US Air Force to deny retirement pay to transgender service members being separated from the service
The U.S. Air Force said Thursday it would deny all transgender service members who have served between 15 and 18 years the option to retire early and would instead separate them without retirement benefits. One Air Force sergeant said he was “betrayed and devastated” by the move. The move means that transgender service members will now be […]
How one Brooklyn-based doula collective is saving Black mothers and reclaiming the joy of birth
Never underestimate the power of community, especially when it comes to Black women looking out for each other. That superpower has always been our armor, our refuge, and our resistance. And now, in the face of rising Black maternal mortality rates, it’s becoming an essential lifeline, especially in places like Brooklyn, New York. The numbers […]
Wendell Pierce and Roc Nation launch $10M fund for NYC theatres of color
Wendell Pierce has teamed up with Roc Nation to give back in a major way. This week, the 61-year-old actor announced that, alongside Roc Nation, he is partnering with Caesars Palace Times Square to launch the New York Coalition of Legacy Theatres of Color Fund, which will support theatres in New York City that serve […]
New Missouri law tackles crisis of missing Black women and girls
Lawmakers in Missouri are finally taking the crisis of missing Black women and girls seriously. Earlier this year, the state passed a new bill establishing the “Missing and Murdered African American Women and Girls Task Force,” which was just signed into law by Governor Mike Kehoe and is set to take effect August 28, KOMU […]
Newly launched National Association of Black Bookstores celebrates and preserves Black literary culture
Just as rich history lies between the lines of iconic Black literature, a rich history lies in the Black-owned bookstores dedicated to distributing the power of literature to communities. This week, the National Association of Black Bookstores (NAB2) officially launched, becoming the first national organization of its kind. Created to promote literacy, amplify Black voices, […]
Everything you need to know about Instagram’s new map feature
The app that was once known as a photo sharing app with fun filters like “Valencia” (if you know, you know) has now turned into a photo, video, shopping, and tracking app. This week, Instagram launched a series of new features, including the “Instagram Map.” “Stay up-to-date with friends with the Instagram map,” Meta wrote […]
Barack Obama blasts Texas redistricting scheme, urges voters to not ‘lose focus’
Former U.S. President Barack Obama spoke out against Texas Republicans’ redistricting plan to give them a leg up in next year’s election, calling it clear gerrymandering and a threat to democracy. The 44th president of the United States urged voters, “We can’t lose focus on what matters.” In response to the new map redrawn by […]
Three years after his passing, Regina King finds healing through son Ian Alexander Jr.’s journals
Three years after his death, Regina King is finding ways to stay connected with her late son, Ian Alexander Jr., and keep his memory alive. In a recent interview with Parade magazine, the 54-year-old Oscar-winning actress shared that she often turns to Ian’s journals to feel close to him. “I have all of Ian’s journals. […]
The Weather Channel announces ‘Katrina 20’: A commemorative look back at Hurricane Katrina’s devastating impact
ATLANTA, August 5, 2025 – The Weather Channel today announced the premiere of “KATRINA 20,” a powerful new documentary commemorating the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. The special, hosted by The Weather Channel‘s Senior National Correspondent Justin Michaels, will premiere on Sunday, August 24, at 8 PM ET on The Weather Channel. “KATRINA 20” offers a comprehensive and poignant reflection on one […]
Trump seeks to change how census collects data and wants to exclude immigrants in US illegally
President Donald Trump has instructed the Commerce Department to change the way the U.S. Census Bureau collects data, seeking to exclude immigrants who are in the United States illegally, he said Thursday. The census’ data collections will be based on “modern day facts and figures and, importantly, using the results and information gained from the Presidential Election […]