Black Legislative & Community Knowledge

Nine skiers have been found dead following a catastrophic avalanche in California's Lake Tahoe backcountry near Castle Peak, marking the deadliest avalanche in modern California history. The group had been on a three-day guided backcountry skiing expedition when a football-field-sized avalanche carrying eight feet of snow and 90-mph winds struck them on Tuesday. Harsh weather conditions, including whiteout visibility and continued avalanche danger, delayed rescue operations for several days until helicopters could safely assist on Friday. The victims included six close friends, two sisters, and three professional guides from Blackbird Mountain, while two members of the 15-person group survived the disaster. # Key Takeaways

The Trump administration fired James W. Hundley just hours after a judicial panel unanimously appointed him as interim US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announcing the dismissal on social media. This represents the second instance this month where the Trump administration has terminated a judge-appointed prosecutor, reflecting an ongoing dispute over whether judges or the president holds appointment authority for these positions. The controversy stems from the administration's pursuit of cases against New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey, which the previous prosecutor declined to pursue before resigning under presidential pressure. Courts in multiple states have ruled that Trump administration appointments to US attorney positions were unlawful, creating a constitutional standoff over the appointment process and Senate confirmation requirements. # Key Takeaways

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has unanimously passed the CLEAR ordinance, which limits federal immigration enforcement agents' access to county facilities by requiring judicial warrants before entering non-public areas. This protective measure aims to enhance transparency and safeguard civil liberties while allowing county residents to utilize public services without fear of immigration-related intimidation. The regulation becomes enforceable on February 28, 2026, one month after its approval date. The article also provides resources for legal assistance and informs readers about their rights regardless of immigration status, including workplace protections and proper conduct when witnessing immigration enforcement activities. # Key Takeaways

Fernando Ramírez, a Mexican immigrant who came to the United States in the 1980s, spent approximately 103 days detained at Michigan's North Lake ICE Processing Center after being arrested despite having a valid work permit and no criminal record. During his detention at the facility, which is operated by private company GEO Group and has grown to hold over 1,400 detainees, Ramírez witnessed and experienced inadequate medical care, unsanitary conditions, poor food quality, and insufficient cold-weather protection. His experience reflects broader concerns about the facility raised by families and officials, including the death of another diabetic detainee and reports of suicide attempts. While detained, Ramírez helped other detainees with translation and support, and his daughters organized a support network called Raíces Migrantes to assist detained immigrants and their families. He was eventually released through a habeas corpus petition on January 10, 2026.

The East Bay Permanent Real Estate Cooperative (EB PREC) is working to revive West Oakland's historic 7th Street Corridor by carefully restoring Esther's Orbit Room, a former jazz and blues club, as a cultural anchor for the neighborhood. The cooperative has raised $18.2 million through a combination of grants, low-interest loans, and investments from nearly 400 community members who accept modest returns in exchange for preserving neighborhood character and preventing displacement. This effort is part of a nationwide trend of historically Black commercial corridors attempting revivals through culturally authentic development, though these projects face challenges including skeptical lenders, decades of property neglect, and community members wary of past failures. EB PREC's approach emphasizes community control and cultural authenticity over investor profits, with leaders believing that careful attention to historical details and genuine representation of West Oakland's Black heritage will attract both local residents and broader tourism. Similar revival efforts are underway in Chicago's Austin neighborhood, Birmingham's Woodlawn district, Columbus's Long Street Corridor, and Pittsburgh's Hill District, all relying on local leadership and cultural preservation to drive economic development.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, running for governor, has proposed developing a statewide high-speed rail system to connect major cities and boost economic growth. The plan, which remains in development, aims to reduce travel times between cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing while attracting young talent who prefer walkable communities with transit options. Michigan currently has only three Amtrak passenger lines running to Chicago, with infrequent service on freight-owned tracks. The proposal faces significant financial and political challenges, with implementation costs potentially reaching billions of dollars depending on whether the state pursues true high-speed rail or upgraded conventional service, though Benson suggests public-private partnerships could fund the project without tax increases.