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The recent CFO Survey by Duke University and Federal Reserve Banks reveals that tariffs are responsible for approximately one-third of company price increases in 2024, contradicting former President Trump's claims that his trade policies aren't causing inflation. Business executives report that tariff impacts will persist, accounting for about a quarter of price increases in 2025, and likely continuing into 2026 and 2027. The survey indicates companies are passing significant portions of tariff costs to consumers, with nearly one-quarter of businesses planning to reduce spending due to these trade policies. Despite some improvement in overall economic outlook among CFOs, tariffs and trade policy remain their top concern for the third consecutive quarter.

The Moody Foundation has announced a historic $150 million donation to Huston-Tillotson University, marking the largest single gift ever given to any Historically Black College or University (HBCU). The donation, revealed during the university's 150th anniversary celebration, will be distributed over ten years and primarily fund student scholarships and campus expansion. Huston-Tillotson's President Melva K. Wallace described the gift as "transformational" and a "rocket booster" that will help elevate the institution to the next level. This unprecedented donation is part of the Moody Foundation's broader $1 billion commitment to education in Texas by 2035 and surpasses the previous record of $100 million given to Spelman College earlier in 2024.

Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program serving over one-third of the state including 1.6 million undocumented residents, is implementing significant changes from 2026 through 2028 due to state budget cuts and federal legislation. These changes include freezing new enrollments for full-scope Medi-Cal for undocumented adults starting January 2026, ending routine dental coverage for undocumented adults in July 2026, and introducing a $30 monthly premium requirement beginning July 2027. Additional changes include work requirements for adults aged 19-64, twice-yearly renewals for certain members, copayments for some services, and reinstated asset limits primarily affecting older adults and those with disabilities. The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is working to minimize the impact of these changes through automation and advance notifications, as up to 3.4 million members could potentially lose coverage.

Judge Roderick Shelton made history on September 17th, 2025, becoming the first African American elected as Assistant Presiding Judge of the San Diego Superior Court, shortly after being elected President of the Association of African American California Judicial Officers (AAACJO). Before this achievement, Judge Shelton was elected to the bench in 2016, replacing retired Judge Joe O. Littlejohn, and has presided over various courts including domestic violence, arraignments, family law, and juvenile justice. His professional background includes service with both the San Diego County District Attorney's Office and as a Public Defender. Judge Shelton is one of just 13 African American sitting judges in San Diego County, and his election as Assistant Presiding Judge could position him to potentially become San Diego's first African American Presiding Judge in one of the nation's three largest court systems.

Elma Georgiabell Peterson, a 75-year-old retired Certified Nursing Assistant from San Diego, passed away on August 28, 2025. Born in 1950, she was a devoted mother of three, grandmother, and great-grandmother who worked compassionately caring for others until her retirement. Elma was known for her love of dancing, cooking, and her strong faith as a member of 38th Street Church of Christ. Her life celebration service will be held on September 22, 2025, at her church, followed by interment at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Bell hooks, born Gloria Jean Watkins in 1952, was a prominent writer and scholar who published over forty works examining the intersections of race, gender, and class. She adopted her lowercase pen name to emphasize her ideas rather than her identity, and established herself as a significant voice with her 1981 book "Ain't I a Woman: Black Women and Feminism." Meanwhile, Charles "Sonny" Liston overcame a difficult childhood and imprisonment to become heavyweight boxing champion on September 25, 1962, when he knocked out Floyd Patterson. Despite his impressive record of 50 wins (39 by knockout), Liston's career declined after losing to Muhammad Ali, and he died under mysterious circumstances in 1971.

Earline Jiles White (1940-2025) was a devoted woman of faith who served at Phillips Temple Church for over 50 years alongside her husband Lincoln, with whom she shared 52 years of marriage. Born in Louisiana and educated at Athens Colored High School, Earline built a career spanning 40 years at Sharp Memorial hospital, progressing from a Nurse's Assistant to a Medical Unit Clerk. Known for her cooking, especially her tea cakes and yams, she maintained close relationships with family and friends throughout her life, leaving behind two children, four grandchildren, and numerous other relatives who cherished her warmth and loving nature. Her life was characterized by deep faith, family dedication, and the countless connections she formed in her 85 years.

Esther Haugabook has announced the end of her write-in campaign for Detroit's District 5 City Council seat, choosing instead to focus on advocating for housing affordability, homeowner protections, and transparency issues. The November 4 general election will now proceed between UAW retiree Renata Miller and Board of Police Commissioner Willie Burton, who finished ahead of Haugabook in the primary. Haugabook emphasized that her withdrawal is not a concession but a redirection of her efforts, while keeping open the possibility of running again in 2029. District 5 is considered one of Detroit's most active council districts, encompassing downtown, Midtown, and numerous important landmarks across both east and west sides of the city.

