October 2, 2025
107 Days: Kamala Harris’ Book Rockets Off the Shelves in First Week
Former Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign memoir "107 Days" has achieved remarkable success, selling 350,000 copies across all formats in its first week according to publisher Simon & Schuster. The book chronicles Harris's unexpected 107-day presidential campaign that began after President Biden withdrew following a poor debate performance against Donald Trump in June 2024. Despite internal Democratic Party criticism of the book's content, public interest remains strong as evidenced by robust sales and well-attended author appearances. Simon & Schuster has already ordered a fifth printing that will bring total hardcover copies to 500,000, positioning the memoir to potentially become a historic bestseller, though still far behind Michelle Obama's "Becoming" which sold over 8 million copies globally.
Read moreOctober 2, 2025
‘Manufacturing Day’ Gives Detroit Students Inside Look at Auto Production
LM Manufacturing in Southwest Detroit hosted its fourth annual Manufacturing Day, where over 200 students from six Detroit schools toured the facility and learned about career opportunities in manufacturing. During the event, students like 15-year-old Isaiah Clay were introduced to automotive manufacturing processes and expressed interest in future internships. Representatives from major companies including GM, Comerica Bank, and Henry Ford Health were present to connect with students and discuss career paths. LM Manufacturing, a joint venture between Magna and Lan Manufacturing that produces automotive seating for Ford, emphasizes its "C Power" values and operates an Expose 2 Inspire program partnering with 18 Detroit schools to provide job shadowing and internship opportunities.
Read moreOctober 2, 2025
Top 10 Habits to Change Your Life
A recent article in the Houston Defender outlines ten beneficial habits people can incorporate into their daily routines to improve overall wellbeing and success. The habits range from simple morning practices like making your bed to organizational strategies such as creating goal-oriented to-do lists, as well as health-focused behaviors including eating more leafy greens and increasing physical movement throughout the day. Additional recommendations include reading regularly, improving posture, setting clear boundaries, curating social media consumption, and prioritizing adequate sleep. The article emphasizes that conscious choices can lead to automatic habits that significantly impact one's quality of life.
Read moreOctober 2, 2025
HBCUs Face New Wave of Bomb Threats as Morgan State and Towson Universities Targeted
Multiple Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have recently faced a wave of bomb threats, with Morgan State University and Towson University being the latest targets on Tuesday. Despite all threats being confirmed as hoaxes by law enforcement, each incident is treated as credible until thoroughly investigated. According to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), more than 75 HBCUs have experienced similar threats since 2022, disrupting classes across 18 states and DC, with HBCUs being targeted at higher rates than other higher education institutions. The Congressional Black Caucus has requested the Justice Department and FBI conduct a full investigation into these incidents of intimidation against Black educational communities.
Read moreOctober 2, 2025
At the UN, African Leaders Did Not Draw Attention to Home Conflicts, Analysts Say
of African Leaders at the UN General Assembly African leaders addressed the United Nations General Assembly on global issues including climate change, inequality, and international conflicts like the Gaza situation, but gave minimal attention to significant African conflicts. Despite wars in Sudan and Congo having killed thousands and created humanitarian crises, these conflicts received little substantive attention in African leaders' speeches. Analysts note this reflects limitations in African institutions and a reluctance to prioritize African issues on the global stage. Meanwhile, external powers including the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt are leading peace negotiations for these African conflicts, highlighting the limited leverage of African institutions in regional conflict resolution.
Read moreOctober 2, 2025
William L. Gibbs, Jr.
William L. Gibbs, Jr., a Navy veteran who served as an aircraft mechanic from 1975 to 1981, passed away on August 29, 2025, at age 67 after battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Born in San Francisco in 1957 and a graduate of Escondido High School, Bill was known for his remarkable ability to create and maintain lifelong friendships. He is survived by his wife Venus, his mother Betty, his brother Dr. John Gibbs, and his sisters Juanita and Tina Gibbs, while his son William N. Gibbs preceded him in death in 2005. Bill's family suggests planting a tree as a memorial to honor his enduring spirit and the connections he fostered throughout his life.
