• Politics

by Daniel Johnson

June 14, 2025

No Kings, No Crowns: Coast-To-Coast Anti-Trump Protests Planned Over Militarized Parade

Organizers say that more than 2,000 protests will occur in all 50 states.

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Timed with Donald Trump’s planned military parade in Washington, D.C., thousands are set to take part in “No Kings Day of Defiance” protests across the country, denouncing both the spectacle and what they see as Trump’s push toward American authoritarianism.

According to CNN, the organizers of the more than 2,000 protests, which will occur in all 50 states, say that the protests are a rejection of “authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics, and the militarization of our democracy,” all of which have been epitomized by the second Trump administration. There are also numerous protests planned in other countries.

As more attention has been given to Trump’s actions in Los Angeles, where he has deployed both the National Guard and the Marines, more momentum against the mass arrests and increasingly indiscriminate and clandestine actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has picked up.

The actions in Los Angeles have led to protests in New York, Seattle, Chicago, Austin, Las Vegas, and Washington, where, in addition to Trump’s potentially unconstitutional and controversial use of the National Guard and the Marines to quell protests, governors like Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe, respectively, deployed and activated their state’s National Guard troops, characterizing their moves as reactions to unrest.

Ezra Levin, the co-executive director of Indivisible, one of the organizations behind the No Kings protests, described the number of people protesting as a historic mobilization.

“Even conservative estimates say that 3.5 million people turned out for the Hands Off mobilization in April. That’s already 1% of the population of the US,” Levin told CNN. “No Kings is on track to exceed that by millions more. This is historic.”

Although political protest has proven fundamental to securing the rights and freedoms of Americans, Trump has taken a hard line, promising to deliver “heavy force” to “any” protestors at the military parade in Washington, D.C. In his comments, Trump also cast protestors of his immigration policy as un-American and people who hate the country.

An assertion that White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was left to clarify during a June 10 briefing, saying that Trump was in support of peaceful protest.

“The president supports peaceful protests. He supports the First Amendment. He supports the right of Americans to make their voices heard,” Leavitt responded after being questioned about Trump’s planned restrictions at the parade, following his use of military force against immigration policy protests in Los Angeles. “He does not support violence of any kind. He does not support assaulting law enforcement officers who are simply trying to do their job.”

Military parades are uncommon in America, and as former Army officer Brandon Friedman argued in an op-ed for MSNBC, the one Trump has orchestrated marks a clear line in the sand for military officers and political figures.

“President Trump’s military parade is, of course, troubling for its similarity to those that often take place in other countries like North Korea or Russia. In rare cases, such as France’s Bastille Day parade, they are something of a celebration of democracy. But far more frequently, they are shows of force and expressions of belligerence. It’s arguable that they’re signs of deep-seated insecurity on the part of weak autocrats who demand them. What is inarguable is that an endless parade of tanks and missiles is often the calling card of fascists,” Friedman wrote.

That “calling card,” as he describes it, underscores the urgency behind the latest round of protests against the Trump administration’s increasing hostility to opposition, which the No Kings movement says has galvanized its resistance on its website.

“They’ve defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights, and slashed our services,” the group wrote on its website. “They’ve done this all while continuing to serve and enrich their billionaire allies. The flag doesn’t belong to President Trump. It belongs to us. On June 14th, we’re showing up everywhere he isn’t — to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings.”

RELATED CONTENT: Organizers Planning Nationwide Protests Over Trump’s Upcoming Military Parade

• News

by Kandiss Edwards

June 14, 2025

Digital Protest Aims To Hijack Trump’s Military Parade With ‘Barack Obama Appreciation Day’ Campaign

The goal is to drown out coverage of Trump's military display in favor of honoring the previous leader.

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Protestors of President Donald Trump’s military parade want to move Barack Obama Day to the news forefront on June 14.

This year, the date conspicuously aligns with the military’s 250th anniversary, Donald Trump’s 79th birthday, and Flag Day. Multiple social media users have rallied to facilitate a digital protest. The goal is to drown out coverage of the administration’s display in favor of honoring the previous leader.

The original date of Barack Obama Day coincides with the 44th president’s birthday, Aug. 4. Though the day is not an official national holiday, many Americans outside of Illinois celebrate the beloved former president. Bill SB0055 was passed to commemorate the former Illinois Senator. 

