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Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman on America's highest court, delivered a powerful keynote address at the 2025 Global Black Economic Forum (GBEF) during the Essence Festival in New Orleans. Speaking to 500,000 in-person attendees and millions online, Justice Jackson shared her journey from Miami's public schools to the Supreme Court, emphasizing that justice requires active participation in decision-making processes. The GBEF Public Convention, part of the Essence Festival which generates $1 billion in economic activity, features various programming including health initiatives and policy discussions, with Maryland Governor Wes Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore scheduled to speak next. Led by President and CEO Alphonso David, the GBEF works to address economic disparities by building power across industries and creating opportunities for Black communities worldwide through global summits, leadership development, policy advocacy, and workplace innovation.

California's police education standards, initially proposed in 2020 following George Floyd's murder, are being revisited through Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin's new bill that would require incoming officers to obtain a policing certificate, associate degree, or bachelor's degree by 2031, with certain exceptions. The legislation represents a compromise between the original reform vision of former Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer, who sought stricter education requirements, and concerns from law enforcement agencies about exacerbating current staffing shortages. While the bill has gained widespread support from law enforcement groups, Jones-Sawyer and some policing experts criticize its exceptions for military experience and out-of-state law enforcement experience as undermining the original intent of improving officer decision-making and reducing use of force. The bill also establishes a law enforcement recruitment task force to address ongoing staffing challenges across California's police departments.

Donald Trump's proposed health care legislation, labeled the "One Big Ugly Bill" by Democrats, threatens to strip insurance coverage from up to 16 million Americans over the next decade according to Congressional Budget Office projections. The bill targets Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and the Children's Health Insurance Program, with states like Florida, Texas, California, New York, and Georgia expected to experience the most significant coverage losses. Meanwhile, the administration has allocated substantial funds for military displays and presidential recreation, including an estimated $25-45 million for the Army's 250th Anniversary Parade and approximately $30 million for Trump's golf outings. Critics have highlighted the contrast between these expenditures and the impending health insurance losses that could reverse a decade of coverage gains across the country.

The legislation signed by President Trump on July 4, which Senator Tim Scott praised as fiscally responsible, has been criticized as a plan that concentrates wealth and negatively impacts Black communities. Independent analyses project the law will significantly increase the federal deficit through permanent corporate tax cuts and expanded defense spending, potentially leading to cuts in essential assistance programs. While Scott claimed the law delivers tax relief to working people, studies indicate the wealthiest households will receive the majority of benefits, with middle-income families seeing only temporary reductions. The law includes controversial provisions such as expanding the Opportunity Zone program and introducing a permanent school choice tax credit, which critics argue will accelerate gentrification and deepen educational disparities.

In Zimbabwe's capital city of Harare, thousands of informal scrap metal collectors like Ezekiel Mabhiza earn their living by sifting through illegal dumpsites to salvage metal for resale. These workers, who face hazardous conditions while sorting through waste, unintentionally contribute to environmental conservation by reducing pollution and helping combat climate change through metal recycling. The recycled materials they collect account for a significant portion of the raw materials used in steel production, which requires less energy than producing steel from virgin resources and generates fewer carbon emissions. While Harare generates approximately 1,000 tons of waste daily with most going uncollected, these informal pickers serve as essential "unsung heroes" in Zimbabwe's waste management system, supporting both their families and a cleaner environment.

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reveals a significant decline in U.S. children's health over the past 17 years, with increasing rates of obesity, chronic diseases, and mental health issues like depression. Researchers analyzed multiple data sources including surveys, electronic health records, and mortality statistics to compile a comprehensive picture of deteriorating childhood health across 170 indicators. While Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has highlighted children's health concerns through his "Make America Healthy Again" initiative, experts argue that the Trump administration's policies, including cuts to health agencies and Medicaid, may worsen rather than improve these trends. The study's lead author, Dr. Christopher Forrest, described children as "canaries in the coal mine," reflecting broader societal health issues.

