What You Need To Know: This week, in Georgia, justice held firm as a federal court upheld the hate-crime convictions of the men who murdered Ahmaud Arbery, while fear swept through Charlotte as Border Patrol’s “Operation Charlotte’s Web” left families terrified and classrooms half-empty. In Georgia, justice held firm as a federal court upheld the hate-crime convictions of the men who murdered Ahmaud Arbery. And at Winston-Salem State, hope came with a $50 million donation from MacKenzie Scott. These are your weekly highlights from “The State of US.”
Men Convicted of Killing Ahmaud Arbrey’s Appeal Denied
A federal appeals court has rejected the appeals of the three men convicted in the 2020 killing of Ahmaud Arbery, upholding their hate crime convictions. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that prosecutors presented sufficient evidence, including racist texts and social media posts, showing that racial bias motivated the men’s deadly pursuit.
The defendants, Greg McMichael, his son Travis, and their neighbor William “Roddie” Bryan, had argued the messages did not specifically target Arbery or prove racial intent. All three are serving life sentences after earlier state murder convictions, and the appeals court’s decision leaves those sentences intact.
Border Patrol Is In North Carolina, And Are Moving To New Orleans Next
Federal Border Patrol agents have arrested over 130 people in Charlotte, N.C., in a weekend sweep dubbed “Operation Charlotte’s Web.” The crackdown has sparked fear in the community: more than 30,000 students were absent from Charlotte-Mecklenburg public schools on Nov. 17, a district official said. Raleigh, N.C. Mayor Janet Cowell confirmed that federal immigration agents would conduct an operation in Raleigh, with sightings reported on Tuesday. The sweep follows criticism from North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein, who called the tactics “stoking fear” and targeting communities of color.
What’s next: Border Patrol plans to redeploy agents to New Orleans. Critics warn that this deployment risks stoking fear among Black and immigrant communities, noting that the heavy-handed tactics seen in past crackdowns—including armored vehicles and aggressive arrest strategies—have disproportionately targeted people of color.
Jesse Jackson In ‘Stable Condition,’ Family Says
Civil‑rights leader Jesse Jackson is hospitalized in stable condition under observation at Rainbow PUSH Coalition‑affiliated care for a rare neurodegenerative disorder, his family announced Monday. His family clarified he is not on life support and is breathing unaided, and they expressed gratitude for the medical care and public support.
The 84‑year‑old was admitted last week to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago and remains under treatment for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), having been formally diagnosed in April after previously being treated for Parkinson’s disease.
Target Announces New ‘10-4’ Policy Amid Ongoing Boycotts
Target has launched a new “10‑4” employee policy as it faces ongoing consumer boycotts. Under the initiative, staffers are required to smile, make eye contact or wave at customers when within 10 feet, and greet them warmly when within four feet. The company says the personnel directive aims to “elevate the guest experience” ahead of the holiday shopping season, but some employees and shoppers say the mandate feels forced and may backfire.
The bigger picture: The policy rolls out as Target grapples with a 1.9 % fall in comparable‑store sales and mounting pressure from activists over changes to its diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Target has faced sharp consumer backlash after rolling back its DEI programs, with civil rights leaders and faith communities calling for a boycott in response to its decision to end racial‑equity initiatives.
Another MacKenzie Scott Gift For HBCUs; This Time, for Winston-Salem State University
Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has donated $50 million to Winston-Salem State University, marking the largest single gift in the university’s 133-year history. The university said it will develop a strategic plan focused on student success, scholarship support and sustainable growth.
The impact: Across her broader philanthropy, Scott has given nearly $900 million to HBCUs since 2020. Her donations have supported a wide range of schools, including Howard University, Virginia State University, Alcorn State University, Spelman College, and Morehouse College, enabling initiatives from scholarships and faculty development to campus infrastructure and technology upgrades.