A 15-year-old from Hyattsville, Maryland, has pleaded guilty to charges related to the August assault of 19-year-old Edward "Big Balls" Coristine, a former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staffer, during an attempted carjacking near Dupont Circle. President Donald Trump used this incident to justify placing D.C. law enforcement under temporary federal control and deploying the National Guard, describing a "crime emergency" in the capital. However, police statistics actually show that violent crime in Washington has decreased this year compared to 2024, including a significant reduction in carjackings, prompting local officials to dispute the president's characterization of city crime. Following the conclusion of the 30-day federal takeover, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has been working to reassure people that the nation's capital is safe.

Michigan voters can now cast absentee ballots for the November general election, with options to submit by mail or in person at clerk's offices or official drop boxes by 8 p.m. on November 4. Registered voters have until November 3 at 4 p.m. to apply for absentee ballots, while same-day registration remains available through Election Day. Voting rights advocates recommend submitting mail-in ballots by October 22 to avoid postal delays that could affect timely delivery. The Detroit mayoral race between City Council President Mary Sheffield and Pastor Solomon Kinloch Jr. headlines a ballot that also includes contests for city clerk, city council, the board of police commissioners, and community advisory council positions.

A deadly shooting at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas, Texas has resulted in one detainee dead and two critically injured after a 29-year-old gunman, identified as Joshua Jahn, opened fire from an adjacent building before dying by suicide. Officials recovered ammunition with "ANTI-ICE" markings at the scene, with FBI Special Agent Joe Rothrock characterizing the incident as "an act of targeted violence" with apparent ideological motivation. This attack joins a series of recent violent incidents targeting ICE facilities as the agency increases deportation efforts under President Trump's administration. Law enforcement officials and politicians from both parties have condemned the violence, with some connecting it to divisive political rhetoric, though the shooter's exact motives remain under investigation.

In a remarkable chance encounter, two families from the US and UK discovered they were fourth cousins while visiting the same ancestor's gravestone in Northamptonshire. Rand and Janeel Smith from Kansas City met Ian Brandon and Malcolm Atkins from Essex at St Peter's churchyard in Raunds, where they were all paying respects to their great-great-great-grandfather Anthony Smith, who once owned a local shoe factory. The unexpected meeting led to an emotional connection between the newfound relatives, who shared lunch together and described the encounter as "divine intervention" rather than mere coincidence. The cousins have now promised to stay in touch after what they called a priceless and unforgettable experience.

The US has conducted airstrikes against alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean Sea, reportedly killing 17 people since operations began this month. Colombia's President Gustavo Petro condemned these strikes in a BBC interview, calling them an "act of tyranny" and arguing that traditional maritime seizures never required lethal force. President Trump has defended the operations as necessary to combat drug trafficking into the US, while legal experts, UN officials, and Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about potential human rights violations. The White House responded that Trump is committed to using all available means to stop drug trafficking, amid broader tensions between the US and Latin American nations.

During a visit to the United Nations General Assembly, President Donald Trump experienced three technical difficulties that he characterized as "triple sabotage": an escalator stopping as he and the First Lady boarded, a malfunctioning teleprompter during his speech, and audio issues in the auditorium. Trump demanded an investigation from UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, calling the incidents "sinister" and suggesting deliberate sabotage. UN officials responded that the escalator's safety mechanism may have been triggered by Trump's videographer, the teleprompter belonged to the US delegation, and the sound system was designed to work through earpieces for translation purposes.

Canadian wildfires have sparked international controversy as Republican lawmakers from Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, and North Dakota filed a complaint with the EPA requesting an investigation into Canada's wildfire management. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew dismissed these actions as political posturing while the 2025 wildfire season is on track to become Canada's second-worst on record. A recent study in Nature revealed that smoke from Canada's 2023 wildfires caused over 87,500 acute and premature deaths worldwide, including 4,100 in the US. Climate and fire experts emphasize that these worsening wildfires are primarily driven by climate change rather than inadequate management, with both countries facing similar challenges in addressing increasingly severe fire seasons.

The article discusses how economic conditions for Black Americans have deteriorated since Donald Trump returned to the White House, despite his campaign promises to improve their situation. Data shows Black unemployment has risen to 7.5% in 2025, Black homeownership has fallen to its lowest level since 2021, and median Black household income dropped 3.3% last year to $56,020 - approximately $36,000 less than white households. The Trump administration attributes some of these trends to the previous Biden administration's policies, while critics argue Trump's focus on deportations and federal layoffs has disproportionately harmed Black Americans. Political analysts note this worsening economic situation could impact Trump's support among Black voters who shifted toward him in the 2024 election due to concerns about inflation and affordability.

