Wednesday Notes for July 2nd, 2025

Culture
New Yorkers Embraced Ranked-Choice Voting. Mamdani’s Win Proves It.
Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Jeopardizes Lifelines for Black Americans
Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Jeopardizes Lifelines for Black Americans
The legislation would scale back Medicaid, slash funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and limit access to federal student loans.

Fulton County proposes tax hike affecting homeowners in Atlanta
Fulton County proposes tax hike affecting homeowners in Atlanta
Fulton County commissioners propose a 12.49% property tax increase—raising the millage rate to 9.87 mills. Public hearings scheduled July 9 & August 6. Learn how homeowners will be affected.

Road to AfroFuture Detroit Festival 2025 Begins: Countdown to an Unmissable Celebration of African Culture
Road to AfroFuture Detroit Festival 2025 Begins: Countdown to an Unmissable Celebration of African Culture | OkayAfrica
The two-week program includes curated events spotlighting innovation, food, music, and diasporic art.

African Stars Show Out at Paris Fashion Week’s Spring/Summer 2026
African Stars Show Out at Paris Fashion Week’s Spring/Summer 2026 | OkayAfrica
Davido, Rema, Aya Nakamura, and other African stars stole the spotlight with bold looks and standout style

Sneakers & Apparel
Chase B × Travis Scott × Jordan Jumpman Jack – Holiday 2025 Collab
Chase B Travis Scott Jordan Jumpman Jack - Uristocrat
Curators of culture

Nike Ava Rover
Nike Ava Rover
Nike Ava Rover drops July 25, 2025 at $145. Featuring ReactX foam, woven upper, TPU overlays, reflective details, and water-repellant outsole.

The Return of the Air Jordan 4 “Toro Bravo” Is Rumored for 2026
The Return of the Air Jordan 4 “Toro Bravo” Is Rumored for 2026
The iconic 2013 Air Jordan 4 “Toro Bravo” is rumored to be coming back in Summer of 2026. Head to Nice Kicks to learn more!

Sports
Fever Win 2025 Commissioner's Cup Championship
‘Resilient’ Fever, missing Clark, win in-season title
Despite being without star Caitlin Clark and playing the league’s first-place team on its home court, the 10.5-point underdog Fever defeated the Lynx 74-59 to win the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Milwaukee Bucks Waive Damian Lillard, Sign Myles Turner in Blockbuster Free‑Agency Move
Milwaukee Bucks Waive Damian Lillard, Sign Myles Turner in Blockbuster Free‑Agency Move
The Milwaukee Bucks stretch‑waived Damian Lillard to clear cap space and signed Myles Turner to a 4‑year, $107M deal, upsetting Giannis Antetokounmpo and shaking up the Pacers’ roster

Red Panda Injured During WNBA Halftime Show at Commissioner’s Cup Final
Red Panda Injured During WNBA Halftime Show at Commissioner’s Cup Final
Legendary halftime performer Red Panda was injured during her unicycle act at the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Final on July 1, 2025.

Technology
How generative AI could help make construction sites safer
How generative AI could help make construction sites safer
The technology could save lives—so long as it doesn’t replace humans entirely.
