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"Love Island USA," a reality show streamed on Peacock, has achieved record viewership this season with over 3.5 million users participating in voting. The show features singles competing for love and a $100,000 prize over 36 episodes, with viewers using an app to vote contestants off the island in Fiji. Joy Ngugi, former director of presidential video production for the White House under Biden, suggests political campaigns could learn from the show's success in engaging audiences. The article outlines five lessons politics could take from "Love Island," including coalition building, voter registration tactics, enthusiasm generation, authenticity in messaging, and appropriate engagement with digital audiences.

President Trump's administration has reinstated ICE raids in sensitive locations like schools and churches, with recent military-style operations in Los Angeles causing significant distress among immigrant communities. Data shows that one in ten Black Americans is an immigrant, and these enforcement actions are creating a climate of fear preventing many immigrant students from attending school or educational activities. Education advocates like Dr. Christopher Nellum from Ed-Trust warn that these raids traumatize students and damage educational institutions, with studies showing increased anxiety, depression, and school disengagement among affected students. The Los Angeles Unified School District has implemented protective measures in response, while advocates push for stronger legislative protections and support services for vulnerable immigrant students.

Mikayla Salmon, a 29-year-old fashion designer from Clarendon, Jamaica, has achieved international recognition through a collaboration with global fast-fashion company Shein that launched in April 2025. Her four-piece collection featured contemporary designs with the two-piece becoming a best-seller that sold out twice, making her reportedly the second Jamaica-born designer to collaborate with Shein at this scale. Despite facing challenges like self-doubt and previous unsuccessful applications to Shein programs, Salmon persevered and has successfully expanded her brand, Young Addiction, which focuses on creating clothing for all body types, particularly plus-size women. Beyond this achievement, Salmon continues to advocate for Jamaica's fashion industry, highlighting issues such as limited access to quality fabrics and high shipping costs while planning to expand into menswear and develop a custom ackee print for upcoming competitions.

The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) has decided not to invite President Trump to its annual convention in Cleveland this August, with NABJ president Ken Lemon citing the organization's 50th anniversary as the main focus. This decision follows a pattern as other prominent Black organizations, including the NAACP and National Urban League, have also chosen not to invite Trump to their conventions. Black journalists have experienced significant job losses, hiring freezes, and decreased opportunities attributed to the Trump administration's anti-DEI stance. Trump's appearance at last year's NABJ convention was controversial due to his comments about then-Vice President Kamala Harris, which some NABJ leadership candidates characterized as damaging to Black journalists and Black America.

CNN is tracking extreme heat conditions across the United States to help Americans prepare for dangerous temperatures that cause health emergencies and hundreds of heat-related deaths annually. The National Weather Service and CDC produce risk forecasts that consider severity, duration, and potential impact on residents based on historical data. These forecasts include "feels like" temperature predictions for over 800 US cities, heat advisories that affected more than 60 million people in summer 2023, and projections of record-breaking temperatures. Climate change is intensifying heat waves, making them more common, intense, and long-lasting, with temperatures warming faster overnight.

Former Irish national swimming coach George Gibney is being extradited from the United States to Ireland following a ruling by a US district magistrate in Orlando, Florida. Gibney, who has lived outside Ireland for over 30 years, faces 78 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape against four girls aged between eight and fourteen. He consented to the extradition and is currently in custody at Orange County Jail awaiting transport to Ireland. The criminal investigation against Gibney was reopened in 2020 after allegations emerged on the BBC podcast "Where is George Gibney?" with charges recommended by Ireland's Director for Public Prosecutions.

of the Article The Michael Jackson Estate has filed a petition in Los Angeles Superior Court accusing Frank Cascio of orchestrating a $213 million extortion plot by threatening to reverse decades of public support for Jackson into damaging allegations. According to court documents, Cascio, who previously defended Jackson and published a supportive memoir titled "My Friend Michael," allegedly demanded millions from the estate despite having already received payments through a confidential 2020 settlement. The estate claims that after initially collecting settlement funds, Cascio returned with new demands in 2024, threatening to leak allegations to the buyer of Jackson's $600 million music catalog if not paid. Attorney Mark Geragos, who previously defended Jackson as "100 percent innocent," now represents Cascio in what the estate describes as a contradiction of Cascio's decades of public statements supporting Jackson.

