Karmelo Anthony Convicted in Fatal Track Meet Stabbing
A Texas jury found Karmelo Anthony guilty of murder in the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, and later sentenced him to 35 years in prison. Anthony, now 19, was accused of fatally stabbing Metcalf during an altercation under a team tent at a rainy track meet in April 2025. Prosecutors argued Anthony escalated a verbal dispute into a deadly encounter, while defense attorneys maintained he acted in self-defense. Jurors rejected that argument after less than three hours of deliberations and also declined to convict on the lesser charge of manslaughter. Anthony was 17 at the time of the killing but was tried as an adult under Texas law.
The Bigger Picture: The verdict has renewed discussion among some Black Americans who point to the recent acquittal of Chikei Rick Chow in South Carolina. Chow was found not guilty of murder in the 2023 shooting death of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton, a Black teen whom he chased and shot after wrongly suspecting him of shoplifting. Chow argued he acted to defend his son, and a jury accepted that defense. Critics of the two outcomes argue that the cases highlight longstanding concerns about disparities in how Black victims and Black defendants are perceived within the criminal justice system. Civil rights advocates and community members have questioned why self-defense claims appeared to resonate differently across the cases, while others note that each verdict was based on distinct facts, evidence and state laws.
Rising Gas Prices Push Inflation to Three-Year High
Inflation climbed to its highest level in three years in May as rising gasoline prices continued to strain household budgets and increase costs for businesses across the United States. Businesses facing increased labor, shipping and energy expenses are expected to pass more costs on to consumers. The Federal Reserve has signaled it may keep interest rates elevated as it seeks to curb inflation.
By The Numbers: The Labor Department reported that consumer prices rose 4.2% from a year earlier, up from 3.8% in April and marking the third consecutive monthly increase. Energy costs accounted for much of the increase as oil prices surged amid ongoing disruptions to global energy supplies. Gasoline prices have remained above $4 per gallon in many areas, driving up transportation and operating costs throughout the economy. Economists warn that inflationary pressures are spreading beyond fuel into services, manufacturing and consumer goods, raising concerns that higher prices could persist for months.
Opposition Grows to Proposed Data Center at Fisk University
Community members, alumni and elected officials are voicing concerns over a proposed data center included in Fisk University’s ambitious campus redevelopment plan, arguing the project could negatively affect the surrounding North Nashville community. Fisk University unveiled its “Quantum Leap” initiative in May, a nearly $1 billion proposal that includes student housing, academic facilities, a sports arena and a 100,000-square-foot innovation center anchored by a 30-megawatt data center. University leaders say the project would help position the historically Black institution at the forefront of artificial intelligence and technology while creating long-term financial stability.
Why It Matters: Data centers have drawn scrutiny nationwide because of their substantial electricity demands, water consumption and potential noise impacts on nearby residents. Critics view the Fisk proposal as a potential example of environmental racism, arguing that industrial-scale infrastructure projects are too often concentrated in historically Black communities. Supporters of the project counter that Fisk can create a model for responsible development while ensuring Black communities benefit from emerging technology industries.
South Carolina Lawmakers Threaten Funding for HBCU After Commencement Speech Controversy
South Carolina State University faces scrutiny from Republican lawmakers after student protests prompted the school to cancel a planned commencement address by Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette. Evette, a Republican candidate for governor, was scheduled to speak at the university’s May commencement ceremony. Students objected to her selection, citing her support for President Donald Trump and opposition to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Following days of demonstrations and what university officials described as safety concerns, South Carolina State withdrew the invitation.
The Impact: In response, a group of Republican lawmakers urged budget negotiators to remove $5 million earmarked for a new convocation center at the state’s only public historically Black university. The lawmakers argued the university punished free speech by rescinding the invitation and said consequences were warranted. University President Alexander Conyers said the decision was made out of concern for campus safety, not politics. Critics of the funding threat contend that lawmakers are retaliating against students for exercising their right to protest and express opposition to a public official.
Bass, Raman Advance to Los Angeles Mayoral Runoff
Los Angeles voters will choose between incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and City Councilmember Nithya Raman in a November runoff after neither candidate secured a majority in the city’s nonpartisan mayoral primary. Bass, the first Black woman elected mayor of Los Angeles, advanced to the runoff after leading the field in the June primary. Raman, a progressive city council member, overtook former reality television personality Spencer Pratt to claim the second spot, setting up a high-profile contest between two Democrats. The runoff is scheduled for November 3.
Deep Dive: The race is expected to focus heavily on homelessness, housing affordability, public safety and the city’s response to recent crises, including devastating wildfires. Bass is seeking a second term while defending her administration’s record on moving unhoused residents indoors and expanding affordable housing. Raman has argued that City Hall needs more aggressive reforms and greater accountability.