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Rapper-actor Common, along with collaborators Karriem Riggins and James Poyser, has composed "Victory" as the official theme song for NBA on Prime Video's upcoming basketball coverage. The trio created three versions of the score—orchestral, hip-hop, and rock—recorded with a 70-piece orchestra in Nashville. The theme song will debut on October 24 during Prime Video's opening-night doubleheader featuring the Celtics vs. Knicks and Timberwolves vs. Lakers. For Common, who was once a Chicago Bulls ball boy and whose father played in the American Basketball Association, this project represents a meaningful way to connect with basketball through his musical talents.

A groundbreaking exhibition at London's Tate Modern titled "Nigerian Modernism" is showcasing over 250 works by more than 50 Nigerian artists, highlighting their significant but often overlooked contributions to modern art. The exhibition traces the development of modern Nigerian art from the 1940s through the colonial period, independence in 1960, and into the postcolonial era of the 1970s and 1980s. Notable featured artists include Ben Enwonwu, who gained international recognition while incorporating his Igbo heritage into his work, and Ladi Kwali, a pioneering female ceramicist who blended traditional techniques with modern training. This exhibition is part of a growing international recognition of African artists' contributions to modernism, reflected in both increased institutional attention and rising commercial interest.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has taken mixed action on bills aimed at addressing racial discrimination against Black Americans, signing legislation that allocates $6 million for CSU to study how to identify descendants of enslaved people and creating a Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery, while vetoing several other related proposals. Among the vetoed bills were measures that would have granted university admissions preference to descendants of enslaved people, investigated claims of racially unjust property seizures, and allocated 10% of first-time homebuyer funds for descendants of enslaved people. The vetoed bills were part of a broader legislative effort by the California Legislative Black Caucus to implement recommendations from a state reparations task force report documenting California's history of discrimination against Black Americans. Newsom cited various reasons for his vetoes, including existing legal authorities, potential legal risks, and lack of agency expertise to implement certain proposals.

Redemption Bank, the first Black-owned bank in the western United States, recently broke ground in Holladay, Utah, with Bernice A. King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., serving as senior vice president for corporate partnerships and community impact. The institution is classified as a Minority Depository Institution (MDI), becoming only the 24th such bank in the nation, and is uniquely positioned as the only Black-owned bank not located in an economically underserved community. Despite Utah's Black population being under 3 percent, founder Ashley Bell considers the state ideal for business due to its favorable banking regulations and supportive local investors and collaborators. The bank aims to address lending disparities highlighted by recent statistics showing 39 percent of Black-owned businesses were denied loans in 2024, significantly higher than the 18 percent rejection rate for white-owned businesses.

Freddie Bevelyn, born in 1936 in New Orleans, passed away on September 30, 2025, after a life of dedicated service and community involvement. Following a 20-year career in the U.S. Navy where he developed carpentry and firefighting skills, Bevelyn worked at NASSCO for 25 years before retiring as a foreman. He was deeply committed to Bethel AME Church, serving as a Trustee from 1996 until being appointed to the position of Emeritus in 2025, while also actively participating in the Southeast Kiwanis Club and PAZZAZ, Inc. Known for his mechanical and culinary talents, particularly his famous gumbo and pralines, Bevelyn is survived by his wife Pat, daughter, grandsons, and numerous family members and friends.

This article highlights three significant historical events that took place on October 16 across different years. In 1831, Lucy Stanton Day Sessions was born, later becoming the first African American woman to complete college-level education at Oberlin College and the first African American to publish a short story. Ebenezer D. Bassett, born in 1833, made history as the first African American diplomat when appointed as U.S. Minister to Haiti by President Grant in 1869. Finally, the Million Man March of 1995 brought together approximately 850,000 African American men at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., focusing on unity and community rebuilding, resulting in over 1.5 million Black men registering to vote nationwide.

Callie M. Burke, a devoted nurse and U.S. Navy Reserve veteran, passed away on September 21, 2025, at age 77 in San Diego, California. Her 50-year nursing career spanned service in the military, VA Hospital, and Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, where she approached healthcare as a spiritual calling. A graduate of Kaiser University with a nursing degree, Burke was deeply guided by her Christian faith throughout her life. She leaves behind a loving family including sisters, four children, twelve grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, having lived by her favorite scripture from 1 John 4:19 about loving others.

India's foreign ministry has disputed US President Donald Trump's claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to stop purchasing Russian oil during a recent phone call. Trump stated that Modi had assured him India would halt Russian oil imports "within a short period of time," but an Indian government spokesman said they were "not aware of any conversation" taking place when Trump claimed. The disputed exchange occurs amid ongoing US pressure on India to end its support for Russian energy markets as part of efforts to economically isolate the Kremlin over the Ukraine war. India has become a major customer for Russian oil since the war began, with the White House acknowledging "productive discussions" while claiming India is already reducing its Russian oil purchases.

