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In the unregulated body broker industry in the United States, private companies legally acquire corpses, dissect them, and sell body parts for profit to medical research centers and universities, contrasting with European countries where such practices are outlawed. The Reuters investigation identified 25 for-profit "non-transplant tissue banks" in America, with one earning $12.5 million over three years, taking advantage of regulatory gaps that allow charging for "processing" body parts while technically banning their sale. This industry has resulted in numerous controversies, including the disturbing case of Harold Dillard, whose donated body was allegedly dismembered with a chainsaw by Bio Care, and the donation of unclaimed bodies without proper attempts to contact next-of-kin. Despite these concerns, body donation plays a crucial role in medical education and technological advancements such as knee replacements and pacemakers, leading experts to call for stronger regulation rather than abolishing the practice entirely.

The article discusses the transatlantic slave trade as a foundational element of American history that shaped global economics from the 16th through 19th centuries. It highlights current political tensions surrounding how slavery is taught and remembered, with President Trump criticizing the Smithsonian Institution for its unvarnished portrayal of slavery's brutality. The piece explains how the slave trade operated as a three-step economic system that transported 17-30 million Africans to the Americas, creating an economic bridge between Europe, Africa, and the Americas that was crucial to global economic development. Various historians note that the slave trade was primarily driven by economic motivations rather than racial ones, though racism emerged as its consequence.

Global superstar Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce have announced their engagement after a two-year relationship that began in Kansas City. According to experts, their wedding is expected to be a highly secretive yet elaborate affair, with Swift likely taking significant control over the planning process rather than relying on celebrity planners. The couple managed to keep their engagement private for two weeks before announcing it, demonstrating Swift's characteristic approach to privacy and surprise. Wedding industry professionals speculate that Swift's gown will reflect her refined, romantic red-carpet style, possibly featuring multiple outfit changes, and that the venue may be a private, meaningful location rather than a conventional wedding venue.

of News Article on Harris' Secret Service Detail Cancellation President Trump has canceled former Vice-President Kamala Harris' Secret Service protection, which had been extended beyond the standard six-month post-office period by former President Biden. The Secret Service typically provides former vice-presidents with six months of protection after leaving office, though this can be extended by the homeland security secretary when warranted by information or conditions. While some allies of Harris have criticized the decision as politically motivated, sources indicate a recent threat assessment found no alarming concerns to justify continued protection. The cancellation comes just before Harris is set to begin a multi-city tour promoting her book "107 Days" about her presidential campaign.

A recent study by the National Bureau of Economic Research reveals that America's wealthiest billionaires, representing the top 0.0002 percent of households, pay an effective tax rate of just 24 percent, which is lower than the 30 percent national average and significantly less than the 45 percent paid by top labor income earners. Using comprehensive data from 2010-2020, researchers Balkir, Saez, Yagan, and Zucman found that structural features of the U.S. tax code enable billionaires to minimize taxation through corporate ownership strategies that limit dividend distributions and through passthrough businesses that report negative taxable income despite high profits. The study shows that billionaire tax rates fell from about 30 percent to 24 percent following Donald Trump's 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which reduced corporate tax rates from 35 percent to 21 percent and expanded investment expensing provisions.

Frontier Development & Hospitality Group LLC has opened the Hyatt House Washington DC Downtown Convention Center, a 184-room extended-stay hotel in DC's Shaw neighborhood managed by Donohoe Hospitality Services. The project represents a homecoming for company founder Evens Charles, a DC native who spent nearly a decade pursuing development opportunities in his hometown. The new hotel offers apartment-style accommodations with full kitchens, fitness facilities, and communal spaces, situated just two blocks from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Additionally, Frontier will soon debut REALM, an all-weather rooftop bar and lounge with panoramic views of the DC skyline, furthering their vision of creating culturally vibrant hospitality assets in high-demand urban areas.

The article examines the significant role of the Catholic Church and other Christian denominations in supporting and profiting from the transatlantic slave trade. It highlights how religious institutions justified slavery through biblical misinterpretations, particularly the "curse of Ham," while missionaries used Christianity as a tool alongside colonization. The piece specifically details Georgetown University's 2016 acknowledgment and apology for Jesuit priests selling 272 enslaved people in 1838 to financially save the institution. Additionally, the article contextualizes current political tensions around teaching slavery's history, noting former President Trump's criticism of the Smithsonian for its honest portrayal of slavery's brutality and impact.

