struck by Miami Beach police officers.

Incident Leading to Fred Kerley’s Arrest

According to law enforcement, Kerley was trying to access an active police scene while walking toward his parked car. Police body camera footage, obtained by USA Today, shows an officer instructing Kerley to leave the area and holding out his hand. Kerley moved the officer’s hand, which allegedly escalated the incident.

Police Response and Use of Force Against Fred Kerley

Footage of the altercation shows four police officers holding Kerley to the ground, with one striking him several times in the rib cage. The athlete was also Tased during the encounter.

Fred Kerley’s Attorney and Judge React to the Arrest

One of Kerley’s attorneys, Yale Sanford, described the incident as “a complete overuse of any reasonable force by officers,” according to USA Today.

A judge also expressed concerns about the officers’ actions.

“Sergeant, this could have been handled a different way,” Judge Mindy Glazer told a police officer during a Friday hearing, as reported by WPLG. “I don’t know if the officers in Miami Beach are busy handling a lot of complicated crime scenes, but I have a gentleman who’s never been arrested, with no prior arrests. His attorney says he’s competed in the Olympics and is obviously a professional athlete. It’s unfortunate that it got to this position.”

Miami Police Defend Actions in Fred Kerley’s Case

Miami Beach police spokesperson Christopher Bess defended the officers’ actions, telling USA Today, “Our officers reverted back to training. Our officer was battered, and they responded to the resistance appropriately and professionally.”

Fred Kerley’s Arrest Follows a Similar Incident Involving Tyreek Hill

The incident follows another high-profile arrest involving Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill and Miami-Dade police officers. In that case, Hill was pulled over, placed in handcuffs, and arrested. One of the officers involved was subsequently placed on administrative duties.

Taylor alleges Walker withdrew significant funds from their joint account without consent Taylor filed the complaint Wednesday, stating that she and Walker mutually decided to split the assets they earned from their influencer business. They also faced other unresolved financial […]

In New York City, congestion pricing will begin this Sunday, Jan. 5. The initiative, long debated, has drawn mixed reactions. Proponents argue it will ease traffic congestion, while critics claim it is a profit-driven move by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

How NYC Congestion Pricing Will Work

Starting Sunday, drivers entering south of 60th Street in Manhattan will pay $9. Small trucks will be charged $14.40, and large trucks will pay $21.60, according to The New York Times. Rates will be discounted during nighttime hours. Ride-share and taxi drivers will face lesser impacts, with fees of $1.50 for Uber and Lyft rides and 75 cents for taxis.

“Congestion pricing will finally tackle the gridlock that is slowing down emergency vehicles, polluting air and wasting people’s time in traffic,” said John J. McCarthy, the MTA’s chief of policy and external relations, according to the news outlet.

Why Is NYC Implementing Congestion Pricing?

New York City was named the most congested city in the world in 2023 by transportation analytics firm INRIX, beating Mexico City, London, and Paris. Supporters believe this policy is a necessary step to address gridlock and improve air quality.

Critics Challenge NYC Congestion Pricing

Opponents argue the policy won’t reduce traffic and unfairly penalizes drivers from outside Manhattan. “This is just simply a misguided policy,” said Ed Day, the Rockland County executive.

Legal challenges abound, with at least 10 lawsuits filed to halt the program. Plaintiffs include Staten Island Borough President Vito J. Fossella, United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew, and the Trucking Association of New York.

On Friday, New Jersey filed an injunction citing potential environmental impacts on the state, but a judge denied the motion.

Political History of NYC Congestion Pricing

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo first introduced congestion pricing in the 2019 state budget. Initially slated to begin in June 2023, the plan was delayed by Gov. Kathy Hochul, who cited concerns about its impact on New York City’s economy. The program was revived in November with a 40% toll reduction.

“This raises serious questions about fairness, priorities, and accountability,” Day said in his lawsuit.

Brenton Wood, the soul singer known most for the iconic hit “The Oogum Boogum Song,” has died. He was 83.

His manager and assistant, Manny Gallegos, confirmed the news to Variety. Per Gallegos, Wood “died from natural causes and was surrounded by his family at his home in Moreno Valley, CA.”

Gallegos told Entertainment Weekly, “I was there last night at his house. I was playing the piano for him. He was in the hospital bed, and I told him, ‘Friend, is there anything you want to say to your fans?’ And he says, you tell my fans I said, ‘Catch you on the rebound.’”

Wood, born Alfred Jesse Smith, was raised in Shreveport, Louisiana before his family moved to Los Angeles. As Variety reported, “he adopted his stage name as a reference to his home county, and looked to artists including Sam Cooke and Jesse Belvin for inspiration as he wrote songs and played the piano.”

His signature song, “The Oogum Boogum Song” was released in 1967 and peaked at No. 34 on the Billboard Hot 100. Another popular song of his is “Gimme Little Sign,” which reached No. 9 on the Hot 100. It was also released in 1967. Both songs have stood the test of time, and “The Oogum Boogum Song” is often used in television series and movies, as well as commercials.

In 2024, he began his farewell tour, Catch You on the Rebound: The Last Tour. It paused after his hospitalization.

A significant winter storm is set to sweep through much of the U.S. this weekend, marking the first major snowstorm of the season. Over six inches of snow is estimated to fall in Northern Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Delaware, and southern New Jersey, The Washington Post reported.

Winter Storm Warning Issued For Midwest And Mid-Atlantic States

Southeastern Nebraska, southern Iowa, northern Missouri, south-central Illinois, south-central Indiana, southern Ohio, northern Kentucky, southwestern Pennsylvania, and West Virginia are expected to feel the storm’s impact. The storm could bring extremely icy roads, downed trees, and widespread power outages.

North Carolina residents are being advised to take extra precautions as they continue to recover from Hurricane Helene.

Southern States Face Tornadoes Amid Winter Storm Warning

On Sunday night, damaging winds and possible tornadoes could impact Arkansas, western Tennessee, eastern Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Snowfall in several states is predicted to range from six to 12 inches before Monday, with some areas, such as northeastern Kansas, northern Missouri, south-central Illinois, south-central Indiana, southern Ohio, northern Kentucky, northern West Virginia, and western Maryland, potentially seeing accumulations of over a foot.

Tracking the Winter Storm Warning: Weekend Path And Impact

The winter storm is forecast to move through South Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas on Saturday before spreading into Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois later that night. By Sunday night, the storm will reach Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, and western Virginia, continuing into Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and the rest of the Mid-Atlantic.

Arctic Blast Follows Winter Storm Warning, With More Snow Expected

Next week, temperatures in some parts of the country could dip into single digits as arctic air sweeps in. Meanwhile, another storm is expected to hit certain regions later in the week, potentially compounding the challenges posed by this weekend’s weather.