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AUTO REVIEW: 2019 BMW X4 30i: A Little Sibling to the Hatchback-Like X6

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Like BMW customers have come to expect, the all-new X4, which is only available in an all-wheel drive configuration, is a driver-oriented vehicle, despite being a crossover. The vehicle is available with two powertrains. For those seeking a more performance oriented X4, an all-new M40i has joined the line-up.

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By Jeff Fortson of JeffCars.com

Highlight The X4 is available with an optional p:arking service, allowing the driver to go cashless and reserve parking spots in advance. This feature is only available in select cities.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP$61,545 (Base Model:$51,445)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: ABS; airbags; hill descent control; a rearview camera; a tire pressure monitoring system; a rain-sensing windshield wiper system; a radar-activated cruise control system; a frontal collision warning system; an automatic collision mitigation braking with a pedestrian detection system; and an audible parking distance control for front/rear

Standard Features:  19-inch wheels; all-wheel drive; an 8-speed automatic transmission;an automatic start-stop gas saving feature; driving modes: economy, pro, comfort, sport and sport plus; power folding heated mirrors; power front seat with a 2-position driver’s memory; a navigation system; an oversized sunroof; a manually operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a power tailgate; dark oak wood trim; split folding rear seats; and an automatic climate control system

Optional Features On Test Vehicle: Convenience Package: comfort access keyless entry, lumbar support and a SiriusXM 1-year subscription; Driver Assistance Package: blind spot detection and lane departure warning; Driver Assistance Plus; Parking Assistance Plus: parking assistant plus, active park distance control, a rearview camera, and surround view with 360-degree camera; Premium Package: a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, a heads up display system and gesture controls; a dynamic damper control system; 20-inch tires; red leather seats and wireless charging

Other Trim Levels: M40i AWD

Standard Audio on Test Vehicle:  

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

Apple Connectivity:Yes

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter twin-turbo, 4-cylinder/248-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage:18-city/25-hwy

What’s New: The second generation X4 is all new for the 2019 model year, with a much wider stance and a larger profile.

Why: The beefed-up looking baby X6 makes this year’s vehicle a standout in the crossover/SUV segment. This is due to the stretched proportions, wider stance and standard 19-inch wheels. Both 20-inch and 21-inch wheels are available on the X4.

BMW’s midsize German utility vehicle, which broke the mode for car designs a few years ago, has been overhauled to include such features as a three-zone ventilation system, a larger heads up display system, a 10-inch touchscreen navigation screen, a panoramic moonroof and redesigned front seats.

Like BMW customers have come to expect, the all-new X4, which is only available in an all-wheel drive configuration, is a driver-oriented vehicle, despite being a crossover. The vehicle is available with two powertrains. For those seeking a more performance oriented X4, an all-new M40i has joined the line-up.

The M40i distinguishes itself from the X4 we reviewed, adding a gutsy 355-horsepower engine to complement the vehicle’s sporty styling. We can only imagine the thrill that would have been added to our driving experience had we got our hands on the M40i, which also adds throatier sound.

And, as one would expect, this hatchback-like BMW is available with the latest safety driving aids, too. Those features consist of everything from a radar-activated stop-and-go cruise control system to a lane keep assist system to a traffic jam assistant system.

But: The stylish curved rear window can easily impair the vision of the driver, when backing up or changing lanes. Also the hatchback-like, curved roofline also limits the rear headroom for tall adults.

Moreover, the seating of the X4 mimics that of many other BMW crossovers we’ve reviewed. Despite the array of seat adjustments, with the 10-way power driver’s seat and front seat leg extender, the seating is just too firm for our taste.

Lastly, as more automakers are experimenting, with interior lighting, the strip of lighting embedded in the doors of the X4 seemed mismatched and out of place with the color theme of the interior. BMW needs to take a page from its German competitor, Mercedes-Benz, in terms of interior lighting. Mercedes-Benz interior lighting seems to be more cohesive, giving one the feel and look, as if they’re a part of a video game.

Verdict: For buyers seeking a stylish utility vehicle, with German engineering and an athletic physique, the all-new X4 should be on one’s shopping list. The design of the almost coupe-like styling stands out from the crowd of today’s ‘me-too’ crossover designs.

The second generation X4 provides many of the luxury amenities, driver safety aids and sporty driving characteristics that will draw consumers to this utility vehicle.

There are competitors with a lower price point, as a result of an available front wheel drive system. However, for those seeking performance and an engaging driving experience, they should steer toward the all-wheel drive configuration. Shoppers should note, a few of the competitors in this niche segment offer more horsepower in some of their pricier trims.

Competition: Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe; Jaguar F-Pace; and Land Rover Range Rover Velar

About Jeff Fortson: He is the host of SiriusXM Channel 141 Auto Trends with JeffCars.com. It’s a weekly multicultural automotive show, which includes in-depth conversations with today’s influencers and pioneers. For show times and to price out a new vehicle, cruise over to JeffCars.com.