The article commemorates the significance of the transatlantic slave trade in American history, emphasizing both its foundational impact on society and ongoing efforts to confront this painful legacy. It discusses how the UN's International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition on August 23rd marks the anniversary of the 1791 Santo Domingo slave rebellion that ultimately helped end slavery. The article highlights 2019 as the 500th anniversary of slavery in America and discusses various efforts to reexamine this history, including the HBCU Green Fund's "Sankofa Remix" initiative examining past, present, and future perspectives. It also notes concerns about attempts to sanitize or downplay the brutality of slavery in historical narratives, including criticism of the Trump administration's approach to historical exhibits.

Tennis legend Serena Williams has joined other public figures in discussing her use of GLP-1 medications for weight loss, revealing she lost 31 pounds since beginning treatment in 2023. These medications, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, have seen surging demand across the United States, with various surveys indicating between 6-12% of U.S. adults have used them for weight loss. While most users report the medications as effective, high costs remain a significant barrier, with monthly prices ranging from $936 to $1,349 before insurance, and medical guidelines typically recommend these drugs for adults with specific BMI thresholds and continued long-term use to maintain results.

of News Article The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights has concluded that George Mason University violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act through its diversity hiring initiatives implemented under President Gregory Washington. Following a six-week investigation, the department proposed an agreement requiring Washington to issue an apology and for the university to revise policies deemed discriminatory based on race. The investigation was launched after multiple professors complained about preferential treatment for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds, despite the university's efforts to make its predominantly white faculty more representative of its diverse student body. The probe is one of five civil rights investigations opened against GMU this summer, while the university's Board of Visitors has already eliminated several diversity programs.

San Diego's economy, the third largest in California with approximately 390,000 small businesses employing nearly 59% of the region, faces significant disparities in business ownership and wages. Only 1.2% of San Diego small businesses are Black or African American-owned, and small businesses generally pay 38% less than larger companies with over 100 employees. These wage disparities disproportionately affect people of color, with Black and Latino workers dominating lower-paying healthcare support roles (earning under $20/hour) while being underrepresented in higher-paying technology positions (earning over $50/hour). To address these challenges, California's Employment Development Department (EDD) offers six key resources including CalJOBS, America's Job Center of California locations, unemployment benefits assistance, employer resources, e-Services for Business, and phone support for unemployment claims.

President Trump has revoked former Vice President Kamala Harris' extended Secret Service protection, which was previously extended by Biden for an additional year beyond the standard six-month period. The protection will now end on September 1, 2023, just weeks before Harris begins her national book tour for "107 Days" on September 24. The decision has drawn criticism from officials including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who called it "an act of revenge" and expressed concerns about Harris' safety, particularly as a woman of color in politics who faces heightened risks of threats and harassment. Harris, who recently announced she would not run for California governor in 2026, has been critical of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement actions in Los Angeles.

Dorsey Nunn's memoir "What Kind of Bird Can't Fly" has been banned in all California State Prisons despite receiving critical acclaim and nominations for literary awards. Nunn, who served prison time from 1972-1981 and later became the executive director of Legal Services for Prisoners with Children, wrote the book to inspire incarcerated individuals as he was once inspired by books shared among prisoners. After donating hundreds of copies to incarcerated people, Nunn received notice from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation that his book has been placed on the Centralized List of Disapproved Publications. The ban comes at a time when his memoir is gaining broader recognition, including being taught at UC Berkeley and nominated for the Northern California Book Award.

President Donald Trump has announced the firing of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook over allegations of mortgage fraud, marking an unprecedented challenge to the central bank's independence. Cook has refused to step down, stating the president lacks the authority to remove her, and her lawyer announced plans to sue. Cook, who made history in 2022 as the first Black woman to serve on the Fed's board of governors, was appointed by President Biden for a term running through 2038. The controversy centers on accusations from Trump appointee Bill Pulte that Cook claimed two primary residences in 2021 to secure better mortgage terms.

