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September 19, 2025

A Question of Lynching in Mississippi

Two Black men in Mississippi - 21-year-old Delta State University student Trey Reed and 36-year-old homeless man Corey Zukatis - were recently found dead, hanging from trees in separate incidents. Reed's family received conflicting information about his death location and will conduct an independent autopsy after the state completes its report within 24 hours. Civil rights groups including the Equal Justice Initiative, NAACP, and Southern Poverty Law Center are involved, with Congressman Bennie Thompson calling for a federal investigation into both deaths. The incidents have raised serious concerns given Mississippi's history of racism and lynchings, with Brian Fair of the SPLC noting how these deaths evoke the state's troubled past.

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September 19, 2025

After Plunge, Black Students Enroll in Harvard

Harvard Law School has seen a significant rebound in Black student enrollment for the Class of 2028, with 46 Black students admitted following a dramatic drop to just 19 students in 2024, which had been the lowest since the 1960s. This recovery comes in the aftermath of the Supreme Court's 2023 decision to end race-conscious admissions, which caused Black student enrollment declines across multiple prestigious institutions including Harvard College, UNC, MIT, and Princeton. The enrollment rebound at Harvard Law was achieved through targeted outreach and recruitment efforts led by Black alumni and the Harvard Black Law Students Association, even as the university eliminated diversity offices and ended a minority recruitment initiative for undergraduates. This recovery appears fragile and represents part of an ongoing nationwide struggle for Black student access to elite educational institutions.

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September 19, 2025

President Trump is Wrong About the Smithsonian

The White House under Trump has criticized the Smithsonian Museum of American History for displaying the Immokalee Statue of Liberty, claiming it is "too woke." This paper-mâché sculpture, created by artist Kat Rodriguez, depicts Lady Liberty holding tomatoes instead of a torch and tablet, commemorating the Coalition of Immokalee Workers' 2000 march for fair wages and dignity. An official White House post specifically objected to this alternate depiction of the Statue of Liberty among other exhibits deemed excessively progressive. The article suggests this criticism represents an authoritarian attempt to rewrite history and undermine the recognition of farmworkers' contributions to America, particularly those of immigrants and people of color.

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September 19, 2025

A Homeless Youth Asked a Stranger for Food. The Man Responded With a Question That Changed the Kid’s Life Forever

Peter Mutabazi's life transformed dramatically from living as a homeless child on the streets of Uganda to becoming one of America's most recognized foster fathers. At age 15, while attempting to steal from a stranger named Jacques Masiko, Mutabazi instead found a mentor who would change his life by providing him with food, education, and a loving home environment. Now 52 and living in Charlotte, North Carolina, Mutabazi has fostered 47 children and adopted three more, channeling the kindness he received from Masiko into his own mission of helping vulnerable children. After graduating from university and moving to the United States in 2002, Mutabazi now works as a senior child advocate at World Vision while continuing his commitment to foster care and advocacy.

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September 19, 2025

From Slavery to Pollution, National Park Employees Flagged Material Deemed ‘Disparaging’ to US

The Trump administration is reviewing signage, exhibits, and materials at federal parks that could be considered "disparaging" to Americans, following a March executive order directing the Interior Department to focus on American achievements and landscape beauty. National Park Service employees were required to flag "inappropriate" content by July 18, with materials about slavery, Native American cultural destruction, and climate change among those identified for review. The Interior Department plans to remove or cover inconsistent signage by September 17, while promising to maintain "full and accurate" historical narratives. Critics argue this directive risks sanitizing American history by removing information about darker historical aspects that should be preserved for educational purposes.

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September 19, 2025

The motive behind Charlie Kirk's killing: What we know and don't know

of the Article on the Charlie Kirk Shooting Tyler Robinson, the suspect in Charlie Kirk's murder, allegedly told his roommate he "had enough of his hatred" when questioned about the shooting. According to prosecutors, Robinson had become increasingly left-wing and pro-LGBTQ+ over the past year, and had accused Kirk of spreading hate before the attack. Messages between Robinson and his transgender roommate revealed the suspect planned the attack for just over a week, leaving shell casings with inscriptions that referenced memes, video games, and political symbols. While Utah authorities have identified Robinson's "leftist ideology" as relevant, many details about his specific motivations remain unclear, with investigators still piecing together his path to violence through online communications and personal interactions.

