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Dr. Rosie Milligan argues that Black America faces an urgent economic crisis as corporate diversity initiatives decline and traditional employment paths become unreliable. She contends that while other immigrant and ethnic communities have built wealth through business ownership and pooled resources, Black Americans have relied too heavily on institutions like corporations, government programs, and DEI policies to provide economic advancement. Milligan asserts that entrepreneurship and business ownership must become central priorities rather than backup plans, representing a new form of economic self-defense and community wealth-building. She calls for immediate action to teach Black children about ownership, multiple income streams, and creating sustainable family businesses instead of depending solely on education and employment for economic security. # Key Takeaways

The case of Rodney Taylor, a disabled Black immigrant from Liberia who lost both legs and has been detained by ICE since January, has exposed severe systemic problems within immigration detention facilities under the Trump administration's expanded deportation efforts. Congressional testimony and investigations have revealed widespread medical neglect in ICE facilities, including inadequate physician coverage, sanctioned doctors, and care so poor that twenty detainees have died since Trump took office. The administration has simultaneously weakened oversight by eliminating civil rights offices and dismissing inspectors general while rapidly hiring 10,000 new ICE officers with reduced training standards, lowered requirements, and incomplete background checks. These changes have coincided with aggressive enforcement raids in previously protected spaces like churches and homes, with agents using military-style tactics that separate families and create widespread fear in immigrant communities. # Key Takeaways

Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty has filed a lawsuit challenging the recent renaming of the Kennedy Center to the Trump-Kennedy Center, arguing that such a change requires congressional approval rather than just a board vote. The Kennedy Center's board, which President Trump had packed with his allies after firing previous members, unanimously approved the name change last week. Beatty claims she was muted during the board meeting when attempting to voice her opposition to the decision. The White House defended the renaming by citing Trump's financial support and renovations to the venue, while Kennedy family members have condemned the move, asserting that the center was designated as a memorial to President Kennedy through federal law.

The San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) is implementing changes to its rental assistance program that currently serves approximately 14,500 low-income families due to a significant funding shortfall. While federal funding has remained stagnant, rental costs have surged 80 percent since 2020, creating a $26.6 million gap between available funds and actual program costs. Rather than eliminating assistance for roughly 1,700 families, SDHC is increasing the amount all participating families must contribute toward their rent, with changes varying based on household composition and work ability. The modifications, approved by SDHC's Board in December, still require federal approval from HUD before implementation, which could occur in late 2026. # Key Takeaways

Kimberlee Singler, a 37-year-old Colorado woman accused of killing her two young children and attempting to murder a third, has been returned to the United States after being extradited from the United Kingdom. The alleged attacks occurred in December 2023 during contentious custody proceedings with her ex-husband, after which she fled to London where British authorities apprehended her. She unsuccessfully challenged the extradition in a London court, arguing that any potential sentence would violate European human rights standards. Prosecutors allege that forensic evidence, including DNA from a gun and knife, links her to the deaths of her 9-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son, while her third child survived with serious neck injuries. # Key Takeaways

A nine-year-old California girl named Melodee Buzzard was discovered deceased in a remote Utah location by photographers in early December, with her decomposed remains showing gunshot wounds. Her mother, 40-year-old Ashlee Buzzard, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder after investigators collected substantial evidence implicating her in the crime. The child had been missing since August, though her disappearance wasn't officially reported until her school contacted authorities in mid-October when they noticed her prolonged absence. Security footage captured the mother and daughter together at the Colorado-Utah border in early October, shortly before authorities believe the girl was killed, while the mother consistently failed to cooperate with investigators or provide explanations about her daughter's whereabouts. # Key Takeaways

A psychology professor from Keele University in Staffordshire has been consulting with law enforcement in Portland, Oregon on managing protests and public demonstrations. Professor Clifford Stott's involvement comes after the city experienced extensive civil unrest during 2020 social justice protests, where police used force thousands of times and subsequently faced significant financial penalties from lawsuits. His research-based approach focuses on de-escalation tactics that protect protesters' rights while maintaining public order, particularly during demonstrations related to federal immigration enforcement activities. The new policing methods have proven successful in preventing recent protests from escalating to the levels of violence seen during the 2020 disturbances.

The Trump administration has denied US visas to five individuals involved in digital regulation and anti-disinformation work, including two British campaigners who lead organizations monitoring online hate and misinformation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio justified the bans by claiming these individuals represent a "global censorship-industrial complex" that violates American sovereignty by attempting to restrict speech on US tech platforms. Among those targeted are a former EU tech regulator who helped create Europe's Digital Services Act and leaders of German anti-hate organizations, all of whom the State Department accuses of coercing American companies into suppressing free speech. European leaders, including French President Macron, have strongly condemned the visa denials as intimidation and an attack on European regulatory autonomy, while those banned maintain they are defending free expression against actual government censorship.