New York City's mayoral race features three distinctive candidates who will debate at Rockefeller Plaza on Thursday: frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Democratic socialist state assemblyman who won the Democratic primary by nearly 13 points; Andrew Cuomo, the former New York governor running as an independent after resigning amid sexual harassment allegations in 2021; and Curtis Sliwa, a Republican known for founding the Guardian Angels crime prevention group. Current Mayor Eric Adams dropped out of the race last month following various scandals including federal indictment on bribery and fraud charges that were later dropped after President Trump took office. The candidates are expected to debate critical issues including affordable housing and the city's $4 billion government budget deficit as they compete to lead America's largest city.

China has escalated the trade war with the US by imposing strict export controls on rare earth minerals, which are essential components in high-tech manufacturing, electronics, and defense systems. The new regulations require government approval for all rare earth exports from China, which controls approximately 61% of production and 92% of processing globally. This strategic move directly impacts US industries that rely heavily on Chinese rare earth imports, with the US depending on China for 70% of its rare earth compounds and metals between 2020-2023. The restrictions are viewed as China leveraging its market dominance as a bargaining chip in ongoing trade negotiations with Washington.

The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) concluded that OceanGate's Titan submersible imploded during its journey to the Titanic wreckage due to inadequate engineering, insufficient testing, and undetected damage. The June 2023 disaster killed all five people aboard, including OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush and four passengers who paid up to $250,000 each for the experience. The investigation revealed a problematic safety culture at OceanGate, with evidence that safety concerns were ignored and that the company attempted to circumvent regulations by labeling paying customers as "mission specialists" rather than passengers. The NTSB has recommended that the US Coast Guard study how pressure vessels carrying people are assessed and update regulations accordingly.

Acclaimed actress Diane Keaton, known for her iconic roles in films such as The Godfather series, Annie Hall, and Father of the Bride, has died at age 79 from pneumonia. Her family released a statement to People magazine thanking fans for their outpouring of support following her October 11th passing in California. The news prompted tributes from numerous Hollywood stars including her First Wives Club co-stars Goldie Hawn and Bette Midler, as well as Steve Martin. Keaton's remarkable five-decade career included an Academy Award for Annie Hall along with three additional Oscar nominations, and she was also recognized for her distinctive fashion style featuring turtlenecks and hats.

India's goods exports to the US fell significantly by 20% in September and nearly 40% over four months following the implementation of 50% tariffs by the US on August 27, which included a 25% penalty for India's Russian oil purchases. According to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), labor-intensive sectors like textiles, gems, engineering goods, and chemicals have been most severely affected, contributing to India's widening trade deficit which reached a 13-month high of $32.15 billion in September. Trade negotiations between the two countries are ongoing with the aim of finalizing an agreement by next month, though major disagreements persist regarding agriculture and dairy market access. Despite these challenges, both nations have established an ambitious target to increase bilateral trade from $190 billion to $500 billion.

Detroit mayoral candidates Rev. Solomon Kinloch and Mary Sheffield debated public safety approaches ahead of the November 4 municipal election, with federal law enforcement assistance emerging as a key point of contention. While both opposed military deployment in Detroit, Kinloch expressed openness to federal collaboration on law enforcement, whereas Sheffield firmly rejected militarizing neighborhoods and advocated for addressing root causes of crime. The debate occurred amid claims about Detroit's crime statistics, with Kinloch questioning their legitimacy while city officials maintain crime rates are declining. Current Mayor Mike Duggan, who is not seeking reelection, has credited partnerships between Detroit Police and federal agencies along with community violence intervention groups for the city's reduced crime rates.

President Donald Trump is planning to build a triumphal arch near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC to commemorate America's 250th anniversary. The proposed "Arc de Trump," modeled after Paris's Arc de Triomphe, would be positioned at the end of Memorial Bridge coming from Arlington National Cemetery and is reportedly being privately funded by Trump's supporters. This monument is part of Trump's broader second-term vision for reshaping the capital, which includes extensive White House renovations, a $250 million ballroom, and clearing homeless encampments. While presidential renovations to the White House are common, Trump's plans extend significantly beyond traditional updates, with the president already displaying renderings and models of his proposed arch during recent meetings.

The televised debate between Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield and Triumph Church Rev. Solomon Kinloch revealed intense personal criticisms as both candidates vie for Detroit's mayoral position. Sheffield criticized Kinloch's absence from community forums, questioned his Detroit residency, and cited his lack of political experience. Kinloch countered that Sheffield represents privileged leadership that has failed to meaningfully improve residents' lives despite her years on the council. The contentious exchange covered public safety concerns, neighborhood investment versus downtown development, and both candidates defended their community contributions while accusing each other of misrepresenting their records.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris criticized the recent indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James during a Washington, DC book promotion event that was repeatedly disrupted by Gaza war protesters. Harris questioned the legitimacy of the charges, noting that a previous "conservative Republican" prosecutor had found insufficient evidence against James, and criticized Trump's appointee US Attorney Lindsey Halligan for implementing what she called a "vengeance agenda." During the event, Harris expressed frustration with multiple protest interruptions related to Gaza, and also spoke out against the Trump administration's immigration enforcement measures and deployment of National Guard to major cities. Amid a government shutdown and looming layoffs, Harris encouraged federal employees to remain in their positions despite the challenges.

