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of News Article A video recorded by William McNeil Jr. on his dashboard camera revealed officers beating him during a February traffic stop in Florida, showing police violence not clearly visible in body camera footage. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office has launched an internal investigation following the video going viral, despite initial police reports failing to mention punches to McNeil's head. McNeil's attorneys claim the traffic stop was racially motivated and have encouraged all young people to record interactions with law enforcement, while McNeil reports suffering a brain injury, broken tooth, and lip lacerations from the incident. Experts support the idea of citizens recording police encounters as a form of protection, noting that interior vehicle cameras can provide crucial perspectives that body cameras might miss.

The U.S. economy added only 73,000 jobs in July 2023, continuing a trend of weak growth as the unemployment rate remained at 4.2 percent. Black workers faced a disproportionately high unemployment rate of 7.2 percent, nearly double the 3.7 percent rate for white workers, while Hispanic and Asian workers experienced rates of 5.0 and 3.9 percent respectively. While health care and social assistance sectors showed modest gains, adding 55,000 and 18,000 jobs respectively, federal government employment continued declining with 12,000 jobs lost in July, contributing to 84,000 total losses since January. Significant downward revisions to May and June employment figures eliminated 258,000 jobs from previous estimates, revealing a much weaker job market than initially reported.

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies has released a 16-page report warning that federal industrial policy investments meant to advance economic opportunity for Black communities are being threatened by the Trump administration's elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion provisions and slowed funding disbursement. The report examines how three major pieces of legislation—the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act—offered historic opportunities to increase Black access to good jobs in growth industries like manufacturing, clean energy, and technology. While these laws included intentional equity components and have already reached over 99% of high-poverty counties, many Black-led organizations remain under-informed about these opportunities and face barriers in accessing funds. The Joint Center recommends supporting Black-led research, tracking equity outcomes, implementing fair hiring practices, and building accessible career pathways to ensure these investments benefit Black communities.

The Eaton Fire Senior Summit, titled "Rebuilding with Resilience," was organized by Lena L. Kennedy to support seniors affected by the Eaton Fire that destroyed over 9,400 structures in Altadena and Pasadena. Held on August 2 at the Pasadena Hilton, the summit brought together community organizations, government agencies, and officials including L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger and Congresswoman Judy Chu to provide resources and workshops on rebuilding, regulations, and financial assistance. The event aimed to help seniors navigate recovery services, with particular focus on those in unincorporated Altadena who face challenges with insurance claims, housing costs, and rebuilding permits. Organizers emphasized that additional support remains available at designated locations like the Altadena Community Center and Senior Center for those who couldn't attend.

Texas Republicans have called for the arrest of more than 50 Democratic lawmakers who fled to Illinois to prevent a vote on redistricting legislation by breaking quorum in the state legislature. Republican Governor Greg Abbott has ordered state troopers to locate and return the absent Democrats to the House chamber, while also threatening to charge them with bribery if they raised public money to cover their daily $500 fines. The proposed redistricting plan would create five additional Republican-leaning seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, potentially increasing Texas Republicans' representation from 25 to 30 seats. Though the House voted to issue arrest warrants, these are largely symbolic as they only apply within Texas state lines, and the Democrats plan to remain out of state for the two-week special legislative session.

A new Harris Poll conducted in June 2025 reveals that while 91% of Americans view skilled trades as essential as white-collar jobs, 86% believe these careers are overlooked in the education system. The poll exposes a significant generational divide, with only 38% of Gen Z respondents viewing skilled trades as offering the best job prospects compared to 59% of Baby Boomers. Despite perception issues, most Americans would now recommend trade or vocational school over traditional four-year college education for high school graduates. The report calls on corporations to support skilled trades through initiatives like hands-on school programs, paid internships, and scholarships, noting that 90% of Americans have more favorable opinions of companies that support these careers.

A new Prison Policy Initiative report reveals how the Trump administration is using local jails to facilitate mass deportation, even in sanctuary cities and counties. The report, "Hiding in Plain Sight," explains that the administration circumvents sanctuary policies through a loophole that allows federal agencies to refer immigrants for criminal prosecution, enabling detention in local jails that have contracts with the U.S. Marshals Service. This strategy has resulted in ICE's actual detention numbers being approximately 45 percent higher than officially reported, with an estimated 83,400 immigrants in detention compared to the reported 57,200. Since Trump's return to office in January, 45 percent of all ICE arrests have occurred in jails, often targeting immigrants arrested for minor offenses that wouldn't result in jail time for U.S. citizens.

