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In her first UK interview with the BBC, former US Vice-President Kamala Harris indicated she may run for president again, stating she is "possibly" considering another White House bid and that she is "not done" with public service. Harris defended her 2024 campaign against Donald Trump, attributing her loss primarily to the late timing of President Biden's withdrawal, while criticizing Trump as a "tyrant" who has weaponized government agencies as she predicted. She pointed to specific examples of Trump's authoritarian tendencies, including the suspension of comedian Jimmy Kimmel after Trump-appointed regulators threatened his broadcasters, and criticized American business leaders for "capitulating" to presidential demands. Throughout the interview, Harris expressed confidence that America will eventually elect a female president, suggesting it could be her, while dismissing polls that show her as an unlikely Democratic nominee for 2028.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed openness to meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his upcoming Asia trip, citing their "great relationship" despite past failed denuclearization talks. Trump, who previously made history as the first sitting U.S. president to enter North Korea in 2019, will visit Malaysia and Japan, with plans to meet various world leaders including China's Xi Jinping amid ongoing trade tensions. Kim has indicated willingness to meet Trump again if the U.S. drops its "absurd" demand for North Korea to abandon nuclear weapons, while South Korea's Unification Minister suggested there's a "considerable" chance of such a meeting during Trump's visit to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation forum. Trump's Asia itinerary includes the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Malaysia, followed by the APEC summit in Busan, South Korea, where he will also meet South Korean leader Lee Jae Myung.

The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Colombia's President Gustavo Petro, accusing him of allowing drug trafficking to flourish under his administration. This action marks an escalation in diplomatic tensions between Petro, Colombia's first left-wing leader, and U.S. President Donald Trump, who have already clashed over U.S. strikes on suspected drug smuggling boats. The U.S. Treasury claims cocaine production in Colombia has reached record highs under Petro's leadership, while simultaneously removing Colombia's certification as an ally in the war on drugs. Petro has defended his administration's efforts, claiming his government has actually reduced coca crop growth and arguing that U.S. demand reduction is essential to addressing the problem.

President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela has accused the United States of "fabricating a new war" after the US deployed its largest warship, the USS Gerald R Ford, to the Caribbean. The carrier, which can hold up to 90 aircraft, represents a significant increase in US military presence in the region where the US has already conducted 10 air strikes against alleged drug trafficking vessels. The deployment comes amid tensions following Venezuela's contested 2024 election, which many nations including the US deemed neither free nor fair. President Trump has suggested possible "land action" in Venezuela and accused Maduro of leading a drug trafficking organization, allegations Maduro denies.

Kevin Federline, Britney Spears' ex-husband, has released a memoir titled "You Thought You Knew" offering his perspective on their relationship, her mental health struggles, and the controversial conservatorship that controlled Spears' life for 13 years. The book directly contradicts many accounts from Spears' 2023 memoir "The Woman In Me," particularly regarding the necessity of her conservatorship, which Federline claims provided stability for their children while Spears characterized it as controlling and abusive. Spears has denounced Federline's book as "extremely hurtful and exhausting," while Federline insists he's publishing his account to ensure his children don't have to "explain who their father is" and to counter decades of media portrayal as a "bad boy" coasting on Spears' wealth. Both memoirs attempt to reframe the public narrative around their relationship and Spears' conservatorship battle, though they present dramatically different perspectives on the same events.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has announced a pause on his province's anti-tariff advertisement campaign in the US following President Trump's decision to terminate trade talks. The controversial advertisement quoted former US President Ronald Reagan speaking against tariffs, which prompted criticism from the Reagan Foundation for misrepresenting Reagan's address without permission. Ford stated the campaign achieved its goal of initiating conversation about tariffs' impact, though its combative approach has sparked debate in Canada about negotiation tactics with its largest trading partner. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Carney has pursued a more diplomatic approach to addressing the 35% levy on Canadian goods, as well as sector-specific tariffs that have particularly harmed Ontario's automobile manufacturing industry.

Chinese national Zhi Dong Zhang, known as "Brother Wang," has been extradited to the United States following his capture in Cuba after escaping house arrest in Mexico. Zhang, wanted on drug trafficking and money laundering charges, is accused by U.S. prosecutors of being a crucial link between Mexican drug cartels and Chinese chemical companies in sourcing fentanyl precursor chemicals. His journey to U.S. custody involved a dramatic escape through a hole in a wall, a private jet to Cuba, and a failed attempt to enter Russia before Cuban authorities detained him and eventually transferred him to Mexico and then the U.S. Despite this high-profile arrest, security experts suggest Zhang's capture will have limited impact on the global drug trade as cartels have already adapted to his absence during his year of detention and flight.