Pushback 

Celebrating the strength and longevity of the nation’s military is not an uncommon act, but not to the massive extent that Trump has planned. Still, many politicians have admonished the current administration. 

California Gov. Gavin Newsom called out Trump in a press conference, saying his actions were a “display of weakness.” Furthermore, Newsom compared the “vulgar display” to those of other world dictators.

“It’s a vulgar display. It’s the kind of thing you see with Kim Jong Un, you see it with Putin, you see it with dictators around the world that are weak…Weakness masquerading as strength…that’s about as small as it gets…that’s Donald,” Newsom stated.

The military parade celebration is projected to host 200,000 attendees and involve over 6,000 active military personnel. 

USA Today reported on the opulent display that will cost taxpayers $40 million, which critics say is quite a price tag for an administration whose goal is to eliminate waste and maximize efficiency. Along with thousands of marching soldiers, tanks, and armored vehicles, additional theatrics will be present at the celebration.

“Helicopters and World War II-era warplanes will fly overhead and Army parachutists will soar down to the White House’s ellipse, where Trump will preside over the parade from a presidential booth,” the outlet reported.

Trump’s official parade will take place June 14, 6:30 p.m. ET. The digital protest can be found on social media by typing “Barack Obama Appreciation Day.”

RELATED CONTENT: L.A. Mayor Karen Bass Faces Anti-ICE Curfew Backlash, While Gov. Newsom Praised for Opposing Trump’s Troops

• News

by Daniel Johnson

June 14, 2025

Tulsa Man Run Over By Police Cruiser Over Alleged Jaywalking Heads To Trial As Dash Cam Sparks Outrage

In 2024, the department reportedly also faced scrutiny for its use of non-lethal force on Black residents of Tulsa.

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Kemonte Hampton, a Tulsa County resident who was struck by a police cruiser while officers attempted to detain him for allegedly jaywalking and obstructing an officer in April 2025, is moving forward with a jury trial against the Tulsa Police Department. Hampton appeared in court on June 12, where a Tulsa County judge ruled that his case would proceed before a jury of his peers.

According to KJRH, which requested the body and dash cam footage of the arrest of Hampton, the footage they obtained shows a patrol car rolling over Hampton as they attempt to arrest him.

According to the account given by the police, they called for backup because Hampton was attempting to flee after they tried asking him about possibly jaywalking near a nearby intersection, but since the film has been released to the public, there has been a healthy debate about the department’s policing tactics.

As the video shows, officers did not attempt to offer any immediate medical care, but proceeded to attempt to arrest Hampton, which likely prompted him to protest to the officers, “Y’all just ran me over, bro,” which can be audibly heard in the video.

Although the police say that Hampton’s injuries are minor, some have questioned why the police pulled his arms before checking to see if he was injured by the wayward police cruiser, which should have been in park when Hampton was accosted by the officers.

Others, however, pointed out that Hampton should not have been running. Hampton had previously indicated to the outlet that he was willing to share his side of the story, but was advised otherwise by his defense attorney.

The police, meanwhile, justified their actions by saying that they had been receiving complaints about violent crime, and the probable cause to detain Hampton could have been used to ask about other crimes. However, jaywalking, in the eyes of the general public, is largely considered a non-violent, victimless crime.

The trial, which has been set for Oct. 20, is likely to place the activities of the Tulsa Police Department under more public scrutiny, similar to how the shooting of Terence Crutcher by former officer Betty Shelby did in 2016.

As Tulsa Police Captain Richard Meulenberg told Channel 2 News, “Is jaywalking a minor infraction? Yes. But it comes on the demands of the community saying, ‘Hey, we have major crimes out here—do something.’”

According to The Black Wall Street Times, public scrutiny could be coming directly from the mayor’s office, per a response from Tulsa’s Public Safety Commissioner Laurel Roberts.

“As with any police incident, we must affirm our commitment to transparency and accountability. Immediately following the incident, an internal review was launched, and I will be engaged in the review at the direction of Mayor Nichols,” Roberts said. “Our police officers are entrusted with protecting the public, and that trust will be upheld through integrity and respect for all members of our community.”

According to Tulsa Public Radio, in 2024, the department also faced scrutiny for its use of non-lethal force on Black residents of Tulsa. Although Black residents make up 15% of Tulsa’s population, they accounted for nearly half, 48.2% to be exact, of the non-lethal force used on Tulsa’s citizens.