Sixty years after the signing of the Voting Rights Act (VRA), Black Americans are fighting renewed battles for voting rights amid increasing restrictions. Civil rights advocates, including former NAACP president Cornell William Brooks and current president Derrick Johnson, note that previously settled legal protections are being re-litigated and weakened. Since the Supreme Court gutted a key VRA provision in 2013, states have passed numerous restrictive voting laws, with 19 enacted in 2024 alone according to the Brennan Center for Justice. Despite these challenges, former staffers of Representative John Lewis maintain his optimistic perspective that progress, though slow and difficult, will continue through persistence.

The article reflects on the significance of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which President Lyndon Johnson signed after decades of civil rights struggle and resistance. It specifically highlights the role of the late Representative John Lewis, who suffered brutal beatings during protests in Selma, Alabama, that helped push the legislation forward. Journalist Allison Davis interviewed three former staffers of Lewis to discuss his civil rights legacy, and also spoke with Cornell William Brooks, a former NAACP leader who now teaches at Harvard's Kennedy School, about current social justice challenges.

California has lost over 5,600 AmeriCorps public service workers and $60 million in funding following orders from President Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in April. This cut affects programs like Improve Your Tomorrow (IYT), which helps young men of color access college education by providing mentors in schools. Though AmeriCorps received a temporary court reprieve in June to continue operating for another year, the $557 million in undistributed grants leaves the program's future uncertain. California officials, including Josh Fryday of the Office of Service and Community Engagement, express frustration over the cuts, which impact education, disaster preparedness, and environmental initiatives across the state.

Governor Gavin Newsom is considering dismantling California's independent redistricting commission, potentially returning map-drawing power to the Legislature through a 2026 ballot measure. Newsom argues California shouldn't maintain different rules while Republican states like Texas manipulate congressional maps to entrench power, calling the situation a "five-alarm fire for democracy." The proposal has sparked backlash from California Republicans who claim it would undermine a fair system and destroy voter trust. Critics from both parties remain skeptical that California voters, who overwhelmingly approved the independent commission in 2008, would support returning to lawmaker-controlled redistricting.

In Texas, 51 Democratic state lawmakers have fled to Illinois to prevent a vote on a controversial redistricting plan proposed by the Republican majority that would create five new Republican-leaning seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. Governor Greg Abbott has convened a special legislative session that requires a two-thirds quorum to approve the new congressional map, along with disaster relief and a THC ban. Republican officials, including Attorney General Ken Paxton, have threatened to fine, arrest, and remove from office the absent Democrats, who plan to stay away for two weeks until the special session ends. The redistricting could help Republicans expand their slim majority in the House, as they currently hold 219 of 435 seats compared to Democrats' 212.

South Korean beauty products (K-beauty) have gained tremendous popularity in the United States due to their quality, value, and unique ingredients, with Americans spending approximately $1.7 billion on these products in 2024, a 50% increase from the previous year. Following President Donald Trump's recent implementation of a 15% import tax on South Korean goods, many U.S. consumers are stocking up on K-beauty items in anticipation of price increases. While larger K-beauty brands may be able to absorb some of the tariff costs, smaller companies will likely struggle, though industry experts believe dedicated consumers will continue purchasing these products despite higher prices. The tariffs align with Trump's broader trade policy aimed at encouraging American manufacturing, though consumers like Pearl Mak indicate they haven't found effective American-made alternatives to their preferred K-beauty products.

The National African American Child and Family Research Center (NAACFRC) at Morehouse School of Medicine leads community-engaged research to better serve African American families in programs like Head Start, which has a 30% Black or African American service population. Dr. Azaliah Israel, co-lead for dissemination and communication, explains that the Center aims to change narratives about Black families by conducting research that acknowledges their unique experiences and existing social inequalities rather than using white Americans as the standard. NAACFRC partners directly with parents, teachers, and administrators to understand the needs of African American children and families, with special focus on those in rural areas, families involved with the criminal justice system, and those with health or disability issues. The Center's approach prioritizes elevating the voices of Black families and shifting research frameworks to change societal perceptions.

