July 1, 2025
community
Trump’s Tax Plan Delivers Big Wins to the Wealthy, Cuts for the Rest in Major U.S. Cities
The House-passed tax overhaul supported by President Trump, called the "One Big Beautiful Bill," promises wide tax relief but would disproportionately benefit wealthy households according to Penn Wharton analysis. The legislation makes the 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent, increases the SALT deduction cap to $40,000, temporarily eliminates taxes on tips and overtime pay, and boosts the child tax credit by $500 through 2028. To offset the estimated $2.8 trillion cost over a decade, the bill cuts Medicaid and SNAP by more than $1.2 trillion combined, resulting in net losses for many low-income families while high-income households receive significant gains. The Penn Wharton Budget Model concludes that approximately 70% of the bill's value would go to the top 10% of income earners, projecting long-term negative impacts for future generations due to increased federal debt and weakened social support programs.
Read moreJuly 1, 2025
politics
Trustees Warn of Looming Cuts to Social Security, Medicare as Trust Funds Dwindle
The Social Security and Medicare programs face imminent financial shortfalls, with both trust funds projected to be depleted by 2033, after which recipients would receive reduced benefits. According to the 2025 Trustees Report, the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund will only be able to pay 77% of scheduled benefits after 2033, while Medicare's Hospital Insurance Trust Fund would pay 89% of benefits upon depletion. Contributing factors include the repeal of certain provisions, slower fertility rates, and decreasing labor compensation as a share of GDP. Simultaneously, the Social Security Administration is reducing its workforce by approximately 12%, resulting in service delays, while political debate continues about potential solutions, with Republicans indicating plans to address entitlement spending despite public opposition to cuts.
Read moreJune 30, 2025
community
Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed
California's public schools are experiencing a significant decline in enrollment, dropping from 6.2 million students in 2014-15 to 5.8 million in 2024-25, with Black student numbers decreasing most sharply. Meanwhile, civil rights leaders are urging Governor Gavin Newsom to commute all 574 death row sentences in California, citing racial disparities as 34% of inmates are Black. The state is also seeing unprecedented rates of hate incidents and discrimination, prompting legislative action through the Assembly Select Committee on Racism, Hate, and Xenophobia. Additionally, Governor Newsom has criticized former President Trump's "Big Ugly Bill," warning it would cut $28.4 billion in federal Medicaid funding and threaten healthcare for millions of Californians.
Read moreJune 30, 2025
politics
Michigan’s First Black-Owned Cemetery Celebrates 100 Years, Continues to Serve Community
Detroit Memorial Park cemetery in Warren, Michigan, is celebrating its centennial anniversary as the state's first Black-owned cemetery and oldest African American corporation. Founded in 1925 by a group of African American funeral directors seeking to establish a burial ground free from racial discrimination, the cemetery continues to serve the community as a historical and cultural landmark. CEO Wilbur Hughes, grandson of an original investor, notes that despite desegregation allowing Black people more burial options, many still choose Detroit Memorial Park. Recent improvements include beautification projects, infrastructure enhancements, and digitizing records to preserve the cemetery's legacy for future generations.
Read moreJune 30, 2025
community
The Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Case Shows ‘Trialtainment’ Has Evolved in The Post-OJ Simpson Era
This article explores parallels between the upcoming Sean "Diddy" Combs trial and the 1995 O.J. Simpson case, highlighting how public discourse around celebrity legal proceedings, race, and domestic violence has evolved over three decades. While both cases involve high-profile Black male celebrities who initially enjoyed strong community support, the article notes significant differences in how domestic violence allegations are received today compared to the 1990s. Legal analyst Lisa Bonner attributes these changes largely to the #MeToo movement, which has empowered victims to speak out against powerful figures. The article suggests that while public fascination with celebrity trials remains strong, cultural attitudes have shifted toward greater accountability for abusive behavior, regardless of the perpetrator's status or wealth.
Read moreJune 30, 2025
politics
How algorithms, alpha males and tradwives are winning the war for kids’ minds
In the wake of the 2024 election, educators and advocates are increasingly concerned about the growing influence of the "manosphere" - a network of online influencers promoting male supremacy and far-right ideologies - on young people, particularly boys and young men. The article explores how social media algorithms funnel teens toward misogynistic content through initially innocent searches related to fitness, appearance, or social skills. Students report noticing changes in their peers' behavior, including increased sexist remarks, while educators like Jessica Berg are implementing gender studies courses to help students critically analyze these harmful online trends. In parallel with the manosphere, the "tradwife" movement promotes traditional gender roles for women, creating conflicting messages for teenage girls about their value and purpose in society.