Tenants of Acorn Town Center and Courtyards in West Oakland are organizing against what they describe as exploitation and neglect in their low-income housing community. The article details how West Oakland has historically faced systematic disinvestment through policies like redlining, resulting in uninhabitable living conditions, environmental hazards, and health disparities, with asthma hospitalization rates 85% higher than the rest of Alameda County. Residents believe city officials prioritize profit-centered organizations over community needs, leading to deteriorating conditions that force working-class residents to leave. The authors frame these conditions as deliberate displacement strategies designed to ultimately transfer control of Oakland to wealthy interests.

The article describes escalating immigration enforcement under President Trump's second term, including ICE raids in California that have prompted significant protests and controversial military deployments. A June 7 memorandum authorized National Guard and active-duty forces to support ICE operations, leading to the massive "No Kings" protest on June 14 involving over 5 million participants nationwide. Former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and California Attorney General Rob Bonta have criticized these enforcement actions, noting that 65% of those detained by ICE had no criminal convictions. California officials are pursuing legal challenges and legislation to address what they view as unconstitutional federal actions, while economists warn of significant economic damage to California if mass deportations continue.

California's Assembly Bill 3074, passed in 2020, requires property owners in high fire hazard areas to create an "ember-resistant zone" within five feet of their homes to reduce wildfire risks. Despite Governor Newsom's February 2024 executive order to expedite implementation, the regulations have faced delays and are still in the "pre-rulemaking phase," with full implementation not expected until the end of 2025. Many homeowners like Oakland resident Tina Sanders remain unaware of these pending rules and have concerns about compliance costs and potential impacts on property values. The regulations will prohibit combustible materials like wooden fences and flammable vegetation in Zone 0, with immediate application to new constructions in designated high-risk areas once finalized.

New and recent retirees face significant "sequence-of-returns risk" when market downturns occur early in retirement, potentially shortening the lifespan of their savings. Financial experts recommend several protective strategies including adjusting spending during market declines, drawing income from safer assets rather than selling devalued stocks, and delaying Social Security benefits when advantageous. Additional recommendations include utilizing Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) to combat inflation and leveraging market volatility for tax-efficient Roth IRA conversions. These combined approaches aim to help retirees maintain financial flexibility and extend the longevity of their retirement portfolios.

A handwritten anti-slavery declaration from 1847, signed by 116 New England Baptist ministers, was recently discovered in the American Baptist archive in Groton, Massachusetts. Volunteer Jennifer Cromack found the pristine 5-foot-long scroll titled "A Resolution and Protest Against Slavery" that had been considered lost for decades, with the last known copy appearing in a 1902 history book. This significant historical document emerged two years after southern Baptists split from northern Baptists over slavery issues, and fourteen years before the Civil War began. The declaration firmly states the ministers' opposition to slavery, describing it as "an outrage upon the rights and happiness of our fellow men" and emphasizing they could "no longer be silent" on the issue.

President Donald Trump has sent letters to leaders of 14 countries announcing new tariff rates set to take effect on August 1, extending the previous July 9 deadline for most countries except China. The letters, sent to nations including Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and others, impose tariffs ranging from 24% to 40%, with Trump specifically citing trade deficits as justification. Trump warned that tariffs could increase further if countries retaliate with their own tariffs, while encouraging foreign leaders to manufacture goods in the United States to avoid these duties. Financial markets responded negatively to the announcements, with major stock indexes experiencing their worst performance in about three weeks.

The Bayside Gospel Concert Aboard the Midway returns on July 26th at 7:30pm, featuring an evening of faith and worship on the historic U.S.S. Midway Museum's flight deck in San Diego. Headlining artists include Gospel legend Vanessa Bell Armstrong, vocalist Kelontae Gavin, and The Family, alongside performers Corey Thompson, Robert Earl Dean, and M.A.N.D.A.T.E.'s recording artist Palace. The event promises an uplifting experience under the stars with spiritual music and stunning views, with tickets currently available for purchase on Eventbrite.