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Remembering George Floyd

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OP-ED: Oregon Bill Threatens the Future of Black Owned Newspapers and Community Journalism

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Nearly half of Oregon’s media outlets are now owned by national conglomerates with no lasting investment in local communities. According to an OPB analysis, Oregon has lost more than 90 news jobs (and counting) in the past five years. These were reporters, editors and photographers covering school boards, investigating corruption and telling community stories, until their jobs were cut by out-of-state corporations.

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By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr.
President and CEO, National Newspaper Publishers Association

For decades, The Skanner newspaper in Portland, the Portland Observer, and the Portland Medium have served Portland, Oregon’s Black community and others with a vital purpose: to inform, uplift and empower. But legislation now moving through the Oregon Legislature threatens these community news institutions—and others like them.

As President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), which represents more than 255 Black-owned media outlets across the United States—including historic publications like The Skanner, Portland Observer, and the Portland Medium—l believe that some Oregon lawmakers would do more harm than good for local journalism and community-owned publications they are hoping to protect.

Oregon Senate Bill 686 would require large digital platforms such as Google and Meta to pay for linking to news content. The goal is to bring desperately needed support to local newsrooms. However, the approach, while well-intentioned, puts smaller, community-based publications at a future severe financial risk.

We need to ask – will these payments paid by tech companies benefit the journalists and outlets that need them most? Nearly half of Oregon’s media outlets are now owned by national conglomerates with no lasting investment in local communities. According to an OPB analysis, Oregon has lost more than 90 news jobs (and counting) in the past five years. These were reporters, editors, and photographers covering school boards, investigating corruption, and telling community stories, until their jobs were cut by out-of-state corporations.

Legislation that sends money to these national conglomerate owners—without the right safeguards to protect independent and community-based outlets—rewards the forces that caused this inequitable crisis in the first place. A just and inclusive policy must guarantee that support flows to the front lines of local journalism and not to the boardrooms of large national media corporations.

The Black Press exists to fill in the gaps left by larger newsrooms. Our reporters are trusted messengers. Our outlets serve as forums for civic engagement, accountability and cultural pride. We also increasingly rely on our digital platforms to reach our audiences, especially younger generations—where they are.

We are fervently asking Oregon lawmakers to take a step back and engage in meaningful dialogue with those most affected: community publishers, small and independent outlets and the readers we serve. The Skanner, The Portland Observer, and The Portland Medium do not have national corporate parents or large investors. And they, like many smaller, community-trusted outlets, rely on traffic from search engines and social media to boost advertising revenue, drive subscriptions, and raise awareness.

Let’s work together to build a better future for Black-owned newspapers and community journalism that is fair, local,l and representative of all Oregonians.

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., President & CEO, National Newspaper Publishers Association

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Hate and Chaos Rise in Trump’s America

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Tactics ranged from local policy manipulation to threats of violence. The SPLC documented bomb threats at 60 polling places in Georgia, traced to Russian email domains.

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By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

The Southern Poverty Law Center has identified 1,371 hate and antigovernment extremist groups operating across the United States in 2024. In its latest Year in Hate & Extremism report, the SPLC reveals how these groups are embedding themselves in politics and policymaking while targeting marginalized communities through intimidation, disinformation, and violence. “Extremists at all levels of government are using cruelty, chaos, and constant attacks on communities and our democracy to make us feel powerless,” said SPLC President Margaret Huang. The report outlines how hard-right groups aggressively targeted diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives throughout 2024. Figures on the far right falsely framed DEI as a threat to white Americans, with some branding it a form of “white genocide.” After the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, a former Utah legislator blamed the incident on DEI, posting “DEI = DIE.”

Tactics ranged from local policy manipulation to threats of violence. The SPLC documented bomb threats at 60 polling places in Georgia, traced to Russian email domains. Similar threats hit Jewish institutions and Planet Fitness locations after far-right social media accounts attacked them for trans-inclusive policies. Telegram, which SPLC describes as a hub for hate groups, helped extremists cross-recruit between neo-Nazi, QAnon, and white nationalist spaces. The platform’s lax moderation allowed groups like the Terrorgram Collective—designated terrorists by the U.S. State Department—to thrive. Militia movements were also reorganized, with 50 groups documented in 2024. Many, calling themselves “minutemen,” trained in paramilitary tactics while lobbying local governments for official recognition. These groups shared personnel and ideology with white nationalist organizations.

The manosphere continued to radicalize boys and young men. The Fresh & Fit podcast, now listed as a hate group, promoted misogyny while mocking and attacking Black women. Manosphere influencers used social media algorithms to drive youth toward male-supremacy content. Turning Point USA played a key role in pushing white nationalist rhetoric into mainstream politics. Its leader Charlie Kirk claimed native-born Americans are being replaced by immigrants, while the group advised on Project 2025 and organized Trump campaign events. “We know that these groups build their power by threatening violence, capturing political parties and government, and infesting the mainstream discourse with conspiracy theories,” said Rachel Carroll Rivas, interim director of the SPLC’s Intelligence Project. “By exposing the players, tactics, and code words of the hard right, we hope to dismantle their mythology and inspire people to fight back.”

Click here for the full report or visit http://www.splcenter.org/resources/guides/year-hate-extremism-2024.

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