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You can now earn an ‘influencer’ degree, but is it worth it?
Sonya Massey’s Killer, Sean Grayson, Dies In Prison At 32
Rising data center backlash shakes up midterm races

As public pushback to data centers boils over, politicians on both sides of the aisle are racing to distance themselves from the controversial facilities. 

Key swing state candidates are scrambling to endorse stricter data center policies — and accusing their opponents of being too cozy with the industry — as Americans become increasingly hostile to the rapid build-out of AI infrastructure. 

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D), who once touted data center investments in the Keystone State, signed an order Tuesday implementing new requirements for developers to cover electricity costs and secure local approval for projects. 

Former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.), the GOP candidate in Michigan’s Senate race, announced Thursday that he is backing a one-year state moratorium on new data centers.

Former Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), the Democratic candidate in Ohio’s Senate race, is going after Sen. Jon Husted (R) over the incumbent’s record on data centers in the Buckeye State. The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) recently issued an internal memo warning that “data centers are the anchor hanging around Husted’s neck.”  

Aru Shiney-Ajay, executive director of the progressive Sunrise Movement, told The Hill that during her canvassing in Michigan and Wisconsin, she has talked to voters who “are flipping their party affiliation because of the importance of data centers.”

Tech companies are pushing to build scores of new centers to fuel the development of artificial intelligence, which requires vast amounts of computing power.  

But in the face of growing concerns about electricity costs, water usage and other environmental impacts, public opinion has soured. 

Fox News poll released in late July found that 70 percent of voters oppose the building of a data center in their area to support AI, with 78 percent in support of slowing construction to address environmental and community concerns. 

This appears to have shifted the political calculus for officials from both parties who previously embraced data centers. 

Shapiro welcomed Amazon’s decision last year to spend $20 billion building two data centers in his state, touting AI as “yet another national security issue that Pennsylvania can lead on.” 

At the time, Shapiro’s office also offered the company “exclusive early access” to a fast-track program, news outlet Heatmap reported, adding that the agreement was described in a memo labeled as being subject to a nondisclosure agreement.  

However, the governor suggested Tuesday that since announcing those projects, “we’ve seen an unacceptable number of speculative proposals for data centers swamp our Commonwealth.” 

“I’ve heard loud and clear from the people of Pennsylvania as I’ve traveled our Commonwealth, and I’m here to say that we will not be bullied by developers and bulldozed by the lawyers working for these big tech companies,” he added.

His order requires developers to sign consent orders committing to comply with the state’s restrictions, including covering the electricity costs associated with their projects and securing local approval. 

It also bars current and future data center projects from participating in a program to fast-track permitting. 

The announcement comes as Shapiro’s opponent in the Pennsylvania governor’s race, Republican Stacy Garrity, has knocked his support for the Amazon data centers, arguing in one campaign ad that “Shapiro sold us out.” 

Shapiro hit back at Garrity in his own ad, calling the state treasurer “Pennsylvania’s No. 1 fan of data centers.”

While Garrity herself has said in the past that Pennsylvania should be doing more to attract data centers, her campaign is now calling for a “pause” on future development.  

“I think we can’t trust Gov. Shapiro at all,” said Matt Beynon, media consultant for the Garrity campaign, adding that the latest policy plan is “not going to address what … door he’s already opened. The horses are out of the barn.” 

Shapiro campaign spokesperson Manuel Bonder had a similar message about the Republican, saying in a written statement, “Stacy Garrity’s long record of supporting completely unregulated data center development makes it clear that she just can’t be trusted.” 

His administration, meanwhile, said that the latest order came because of the rapid pace of data center development in the state over the last year.

Rogers, who is facing off against Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed in the highly competitive Michigan race, came out in favor of a data center moratorium on Thursday. 

“I am calling for a one-year moratorium on new data centers until we establish a fair, transparent approval process that puts local communities first,” he said in a written statement. 

His campaign clarified to The Hill that he was referring to a pause at the state level, where he would have no formal authority as U.S. senator.  