New York Attorney General Tish James is facing arraignment in Norfolk, Virginia on a bank fraud charge, which her supporters claim is politically motivated retaliation by the Trump administration. James will request dismissal of the case, citing allegations that Trump-appointed interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan improperly communicated about the indictment. The charges appear to be retribution for James' three-year investigation into the Trump Organization that resulted in a civil fraud lawsuit against Trump and his children. Black women's groups and advocacy organizations are rallying in support of James both in Norfolk and at a planned Sunday event in New York.

Public murals across America are preserving and celebrating Black history despite ongoing attempts to erase it from mainstream education and discourse. Cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, Los Angeles, Topeka, Birmingham, Jacksonville, and Washington D.C. feature powerful artistic works depicting Black historical figures, movements, and experiences. These murals, created by dedicated artists, serve as public reminders of Black contributions to American society and as forms of resistance against historical erasure. The artworks transcend decoration to become testimonials of Black resilience, achievement, and ongoing presence in American life, standing as defiant statements against efforts to silence or rewrite this essential history.

New York Attorney General Letitia James has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution at a US District Court appearance in Norfolk, Virginia. The charges allege she misrepresented a three-bedroom home purchase as a secondary residence when prosecutors claim it was used as a rental investment property, allowing her to obtain favorable loan terms. James has characterized the charges as politically motivated retribution from the Trump administration, noting she previously brought fraud charges against Trump. Her legal team is challenging both the appointment of Trump's former personal attorney to oversee the case and the legitimacy of the charges themselves, with a trial date set for January 26.

Russell Vought, Donald Trump's former budget director, has emerged as the power behind the White House according to a ProPublica investigation. As the principal author of Project 2025, Vought is implementing policies aimed at creating what he calls a "Christian nation" by consolidating control through the Office of Management and Budget. The investigation reveals he has blocked aid for disadvantaged communities, canceled education programs, and dismantled health and environmental protections while controlling federal spending. Vought's influence extends to replacing diversity initiatives with policies that many critics view as reinforcing racial hierarchies, with reports indicating he has already paused or canceled over $400 billion in funding for social programs.

President Trump faces growing opposition, with a recent AP-NORC Center Poll showing only 37% approval and approximately 7 million Americans participating in "No Kings Day 2.0" protests nationwide. The ongoing government shutdown has caused office closures, worker furloughs, and service reductions, while the administration has already terminated over 4,000 federal jobs. Republican leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson and Vice President JD Vance, have dismissed or mocked protesters, while President Trump shared a controversial AI video depicting himself wearing a crown and targeting demonstrators. A federal judge has temporarily halted additional worker terminations, ruling that the administration's targeting of "Democrat agencies" appears politically motivated and likely illegal.

The California Teachers Association (CTA) has endorsed Proposition 50, a redistricting initiative introduced by Governor Gavin Newsom, and is specifically targeting Black voters through legacy Black newspapers. CTA Secretary/Treasurer Erika Jones positions the initiative as a counter-response to concerning developments in states like Texas where education funding and voting rights face threats. Jones argues that federal dysfunction directly impacts California classrooms, potentially endangering $15 billion in federal assistance for education. Despite criticism from within Democratic circles about the ethics of using Prop. 50 as a political tool, the CTA is mobilizing educators and community members to support the initiative before the upcoming vote.

A recent sophisticated heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris resulted in the theft of eight priceless jewels that once belonged to Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie. The thieves, dressed in black and moving with precision, completed the robbery in less than seven minutes, leaving security unable to respond in time. Experts believe that while the thieves might be caught, the stolen jewels will likely never be recovered once they are melted down or cut. This incident joins a series of notable art thefts throughout history, including the infamous 1990 Gardner Museum heist in Boston and the temporary disappearance of the Mona Lisa in 1911.

The United States is implementing significant changes to Social Security that may disproportionately impact Black Americans and other vulnerable populations. Beginning with the retirement age rising to 67 for those born in 1960 or later, the reforms also include stricter disability qualification rules and the elimination of paper checks as of September 30. According to research, these modifications will likely exacerbate existing racial disparities in Social Security benefits, as Black retirees already receive approximately 19 percent less than white retirees due to systemic inequities in wages, workforce participation, and life expectancy. Critics argue these changes continue a historical pattern of discrimination within the Social Security system, which originally excluded predominantly Black agricultural and domestic workers.