Nichols, notably, is Tulsa’s first Black mayor, and according to data from Mapping Police Violence, the Tulsa Police Department has had the fourth highest rate of police killings per one million people between 2013 and 2025.

As part of his campaign promise during the 2024 mayoral election, Nichols vowed to improve the city’s crime rate and the trust between law enforcement and the city’s residents. This case, depending on his office’s response to its outcome, could provide an early test of how well he lives up to those promises.

RELATED CONTENT: Mississippi Men Tortured By Police Settle Lawsuit For $2.5M

• Media

by Kandiss Edwards

June 14, 2025

Byron Allen Settles $10B Discrimination Suit With McDonald’s Days Before Trial

Media mogul Byron Allen accused the fast-food chain of 'racial stereotyping' by excluding Black-owned media from much of its advertising budget.

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On June 13, McDonald’s settled its lawsuit with Byron Allen for an undisclosed amount. Allen had sued the fast-food chain for $10 billion.

Allen is the owner of the Weather Group and Entertainment Studios Networks. The entrepreneur sued the corporation over its alleged refusal to advertise with Black-owned companies. The settlement comes just two days before the case was scheduled for trial, July 15.

Details of the settlement remain sealed. Yet, both Allen and Chicago-based McDonald’s USA released statements addressing the end of the suit.

McDonald’s admits no wrongdoing. Still, the corporation stated its commitment to working with Black-owned media where “mutually beneficial.” 

“We are pleased that Mr. Allen has come to appreciate McDonald’s unwavering commitment to inclusion, and has agreed to refocus his energies on a mutually beneficial commercial arrangement that is consistent with other McDonald’s supplier relationships,” McDonald’s USA said in a statement. “Our company’s unique three-legged stool model relies on mutual respect, and we look forward to ESN’s contributions to the betterment of our system.”

In the joint statement, Allen insinuates that he has clarity about the structure of the company’s ad tiers. A better understanding that will allow him to move forward in doing business with the company. 

“We are pleased to find a resolution that maintains our business relationship,” Allen said. “During the course of this litigation, many of our preconceptions have been clarified, and we acknowledge McDonald’s commitment to investing in Black-owned media properties and increasing access to opportunity. Our differences are behind us, and we look forward to working together.”

This is not Allen’s first time holding a corporation accountable for alleged discrimination. The media mogul has taken Comcast, DirecTV, and Charter Communications to court. 

In 2020, Allen’s suit against Comcast went to the Supreme Court after battling through the court system for five years. Allen claimed racial discrimination when a carriage deal between the companies fell through. The high court dismissed the case, stating Allen needed to prove race was the sole reason for the failed negotiations as opposed to one element. Comcast chose to settle after the case was sent back to a lower court, The Los Angeles Times reports. 

Most of the settlement terms remain undisclosed. Still, Allen soon negotiated to add Comedy.TV, Recipe.TV, and JusticeCentral.TV — on Comcast’s Xfinity cable television packages. He also negotiated a larger distribution package for the Weather Channel.

RELATED CONTENT: For Sale: Byron Allen Puts Investment Bank In Charge Of Selling Television Stations 

• Women

by Kandiss Edwards

June 14, 2025

Venus And Serena Williams Bring ‘Unfiltered Truth’ To X In New Podcast

Venus and Serena are teaming up off of the tennis court to give fans 'unfiltered' conversation on their new podcast.

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Tennis icons Venus and Serena Williams are launching a new podcast on X. 

The Williams sisters are no strangers to public speaking and the spotlight. In August, the Olympians will put their media training to use. Serena announced the launch of an unnamed podcast on her X account. The U.S. Open champion promised more than just sports talk. According to the Wimbledon champion, both she and Venus will be giving their “unfiltered truth. The show, named “Unfiltered Truth,” is produced in conjunction with Serena’s Nine Two Six Production company.

In a statement to Variety, the Williams sisters expressed excitement to use their voices to weigh in on important issues. Also, the champions state the X platform is the place that allows fans to join the conversation and provide a more intimate connection. 

“We’re so excited to be launching our new podcast, a place where we will share our personal stories, have authentic conversations, spotlight important topics, and laugh a lot,” the Williams sisters said in a joint statement provided to Variety. “This platform gives us the chance to engage directly with our fans who have supported us throughout our careers, and we’re excited to connect with audiences, old and new, in a way we’ve never done before.”

