News
Incarceration: Burdensome Legacy for African American Fathers and Their Sons
Study Explores Impacts of Imprisonment on Father/Son Relationships and Reentry into Society
Children with a parent in jail or prison are five to six times more likely to become offenders.
« Incarceration: Burdensome Legacy for African American Fathers and Their Sons
Newswise — More than 1.1 million African American men are imprisoned in the United States, and about 500,000 are fathers. Many of their fathers also served time in jail or prison, and many of their children will as well.
A new study by researchers from Florida Atlantic University’s College of Social Work and Criminal Justice illustrates how incarceration is a destructive force in the African American community, especially for fathers. The qualitative study mined the feelings, perceptions and experiences of formerly imprisoned African American men to identify how incarceration has impacted their relationships with their fathers and sons; their definitions of fatherhood; and their perceived roles within families, communities and society.
“There are many reasons why the criminal justice system continually impacts African American men; however, to fully understand, one must forensically analyze the generational adversity and oppression that African American men have endured,” said Precious Skinner-Osei, Ph.D., senior author and an assistant professor in FAU’s Phyllis and Harvey Sandler School of Social Work.
Results of the study, published in the Journal of Forensic Social Work, identified various themes and subthemes; with stigma being the dominant factor that repeatedly surfaced throughout the interviews. Participants shared that stigma negatively impacted them pre- and post-release, proved detrimental to their rehabilitation, and, for many, had pervaded their lives since childhood, when they themselves were kids with incarcerated fathers.
All 22 of the participants’ fathers had been to jail or prison, and 16 had been to prison more than once. Two participants stated that they had been incarcerated at the same time in the same county jail as their fathers. Six participants said they had been incarcerated at the same time as their sons, and two were in the same county jail but on different floors.
“The fathers in our study expressed that reentry, recidivism, and employment were intimidating, frustrating and frightening,” said Skinner-Osei. “Considering that 90 percent of all inmates will be released, these findings illustrate why greater emphasis on reentry is required. Furthermore, the data shows that more fathers, sons, and grandfathers are being incarcerated at the same time, and also supports research indicating that children with a parent in jail or prison are five to six times more likely to become offenders.”
When the men were asked about their relationship with their own fathers, kinship, caregiving, and abandonment were prominent themes. Twenty-one expressed that they knew who their fathers were and how to contact them (if they were still living). Eighty percent said that they had been raised by someone else and never lived in the same home as their fathers. They also shared that they had only seen their fathers sparingly, but they would not describe them as absent. This finding coincides with the misconception that living in a single-family home means the other parent is absent.
Results also suggest that incarceration is a barrier for many fathers because the children’s mothers and maternal families decide if the father-son relationship should continue and to what extent, sometimes leaving the fathers powerless. Participants claimed that the mothers used that time to turn their children against them, which further strained the relationship post-release. Notably, none of the participants’ children resided with them at the time of the study.
“Ultimately, fathers want the opportunity to be role models for their children despite past infractions,” said Skinner-Osei. “Likewise, children want fathers who are caring and protective of their well-being. Therefore, promoting interactions between fathers and children is critical pre-and post-release, as well as throughout the prison term, to facilitate emotional bonds despite physical separation.”
The authors stress that the incarceration cycle will continue as long as society continues to hold these fathers in a psychological and physical prison that disrupts caregiving, perpetuates stigma, destroys paternal bonds, and complicates reentry processes.
“Combatting this trend requires more integrative programs that support family and community reunification. These results can be achieved if practitioners use techniques that foster paternal relationships and advocacy for more family, employer, and community memberships,” said Skinner-Osei. “Mentoring opportunities also will allow justice-involved individuals to reduce the stigma by giving them purpose and the chance to be role models despite past infractions.”
Study co-author is Dhiny Mercedes, a graduate student in FAU’s Phyllis and Harvey Sandler School of Social Work.
– FAU –
About Florida Atlantic University: Florida Atlantic University, established in 1961, officially opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students across six campuses located along the southeast Florida coast. In recent years, the University has doubled its research expenditures and outpaced its peers in student achievement rates. Through the coexistence of access and excellence, FAU embodies an innovative model where traditional achievement gaps vanish. FAU is designated a Hispanic-serving institution, ranked as a top public university by U.S. News & World Report and a High Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. For more information, visit www.fau.edu.
Source: Florida Atlantic University
Author
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
amusement and theme parks
Inside the Wait for Mattel Adventure Park & VAI Resort in Glendale, Arizona
Last Updated on March 4, 2026 by Daily News Staff
What was once pitched as one of the most exciting new additions to Arizona’s entertainment landscape — a world-class resort and theme park featuring some of Mattel’s most beloved brands — has become a long-anticipated project marked by persistent delays, evolving plans, and growing expectations.
A Vision Bigger Than a Theme Park
The centerpiece of the massive development near State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona is VAI Resort, a 60-acre luxury entertainment destination designed to combine upscale hospitality with dynamic entertainment. Plans include:
- Over 1,100 luxury hotel rooms spread across multiple towers, catering to visitors of all types.