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Today in Black History: October 2
Johnnie Cochran, born October 2, 1937, in Shreveport, Louisiana, was a celebrated attorney known for defending O.J. Simpson and fighting for civil rights causes, including freeing wrongfully imprisoned Geronimo Pratt. Thurgood Marshall, a pioneering civil rights lawyer who won 29 of 32 Supreme Court cases including the landmark Brown v. Board of Education, became the first Black Supreme Court Justice on October 2, 1967. August Wilson, one of America's greatest playwrights who created the ten-play American Century Cycle documenting African-American life throughout the 20th century, won two Pulitzer Prizes before passing away on October 2, 2005, after which Broadway's Virginia Theatre was renamed in his honor.
Read moreOctober 2, 2025
Joseph Jesse Boroquez, Jr.
Joseph Jesse Boroquez, Jr., born on September 7, 2003, in San Diego, California, passed away on September 11, 2025. During his life, he was known for his journey toward Christianity, joyful personality, and strong friendships. Joseph was a father to two children, Ezekiel and Kayleah, whom he deeply loved. He is survived by numerous family members including his parents, eleven siblings, and his grandfather, while being preceded in death by his grandmother and four aunts.
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Carl Wesley Coleman
Carl Wesley Coleman (1942-2025) was a Navy veteran who served in Japan and Vietnam before receiving an honorable discharge in 1965 and moving his family to San Diego. Following military service, he worked at Solar Turbines for 38 years as a Quality Control Inspector, retiring in 2003, and later worked as a Primerica insurance representative. Coleman was deeply involved in his community, serving at Bayview Church, promoting education through his own academic achievements, and helping establish the Jacob Center's Market Creek Square. His life was characterized by family devotion, community leadership, educational pursuits, and various sporting activities before he passed away on August 25, 2025, survived by his wife Dorothy, four children, siblings, grandchildren, and other relatives.
Read moreOctober 2, 2025
Josephine Randolph
Josephine Randolph, born in 1937 in Memphis, Tennessee, lived a full life of 88 years before passing away on September 16, 2025, in California surrounded by family. She was married to Theodore Randolph for 70 years, raising eight children together plus welcoming a stepdaughter. Beyond being a devoted mother and wife who maintained an immaculate home, she worked as a housekeeper, volunteered at polling stations, and was employed at Popeye's, where her biscuits became renowned. For 24 years, she served as an ordained mother at Zion Temple Apostolic Church in Gary, Indiana, where she participated in the choir and kitchen service.
Read moreOctober 2, 2025
Detroit School Board Moves to Fill Gay-Dagnogo’s Seat Using July Runner-Up
The Detroit Public Schools Community District Board of Education has adopted a streamlined process to fill the upcoming vacancy created by Board Member Sherry Gay-Dagnogo's appointment as Detroit's Ombudsman. Rather than conducting a new public search, the board voted to offer the position to the runner-up from their July 2025 vacancy selection process, who was later identified as Bessie Harris, a retired special education teacher. The decision passed despite objections from some board members who preferred following the district's standard vacancy policy requiring public applications and interviews. If the runner-up accepts, they will serve through December 2026 and will need to run in the next scheduled board election to continue serving.
Read moreOctober 2, 2025
How much time could Diddy spend in prison?
Sean "Diddy" Combs, the music mogul convicted of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, faces sentencing with prosecutors requesting at least 11 years imprisonment while his defense team argues for a much lighter 14-month sentence. Although acquitted of more serious racketeering and sex trafficking charges, Combs could receive up to 20 years as each count carries a maximum 10-year sentence. Federal Judge Arun Subramanian must weigh multiple factors in determining the final sentence, including victim impact, Combs' personal history, and the probation office's recommendation of 5-7 years. Combs' lawyers are also challenging the application of the Mann Act in his case, arguing for acquittal or a new trial on grounds that the encounters were consensual and didn't constitute prostitution.
