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New research suggests that fast walking for just 15 minutes daily can provide significant health benefits comparable to the recommended 150 minutes of moderate activity per week. A study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine found participants who fast walked for at least 15 minutes daily experienced a nearly 20% reduction in premature death, compared to only 4% for those who walked slowly for more than three hours daily. The research, led by Dr. Wei Zheng of Vanderbilt University Medical Center, involved approximately 85,000 mostly low-income and Black participants tracked over 16 years. Fast walking offers specific benefits including decreased risk of heart failure, arrhythmias, type 2 diabetes, and cognitive decline.

Venus Williams, 45, has received a wild-card invitation to compete in singles at the U.S. Open, making her the oldest singles entrant since Renee Richards in 1981. The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion will be returning to major tournament play after a two-year absence from Grand Slam tennis, having last played at the 2023 U.S. Open where she lost in the first round. Williams, who recently returned to competitive tennis at the DC Open after a 16-month absence following surgery to remove uterine fibroids, has also received a wild-card entry for the mixed doubles competition with American player Reilly Opelka. Her comeback has generated significant attention both for her tennis achievements and her personal life, including her engagement to an Italian actor.

The Midland Independent School District in Texas is facing controversy as the school board considers reverting Legacy High School's name back to Midland Lee, which would restore a connection to Confederate General Robert E. Lee. The school's name was changed five years ago following Black Lives Matter protests, but newly elected board Vice President Josh Guinn has proposed restoring elements of the old name, claiming it honors "patriotic legacy" rather than Confederate history. This debate mirrors national tensions over Confederate symbols, with supporters arguing the name preserves community heritage and athletic tradition, while opponents like La'Toya Mayberry view it as an embrace of racist history that would force some families to consider other educational options for their children.

A comprehensive report released in May 2025 by the Black Equity Collective (BEC), Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF), and EVITARUS reveals the substantial economic and social impact of 217 Black-led organizations (BLOs) across California. In fiscal year 2023, these organizations employed over 4,000 people, paid more than $335 million in salaries, and contributed $22 million in payroll taxes while providing essential community services in health, safety, advocacy, and racial justice. Despite their significant contributions, 80% of BLOs report insufficient staffing to meet community demands due to chronic underfunding, which limits their service delivery and ability to pay livable wages. The report argues that increased financial support from public and private funders would allow these organizations to exponentially grow their impact through deeper services, expanded programming, sustainable staffing, and greater community wealth generation.

Cincinnati community leaders, led by Ohio State Rep. Cecil Thomas, are demanding charges against a white man captured on video slapping a Black man during a downtown brawl that led to violence and multiple arrests. The investigation has drawn criticism as six Black individuals have been charged with aggravated riot and felonious assault, while the white man who initiated the conflict remains uncharged after three weeks. At a meeting at New Prospect Baptist Church, Thomas, who heads the Greater Cincinnati chapter of the National Action Network, expressed concerns about potential bias in the investigation. Community members are demanding prosecution of the white man within 24 hours, with Pastor Leslie Jones noting that the community is "restless and watching."

Dr. Ernest Everett Just, Ada "Bricktop" Smith, and Earvin "Magic" Johnson share August 14 as their birth date in different years (1883, 1894, and 1959 respectively). Dr. Just was a groundbreaking biologist who faced racial barriers yet made significant contributions to cell biology research, dividing his career between Howard University, the Marine Biological Laboratory, and European institutions. Smith rose from vaudeville performer to international nightclub owner, with her Paris establishment Chez Bricktop's becoming a gathering place for celebrities and elites during the 1920s. Johnson transformed from Michigan high school basketball sensation to NBA champion with the Lakers before retiring after his HIV diagnosis and establishing the Magic Johnson Foundation to support underserved communities through health initiatives and youth programs.

James Deck Hamilton Jr. ("Strit"), born December 28, 1941, in Stamps, Arkansas, was a talented self-taught guitarist and vocalist who served in the Air Force before becoming a skilled journeyman welder. The father of five children from his marriage to Theresa Ann Batiste (Khadijah Muhammad), Strit pursued music throughout his life, traveling across the country with his guitar and even declining an offer from Motown. Known for his kindness, humor, and distinctive laugh, he passed away on July 17, 2025, leaving behind four sons, one daughter, nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and extended family.