The United States has seized two Venezuelan oil tankers and is pursuing a third, prompting Venezuela to call an emergency UN Security Council meeting where it accused Washington of "extortion" and actions "worse than piracy." The seizures are part of President Trump's December naval blockade order aimed at stopping drug trafficking, supported by 15,000 troops deployed to the region—the largest such deployment since the 1989 Panama invasion. Venezuela's UN ambassador argued the seizures violate international law and constitute "pillaging," questioning the connection between oil and drugs, while the US ambassador defended the actions by stating America doesn't recognize Maduro as Venezuela's legitimate leader and claims oil sales fund narco-terrorism. Russia and China condemned the US actions as illegal bullying that could set a dangerous precedent for future aggression against Latin American nations.

A devastating incident at Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol, Pennsylvania resulted in two fatalities and twenty injuries when dual explosions triggered a fire and partial structural collapse on Tuesday afternoon. Emergency responders evacuated residents following an initial blast and gas odor reports, but a second explosion occurred within thirty seconds of the evacuation, creating a dangerous situation that trapped several people in the basement before their successful rescue. While authorities suspect a gas leak may be responsible, the investigation remains active, and the local utility company PECO has not confirmed whether its equipment or gas lines were involved. The incident prompted widespread emergency response from multiple jurisdictions, with dramatic rescue efforts including one officer carrying two people to safety, while anxious family members awaited information about their loved ones.

The US Supreme Court blocked the Trump administration's attempt to deploy National Guard troops to the Chicago area against the wishes of state and local authorities. In a 6-3 decision, the Court determined that presidential power to federalize the National Guard likely applies only under exceptional circumstances, and the administration failed to demonstrate adequate legal authority for the deployment. This ruling represents an unusual break from the conservative-majority Court's recent pattern of supporting Trump administration policies. The decision maintains a lower court's rejection of Trump's claim that Chicago-area protests constituted a "rebellion," as the president had sought to deploy troops to address protests against immigration enforcement operations in Democratic-led cities.

The US Department of Justice released over 11,000 documents related to Jeffrey Epstein on Tuesday, representing the largest batch yet following a legal mandate requiring full disclosure of investigative files. The heavily redacted documents reference ten possible co-conspirators, though most names are blacked out except for Ghislaine Maxwell and Les Wexner, drawing criticism from lawmakers who argue the redactions exceed what the law permits. Emails suggest connections to high-profile individuals including someone identified as "A" who may be Prince Andrew, and flight records indicate Donald Trump flew on Epstein's jet more frequently than previously known, though the DOJ states the files contain unsubstantiated claims about Trump. The release also included a fake letter purportedly from Epstein to Larry Nassar that the DOJ quickly debunked, and a fabricated prison cell video, highlighting how conspiracy theories and public speculation have surrounded the case.

A powerful atmospheric river storm is preparing to hit Southern California with torrential rainfall and dangerous winds, representing the most severe in a series of storms targeting the region this week. The Weather Prediction Center has issued a rare Level 4 "high" flooding risk for over 6 million residents across Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties, with rainfall potentially reaching 4-8 inches in valleys and up to 12 inches in mountains—equivalent to several months' worth of precipitation in just days. Particularly concerning are areas scarred by January's devastating Eaton and Palisades fires, where burned ground cannot absorb water and creates heightened risks for deadly debris flows and mudslides. California Governor Gavin Newsom has mobilized state resources while multiple counties have issued evacuation orders and warnings, with authorities going door-to-door to notify residents in the most vulnerable zones ahead of the Christmas holiday storm. # Key Takeaways

The US Department of Justice released over 30,000 pages of documents revealing that Donald Trump flew on Jeffrey Epstein's private jet at least eight times between 1993 and 1996, significantly more than previously known or acknowledged by Trump himself. The flights, documented in a 2020 prosecutor's email, included trips where Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell was present, along with Trump family members including Marla Maples and his children. While Trump's presence on the flights doesn't indicate wrongdoing, the revelation contradicts his 2024 statement denying ever being on Epstein's plane, though the DOJ emphasizes that some documents contain "unfounded and false" claims against the president. The document release is part of a court-mandated disclosure of Epstein-related files that the DOJ failed to complete by the congressional deadline of last Friday.