Read moreJune 30, 2025
politics
What’s Next for Birthright Citizenship After the Supreme Court’s Ruling
of News Article on Birthright Citizenship Legal Battle President Donald Trump's executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship faces continued legal challenges despite a Supreme Court ruling that limits nationwide injunctions. The order seeks to deny citizenship to children born in the US to parents who are in the country illegally or temporarily, challenging the longstanding interpretation of the 14th Amendment which has granted citizenship to virtually all persons born on US soil since the post-Civil War era. Multiple federal judges had previously blocked Trump's order through nationwide injunctions, describing it as "blatantly unconstitutional." While the Supreme Court's ruling restricts individual judges' power to issue nationwide injunctions, it did not address the constitutional merits of Trump's policy, sending the cases back to lower courts for further proceedings.
Read moreJune 30, 2025
education
Federal Judge Weighs Whether Alabama’s Anti-DEI Law Threatens First Amendment
The University of Alabama is facing legal challenges over a new anti-diversity, equity and inclusion law (SB129) that prohibits public educational institutions from using state funds for curriculum endorsing "divisive concepts" related to race, religion, and gender identity. Professors and students testified that the law has altered course content, jeopardized funding, and eliminated certain programs, with political science professor Dana Patton describing how she removed course materials after complaints alleged her social justice program promoted divisive perspectives. The lawsuit argues the legislation violates First Amendment rights by restricting educators' speech and disproportionately impacts Black students, while defense attorneys maintain no measurable harm has occurred since no faculty have been terminated or formally disciplined.
Read moreJune 30, 2025
community
Carnegie Honors 20 ‘Great Immigrants,’ Including Composer Tania León, for 20th Anniversary
Tania León, a renowned composer and conductor who co-founded Dance Theatre of Harlem, was recently honored as part of Carnegie Corp. of New York's 20th class of Great Immigrants, Great Americans. Originally planning to emigrate from Cuba to Paris in 1967, León instead came to New York where she met Arthur Mitchell, leading to her influential career in American arts. The Carnegie initiative celebrates 20 immigrant honorees who have contributed significantly to American society despite immigration becoming an increasingly contentious political issue. The program, which is marking its 20th anniversary with a free educational comic book featuring past honorees, aims to highlight how immigrants enrich American culture, society, and economy.
Read moreJune 27, 2025
education
Trump wants to end birthright citizenship. Where do other countries stand?
President Trump's executive order to end birthright citizenship for children of migrants with illegal or temporary status will now proceed following a Supreme Court ruling limiting federal judges' powers to block presidential orders. The controversial policy, which challenges the 160-year-old interpretation of the 14th Amendment granting citizenship to anyone born in the US, will take effect in 30 days for the 28 states not participating in lawsuits against it. While polls suggest public support for Trump's position, legal scholars largely believe the order exceeds presidential authority and will likely be found unconstitutional when the Supreme Court eventually rules on its merits. This move places the US among several countries worldwide that have recently tightened birthright citizenship policies due to immigration concerns.
Read moreJune 27, 2025
sports
Women’s Tackle Football Gives Female Athletes Opportunities in a Game Dominated By Men
Women across North America are actively participating in tackle football leagues such as the American Women's Football League (AWFL), Women's National Football Conference (WNFC), and Women's Football Alliance (WFA), often paying their own expenses and risking injuries for their passion for the sport. These leagues are gaining visibility with championship games being broadcast on ESPN2 and played in professional venues like the Dallas Cowboys' Ford Center and the Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton. While players currently don't receive salaries, some leagues are securing sponsorships from brands like Adidas, Dove, and Riddell to offset costs and provide championship prizes. League commissioners believe women's tackle football is poised for significant growth alongside the rising interest in women's sports generally and the NFL's investment in women's flag football.