“There is so much concern out there with Michigan citizens,” Rogers told NewsNation’s Katie Pavlich on Thursday. “My argument is that we need to walk through those issues before we just throw these things out.”

The former House lawmaker also took a swing at El-Sayed, suggesting his progressive opponent wants to send the issue to Washington. 

“I think that’s a terrible idea,” Rogers added. “The people who need to make these decisions live in these communities.” 

El-Sayed’s campaign argued in a statement that Rogers has “a long track record of selling Michiganders out to his corporate donors,” suggesting he “would put a data center in every backyard in Michigan if he could make a quick buck from it.” 

The Democrat has laid out a series of “terms of engagement” for data centers that would require developers to cover electricity costs, commit to using closed-loop cooling systems to limit water usage and give local communities a “meaningful say” in projects.

The race to replace retiring Michigan Sen. Gary Peters (D) is one of a handful that will be central to determining control of the Senate. 

In the Ohio Senate race, Brown has highlighted Husted’s support for data center tax breaks during his tenure as lieutenant governor, suggesting the incumbent senator was “the point man to bring these data centers to Ohio.” 

The Republican’s campaign pointed to legislation introduced by Husted that would require data center developers to cover their share of utility costs, arguing this is a “commonsense solution.” 

But the GOP appears to be concerned about the potential impacts the data center issue could have on the race.

“More than any other thing in this race, data centers are the anchor hanging around Husted’s neck. If he loses and datacenters get the blame, politicians across the country will take notice — and they will not go near the next one,” the NRSC wrote in a Tuesday memo obtained by NewsNation, The Hill’s sister network.

It warned that Brown’s message was working, saying it “is significantly more effective than traditional messaging tracts, as it introduces new information on a highly relevant, emerging topic. This has become a sleeper issue for the entire election cycle.” 

The Republican memo also said, “If voters’ perceptions of data centers are not fixed quickly, the campaign against them will expand far beyond Ohio.” 

“I totally understand why the NRSC is going out there and saying, ‘Hey, you guys need to help us out if we’re going to be effectively the pro-data center party,’” said Chris Johnson, a GOP strategist. 

While its projects are being seen as a political liability, the data center industry contends that its problem is messaging.  

“The industry understands the importance of continued efforts to better explain the role of data centers to the public through community engagement and stakeholder education, including factual information about the industry’s responsible usage of water and our commitment to paying for the energy we use,” said Dan Diorio, executive vice president of state policy and government affairs at the Data Center Coalition. 

The Republican pushback against data centers stands in contrast with the White House’s position. President Trump has repeatedly praised the centers, even as he’s put forward a nonbinding policy aimed at having them “pay their own way.” 

“You have communities that really want the data centers, and frankly, those are the smart communities because it means tremendous numbers of jobs, very little actual disruption,” the preisdent said at the time.  

While Trump has thrown his weight behind data centers, state and local officials “just have a different set of political calculus,” Johnson noted. 

However, the president may be out of step even with his own voters. The Fox poll found that 60 percent of Republicans — including 53 percent of MAGA Republicans — would oppose building data centers in their area. 

Shiney-Ajay, of the Sunrise Movement, said that after a group of volunteers with her organization interrupted a Trump rally last month to call for stopping data centers, “we had multiple people from the Trump rally come up to us and tell us they agreed with us.” 

The Ultimate Reading List for Building a Successful Business

Let’s be real: many people feel that expensive business conferences are failing to deliver. Following recent social media backlash surrounding InvestFest—one of the largest gatherings for Black entrepreneurs and investors—many attendees left feeling like they paid top dollar for basic advice and empty networking.

With August being Black Business Month, it’s the perfect time to explore how Black entrepreneurs can unlock game-changing business gems from top experts through books—without breaking the bank on conference tickets.

For Building The Business

“How To Succeed in Business Without Being White” by Earl G. Graves, Sr.

“How to Succeed in Business Without Being White” offers a candid, experience-based guide for Black professionals and other underrepresented entrepreneurs navigating predominantly white corporate and business spaces. Earl G. Graves Sr. traces his journey from the son of a West Indian garment worker to a multimillionaire entrepreneur and the founder of Black Enterprise magazine.