Rapper Nicki Minaj faced significant backlash from civil rights leaders and political commentators after appearing at a Turning Point USA event where she praised President Trump and JD Vance. Critics, including Bishop Talbert Swan, highlighted the contradiction between Minaj's immigrant background and her support for an administration implementing harsh immigration policies that disproportionately harm Black and brown communities. The controversy intensified when old footage resurfaced showing Turning Point USA's late founder Charlie Kirk previously criticizing Minaj as a poor role model for Black girls. Commentators argued that Minaj's celebrity status insulates her from the deportations and civil rights rollbacks affecting ordinary immigrants, while some suggested her political pivot was financially motivated given her reported mansion foreclosure and her husband's legal troubles.

A multistate coalition of attorneys general has reached a $149.6 million settlement with Mercedes-Benz USA and Daimler AG for allegedly deceiving consumers about diesel vehicle emissions between 2008 and 2016. The automakers allegedly installed illegal "defeat device" software in over 200,000 diesel vehicles that allowed cars to pass emissions tests while releasing significantly higher nitrogen oxide pollution during normal driving. Mercedes will pay $120 million immediately to participating states, with Maryland receiving over $6.7 million, while affected vehicle owners will receive $2,000 payments and extended warranties if they install approved emissions software. The settlement requires Mercedes to repair noncompliant vehicles, prohibits future deceptive marketing practices, and follows similar enforcement actions against other automakers like Volkswagen and Fiat Chrysler for comparable emissions-cheating schemes. # Key Takeaways

Mary Sheffield will be inaugurated as Detroit's first female mayor on January 9 at a free public ceremony held at the Detroit Opera House. The investiture event will include performances by local artists and will be accessible both in person and via livestream on city platforms. Sheffield has emphasized making the ceremony publicly accessible because she views this as a milestone for all Detroit residents, not just herself. As part of her transition process called Rise Higher, she has been gathering community input for her first 100 days in office while her team reviews over 1,200 job applications for administration positions. # Key Takeaways

Libya achieved independence on December 24, 1951, becoming the first nation to gain sovereignty through United Nations processes after centuries of foreign control. The territory had been ruled by various powers including the Phoenicians, Romans, Arab Muslim empires, and the Ottoman Empire before Italy colonized it in 1911 through violent conquest. Following Italy's defeat in World War II, Libya was temporarily administered by the UN until it became the Kingdom of Libya under King Idris I. The newly independent nation united three distinct regions—Tripolitania, Cyrenaica, and Fezzan—into one state, though the article notes that political instability would eventually pose challenges to this unified sovereignty. # Key Takeaways

The U.S. Capitol unveiled a statue of Barbara Rose Johns, a teenager who led a 1951 student strike protesting inadequate conditions at her segregated Virginia high school. The statue replaces a monument to Confederate General Robert E. Lee that stood in the Capitol for over a century before its 2020 removal. Johns' student activism resulted in a lawsuit that became one of five cases consolidated into the Supreme Court's landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, which declared segregated public schools unconstitutional in 1954. The ceremony featured bipartisan leadership, over 200 of Johns' family members, and will place the statue in the Capitol's Crypt as one of Virginia's two representatives in the National Statuary Hall Collection. # Key Takeaways

Assemblymember Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins organized a large-scale holiday distribution event at Bell Middle School on December 20, serving hundreds of families from the 79th District. The giveaway offered essential items including turkeys, hams, fresh produce, clothing, shoes, and toys to community members on a first-come, first-served basis. Long lines stretched more than a block as families waited with chairs and wagons to collect supplies, using a color-coded wristband system to manage distribution. Beyond the basic necessities, the event featured carnival games for children and a mobile health services office, creating a festive atmosphere despite some organizational challenges. # Key Takeaways

Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins, who was elected to California's State Assembly in November 2024 to represent the 79th District covering southeastern San Diego and surrounding areas, reflects on her first year in office. The educator-turned-legislator successfully passed six bills and secured over $60 million for her district while serving as Assistant Majority Leader for Policy and Research. Her biggest disappointment came when legislation aimed at strengthening CalWORKs and CalFresh programs in anticipation of federal cuts failed to reach the governor, and when a bill to protect diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility programs was vetoed. Looking ahead, Sharp-Collins remains focused on addressing affordability issues and ensuring Black Californians receive equitable representation and resources in state programs. # Key Takeaways

San Diego County officials are urging residents to be cautious about inadvertently transporting harmful pests and plant diseases during the busy holiday shipping season. Various agricultural threats, including spongy moth eggs, citrus greening disease, and mealybugs, can hide in homemade gifts, wreaths, fruit, and other plant materials being sent or brought back from travels. These invasive species pose serious risks to the county's $1.67 billion agricultural industry and local ecosystems, with citrus greening quarantines already active in multiple areas including Fallbrook and Valley Center. County agriculture inspectors and detector dogs work year-round to prevent such invasions, but residents can help by avoiding transporting fresh plants, produce, seeds, or greenery when traveling and declaring any questionable items to inspectors.