Marion Teresa Danielly, known as Mother Danielly, passed away on August 6, 2025, at the age of 97. A devoted member of the Church of God in Christ in San Diego, she was known for her kindness and willingness to help those in need. She is survived by three sisters, a special niece who was her caregiver, and numerous other relatives. Funeral services will be held with a viewing on August 20, 2025, followed by a homegoing celebration and burial the next day.

Yvonne Baker Williams, born February 18, 1964, in San Diego, California, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025, at the age of 61. Throughout her life, she was deeply influenced by her grandmother "Ma-me," who cared for her during her mother's illness and instilled in her a love for cooking and family gatherings. A woman of strong Christian faith and musical appreciation, Yvonne pursued education at various San Diego institutions and is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, and extended family members. Her legacy of generosity, faith, and unconditional love will be remembered by all who knew her, as her family finds comfort in believing she now rests with her Savior.

A Florida police officer who was suspended for punching William McNeil Jr. during a traffic stop has been cleared of criminal charges by state prosecutors. The officer, D Bowers, had pulled over McNeil in February for traffic violations, leading to a confrontation where McNeil refused multiple commands to exit his vehicle. While McNeil's self-recorded video of the incident went viral showing the officer breaking his window and punching him, prosecutors determined the full body camera footage justified the officer's actions as lawful. McNeil's attorneys are now calling for a federal investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice into the incident and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

The US appeals court has ruled that the Trump administration can halt foreign aid payments, reversing a lower court's judgment that would have required restoration of billions in congressionally approved funds. President Trump implemented a 90-day pause on foreign assistance upon returning to office in January, prompting a lawsuit from affected international aid groups. The funding cuts impact nearly $4 billion for global health programs through September and over $6 billion for HIV/AIDS programs previously approved through 2028. The appeals court determined the aid groups lacked standing to sue, while Trump has largely shuttered USAID, transferring remaining programs to the State Department amid criticism from former presidents and humanitarian organizations.

The $75 million Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park is set to open in Detroit on October 25-26, 2023, after three and a half years of construction, creating a 22-acre riverfront destination. The park opening coincides with the completion of a new boardwalk section that will allow uninterrupted travel along nearly five miles of the Detroit River. Designed by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates with architectural elements by Sir David Adjaye, the park features four major attractions: the William Davidson Sport House, Delta Dental Play Garden, Huron-Clinton Metroparks Water Garden, and the DTE Foundation Summit. Despite financial challenges following an embezzlement scandal, the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation provided critical funding to keep construction on schedule, with the park now approximately 90% complete.

President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are meeting in Alaska for a summit focused on ending Russia's war in Ukraine, though both leaders approach with different priorities. Putin seeks international recognition and territorial gains in Ukraine, viewing the summit itself as evidence that Western isolation efforts have failed. Trump, while positioning himself as a global peacemaker potentially seeking Nobel recognition, has shown inconsistent positions toward both Ukraine and Russia in recent months. The Alaska location provides security for Putin while symbolically distancing the talks from Ukraine and European leaders, potentially sidelining their input on any peace discussions. # Who is affected - Ukraine and Ukrainian citizens - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky - European leaders - Russian and American citizens - Nations doing business with Russia that could face sanctions # What action is being taken - Trump and Putin are holding a summit meeting in Alaska - Trump has been alternating between suspending and providing military aid to Ukraine - The White House is characterizing the upcoming summit as a "listening session" and "feel-out" meeting - Putin is pushing for Russia to keep seized Ukrainian territories - Zelensky and European leaders spoke with Trump on Wednesday to influence his approach # Why it matters This summit represents a critical moment in the ongoing Ukraine war, with potential implications for territorial sovereignty and international borders. Putin views the meeting as Russia's return "to the top table of global politics" despite Western isolation efforts. Trump's inconsistent approach to both Ukraine and Russia creates uncertainty about potential peace terms, particularly concerning possible land concessions. The outcome could determine whether Ukraine receives continued U.S. military support or faces pressure to accept territorial losses, while also potentially reshaping U.S.-Russia relations. # What's next No explicit next steps stated in the article.