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September 19, 2025

Michigan House Votes to Require Photos and Signatures on Bridge Cards

The Michigan House of Representatives recently passed a bill requiring photos and signatures on Bridge Cards used for food and cash assistance programs, with Republicans supporting the measure as an anti-fraud initiative and Democrats opposing it. The legislation's sponsor, Representative Jason Woolford, argued it would protect taxpayer funds in Michigan's multi-billion-dollar assistance programs, citing the state's 8% SNAP benefits overpayment rate reported by the USDA. However, Democrats countered that implementing these requirements would cost millions while producing negligible savings according to a House Fiscal Agency analysis, pointing to West Virginia's $10 million expenditure for a similar program with little evidence of fraud reduction. The bill now moves to the Democrat-controlled Michigan Senate, where it faces significant opposition.

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September 19, 2025

Jeezy Closes 20th Anniversary Tour in Detroit with Orchestra and Sold-Out Celebration

Jeezy concluded his 20th anniversary tour for "Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101" with an 80-minute performance at Detroit's Fox Theatre, featuring a full band and the 25-piece Color of Noize Orchestra. The sold-out event had a formal atmosphere with fans dressed in tuxedos and gowns as Jeezy performed 12 songs from his landmark album before moving to other crowd favorites. At 48, Jeezy used this special Detroit performance, which was streamed live worldwide, to bridge his past and present while announcing upcoming projects including a DJ Drama mixtape and plans for a Las Vegas residency.

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September 19, 2025

Taliban official dismisses Trump's hope to 'take back' Afghan airbase

The Taliban has rejected recent suggestions by President Donald Trump that the United States could retake Bagram airbase in Afghanistan. Trump expressed interest in reclaiming the base during a UK press conference, citing its strategic proximity to China's nuclear facilities, though BBC investigations found this claim to be geographically inaccurate. Taliban foreign ministry official Zakir Jalal emphasized that any U.S. military presence was rejected during previous negotiations, while also noting openness to other forms of engagement. China has responded by affirming its respect for Afghanistan's sovereignty, while satellite imagery analysis shows minimal activity at the base since the Taliban takeover and no evidence of Chinese presence there.

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September 19, 2025

Police find remains they think are US man accused of killing his daughters

Human remains believed to belong to Travis Decker, a man suspected of murdering his three young daughters, have been discovered in a wooded area near Leavenworth, Washington. Authorities had been searching for Decker since June 2nd when they found his daughters' bodies, his phone, and his truck at a remote campground. The 32-year-old ex-soldier was wanted on kidnapping and first-degree murder charges after failing to return his daughters—Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia (aged nine, eight, and five)—to their mother on May 30th. Officials indicated the girls died from apparent suffocation with their wrists bound by zip ties.

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September 19, 2025

Trump says TV networks opposed to him should 'maybe' lose licence

of News Article President Donald Trump has suggested revoking TV network licenses following ABC's suspension of Jimmy Kimmel, who made controversial comments about the Charlie Kirk murder suspect. The suspension came after pressure from the administration, including threats of regulatory action from FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who called Kimmel's remarks "the sickest conduct possible." This has sparked significant backlash from fellow late-night hosts, former President Barack Obama, Hollywood figures, and media unions who view it as an attack on free speech, while some conservatives have defended the actions against Kimmel as appropriate consequences for offensive commentary.

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September 19, 2025

US blocks UN call for Gaza ceasefire for sixth time

The United States has vetoed a UN Security Council draft resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and hostage release, despite unanimous support from all 14 other council members. U.S. deputy Middle East envoy Morgan Ortagus justified the veto by stating the resolution failed to condemn Hamas or recognize Israel's right to self-defense. The resolution had described Gaza's humanitarian situation as "catastrophic" while calling for Israel to lift aid restrictions. UN members expressed profound disappointment with the U.S. veto, which comes as Gaza faces a worsening humanitarian crisis with thousands fleeing amid ongoing Israeli military operations that have killed over 65,000 Palestinians since October 2023.