X Evolving Content And Declining Userbase 

Mitchell Smith, head of original content at X, is pleased to welcome the sisters to the X’s line-up of live shows that include Khloe Kardashian’s “Khloé in Wonder Land.”

“Venus and Serena are among the most recognizable and revered athletes in the world, and their decision to team up with X places them at the center of our rapidly evolving original content strategy,” said Smith.

Recruiting the Williams sisters to add their voices to the platform’s original content line-up will hopefully prove beneficial for X. The platform has seen a decline in its user base since 2024.  

”In the 12 months leading up to January 2025, X (formerly Twitter) experienced a decline of 33 million users, representing a 5.3% decrease,” Global Statistics reports.

The Williams sister’s global popularity may serve to bring a few lost users back to the platforms. Together the women are the most successful sibling athletes in the world. 

RELATED CONTENT: Coco Gauff Becomes First American Woman To Win The French Open Since Serena Williams

• News

by Kandiss Edwards

June 14, 2025

Congressman Charles Rangel Laid To Rest In New York

Rangel was remembered by former President Bill Clinton, New York Mayor Kathy Hochul, and others.

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Funeral services for Charles Rangel were held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on June 14. Rangel died at 94 years old.

The New York Representative was remembered for his fierce advocacy of New York, cool temperament, and mental strength. 

Close friend Rev. Herbert Daughtry spoke of Rangel’s character, and how he “was able to combine what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. used to call a tough mind and a gentle heart, and he achieved that combination as so few of us are able to do.”

Former President Bill Clinton also gave remarks. Clinton relayed Rangel’s ability to trouble himself with world issues while remaining focused on serving his American constituents. 

“Charlie Rangel, who cared about people halfway around the world and never once took his eye off Harlem. That is the trick of all public service in a democracy,” Clinton said.

Echoing the words of Daughtry, Clinton, too, remembered the 94-year-old’s no-nonsense yet happy disposition. 

“Charlie Rangel stood by every single solitary person he ever tried to help,” Clinton said, adding, “I ask all of you never to forget the smile on his face, the spring in his step, and the steel in his spine. And fight on for the world he loved and the country he believed in.”

Though reportedly a private memorial was held, Americans were allowed to pay respects., CBS reports. The decorated War Veteran lay in state at the New York City council on June 12 and had a separate public viewing at Saint Aloysius.

Decades Of Service

Rangel served in office for almost 50 years. In 1970, he won his bid for Congress, defeating  Adam Clayton Powell Jr.

During his time in office, Rangel broke barriers. He is one of the founding members of the Congressional Black Caucus. Furthermore, he served as the dean of the New York Congressional delegation and was the first Black person to chair the Ways and Means Committee.

Remembered for being the “Lion of Lenox Avenue,” Rangel’s political career was not without blemish. In 2010, he was convicted of violating House rules by the House Ethics Committee. Still, he would go on to serve in Congress until his retirement in 2017.

Charles Rangel passed away on May 26 at 94. He is survived by his son, Steven Rangel; daughter Alicia Rangel Haughton; and three grandsons, Howard R. Haughton, Joshua R. Haughton, and Charles R. Haughton. 

RELATED CONTENT: Morgan State University’s Chief Revenue Officer, Sterling Steward, Has Died

• Entertainment

by Mary Spiller

June 14, 2025

Kendrick Lamar And SZA Deliver Powerful Performance In Detroit, Blending Art And Activism

Detroit is the last U.S. stop on SZA and Kendrick Lamar's Grand National Tour before heading overseas to Europe.

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In a fusion of hip-hop mastery and R&B brilliance, Kendrick Lamar and SZA turned Ford Field into a powerhouse of music, energy, and visual spectacle on June 10. The stop of the Grand National Tour saw the two artists, both fresh off wins at the BET Awards the night before, deliver a near three-hour set that balanced personal artistry with collaborative chemistry, bringing a sold-out Detroit crowd to its feet.

Though billed as co-headliners, the night leaned heavily into Lamar’s domain, showcasing the Compton rapper’s signature lyrical prowess and bold creative direction to tell the story of the streets.

Lamar shared the spotlight generously with “Snooze” singer SZA, who matched his presence with her own set that marked her distinct artistry and messages of transformation and love.

Lamar aptly opened the show with “Wacced Out Murals,” the first song in the “GNX” album and one that references Detroit legend Anita Baker.

