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Three brothers in California discovered a rare first edition Superman #1 comic from June 1939 while clearing out their deceased mother's attic during Christmas last year. The comic, which had been stored in pristine condition under old newspapers since their mother and uncle purchased it between the Great Depression and World War II, received an unprecedented 9.0 rating from a professional grading service. Heritage Auctions facilitated the sale in Texas, where the comic sold for $9.12 million, surpassing the previous record by $3 million. The brothers, who wish to remain anonymous and are in their 50s and 60s, had been told about their mother's valuable collection but had never seen it before her passing. # Key Takeaways

A former Olympic snowboarder, Ryan Wedding, allegedly orchestrated the assassination of an FBI witness in Colombia after his lawyer, Deepak Paradkar, advised that killing the witness would result in case dismissal. The murder was the culmination of an elaborate tracking operation involving multiple individuals across several countries, including a reggaeton musician, a crime blog operator, and a Colombian madame who helped locate the witness. Wedding, who represented Canada in snowboarding at the 2002 Winter Olympics, now allegedly heads a billion-dollar-per-year drug trafficking network and remains at large with a $15 million bounty on his head. The unsealed 54-page FBI indictment names 19 defendants connected to the witness murder, with ten currently in custody facing extradition to the United States. # Key Takeaways

An Ohio police officer, Connor Grubb, was found not guilty on all charges related to the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Ta'Kiya Young, who was approximately 25 weeks pregnant at the time. The incident occurred in August 2023 when officers confronted Young in a supermarket parking lot over suspected shoplifting, and bodycam footage captured her vehicle moving slowly toward Grubb before he fired his weapon. The jury unanimously acquitted Grubb of murder, felonious assault, and involuntary manslaughter charges after deliberating whether his use of force was reasonable given the circumstances. Both Young and her unborn daughter died as a result of the shooting, leaving behind two young children, while the Young family's attorney condemned the verdict as a tragedy.

BasBlue, a Detroit community hub supporting women and gender-diverse individuals, has launched a free weekly Community Supper program to address growing food insecurity affecting city residents. The initiative responds to increased grocery costs, reduced SNAP benefits, and strained household budgets by offering complimentary Monday dinners from 5-7 p.m. without any eligibility requirements or paperwork. Local Detroit chefs, including teams from Folk Detroit, Baobab Fare, and Fried Chicken and Caviar, prepare rotating menus that celebrate the city's diverse culinary traditions. The program has already served over 100 meals and operates with support from Plum Market, providing a dignified, welcoming space where families, elders, and individuals can gather for nourishment and community connection. # Key Takeaways

Six Democratic lawmakers with military or intelligence backgrounds released a video reminding service members of their right to refuse unlawful orders, prompting President Trump to accuse them of sedition and suggest they should face trial or death. The President posted multiple social media messages calling for their arrest, while the White House later claimed he was merely "defining the crime of sedition" rather than literally threatening execution. This confrontation occurs against a backdrop of increasing political violence in America, with 85% of citizens believing such violence is rising, and recent incidents including assassinations, arson attacks, and threats against politicians from both parties. Democratic leaders condemned Trump's rhetoric as dangerous, while Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the President and called the lawmakers' video inappropriate, announcing that the Justice Department and Pentagon would review the matter.

Former Fugees rapper Pras Michel received a 14-year prison sentence for his involvement in illegal foreign influence campaigns targeting American politics. Between 2012 and 2017, Michel accepted over $100 million from Malaysian businessman Jho Low, who was central to the massive 1MDB corruption scandal, and used these funds to illegally influence US officials during both the Obama and Trump administrations. Michel was convicted on multiple charges including serving as an unregistered foreign agent, campaign finance violations, witness tampering, and lobbying for the Chinese government. His defense attorney criticized the sentence as excessive compared to co-defendants who received minimal punishment or pardons, and announced plans to appeal the conviction. # Key Takeaways

Kirill Dmitriev, a 50-year-old Russian diplomat and head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, has emerged as a key figure in peace negotiations between Russia and the United States under the Trump administration. Born and raised in Ukraine to scientist parents, Dmitriev studied and worked extensively in America before becoming a prominent Russian official, positioning him uniquely to bridge the cultural and diplomatic divide between the two nations. He has been working closely with Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff on a controversial draft peace plan that would require Ukraine to surrender territory and reduce its military forces, terms that Ukraine has not outright rejected but insists must preserve its sovereignty. While Dmitriev presents himself as a peacemaker comfortable navigating Western media, the US Treasury has previously labeled him a "Putin ally" and sanctioned his investment fund as a potential "slush fund," and Ukraine has imposed sanctions on him for alleged crimes against their country.