Read moreJune 27, 2025
sports
Kamaiu Johnson Captures APGA Juneteenth Classic in Dramatic Playoff
Kamaiu Johnson secured his second consecutive APGA Tour victory at the Juneteenth Classic held at Chester Washington Golf Course in Los Angeles, defeating Marcus Byrd in a sudden-death playoff after both finished at 12-under-par 128. Johnson, who didn't monitor the leaderboard during play, birdied four of the final five holes to force the playoff and ultimately claimed the $7,500 winner's share from the $25,000 purse. The win carried special significance as it occurred on the eve of Juneteenth, with Johnson emphasizing the importance of preserving African American history and acknowledging golf pioneers like Charlie Sifford and Tiger Woods who paved the way for his success. The APGA Tour, founded in 2010, continues its mission of diversifying golf through competitive opportunities, with its next tournament scheduled at TPC Deere Run in Illinois.
Read moreJune 27, 2025
technology
How Internet of Things Devices Affect Your Privacy – Even When They’re Not Yours
The Internet of Things (IoT) devices played a crucial role in convicting Alex Murdaugh of murdering his wife and son by providing data from cellphones and a Chevy Suburban that tracked his movements and actions. Unlike deliberate data sharing, IoT devices automatically collect and transmit information without human intervention, creating significant privacy concerns for both users and bystanders. These connected devices gather data in contexts previously considered private, with limited cybersecurity standards and few restrictions on how companies can use or sell this information. The author warns that as IoT devices evolve to collect more environmental data through sensors and AI systems, they increasingly compromise the privacy of non-users who may have no control over or awareness of the data being collected about them.
Read moreJune 27, 2025
community
Supreme Court Rules Trump Can Rapidly Deport Immigrants to Libya, South Sudan and Other Countries They Aren’t From
The Supreme Court has temporarily permitted the Trump administration to deport immigrants to dangerous "third countries" they are not from, overruling a federal judge who had blocked this practice. In a 6-3 decision, the Court allowed deportations to countries like South Sudan and Libya without giving immigrants time to contest their destinations, despite strong dissent from liberal justices. The administration is specifically targeting eight men, only one of whom is from South Sudan, while they await their fate at a U.S. military base in Djibouti. Court filings suggest the administration has tried to negotiate arrangements with these countries by offering money or benefits in exchange for accepting deportees.
Read moreJune 27, 2025
health
5 Takeaways From Health Insurers’ New Pledge To Improve Prior Authorization
The largest U.S. health insurers have voluntarily agreed to streamline their prior authorization systems, following increased scrutiny after an insurance CEO's fatal shooting in December. Companies including Cigna, Aetna, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare pledged to reduce procedures requiring preapproval, expedite reviews, use clearer communication with patients, and ensure medical professionals review coverage denials. While CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz acknowledged the pledge is not mandatory, he indicated the government would intervene with regulations if insurers don't follow through on these commitments. Health policy analysts remain skeptical about the impact of these changes, noting that much of the prior authorization process remains opaque to patients.
Read moreJune 27, 2025
community
Food Rations are Halved In One of Africa’s Largest Refugee Camps After US Aid Cuts
The United Nations World Food Program in Kenya's Kakuma refugee camp is facing a severe funding crisis after the Trump administration paused support in March, forcing ration cuts for 300,000 refugees. Monthly food rations have been halved and cash transfers that allowed refugees to supplement their diets have ended completely, leaving many like Martin Komol, a Ugandan widower, surviving on just one meal per day or less. The reduced rations—now just 3 kilograms of rice monthly per person instead of the recommended 9 kilograms—have led to alarming increases in malnutrition cases among children and pregnant women, with local hospitals reporting triple the normal admission rates and higher mortality. Without new funding by August, WFP officials warn the situation will deteriorate further, with only the most vulnerable refugees receiving any assistance.
Read moreJune 27, 2025
business
Target’s Partnership with National Baptist Convention Backfires
The National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. has sparked controversy by announcing a three-year, $300,000 partnership with Target, which is currently facing a boycott over its scaling back of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The partnership, intended to support scholarships and various development programs, has drawn sharp criticism from faith leaders, media figures, and churchgoers who view it as betrayal of the ongoing boycott efforts. Notable critics including Roland Martin and Pastor Jamal Bryant have condemned the deal, characterizing it as selling out Black America for minimal financial gain given the convention's 31,000 affiliated churches. Despite NBCUSA President Dr. Boise Kimber defending the partnership as beneficial for community empowerment, critics maintain that the agreement undermines collective action and was reached without proper consultation with boycott leaders.
