ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE — The federal Environmental Protection Agency plans to scrap a federal requirement that states tell the public and allow public comment before approving air-pollution permits for industrial facilities. As data centers spread across the South, the EPA is considering eliminating federal requirements that give communities advance notice and a chance to challenge air pollution permits — stripping away a key tool residents have used to fight back. In April, the Shelby County Health Department held a public hearing attended by more than 200 people who were nearly unanimously opposed to a data center and its power source. The EPA is expected to finalize the proposal within the next year.
BLACK EXCELLENCE — The 25-year-old Houston native and former Radio City Rockette is the first Miss Texas to win the crown in over 50 years — and the first Miss America to be crowned wearing her natural hair. Regan also makes history as the first woman of color to win the Miss America crown while wearing her natural hair. She won the Miss Texas title in June of this year — and just three months later, was crowned Miss America in September 2026. Through the Miss America Opportunity, Hutsell has earned nearly $90,000 in scholarships, helping fund her education as she pursues her Bachelor's of Science in Health Sciences, with aspirations to become a Physical Therapist.
HEALTH EQUITY — Almost 3 out of 4 respondents to a new Word In Black survey said prices for healthy foods are too high and just over 60% said they don't trust that the food they buy is safe. Rising grocery prices are pushing families toward cheaper, less nutritious options. Black Americans are intensely aware of the connection between food and health but face economic and structural barriers that limit what they can actually put on the table. Roughly three out of four respondents said prices for healthy foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables need to be lowered. Forty-two percent want more grocery stores in their neighborhoods, while 38% want more nutrition education.
| S&P 500 | 7,591.7 -0.6% | |
| Dow Jones | 52,064.1 -0.6% | |
| 30-Yr Mortgage | 6.76% | FRED / Freddie Mac |
| CPI (YoY) | 3.3% | BLS via FRED |
| Bitcoin | $77,123 -1.3% | CoinGecko |
| Ethereum | $2,472 -0.1% | CoinGecko |
| UONE | $4.66 | -1.9% |
| RLJ | $10.94 | +0.6% |
| CARV | $1.77 | -1.7% |
Founded by Nigerian-American entrepreneur Tope Awotona, Calendly is a $3 billion scheduling software used by over 20 million people worldwide. Built on a product-led growth model without early investor dependence, Calendly represents one of the few Black-owned tech unicorns. The platform integrates with Zoom, Salesforce, and LinkedIn.
Visit Business →