Read moreOctober 2, 2025
White House says layoffs 'imminent' with no end to shutdown in sight
The U.S. government shutdown has entered its second day with the White House warning that mass layoffs of federal workers are "imminent" and could result in permanent job losses within days. President Trump has suggested using the shutdown as an "opportunity" to make lasting cuts to programs, while Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked over spending priorities with Democrats seeking healthcare funding guarantees and Republicans pushing for a temporary funding measure. The shutdown, which began Wednesday after Congress failed to agree on a spending plan, may affect approximately 750,000 federal workers (40% of the federal workforce) who face unpaid furloughs, with essential workers required to work without immediate pay. Despite the mounting crisis, negotiations appear stalled with little progress toward resolution before the next scheduled vote on Friday.
Read moreOctober 2, 2025
Could US government ban apps which track ICE agents?
The US government and law enforcement agencies have strongly criticized apps like ICEBlock that track Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, claiming they endanger officers' lives following a deadly attack on an ICE facility in Dallas. Developed in response to President Trump's immigration crackdown, these apps allow users to report ICE agent sightings on maps and have been downloaded over a million times despite government criticism. Creator Joshua Aaron remains committed to maintaining ICEBlock despite accusations from US Attorney General Pam Bondi that he is threatening officers' safety, while legal experts argue the government has limited power to ban such apps as they are protected under the First Amendment.
Read moreOctober 1, 2025
Witnessing The Destruction Of America: It’s Not Too Late
The article warns that America is experiencing internal destruction similar to Rome's downfall. It points to concerning actions including the Secretary of Defense's meeting with military leaders, Trump's comments about deploying military to cities, the government shutdown over budget disagreements, and the undermining of federal agencies. The author argues these developments are part of a deliberate plan to dismantle American democracy from within. As a response, the article urges readers to pray, register voters during protests, support redistricting proposals like California's Proposition 50, and actively vote to regain Democratic control of the House of Representatives.
Read moreOctober 1, 2025
First Look at Detroit’s New Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Park on West Riverfront
The new Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park, an $80 million development spanning 22 acres along Detroit's Southwest riverfront, is set to open on October 25th. The park features numerous attractions including a four-acre playground, water garden, sports pavilion, and distinctive animal-shaped structures like a 20-foot bear slide. Matt Cullen, CEO of the Riverfront Conservancy, described it as potentially "the most iconic park in the United States," comparing it to Chicago's popular Millennium Park. The development includes several sponsored zones such as the Delta Dental Play Garden, Clinton-Huron MetroParks Water Garden, William Davidson Sports House, and DTE Foundation Summit, with grand opening celebrations featuring The Jacksons performing during Detroit Harvest Fest.
Read moreOctober 1, 2025
'None of us have ever asked for special treatment' - US female veterans respond to Hegseth speech
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced plans to "return to the highest male standard" for combat roles in the U.S. military, claiming standards were lowered to accommodate women. Female veterans strongly disagree with this characterization, asserting that combat role standards have always been gender-neutral and equally high for all service members. While Hegseth maintains women won't be excluded from the armed forces entirely, his directive has sparked significant controversy, with many female veterans arguing they've never received special treatment. The announcement comes amidst broader changes Hegseth claims will "fix decades of decay" in the military, including his criticism of promotions based on race, gender, or "historic so-called firsts."
Read moreOctober 1, 2025
Trump and GOP Drive Shutdown While Families Face Soaring Premiums
The US government has shut down due to a standoff between MAGA Republicans and Democrats over healthcare funding, specifically regarding Medicaid and Affordable Care Act subsidies. Approximately 750,000 federal employees are being furloughed daily, with many facing potential permanent layoffs as directed by the Office of Management and Budget. Without extending enhanced tax credits, nearly 24 million Americans could see their health insurance premiums double or triple, with low and moderate-income households facing devastating financial consequences, according to KFF research. The shutdown is also impacting multiple federal agencies including the Department of Health and Human Services, CDC, NIH, and FDA, while economists warn that each week of shutdown will reduce GDP by 0.15 percentage points.
