Better late than never ya’ll. Here it is August 22nd -25th.
Trump Fires Fed’s Only Black Woman Governor (Aug. 25): President Donald Trump said he removed Federal Reserve Governor Lisa D. Cook, citing mortgage-fraud allegations — an unprecedented move critics argue threatens the Fed’s independence. Coverage noted Cook is the first Black woman to serve on the Fed board; allies called the ouster political retribution. The White House claims authority to remove a governor; legal experts expect immediate challenges. Markets and central bankers worldwide voiced concern over political pressure on the Fed.
Judge Orders Utah to Redraw U.S. House Map (Aug. 25): A state judge ruled Utah’s 2021 congressional map unconstitutional for undermining voter-approved redistricting safeguards, ordering lawmakers to produce a new plan for 2026. The decision said repealing the independent commission violated Utahns’ right to reform government and to curb partisan gerrymandering. Appeals could delay implementation, but the ruling is a major win for reformers.
Court Says Alabama Senate Map Violates Voting Rights Act (Aug. 22): A federal judge barred Alabama from using its current state Senate plan in 2026, finding Black voters’ power in Montgomery was illegally diluted. The court ordered a new majority-Black (or near-majority) district in the capital area. Other claims were rejected, but civil-rights groups hailed the ruling as a significant step.
Trump Signs Orders Targeting ‘Cashless Bail’ (Aug. 25): The president signed executive orders pressuring Washington, D.C., and jurisdictions nationwide to roll back no-cash bail policies by threatening federal funds. Supporters say cash bail criminalizes poverty; the administration frames the shift as a public-safety push. Legal scholars say federal authority over state bail systems is doubtful, foreshadowing litigation.
Chicago Leaders Blast Troop Plan, Demand Violence-Grant Funds Restored (Aug. 25): Chicago officials condemned White House talk of deploying federal troops, urging release of anti-violence grants canceled earlier this year. They warned that pulling funds undermines community safety work in Black neighborhoods.
Philly DA Reopens Community Violence Micro-Grants (Aug. 25): Philadelphia’s District Attorney invited local nonprofits to apply for a new round of small grants supporting prevention, family services, and youth programming. The office says more than $6 million has been distributed since 2021.
Property-Tax Cuts Squeeze Indy’s Violence-Prevention Budget (Aug. 25): After statewide tax changes, Indianapolis proposed cuts that would reduce a city grant program tackling root causes of crime. Officials say carryover funds will soften the blow in 2026, but advocates warn sustained reductions could stall progress.
Chicago Weekend Gun Violence Renews Calls for Investment (Aug. 25): A deadly weekend left at least 12 people killed and dozens wounded in Chicago, according to city tallies. The toll intensified pressure on policymakers to preserve intervention funding and expand proven neighborhood supports.
Massachusetts Decertifies Three Officers (Aug. 24): The state’s Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission stripped certification from three police officers after misconduct findings. Accountability advocates say decertifications, while rare, are an important tool for rebuilding trust.
Heat Inequity: Green Space Recommended for Marginalized Areas (Aug. 22): With extreme heat the nation’s top weather-related killer, public-health experts urged cities to expand trees and parks in underserved neighborhoods. Analysts say such investments can cut heat exposure that disproportionately harms Black communities.
Pulse Memorial Crosswalk Painted Over, LGBTQ+ Community Responds (Aug. 22): Florida transportation crews painted over the rainbow crosswalk honoring 49 victims of the Pulse mass shooting, triggering vigils and chalk-repainting protests. Orlando officials say the 2017 crosswalk had been state-approved; the state cites new “compliance” rules. Tensions continued through the weekend as protesters recolored the site and troopers repainted it.
Caribbean Carnival Week Kicks Off in NYC (Aug. 25): New York’s Caribbean Carnival returns this week, culminating in the West Indian Day Parade on Labor Day — one of the nation’s largest cultural events, drawing more than a million spectators. Organizers celebrate 58 years of pageantry, music, and island pride across Brooklyn.
Uganda Deportation Deal Spurs Outcry (Aug. 25): As U.S. authorities pursue deportations via third-country flights to Uganda, critics warn of due-process risks and dangerous returns for African migrants. The policy has roiled immigrant-rights groups and diaspora communities.
Indy’s ‘Chreece’ Festival Spotlights Hip-Hop Culture (Aug. 23): The day-long Chreece festival filled downtown Indianapolis with MCs, DJs, and cyphers, underscoring Midwestern hip-hop’s vitality beyond corporate stages. Community photographers documented block-party vibes and local talent.
Sacramento Marks Marcus Garvey’s Legacy (Aug. 22): A festival honoring Pan-African leader Marcus Garvey drew families for music, vendors, and history lessons. Organizers framed the event as cultural education and economic uplift.
FAMU’s Marching 100 to Honor Althea Gibson at U.S. Open (Aug. 22): Florida A&M’s famed band will help tribute tennis legend Althea Gibson during opening-week festivities in New York. The performance pairs HBCU excellence with Black sports history on a global stage.
Virginia’s First State-Authorized Adult Charter High School Opens (Aug. 25): The Excel Center at Roanoke’s Melrose Plaza opened to adult learners as Virginia’s first VDOE-approved adult charter high school, offering diplomas plus industry certifications with wraparound supports. Arlington Community High School has long awarded diplomas to adults within APS; the “first” here refers to the Excel Center’s statewide, charter authorization model.
Silver Alert: Indiana Police Seek Missing Black Woman (Aug. 24): Authorities issued a Silver Alert for 66-year-old Dorothy Harris of Hammond, describing her as a Black woman last seen wearing a black shirt and gray pants. Police ask anyone with information to call 911.
Square Launches Grant Program for Small Businesses (Aug. 22): The company opened applications for “Make It Big,” offering funding and mentorship to entrepreneurs. Advocates say such grants can be lifelines for Black-owned firms navigating tighter credit.
Mortgage-Delinquency Snapshot Shows Racial Gaps (Aug. 24): New analysis highlighted ongoing disparities in mortgage distress, with Black homeowners facing higher delinquency risks amid rate shocks. Housing counselors urge targeted relief and fair-lending enforcement.
New York Reports Drop in Shootings (Aug. 25): State officials said shootings fell 14% year-to-date, with notable declines in Albany and Buffalo and continued improvements in NYC. Community groups credit sustained, locally led prevention work.
What Federal Cuts Mean for CVI Programs (Aug. 25): As Washington moves to penalize jurisdictions over bail and pares violence-prevention grants, researchers warn community-based interventions may suffer. Policy trackers say states will need to backfill to keep proven programs alive.
Nice comprehensive snapshot X! Thx for sharing this
My bad for thinking I could take a weekend off from the news. I live in a suburb of Chicago and I had no idea of the violence over the weekend. And then Monday comes and the orange pedo felon takes over the news airwaves. The only think I heard is that he made a derogatory comment about Chicago - I should have known....... Thank you for your comprehensive update.