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July 29, 2026

Unsafe Carriers are Severe Trucking Accidents Waiting to Happen

The trucking industry faces significant safety challenges, with over 41,300 truck crashes reported as of May 2026 and trucks being at fault in more than 55% of collisions with other vehicles. The primary causes include inadequate vehicle maintenance, driver fatigue from violating hours-of-service regulations, mechanical failures, and unsafe carriers that dissolve and reopen under new identities to avoid accountability. Individual truck drivers, particularly Black CDL holders, can improve safety through regular pre- and post-trip inspections, digital diagnostics tools, and support from organizations like the Minority Professional Truckers Association and African American Women Trucking Association. The industry continues struggling with multiple challenges including COVID-19 aftermath, tariff impacts, rising operational costs, and infrastructure issues like insufficient truck parking nationwide. # Key Takeaways

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July 29, 2026

America’s Mobile Workforce is Reshaping Short-Term Housing

The global workforce is increasingly mobile, with approximately 80% of workers being "deskless" and moving between locations for their jobs. This shift encompasses various professions including healthcare workers, trade service professionals, and truck drivers who travel to meet workforce shortages and scheduling demands. Mobile workers are transforming the housing market by creating demand for furnished accommodations, flexible lease terms, and coliving arrangements rather than traditional long-term rentals. The duration of stays varies widely depending on the profession, ranging from days to months, with some assignments based on completing specific tasks while others fill temporary staffing gaps. This mobile workforce trend is reshaping both local economies and housing markets across the country.

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July 29, 2026

Zelensky and Netanyahu meet Trump as wars in Ukraine and Iran drag on

President Donald Trump held separate meetings at the White House with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, both of whom were in Washington attending Senator Lindsey Graham's funeral. Zelensky focused his visit on securing licenses for Ukraine to domestically produce Patriot interceptor missiles, which would help defend against increasing Russian aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities. According to Zelensky, Trump agreed to provide these production licenses, and the Ukrainian leader also met with Lockheed Martin executives to discuss joint production capabilities. Netanyahu's meeting centered on Iran-related issues amid strained US-Israel relations, with both leaders characterizing their discussion as positive and productive. # Key Takeaways

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July 29, 2026

Is America running low on weapons?

The article poses the question of whether the United States is experiencing a depletion of its weapons stockpiles. This appears to be an analysis piece by Bernd Debusmann examining America's current military arsenal levels and capacity. The piece is categorized under world news and relates to topics involving the United States and Iran, suggesting the weapons discussion may be connected to recent or potential military engagements. The article format includes a video component that requires JavaScript to view, indicating multimedia reporting on this defense-related issue. # Key Takeaways

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July 29, 2026

Detroit transit union president departs

Schetrone Collier, who recently retired after serving as president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 26, was honored by Detroit City Council with a Spirit of Detroit Award for his advocacy work on behalf of bus drivers. During his tenure as union president starting in 2022, he successfully negotiated significant wage increases that brought Detroit Department of Transportation driver pay in line with neighboring transit systems, addressing long-standing compensation disparities. His leadership helped stabilize DDOT's workforce, which had declined dramatically from 1,200 drivers before the pandemic to just 250, and has since recovered to approximately 650 drivers. Collier, who began his career with DDOT in 1989 earning minimal wages, dedicated over three decades to improving working conditions and achieving pay equity for Detroit transit workers before retiring on July 1.

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July 29, 2026

Need a ride to the polls? Free rides are available on Election Day

Detroit has seen nearly 1,000 residents participate in early voting during the initial days leading up to the August primary election, representing a significant increase from the previous year's first-day turnout. City officials are promoting voter participation through various initiatives, including a competition where the council district with the highest early voting turnout will receive a block party celebration. Meanwhile, religious leaders have publicly urged city council members to protect voting rights and resist potential federal interference, particularly as the Justice Department plans to send election monitors to Detroit and other Michigan cities that are Democratic strongholds. To remove transportation barriers on Election Day, both SMART and DDOT transit systems will provide completely free bus service throughout the region for a full 24-hour period.

