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Center Field Detroit, a two-day dance intensive created by the nonprofit Autumn Sun, will take place July 31-August 1 at the Joseph Walker Williams Center for Metro Detroit student dancers ages 12-18. The program offers up to 200 youth the opportunity to train with elite instructors from three prominent HBCUs: Jackson State University, Southern University, and Texas Southern University. This initiative provides culturally grounded education through dance while equipping participants with skills for auditions, higher education, and creative careers, regardless of their experience level. Arriving at a time when many institutions are scaling back diversity efforts, Center Field Detroit represents a commitment to investing directly in young people's cultural heritage and future opportunities.

The US House of Representatives has passed a bill cutting $9 billion in previously approved funding for public broadcasting and foreign aid, following the Senate's passage less than 24 hours earlier. The legislation, which passed by a narrow 216 to 213 vote with all Democrats and two Republicans opposing, now awaits President Trump's signature. Major cuts target the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (including PBS and NPR) and USAID, though the final package was reduced from $9.4 billion to $9 billion after senators preserved $400 million for Pepfar, a global AIDS prevention program. Republican leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, have indicated this is just the beginning of their government spending reduction efforts, marking the first successful rescissions package in over 30 years.

President Donald Trump, 79, has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition where weakened leg veins fail to properly return blood to the heart, causing pooling in the lower limbs. According to White House physician Captain Sean Barbabella, the condition is "benign and common" among individuals over 70, affecting approximately 10-35% of people in Trump's age group. The diagnosis came after Trump noticed swelling in his legs, prompting a comprehensive medical examination that found no evidence of deep vein thrombosis, arterial disease, heart failure, or other systemic illness. The White House also clarified that bruising on Trump's hand visible in recent photographs is unrelated to the vein condition and instead results from frequent handshaking combined with his regular aspirin regimen.

Michigan is experiencing a competitive U.S. Senate race following Democratic Sen. Gary Peters' retirement, with Rep. Haley Stevens and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow emerging as top Democratic contenders alongside state Rep. Joe Tate and Abdul El-Sayed. On the Republican side, former Rep. Mike Rogers is running again after his narrow 2024 loss to Sen. Elissa Slotkin, with Rep. Bill Huizenga expected to join the race. Although Michigan is a presidential battleground state that has alternated between parties in recent elections, it has consistently elected Democratic senators for the past 30 years, with the last Republican senator elected in 1994. The state has a strong tradition of electing women to leadership positions, and if either Stevens or McMorrow wins, Michigan would join four other states currently represented by two women senators simultaneously. # Who is affected * Michigan voters * Democratic and Republican Senate candidates (Stevens, McMorrow, Tate, El-Sayed, Rogers, and Huizenga) * The Democratic Party, which needs to hold competitive seats like Michigan to regain Senate control * The Republican Party, which currently holds a three-seat Senate majority * Women in politics, as Michigan could potentially add to states with two female senators # What action is being taken * Multiple candidates are actively campaigning for the open Senate seat * Rep. Haley Stevens and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow are competing for the Democratic nomination * Former Rep. Mike Rogers is running again on the Republican side * Rep. Bill Huizenga is expected to enter the Republican primary # Why it matters * This race impacts control of the U.S. Senate, where Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority * Michigan is a crucial swing state in both presidential and congressional elections * Democrats need to retain this seat to have a chance at regaining Senate control in 2026 * The election could potentially add Michigan to the list of states represented by two women senators * Michigan has consistently elected Democratic senators for 30 years despite being a presidential battleground # What's next No explicit next steps stated in the article.

CBS has announced that "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" will end in May 2026 after a 33-year run, citing financial challenges in late-night television. The cancellation, which surprised both Colbert and his audience, marks the end of CBS's late-night comedy presence for the first time since 1993. CBS emphasized that the decision was not related to the show's performance or content, despite speculation about political motivations following Paramount's recent $16 million settlement with President Trump. While Colbert expressed gratitude to CBS and his audience, the network stated they consider him "irreplaceable" and will retire "The Late Show" franchise entirely.

President Donald Trump has ordered Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce additional grand jury documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, amid pressure from supporters for more transparency in the case. This announcement follows controversy over a Wall Street Journal article alleging Trump sent Epstein a "bawdy" birthday greeting in 2003, which Trump denies and threatens to sue over. The president's directive comes after Bondi recently stated that the Justice Department doesn't believe Epstein had a "client list" implicating high-profile associates, disappointing many Trump supporters who expected major revelations. Bondi has indicated she is prepared to ask the court to unseal grand jury transcripts, though it remains unclear which specific Epstein case these documents relate to.