The Henry Ford Museum has relocated the historic Jackson Home from Selma, Alabama to Dearborn, Michigan as part of a $30 million project. This significant Civil Rights landmark served as Martin Luther King Jr.'s strategic planning hub for the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery marches and was where King watched President Johnson's speech that preceded the Voting Rights Act. The home, previously operated as a museum by Joanna Jackson (daughter of the original owners), will open to the public in June 2026 following restoration supported by a $9 million bond from the Michigan Strategic Fund. The museum leadership believes relocating the house to Greenfield Village will allow more visitors to experience this crucial piece of Civil Rights history while ensuring its proper maintenance.

The H Street Festival in Northeast D.C. attracted an estimated 160,000 attendees and featured around 250 vendors, showcasing the area as a cultural hub for creativity and economic development. The 2.5-mile corridor celebration, which has been running for 20 years, highlighted local Black entrepreneurship, art, food, and cultural performances across more than a dozen stages. Executive Director Anwar Saleem of H Street Main Street emphasized the festival's role in strengthening the predominantly African American neighborhood economically, noting that 12 new businesses opened on H Street in 2025 with 18 new businesses in the last 18 months. Community members described the festival as fostering unity and peace in a city dealing with challenges like gun violence, while also preserving the cultural heritage of an area that has historically overcome adversity since the 1968 uprisings following Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination.

The article discusses reactions to the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's 54th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) amid concerns about the Trump administration's policies affecting Washington, D.C. Some D.C. residents, like Chioma Iwuoha, are opting not to participate in ALC events, instead focusing on grassroots activism to combat federal overreach in the District. The conference, themed "Made for this Moment: Power, Policy and Progress," aims to address policy issues affecting Black Americans through panel discussions, exhibits, and networking opportunities. Local activists and leaders express varying perspectives on the CBC's effectiveness and call for stronger resistance to policies they view as threats to democracy, D.C. autonomy, and civil rights.

The article criticizes the Democratic Party for abandoning the Black Press while continuing to spend millions on advertising in majority-white media outlets. The author argues this neglect contributed to Democrats losing Black voter support in the 2024 election, despite the Black Press reaching over 30 million people weekly through its network of 200 Black-owned newspapers and media companies. The piece highlights the historical significance of the Black Press in American history, from its founding in 1827 through civil rights movements to the present day, emphasizing its continued relevance. The author concludes that Democrats' failure to financially support Black media outlets represents a betrayal of their core supporters that may continue to cost them electorally in future elections.

The Trump administration's downsizing of the federal government is having a disproportionate impact on the DMV region (Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia), according to Brookings research. Since January 2025, the region has lost federal jobs at nearly twice the national rate, with unemployment rising three times faster than the national average, particularly in suburban Virginia counties. The economic impacts are widespread, including a 64% increase in homes for sale compared to last year, a dramatic slowdown in venture capital investment, and rising household financial distress despite some positive indicators in tourism and declining crime rates. Researchers warn that weakening the DMV region's specialized talent pool and related service sectors could ultimately undermine the federal government's own capabilities.

A recent LendingTree analysis reveals significant disparities in business financing approvals, with Black-owned businesses experiencing a 39% rejection rate in 2024, followed by Hispanic-owned businesses at 29%, compared to just 18% for white-owned businesses. Small businesses with 1-4 employees faced denial rates five times higher than larger firms, while businesses with 3-5 years of operation paradoxically experienced the highest rejection rate at 29%. SBA loans and lines of credit proved most difficult to secure with a 45% rejection rate, as high interest rates, inflation, and economic uncertainty have made lenders increasingly cautious about extending credit. Community development financial institutions and large banks showed the highest denial rates at 34% and 31% respectively, reflecting what LendingTree's chief analyst describes as part of a broader trend of tightened lending standards during unpredictable economic times.

The San Diego community is mourning the death of Pastor Glenn A. McKinney, Sr., who served as Pastor of St. Stephen's Cathedral Church of God In Christ for four years after succeeding his father, Bishop George D. McKinney. During his brief tenure, Pastor McKinney made significant improvements to the church, including renovating the sanctuary and installing a handicap-accessible ramp, which contributed to the church's growth. As Deputy Adjutant General to the Church Triumphant within the Church of God In Christ denomination, he was following his father's distinguished legacy and was known for his community bridge-building efforts, recently hosting a Black and Jewish Clergy Luncheon. Pastor McKinney passed away just before his October 20th birthday, leaving behind his wife, three children, and a grieving church family.