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July 29, 2026

Backlash after $2.2M police drone grant submitted without Council approval

Detroit City Council discovered that city officials had submitted a $2.2 million federal grant application for a police drone program without obtaining required council approval, violating city code. The Justice Department grant would fund a "drone as first responder" program to handle low-risk calls, but the application was rushed to meet a June 10 deadline without notifying council members beforehand. Council President Tate and other members expressed frustration over being bypassed in the process, particularly since the police department still lacks an approved drone use policy. City officials apologized for the procedural violation, and the council voted against authorizing the application, with officials now considering withdrawing it entirely.

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July 29, 2026

Saudi Arabia joins US in strikes on Iran-backed militias in Iraq

Saudi Arabia and the United States conducted joint military strikes against Iranian-backed militias across multiple Iraqi provinces, killing at least 20 members of Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces. The coordinated attack followed more than 30 drone strikes directed by Iran's Revolutionary Guard against American forces and Saudi energy infrastructure over a 72-hour period. Iran had also launched a missile attack on US bases in Jordan, which was intercepted, and struck oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz through its naval forces. This marks a significant escalation involving Saudi Arabia's direct military participation alongside the US, breaking a brief three-day pause in hostilities that had followed 13 consecutive nights of American bombing campaigns against Iranian targets.

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July 29, 2026

Trump's new spy chief Jay Clayton confirmed by US Senate

The US Senate confirmed Jay Clayton as the new Director of National Intelligence with a 51-47 vote, replacing acting DNI Bill Pulte, who faced criticism for lacking intelligence experience and politicizing his housing regulator position. Clayton previously served as US attorney for the Southern District of New York and has experience as a securities regulator and federal prosecutor. His confirmation hearing raised concerns among Democrats when he avoided directly stating that Joe Biden won the 2020 election, instead saying Biden was "certified" as winner. Clayton's appointment may facilitate negotiations on renewing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which Trump supports for long-term renewal.

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July 29, 2026

Four women accuse Jared Leto of criminal sexual conduct

Four women have accused actor and musician Jared Leto of criminal sexual conduct that allegedly occurred when they were teenagers between 2002 and 2016, while Leto was in his 30s and 40s. The accusations include sexual assault, threats of sexual assault, statutory rape, and grooming of minors through sexually explicit phone calls, with one victim allegedly receiving a non-disclosure agreement she refused to sign. A BBC documentary features ten women total sharing experiences with Leto, including inappropriate interactions and sexual phone calls, with accounts corroborated by friends, family, photographs, and messages. Former band staff members also described their discomfort with Leto's interactions with teenage girls backstage and at recording locations. Despite multiple contact attempts from the BBC, the 54-year-old Oscar winner has not responded to these allegations.

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July 29, 2026

REDMOND: Black Women Deserve Equal Pay. Unions Help Make It Happen.

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July 29, 2026

WARREN: ‘The Trusted Messenger’ and the Black Vote



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July 29, 2026

MORIAL: Affordability for All — It’s Time to Rescue the American Dream

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July 29, 2026

ELMOGRABI: Accountable Gold in Africa — A New Initiative

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July 29, 2026

WALKER: Trump Shell Game Biggest Grift in World History

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July 29, 2026

FARR: Can Shawn Carter Live?

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July 29, 2026

GUILLERMO: When Politicians Start Sanitizing One Chapter of History, They’re Coming After The Whole Book

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July 29, 2026

SHAW: How Black WNBA Players Became Collateral Damage in the Caitlin Clark Culture War

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July 28, 2026

Watch: Trump delivers eulogy honouring Lindsey Graham

President Donald Trump delivered a eulogy at the funeral service for Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed away from aortic dissection on July 11th. The memorial service took place at Washington National Cathedral and drew high-profile attendees including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. During his remarks, Trump characterized Graham as a "true American original" and a "beloved friend," honoring his close political ally. Fox News personality Sean Hannity also spoke at the service to commemorate the late senator. # Key Takeaways