The Supreme Court heard extended oral arguments in a case challenging Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which could fundamentally alter electoral politics in the American South. The case began as a lawsuit by Black Louisiana voters seeking a second majority-Black congressional district but expanded when the court decided to consider whether the Act's requirement to create "opportunity districts" for minorities is constitutional. If successful, the challenge could lead to congressional redistricting across southern states, potentially flipping more than a dozen seats from Democratic to Republican control and giving Republicans a decisive advantage in the House of Representatives. During arguments, the conservative-leaning court appeared potentially open to reinterpreting or limiting the landmark civil rights law, with Justice Kavanaugh expressing concerns about indefinite racial considerations in districting.

A judge in Florida has granted a protective order against Republican Representative Cory Mills, barring him from contacting his ex-girlfriend Lindsey Langston, who accused him of harassment and threats after their relationship ended. The judge determined that Langston had reasonable cause to fear becoming a victim of dating violence, noting she experienced substantial emotional distress requiring medication and therapy. House Speaker Mike Johnson dismissed questions about the allegations, stating he didn't know the details and suggesting there were more "serious" matters to discuss. House Democrats criticized Republican leadership's response, particularly during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries calling the dismissiveness "irresponsible."

President Trump confirmed authorizing CIA covert operations in Venezuela and is considering additional military strikes targeting drug cartels. The US has already conducted at least five strikes on suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean, resulting in 27 deaths, with UN human rights experts labeling these as "extrajudicial executions." Trump justified these actions by claiming Venezuela is emptying its prisons into the United States and trafficking drugs, as part of broader efforts to pressure President Nicolas Maduro, whom the US does not recognize as Venezuela's legitimate leader. The military campaign includes positioning significant air and naval assets in the region along with approximately 4,000 troops, while the US has determined it is involved in a "non-international armed conflict" with drug trafficking organizations.

In the wake of a bank fraud indictment against New York Attorney General Tish James, Black women and organizations including the NAACP are rallying to support her against what they view as attacks from Donald Trump. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has praised James for challenging Trump's actions constitutionally, noting her previous case against Trump regarding fraudulent business practices that resulted in a $454 million penalty, which was partially upheld by an appeals court. Recently, Trump accidentally leaked a message demanding charges against James, and the indictment comes shortly after similar charges were brought against former FBI Director James Comey by the same U.S. attorney's office. James is scheduled to appear in a Norfolk, Virginia court later this month to face the charge.

San Diego County is hosting two free flu vaccine events open to all residents regardless of insurance status, as the 2025-26 flu season begins with two recorded deaths already. Last season saw nearly 40,000 flu cases in San Diego County—the highest in five years—resulting in 220 deaths, including seven children, compared to 63 deaths the previous season. Health officials emphasize that the flu vaccine is safe, effective, and particularly important for high-risk groups like older adults and young children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone six months and older get vaccinated, ideally before holiday gatherings when the virus spreads quickly.

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from laying off thousands of federal workers during the ongoing government shutdown. Judge Susan Illston granted a request by two unions to prevent layoffs at more than 30 agencies, agreeing that the administration was unlawfully using the funding lapse to downsize the government. The judge cited political motivations evident in statements by President Trump and Budget Chief Russell Vought, including Trump's comment about targeting "Democrat agencies." The administration had already begun notifying approximately 4,000 employees of layoffs across multiple departments including Treasury, Health and Human Services, Education, and Homeland Security.

Proposition 50 in California aims to replace the state's current congressional district map with a new one drawn by Democratic consultants, bypassing the independent redistricting commission that has operated for two decades. The proposed map, developed by Democratic redistricting expert Paul Mitchell with input from California's Democratic congressional delegation, was approved by the state Legislature for the November ballot. While Republicans argue California's current map already favors Democrats disproportionately, academic institutions rate the existing map as mostly fair, whereas Princeton University's Gerrymandering Project gave the proposed map an "F" for partisan fairness. Both sides claim their preferred map better preserves community integrity, with analyses showing minimal differences in how cities and counties are divided between the current and proposed maps.

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth's plane made an emergency landing in the UK after developing a crack in the aircraft windshield during his return flight from NATO's Defence Minister meeting in Belgium. The Pentagon confirmed everyone aboard remained safe as the plane followed standard emergency procedures, including broadcasting a "7700 squawk code" and descending to 10,000 feet near the Irish coast before diverting eastward. This incident follows a similar February emergency when Secretary of State Marco Rubio's government plane had to turn back due to a cockpit window crack.

Adelita Grijalva, elected to Arizona's 7th Congressional District on September 23, has not been sworn in after three weeks, leaving over 800,000 constituents without representation. House Speaker Mike Johnson has refused to seat her during pro forma sessions, claiming he's waiting for the government shutdown to end, while Democrats accuse him of deliberately delaying because Grijalva would be the decisive 218th signature on a discharge petition to force a vote on releasing Jeffrey Epstein-related files. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has threatened legal action, calling Johnson's refusal unconstitutional, while Grijalva insists she doesn't need "pomp and circumstance" but simply needs to begin serving her district.