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September 19, 2025

US revokes visas of Indian executives over alleged fentanyl trafficking

The US embassy in India has revoked and denied visas for certain Indian business executives and corporate leaders allegedly involved in trafficking fentanyl precursor chemicals. These chemicals are used to produce synthetic opioids that have caused numerous overdose deaths in the US. The embassy announced that individuals connected to companies known for trafficking these precursors, along with their close family members, may be ineligible for US travel and will face heightened scrutiny when applying for visas. This action is part of the Trump administration's efforts to combat dangerous synthetic narcotics, with the embassy expressing gratitude to Indian officials for their cooperation in addressing this shared challenge.

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September 19, 2025

Brendan Carr's emboldened FCC takes on Trump's media foes

ABC has indefinitely suspended Jimmy Kimmel's show after he made controversial comments following Charlie Kirk's murder, becoming the latest media personality affected by the Trump administration's campaign against perceived liberal bias. The suspension occurred shortly after FCC Chairman Brendan Carr threatened action against media companies if they didn't push back against Kimmel, with Nexstar Media and Sinclair quickly suspending the program on their ABC affiliates. This follows a pattern where media companies have settled lawsuits with President Trump, agreed to policy changes, or faced regulatory pressure, including CBS canceling Stephen Colbert's "The Late Show" weeks earlier. The controversy has raised concerns about government pressure on media companies and free speech implications, with even some conservatives expressing misgivings.

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September 18, 2025

Sarah Smith: Trump visit showed UK's warm relations - and limited influence

President Donald Trump's recent state visit to the UK included a banquet at Windsor Castle hosted by the King and Queen, which Trump reportedly considered the highlight of his trip, followed by talks with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at Chequers. During their meeting, the leaders discussed challenging topics like Gaza, Ukraine, and Palestinian statehood, maintaining a warm relationship despite policy disagreements. The carefully orchestrated visit, featuring ceremonial displays including the British Army's Red Devils flying national flags, achieved its diplomatic purpose of strengthening personal connections without resolving fundamental policy differences. According to Trump's chief of staff Susie Wiles, while the visit was successful socially, it would not alter US positions on trade, tariffs, or international affairs.

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September 18, 2025

House Republicans Advance Bills to Alter D.C. Crime Laws

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed two controversial bills impacting Washington, D.C.'s local governance: one eliminating the District's Judicial Nomination Commission and transferring judge nomination power directly to the president, and another expanding police discretion for vehicle pursuits beyond the current limitation of violent felony cases only. Both measures passed primarily along party lines, with Republicans arguing the changes are necessary to fill judicial vacancies and improve law enforcement effectiveness, while Democrats warned about potential dangers and defended D.C.'s home rule. These bills join two other recently passed GOP-backed crime measures targeting D.C., collectively representing one of the most significant congressional interventions in the District's governance in years, though their fate in the Senate remains uncertain.

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September 18, 2025

Commanders’ $3.7 Billion Stadium Deal Approved by D.C. Council

The D.C. Council has approved a $3.7 billion development package that will bring the Washington Commanders football team back to the District with a new 65,000-seat stadium at the former RFK Stadium site. Mayor Muriel Bowser described this as "the largest economic development project in D.C. history," which includes over $1 billion in taxpayer funding for infrastructure and amenities. The comprehensive plan extends beyond a stadium to include 6,000 new homes, environmental protections, and community benefits such as rental assistance and small business grants for low-income neighborhoods. Despite some opposition and last-minute tensions, the measure passed with an 11-2 vote, prompting celebration from team officials and long-time fans.

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September 18, 2025

Rep. Glenn Ivey Reintroduces George Floyd Policing Act

Representative Glenn Ivey has reintroduced the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which aims to improve police accountability through measures including racial bias training, banning chokeholds and no-knock warrants, expanding body camera usage, and reforming qualified immunity. Although the bill previously passed the House in 2021, Senate Republicans have blocked its progress, while President Biden enacted some aspects via executive order that were subsequently reversed by President Trump in February 2024. The Floyd family expressed gratitude for the reintroduction, viewing it as a crucial step toward preventing similar tragedies nearly five years after George Floyd's death. Attorney Ben Crump also commended the effort, describing it as a critical measure to address systemic injustice in law enforcement.