Drawing on his own story alongside lessons from other successful Black professionals, Graves delivers strategies for career advancement and business ownership—emphasizing the vital importance of market differentiation and sustainable growth.

“It’s About Damn Time” by Arlan Hamilton

In “It’s About Damn Time,” respected venture capitalist Arlan Hamilton opens up about her remarkable journey from homelessness to Silicon Valley success. Throughout the book, she shares invaluable wisdom on breaking into the exclusive “boys’ club” of venture capital, creating investment opportunities for “underestimated founders”—including people of color and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs—and building a path to achieve your own dreams on your own terms.

The Mocha Manual to Turning Your Passion Into Profit” by Kimberly Seals-Allers

If you ever need guidance on turning your ideas into a business plan, Kimberly Seals-Allers has you covered. “The Mocha Manual to Turning Your Passion into Profit” gives insiders a step-by-step guide to turning a creative idea into a formal business plan, including finding the right operational licenses and hiring the right employees. The entrepreneur and journalist offers key strategies and shares advice from successful Black female entrepreneurs, including the founder of Carol’s Daughter, Lisa Price.

Success Never Smelled So Sweet: How I Followed My Nose and Found My Passion” by Lisa Price (with Hilary Beard)

Long before Carol’s Daughter became a household name and a pioneer in the natural hair and beauty industry, Lisa Price was crafting products right in her Brooklyn kitchen. “Success Never Smelled So Sweet” details how she scaled a personal passion project into one of the most recognizable Black-owned beauty empires in the country. It’s an essential read for entrepreneurs looking to turn their creative passion into a profitable business.

Related: Books By Black Authors We Can’t Wait to Read This Fall

“The DNA of Achievers: 10 Traits of Highly Successful Professionals” by Mathew Knowles

As the mastermind behind Destiny’s Child—one of the defining musical groups of our time—Mathew Knowles knows what it takes to build a brand from the ground up. In “The DNA of Achievers,” he breaks down the core traits that separate high achievers from the rest, including a relentless work ethic, calculated risk-taking, and surrounding yourself with excellence. It is an empowering read for entrepreneurs ready to embrace the discipline required for long-term success.

For Building Wealth

Get Good with Money” by Tiffany Aliche

In “Get Good with Money,” Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche delivers a practical roadmap for achieving financial stability—an essential tool for solopreneurs and early-stage founders looking to get their personal and business finances in order. Designed as a hands-on, workbook-style guide, the book walks readers through ten actionable steps toward financial wholeness, making it an indispensable resource for long-term entrepreneurial success.

“Savvy Tax Strategies for Small Business Owners: Master Bookkeeping and Tax Planning Strategies” by Atiya S. Brown, CPA

When building a business, keeping your company free of IRS issues is essential. To help founders navigate tax compliance, author Atiya S. Brown—a CPA, Chartered Accountant, and certified financial education instructor with over 18 years of experience in accounting and finance—outlines how to establish proper business structures, identify overlooked deductions, and implement proactive systems to keep your business running smoothly.

Black Fortunes: The Story of the First Six African Americans Who Survived Slavery and Became Millionaires” by Shomari Wills

Shomari Wills’ popular nonfiction book, “Black Fortunes,” chronicles the lives of the first six African Americans who survived slavery and earned personal fortunes of over one million dollars between 1830 and 1927. Aspiring entrepreneurs will gain a blueprint for capitalism and wealth-building strategies that serve as cheat codes for facing business adversity.

Learn From Black Business History

“Succeeding Against The Odds” by John H. Johnson

This timeless autobiography of John H. Johnson, founder of Johnson Publishing Company and the first African American on the Forbes 400 list, chronicles his rise from poverty in segregated Arkansas to building a media empire that included Ebony, Jet, and Negro Digest magazine.

It also details the practical business lessons and personal principles that created his success. Readers can use this as a playbook for actionable advice on entrepreneurship, sales, leadership, and overcoming systemic barriers like racism and lack of access to capital.