- A beach-style water oasis with white sand and temperature-controlled pools — a first for Arizona.
- A state-of-the-art concert amphitheater for national performers and DJ-driven nightlife.
- Dozens of restaurants, lounges, shopping experiences, and convention spaces. And anchored within this resort footprint is the long-awaited Mattel Adventure Park — a theme park bringing Hot Wheels™, Barbie™, Thomas & Friends™, and other iconic Mattel brands to life.
Construction Progress — Visible and Ongoing
The resort and park construction continue visibly along Cardinals Way and West Cardinals Way just south of the State Farm Stadium area. Over the past several years, crews have been steadily working on building structures for the resort’s hotels, water features, and entertainment venues.
For Mattel Adventure Park specifically:
- Core infrastructure and coaster track supports have been erected, including sections of the distinctive Hot Wheels-themed attractions, though construction has been slower than initially anticipated.
- The project’s official construction live-camera feed continues to stream real-time activity, underscoring that work is not abandoned even if progress isn’t tracking toward imminent completion.
In support of the wider development, the City of Glendale approved construction of a large parking garage designed to handle tens of thousands of visitors tied to future resort events and park operations.
Most recently, the resort’s developer expanded its footprint by acquiring an additional 33 acres of land to support future hospitality, residential, and commercial uses — a sign of long-term confidence in the destination despite timeline shifts.
Opening Date Ambiguity and Shifting Targets
From the outset, Mattel Adventure Park was slated to open in coordination with major regional events — originally pegged for 2022 and the Super Bowl LVII timeframe — then revised for 2023, 2024, and late 2025.
Similarly, VAI Resort itself has repeatedly shifted its projected debut:
- In April 2025, resort officials were targeting late 2025 for phased openings.
- By late 2025, that target had quietly dropped from public materials, and the official website no longer listed a specific opening date.
- As of early 2026, VAI Resort officials have refused to commit to any set opening date, saying they intend to announce a timeline only 9–12 months prior to launch — a stance that has left Arizona residents and visitors without concrete expectations.
There’s no public evidence yet that Mattel Adventure Park will open in early 2026, and some observers speculate the project may slide further into the future before doors open to the public.
What Guests Can Expect (When It Opens)
When ultimately completed, Mattel Adventure Park promises a unique experience distinct from traditional amusement parks:
- Hot Wheels™ Bone Shaker™ and Twin Mill™ Racer coasters
- Barbie™ Beach House with themed experiences
- Interactive zones featuring Thomas & Friends™ and other Mattel franchisesAll designed to appeal to families, children, and thrill seekers alike.
Beyond the park itself, the resort’s expansive amenities — including beaches, concert venues, fine dining, luxury spas, and convention space — intend to make Glendale a year-round entertainment hub for visitors from across the Southwest and beyond.
Looking Ahead
With additional land purchased and visible work continuing on multiple fronts, the broader VAI Resort and Mattel Adventure Park project is far from stalled, even if its opening dates have become increasingly uncertain.
Industry watchers and local residents alike will likely continue to track construction progress closely, waiting for the first official announcement of firm opening dates — a milestone the resort has said it’s now hesitant to set prematurely.
Track updates on the VAI Resort official website and the project’s construction live camera feed.
For more information about Mattel Adventure Park and VAI Resort, visit the Official website
Authors
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Last Updated on March 2, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Early risers in Arizona are in for a celestial show.
On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, a total lunar eclipse will be visible across much of North America — including Phoenixand the Valley. During this event, the Moon will pass completely into Earth’s shadow, turning a deep copper-red color often called a “Blood Moon.”
Here’s what you need to know.
🌍 What Is a Total Lunar Eclipse?
A total lunar eclipse happens when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align perfectly, with Earth positioned directly between the Sun and the Moon. As the Moon moves into Earth’s darkest shadow (the umbra), it doesn’t disappear — instead, it glows red.
That reddish color comes from sunlight filtering through Earth’s atmosphere — essentially, we’re seeing all the world’s sunrises and sunsets projected onto the Moon at once.
🕒 Phoenix Viewing Times (MST)
Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time in March, so these times are in Mountain Standard Time (MST).
- 1:44 a.m. – Penumbral eclipse begins (subtle dimming begins)
- 2:50 a.m. – Partial eclipse begins (Earth’s shadow becomes clearly visible)
- 4:04 a.m. – Totality begins 🌕
- 4:34 a.m. – Greatest eclipse
- 5:03 a.m. – Totality ends
- 6:18 a.m. – Partial eclipse ends
- 7:20 a.m. – Penumbral eclipse ends
The most dramatic portion — totality — lasts nearly one hour.
🌅 Where to Look in Phoenix
The eclipse happens in the pre-dawn hours, so the Moon will be low in the western sky as it sets.
