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The Black Press of America held its Annual National Leadership Awards and Reception at the Conrad Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C., honoring several prominent figures including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette Clarke. During the event, attorney Ben Crump emphasized the critical importance of the Black Press as a trusted voice for African Americans in the face of what he described as attacks on Black history, culture, and media. Crump pledged $50,000 to support the Black Press, structured as $10,000 annually for five years, while encouraging others to contribute as the organization approaches its bicentennial. The article highlights the historical significance of the Black Press in telling stories ignored elsewhere and its current struggle for survival despite its crucial role in providing trustworthy information to Black communities.

Hurricane Humberto has formed in the Atlantic as this season's third hurricane and is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane in the coming days, though its path likely won't threaten land directly. Meanwhile, a separate low-pressure system bringing storms to Haiti, Dominican Republic, and the Turks and Caicos Islands is projected to develop into Tropical Storm Imelda over the weekend as it moves into the Bahamas. By early next week, Humberto could get close enough to influence this developing storm through the Fujiwhara effect, where nearby cyclones can interact in various ways, creating uncertainty about the developing storm's ultimate path and intensity. Computer models suggest three possible scenarios: the developing storm could remain stationary near the Bahamas before moving out to sea, could make landfall near Georgia and South Carolina, or could be blocked by high pressure and stay entirely offshore. # Who is affected - Residents of Haiti, Dominican Republic, and the Turks and Caicos Islands experiencing thunderstorms and potential flooding - People in the Bahamas who may face a developing storm (potentially Tropical Storm Imelda) - Potentially residents of Georgia and South Carolina if the developing storm makes landfall there - Western Bahamas residents who could be affected if the storm becomes slow-moving in that area # What action is being taken - Weather authorities are monitoring the development of the low-pressure system expected to become a tropical depression and potentially Tropical Storm Imelda - Meteorologists are tracking Hurricane Humberto's movement and analyzing its potential interaction with the developing storm - Experts are continuing to evaluate computer forecast models to determine which areas face the greatest risk - Ongoing assessment of the three potential scenarios for the developing storm's path # Why it matters - The developing storm could bring flooding rain and damaging winds to the US southeast coast - The Fujiwhara effect between Humberto and the developing storm adds significant uncertainty to forecasting - The developing system is moving across seas with temperatures 1-2°C above average, providing energy for potential hurricane development - Multiple Caribbean nations are already experiencing storms that may cause flooding in some areas - The western Bahamas could be affected for several days if the developing storm becomes slow-moving # What's next - No explicit next steps stated in the article

Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Virginia on charges of making false statements and obstruction of justice related to his 2020 Senate committee testimony. The charges specifically concern whether Comey authorized leaking classified information to the media about an FBI investigation believed to involve Hillary Clinton. The indictment comes shortly after President Trump publicly called for investigations into his political adversaries, raising concerns about the independence of the Department of Justice. Comey has declared his innocence, stating he has "great confidence in the federal judicial system" while suggesting the charges are politically motivated.

Former FBI director James Comey has been indicted on charges of making false statements and obstruction of justice, less than a week after President Donald Trump specifically called for his prosecution on Truth Social. The Department of Justice, led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, claims the indictment demonstrates their commitment to accountability, though critics argue it represents a dangerous collapse of the traditional firewall between the White House and DOJ. Trump's successful targeting of Comey, facilitated by the appointment of former Trump lawyer Lindsey Halligan as a federal prosecutor, has raised significant concerns about the weaponization of the Justice Department against political rivals. The case relates to allegations that Comey lied to Congress in 2020 about authorizing leaks of classified information to the media.

Sara Jane Moore, who attempted to assassinate President Gerald Ford in 1975 by firing a .38-caliber revolver at him outside a San Francisco hotel, has died at age 95. Moore's attack came just 17 days after another assassination attempt on Ford by Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, an associate of cult leader Charles Manson. After pleading guilty, Moore was sentenced to life imprisonment but was released on parole after serving 32 years. Her death coincides with renewed attention to presidential security following two recent attempts on former President Donald Trump's life, including the recently convicted Ryan Routh.