MacKenzie Scott has established a distinctive approach to philanthropy by providing unrestricted donations to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other Black-operated organizations. Most recently, Morgan State University received $63 million, which President David Wilson indicated would support the university's transformation into a "fully smart campus" with expanded faculty and AI research capabilities. Scott also donated $70 million to UNCF in September 2025, following a previous $10 million gift in 2020, with her contributions coming at a critical time when Black institutions face severe underfunding and political pressure against diversity initiatives. Her philanthropy method stands apart from traditional approaches by offering substantial unrestricted funds without fanfare, reflecting her trust in marginalized communities and their institutions to determine their own priorities.

A 16-year-old Baltimore student, Taki Allen, was handcuffed by police after an AI weapon detection system mistakenly identified his empty Doritos packet as a gun. The incident occurred after football practice when eight police cars responded to the alert with guns drawn. Though Omnilert, the AI system provider, stated their system "operated as designed" with human verification involved, there was a communication breakdown as the school principal contacted police despite the alert being canceled by reviewers. The situation has prompted local politicians to call for a review of procedures around AI-powered weapon detection systems in Baltimore County Public Schools.

Nonprofits combating domestic violence and sexual assault have secured several legal victories against Trump administration restrictions on federal funding. Through multiple lawsuits, these organizations have successfully blocked new rules that would limit grants for groups working with LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants without legal status, and those supporting diversity initiatives or "gender ideology." Federal judges have issued preliminary injunctions preventing the enforcement of these restrictions on grants from the Justice Department, Health and Human Services, and Housing and Urban Development, finding that the administration's rules would force organizations to choose between abandoning core services or losing essential funding. Though the legal battles continue, these temporary wins allow service providers to maintain critical support for vulnerable victims while challenging what they view as ideologically motivated funding restrictions.

President Trump announced an immediate halt to all trade negotiations with Canada in response to an advertisement sponsored by Ontario featuring excerpts from Ronald Reagan's 1987 speech on free trade. The ad, which maintained Reagan's original words but rearranged their sequence, highlighted Reagan's criticisms of tariffs as harmful to Americans. While The Ronald Reagan Foundation claimed the ad "misrepresents" the former president's address, fact-checking reveals that although the ad altered the order of Reagan's statements, it did not change his actual words. The original speech was delivered in the context of Reagan explaining his own reluctant implementation of tariffs against Japan while overall advocating for free trade.

In a scheme described as "reminiscent of a Hollywood movie," mafia members from several notorious crime families allegedly orchestrated elaborate poker games that cheated wealthy victims out of at least $7 million. The sophisticated operation, which began around 2019, used former professional athletes as "face cards" to lure in "unwitting victims" to underground poker games where hidden technology—including X-ray tables, marked cards, special contact lenses, and rigged shuffling machines—ensured victims couldn't win. Information from the game was relayed to off-site operators who would signal to confederates at the table, creating a system where victims were methodically fleeced while the proceeds were laundered through cryptocurrency and shell companies to fund criminal enterprises. Over 30 arrests have been made, including NBA coach Chauncey Billups and former NBA player Damon Jones, as part of a federal investigation that uncovered both this gambling scheme and a separate basketball betting plot.

President Donald Trump has announced an immediate termination of all trade negotiations with Canada following an advertisement critical of his tariff policies. The controversial advertisement, sponsored by Ontario's government, featured excerpts from Ronald Reagan's 1987 speech warning about the harmful effects of tariffs on American workers and consumers. Trump condemned the advertisement as "FAKE" and "egregious" on social media, while the Ronald Reagan Foundation claimed the ad misrepresented Reagan's address and is considering legal options. The dispute occurs amid ongoing tensions over Trump's 35% levy on many Canadian imports and additional sector-specific tariffs that have particularly impacted Ontario, Canada's most populous province and largest regional economy.

NBA player Terry Rozier and coach Chauncey Billups are among dozens arrested in a sweeping FBI investigation involving two separate schemes: illegal sports betting with rigged injuries and mafia-linked poker games. Rozier is one of six people accused of manipulating betting markets by faking injuries, while Billups is among 31 individuals charged in an elaborate scheme involving rigged poker games that used sophisticated technology like marked cards and special contact lenses to defraud victims. Both men deny the allegations and have been placed on immediate leave by the NBA while the federal indictments are reviewed. The investigation, described as "extraordinary" by FBI Director Kash Patel, spans 11 states and involves tens of millions of dollars in fraud across multiple years.

Alaska Airlines implemented a temporary ground stop at all US airports on Thursday due to an IT outage affecting their operations. The airline, which serves 140 destinations globally, stated they were actively working to restore operations but didn't specify how long the disruption would last or how many flights were impacted. The ground stop also affected Horizon Air, which operates under Alaska Airlines, as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration. This marks the second IT outage for Alaska Airlines this year, following a similar three-hour disruption in July.