President Trump has announced a new arrangement to send Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine through NATO, with NATO countries covering the costs. This announcement follows President Zelensky's request for 10 Patriot systems amid intensified Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities. The US had previously paused some weapons shipments to Ukraine, raising concerns about depleting air defenses, but Trump has now committed to resuming aid after Ukraine experienced record drone attacks. This development comes as Trump has been pushing NATO allies to increase their defense contributions while simultaneously scaling back direct US support for Ukraine since returning to the White House.

The Detroit Pistons are preparing for the 2025 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas (July 11-17) with a roster featuring recent draft picks, returning two-way players, and various prospects. Top prospects include 2024 fifth overall pick Ron Holland, known for his defensive skills and slashing ability; 2024 second-rounder Bobi Klintman, a versatile stretch-forward; and 2025 second-round selection Chaz Lanier, valued for his scoring prowess. The Summer League team will be coached by Pistons assistant Vitaly Potapenko, with the organization using this opportunity to evaluate talent for limited open roster spots, two-way contracts, and G League assignments as part of their ongoing rebuild.

At least 25 people in West Baltimore were hospitalized following suspected drug overdoses Thursday morning near a road intersection in the Penn North area, with five in critical condition. Emergency services responded around 09:20 local time after being alerted by members of the public, finding affected individuals along two intersecting avenues, subway platforms, and alleyways. The incident prompted authorities to close a nearby subway station, block roads, and reroute buses while they investigated. Though officials have not identified the specific substance involved, State Attorney Ivan Bates described the incident as a reminder of Baltimore's ongoing battle with the opioid epidemic, while Maryland Governor Wes Moore and other officials coordinated response efforts.

A Texas firefighter requested emergency flood alerts for Kerr County residents approximately one hour before the first warnings were distributed, according to audio recordings obtained by US media outlets. Residents received CodeRED alerts inconsistently, with some waiting up to six hours after the initial request was made at 04:22 on July 4th. The subsequent flooding from the Guadalupe River, caused by an estimated 100 billion gallons of rain, has killed at least 120 people including 96 in Kerr County alone, with more than 160 individuals still missing. Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Texas Hill Country, while President Biden has expressed support for installing flood alarm systems in Texas following this devastating event.

President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose a 35% tariff on Canadian goods beginning August 1, alongside threats of additional blanket tariffs on other trading partners. This announcement comes just days before a self-imposed deadline to reach a new trade deal between the U.S. and Canada. In response, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated his government would continue protecting Canadian workers and businesses. Trump linked the tariffs to several issues including fentanyl flow into the U.S., Canadian dairy tariffs, and the trade deficit, while suggesting tariffs could be adjusted depending on the relationship between the countries.

A New Hampshire judge has temporarily blocked President Trump's executive order ending birthright citizenship for certain US residents by approving a class action lawsuit brought by the ACLU on behalf of immigrant parents and their infants. The White House strongly objected to this ruling, calling it an unlawful attempt to circumvent the Supreme Court's recent decision limiting universal injunctions. The lawsuit argues that Trump's order violates the 14th Amendment, which establishes that all persons born in the United States are citizens. Trump had intended to revoke this right for babies born to undocumented immigrants and foreign visitors as part of his immigration policy agenda.

of "American Climate Perspectives Survey Reveals Growing Concern About Extreme Heat and Climate Change" A new national poll by ecoAmerica reveals that 86% of Americans across political affiliations report increased concern about climate change due to record-breaking heat waves, with 97% of Democrats, 83% of Independents, and 79% of Republicans expressing heightened worry. The survey shows that 89% of respondents recognize extreme heat's impact on public health, with Black Americans showing particularly high concern levels (91%) while also facing disproportionate exposure to extreme heat and fewer adaptation resources. The findings demonstrate a significant shift in climate perception, with 82% of Americans now believing climate change intensifies extreme weather events, up from 76% in 2021, including a dramatic 17-point increase among Republicans. Additionally, 79% of Americans express concern about proposed funding cuts to FEMA and NOAA, fearing reduced government capacity to respond to climate impacts.

The District of Columbia is experiencing a severe increase in unemployment claims, ranking last in the nation according to WalletHub's report "States Where Unemployment Claims Are Decreasing the Most." Data shows D.C. had a 22.63% rise in initial claims over the previous week and a 73.21% increase compared to last year, giving it the highest cumulative increase in claims for 2025. Experts attribute these troubling trends to various factors including AI adoption uncertainty, potential tariff impacts, tourism industry slowdowns, and policy uncertainty from the federal administration. The unemployment situation reflects deeper structural issues in the job market, including skills mismatches between employers and potential workers.