The FBI has repatriated a 500-year-old document signed by Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés to Mexico, one of 15 pages believed to have been stolen from Mexico's national archives between 1985 and 1993. The manuscript, written in 1527 when Cortés was governor of New Spain, details payments for expedition supplies and plans for exploring what would become Spanish colonial territory in the Americas. The document was discovered in the United States through open-source research after the Mexican government requested FBI assistance in 2024, though no prosecution will occur as the document changed hands multiple times since its theft. The FBI has committed to locating and returning the remaining missing pages from the collection.

Taylor Swift announced her upcoming album "The Life of a Showgirl" during an appearance on her boyfriend Travis Kelce's podcast "New Heights," revealing it will release on October 3rd. During the interview, which attracted over 1.3 million live viewers, Swift discussed her relationship with Kelce, explained how she wrote the album while on her Eras Tour, and described it as an "upbeat" record reflecting her current joyful state. She also shared the deeply emotional moment of recently reacquiring her first six album masters after a long-running battle, and discussed her various "granny hobbies" including baking sourdough bread with Kelce.

First Lady Melania Trump has threatened legal action against Hunter Biden for over $1 billion in damages after he falsely claimed she was introduced to Donald Trump by Jeffrey Epstein during a recent interview. Biden made the unsubstantiated claim while discussing alleged connections between former President Trump and Epstein, relying on information from a since-retracted Daily Beast article that cited Michael Wolff. Mrs. Trump's lawyers have demanded Biden retract his statement and apologize, asserting the claim has caused "overwhelming financial and reputational harm" to the First Lady. According to a 2016 Harper's Bazaar profile, Melania actually met Donald Trump at a party hosted by a modeling agency founder in November 1998.

At least four people, including a family of three and an unidentified man, died in Tennessee due to severe weather conditions featuring heavy rains and flash flooding on Tuesday and Wednesday. The family perished when a tree fell on their car in East Ridge near Chattanooga, while the man was swept away by floodwaters after reportedly bypassing fire department barricades. Chattanooga experienced its second wettest day since record-keeping began in 1879, with the airport recording 6.42 inches of rainfall. Rescuers worked extensively to evacuate residents from flooded homes and vehicles, including saving six people from a van nearly swept away by an overflowing creek, as flash flood warnings remained in effect across many parts of Tennessee.

The TS Jordan Foundation held its 3rd Annual "Tre Day" event at John F. Kennedy Park, honoring the legacy of Trevon Stewart Jordan, a football coach and teacher devoted to youth development. Hundreds of community members gathered for the celebration which featured games, free food, and most importantly, distribution of backpacks and school supplies to help families prepare for the school year. Organized by Jordan's family, including his mother Myeshia Stewart (CEO) and sister Myneshia Stewart (Vice President), the event aims to continue Trevon's mission of teaching life skills through football while supporting the community. The successful turnout exceeded expectations, demonstrating the lasting impact of Trevon's dedication to giving back to children and youth.

The Trump administration has discontinued the LGBTQ+ youth-specific "Press 3" option within the U.S. 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline as of July 17, removing specialized support for a population that experiences significantly higher suicide risk. According to The Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide compared to their cisgender, heterosexual peers, with 39% having seriously considered suicide in 2024. While the Department of Health and Human Services attributes the closure to lack of Congressional funding, advocates argue that eliminating this dedicated resource puts additional strain on under-resourced nonprofits like the LGBT National Help Center and SMYAL, which are now facing increased call volumes. Mental health advocates warn that without specialized counselors who understand LGBTQ+ experiences, many youth will feel isolated and may not seek help when in crisis.

Residents of Washington D.C. organized a protest march to save the Anacostia Community Museum (ACM) after learning its funding had been zeroed out in the Smithsonian Institution's budget with Trump administration support. About 30 participants marched 1.3 miles from the museum to the Go-Go Museum and Café, wearing "Save Our Museum" t-shirts and chanting to raise awareness. The demonstration, organized by the ad hoc group "Save Our Museum," was part of a broader effort that includes social media campaigns and legislative action, with the U.S. Senate Appropriations subcommittee and D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton working on legislation to restore the $3 million cut. Participants and organizers emphasized the museum's cultural significance as a repository of Black history and community gathering place.