Coco Gauff advanced to the second round of the U.S. Open with a hard-fought 6-4, 6-7, 7-5 victory over Ajla Tomljanovic despite continuing struggles with her serve, including 10 double faults. The defending champion recently enlisted biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan to help address her serving issues, which have been a persistent problem this season with 320 double faults prior to this tournament. Despite the serving challenges, Gauff's excellent court coverage, strong backhand, and net play ultimately secured her victory in a nearly three-hour match. As the tournament progresses, Gauff has a chance to overtake her competitors and reach the world No. 1 ranking for the first time in her career.

Naomi Osaka, the two-time U.S. Open champion and current No. 23 seed, defeated Greet Minnen 6-3, 6-4 in her first-round match on Tuesday night. Osaka made a fashion statement by entering the court with sparkly red roses in her ponytail that complemented her crystallized Nike bubble hem skirt, though she removed the hair accessory before playing due to its weight. The elaborate outfit was specifically designed as her "night outfit" for playing under the lights in New York, with the crystalized performance attire requiring significant preparation time. Osaka explained that while the outfit design was planned well in advance, the idea for the decorative hair roses came together just two weeks before the match.

On March 26, 2024, the container ship Dali struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing its collapse into the Patapsco River, killing six people, and significantly impacting Maryland's economy. The disaster, which affects 8,000 jobs and causes $15 million in daily economic impact, has recently become a political controversy between former President Trump and Maryland Governor Wes Moore. Governor Moore has refuted Trump's claim of providing funding for the bridge, clarifying that the federal funding came during President Biden's administration and was approved by both Democrats and Republicans in Congress. The bridge reconstruction, estimated to cost nearly $2 billion, is projected to be completed by 2028, with the shipping channel already cleared in 11 weeks instead of the expected 11 months.

The U.S. Open is prominently honoring Althea Gibson, the first Black player at a major tennis tournament, 75 years after her groundbreaking achievement. Gibson's image is featured throughout the tournament, including as the event's logo, on screens inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, and in a tribute narrated by Venus Williams. Despite her remarkable accomplishments—winning Grand Slam titles and breaking racial barriers in both tennis and golf during the Jim Crow era—Gibson's contributions have historically been marginalized compared to other pioneers like Jackie Robinson. The USTA is now making a concerted effort to properly celebrate Gibson's legacy through various tributes throughout the two-week tournament, including a special luncheon, performances, and educational initiatives highlighting her struggles and achievements.

The article discusses Republican redistricting efforts in Texas aimed at increasing their representation in the House of Representatives ahead of midterm elections, which the author characterizes as gerrymandering to limit voting strength of Black and Brown communities. In response, California has initiated its own redistricting process to potentially convert Republican seats to Democratic ones, neutralizing Texas' efforts. The author emphasizes the Black Press's role in keeping communities informed about these redistricting battles, which are portrayed as part of a larger effort by President Trump to maintain power. The piece calls for voter mobilization and engagement to counter these redistricting strategies and protect constitutional rights.

Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook has announced she will sue President Trump's administration to prevent being fired, setting up a potential Supreme Court battle over presidential authority over the Federal Reserve. Trump has moved to dismiss Cook based on allegations of mortgage fraud, claiming she improperly listed two primary residences in 2021 to secure better mortgage terms. This conflict highlights tensions over the Fed's political independence, which economists consider crucial for maintaining economic stability. Trump has explicitly stated his intention to gain control of the Fed to lower interest rates, suggesting he would soon have a majority on the governing board.

The San Diego County Library and County Child and Family Well Being collaborated in July to renovate the library at A.B. and Jessie Polinsky Children's Center. The renovation includes an expanded book collection, new activities, and a brighter atmosphere for children at the center. The refreshed space now features newly curated books in a colorful and well-lit environment designed to foster reading and learning. According to Norma Rincon from County Child and Family Well Being, the improved library aims to bring joy, adventure, and interest in new hobbies to the youth at the center.

Akili Smith Sr. and David Monday, lifelong friends since elementary school, celebrated their 50th birthdays together at an outdoor gathering hosted by their family. The celebration took place at VFW Post 1512's outdoor patio, where guests enjoyed various activities and a diverse menu of food. Smith, a former professional football player who now serves as Morse High School's offensive coordinator and trains aspiring young football players, expressed deep appreciation for the family-organized event. The joint celebration was organized by family members, including Antoinette, who considers both men her nephews.