The Trump Administration is now targeting George Mason University President Greg Washington, following their pressure on University of Virginia's president to resign. The Department of Education launched an investigation on July 10 alleging Title VI violations of the Civil Rights Act, specifically criticizing GMU's Task Force on Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence. While conservative groups like the Jefferson Council have demanded Washington's resignation, he has received support from GMU professors, and the Virginia NAACP condemned the investigation as "a blatant attempt to intimidate those who champion diversity." GMU has responded by affirming its commitment to comply with federal mandates and non-discrimination policies.

The recent immigration raids across Southern California have caused widespread disruption and fear, particularly following an incident where Jaime Alanis died after falling while hiding from agents at a cannabis farm. These intensified immigration operations, which began in June, prompted President Trump to deploy National Guard and Marines to ensure deportations continued despite growing protests. The enforcement actions have dramatically altered daily life in the region, with an estimated 1.4 million undocumented immigrants afraid to leave their homes, businesses closing, and community events being canceled. While administration officials highlight criminals captured during these operations, many non-criminal immigrants with established lives in the U.S. have also been detained, leading to accusations that the government is conducting a "program of terror" against California residents.

President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition where leg veins fail to properly pump blood to the heart, resulting in pooling and swelling in the lower limbs. The White House revealed this diagnosis following speculation about bruising on Trump's hand and swollen legs observed in recent photographs. According to White House physician Sean Barbabella, this vein condition is "benign and common" in people over 70, and despite this diagnosis, Trump remains in "excellent health" with no signs of heart failure or other systemic illnesses. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explained that the bruising on Trump's hand was attributed to "tissue damage from frequent handshaking" combined with his regular aspirin regimen, which is part of standard cardiovascular prevention.

The US Congress has passed the Genius Act, the country's first major national cryptocurrency legislation, focusing on regulating stablecoins by requiring them to be backed one-for-one with US dollars or other low-risk assets. President Trump, who previously criticized cryptocurrency but has since developed business ties to the industry, is expected to sign the bill into law on Friday after approval from both the House and Senate. While supporters view the legislation as providing necessary clarity for the growing crypto industry, critics argue it introduces financial risks by legitimizing stablecoins without sufficient consumer protections. This bill is one of three cryptocurrency-related pieces of legislation advancing in Washington, with the other two having passed the House and now headed to the Senate.

William Lacy Clay Sr., Missouri's first Black congressman and a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, has died at age 94. During his 32-year tenure in the House of Representatives, Clay championed labor rights, education, and social justice while serving continuously on the Education and Labor Committee. His legislative accomplishments included reforming the Hatch Act and helping pass the Family and Medical Leave Act, establishing him as an influential civil rights leader. After his retirement in 2001, his son William Lacy Clay Jr. continued his legacy by representing Missouri's 1st District until 2021, while colleagues remember him as a trailblazer who paved the way for future Black political leadership.

The Trump administration has requested a one-day prison sentence for former Kentucky police officer Brett Hankison, who was convicted of violating Breonna Taylor's civil rights during a botched raid that resulted in her death. Despite the maximum sentence for the charge being life imprisonment, prosecutors argue that since Hankison's bullets didn't hit Taylor and he didn't cause her death directly, additional prison time would be unjust. The Taylor family's attorneys have condemned the recommendation as "an insult" that sends a message that white officers can violate Black Americans' rights with impunity. Hankison was the only officer charged and convicted in connection with the 2020 raid, where officers executed a "no-knock" warrant at Taylor's apartment, resulting in an exchange of gunfire that killed her.

The Trump administration is actively exploring the possibility of reopening Alcatraz, the historic former federal prison in San Francisco Bay, as a functioning detention facility. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Interior Secretary Doug Bergum recently toured the site, following President Trump's May announcement expressing interest in reviving the prison as a symbol of law and order. Despite the administration's stated commitment to the project, prison experts and historians have strongly criticized the plan as unrealistic, citing numerous challenges including deteriorating infrastructure, inadequate facilities, and prohibitively high operational costs. Alcatraz, which closed in 1963 due to excessive expenses, currently serves as a popular tourist attraction managed by the National Park Service, welcoming over 1.4 million visitors annually.

A federal judge has blocked a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) rule that would have removed medical debt from the credit reports of approximately 15 million Americans. Judge Sean Jordan of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas sided with credit reporting industry groups, ruling that the CFPB exceeded its authority under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The decision prevents implementation of a rule designed to stop medical debt—often resulting from billing errors, insurance disputes, or emergencies—from negatively affecting credit scores. This ruling particularly impacts Black Americans, who disproportionately carry medical debt, along with women, people with disabilities, and those in the South and rural areas.