The article discusses concerns about conditions in D.C. jails amid rising inmate populations following recent public safety legislation. It highlights the story of Connisea O'Neal, whose son Ramone died in custody under disputed circumstances, raising questions about drug flow and treatment of inmates. The piece also details a report showing death rates at D.C. correctional facilities are 3.5 times the national average, with severe staffing shortages exacerbating problems. Former inmate Taya Johnson, who was eventually acquitted after five months in jail, describes deplorable conditions including inadequate facilities and poor treatment by correctional officers.

President Donald Trump has announced the 2023 Kennedy Center honorees: Sylvester Stallone, Michael Crawford, George Strait, Gloria Gaynor, and KISS. Breaking tradition, Trump will host the ceremony himself after taking over as chairman of the Kennedy Center, having fired its president and much of its board earlier this year. Trump claimed to be "98% involved" in selecting the honorees and rejected potential candidates he deemed "wokesters." The president also pledged to renovate the Center ahead of America's 250th anniversary in 2026, amid criticism and cancellations from performers who view his takeover as political interference in the arts.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance has sparked mixed reactions while vacationing with his family in England's Cotswolds region. His visit has disrupted local life with road closures, ID checks, and large motorcades, earning criticism from some residents who described him as "a bit of a mouth" and questioned his importance. While meeting with the Foreign Secretary and visiting U.S. Air Force personnel at RAF Fairford, Vance expressed appreciation for the "special relationship" between the U.S. and UK. Some locals expressed disapproval linked to the Trump administration's reputation, though others maintained a welcoming attitude despite the disruptions.

Rwanda has become the third African nation to enter a deportation agreement with the Trump administration, accepting up to 250 migrants from the United States. This follows similar arrangements with South Sudan, which received eight men convicted of violent crimes, and Eswatini, which accepted five deportees. Rwanda plans to provide the deportees with work training, healthcare, and accommodation assistance, though specific details about the timing and any benefits Rwanda receives from the agreement remain unclear. The Rwandan deal comes after a similar but ultimately failed migrant agreement with the UK that cost Britain nearly a billion dollars.

of "Brooklyn Church Choirs Persist Despite Declining Membership" Brooklyn's church choirs continue to serve as vital community anchors despite facing significant challenges from declining attendance, neighborhood gentrification, and demographic shifts. Historically Black congregations like Concord Baptist Church of Christ have seen their choir numbers dramatically decrease from about 100 singers in 2006 to just 30 today, mirroring broader trends in Black Protestant church attendance, which fell from 61% to 46% between 2019 and 2023. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this decline, with Black Protestant congregations being slower to return to in-person worship than other denominations. Despite these challenges, choir directors and longtime members emphasize the profound cultural and spiritual importance of church music as a connection to heritage and community identity in Brooklyn's changing religious landscape.

California's Democratic leaders, including Governor Gavin Newsom and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, have announced plans to redraw California's congressional maps ahead of the midterm elections in response to similar efforts by Texas Republicans. The proposed redistricting measure, which would be put to voters in a special election on November 4, 2025, could potentially add five congressional districts favorable to Democrats while reducing Republican seats from nine to four out of 52. This move would override California's independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, which normally handles the redistricting process using U.S. Census data. The initiative comes as Texas Democrats fled their state to block a Republican-led redistricting vote that could potentially gain five seats for Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives.

AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond criticizes President Trump's economic policies for failing working people, particularly Black Americans. The July jobs report shows Black unemployment surging to over 7%, nearly double the overall rate, reaching its highest level since 2021. Redmond points out that Black workers in federal jobs have been disproportionately impacted by layoffs, and Black women in healthcare face consequences from recent healthcare cuts. He argues that rising Black unemployment serves as an economic warning sign for the entire country, noting unemployment increased across all demographic groups with nearly one million people becoming jobless in July alone.

Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO and the highest-ranking African American in American labor movement history, is warning about severe economic impacts on Black workers during President Trump's second term. He highlights that Black unemployment has surged to more than double the national average, with Black women experiencing the highest unemployment levels since 2021. Redmond specifically criticizes Trump's attacks on federal agencies, which have historically provided middle-class pathways for African Americans, and his approach to tariffs, which he claims creates economic uncertainty without delivering promised benefits. The labor leader is actively mobilizing with the A. Philip Randolph Institute to organize Black communities nationwide, with goals including making Hakeem Jeffries Speaker of the House and rebuilding what he calls an economy "for working people."