Hurricane Katrina's devastation in New Orleans revealed systematic neglect and mistreatment of Black residents, according to the article republished from Black Agenda Report's 20th anniversary Katrina coverage. The article details how government agencies like FEMA actively hindered rescue efforts while private mercenaries and vigilante groups were allowed to patrol and target Black residents. The catastrophe is framed not merely as a natural disaster but as an opportunity used to displace Black New Orleanians, with the author Malik Rahim providing firsthand testimony about the conditions in Algiers, the only unflooded neighborhood. Though 1,833 people were officially reported dead across the Gulf Coast, the article suggests this is an undercount of the actual human toll.

San Francisco's waterfront infrastructure is deteriorating rapidly across multiple districts due to institutional neglect and inadequate maintenance. The Sea Scouts, a youth maritime leadership program with historical ties to the city, have been displaced from their historic wooden wharf at Aquatic Cove after the National Park Service (NPS) permanently removed it. Despite the Sea Scouts' previous efforts to maintain the wharf themselves since its construction in 1948-49, the NPS prohibited them from making repairs after claiming full jurisdiction in 2000. The situation reflects a broader pattern of deterioration affecting San Francisco's maritime infrastructure from Aquatic Cove to the southeastern industrial district.

Stacey Abrams received multiple standing ovations during her appearance at the San Diego Book Festival on August 23, 2025, where she engaged in conversation with KPBS's Jade Hindmon. During the KPBS-hosted event, Abrams discussed her latest legal thriller featuring protagonist Avery Keene, which uses suspense to explore artificial intelligence issues, characterizing AI as "the most sophisticated version of an invasion of privacy." She connected her creative writing to broader civic themes, emphasizing storytelling's power to make complex issues accessible while urging audience members to safeguard democracy through active participation. Abrams left festival attendees energized through her unique blend of humor, clarity, and conviction that bridges literature, politics, and public action.

The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) has appointed DeMark Liggins as its new president and CEO during its 65th annual convention in Atlanta last summer. Liggins, who previously held multiple leadership positions within the organization, follows Dr. Charles Steele Jr. and takes over an organization with a storied civil rights legacy dating back to its founding by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1957. Focusing on three pillars—legacy, leadership, and love—Liggins aims to strengthen the SCLC's 57 chapters nationwide, expand its influence, and address issues including voter education, wealth inequality, police reform, and housing discrimination. One of his key initiatives is the Poverty Tour of 2025, which will visit six metropolitan areas to address economic challenges and wealth disparities through engagement with various community stakeholders.

President Donald Trump announced plans to issue an executive order ending mail-in voting before the 2026 midterms, following advice from Russian President Vladimir Putin who claimed Trump's election was "rigged" due to mail-in voting. Democratic leaders like Donna Brazile and Eric Holder strongly oppose this move, arguing Trump lacks the constitutional authority to implement such changes and would need to pressure states to comply. Critics note the irony that Trump himself has voted by mail twice in 2020 and benefited from early voting in the 2024 election cycle, while Brazile emphasizes that most modern democracies offer mail-in and early voting options to increase accessibility.

of Howard University President's Departure Howard University's 18th President, Ben Vinson III, is unexpectedly leaving his position after serving only two years, having started on September 1, 2023. The announcement comes at an unusual time—the beginning of the academic year—as noted by Board of Trustees Chair Leslie Hale in a video message. Former Howard President Wayne A.I. Frederick will return as interim president in ten days, though the duration of his interim leadership remains unspecified. Despite Vinson's departure coinciding with National Guard troops occupying Washington, DC under President Trump's orders, there is no indication that these events are related.

Dr. Jeffery Wayne, a Sacramento internal medicine specialist, shared his personal heart attack experience during a California Black Health Network (CBHN) webinar to highlight the importance of clinical trials. Wayne, who has conducted over 300 clinical trials, emphasized that African Americans are significantly underrepresented in clinical trials, with only 8% of research participants being Black compared to 75% white according to a 2020 FDA report. CBHN CEO Rhonda Smith attributed this disparity to individual mistrust based on historical abuses, community-level issues with trial locations, and systemic problems where providers don't present clinical trials as options to patients of color. California's unique Clinical Trial Bill of Rights legislation provides protections for research participants, ensuring informed consent, privacy, and the right to withdraw without penalty.