Read moreJune 27, 2025
community
Newsom’s Message to Trump Administration Is Clear — He’s Not Backing Down
Governor Gavin Newsom has forcefully challenged President Donald Trump's decision to federalize California's National Guard and deploy 4,000 troops and 700 U.S. Marines to Los Angeles without state approval. Newsom filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing that the military intervention violates the Posse Comitatus Act and undermines California's constitutional right to self-governance. The conflict escalated when Vice President JD Vance briefly visited Los Angeles, where he mistakenly called Senator Alex Padilla "Jose" and blamed Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass for protests and violence. Newsom has responded aggressively to these federal actions, challenging Vance to a debate and characterizing Trump's moves as steps toward authoritarianism.
Read moreJune 27, 2025
education
'We are terrified': Trump's migrant crackdown has workers and firms worried
The article discusses how President Trump's immigration crackdown is disrupting U.S. businesses that rely heavily on immigrant workers. Business owners are reporting losing employees who had been working legally under temporary protection programs that Trump is now stripping away. The impact is being felt across sectors including cleaning services, healthcare, construction, and caregiving, where immigrants make up a significant portion of the workforce. Economists warn that these policies could lead to workforce shortages, higher inflation, and slower economic growth if sustained.
Read moreJune 26, 2025
education
Today In Black History: June 26th
Aimé Césaire (1913-2008) was a Martinican poet, politician, and co-founder of the Negritude movement who affirmed Black identity through his writings and political career. James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938) was a multifaceted American figure who co-wrote "Lift Every Voice and Sing" and became influential in the Harlem Renaissance and NAACP. Clifford Brown (1930-1956) was a jazz trumpeter known for his lyrical tone and technical brilliance who co-founded the Brown-Roach quintet before his untimely death in a car accident at age 25. These three influential Black cultural figures made significant contributions to literature, civil rights, politics, and music during the 20th century.
Read moreJune 26, 2025
business
Fire-damaged Bayview Lounge to Get Support from Mayor Lurie And Sup. Walton
SF Black Wall Street (SFBWS) is launching a recovery campaign following a June 11 fire that damaged their recently opened Nineteen-21 Lounge in San Francisco's Bayview district. The campaign will be officially announced at the Bayview Night Market on June 27, with Mayor Daniel Lurie and Supervisor Shamann Walton in attendance. The Nineteen-21 Lounge, a members-only co-working and cultural space for Black entrepreneurs and artists that opened in February 2025, suffered significant water and smoke damage from a fire at an adjacent property, forcing it to close indefinitely. Despite this setback, SFBWS remains committed to its mission of Black economic empowerment and cultural preservation in San Francisco, with plans to rebuild the lounge and continue hosting community events.
Read moreJune 26, 2025
education
5 Steps Students Can Take Toward Entrepreneurial Careers
Entrepreneurial skills and mindsets can be developed by junior high and high school students before entering the workforce. The article provides five key tips for young aspiring entrepreneurs: selecting business-oriented electives, finding meaningful part-time work, participating in entrepreneurship programs, seeking mentorship from successful professionals, and creating vision boards to organize ideas and stay motivated. These strategies help students build a foundation of business knowledge, practical experience, and personal connections that can prepare them for future entrepreneurial endeavors. Developing these skills early can help students achieve the autonomy and personal satisfaction that comes with running a successful business.
Read moreJune 26, 2025
education
Nigerian University Sparks Outrage Over Bra Checks Before Exams
Olabisi Onabanjo University in Nigeria has sparked outrage after a viral video showed female students being checked for bras before entering exams. The student union leader Muizz Olanrewaju Olatunji defended this practice, stating it aligns with the university's dress code policy aimed at maintaining a "respectful and distraction-free environment." Meanwhile, human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong condemned the policy as "draconian" and potentially constituting sexual harassment, noting it fails to consider medical reasons why some students might not wear bras. The university has not publicly responded to the controversy despite widespread criticism on Nigerian social media.