Read moreOctober 1, 2025
United for San Diego: Foundations Unite to Protect Families Amid Historic Cuts
In response to historic federal funding cuts affecting critical services in San Diego County, local philanthropic organizations have launched "United for San Diego," a collaborative relief effort. The Prebys Foundation, Price Philanthropies, San Diego Foundation, and the Price family have collectively pledged $70 million to help maintain access to food, housing, and healthcare for vulnerable residents. This initiative comes as over 400,000 San Diegans risk losing healthcare access and 100,000 face food assistance cuts due to approximately $300 million in federal funding reductions. Community leaders from grassroots organizations have expressed hope that this unprecedented philanthropic collaboration will effectively support smaller, trusted organizations already serving those in need.
Read moreOctober 1, 2025
Trump Turns the Military Inward, and America Confronts Its Oldest Fear
Donald Trump has deployed California National Guard troops to Los Angeles against Governor Newsom's wishes, citing a rebellion statute despite no actual rebellion occurring. This action has been widely condemned by California officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who argue Trump is manufacturing a crisis for political gain. The deployment violates the spirit of the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act, which generally prohibits military forces from enforcing civilian laws. Trump's actions, alongside a controversial gathering of military leaders at Quantico where he referred to the Pentagon as the "Department of War," have raised significant concerns about the misuse of military power against American citizens exercising their rights.
Read moreOctober 1, 2025
Supreme Court lets Lisa Cook stay at Federal Reserve for now
The US Supreme Court has ruled that Lisa Cook can temporarily remain as Federal Reserve governor, rejecting President Donald Trump's attempt to immediately remove her. Trump had claimed he was firing Cook over alleged mortgage fraud, which she denied, prompting her to sue on grounds that her dismissal was illegal and threatened the Fed's independence. The Supreme Court will hear arguments in January on this unprecedented case, as no president has previously attempted to remove a Fed governor, which by law can only be done "for cause." The ruling ensures Cook will participate in at least two more Federal Reserve interest rate decisions, amid ongoing tension between Trump and the central bank over monetary policy.
Read moreOctober 1, 2025
Bill Protecting California Veterans From Predators to Get Vote in January
California Senate Bill 694, authored by Senator Bob Archuleta, aims to protect veterans from predatory "Claim Sharks" who charge excessive fees for VA benefit claims assistance. The legislation, expected for a full Senate vote in January 2026, prohibits unaccredited individuals and nonprofits from charging for services that accredited professionals provide within regulated fee limits. Having received unanimous bipartisan support in committee votes, the bill would empower California's Attorney General to prosecute violators who take advantage of vulnerable veterans. While supported by several California legislators including members of the Legislative Black Caucus, the bill faces opposition from some veterans groups such as Vets Know the Facts and the Black Veterans Empowerment Council.
Read moreOctober 1, 2025
OPC Launches Summit on Water Rights, Access
The Office of the People's Counsel (OPC) Water Services Division held its inaugural community Water Summit at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library on September 29, bringing together D.C. residents to discuss water conservation, affordability programs, and accessibility issues. The summit featured panel discussions, breakout sessions with representatives from government agencies and environmental organizations, and opportunities for residents to ask questions about water quality and hold agencies accountable. Executive Director Sandra Mattavous-Frye emphasized the summit's timing coincides with the closing of the fiscal year and new application windows for utility discount programs, making consumer information particularly important. Against a backdrop of increasing global water demand and potential climate change threats to D.C.'s water supply, which relies on the Potomac River for approximately 78% of the metropolitan area's needs, participants discussed initiatives like DOEE's Riversmart program while also addressing concerns about upcoming budget cuts to critical water conservation efforts.
Read moreOctober 1, 2025
Four ways the US government shutdown could end
The US government has entered a shutdown after the Senate failed to pass a funding bill, marking the first federal closure in nearly seven years. Senate Democrats blocked a Republican spending bill that would have kept the government operating until November, though three Democrat-aligned senators broke ranks to support it. As the shutdown continues, political pressure will mount on both parties, with Democrats potentially facing increasing strain as government employees and the general public begin to feel the effects of curtailed services. While Republicans currently feel they have the upper hand, there are several potential resolution scenarios, including Democratic capitulation, Republican compromise, or a protracted standoff that damages both parties politically.
