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The San Diego History Center has launched a new exhibition called "San Diego's Lost Neighborhoods" in partnership with the San Diego African American Museum (SDAAMFA) and with assistance from UC San Diego students. This immersive presentation, which opened on September 25 at Balboa Park, examines how discriminatory housing practices like redlining and infrastructure development displaced predominantly Black communities throughout San Diego County. Using oral histories, archival materials, and augmented reality, the exhibition explores the histories of several neighborhoods including Julian, City Heights, and La Jolla. Executive Director Gaidi Finnie explains that the exhibition aims to reveal stories of families, businesses, and cultures destroyed in the name of progress that powerful interests attempted to conceal.

Justin Onwenu, Detroit's entrepreneurship and economic opportunity director, has launched a campaign for Michigan's redrawn 1st Senate District, potentially facing a competitive Democratic primary. In his announcement, Onwenu criticized Michigan politics for failing to pass key legislation during last year's lame duck session when Democrats controlled all branches of government. With experience as an attorney, environmental justice organizer, and small business advocate, Onwenu aims to strengthen labor rights, address wage inequality, and implement statewide entrepreneurship programs similar to Detroit's Motor City Match. If elected, the 29-year-old would become the youngest and only Black male in the Michigan state Senate.

The United States is preparing for an unprecedented government shutdown in which President Donald Trump has threatened permanent termination of federal workers rather than traditional temporary furloughs. The White House Office of Management and Budget has instructed agencies to use the shutdown as an "opportunity" to reduce staff, sparking strong opposition from the American Federation of Government Employees and other critics. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer suggested such firings would face legal challenges or eventual rehiring, while federal employees express anxiety about their job security. This shutdown could have far-reaching consequences beyond typical government disruptions, potentially transforming the federal workforce permanently.

The Friends of the Malcolm X Library, a nonprofit volunteer organization, hosted the Malcolm X Library Gift Day and Soiree on September 20, 2025, celebrating the civil rights leader's 100th birthday. The community gathering featured live music, art exhibits, vendors, and a silent auction in the library's parking lot in San Diego. This free outdoor "Family Fun Day" highlighted the unique status of the Malcolm X Library as the only one of its kind in the nation dedicated to preserving Malcolm X's legacy. The library serves as a community hub offering workshops, performances, and resources that foster connection and inspiration for local residents.

The Trump Administration's effort to restrict federal homeless funding to locations complying with sanctuary city policies has prompted a lawsuit from advocacy groups. National Alliance to End Homelessness and Women's Development Corporation sued HUD, arguing that new criteria announced on September 5 with only seven days for revision would make projects in 36 states ineligible for $75 million in Continuum of Care Build grants. A judge has temporarily blocked HUD from disbursing funds while the case continues, with plaintiffs arguing this ensures housing resources remain available without political interference. Meanwhile, homelessness in America has reached record levels according to HUD's Annual Homeless Assessment Report, with 771,480 people experiencing homelessness and families with children showing the largest year-over-year increase.

Global Citizen exceeded its fundraising goals for Amazon rainforest protection, African energy access, and community education at its annual Central Park music festival headlined by Shakira and Cardi B. The event, attended by over 60,000 people, featured international celebrities and diplomats appealing to the crowd between musical performances. Significant financial commitments were secured, including more than $638 million from the EU for climate-friendly energy production in Africa and over $280 million for Amazon rainforest protection. Throughout the festival, performers and speakers emphasized that everyday citizens can influence world leaders and create meaningful change when united in purpose.

Maryland's congressional delegation has introduced the Help Federal Employees During Shutdowns Act (Help FEDS Act) to provide unemployment benefits to essential federal workers who must work without pay during government shutdowns. The bipartisan legislation would amend the Social Security Act to require states to offer unemployment insurance to "excepted" federal employees, with provisions requiring repayment once back pay is received. Sponsored primarily by Maryland Democrats including Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and Representative Sarah Elfreth, the bill aims to prevent financial hardship for federal workers who are compelled to continue working during funding lapses. The National Treasury Employees Union has praised the measure for providing essential resources to civil servants caught in political disputes.