Read moreJune 26, 2025
community
A Congolese Customs Worker Who Resisted Corruption is Beatified By The Vatican
Congolese customs worker Floribèrt Bwana Chui Bin Kositi was beatified by the Vatican on Sunday, recognizing him as a martyr who was killed in 2007 after refusing to accept a bribe to allow spoiled rice into Congo. The ceremony at St. Paul Outside the Walls basilica in Rome drew many Congolese pilgrims who celebrated their countryman's path toward potentially becoming Congo's first saint. Pope Francis recognized Kositi as a martyr last year, viewing his refusal to permit distribution of rancid food to vulnerable people as an exemplary act of faith against corruption in a country where the practice is endemic. The beatification has brought hope to Goma, Kositi's hometown, which is currently suffering from violent conflict between government forces and Rwanda-backed rebels.
Read moreJune 26, 2025
community
Congo and Rwanda Will Sign A Peace Deal On June 27
The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have announced plans to sign a peace agreement in Washington on June 27 to end fighting in eastern Congo, where Rwanda has been accused of supporting M23 rebels despite its denials. The conflict escalated earlier this year when M23 seized strategic areas including Goma and Bukavu. The draft agreement includes provisions on territorial integrity, prohibition of hostilities, and disarmament of non-state armed groups, though experts express skepticism about its potential success given previous failed peace attempts and the complex dynamics involving ethnic Tutsi concerns and numerous armed factions in the region.
Read moreJune 26, 2025
education
US Resumes Visas For Foreign Students But Demands Access To Social Media Accounts
The U.S. State Department has resumed processing student visa applications after a temporary suspension, but now requires all applicants to make their social media accounts public for government review. Consular officers will screen for content potentially hostile to American values, government, or institutions, with refusal to comply possibly resulting in application rejection. The previous suspension, implemented under the Trump administration, had created significant anxiety among international students who need to make travel and housing arrangements before the academic year begins. Following the resumption of visa interviews, some students like a 27-year-old Chinese PhD candidate have successfully secured appointments, expressing relief after weeks of uncertainty.
Read moreJune 26, 2025
community
School May Be the Only Doctor Some Black Kids Ever See
The proposed One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a key component of President Trump's domestic agenda, threatens to cut $715 billion from Medicaid, potentially eliminating crucial school-based health services for many students. These cuts would disproportionately impact Black children, who rely on school-based health centers at much higher rates than their white peers (51.2% compared to 23.8%). Research shows that these school-based health services significantly improve attendance and academic performance, with students gaining 5-7 additional school days per year. School district leaders are already anticipating severe reductions in mental and behavioral health services if the legislation passes, which experts warn could further disadvantage Black students who already face systemic educational inequities.
Read moreJune 26, 2025
community
Senators Mark Juneteenth With Call to Action on Racial and Economic Justice
On the eve of Juneteenth, Democratic Senators Chuck Schumer, Cory Booker, Raphael Warnock, and Angela Alsobrooks held a candid discussion with Black media outlets at the U.S. Capitol. The senators connected the historical significance of Juneteenth to contemporary challenges facing Black Americans, including civil service cuts, economic inequality, healthcare, voting rights, and criminal justice reform. They emphasized that federal recognition of Juneteenth in 2021 resulted from persistent activism rather than government goodwill, drawing parallels to the struggle for MLK Day. Senator Warnock characterized the current political climate as a democratic "contraction" while calling for renewed focus on racial equity in federal policy.
Read moreJune 26, 2025
community
160 Years After Juneteenth 1865
The article discusses the ongoing job losses affecting Black women in America, with a TikTok user @sunshineharpy sharing her experience as one of 106,000 Black women who lost their jobs by May 8, 2025. The author connects these current events to historical patterns of racial discrimination, describing cyclical periods of "Reconstruction" and "Deconstruction" in American history affecting Black Americans. The article draws parallels between the current administration's policies and those of President Woodrow Wilson's administration, which similarly dismantled progress for Black Americans. The author argues that after 62 years of progressive gains (1954-2016), America has entered a new "Deconstruction" era where diversity, equity, and inclusion policies are being dismantled.
Read moreJune 26, 2025
politics
“Because American Democracy is at Risk…”
Congressman Al Green has filed Articles of Impeachment against President Trump for the fourth time, now focusing on alleged abuse of power related to taking America to war without congressional consultation. Green's House Resolution 537 claims Trump committed an "impeachable act" by using "authoritarian powers to declare war." The Texas Democrat expressed concern about democracy being at a crossroads, citing Trump's previous Capitol assault instigation and current war powers as justifications. Despite Trump having been impeached twice before without removal, Green is pursuing this new impeachment effort amid the president's declining approval ratings.
Read more