In this week’s whirlwind news cycle, several major stories with far-reaching implications may have slipped under your radar. Here’s what you need to know about these important stories reshaping America’s social, economic, and environmental landscape.
- Black Americans brace for impact from Trump tariffs: Trump’s tariff policies are causing confusion and frustration across America. Despite his claims that tariffs benefit the US, the stock market remains volatile, putting retirement accounts at risk. The impact is especially concerning for Black Americans, whose median household income was $54,000 in 2023. With tariffs targeting Chinese imports (now at 10% during a 90-day pause), everyday items like clothes, shoes, and toys will see price hikes. As financial analyst Calvin Boomer notes: “For Black and brown people, who statistically spend the most as a percentage of wealth, the impact is going to be severe.” Read more.
- What you need to know about REAL ID: Heads up! Starting May 7, 2025, you’ll need a REAL ID to fly domestically, after years of pushed deadlines since 2005. Look for a star/flag in the corner of your license or “Enhanced” text to know if you already have one. If not, apply ASAP at your local DMV (bring proof of citizenship and residency). No REAL ID? A passport works too! Your old ID still works for driving and voting, but TSA might turn you away without acceptable identification. Check your status now to avoid travel headaches. Read more.
- On Black-owned brands and that Target boycott: Target has canceled its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives following the Trump administration’s DEI rollback, triggering a customer boycott. Interestingly, many Black-owned brands remain available at Target, creating a dilemma for boycotters. As Tabitha Brown, who sells kitchenware at Target, warns: if Black consumers completely boycott, Black-owned brands could lose vital visibility and sales, potentially giving retailers reason to remove their products. While some suggest buying directly from Black-owned brands’ websites instead, the retailer provides crucial infrastructure and exposure that’s hard to replicate independently. Read more at Parlé Magazine.
- Black women leading the Cancer Alley fight: In Cancer Alley, Louisiana—a 150-mile stretch hosting over 150 petrochemical facilities—industrial pollution has become an inescapable reality. This region between Baton Rouge and New Orleans faces cancer risks seven times the national average, with predominantly Black communities bearing the brunt. Black women lead the resistance, fighting industrial expansion that threatens their families and ancestral lands. Despite some victories and EPA efforts, environmental justice remains elusive, especially with concerns about regulatory rollbacks under the Trump administration. Read more at Scalawag.
- Pope Francis has died. What happens now?: Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, has died at 88. During his groundbreaking 12-year papacy, he championed the marginalized, shifted power toward the Global South, and took stands on climate change, racial justice, and poverty. Known for saying “My people are poor and I am one of them,” Francis appointed the first Black American cardinal, cautiously opened doors for LGBTQ Catholics, and consistently advocated for immigrants. The College of Cardinals will soon gather to choose who will be the next pope to this Argentine-born former bouncer, janitor, and chemical technician who reshaped the church’s priorities while maintaining its traditional teachings. Read more.
BONUS
At Howard University’s “Journalism Under Fire” event, journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones gathered journalists and a historian to discuss threats to democracy under President Donald Trump. Speakers such as Heather Cox Richardson and Joy-Ann Reid warned about media consolidation under billionaires and urged more activism. They encouraged young journalists to develop authentic voices, fact-check information sources, and consider alternatives to corporate and social media. Read more.
