Author: Sagar Biswas

Sagar is a Digital Intern at UnmutedCo. He graduated from Northwestern University with a bachelor's degree in Trumpet Performance and Economics. Sagar writes for Black News Alerts and the BNA Daily Podcast. He also produces the BossFM Morning Show.

Brooks Brothers filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Wednesday as the pandemic continues to hurt businesses. What We Know: Brooks Brothers opened its doors in 1818 and has proudly dressed 40 U.S. presidents. In the 1800s, Brooks Brothers was known as a trailblazer in mens fashion. They were one the first companies to make ready-made suits instead of tailor-made and they invented the button-down polo shirt in 1896. The brand became famous for being the unofficial outfitter of Wall Street and pioneering the office-casual look. The company’s struggles worsened over the last few years as workplace attires became more and…

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Civil rights and activists groups met with Facebook leadership on Tuesday to discuss the site’s advertiser boycott. What We Know: Hundreds of companies have joined the Stop Hate for Profit campaign by halting ad spending from Facebook. A coalition of nine partners, including the Anti-Defamation League and NAACP, helped organize the boycott. The campaign calls for 10 changes at Facebook, including hiring executives with civil rights experiences and removing groups focused on hate and violent conspiracies. The group also demands that Facebook ban political ads with misinformation. Facebook left the boycott organizers disappointed after the Tuesday meeting. Rashad Robinson, president…

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The Environmental Protection Agency approved two Lysol products as the first disinfectants to kill the coronavirus. What we know: The EPA lab tested two versions of Lysol disinfectant spray and found that they could effectively kill the novel coronavirus. The agency announced that the sprays could prevent the spread of COVID-19 on “hard, non-porous surfaces.” Lysol Disinfectant Spray and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist meet the EPA’s criteria and can kill the virus two minutes after contact. In March, the EPA released a list of over 400 products that were likely to kill coronavirus. The list caused the products to…

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Concerns over censorship are growing in Hong Kong as officials told schools to remove books and materials that violate the national security law. What We Know: The Education Bureau ordered Hong Kong schools to review all learning materials in their curriculums and ensure that they are in accordance with the national security law. The law introduces “national security education” in schools and universities. Previously, Hong Kong tried to implement Chinese civic education in schools in 2012, but thousands protested, calling it propaganda. Hong Kong also expanded the police’s investigative and surveillance powers, even allowing them to monitor internet usage and…

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Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs agreed to a 10-year contract extension worth $503 million, making it the most lucrative contract in sports history. What We Know: According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Mahomes’ contract extension is worth $477 million and could reach up to $503 million with bonuses. The contract has a guarantee mechanism which guarantees his salary and bonus for every year at least a year in advance. The contract also ensures that Mahomes’ annual salary will always stay above certain thresholds in the NFL’s yearly salary cap. Mahomes was the 10th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.…

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The NBA is in discussions about starting another “bubble” in Chicago for the eight teams not invited to Orlando. The teams would be able to participate in training camps and exhibition games. What We Know: The NBA is set to bring back its top 22 teams at the end of July for a reduced regular season and playoff tournament. The teams will stay and play at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida and follow strict rules to preserve social distancing and isolation. The Orlando bubble has brought up many questions regarding players’ health and safety and the…

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The U.K. is nearing a decision to remove Huawei equipment from its 5G networks this year. What We Know: In January, the British government initially allowed Huawei to play a limited role in building a 5G infrastructure. This move came after the U.S. banned companies from partnering with the Chinese telecommunications company. The U.S. banned Huawei for national security reasons, alleging that the Chinese government could use the company to spy on U.S. officials. The U.S. rule banned companies like Google and Intel from supplying Huawei with parts and software licenses, causing the company to develop their own parts. These…

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21 Savage announced a free online financial literacy program for young people who are staying home during the pandemic. What We Know: The Grammy winning rapper announced his “Bank Account at Home” initiative on Wednesday. His foundation, Learning By Example, will partner with Chime and Everfi to educate youth on earning and managing money. “I feel like it’s important more than ever to give our next generation the tools to succeed in life,” the rapper said in a statement. The program’s website will provide resources for elementary school students through high school students. Kids can learn basic concepts about money…

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Jonathan Irons was released from prison on Wednesday thanks to years of effort by WNBA star Maya Moore. What We Know: Moore greeted Irons when he walked out of the Jefferson City Correctional Center on Wednesday. In an emotional Instagram video, a group of people close to Irons clapped and cheered for him after his release. Moore fell to her knees at one point as everyone embraced Irons. “I feel like I can live life now. I’m free, I’m blessed, I just want to live my life worthy of God’s help and influence,” Irons said in the video. Jonathan Irons,…

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The Australian government announced a significant increase in military spending and a focus on acquiring long-range missiles. What we know: The Australian government pledged to spend $186 billion on defense spending over the next decade – a 40% increase. Prime Minister Scott Morrison spoke at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra on Wednesday. He said that Australia is facing its toughest situation since before World War II, and they are preparing “for a post-COVID world that is poorer, that is more dangerous, and that is more disorderly.” Morrison did not say the budget increase was a response to China.…

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