The Trump administration is implementing new guidelines for the State Department's annual human rights report that redefine what constitutes human rights violations, now including countries with DEI policies, abortion subsidies, and certain free speech regulations. These instructions represent a dramatic departure from decades of bipartisan human rights reporting standards and extend the administration's domestic policy priorities into foreign policy. Critics, including former State Department officials, argue this weaponizes human rights principles for partisan purposes and excludes protections for women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and minorities traditionally covered under international law. The changes follow an August report that was already significantly rewritten to reduce criticism of allies while expanding condemnation of opponents. This shift fundamentally alters America's traditional role in documenting and addressing global human rights abuses. # Key Takeaways

A recent scientific study has discovered that urban raccoons are undergoing physical changes similar to early domestication, with measurably shorter snouts compared to their rural counterparts after analyzing nearly 20,000 photographs. Researchers believe this evolutionary shift is driven by the animals' adaptation to living near humans and accessing trash as a reliable food source, which requires them to be bold enough to approach human spaces while remaining non-threatening. The study challenges traditional assumptions about domestication by suggesting the process begins through natural selection when animals become comfortable in human environments, rather than through deliberate human intervention. These changes mirror traits seen in other domesticated animals like dogs and cats, including alterations to facial structure linked to reduced fight-or-flight responses at the cellular level.

A UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville, Kentucky on November 4, resulting in 14 fatalities and 23 injuries when its engine detached from the wing and exploded. Federal investigators discovered that critical inspection tasks for the aircraft's engine mounts were overdue, and the plane had exceeded its scheduled maintenance threshold by nearly 22,000 cycles without completing required detailed examinations. The National Transportation Safety Board found evidence of fatigue cracks and overstress failures in the engine mounting system, along with a fractured bearing. The fuel-laden aircraft never reached more than 30 feet altitude before crashing into a UPS warehouse, prompting emergency declarations and shelter-in-place orders due to massive fuel spillage. # Key Takeaways

Fred Durhal Jr., a highly respected Michigan legislator and community advocate, died at age 73 on November 19, 2025, leaving behind a powerful legacy of public service spanning several decades. Throughout his career serving Detroit in the Michigan House of Representatives from various districts and terms, including 2008-2014 as Dean Emeritus, Durhal earned recognition for his compassionate advocacy for working-class families, marginalized populations, and Detroit's most vulnerable residents. His leadership extended beyond legislation to community revitalization efforts, youth programs, and affordable housing initiatives, while he maintained a reputation for integrity and bipartisan cooperation. The father of current Detroit City Councilmember Fred Durhal III, he is remembered by family, colleagues, and former political opponents alike as a mentor, tireless fighter for equity and justice, and devoted family man who exemplified genuine commitment to improving lives in his community. # Key Takeaways

The Rx Kids program, which provides direct cash payments to expectant and new mothers, has expanded to six Wayne County communities but excludes Detroit due to jurisdictional reasons. The initiative offers eligible mothers $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 monthly for six months after birth, targeting areas with high child poverty rates. Detroit was not included because it operates its own independent health department, while the county-administered program only serves municipalities without their own health departments. Since launching in Flint in 2024, the program has distributed $17 million to over 3,900 families and will now serve 17 Michigan municipalities total. Wayne County selected the six participating cities—River Rouge, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Inkster, Melvindale, and Dearborn—based on demonstrated need and their reliance on county health services.

On November 14, hundreds of participants from three San Diego schools—Gage Elementary, Pershing Middle, and Patrick Henry High School—participated in the fourth annual Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, a student-organized commemoration. Approximately 400 students, families, and community members walked to school wearing purple shirts and carrying lunchboxes to honor Ruby Bridges, who integrated an all-white Louisiana elementary school in 1960 at age six. The event featured student-led activities including reflection, art projects, and discussions focused on promoting unity and celebrating diversity. Additional San Diego Unified schools, such as Hamilton and Ibarra Elementary, also participated in this district-wide initiative aimed at fostering inclusive school environments and strengthening community bonds.

Several historically Black colleges and universities secured significant victories over the weekend in MEAC and SWAC conference play. South Carolina State defeated NC Central 34-27 on a late touchdown run by Josh Shaw, maintaining their perfect 4-0 conference record, while Delaware State also stayed unbeaten in MEAC play with a 26-13 win over Howard. Jackson State dominated Bethune-Cookman with three running backs each surpassing 100 yards in a 28-13 victory, and Alabama State cruised to a 41-3 win over Mississippi Valley State to secure their first eight-win season since 2018. Prairie View A&M claimed the SWAC Western Division championship with a decisive 56-9 triumph over Arkansas-Pine Bluff, earning a spot in the upcoming conference championship game.