A major clinical trial published in JAMA found that structured lifestyle changes led to greater cognitive improvements than self-guided approaches for older adults at risk of cognitive decline. The study involved 2,111 participants aged 60-79 who were randomly assigned to either a structured program with 38 facilitated meetings or a self-guided program with just six meetings, both focusing on physical activity, nutrition, cognitive stimulation, social interaction, and cardiovascular health. While both groups showed improved brain function over the two-year study period, the structured group demonstrated statistically significant greater improvement in global cognition (0.243 vs 0.213 points per year) and executive function. The diverse participant group included 68.9% women and 30.8% racial or ethnic minorities, with high retention rates of 89% completing the final assessment.

The Washington Post is experiencing a significant exodus of Black journalists, despite its location in Washington D.C. with a 43% Black population. This departure trend coincides with President Trump's recent executive order targeting diversity initiatives, which was signed within 48 hours of his second term. Many prominent Black journalists with decades of experience and Pulitzer Prizes have left the organization, including Jonathan Capehart, Karen Attiah, Toluse Olorunnipa, Eugene Robinson, and Krissah Thompson. The National Association of Black Journalists has expressed concern about these departures, noting the implications for newsroom diversity and representation in an industry already struggling with inclusion.

The United States is experiencing a national crisis of worsening traffic congestion, deteriorating road conditions, and increased aggressive driving behaviors. According to recent reports, Washington D.C. has overtaken Los Angeles as the city with the worst traffic, with residents spending an average of 71 days annually in traffic. Beyond congestion, states like Louisiana, New Mexico, and Colorado have become hotspots for road rage, with a significant percentage of traffic fatalities linked to aggressive driving. The situation has reached such severity that 63% of Americans now consider aggressive driving a major problem in their communities, while residents across high-impact areas report that conditions are worse than ever before.

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that the CA-125 blood test commonly used to detect ovarian cancer may miss cases in Black and Native American patients, potentially contributing to treatment delays and health disparities. The research found that Black and Native American patients were 23% less likely to have elevated CA-125 levels at diagnosis compared to white patients, suggesting current thresholds may be set too high for these populations. Patients with false negative results started chemotherapy an average of nine days later than those with elevated levels. Researchers have proposed new lower thresholds that would work better across all populations, which could lead to guideline changes to ensure equitable cancer detection.

Food insecurity in Africa has reached alarming levels, with over 1 billion people—approximately two-thirds of the continent's population—unable to afford a healthy diet in 2024, according to a recent United Nations report. While global hunger rates have slightly decreased since 2022, Africa has experienced a steady rise in food insecurity, with undernourishment exceeding 20% across the continent. The report, compiled by five UN agencies including the WHO, FAO, and WFP, projects that by 2030, nearly 60% of the world's chronically undernourished people will be in Africa. Factors driving this crisis include insufficient agricultural production relative to population growth, violent conflicts, and climate change impacts that weaken already fragile food systems.

Argan oil, a prized cosmetic worldwide, serves as a crucial economic lifeline for rural Moroccan women while coming from forests increasingly threatened by overconsumption and climate change. Women in cooperatives process the oil through traditional methods passed down through generations, earning minimal wages while international companies reap substantial profits. The argan forest has shrunk by 40% since 2000 due to multiple factors including drought, overgrazing, and agricultural expansion. Despite government conservation efforts like tree planting programs and attempts to improve storage facilities for producers, the industry faces serious challenges including an inequitable supply chain and fears that both the trees and cultural traditions they support may disappear.

This news article highlights 10 influential Democratic politicians who are challenging conventional politics and resonating with younger voters. These Democrats span from newcomers representing Generation Z to experienced legislators working across party lines. According to Voice & Viewpoint staff writers Tihut Tamrat and Macy Meinhardt, these selected leaders are notable for advancing progressive policies both in Congress and during campaign season. The article positions these 10 Democrats as particularly noteworthy figures catching attention in the publication's newsroom during the summer.

The Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF) is celebrating its 23rd annual nine-day event, starting Friday with appearances from numerous Black Hollywood stars and influential figures. Founded by Stephanie and Floyd Rance, the festival has evolved from a grassroots gathering into a premier destination where Black creatives find connection, support, and a platform for their stories. This year's festival centers on the theme of joy and features a dynamic slate of screenings, panels, and conversations with stars like Jennifer Hudson, Spike Lee, Issa Rae, and Michelle Obama. The event continues to serve as a cultural reunion and safe haven where Black filmmakers, actors, and tastemakers can celebrate authentic stories that might be overlooked in mainstream spaces.

Iñaki Williams has become the first Black captain for Athletic Bilbao, a significant milestone given the club's historical Basque-only policy and Spain's current political climate. The 31-year-old, born in Bilbao to Ghanaian immigrant parents, views his captaincy as meaningful representation for immigrants in the Basque Country and Spain. Williams, who has faced racist abuse alongside his brother Nico, emphasized the importance of speaking out against far-right rhetoric while overcoming barriers. Athletic Bilbao will compete in the Champions League for the first time since 2014-15 after finishing fourth in last season's Spanish league.

The small West African country of Benin has implemented a new law granting citizenship to descendants of enslaved people, with U.S. singer Ciara becoming one of the first public figures to receive citizenship under this initiative. Benin's efforts represent an acknowledgment of the country's historical role in the transatlantic slave trade and aim to heal historical wounds while promoting tourism centered on slavery-related memorial sites. The citizenship program is open to anyone over 18 who can prove their ancestors were deported during the slave trade, with applications processed through the recently launched "My Afro Origins" digital platform. Benin has a significant history in the slave trade, with European merchants having deported an estimated 1.5 million enslaved people from the Bight of Benin to the Americas.

Former President Barack Obama has urged Americans to actively participate in preserving democracy, emphasizing that citizens hold more power than presidents in a democracy. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson discussed her approach to dissenting opinions and expressed concern about American democracy during the Global Black Economic Forum. Voting rights advocate Stacey Abrams outlined ten tactics used in autocracies during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, encouraging resistance through truth-telling and community action. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass strongly refuted reports that federal officials threatened to arrest her while conducting aggressive immigration enforcement operations in MacArthur Park.

Beyoncé's 13-year-old daughter Blue Ivy Carter has become a standout performer on the Cowboy Carter tour, drawing fans specifically to see her evolving stage presence. The young performer has progressed significantly since her debut during the 2023 Renaissance tour, now appearing in nearly every song and demonstrating professional-level skills alongside her mother. Behind-the-scenes insights revealed that Beyoncé was initially hesitant about her daughter performing but agreed after Blue proved her commitment through practice. The mother-daughter dynamic has resonated strongly with fans, particularly other mother-daughter pairs who attend concerts together and see Blue as an inspirational figure for the younger generation.

The article warns that the early release of FBI files on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. appears to be part of a coordinated effort to discredit his legacy and potentially dismantle MLK Day. The author connects this to a broader pattern of reactionary moves including voter suppression, book bans, and attacks on civil rights. Several examples are cited as evidence of this trend, including the renaming of Fort Gregg-Adams back to Fort Lee, the removal of Dr. Carla Hayden as Librarian of Congress, and far-right figures like Charlie Kirk publicly criticizing Dr. King and the Civil Rights Act. The commentary, published in The Afro, frames these actions as attempts to control the future by rewriting American history.

Dr. John E. Warren, the new Chairman of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Board of Directors, welcomes readers to Black Press "Local Newsrooms" with their 198-year history of service. He emphasizes that Black newspapers remain trusted messengers in communities of color while embracing digital media alongside traditional print formats. Warren highlights the economic power of these communities, which contribute over $4 trillion annually to the American economy, and encourages readers to support publications that reinvest in their communities. He calls for corporate America to fairly exchange advertising dollars with Black media outlets that serve communities with significant market spending power.

Vice President Kamala Harris announced she will not run for California governor, marking the first time in over 20 years she won't be a candidate for elected office. This decision follows her historic 107-day presidential campaign after becoming the Democratic nominee when President Biden withdrew from the race. Harris's statement indicated she's seeking new methods of public service beyond traditional political pathways, reflecting what many see as Black women's evolving relationship with American political institutions. While her future plans remain unspecified, Harris mentioned she will continue listening to Americans, helping elect Democrats, and will share more details about her plans in the coming months.