Proposition 36, known as the "Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act," has shown troubling trends six months after implementation, with early data revealing disproportionate impacts on Black communities. The measure, which passed in November 2024, increased penalties for certain drug and theft crimes by reclassifying some as felonies and lengthening sentences for specific offenses. In San Diego, data shows 32% of people arrested for Prop 36-related charges were Black despite representing only 5.6% of the population, while in Alameda County approximately 90% of those charged under Prop 36 are Black despite comprising just 10% of the county's population. Los Angeles County has seen a dramatic increase in arrests, jumping from 12 before Prop 36 to 594 by May 2025, contributing to jail population increases from 11,000 to nearly 13,000 inmates.

Descendants of enslaved Africans from the last slave ship to reach America gathered in Mobile, Alabama for a memorial ceremony honoring those transported on the Clotilda in 1860. The event took place near the Africatown Bridge where the ship remains submerged due to its deteriorated condition, with attendees dressed in white participating in a ceremonial wreath-laying. The Clotilda was discovered in 2019, but descendants had established a historical society over 40 years ago to preserve their heritage and ensure future generations understand this history. A state-funded investigation has been examining how to protect and potentially preserve the wreckage, with recommendations to install protective pillars around the sunken vessel.

Black mayors across America are achieving significant reductions in violent crime rates, yet their successes remain largely unrecognized by mainstream media. In Baltimore, Mayor Brandon Scott has overseen a 22% drop in homicides and a 19% decrease in nonfatal shootings compared to last year, while Birmingham's Mayor Randall Woodfin has led efforts resulting in a 52% reduction in homicides. These improvements stem from comprehensive, evidence-based strategies combining targeted enforcement with community services and technological advancements. Similar crime reductions are being reported in other major cities led by Black mayors, including New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta, where various violence prevention initiatives have produced measurable results.

Senator Akilah Weber-Pierson's two reparative justice bills, SB 437 and SB 518, have advanced to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations after being approved by the Assembly Judiciary Committee. These bills are part of the California Legislative Black Caucus's Road to Repair 2025 Priority Bill Package and aim to address lingering impacts of slavery and systemic racism. SB 437 focuses on determining eligibility for reparations by directing California State University to develop methodology for validating lineage, while SB 518 establishes the Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery within the Department of Justice. Despite criticism from advocacy groups like the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California regarding potential bureaucratic confusion between the two verification processes, Weber-Pierson remained confident in the bills' importance for moving from recommendations to implementation.

San Diego County's Vector Control Program is conducting truck-mounted pesticide-mist treatments in the Rolando community from July 9-11 to combat mosquitoes that tested positive for West Nile virus on June 24. The treatments will use AquaDuet, an EPA-approved pesticide that poses low risks to humans and pets, and will target approximately 4,000 parcels in both San Diego and La Mesa areas from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. While no human cases have been reported in San Diego County this year, officials urge residents to follow "Prevent, Protect, Report" guidelines, including removing standing water around homes and wearing protective clothing or insect repellent when outdoors. Residents are advised to stay inside with pets and close windows during treatment as a precaution, though normal activities can resume 30 minutes after application.

The article examines claims that Trump administration cuts to federal workforce affected the National Weather Service's (NWS) response to recent Texas floods. While the NWS lost about 600 of its 4,200 staff through buyouts, early retirements, and terminations since January, climate experts indicate forecasts and warnings for the Texas floods were issued appropriately. Some experts suggest staffing shortages may have impacted coordination between NWS offices and emergency services, as both the San Angelo and San Antonio offices had vacancies including meteorologist positions. The NWS confirmed these offices increased staffing during the flooding event, with the San Antonio office having up to five forecasters on duty instead of the typical two.