The article highlights a collaborative program called Unleashed Potential, created by Marcelles Queen's organization Representation for the Bottom in partnership with Brandywine Valley SPCA. Malcolm Smith, an 18-year-old from Congress Park, volunteers at the animal shelter twice weekly, learning skills like kennel cleaning, dog training, and animal care that provide him with potential career opportunities and personal development. Queen, a graduate of the Pathways Program within the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE), created the program as part of his ongoing effort to provide positive opportunities for youth in the Congress Park community. Both Smith and shelter leaders emphasize how the program helps at-risk youth develop valuable skills while providing constructive activities that keep them away from trouble.

The article urgently calls for Black Americans to engage with immigration issues, arguing that the systems targeting immigrants also threaten Black communities. The author emphasizes that immigration enforcement tools like racial profiling, flawed facial recognition, and militarized raids directly impact Black citizens as well. Statistical evidence is presented showing many Black citizens lack proper identification, placing them at risk of wrongful detention. The article frames immigration enforcement and anti-Black policies as interconnected threats from the same system of state power, concluding that remaining silent puts Black communities in danger.

Innocent James, who grew up reading by kerosene lamplight in Tanzania, founded Soma Bags to help children study after dark with solar-powered backpacks. The company transforms discarded materials into backpacks with flexible solar panels that charge during students' walks to and from school, providing 6-8 hours of reading light. Since starting in 2016 with handmade products, Soma Bags sold 36,000 solar backpacks across Africa last year, offering an affordable alternative to kerosene lamps at 12,000-22,500 Tanzanian shillings ($4-8). The initiative has gained international recognition, including acknowledgment from the UNDP and British government, while James continues to run reading groups twice weekly.

Triumph Church pastor Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr., who is running for mayor, is strategizing how to leverage a recent IRS rule change that now allows pastors to campaign for candidates from the pulpit. The IRS officially ended the "Johnson Amendment" restriction that previously prohibited churches from engaging in political campaigns while maintaining their tax-exempt status. According to Kinloch's campaign spokesperson, they immediately began brainstorming ideas after the ruling, suggesting a massive church-based get-out-the-vote effort is forthcoming. Political strategists note this change could significantly impact elections by allowing pastors to directly endorse candidates and distribute campaign literature in churches, though they caution excessive politicking might alienate congregations.

President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs of up to 50% on Brazil, accusing the country of attacking US tech companies and conducting a "witch hunt" against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. This action has severely strained US-Brazil relations, following recent political tensions between Trump and current Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Lula responded by asserting Brazil's sovereignty, while his government promised to reciprocate with equal tariffs on American products. The tariff threat appears politically motivated, with many Brazilian analysts viewing it as Trump's overt support for Bolsonaro, who faces prosecution over an alleged coup attempt following Brazil's 2022 election.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order attempting to withhold U.S. citizenship from children born to certain immigrant parents in the United States, immediately facing legal challenges. A federal judge in New Hampshire recently blocked this order by issuing a temporary injunction while certifying a class-action lawsuit on behalf of affected children. The executive order specifically targets infants born to mothers without permanent immigration status or those with temporary legal status, potentially affecting approximately 255,000 children annually according to analysis by the Migration Policy Institute. While the Supreme Court struck down nationwide injunctions against the order in June, they did not rule on the constitutionality of the order itself, which conflicts with the 14th Amendment's guarantee of birthright citizenship.

President Trump's housing policies are exacerbating an already broken system through protectionist trade wars, targeting immigrant construction workers, and considering privatizing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. His proposed budget would cut federal rental assistance by approximately 40% while shifting remaining funds to states as block grants, which critics argue could dramatically increase homelessness. Instead of focusing on software bans or other superficial solutions, experts suggest addressing the root causes of the housing crisis through an "abundance agenda" that reforms zoning restrictions, streamlines permitting processes, and prioritizes increasing housing supply. Both Republican and Democratic policymakers are urged to reject Trump's approach and unite around building more housing to prevent economic and humanitarian disaster.

The House of Representatives is debating a contentious bill referred to by Republicans as the "Big Beautiful Bill" and by Democrats as "The Big Ugly Bill." House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries strongly opposed the legislation, which according to the Congressional Budget Office would add $3.3 trillion to the deficit while cutting healthcare for 16 million Americans, reducing SNAP food assistance, and codifying tax breaks for wealthy individuals. Democrats need only four Republican votes to defeat the bill, while President Trump has been calling Republican holdouts to secure their support. The legislation would also impact the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), prompting former President Obama to issue a statement urging representatives to vote against it.