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September 18, 2025

The Collins Council Report: RENTAL Act, the Commanders’ Return, and Public Safety Questions

of "The Collins Council Report" The D.C. Council recently reconvened after recess to address several significant legislative matters, including passing the RENTAL Act and the Robert F. Kennedy Campus Redevelopment Act. During their September 17 legislative meeting, council members debated numerous amendments to both acts, with the RENTAL Act passing 10-3 and the RFK Campus Redevelopment Act passing 11-2. Simultaneously, the council has been contending with federal intrusion, as President Trump federalized the Metropolitan Police Department and congressional Republicans advanced legislation threatening D.C.'s local autonomy. The council also approved increased compensation for police officers and began discussions about extending the District's emergency juvenile curfew.

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September 18, 2025

A Black Student Was Found Hanging From a Tree. Police Say There’s No Sign of Foul Play

A 21-year-old Black college student was found hanging from a tree at Delta State University in Mississippi, with campus police stating there were no signs of foul play or ongoing threats. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, local police, and sheriff's deputies are assisting in the death investigation. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump has been retained by the student's family to conduct an independent investigation, while U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson has called for FBI involvement. The incident has stirred online rumors evoking Mississippi's history of racist violence, despite the county coroner's preliminary examination finding no injuries consistent with assault.

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September 18, 2025

Income Inequality Dipped and Fewer People Moved, According to Largest Survey of US Life

The U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey revealed several demographic and economic shifts in the United States from 2023 to 2024. Income inequality decreased nationally by nearly half a percent as median household income rose slightly from $80,002 to $81,604, with significant drops in ten states and Puerto Rico. The country became more demographically diverse with increasing Asian and Hispanic populations, while the non-Hispanic white population declined. Housing costs increased for both homeowners with mortgages and renters, and fewer Americans changed residences compared to previous years, continuing a downward mobility trend that began before the pandemic. Additionally, the survey showed a higher percentage of unmarried individuals and more people with college degrees across the nation.

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September 18, 2025

Racial Abuse of Black Players Spikes Early in European Soccer Season

The early 2024-25 European soccer season has been marked by a concerning surge in racist incidents targeting Black players across multiple leagues, with anti-discrimination campaigners noting incidents have more than doubled compared to the same period last year. Players like Antoine Semenyo, Christopher Antwi-Adjei, Weston McKennie, and Kylian Mbappé have all been victims of racist abuse from spectators in recent matches. Despite numerous initiatives from governing bodies like FIFA and UEFA, racism persists in soccer stadiums and on social media, leading frustrated players to call for tougher penalties against offenders. FIFA's latest response includes forming a 16-member "Players' Voice Panel" featuring soccer legends like George Weah and Didier Drogba to advise on anti-racism initiatives, while experts debate whether the problem stems from broader political trends or from structural issues within soccer itself.

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September 18, 2025

What Is Montessori Education?

The Montessori approach to education emphasizes the critical developmental period from birth to age three, when children's brains develop most rapidly. Montessori Infant & Toddler programs provide much more than basic childcare, offering environments designed by specially trained teachers to foster independence, exploration, and development across all areas. These programs also support families through parent education and group experiences. The American Montessori Society (AMS) identifies five essential components for high-quality Montessori education, with approximately 15% of member schools achieving accreditation status. Additionally, over 500 public schools nationwide now offer Montessori programs as a parent choice option, typically admitting students through lotteries due to high demand.

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September 18, 2025

He Quit a Vogue Job Nobody Quits. Can Edward Enninful Build Something Bigger?