The House narrowly passed a sweeping budget bill on July 3 with a vote of 218-214, largely along party lines, meeting President Trump's deadline. Known as the "One Big, Beautiful Bill," the legislation includes significant tax cuts for high-income households while cutting approximately $1 trillion from Medicaid and $189 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill will increase the number of uninsured Americans to almost 12 million while also boosting fossil fuel companies, phasing out renewable energy tax credits, and increasing border security funding. Republican supporters tout economic growth benefits while Democratic opponents and advocacy groups condemn the legislation for prioritizing tax cuts for the wealthy at the expense of healthcare and nutrition programs for vulnerable populations.

Dr. John Warren of the San Diego Voice & Viewpoint was elected as the new leader of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) at their annual convention in Savannah, Georgia, becoming only the third West Coast representative to head the 85-year-old organization. Warren plans to revitalize the NNPA by focusing on regional engagement, bringing back members who have distanced themselves, and making the organization more inclusive rather than "closed and selective." At the same convention, the Sacramento Observer received the conference's highest honor with the most cumulative points across award categories, while the Los Angeles Sentinel earned three recognitions. Both Warren and Lee emphasized the critical importance of the Black Press continuing its nearly 200-year tradition of covering Black stories and engaging Black audiences while navigating the transition from print to digital media.

The Trump administration's revised guidelines for the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program threaten to deprive California of billions in funding for broadband expansion in rural communities. These new guidelines, announced on June 6, follow the termination of California's Digital Equity Capacity Program on May 9, 2025, which resulted in an immediate loss of $70 million. California's stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion has put it at odds with the current federal administration, jeopardizing funding that would help connect low-income minority households in rural areas. This change undermines two years of state planning to advance digital equity and threatens communities' access to essential online services for healthcare, education, and civic participation.

Pharrell Williams presented his latest Louis Vuitton men's collection at the Pompidou Center in Paris, drawing A-list celebrities like Beyoncé and Jay-Z to the front row. The show transformed the plaza into a lifesize "Snakes and Ladders" board, creating a cultural passage between Paris and Mumbai with designs that fused Indian traditions with modern dandyism. Williams' collection featured flowing silhouettes, jeweled details, and cultural references ranging from cricket jerseys with rhinestone embellishments to pin-striped tailoring that nodded to both British Raj and Parisian influences. Despite the maximalist approach that sometimes threatened to overwhelm with multiple references, the show reinforced Louis Vuitton's position as the world's most valuable luxury brand, with LVMH reporting record revenue of 84.7 billion euros in 2024. # Who is affected * Fashion consumers and Louis Vuitton customers worldwide * The luxury fashion industry and competing brands * Celebrity attendees and cultural influencers at the show * Artisans and craftspeople whose traditional techniques were showcased * LVMH shareholders and stakeholders * Indian cultural communities referenced in the collection # What action is being taken * Pharrell Williams is creating collections that blend cultural references from Paris to Mumbai * Louis Vuitton is hosting elaborate fashion shows that function as cultural events rather than simple presentations * The brand is incorporating traditional craftsmanship like hand-beaded details and sandalwood-scented linens into contemporary luxury designs * LVMH is continuing to position Louis Vuitton as its flagship brand within its Fashion & Leather Goods division * The luxury house is actively engaging celebrities and cultural figures to enhance its global influence # Why it matters * The show highlights Louis Vuitton's continued dominance as the world's most valuable luxury brand with a market value near $455 billion * Williams' approach represents a shift in luxury fashion toward cultural fusion and global references * The collection demonstrates how traditional craftsmanship can be integrated into contemporary luxury products * LVMH's record revenue of 84.7 billion euros in 2024 indicates the ongoing strength of the luxury market despite economic challenges * The spectacle nature of the show reinforces how fashion presentations have evolved into cultural moments that extend beyond the clothing itself # What's next No explicit next steps stated in the article.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced on Thursday that the controversial Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Nile River is now complete, with an official inauguration planned for September. This milestone has heightened tensions with Egypt, which views the dam as an existential threat to its water supply for agriculture and its population of over 100 million people. Despite years of negotiations, no agreement has been reached between the two countries regarding water allocation during droughts, though Ethiopia claims it is committed to ensuring its growth doesn't harm its neighbors. The $4 billion dam, Africa's largest, began producing power in 2022 and is expected to generate over 6,000 megawatts of electricity, potentially transforming Ethiopia into a net energy exporter.

Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela, a 41-year-old beer brewing master and the first Black woman to own a craft brewery in South Africa, is teaching 13 young Black graduates (mostly women) the art of beer making at her Brewsters Academy in Johannesburg. The students, who already hold science-related degrees, undergo a year-long program with six months of exploring beer varieties followed by work placement. Nxusani-Mawela aims to transform South Africa's $5.2 billion beer industry by creating opportunities for more Black people and women, while also preserving traditional African brewing methods through innovative beers like her award-winning Wild African Soul, which blends traditional Umqombothi with Belgian Saison.

Sean 'Diddy' Combs was acquitted of the most serious charges in his sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy trial but convicted on two lesser prostitution-related charges under the federal Mann Act. The Mann Act, originally enacted in 1910, criminalizes transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution purposes and has a controversial history of being used against Black defendants. Though amended several times to remove vague language about "immoral purpose," Combs' defense argued he was targeted for being a powerful Black man, while prosecutors denied allegations of racism. The law has been used in other high-profile cases, including against R. Kelly and Ghislaine Maxwell, both of whom received lengthy prison sentences.

The Georgia chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans has filed a lawsuit against Stone Mountain Park, claiming that planned exhibits about the site's connections to slavery, segregation, and white supremacy violate state law. This legal challenge comes after the Stone Mountain Memorial Association voted in 2021 to relocate Confederate flags and create a "truth-telling" exhibit detailing the site's role in the KKK's rebirth and the monument's segregationist origins. The massive Confederate monument, depicting Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and "Stonewall" Jackson, is protected by Georgia law from modifications. The proposed exhibit, designed by Warner Museums, would explore the "Lost Cause" ideology, the KKK's reemergence, and stories of a small Black community that lived near the mountain after the Civil War.

The U.S. Supreme Court recently delivered three significant rulings that align with conservative principles regarding constitutional limits and individual rights. The decisions addressed district court injunctions against presidential executive orders, parental rights concerning LGBTQ+ educational materials, and age verification requirements for accessing explicit online content. Justice Amy Coney Barrett led a 6-3 decision limiting district judges' authority to issue nationwide injunctions, while Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas authored opinions defending religious freedom for parents and protecting children from harmful online content, respectively. According to the author, these rulings collectively reaffirm constitutional values by establishing limits on judicial authority while protecting individual liberties and parental rights.

The Republican-controlled U.S. Senate has passed President Trump's budget bill after a record number of consecutive votes over two nights, with Vice President J.D. Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. This legislation includes unprecedented cuts to food assistance programs and threatens healthcare coverage for approximately 15 million Americans. The bill repeals the Inflation Reduction Act, cuts the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIPS), extends the 2017 tax cuts that primarily benefit wealthy Americans, and adds an estimated $4.5 trillion to the national debt. Despite opposition from three Republican Senators, the bill now moves to the U.S. House where it is likely to pass.

Deja Foxx, a 25-year-old Gen Z candidate running for Congress in Arizona's southern district, is challenging established candidates like Adelita Grijalva by leveraging social media to reach voters and raise funds. After years as a reproductive rights activist and digital strategist, Foxx has built a national following that has helped her raise over $600,000 from 18,000 individual donors, mostly through platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Her campaign emphasizes that her social media expertise isn't just a campaign strategy but a necessary skill for Democratic leaders to effectively communicate with younger voters who are increasingly disenchanted with traditional politics. Despite criticism labeling her as merely an "influencer," Foxx argues that her digital communication skills represent a critical evolution in political outreach as Gen Z and Millennials gain voting power.