Pope Leo XIV delivered a video message to religious leaders at UN climate talks in Belem, Brazil, calling for immediate concrete action to address global warming and criticizing insufficient political will among nations. The Pope emphasized that one-third of humanity faces severe climate vulnerability, arguing that while the Paris Agreement framework remains sound, world leaders are failing in their implementation efforts. His intervention came as the conference entered its second week, with Global South nations sharing accounts of devastating climate impacts and expressing concern that Earth will likely exceed the 1.5-degree Celsius warming target. As the first American pope, Leo XIV is continuing his predecessor's environmental advocacy, positioning himself as a prominent moral voice on climate issues, particularly for vulnerable populations in developing nations.

The author, a Black women's health advocate in California, warns that proposed federal cuts to social programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and WIC would devastate Black women who already face severe health disparities. Black women in California die from pregnancy-related causes at three to four times the rate of white women and rely heavily on these programs, with one in three depending on Medi-Cal and nearly half receiving WIC or CalFresh benefits. The cuts would force impossible choices between medication, care, and basic necessities while worsening existing issues like food insecurity, housing instability, and chronic disease management. While California has implemented protective measures like implicit bias training legislation and emergency funding for food banks, the author calls for increased community support and documentation to defend Black women's health amid these federal threats. # Key Takeaways

Former Vice President Dick Cheney, who died in November at age 84 from pneumonia and heart-related complications, was honored at a funeral service in Washington DC that brought together politicians from both parties. Cheney served as vice president under George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009 and wielded significant influence, particularly in shaping the administration's war on terror policies and the Iraq invasion. During the ceremony, Bush praised Cheney as an exceptional second-in-command who once offered to leave the 2004 reelection ticket, while Cheney's daughter Liz highlighted her father's commitment to constitutional principles over partisan loyalty. Though Cheney had become estranged from the Republican Party in recent years due to his criticism of Donald Trump and endorsement of Kamala Harris, the funeral drew attendees from across the political spectrum. # Key Takeaways

On the anniversary of the 2024 presidential election, the nonprofit organization Refuse Fascism launched an ongoing protest campaign at the National Mall aimed at President Trump's removal from office through nonviolent means. The organization, originally founded in 2016 during Trump's first term, brought together hundreds of demonstrators, speakers including former Capitol police officer Michael Fanone, and musical performances to challenge what they characterize as fascism in government. Founding member Sunsara Taylor emphasized the movement's commitment to daily rallies across Washington D.C. until Trump leaves power, arguing there can be no compromise with the current administration. The group has scheduled numerous additional protests and marches throughout November at various iconic locations including the Supreme Court, White House, and Lincoln Memorial.

Isiah Thomas, the NBA Hall of Famer, has become the first NBA player to hold majority control of a publicly traded company through his leadership of Isiah Enterprises, a clean-tech firm focused on renewable materials and sustainable production. His business journey began with studying natural crops like rice, corn, and soy to understand how their fibers could reduce plastic use and carbon footprints, eventually leading to patented processes used in automotive and packaging industries. Thomas rescued a near-bankrupt facility in Midland, Michigan, transforming it into a successful operation that now processes tens of thousands of pounds of renewable materials weekly and has shipped over 100,000 pounds of pelletized rubber compounds. Beyond business success, Thomas is motivated by a desire to break generational poverty in his community by encouraging families to become shareholders rather than lottery ticket buyers, with an ultimate goal of being the first NBA player to uplift a company to NASDAQ listing. # Key Takeaways

A 26-year-old former congressional aide has been federally charged with orchestrating a fake hate crime attack against herself. Natalie Greene allegedly collaborated with an accomplice to stage an assault on a nature trail, claiming three attackers targeted her due to her work for a New Jersey Republican congressman, binding her and carving politically charged insults into her skin. Investigators discovered inconsistencies in the stories, incriminating internet searches for zip ties, and evidence that Greene paid a body modification professional $500 to inflict the wounds on the day of the supposed attack. Greene now faces potential prison time and substantial fines for conspiracy and providing false statements to police.

New York farmer David Haughton faces severe financial hardship after the USDA canceled the Local Food Purchase Assistance program in March 2025, causing him to lose 60 percent of his market as organizations could no longer afford his produce. The program, established in 2021 to help farmers recover from pandemic impacts while feeding communities, particularly supported small and minority farmers who face systemic barriers to capital. After nearly losing his 35-acre farm and home due to inability to make mortgage payments, Haughton received critical support from the Black Farmer Fund, which provides loans, grants and technical assistance specifically to Black farmers. Despite receiving a grant that saved his operation and allowed equipment purchases, Haughton suffered an additional setback when fire destroyed part of his home in August 2025, though he remains committed to farming.