South African immigration officials raided a U.S. refugee processing facility in Johannesburg, arresting seven Kenyan workers who were operating on tourist visas that prohibited employment. The center processes refugee applications from white South Africans, whom the Trump administration claims face persecution under the Black-led government—an assertion South Africa strongly disputes. The incident has further strained relations between the two countries, which have deteriorated significantly since Trump's return to office, with the U.S. cutting aid and excluding South Africa from diplomatic events. South Africa's government maintains that white South Africans do not qualify for refugee status as they face no actual persecution, while the U.S. has called the raid "unacceptable" and demanded accountability. # Key Takeaways

The San Diego Transportation Department is implementing a citywide slurry seal program to maintain and improve street conditions across multiple communities. This preventative maintenance approach applies a quarter-inch mixture of asphalt emulsion, sand, and rock to roads in good condition, extending their lifespan and avoiding more expensive repairs later. The city completed over 380 lane miles last fiscal year and has seven projects planned for the current fiscal year ending June 2026, with the first project already in progress through February. Streets are selected for treatment based on a Pavement Condition Index score and other factors including traffic volume and available funding.

The Detroit City Council has welcomed two new members—Renata Miller, who fills the District 5 seat vacated by Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield, and Denzel McCampbell, who replaces Fred Durhal III. While members were sworn in during a December 9th orientation, a public inauguration ceremony is scheduled for January 9th at the Detroit Opera House. A major question facing the reconstituted council is who will serve as its next president, with Council Pro Tem James Tate expressing interest in the position that Sheffield previously held. Meanwhile, outgoing member Durhal will join Sheffield's administration as director of state government affairs, and outgoing Mayor Mike Duggan announced he is leaving office with a $105 million budget surplus.

Ben Sasse, a 53-year-old former Nebraska senator who served from 2015 to 2023, has publicly revealed his diagnosis of stage-four metastatic pancreatic cancer, acknowledging the severity of his prognosis. During his Senate tenure, he gained attention as one of seven Republican senators who voted to convict Donald Trump during his second impeachment trial following the January 6 Capitol riot, despite often aligning with Trump on policy matters. After departing Congress, Sasse briefly served as University of Florida's president before resigning in July 2024 to care for his wife following her stroke. His university presidency later became controversial when a state audit alleged inappropriate use of funds, though Sasse has disputed these findings.

Donna Hughes-Brown, a 59-year-old Irish grandmother who has lived legally in the United States since age 11, was released after 143 days of immigration detention stemming from two bad checks totaling $80 that she wrote over a decade ago. She was apprehended at Chicago O'Hare Airport in July 2025 upon returning from Ireland and held at an ICE facility in Kentucky, far from her Missouri home. Her release came after her husband, a Gulf War veteran, attended a congressional hearing where Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem committed to reviewing the case, and after a judge ruled she posed no community threat with support from 30 character witnesses and 18 U.S. Senators. The case highlights broader concerns about strict immigration enforcement under President Trump's second term, with 99 Irish citizens deported between January and September 2025.

The Jackie Robinson Family YMCA organized its annual complimentary holiday celebration on December 20, welcoming pre-registered families to a festive morning event. Children enjoyed meeting costumed characters like Santa and Bluey while selecting age-appropriate toys from a giveaway coordinated by staff and volunteers. The celebration featured separate activities for teenagers in the gymnasium, including toys and personal care items, while the main outdoor area offered inflatable play structures, virtual reality games, community organization booths, and even real snow. The event created a joyful atmosphere filled with music, games, and community connection throughout the morning. # Key Takeaways

The Rev. Joseph C. Alsay has been appointed as the eleventh dean of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Detroit, marking a historic milestone as the first Black leader of Michigan's oldest Episcopal church founded in 1824. Alsay brings experience from transforming St. Augustine of Canterbury in Oklahoma City, where he successfully grew membership and brought together diverse political and community groups over his 15 years there. His vision for the Detroit cathedral focuses on creating a welcoming environment while expanding beyond the current 130-member congregation to serve more residents. Alsay officially began his new role on November 30, 2024, the first Sunday of Advent, and aims to make the Midtown church a more accessible and relevant community space.