The article discusses how the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits (EPTCs) under the Affordable Care Act could drastically increase health insurance costs for millions of Americans if Congress fails to pass a budget or Continuing Resolution by September 30. This would particularly impact Californians, including African American households who saw a 53% enrollment increase in Covered California between 2020 and 2025, with some potentially facing premium hikes of up to 67%. Without congressional action to extend these subsidies, an estimated 4.2 million Americans could lose health insurance due to affordability issues, while those maintaining coverage could see premiums rise by an average of 75%. California has budgeted nearly $200 million to help maintain affordability, but this cannot replace the $2.5 billion in federal funding that would be lost if the subsidies expire.

Assata Shakur, a former Black Panther Party and Black Liberation Army leader who died recently after living in exile in Cuba for nearly 50 years, has left a profound impact on generations of activists. Journalist Thandisizwe Chimurenga shared her heartfelt reaction to Shakur's passing on Black Press USA's "Let It Be Known" morning news show, expressing both personal grief and appreciation for Shakur's life and legacy. Born JoAnne Byron (also known as JoAnne Chesimard), Shakur was targeted by the FBI's COINTELPRO program, convicted in contested circumstances in 1977, and escaped from prison in 1979 before receiving asylum in Cuba. Her powerful declarations about freedom and solidarity became rallying cries during protests, including the Ferguson demonstrations and the Black Lives Matter movement, cementing her status as what Chimurenga called "our warrior queen mother."

A government shutdown is looming as Democrats and Republicans face a partisan standoff over a temporary funding bill needed by Wednesday at 12:01 a.m. Senate Democrats refuse to support the House's seven-week funding extension unless it includes provisions for expiring healthcare benefits, while Republicans insist on a "clean" bill without additions. President Trump and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer exchanged blame, with Democrats seeing an opportunity to leverage their position despite needing at least eight Democratic votes to pass the bill in the Senate. The impasse threatens to furlough or potentially lay off approximately 750,000 federal workers each day during a shutdown, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared subdued while agreeing to a peace deal alongside Donald Trump at the White House, despite calling Trump "the greatest friend Israel has ever had." The agreement includes provisions for Palestinian Authority involvement in Gaza and a pathway to Palestinian statehood, directly contradicting Netanyahu's previous stance and potentially risking his government coalition. His far-right coalition partners, who oppose these concessions and favor annexing Gaza, have threatened to collapse the government if such compromises are made. After the meeting, Netanyahu quickly emphasized to Israelis that he did not agree to a Palestinian state and reports indicate the Israeli cabinet will only vote on the hostage exchange portion of the deal, suggesting Netanyahu may be maneuvering politically or possibly betting that Hamas will reject the agreement.

Iran has announced that 120 of its nationals are being deported from the United States as part of President Trump's immigration crackdown, with the individuals expected to return to Iran within one or two days. According to Iranian foreign ministry official Hossein Noushabadi, most deportees had entered the US illegally through Mexico, though some hold valid US residency permits. This deportation represents the first phase of a larger agreement between Iran and the US to deport approximately 400 Iranian nationals, marking a rare instance of cooperation between the two countries which lack formal diplomatic ties. Human rights groups have criticized Trump's deportation policies, particularly regarding countries like Iran which has been condemned for its human rights record, including what UN experts recently described as a "dramatic escalation" in the use of the death penalty.

Qatar's prime minister has expressed readiness to continue mediation efforts to end the Gaza war after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu apologized for a September 9 airstrike in Doha that killed a Qatari security officer. During a trilateral call with US President Trump, Netanyahu expressed regret for violating Qatar's sovereignty and promised not to conduct such strikes again. This reconciliation occurred just before Trump announced a new 20-point plan to end the Gaza conflict, which Netanyahu supported along with eight Arab and Muslim states including Qatar. The apology has triggered fierce criticism within Israel, with both coalition and opposition politicians condemning Netanyahu's "grovelling" to Qatar.