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San Diego County is taking multiple steps to address behavioral health and food insecurity challenges facing its residents. The county plans to construct a $210 million Behavioral Health Wellness Campus in the Midway District that would consolidate mental health and addiction services to serve over 20,000 people annually. In response to federal funding cuts threatening food assistance programs, the Prebys Foundation partnered with major food banks to provide $3 million in emergency funding to maintain the food security network. Additionally, CalFresh/SNAP beneficiaries received their full November benefits after a federal court ruling, while the Board of Supervisors approved exploring a Safety Net Bridge Program to prevent gaps in essential services for residents who may lose benefits due to federal policy changes.

Former President Barack Obama recently called civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, who is currently hospitalized in stable condition in Chicago, after coordinating with Jackson's family for several days beforehand. Jackson, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's syndrome in 2013 and whose diagnosis was updated to supranuclear palsy in April, has been receiving support from numerous politicians and civil rights figures, including Reverend Al Sharpton and Reverend Amos Brown, a fellow Civil Rights pioneer. Despite his condition and inability to speak, Jackson remains alert and continues advocating for his vision of organizing churches to combat malnutrition. The Obama and Jackson families share deep connections spanning decades, including Jesse Jackson Jr.'s role as national co-chair of Obama's 2008 presidential campaign.

Australian mining company Fortescue has cancelled construction of a $210 million electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility in Detroit's Milwaukee Junction neighborhood, eliminating 600 promised jobs that would have paid over $45,000 annually. The company attributed the cancellation to uncertainty created by recent changes to federal clean energy tax credits included in a Republican-led budget bill. Democratic lawmakers, including State Senator Stephanie Chang, are demanding accountability and criticizing the cancellation as a major setback for local employment, environmental improvements, and Detroit's clean energy manufacturing ambitions. Michigan and Detroit officials had offered approximately $23.7 million in combined tax and brownfield incentives to attract the project, which would have converted the former Fisher Body plant into an advanced manufacturing center for EV chargers, batteries, and hydrogen generators. # Key Takeaways

Florida Democratic Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and her brother Edwin face federal charges for allegedly stealing $5 million in disaster relief funds from FEMA that were intended for COVID-19 vaccination registration efforts. Prosecutors claim the siblings, who operated Trinity Healthcare Services, received an overpayment in July 2021 and laundered the money through multiple accounts to finance her successful 2022 congressional campaign. The scheme allegedly involved routing funds to friends and family members who then contributed the money back to her campaign as personal donations. While Cherfilus-McCormick maintains her innocence and pledges to fight the charges, she faces up to 53 years in prison if convicted, along with investigations by the House Ethics Committee and a potential expulsion resolution from Congress.

Zohran Mamdani, New York City's newly elected mayor and a 34-year-old Democratic socialist, is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House following their contentious exchanges during the mayoral campaign. The two political figures have clashed publicly, with Trump labeling Mamdani a "communist" and even endorsing his opponent, while Mamdani has criticized Trump throughout his campaign. Despite their differences, Mamdani states he will collaborate with the president on policies benefiting New Yorkers while opposing those that harm the city. The meeting, which Mamdani's team characterizes as customary for incoming mayors, will address public safety, affordability, and economic security, though previous New York mayors did not have similar one-on-one Oval Office meetings. # Key Takeaways

Federal authorities have arrested over 250 individuals in Charlotte, North Carolina, as part of a nationwide immigration enforcement initiative that previously occurred in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles. The Department of Homeland Security maintains those detained are criminals and gang members with various convictions, while state and local Democratic officials claim federal agents are engaging in racial profiling and targeting people based on appearance rather than criminal history. The operation, called "Operation Charlotte's Web," has sparked protests and prompted many migrants to remain home out of fear. State Governor Josh Stein is monitoring potential expansion of similar operations to other North Carolina cities like Raleigh.

A $29.3 million affordable senior housing development has opened on the site of Michigan's only Historically Black College and University in Detroit's northwest side. The Dr. Violet T. Lewis Village features 105 income-restricted apartments for seniors, combining two restored historic buildings from the original Lewis College of Business campus with new construction. The development serves residents earning between 30% and 80% of area median income, with rents ranging from $468 to $1,408 monthly depending on unit size and building type. Financing came primarily through federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and various state, city, and private sources, transforming the long-vacant Meyers Road campus into active community housing while honoring Dr. Lewis's educational legacy.

President Donald Trump signed legislation requiring the Justice Department to release government files related to Jeffrey Epstein within 30 days, marking a reversal from his previous opposition to the measure. The bill passed Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support after pressure from Epstein's victims and Republican lawmakers, including Trump ally Marjorie Taylor Greene. While the law mandates disclosure of investigation materials including victim interviews, seized property records, and flight logs, the Justice Department can withhold documents tied to active criminal investigations or that invade personal privacy. Trump has framed the release as exposing Democratic connections to Epstein, though he himself had a lengthy friendship with the convicted sex offender before they allegedly fell out in the early 2000s.