Dr. Mahesh Anantha exemplifies the critical role that immigrant doctors play in rural America's healthcare system, where one in four practicing physicians in the US are foreign-trained. The recent announcement of a significant H-1B visa fee increase to $100,000 caused widespread concern among the approximately 50,000 India-trained doctors in America, many of whom serve in underserved areas where American medical graduates are reluctant to work. While the US government has since clarified that the fee "does not apply to previously issued and currently valid H-1B visas" and suggested potential exemptions for physicians, medical organizations remain concerned about the impact on future doctor recruitment, especially in rural communities already facing physician shortages. The American Medical Association and over 50 other groups have warned that the fee hike could discourage hospitals from hiring H-1B doctors, potentially worsening the projected shortfall of 124,000 physicians by 2034.

TikTok creators are sharing budget meal tips as millions of Americans worry that the ongoing US government shutdown will interrupt their SNAP food benefits. The USDA has warned states that without additional funding, there may be "insufficient funds" to pay full benefits in November, impacting the approximately 40 million low-income Americans who rely on SNAP's average $6 per day per person benefit. The shutdown, which began in October, has prevented Congress from approving necessary spending, and while a $5 billion contingency fund exists, it would only cover about 60% of one month's benefits. Both Republicans and Democrats are blaming each other for the potential disruption to this essential program that helps people avoid choosing between rent and food.

US authorities have announced multiple arrests in a major investigation into illegal sports betting, including NBA figures Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier. The FBI disclosed two separate indictments: one involving athletes manipulating their gameplay to influence betting outcomes, and another concerning an organized crime-linked poker ring that defrauded victims of millions of dollars using sophisticated technology and former athletes as bait. The schemes, spanning 11 states over several years, allegedly generated tens of millions in illicit profits and involved multiple New York crime families. In response, the NBA has placed the implicated individuals on immediate leave while authorities pursue criminal charges against a total of 34 defendants.

A sophisticated illegal sports betting operation involving members of three American-Sicilian mafia families and several NBA figures has led to the arrest of 31 people across 11 states. Federal authorities revealed elaborate schemes that employed advanced technology including special contact lenses, marked cards, and compromised shuffling machines to cheat victims out of approximately $7 million. The operation allegedly used former NBA athletes as "Face Cards" to attract unsuspecting players to rigged poker games, with current NBA player Terry Rozier and coach Chauncey Billups implicated. This case illustrates how the mafia has evolved from its violent past to focus on more profitable and less risky enterprises like gambling, securities fraud, and online betting schemes.

The U.S. military has deployed its largest Caribbean force in decades, including warships, fighter jets, bombers, and drones near Venezuela. The operation has included bombing raids on vessels allegedly carrying narcotics, though critics question the evidence and legality of these strikes. While officially described as anti-drug trafficking efforts, experts believe this military buildup is actually aimed at intimidating Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and pressuring his inner circle to remove him from power. Despite increasing the bounty for Maduro's capture to $50 million and authorizing CIA covert operations, analysts doubt these measures will succeed in causing significant defections among Venezuela's leadership or military.

SD Melanin hosted its first "Blacktoberfest" event at S&S Friendly Ranch, San Diego's oldest Black-owned ranch, creating an atmosphere that combined HBCU homecoming spirit with West Coast culture. Attendees dressed in Western attire, enjoyed interacting with wildlife, listened to DJ Speakerboxx, participated in line dancing classes led by D'Bora, and supported Black-owned businesses selling culturally significant items. Founder Loren Cobbs emphasized the organization's mission to create safe, high-caliber experiences where the Black community can freely exist regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The choice of venue highlighted the importance of Black economic community, with S&S Friendly Ranch having been established in 1980 by siblings Sim and Sarah Wallace to maintain local partnerships and promote agricultural education.

Kendra Sullivan, a 43-year-old West Virginian, unexpectedly became a viral sensation after staging a solo "No Kings" pro-democracy protest in Beckley, West Virginia. Her one-woman demonstration was highlighted during a post-protest YouTube meeting attended by over 40,000 people, where organizer Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson specifically recognized Sullivan's courage in the face of confrontation and threats. Despite initially planning to attend a larger demonstration, Sullivan decided to protest alone near her mother's house while dog-sitting, holding signs with "Big Lebowski" references about opposing ICE and authoritarianism. During her two-hour protest, Sullivan faced harassment from counter-protesters and had multiple interactions with police officers who responded to complaints but ultimately supported her right to demonstrate.