President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are set to address hundreds of top U.S. military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico near Washington DC in an unusual large-scale gathering. The summit, announced with short notice and without official explanation, has sparked speculation despite Trump describing it as "a very nice meeting" to discuss military matters and build "esprit de corps." Security is extremely tight for the event, which has drawn criticism from some observers like NATO Military Committee Chair Giuseppe Cavo Dragone and analyst Mark Cancian who questioned why such a meeting wasn't conducted virtually. The gathering includes over 800 officers from installations worldwide, organized by service branches in the auditorium.

The U.S. government faces an imminent shutdown at midnight Tuesday unless Republicans and Democrats can reach an agreement on a spending bill. Democrats are leveraging their Senate position to demand healthcare policy changes, including extending tax credits that reduce insurance costs and reversing Trump's Medicaid cuts. This shutdown threat is particularly significant as the Trump administration has spent nine months drastically reducing government size and appears willing to use a shutdown to identify "non-essential" workers for permanent removal. If no agreement is reached, essential services like border protection and air traffic control would continue, while programs such as food assistance and national parks would be curtailed.

The United States is facing an imminent government shutdown as President Donald Trump and Democratic congressional leaders remain deeply divided on funding conditions. After an unproductive White House meeting, positions hardened further when Trump shared an inflammatory AI video mocking Democratic leadership, drawing angry responses. Republicans are seeking a short-term extension of current spending levels while maintaining their unilateral budget cuts, while Democrats are demanding an end to these independent cuts and renewal of health insurance subsidies for low-income Americans. The political standoff is intensified by Republican threats to use a shutdown to permanently eliminate "nonessential" government positions and programs, though Democrats consider this intimidation.

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), a critical U.S. trade law that has granted duty-free access for African goods to U.S. markets for 25 years, is set to expire on Tuesday, creating uncertainty for thousands of workers and businesses across Africa. At Shona EPZ, a garment factory in Nairobi that employs 700 people and produces sportswear for the American market, production has already slumped to about one-third of normal capacity as buyers hesitate on long-term orders. Kenya alone exported $470 million worth of clothing to the U.S. in 2024, supporting over 66,000 direct jobs, with three-quarters held by women. While the White House has reportedly indicated support for a one-year extension, African leaders are lobbying intensely for at least a short-term renewal to allow for transition mechanisms while also exploring alternatives such as bilateral deals and increased intra-African trade.

Donald Trump has proposed a comprehensive 20-point peace plan to end the Gaza war that has been accepted by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, while Hamas has yet to respond. The plan outlines conditions for a "deradicalized terror-free" Gaza governed temporarily by a Palestinian technocratic committee under international oversight from a "Board of Peace" chaired by Trump himself. Key provisions include the immediate end to military operations, return of all hostages within 72 hours of Israel's acceptance, release of Palestinian prisoners, full humanitarian aid access, and the establishment of an International Stabilization Force to maintain security as Israeli forces withdraw. The plan also includes economic development initiatives and a pathway toward potential Palestinian statehood following reforms.

President Trump has unveiled a 20-point proposal aimed at ending the Gaza war, calling it potentially one of the greatest diplomatic achievements in history. The plan represents a shift in the US position on Gaza's future and applies increased pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu while addressing some Arab concerns. The framework calls for a ceasefire, Israeli military withdrawal, hostage exchanges, and the creation of a "Board of Peace" to oversee Gaza temporarily. However, despite Trump's characterization as a complete deal, the proposal leaves many crucial details unresolved and faces potential resistance from both Netanyahu's coalition and Hamas, whose early reactions suggest skepticism about the plan's protection of Palestinian interests.