President Trump's administration has implemented severe measures against federal workers, removing approximately 300,000 employees (1 in 8) in the largest single-year reduction since World War II. In March, the administration stripped nearly one million federal workers of collective bargaining rights, followed by canceling union contracts for about 450,000 workers across multiple departments before Labor Day. These actions disproportionately impact Black Americans, who make up nearly 20% of the federal workforce compared to 12% of the civilian workforce overall. The labor movement is fighting back through worker organization and supporting the Protect America's Workforce Act, a bipartisan bill that would overturn Trump's executive orders against unions.

California's legislature has passed Assembly Bill (AB) 247, authored by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, which would significantly increase pay for incarcerated firefighters from roughly $1 per hour to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour during active fire incidents. The bill received unanimous bipartisan support in both the Assembly and Senate, with lawmakers acknowledging the critical and dangerous work performed by incarcerated individuals through the Conservation Camp Program. The legislation, which awaits Governor Gavin Newsom's signature, includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation and builds upon existing benefits for incarcerated firefighters who contributed 42% of total emergency response hours in 2024. A related bill, AB 812, which would require CDCR to create regulations for referring incarcerated firefighters to courts for resentencing, has also passed the legislature.

California Governor Gavin Newsom and Democratic leaders hosted a virtual fundraising rally on September 16 for Proposition 50, also known as the Election Rigging Response Act. The ballot measure aims to redraw California's congressional maps to potentially create five new Democratic-leaning seats, which supporters claim would counterbalance Republican gerrymandering in Texas and other GOP-led states. During the event, which raised $1 million in small donations, Newsom framed the proposition as crucial for Democrats to win a majority in the U.S. House in 2026 and prevent Trump from solidifying his legislative agenda. Opponents, including former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, argue that Prop 50 undermines the voter-approved California Citizens Redistricting Commission and legitimizes partisan gerrymandering.

The Detroit City Council is in the final stages of selecting a new city ombudsman from ten finalists, with a vote expected as early as next week. The ombudsman position, which comes with a ten-year term and $195,000 salary, serves as a critical bridge between Detroit residents and government by investigating complaints when city services fail. Current ombudsman Bruce Simpson's appointment ends October 5, with candidates ranging from government insiders like Deputy Ombudsman Gail Barnard to community leaders like State Board of Education member Tiffany Tilley and former state lawmaker Sherry Gay-Dagnogo. This influential appointment will determine how resident complaints about city services are handled for the next decade, making it a crucial decision for government accountability and resident trust.

Round Here, a new platform launched in August by Detroit native Matthew Burnett, aims to consolidate entrepreneurial resources for Michigan's business community into a single accessible space. The platform addresses longstanding challenges faced by entrepreneurs, particularly Black business owners, including limited access to funding, mentorship, and professional services. Round Here offers live workshops, searchable networks of investors and accelerators, a job board, connections to vetted freelancers, and AI-powered personalized recommendations to help founders navigate their growth journey. With early partnerships with prominent innovation hubs like TechTown and Newlab, the platform hopes to democratize entrepreneurial support across Michigan before potentially expanding nationwide.

Naasón Joaquín García, leader of evangelical megachurch La Luz del Mundo, has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking charges in New York while already serving a 16-year sentence for sexually abusing girls from his congregation in California. According to a newly unsealed indictment, García, his mother, and four associates allegedly used the church to traffic women and children to the US, with prosecutors claiming they exploited followers' faith and followed a disturbing tradition established by García's father and grandfather. Despite these allegations, which include sex trafficking, child pornography, forced labor, and financial crimes, church officials have denied all charges, calling them "unfounded, untrue and slanderous." La Luz del Mundo, founded in Mexico in 1926, claims millions of followers worldwide who regard García as "the Apostle of Jesus Christ," with many remaining loyal even after his 2022 guilty plea.

At least six of eleven West Africans deported from the US to Ghana have been transferred to Togo, according to their lawyers who had been pursuing legal action against Ghana's government to prevent further deportation. The lawyers have withdrawn their case against Ghana as events have overtaken it, but continue to pursue a separate case regarding rights violations. The deportees, who include nationals from various West African countries, were sent to Ghana under an agreement between the US and Ghanaian governments as part of the Trump administration's aggressive immigration policies. Ghana's President Mahama had announced the arrangement two weeks prior, while opposition MPs are demanding the agreement's suspension until properly ratified.