President Trump has approved a deal that will allow TikTok to continue operating in the US by transferring control of its US operations to American investors in a new $14 billion venture. The arrangement requires US investors to control TikTok's algorithm, with Americans holding six of seven board seats and China owning less than 20% of the joint venture. This deal aims to address national security concerns that prompted Congress to pass a law in April 2024 requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a US ban. Although Trump claims Chinese President Xi Jinping has approved the deal, ByteDance and Chinese authorities have not yet officially confirmed their agreement.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison's African American Studies Department has established its first research lab, which is actively collecting data for a new study. The research team, known as UWAHL (University of Wisconsin African American Humanities Lab), is focusing on locations in Madison where Black communities flourish, rather than solely examining areas of struggle. Researchers are visiting various city neighborhoods to gather Black residents' experiences and perspectives through interviews and observational methods. This approach aims to amplify Black voices and create a more comprehensive understanding of Black life in Madison beyond the typical deficit-focused narratives.

The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP), in collaboration with MDOT and the City of Detroit, will launch the I-75 Cap Feasibility Study with a virtual public meeting on October 2, 2025. The study will advance engineering and design work for a project that aims to reconnect neighborhoods to Downtown Detroit by creating a series of three park caps over I-75. Funded by a $2 million U.S. Department of Transportation grant, the feasibility study follows community visioning sessions that gathered input from hundreds of residents. Engineering firm AECOM will lead the 12-month feasibility phase, which will develop schematic plans, evaluate traffic impacts, and prepare engineering documentation while continuing community engagement.

Amazon has agreed to a $2.5 billion settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over allegations that it misled millions of customers into signing up for Prime memberships and made cancellation difficult. Of this amount, $1.5 billion will go toward customer refunds, marking the largest civil penalty ever secured by the FTC. The settlement addresses deceptive practices such as misleading pop-ups during checkout, unclear disclosure of terms, and automatic enrollment after free trials. As part of the agreement, Amazon must stop using misleading buttons and create an easier cancellation process, though the company has not admitted wrongdoing.

Zaila Avant-garde, an 18-year-old prodigy, has built an impressive list of accomplishments including becoming the first African American to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee in 2021, authoring five books, and holding three Guinness World Records for basketball skills. After an initial spelling bee defeat in 2019 that motivated her to work harder, she prepared intensively by studying 13,000 words for seven hours daily with tutors. Currently, Avant-garde is beginning her studies at the University of Maryland on a full scholarship, majoring in cell biology and genetics with aspirations to become a biomedical researcher for NASA's human research program, specifically focusing on enabling long-term human colonization of Mars.

A shooting at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas, Texas on Wednesday left one detainee dead and two others critically injured before the gunman, 29-year-old Joshua Jahn, died by suicide. According to officials, handwritten notes found at Jahn's home indicated he specifically targeted ICE personnel rather than detainees, viewing ICE's work as "human trafficking" and intending to "maximize lethality against ICE personnel." The notes revealed extensive pre-attack planning, with Jahn positioning himself on a rooftop using a ladder from his car to fire at transport vehicles carrying ICE personnel and detainees. Law enforcement officials characterized the attack as terrorism, noting that while Jahn expressed hatred toward the federal government, there was no evidence he belonged to any specific group.

President Donald Trump has called on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to stop purchasing oil from Russia as part of broader efforts to cut off Moscow's energy funding during the ongoing Ukraine war. During their White House meeting, Trump emphasized that halting Russian oil imports would be "the best thing" Erdogan could do, while also expressing optimism about lifting US sanctions on Turkey and potentially allowing F-35 fighter jet sales. Turkey remains one of Russia's largest oil and gas customers, with data showing Russian gas flowing through Turkey to Europe increased by over 26% earlier this year. The meeting concluded without firm commitments on sanctions relief or F-35 sales, though Trump suggested positive outcomes could emerge soon.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.