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have separated after nearly 20 years of marriage according to BBC sources, confirming TMZ's initial report that the couple has been living apart since summer. The Oscar-winning actress and four-time Grammy-winning country singer, who married in June 2006 and have two teenage daughters, have supported each other through professional achievements and personal challenges, including Urban's rehabilitation for addiction shortly after their wedding. Despite the separation, which sources claim Kidman does not want, the couple was seen together publicly as recently as June at a FIFA match and in May at the Academy of Country Music Awards where they appeared affectionate.

YouTube has agreed to pay $24.5 million to settle a lawsuit filed by Donald Trump after the platform suspended his account following the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. This settlement from Alphabet follows similar agreements reached with X/Twitter and Meta/Facebook, which also paid Trump for suspending his accounts amid claims of political bias against conservative voices. As part of the agreement, YouTube will direct $22 million to the Trust for the National Mall, a non-profit raising funds for a White House ballroom, with an additional $2.5 million going to other organizations involved in Trump's lawsuit. The settlement occurs as major tech companies have adopted a more conciliatory approach toward Trump, with platform executives attending his inauguration and loosening content moderation policies that Republicans had criticized.

The U.S. federal government has shut down after Congress failed to reach a funding agreement beyond September 30, despite last-minute negotiations between congressional leaders and President Trump. Republicans support a "clean" short-term funding bill through November 21, while Democrats want to address expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies and reverse Medicaid changes from Trump's tax law. If not renewed, the ACA's Enhanced Premium Tax Credits will expire, potentially causing premium increases of over 75% for recipients. The shutdown will impact various federal agencies and services, with particular concerns for health programs, nutrition assistance, and early education support that serve lower-income families. # Who is affected * Federal government workers (approximately 2.2 million civilian employees) who may be furloughed or required to work without immediate pay * Recipients of Affordable Care Act subsidies who could face premium increases of over 75% if Enhanced Premium Tax Credits expire * Approximately 42 million lower-income SNAP recipients who may face disruptions if the shutdown extends beyond mid-October * Nearly 7 million WIC program recipients, with new applicants being unable to enroll beginning October 1 * Approximately 7,500 children served by eight Head Start programs whose funding expired on October 1 * Areas with high concentrations of federal workers, particularly the Washington D.C. area with about 350,000 federal employees * National park visitors and staff, with services reduced despite continued access to parks # What action is being taken * Congressional leaders and President Trump are engaging in negotiations to resolve funding disputes * Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is consulting with Democrats about a possible 7-10 day spending bill if a shutdown is triggered * The White House budget office is directing federal agencies to prepare for mass layoffs * Government agencies are determining which functions are essential and will continue during the shutdown * Mandatory spending programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security are continuing despite the shutdown # Why it matters * This is the first government shutdown since early 2019 and comes after the Trump administration already made significant cuts to federal programs and staff * The shutdown threatens the continuation of ACA subsidies that expanded healthcare access by removing income caps for eligibility * Critical nutrition programs like SNAP and WIC face potential disruption, particularly for new applicants * The shutdown has economic impacts, particularly in regions with high concentrations of federal workers like Washington D.C., which previously lost up to $12 million weekly during the 2019 shutdown * Social benefits like Social Security and Medicare may experience delays for new beneficiaries and reduced support services * Eight Head Start programs serving approximately 7,500 children immediately lost funding when the shutdown began # What's next No explicit next steps stated in the article.

Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist publicly condemned Israel's actions in Gaza at an Arab American conference, calling it genocide and pledging not to accept money from pro-Israel lobby AIPAC in his gubernatorial campaign. His stance marks a significant break from other Democratic candidates in Michigan, where a large Arab American community and Jewish population coexist. Gilchrist criticized using American taxpayer dollars to fund weapons while Palestinian civilians suffer, positioning himself differently from fellow gubernatorial candidates Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson. His comments come as Michigan Democrats face internal division over the Israel-Gaza conflict following Hamas' October 2023 attack and Israel's subsequent military campaign.