Donald Trump's proposed spending measure, dubbed the "One Big Ugly Bill" by Democrats, aims to drastically cut social safety net programs while creating an unprecedented immigration enforcement system. The legislation includes approximately $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act over ten years, potentially affecting millions of low-income Americans' healthcare coverage. Simultaneously, it allocates over $150 billion to expand ICE operations, with the detention budget projected to increase from $3.4 billion to $45 billion by 2029, surpassing federal prison funding. The bill also establishes a federal citizenship registry combining Social Security and immigration data, which critics argue creates a national surveillance system implemented without proper public debate.

Jamaica's Ambassador to Japan, Shorna-Kay Richards, delivered a passionate lecture advocating for global nuclear disarmament during a Peace Boat voyage to Montego Bay. Speaking as part of the 'Time for Peace' initiative commemorating the 80th anniversary of World War II's end, Richards highlighted Jamaica's consistent leadership in nuclear non-proliferation efforts despite being a small island nation. She shared her personal commitment to disarmament that began after visiting Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 2005, where she witnessed the devastation of nuclear weapons and met survivors. Richards emphasized Jamaica's participation in all major nuclear disarmament treaties while warning about growing nuclear threats in the current global landscape.

Unemployment among Black Americans rose to 6.8% in June 2023, reaching its highest level since January 2022, while the national unemployment rate decreased to 4.1% with 147,000 jobs added overall. This disparity occurs as Black Americans are typically affected first when the economy weakens, particularly in industries like transportation and warehousing where hiring has recently declined. President Trump's trade policies creating business uncertainty and the administration's reduction of federal government jobs, particularly targeting diversity programs, may be contributing factors to this unemployment gap. While the broader labor market appears stable, this growth is concentrated primarily in healthcare, local government, and hospitality sectors, with most other industries showing minimal job gains.

Extreme heat poses significant health risks by challenging the body's natural cooling mechanisms through sweat. When environmental conditions prevent effective cooling, individuals can experience dehydration, heat exhaustion, or potentially fatal heat stroke. Professor Bharat Venkat of UCLA Heat Lab emphasizes that heat impacts all bodily systems, while high humidity worsens these effects by reducing sweat efficiency. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provides heat index guidelines to help people understand danger levels, with temperatures above 103°F (or lower temperatures with high humidity) classified as dangerous for physical activity.

Mary McLeod Bethune, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton, and Arthur Ashe share July 10th as a significant date in their lives, with Bethune and Ashe being born on this day in 1875 and 1943 respectively, while Morton passed away on this date in 1941. Bethune, born to formerly enslaved parents, became an influential educator who founded a school for Black girls that evolved into Bethune-Cookman College and later served as an advisor to President Roosevelt. Morton was a pioneering jazz pianist and composer who led the Red Hot Peppers band and made significant recordings in the 1920s before his death in 1941. Ashe broke racial barriers as the first Black man to win major tennis championships while advocating for civil rights, youth education, and later becoming an AIDS activist following his own HIV diagnosis.

The United States has implemented significant changes to its non-immigrant visa policy for citizens of Cameroon, Ethiopia, and Nigeria, reducing most visas to single-entry with three-month validity as part of a "global reciprocity realignment." Nigeria has expressed concern that these restrictions could hinder cultural and educational exchanges that form the foundation of US-Nigeria relations. While the US claims this change aims to achieve reciprocity, questions arise about the equivalence since US citizens can obtain visas of up to a year in Cameroon and 90 days in Ethiopia. The State Department indicates these policies remain under ongoing review and may change based on diplomatic, security, and immigration factors.

USAID-funded HIV clinics across South Africa have closed following President Trump's cuts to foreign aid earlier this year, leaving thousands of HIV-positive patients like Gugu uncertain about their medication access. The UNAids report released Thursday warns that the substantial progress made in fighting HIV/AIDS—including a 40% reduction in new infections since 2010 and 26 million lives saved—risks being reversed due to funding cuts from multiple donors. South Africa, with approximately 7.7 million HIV-positive individuals (the highest number globally), previously received about 17% of its HIV/AIDS program funding from PEPFAR, which had invested over $100 billion globally since 2003. Beyond patient care, these cuts have also severely impacted critical HIV vaccine research and development across Africa, potentially setting back scientific progress by months or years.