A crowd of nearly 50,000 fans screamed along to the lyrics: “Ridin’ in my GNX with Anita Baker in the tape deck, it’s gon’ be a sweet love.”

A striking visual theme ran through Lamar’s portion of the show, with the centerpiece being a black 1987 Buick Grand National Experimental — a callback to the vehicle that brought him home from the hospital as a newborn and now serves as a symbol for his latest album and tour aesthetic.

The car was featured prominently throughout the set, tying together past and present in a cinematic, storytelling experience.

Lamar proceeded to dive into a set that included fan-favorite tracks.

Most notably, Lamar’s performance was unfiltered and raw, delivering his bars with pinpoint clarity without reliance on vocal backing tracks.

“Reincarnated” and a fiery, seven-minute version of his Drake diss “Euphoria” stood out as clear high points for newer fans of Lamar.

For older fans, Lamar indulged with tracks like “King Kunta,” “HUMBLE,” and a “m.A.A.d City” rendition that paid homage to Anita Baker’s “Sweet Love.”

In a playful twist, Lamar bridged the gap between his and SZA’s solo acts by incorporating video segments portraying a fictional legal deposition.

The Compton rapper took artistic jabs at his ongoing feud with Drake, which has escalated into real-life legal action from the Toronto rapper suing Universal Music Group (UMG) over Kendrick Lamar’s diss track Not Like Us.

Of course, no moment rivaled the crowd’s reaction to “Not Like Us,” Lamar’s popular Drake diss track, which turned the stadium into a unified chorus. When the line “A minor!” echoed from the speakers, nearly 50,000 fans shouted it back with force, closing out his set with a bang.

SZA held her own and then some. Her set was visually rich and emotionally textured, blending soulful vocals with theatrical elements to tell the story of transformation through relationships.

With dancers surrounding her, SZA simultaneously delivered a magical set while grounding her performance in personal expression.

Highlights from her set included a rock-leaning section anchored by “Scorsese Baby Daddy,” “F2F,” and a rendition of “Kitchen.”

“Kill Bill” and “Low” offered a juxtaposition with darker themes, while “BMF” and “Kiss Me More,” her collaboration with Doja Cat, injected pop fun into the mix.

The duo joined forces mid-show for “All the Stars,” the Oscar-nominated title track from Black Panther.

Slowing the concert down for an emotional moment, the stadium lit up with cellphone lights as Lamar and SZA performed to the audience from opposite sides of the stage.

Lamar and SZA’s alternating sets complemented each other. Lamar’s grayscale grit softened by SZA’s technicolor warmth, and both came together in the show’s finale to perform their shared tracks.

SZA and KDOT’s chemistry has been honed over years of collaboration, and it was on full display in the final stretch of the night.

After the hype performance of “Not Like Us,” the show wound down gently with “Luther,” which has held the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s R&B chart for a groundbreaking 13 weeks.

The Detroit show of the GNX tour concluded with “Gloria,” a closer that gave the crowd one last emotional hit before the two stars exited the stage together in the Grand National Buick.

Detroit wasn’t just a backdrop for the concert; it was an unspoken collaborator. Home of Motown, techno, and countless reinventions, the city has always carried a reputation for resilience and innovation, themes that echoed in both artists’ discographies.

For many, the show wasn’t just entertainment. It was a display of how softness can be strength, how every experience is powerful in how it is retold—and that art can protest and entertain simultaneously.

Detroit was the last U.S. stop before the Grand National Tour took a month-long hiatus ahead of its European leg.

RELATED CONTENT: Kendrick Lamar Loses Twice To Eminem At American Music Awards

• Money

by Jeffrey McKinney

June 14, 2025

6 Ways A Mid-Year Financial Tune Up Can Help Vitalize Your Prosperity

A mid-year money review can show where you’re at and if any adjustments are needed to enhance your finances.

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June is an optimal time to appraise your savings and financial goals before 2026 arrives.

That mid-year point can help you see if you are reserving or investing cash in what you have planned since January. It can assist you with identifying and adjusting any personal financial goals if needed and help you avoid any negative moves during the next six months.

Whether it’s making moves like erasing debt or investing extra money, the bottom line is that such an analysis can help you determine if your financial portfolio is where you want or would like it to be right now. Being proactive can help you enhance your financial status. BLACK ENTERPRISE explored and compiled tips to help give your finances a biannual upgrade.