For the best view:
- Find a location with a clear western horizon
- Avoid city light glare if possible
- Consider desert viewpoints, parks, or elevated areas around the Valley
Because the Moon will be setting as the Sun begins to rise, the backdrop of early morning twilight could make for stunning photography.
🔭 Do You Need Special Equipment?
No.
Unlike a solar eclipse, lunar eclipses are completely safe to view with the naked eye. However:
- Binoculars enhance color detail
- A small telescope reveals subtle shadow gradients
- A tripod and DSLR or smartphone with night mode can capture impressive images
🌎 Why This Eclipse Matters
This will be one of the most accessible celestial events of 2026 for Arizona residents. Total lunar eclipses don’t happen every year in the same location, and the timing — just before sunrise — adds dramatic visual contrast.
If skies are clear, Phoenix could have a spectacular view.
📌 Quick Viewing Reminder for Phoenix
Set your alarm for around 3:45 a.m.
Step outside by 4:00 a.m.
Look west
Watch the Moon turn red
No tickets. No crowds. Just the sky putting on a show.
For more science, space, and Arizona skywatching coverage, visit STM Daily News.
Related Coverage
- NASA: What Is a Lunar Eclipse?
- Time and Date: March 3, 2026 Total Lunar Eclipse Details
- Sky & Telescope: How to Watch the March 2026 Lunar Eclipse
- Space.com: Where and When to See the 2026 Blood Moon
- STM Daily News – Science & Space Coverage
Author
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
The Knowledge
Brightline West Nears Final Environmental Clearance Milestone
Brightline West’s final environmental assessment is 99% complete, clearing a major hurdle for the high-speed rail line connecting Southern California and Las Vegas.
Last Updated on March 1, 2026 by Daily News Staff
The long-awaited high-speed rail connection between Southern California and Las Vegas just hit a major milestone.
According to recent reports, the final environmental assessment for Brightline West is now 99% complete — signaling that one of the most critical regulatory hurdles for the project is nearly finished.
For a project that has been discussed for over a decade, this is significant progress.
What “99% Complete” Really Means
Before major infrastructure projects like high-speed rail can move into full construction, they must go through extensive federal environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
For Brightline West, this includes:
- Environmental impact evaluations
- Wildlife and habitat assessments
- Air quality studies
- Noise and vibration analysis
- Cultural and tribal consultations
- Traffic and community impact reviews
Reaching 99% completion means the overwhelming majority of those studies, revisions, and agency approvals are essentially done. In practical terms, the project is nearly clear of its final federal environmental review requirements.
That’s a huge step toward full-scale construction.
The Route: Southern California to Las Vegas
Brightline West will run approximately 218 miles largely within the median of Interstate 15, connecting:
- Las Vegas
- Apple Valley
- Hesperia
- Rancho Cucamonga (with connections to Metrolink toward Los Angeles)
Trains are designed to reach speeds up to 200 mph, cutting travel time between Southern California and Las Vegas to roughly 2 hours.
Instead of battling I-15 weekend traffic, travelers could board a train in Rancho Cucamonga and arrive on the Las Vegas Strip in about the time it currently takes just to get through the Cajon Pass on a busy Friday.
Construction Status
The project officially broke ground in 2024, and early work has included:
- Geotechnical testing
- Land surveying
- Utility relocation
- Pre-construction corridor preparation
While heavy civil construction has not yet fully ramped up across the entire route, completing environmental clearance removes one of the last major barriers before large-scale building accelerates.
Timeline Update
The original goal was to open before the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. That timeline has shifted.
Current projections place passenger service around late 2029, depending on construction pace and financing milestones.
Why This Milestone Matters
High-speed rail projects in the United States often stall due to environmental review delays, funding gaps, or regulatory challenges.
Getting to 99% completion on final environmental assessment means:
- Federal review is nearly wrapped
- Legal vulnerability is reduced
- Major construction can proceed with more certainty
- Investor confidence improves
For Southern California and Nevada, it represents real forward momentum.
The Bigger Picture
Brightline West is privately developed, separate from California’s state high-speed rail system. If completed as planned, it would become one of the first true high-speed rail lines operating in the western United States.
The I-15 corridor between Los Angeles and Las Vegas is one of the most heavily traveled leisure routes in the country. A successful rail alternative could significantly reshape travel patterns between the two regions.
Final Take
The headline may sound small — “99% complete” — but in infrastructure terms, it’s a major breakthrough.
With environmental review nearly finished, Brightline West is closer than ever to turning renderings into reality.
Now the question shifts from if the train gets built… to how fast construction can move from here.
Further Reading & Outside Coverage
- Brightline West Official Project Website
- Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
- Las Vegas Review-Journal – Brightline West Coverage
- Los Angeles Times – Transportation & Infrastructure
- Progressive Railroading – Industry Updates
- Trains Magazine – Rail Industry News
- U.S. Department of Transportation
Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter. https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/
Author
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
