EDUCATION UNDER ATTACK — More than a dozen colleges have reduced Black studies departments, majors, and classes, with the Washington Post finding that institutions like the University of Iowa, Texas at Austin, and Kansas have closed or consolidated African American studies units since 2024. Black studies programs are facing a new round of cuts in higher education as the Trump administration continues its effort to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in schools, corporations, and government. Scholars argue that such programs have become a target because "the field is unapologetic in its critiques of fascism, antiblackness, sexism and antitransness, and antiimmigration," and face "cuts, intense scrutiny, censorship, and consolidation—as well as attacks from the outside."
GOVERNMENT WATCH — Jury selection was completed Monday in the federal bribery trial of D.C. Councilmember Trayon White, with a jury comprised of 14 D.C. residents—nine women and five men. According to the criminal complaint, White agreed to accept $156,000 in cash payments in exchange for using his position to pressure employees at the D.C. Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement and the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services to extend violence-intervention contracts. White is facing a single federal bribery charge, which carries a sentence of up to 15 years in prison if convicted, along with the loss of his council seat. Opening statements began Tuesday.
CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY — Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts announced a $600,000 donation to Philadelphia's Northeast High School for an air-conditioning system, saying "Let's get it to zero" on the number of schools without proper cooling. More than half of the 218 schools throughout the School District of Philadelphia lack adequate cooling systems, which has caused students to miss instruction due to early dismissals during heat waves. Fifty-two Philadelphia schools currently lack air conditioning, and Hurts said he wants to give more beyond the Northeast High donation.
| S&P 500 | 7,585.73 -0.4% | |
| Dow Jones | 52,093.11 -0.6% | |
| 30-Yr Mortgage | 6.76% | FRED / Freddie Mac |
| CPI (YoY) | 3.4% | BLS via FRED |
| Bitcoin | $75,845 -2.0% | CoinGecko |
| Ethereum | $2,397 -3.7% | CoinGecko |
| UONE | $4.19 | -6.9% |
| RLJ | $10.97 | +0.5% |
| CARV | $1.67 | -1.8% |
Verizon provides $10,000 grants for Black-owned and Black women-owned small businesses with free courses, coaching, and networking. Open to eligible small businesses including those not yet Verizon customers. Focus on digital marketing, tech, and operational growth.
Apply →