A deadly attack occurred at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, when Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old former Marine, crashed his vehicle into the building, opened fire on congregants, and set the church ablaze during a Sunday service. The incident killed four people and injured eight others before police killed the suspect in a shootout less than 10 minutes after the attack began. Officials described the shooting as a "targeted act of violence" but are still investigating the motive, with the White House press secretary suggesting Sanford "hated people of the Mormon faith." Investigators have interviewed over 100 victims and witnesses and discovered makeshift explosive devices at the scene.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser expressed concerns about the District's economic vulnerability during a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation fireside chat, highlighting how potential government shutdowns disproportionately impact D.C. residents. She emphasized the need to shift the District's economy away from federal government dependence while simultaneously fighting against congressional encroachment on D.C.'s home rule. Recent House legislation threatening District autonomy has advanced with some Democratic support, potentially allowing presidential control of judicial appointments and changes to criminal justice policies. Bowser and other Black mayors discussed strategies to protect their cities' interests while advocating for D.C. statehood as the ultimate solution to prevent federal interference.

The Young and Prosperous program hosted a two-hour Silent Auction event on September 25, 2025, in San Diego, bringing together community members, sponsors, and youth advocates. The evening featured a welcome introduction by Tamara, sponsor recognition by Hope, and a Youth Recognitions segment led by Ana and Tamara honoring thirteen student standouts. Following a networking session and the silent auction, which closed at 7 p.m. with results announced shortly after, the event concluded with Tamara's closing remarks about upcoming events and ways to support the program.

of the California Intergenerational Mentoring Initiative The California Commission on Aging (CCoA) and Eldera have launched a statewide initiative recruiting Californians aged 60 and older to serve as virtual mentors for children ages 6-17. The program matches older adults with young people for weekly 30-60 minute conversations designed to build resilience, reduce loneliness, and strengthen communities. Participants undergo training and background checks before being matched based on interests, language, and availability, with safety ensured through Eldera's oversight and "AI Chaperone" tool. The campaign emphasizes the importance of human connection in an increasingly digital age, with the tagline "One adult 60+. One hour. Once a week. Two lives get better."

Assata Shakur, a former Black Panther Party and Black Liberation Army leader who escaped prison and lived in Cuban exile for nearly 50 years, has died on September 25, leaving a profound impact on activists who viewed her as a revolutionary symbol of liberation. Journalist Thandisizwe Chimurenga shared her personal grief on Black Press USA's "Let It Be Known" morning news show, highlighting Shakur's role as a "warrior queen mother" who inspired generations through her writings and famous declarations like "It is our duty to fight for our freedom." While many admirers mourned her as a freedom fighter who remained free from the U.S. criminal justice system until her death, others, including FBI officials, continued to condemn her as a convicted murderer of a New Jersey State Trooper, reflecting deep divisions in how her legacy is perceived in America.

Assata Shakur, a former Black Panther and Black Liberation Army member who escaped from a U.S. prison in 1979 while serving a life sentence for killing a police officer, has died in Havana at age 78 due to health issues and advanced age. Shakur had been living in Cuba since 1984 after being granted political asylum by Fidel Castro, with her case becoming a symbol of the strained U.S.-Cuba relations as American authorities repeatedly demanded her return. Though the FBI listed her as a "most wanted terrorist" and New Jersey officials maintained she killed State Trooper Werner Foerster in a 1973 gunfight, Shakur consistently claimed her innocence and became an influential figure for the Black Lives Matter movement. New Jersey officials expressed disappointment that "justice was never served," while Black Lives Matter Grassroots Inc. vowed to continue fighting in her memory.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris has embarked on a book tour for "107 Days," which chronicles her presidential campaign after President Biden dropped out of the race. The book has generated mixed reactions, with some Democratic operatives criticizing it as unnecessarily relitigating the 2024 election, while it's already in its fifth printing due to strong sales. Harris addresses criticisms in exclusive interviews with CNN, explaining she wrote the book to contextualize the current political moment rather than out of nostalgia. At 60 years old, Harris is now navigating her post-White House identity, connecting with supporters at events while expressing concerns about America's direction under Trump's presidency.