“Rise and Grind: Outperform, Outwork, and Outhustle Your Way to a More Successful and Rewarding Life” by Daymond John

“The Diary Of A CEO” podcast serves as an audio diary of Steven Bartlett’s own entrepreneurial journey and in-depth conversations with high-profile guests. Episodes include dialogues with CEOs, founders, and authors; it feels like a therapy session that aims to reveal the “untold truths” and “unlearned lessons” behind their great achievements. Listeners will gain leadership and team-building pointers, advice on marketing their personal brand, and practical business strategies.

“Black Tech Green Money” by Will Lucas

Why social media algorithms send you posts you don’t like
McKissack & McKissack matriarch, philanthropist passes

NASHVILLE, TN — Leatrice Buchanan McKissack, business executive, philanthropist, and devoted matriarch, passed away after a life defined by excellence, courage, and unwavering commitment to family and community.

Born on July 27, 1930, in Keytesville, MO, to Catherine Brummell Buchanan and Archie Buchanan, Leatrice’s life was shaped by resilience from an early age. After the loss of her father, she was raised by her mother and stepfather, the distinguished historian, Dr. Alrutheus A. Taylor, an assistant to Dr. Carter G. Woodson and later Dean at Fisk University.

Leatrice attended Marceline Colored School in Missouri before moving to Nashville, Tennessee, where she graduated as salutatorian from Pearl High School in 1948. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Fisk University in 1951, studying among some of the nation’s greatest African American scholars and artists, including Langston Hughes, Aaron Douglas, Arna Bontemps, and Dr. Charles S. Johnson. She later received a Master of Science degree in Psychology from Tennessee State University in 1957.

In 1949, she married William DeBerry McKissack, whose family founded the historic McKissack & McKissack architectural firm, one of the oldest African American-owned architecture and engineering firms in the United States. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and service. Leatrice began her career as an educator, teaching in Nashville’s public schools for seventeen years before health challenges led her to leave the classroom. During her recovery, she became increasingly involved in the family business. When her husband suffered a stroke in 1983, Leatrice assumed leadership of McKissack & McKissack and McKissack Contracting Company.

Through determination, exceptional business acumen, and steadfast leadership, she transformed the firm into a nationally recognized enterprise. She courageously challenged racial discrimination, expanded the company’s presence across the country, and led landmark projects, including the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. She also established the McKissack Development Corporation, dedicated to creating affordable housing and expanding opportunities for underserved communities.

Throughout her distinguished career, Leatrice served on numerous civic and educational boards, including Fisk University, the United Way, Cheekwood Fine Arts Center, the Nashville Symphony, and the Nashville Chamber of Commerce. Her leadership earned countless honors, including being called one of America’s most powerful and successful black businesswomen by Black Enterprise magazine, the National Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award (presented by President Bush) in 1990, and the Presidential Design Award (presented by President Clinton) in 1994. She was an honored and lifetime member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and cherished member of Circle-Lets Inc. Her enduring legacy lives on through the continued success of McKissack & McKissack and the generations of leaders she inspired.

While her professional accomplishments were extraordinary, those who knew Leatrice best will remember her for the joy she brought to everyday life. She loved gathering family and friends around her table, preparing meals that often lasted for days of celebration. She had a deep appreciation for art, enjoyed traveling the world, and was delighted with fine food, good company, and beautiful music. Her infectious laughter, captivating storytelling, generous spirit, and unwavering love for her family created memories that will be treasured forever.

Leatrice was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William DeBerry McKissack, and her brothers, Harold, John, Donald, and Teddy Buchanan. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Andrea McKissack Krupski (Alan), Cheryl McKissack Daniel (Samuel), and Deryl McKissack; her grandchildren, Shari Franklin Smith (Jeffery), Michelle Franklin, Deryl Felder, Leah Felder, and Ahlyah Albritton; her great-grandsons, Brian Smith (Jasmine) and David Smith; her sisters-in-law, Myllicent, Jean, and Francis; and a host of beloved nieces and nephews (including but not limited to Harold Buchanan, Mit Buchanan, Robyn Charleston (Gomez), Dean Buchanan, Teddy Buchanan, Lisa Buchanan Thomas (Joe), Donald Buchanan (Tita), Eric McKissack (Cheryl), and Mel Dixon (Niara), extended family members, friends, colleagues, and all whose lives were enriched by her wisdom, generosity, and grace.