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July 28, 2026

James Comer: The House Republican More Focused on D.C. Than His Own District

Republican Representative James Comer, who represents Kentucky's 1st Congressional District, has introduced legislation requiring congressional approval for Washington D.C.'s local tax decisions, sparking criticism that he's neglecting his own constituents' needs. While western Kentucky faces significant challenges including rapid farmland loss, housing insecurity, and lack of basic services like food delivery, Comer has focused heavily on D.C. affairs, introducing his 20th bill interfering with the District's local governance. His Democratic challenger, John "Drew" Williams, argues Comer prioritizes corporate interests over constituents and fails to engage with local residents through basic means like town halls. The legislation, which DoorDash publicly supports, passed through committee despite Democratic opposition and is expected to reach a full House vote this fall. D.C. officials and activists are mobilizing against the bill, which they say would paralyze local governance by requiring congressional approval for routine tax and licensing matters. # Key Takeaways

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July 28, 2026

Lindsey Graham remembered by Trump as 'giant of the US Senate' at funeral

Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who died at age 71 from an aortic dissection after returning from Ukraine, was honored at a funeral service at Washington National Cathedral. President Trump delivered a eulogy praising Graham as a "giant of the United States Senate" and recounted their evolution from 2016 campaign rivals to close friends over the past decade. Graham, who served in the Senate since 2002, was known as a prominent foreign policy hawk who strongly supported Israel, Ukraine, and military intervention abroad. The service was attended by international leaders including Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Zelensky, along with Trump administration officials and Fox News host Sean Hannity, who also spoke at the ceremony.

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July 28, 2026

Pop star Madison Beer and NFL player Justin Herbert announce engagement

Pop singer Madison Beer and Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert have announced their engagement through social media posts featuring proposal photos. The 27-year-old Grammy-nominated artist and the 28-year-old NFL player began dating publicly around August 2025 and have been frequently seen together at various sporting events in Los Angeles. Beer gained fame as a teenager after Justin Bieber shared her cover video online, while Herbert has played six seasons with the Chargers without winning a championship. The couple's relationship became more visible when Herbert appeared in one of Beer's music videos earlier this year. # Key Takeaways

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July 28, 2026

Bystander video shows teen lifeguard's dramatic ocean rescue

A 16-year-old rookie lifeguard named Ryder Williams successfully rescued a 10-year-old boy who had been swept approximately 15 yards offshore at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz, California. Bystander footage documented the dramatic rescue operation, which lasted slightly more than two minutes and included assistance from several beachgoers who participated in saving the child. The young lifeguard's heroic actions have garnered significant attention, prompting recognition at the highest levels of government. President Donald Trump has extended an invitation to Williams to visit the White House where he will be honored with a high civilian award for his courageous rescue. # Key Takeaways

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July 28, 2026

Opinion: When Politicians Start Sanitizing One Chapter of History, They’re Coming After The Whole Book

A Filipino American performer visiting Winnipeg, Canada learned about Arthur Mar, a Chinese immigrant who paid a $500 head tax in the 1920s before successfully building restaurants and becoming a community fixture through his Good Way Café. This personal story highlighted parallels between Canadian and American anti-Chinese discrimination, particularly exclusion acts in both countries. The writer draws connections to a recent Trump administration report that reframes the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act as primarily about national security rather than racism. The article argues this represents a broader pattern of sanitizing racist policies throughout history by relabeling them with terms like "national security," "public safety," or "law and order." # Key Takeaways

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July 28, 2026

Asm. McKinnor’s Bill Banning Drones Above Outdoor Entertainment Events Awaits Senate Decision

California Assemblymember Tina McKinnor is pushing forward legislation that would ban unauthorized drones from flying within 400 feet of major outdoor ticketed entertainment venues. The proposed bill, which has received overwhelming bipartisan support in the Assembly and passed a Senate committee, would allow local law enforcement to enforce airspace restrictions at venues with at least 1,000-person capacity, with violators facing $500 fines. McKinnor emphasizes the legislation addresses both public safety concerns and intellectual property protection for artists, particularly as California prepares to host the 2028 Olympics. While Live Nation Entertainment supports the measure, a drone industry trade association is requesting exemptions for legitimate commercial operations like cargo delivery and infrastructure inspections before the bill advances further. # Key Takeaways

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July 28, 2026

Airstrikes Have Paused and Talks are Pressing Forward. But Can the US and Iran Take the Off-Ramp?