Be aware that there are many headwinds to maneuver as you try to manage your money now in the existing business landscape. Consider America’s total value of products and services—called GDP— fell at an annual rate of 0.2% in this year’s first quarter. In contrast, it rose at an annual rate of 1.6% in the same 2024 period.

Unpredictable moves by President Donald Trump are supposedly fueling a chunk of that downturn. Observers have expressed concerns about how his tariff policies will impact U.S. consumers, including Black Americans. The National Retail Federation estimates the tariffs would cost buyers $78 billion annually.

Looking at the larger picture, brokerage giant Charles Schwab expects the nation’s economy to face a mixed bag in the upcoming months. For instance, the firm’s mid-year outlook stated that there seems to be some uncertainty with “tariff-induced inflation” among other forces.

Contrarily, it reported “stocks nearing all-time highs…the bar is relatively high for the market” in the second half of 2025.

Moreover, Black American investors may do well to not completely forsake stocks. Black experts who monitor Wall Street activity recently shared how Black investors can still flourish when the stock market fluctuates.

BE has disclosed that individuals often tend to retreat during market volatility, but perhaps should not. One reason: The stock market over the long term has helped investors build wealth if the assets are retained over extended periods

Overall, the key is being regularly diligent to reach your financial targets; based on BE research, here are some tips to help give your finances a mid-year boost.

Investment And Retirement Planning

One approach for investors is to consider having holdings in companies that are steady and high performers. They offer resilient growth and essential services that remain in demand regardless of economic conditions. They are sometimes dubbed recession-proof. They operate in many sectors, including consumer goods, utilities, telecommunications, and healthcare. 

For retirement, make sure to check if you can contribute more to your 401(k) savings plan. Many companies match three percent or more of what you save. Try not to let stashing money for vacations or an emergency fund detract from your retirement savings goals. And aim to pay off debt to help enhance retirement savings.

Debt Management And Budgeting

At over $2.1 trillion, the nation’s credit card debt has hit record levels, with holiday spending contributing to that large splurge. However, experts suggest consistently paying as much as you can, and consolidating debt is a way to help counter that. Avoid transferring debt to a credit card, where the debt is not deductible. Industry professionals suggest using a debit card instead of a credit card to help trim credit card usage. Another recommendation? Make minimum payments on everything and use extra cash flow to pay more on credit cards with the highest interest rates.

On the budgeting front, pretty much now and most anytime is ideal to boost savings if you are not doing that already. Have at least six months to a year’s worth of expenses in an emergency account. That is something that you should be doing now and continuing into  2026. Be mindful that deleting debt on credit cards, car notes, and student loans should be a constant priority.

Examine Your Credit Reports Another Time

Analyzing your credit reports no less than twice a year can help unmask fraudulent activity and mistakes. Get copies of your credit reports from TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian, three of the major credit bureaus. This can be a clever way to see where your credit is and help determine if you need to ask for changes if the data is debatable.

Taxes

Consider that the more taxes you withhold from your pay, the less you may owe when you file your next tax return. But be aware that too little withheld can result in you owing taxes. Check with your employer on this and what tax breaks 401(k) plans can bring.  

Carefully review if you have a high-deductible healthcare plan. That could help reduce your taxes. Ask about a health savings account (HSA), a tax-exempt account that can be applied to pay medical bills. And check to see if you qualify for the earned tax credit (EITC) as well as tax-deductible charitable contributions to possibly help reduce your tax costs. 

If you are an individual or business owner, the middle of the year is a good time to contact a credible financial adviser. That person may be able to offer tips you might not know about on how to potentially cut your tax debt for next year.

Be Sure Not To Ignore Life Insurance

Many Americans are unaware that life insurance can help build wealth beyond just covering burial expenses. For instance, permanent life insurance policies can potentially accumulate cash value. The money can be used for such purposes as extra retirement income. Ask what type of policies are available and how much they cost to fit your budget best.

Check Out Resources To Help You

A mid-year financial examination allows you to evaluate many elements to help better your finances. It can range from looking more closely at your credit report to using extra or unexpected cash to eliminate debt. There are ample sources to assist you. They can include this site, another here, and this one, to name a few.

RELATED CONTENT: Smart Money Moves: How AI Can Tackle Your Financial Tasks In 5 Easy Steps

• News

by Mary Spiller

June 14, 2025

Officers Sue Congress Over Delayed Jan. 6 Memorial

Two police officers who defended the U.S. Capitol during the January 6 insurrection are suing Congress for failing to install a legally mandated memorial plaque—arguing the delay is part of a broader effort to erase the truth of that day.