Leatrice Buchanan McKissack leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, visionary leadership, service, and love. Her life stands as a testament to what can be accomplished through faith, determination, and an unwavering belief in opening doors for those who follow.

Vistiation will be held Monday, August 24, 2026 from 12-1 pm at Belle Meade United Methodist Church 121 Davidson Road, Nashville, TN. Funeral service will immediately follow at 1 pm. Burial will be August 25 at Greenwood Cemetery Mausoleum, 1428 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville.

The NAACP Joins the Legal Fight for Answers Related to Nolan Wells’ Death

America’s oldest and largest civil rights organization is joining the fight to bring the truth about what happened to Nolan Wells.

Mayor Announces New Initiatives to Support Nashville’s Small Businesses

NASHVILLE – Mayor Freddie O’Connell today announced legislation to establish a new Legacy Business Program, create a Workforce Advancement Incentive Program, and expand Metro’s existing Property Investment Incentive Program—all designed to help Nashville’s small businesses grow, invest, and thrive.

Announced in his State of Metro address, these initiatives build on the O’Connell Administration’s commitment to strengthen quality of life for residents, make Nashville more affordable, and support the local businesses that shape the city’s culture and economy.

“Small and legacy businesses are the backbone of our communities,” said Mayor Freddie O’Connell. “They’re places of friendship and fellowship. They make us feel like we belong here. They’ve helped build a Nashville for Nashvillians, and they should have the opportunity to remain a part of its future.”

Legacy Business Program
The newly created Legacy Business Program will support small businesses that have operated in Nashville for 15 years or more and have become fixtures of their communities as they contribute to their neighborhood’s identity.

Program grants will cover areas essential to running a successful legacy business, such as modernizing operational infrastructure, planning for sustainability and resilience, reducing operational costs, investing in marketing, and more—resources that are often prohibitively costly for small businesses.

More than $300,000 in funding will be available in the first-year pilot, with additional contributors expected to increase the total throughout the year.

Workforce Advancement Incentive Program 

The Workforce Advancement Incentive Program will provide grants up to $10,000 to help small businesses recruit and retain talented employees by supporting continuing education for Nashville’s workforce.

Incentives will cover costs associated with a wide range of training programs that result in certifications awarded by both small business owners and accredited organizations.

“When businesses invest in their employees, opportunities expand, and the whole community benefits,” the Mayor said.

Expanded Property Investment Incentive Program
The Property Investment Incentive Program will now include commercial buildings valued at up to $2 million—doubling the previous threshold to create more community impact—and adds interior building improvements to the program, which before only covered exterior improvements.

Businesses can receive matching grants that reimburse 50 percent of construction or rehabilitation costs, up to $50,000.

 

“The age of a property shouldn’t be a barrier to a business’s success,” the Mayor said.

National Voices • Gospel Music • Inspiration

Nationally Syndicated Shows

Spend your Saturday with nationally recognized gospel personalities, uplifting music, artist interviews, inspiration and faith-centered entertainment on The Gospel Nashville.

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Get Up Mornings with Erica Campbell Saturdays 7 AM to 9 AM Nationally Syndicated
Saturday Morning

Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell

Saturdays • 7:00–9:00 AM

Start Saturday with uplifting gospel music, encouragement, celebrity conversations and the energetic inspiration of Erica Campbell.

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Gospel Traxx with Walt Baby Love Saturdays noon to 2 PM Nationally Syndicated
Saturday Afternoon

Gospel Traxx with Walt “Baby” Love

Saturdays • 12:00–2:00 PM

Enjoy gospel favorites, artist features and the unmistakable voice and broadcasting legacy of Walt “Baby” Love.

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