The Equitable Internet Initiative (EII) and Michigan Central have launched a partnership called the Southwest Equitable Internet Initiative to provide affordable high-speed internet for $10 per month to residents in Detroit's 48216 and 48209 ZIP codes. This initiative addresses a significant digital divide, as over one-third of Detroit households lacked broadband access in 2015, with low-income areas being disproportionately affected. What makes this program unique is its community-centered approach, training and employing local residents as Digital Stewards who build and maintain the network infrastructure. The initiative plans to connect 200 homes annually for five years, ultimately serving 675 households in these underserved neighborhoods.

Senator Susan Collins, a longstanding Republican representing Maine since 1997, is expected to seek a sixth term in 2026 though she hasn't formally announced her candidacy. Despite Maine's Democratic leanings at the presidential level, Collins has historically been difficult to unseat, as demonstrated by her decisive victory over Democrat Sara Gideon in 2020 despite Gideon's substantial campaign funding. The 2026 race remains uncertain as potential candidates like term-limited Democratic Governor Janet Mills consider challenging Collins, while Democrats David Costello and Jordan Wood have already entered the primary. This Maine Senate race is crucial for Democrats who need to flip four GOP-held seats to regain control of the Senate, which Republicans currently hold with a three-seat majority.

The article examines how the January 6, 2021 Capitol insurrection has evolved into a cultural industry spanning documentaries, books, games, and theatrical performances. It specifically highlights "Fight for America!" - an interactive London theater experience where audiences reenact the insurrection by choosing sides and even voting whether to "hang" Vice President Pence. The piece details how this and other forms of January 6 entertainment commodify the attack, with creators claiming they promote reflection on democracy while critics question whether such works memorialize or trivialize a traumatic national event. The article notes that a Washington D.C. production of "Fight for America!" is planned for January 2026, coinciding with Trump's return to power and his clemency for most insurrection defendants.

Jeanne Denise Coleman (1948-2025) was a beloved educator, athlete, and community figure who passed away peacefully in North Carolina after a rich and impactful life. Born in Gary, Indiana, and later relocating to San Diego, she built a distinguished career with the San Diego City School District as a teacher and coach while also working for 41 years at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. Known for her generous heart, humor, and commitment to helping others, Jeanne earned both bachelor's and master's degrees and was affectionately called "JJ," "Jay," and "Mama C" by those who knew her. She is survived by her daughter Kimberly, son Kevane, and numerous friends and relatives who cherished her motto: "You'd better do what you can while you can."

Benjamin Eugene Brockman II passed away at age 42 in San Diego, California on June 24, 2025. Born in Los Angeles on April 16, 1983, he was the only child of Benjamin E. and Wanda M. Brockman and a member of Calvary Baptist Church. Benjamin had many passions including music, art, knitting, movies, cooking with his grandmother, and his dog, bringing warmth and joy to those around him. He leaves behind his parents, godmother Jewel McDowell, several aunts, and numerous cousins and friends who will cherish his memory.

This article commemorates the birth and deaths of three influential African American musical and acting pioneers who share July 17 as a significant date. Diahann Carroll, born in 1935, broke barriers as the first Black woman to win a Tony Award and to lead a non-stereotypical TV series role. Billie Holiday, who died on July 17, 1959, rose from poverty to become one of the most influential jazz vocalists of the 20th century despite her short 44-year life. John Coltrane, who passed away on July 17, 1967, revolutionized jazz saxophone with his innovative style that combined various musical traditions and spiritual elements.

Federal immigration raids in Los Angeles, particularly a July 7 operation at MacArthur Park involving approximately 90 armed agents, have prompted strong opposition from California officials including Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom. Both leaders have denounced the raids as unconstitutional and harmful to immigrant communities, with Bass issuing Executive Directive No. 12 to prohibit city resources being used for immigration enforcement and to support affected families. In response, the City of Los Angeles is taking legal action against the federal administration, while a U.S. District Judge has ruled that ICE agents must have reasonable suspicion before stops and cannot rely on racial profiling. Various community organizations, including Black-led groups, have mobilized in solidarity with immigrants, emphasizing that the enforcement tactics disproportionately impact multiple communities.

of News Article San Diego Unified School District has approved a phone-free school day policy that will be implemented starting August 11 for the 2025-26 school year, becoming an early adopter of California's Phone-Free School Act (Assembly Bill 3216). The policy prohibits phone use during regular school hours, with high schools allowing usage before the first bell, during lunch, and passing periods, while exceptions are made for emergencies, health purposes, IEP requirements, and teacher-authorized instructional use. The district has established a progressive consequence structure for enforcement, utilizing Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports and Restorative Justice Practices, with interventions ranging from verbal reminders to potential restrictions from school events for repeated violations. Detailed information about the policy, FAQs, and resources for families are available on the district's website.