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Two police officers who defended the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021, insurrection have filed a lawsuit against Congress, demanding the installation of a long-delayed memorial plaque to honor those who protected the Capitol on Jan. 6.

Metropolitan Police Officer Daniel Hodges and former Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn filed the suit on June 12, the Associated Press reports.

The lawsuit argues that Congress is violating its own 2022 law mandating a tribute to officers who stood against the mob of Trump supporters. Hodges and Dunn’s suit clarifies that the 2022 law directed the Architect of the Capitol to install a commemorative plaque, but the deadline for its placement expired nearly two years ago without action being taken.

According to the lawsuit, the delay reflects a broader attempt by President Donald Trump and other members of his administration to distort public memory of the attack.

“Even those who recognized the violence of the day eventually partnered with the man who both inspired and minimized it,” Dunn and Hodges’ suit reads.

As previously reported, over 100 law enforcement officers were injured during the Jan 6 riot. Hundreds of participants in the insurrection were convicted, but Trump effectively wiped all of those convictions with a sweeping act of clemency on his first day back in the White House.

In April, Architect of the Capitol Thomas Austin testified before a House subcommittee that House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) had not authorized the plaque’s installation. He said Johnson holds the authority over modifications on the House side of the Capitol.

While spokespeople for both Austin’s office and Johnson did not respond to the AP’s requests for comment, the testimony has become relevant for the newly filed lawsuit.

Hodges and Dunn, both outspoken critics of Republican efforts to downplay the riot, said the lack of recognition adds to their trauma surrounding the event. “Both men live with psychic injuries from that day, compounded by their government’s refusal to recognize their service,” the lawsuit states.

Hodges was nearly crushed in a doorway during the attack. Dunn, who has spoken publicly about being subjected to racial slurs by rioters, left the Capitol Police following the insurrection.

Speaking alongside Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) on June 12, Dunn said, “It’s unfortunate that we had to file a lawsuit to compel Congress to follow their own law, but here we are.”

Raskin, who most notably led the charge on Trump’s second impeachment, praised Hodges and Dunn’s lawsuit. “All you’re asking for is the law to be followed,” he said.

RELATED CONTENT: Justice Clarence Thomas Recuses Himself in Jan. 6 Case For First Time Ever

• Celebrity News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 14, 2025

Jay‑Z Lost Out On Winning $3.3 M When Indiana Pacers Won Game 3 Of The NBA Finals

The Brooklyn rapper lost a $1 million wager that the Oklahoma Thunder would win the NBA championship in five games

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That $3.3 million payout will not happen for billionaire rapper and businessman JAY-Z after the Indiana Pacers won game 3 of the NBA Finals, thwarting his $1 million wager that the Oklahoma Thunder would win it all in five games.

We previously reported that the Hard Knock Life rapper put down a $1 million wager that the Thunder, heavy favorites to win the NBA championship, would take the title in five games against the Indiana Pacers. After the Pacers stole the first game played on the Thunder’s home court, there was still a chance for the Brooklyn rapper to cash in and win a reported $3.3 million. But the Pacers weren’t trying to let JAY-Z cash in.

JAY-Z bets $1 Million on OKC to win in 5 @RocNation @RocNationSports @Fanatics pic.twitter.com/27aysHGKSr

— Fanatics Sportsbook (@FanaticsBook) June 5, 2025

Even if the Thunder wins the NBA championship, it won’t be in five games. So sorry, Jigga Man.

The Pacers, the team with the third-best record in the Eastern Conference, have been on a tear since entering the playoffs when they defeated the fifth-seeded Milwaukee Bucks. The team then faced a heavily favored Cleveland Cavaliers team (64-18), with the best record in the Eastern Conference and the No. 1 seed. The Pacers weren’t affected by their underdog status. They easily beat the Cavaliers four games to one.

They came into the Eastern Conference Finals to face a New York Knicks team they had handily defeated last year, but they were playing better. It didn’t matter to the Pacers when they went to the very noisy Madison Square Garden and stole the first game, and never looked back to deny the Knicks a chance to get back to the NBA Finals for the first time in over 25 years.

And now, going up against the team with the best record in the NBA this year, the Thunder (68-14), the Pacers look primed to take it all after going up 2-1 to lead the series as the games resume in Indiana June 13.

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