Read moreOctober 1, 2025
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Pushes Plan to ‘Secure Democracy’ at Annual Conference
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's 54th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC), themed "Made for This Moment: Power, Policy, Progress," took place in Washington D.C. from September 24-28 against the backdrop of a government shutdown. The conference united legislators, community officials, influencers, and citizens in advocating for democracy and civil rights through various events including the Day of Healing Prayer Breakfast and Phoenix Awards Dinner. Programming addressed numerous issues affecting Black communities, including healthcare, criminal justice, environmentalism, redistricting, and attacks on diversity initiatives. Speakers including former Vice President Kamala Harris and Maryland Governor Wes Moore emphasized building coalitions and increasing civic engagement, particularly voting, to combat threats to constitutional freedoms.
Read moreOctober 1, 2025
Five Education Bills You Should Know About
California lawmakers have passed five significant education bills that now await Governor Gavin Newsom's signature before the October 13 deadline. These bills address various aspects of education including inclusive history curriculum about African Americans' contributions, streamlining college admissions through direct admission to CSU campuses, banning ultra-processed foods in schools, extending substitute teacher service periods, and updating reading instruction to address literacy gaps. The measures, which include Senator Laura Richardson's SB 510 (already signed by the Governor on August 28) and four other bills awaiting approval, aim to improve educational outcomes and address inequities in California's education system.
Read moreOctober 1, 2025
In the District, the Shutdown Breaks More Than Paychecks
The federal government shutdown that began at midnight Wednesday has furloughed nearly 750,000 federal workers, with an estimated daily compensation loss of approximately $400 million according to the Congressional Budget Office. While basic services in Washington D.C. remain operational, including trash collection, schools, and Metro transportation, the shutdown has severely impacted federal employees across the metropolitan area, including those in Maryland and Virginia. Small businesses, restaurants, and tourism are suffering as federal buildings close, museums and monuments shut down, and workers have their pay suspended due to political disagreements. The effects are disproportionate across departments, with some agencies like the Education Department furloughing up to 90% of staff while Homeland Security has only furloughed 5%, though critical functions like cybersecurity response capabilities have been significantly compromised.
Read moreOctober 1, 2025
Prosecutors Seek Over 11 Years In Prison for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs
Sean "Diddy" Combs faces sentencing after his July conviction on prostitution-related charges under the Mann Act for arranging paid sexual encounters between his girlfriends and male sex workers. Prosecutors have requested at least 11 years and 3 months imprisonment, citing his serious crimes and the traumatic impact on his victims, including former girlfriends who testified about being forced to participate in drug-fueled sexual events that Combs often filmed. Despite his defense attorneys requesting no more than 14 months imprisonment and claiming he has changed during his detention, prosecutors characterized Combs as "unrepentant" and attempting to shift blame to his victims. Combs has remained jailed since his conviction, with sentencing scheduled for Friday.
Read moreOctober 1, 2025
Takeaways From RFK Jr.’s Recent Vaccine Panel Meeting
The U.S. Health and Human Services' newly appointed vaccine advisory committee, led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., met in Atlanta to reconsider vaccine recommendations for several diseases. The panel, whose members were all selected by Kennedy after he dismissed the previous committee, declined to recommend COVID-19 vaccines to any specific population groups, suggesting individuals make their own decisions. The committee also recommended new restrictions for the combination vaccine protecting against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox, while postponing a vote on hepatitis B vaccines for newborns. Critics express concern that the panel's composition and decisions could undermine public trust in vaccines, as its recommendations will go to the CDC director and typically become standard practice for doctors and insurers.
Read moreOctober 1, 2025
ICE Arrests Superintendent of Iowa’s Largest School District
of News Article Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts was detained by immigration authorities who claim he was in the country illegally and possessed weapons unlawfully. According to DHS, Roberts had entered the US on a student visa in 1999, received a final removal order in May 2024, and was found with a loaded handgun during his arrest, which violates federal law for those without legal status. The school district acknowledged Roberts had disclosed a firearms offense related to a hunting rifle during his hiring process but was unaware of any removal order against the superintendent, who has a long career in education and previously competed as an Olympic athlete for Guyana. The arrest has sparked protests and support from local education and community groups, while the school board has appointed an interim superintendent and scheduled a special meeting to discuss Roberts' status.
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