The United States has temporarily halted airstrikes against Iran after nearly two weeks of intensified bombing, as diplomatic efforts work to prevent a return to full-scale conflict. The confrontation centers on Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway carrying 20% of global oil supplies, which has caused oil prices to surge. Negotiations are underway to establish a compromise allowing Iran to manage vessel transit through the strait with reduced restrictions, while both nations claim they want to return to a previous interim ceasefire agreement. President Trump has indicated willingness to continue either military pressure or diplomatic talks, and the situation remains highly uncertain, particularly with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's upcoming visit to Washington and various factions within Iran competing for influence.

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July 28, 2026

Where Michigan governor candidates stand on schools, literacy

Michigan's four gubernatorial candidates—Democrats Jocelyn Benson and Chris Swanson, and Republicans Tudor Dixon and Tom James—are proposing different approaches to address the state's struggling education system, including poor literacy rates that rank 44th nationally and low college readiness scores. Republicans emphasize parental choice, school vouchers, and reducing regulatory barriers for teachers, while Democrats focus on strengthening public schools, increasing teacher pay, and maintaining existing resources for traditional districts. All candidates agree on expanding career and technical education pathways beyond traditional four-year college routes. The primary divide centers on funding mechanisms, with Republicans questioning spending efficiency despite Michigan's high per-pupil funding, while Democrats propose overhauling the funding formula and protecting public school resources from diversion to charter schools or private alternatives. # Key Takeaways

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July 28, 2026

Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California Proves its Relevance in an Evolving America

The Civil Rights Institute (CRI) of Inland Southern California, founded in 2006 and opened to the public in 2023, has quickly established itself as a vital community resource in the region. The organization was recently honored as a "Riverside Hero" in January 2026, just three years after opening its doors, demonstrating its rapid impact on civic life. The Institute operates three distinct centers—an exhibition center showcasing civil rights history, a diversity center providing neutral space for community dialogue, and a media center preserving regional civil rights records through digital archives. Through programs like the Ethnic Studies Resource Hub and Last Mile Bus Program, along with know-your-rights workshops, the CRI actively addresses contemporary issues including immigration policy, housing costs, and educational justice while preserving the Inland Empire's significant civil rights history.

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July 28, 2026

Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed

California Governor Gavin Newsom recently showcased the state's expanded investments in advanced wildfire prevention technology, including AI-powered detection systems, FireSat satellites, and over 100 drones for real-time monitoring, as part of a budget that has grown from $2 billion to $3.8 billion since 2019. Separately, U.S. Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove is demanding medical care for a constituent who was shot by ICE officers and allegedly denied proper treatment while detained at the Adelanto facility. Senator Alex Padilla has joined colleagues in introducing legislation to establish 18-year terms for Supreme Court justices with staggered appointments to reduce politicization of the Court. Additionally, Governor Newsom announced $109.6 million in Proposition 1 funding to create 278 permanent supportive housing units across four California cities, with significant portions reserved for veterans experiencing homelessness.

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July 28, 2026

IN MEMORIAM: Clara Ester, Civil Rights Activist, Dies at 78

Clara Ester, a civil rights activist who witnessed Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination in Memphis in 1968, has died at age 78. As a 20-year-old college student actively involved in the sanitation workers' strike, she was at the Lorraine Motel when King was shot and immediately rushed to help him, attempting to stop his bleeding before police questioned her. The trauma of witnessing the assassination in her hometown led her to leave Memphis permanently after finishing school. She dedicated her life to community service in Mobile, Alabama, working with vulnerable populations and serving in leadership roles within the United Methodist Church until her retirement in 2006. # Key Takeaways

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