The retirement of Democratic Senator Dick Durbin has triggered a competitive primary race for Illinois' U.S. Senate seat, with several diverse candidates entering the field. Democratic Governor JB Pritzker has endorsed Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and is expected to financially support her campaign, while Representatives Robin Kelly and Raja Krishnamoorthi are also seeking the nomination alongside longshots Awisi Bustos and Anthony Williams. The primary could make history for representation, as the election of Stratton, Kelly, or Bustos would result in a record three Black women serving in the Senate simultaneously, while Krishnamoorthi would become only the tenth Asian American to serve in the chamber. Although the general election in heavily Democratic Illinois is unlikely to be competitive, the primary is expected to attract national attention and significant financial investment.

A 49-year-old mother and her nine-year-old son were rescued from California's Sierra Nevada forest after being stranded for over 24 hours when their GPS failed in a remote area. The Calaveras County Volunteer Search and Rescue Team discovered them on July 12 by following a trail of handwritten notes the mother had left tucked under rocks along a road. The rescue effort involved air assets and specialized off-road vehicles, with the search team already being in the area for monthly training when the call about the missing pair came in. After spending the night in their car to avoid wild animals, the mother (identified as Tami) and her son Stirling, who had been attempting to reach Camp Wolfeboro for a Cub Scout camping trip, were safely reunited with waiting family members.

The National Urban League has declared a "state of emergency" for democracy and civil rights in the United States in its 49th annual State of Black America report. The report, titled "State of Emergency: Democracy, Civil Rights, and Progress Under Attack," warns of a coordinated campaign to reverse progress for Black Americans through voting rights suppression, dismantling of civil rights protections, and attacks on diversity initiatives. National Urban League President Marc H. Morial emphasized that this represents more than policy shifts but rather a deliberate effort to deny a more just and inclusive America. In response, the organization has launched multiple initiatives including legal challenges, advocacy campaigns, and community organizing efforts to defend democracy and civil rights.

The US Senate has passed a bill seeking to cut $9 billion from previously approved congressional funding, affecting public broadcasting and foreign aid programs. The vote occurred after an overnight session of amendment negotiations and represents part of President Trump's larger initiative to reduce federal spending. While senators preserved funding for the HIV/AIDS program Pepfar after Republican negotiations, they rejected numerous amendments to maintain international aid and public broadcasting funding levels. The bill now returns to the House of Representatives, which had previously passed a version with slightly higher cuts of $9.4 billion, before a Friday deadline when Republicans would lose their opportunity to make these cuts.

The State Department is currently processing passport applications for transgender Americans to update their gender markers, following a June 17 court order in response to an ACLU lawsuit. This temporary relief allows trans people to obtain accurate passports after being blocked from doing so for most of the year. LGBTQ+ civil rights groups are urging transgender individuals to update their passports quickly, as the government has requested the injunction be dissolved. The process requires completing an attestation form identifying oneself as part of the affected class in the lawsuit, along with standard passport application documents, though experts disagree about whether the government could later revoke these passports.

The United States and India are reportedly close to finalizing a trade deal as high-level negotiations continue between the two nations. President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about gaining access to Indian markets, comparing the potential agreement to a recent deal with Indonesia. Despite months of negotiations, key disagreements remain over agricultural access, auto components, and steel tariffs, with an August 1 deadline looming when Trump's announced 27% tariffs on Indian goods would take effect. An Indian delegation is currently in the US for discussions, while Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has stated talks are progressing quickly but emphasized India won't rush into agreements that don't serve its national interests.

India's market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has banned New York-based trading giant Jane Street from the securities market, accusing it of manipulating the Bank Nifty index through a "sinister scheme." According to Sebi, Jane Street operated in both cash and derivatives markets simultaneously, artificially inflating bank share prices early in the day before dumping them at market close to profit from bets on price declines. The firm, which made $4.3 billion from India in just over two years while retail investors lost money, has denied wrongdoing and plans to challenge the ban. Jane Street has deposited approximately $560 million in an escrow account while requesting Sebi lift the temporary trading ban.

Senate Democrats have released their ninth annual staff diversity survey, while Republican offices did not provide demographic data according to an analysis by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. The analysis revealed that among Democratic offices, Senators Heinrich, Luján, Schatz, Padilla, and Ossoff have the most diverse staffs, while Senators Shaheen, Hassan, Welch, and Peters have the least diverse. The report includes detailed graphics showing diversity rankings across personal and committee offices, breaking down representation of people of color, Black, Latino, Asian American/Pacific Islander, women, and LGBTQ staff. The analysis found that of 41 Democratic offices tracked year-over-year, 11 reported increases in staff diversity, 25 reported decreases, and five remained unchanged.