Edward Enninful, after a successful six-year tenure as editor-in-chief of British Vogue, has launched a new media and entertainment business called EE72, featuring a print magazine titled 72. The venture represents Enninful's decision to leave one of fashion's top jobs at age 50 to create something independent and agile, without the constraints of legacy media. Despite challenging times for print publications, Enninful's new magazine notably contains no traditional advertising pages, instead pursuing a business model centered on brand partnerships across digital platforms, print, and events. The inaugural issue features Julia Roberts on the cover, interviewed by George Clooney, and includes diverse content spanning fashion, art, wellness, and design that reflects Enninful's long-standing commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

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September 18, 2025

Trump Administration Boosts HBCU Funding After Cutting Grants for Hispanic-Serving Colleges

The Trump administration is redirecting nearly $500 million in federal funding from various minority-serving programs toward historically Black colleges and tribal colleges. This reallocation represents a 48% funding increase for HBCUs and more than doubles funding for tribal colleges, coming primarily from cuts to Hispanic-serving institution grants and other programs. Education Secretary Linda McMahon justified the change by stating they're moving money away from "ineffective and discriminatory programs" toward those supporting student success. The redistribution also includes $60 million for charter schools and $137 million for American history and civics grants, enabled by a stopgap funding bill that gives the executive branch more authority over spending decisions.

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September 18, 2025

Robert Turner Covington

Robert Turner Covington (1932-2025) was a dedicated pharmacist who graduated from Howard University in 1954 and served in the Navy before establishing a successful career in pharmacy. After meeting and marrying Carrie Smith in the late 1950s, he co-owned Fed Mart Pharmacy from 1967-1977, later opening Bob's Pharmacy in National City, and finally working at Park Blvd Pharmacy until 2009. Throughout his career, Covington was known for his trustworthiness, knowledge, and patient demeanor, while also being actively involved in several organizations including Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the Boule, and Fidelity Lodge #10 Prince Hall Masons. He passed away on July 20, 2025, leaving behind his wife Carrie, two sons Ronald and Corey, and numerous family members and friends.

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September 18, 2025

Rita Darlene Ansley

Rita Darlene (Murry) Ansley, born in 1945 in Houston, lived most of her life in San Diego after relocating there in 1961. A devoted member of the 31st Street Seventh-day Adventist Church, Rita was known for her unwavering faith, evangelism efforts, and compassionate service including feeding the homeless. She was married to Booker Terry Ansley for many years and raised two sons, Patrick and Reginald, while serving as a guiding presence for her siblings and extended family. Rita passed away on August 11, 2025, leaving behind a legacy characterized by wisdom, kindness, and spiritual devotion that profoundly impacted her family, church community, and friends.

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September 18, 2025

A Look At “In Spite Of” Instead Of “Because Of”

The article discusses the current attacks on civil rights gains for Black Americans, highlighting how collective action is needed to counter these challenges. The author, Dr. John E. Warren, points to historical examples like lunch counter sit-ins as evidence of how Black Americans previously overcame segregation through unified efforts. He urges the community not to rely solely on government programs but to harness their own economic power, educational resources, and voting rights to protect their interests. Warren emphasizes that Black excellence stems from preparation and qualification rather than diversity initiatives, and calls for renewed collective action reminiscent of the civil rights movement.

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September 18, 2025

Sheffield: Detroit Would Fight Back Against Trump Deployment of National Guard

Detroit City Council president and mayoral frontrunner Mary Sheffield stated she would actively oppose any Trump administration attempts to deploy National Guard troops in Detroit, emphasizing this would not address public safety concerns. Her comments came after Vice President J.D. Vance suggested sending National Guard to Detroit to combat crime, despite the city reporting significant crime reductions in recent years. Sheffield highlighted the traumatic history of National Guard deployment during the 1967 Detroit Riots and advocated instead for community violence intervention programs, youth programming, education, mental health, and housing investments. The article notes that Detroit reported 252 homicides in 2023—the lowest number since 1966—though the per capita rate remains higher than in the past.

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September 18, 2025

ABC takes Jimmy Kimmel off air over Charlie Kirk comments

ABC has indefinitely suspended Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show following controversial comments he made about the shooting of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk. During his Monday night monologue, Kimmel claimed the "Maga Gang" was trying to score political points from Kirk's killing, which prompted FCC Chair Brendan Carr to threaten action against Disney and ABC. Shortly after ABC's announcement, President Trump celebrated on social media, incorrectly stating Kimmel's show had been cancelled. The suspension has sparked protests from Kimmel's fans and support from Hollywood figures, with several actors and organizations condemning the decision as an attack on free speech.

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