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The U.S. Health and Human Services' newly appointed vaccine advisory committee, led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., met in Atlanta to reconsider vaccine recommendations for several diseases. The panel, whose members were all selected by Kennedy after he dismissed the previous committee, declined to recommend COVID-19 vaccines to any specific population groups, suggesting individuals make their own decisions. The committee also recommended new restrictions for the combination vaccine protecting against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox, while postponing a vote on hepatitis B vaccines for newborns. Critics express concern that the panel's composition and decisions could undermine public trust in vaccines, as its recommendations will go to the CDC director and typically become standard practice for doctors and insurers.

The Future Waves Conference 2025, themed around Afrofuturism and global futures, took place in Dakar, Senegal from September 11-17, bringing together scholars, artists, and thought leaders from across the globe. Hosted at multiple venues including Cheikh Anta Diop University, Artiste Du Daanu Dakar cultural center, and the Axil Hotel, the conference featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, performances, and collaborative sessions exploring how creativity, technology, and heritage can shape equitable futures. Participants from countries including the USA, Senegal, Germany, Colombia, and Botswana engaged in discussions on topics such as "Africana Futures," "AI and Ancestral Intelligence," and Afrofuturist storytelling. The multi-disciplinary event celebrated Black creativity and speculative vision while connecting ancestral wisdom with contemporary innovation, establishing Dakar as a hub for cultural exchange and forward-thinking dialogue.

of News Article Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts was detained by immigration authorities who claim he was in the country illegally and possessed weapons unlawfully. According to DHS, Roberts had entered the US on a student visa in 1999, received a final removal order in May 2024, and was found with a loaded handgun during his arrest, which violates federal law for those without legal status. The school district acknowledged Roberts had disclosed a firearms offense related to a hunting rifle during his hiring process but was unaware of any removal order against the superintendent, who has a long career in education and previously competed as an Olympic athlete for Guyana. The arrest has sparked protests and support from local education and community groups, while the school board has appointed an interim superintendent and scheduled a special meeting to discuss Roberts' status.

REKRE8 Universal recently hosted the "We Can Make It Fashion Show" at Jacobs Amphitheater on Euclid Ave in San Diego, an event dedicated to celebrating local youth while honoring Ruby Barnard's legacy. The show featured young models from REKRE8 Universal and Princess Academy, alongside various performances including musical acts, dance routines, and cultural presentations. Community involvement extended beyond the stage with Kid Entrepreneurs showcasing their ideas, community organizations like Sharia's Closet inviting volunteer participation, and local food vendors enhancing the festive atmosphere. The successful event highlighted the importance of community collaboration, with support from partners including Princess Magazine, Del Mar Solutions, Lincoln High Media Department, and other talented contributors.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

President Donald Trump has threatened to impose substantial tariffs on countries that don't manufacture furniture in the United States, following his earlier announcement of 50% tariffs on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities and 30% on upholstered furniture set to take effect this week. The implementation details remain unclear since furniture is manufactured by businesses rather than countries, though the post suggests a tariff structure potentially based on furniture export volumes to the U.S. Furniture prices have already increased in recent months following Trump's tariff hikes on China and Vietnam, which are the top sources of imported furniture to the U.S., with prices rising 4.7% compared to August 2024, marking the largest increase in three years. Trump claims these measures aim to help North Carolina, which he says has "completely lost its furniture business to China, and other countries."

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's annual awards dinner featured direct commentary about the challenges facing Black Americans and democracy. Vice President Kamala Harris, one of three honorees alongside Angela Rye and Jotaka Eaddy, criticized Republicans' long-term strategy to consolidate power and rejected the idea that a single individual could save democracy. Maryland Governor Wes Moore emphasized collective power rather than presidential authority, while discussions throughout CBC Week centered on developing strategies against perceived threats to democracy under Trump's administration. The event occurred as the federal government faces a potential shutdown and more federal employee dismissals.

Amir Amiry, a US citizen who was detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan for nine months, has been released following negotiations led by Qatar. He is the fifth American freed from Afghanistan this year and was traveling back to the United States as of Sunday. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio thanked Qatar for their diplomatic efforts while noting that other US citizens remain unjustly detained in Afghanistan. Qatar's foreign ministry facilitated the release after months of negotiations, which included arranging a meeting between Amiry and US hostage envoy Adam Boehler, with a breakthrough occurring this weekend.

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco were married on September 27, 2025, in a ceremony held in Santa Barbara, California with approximately 170 guests in attendance, including celebrities Taylor Swift, Paul Rudd, Steve Martin, and Martin Short. The couple, who got engaged in December 2024 after dating for a year, had previously collaborated on multiple music projects before their romantic relationship began. Their professional relationship included work on hits like "Same Old Love" and "Kill Em with Kindness," and they recently released an album titled "I Said I Love You First" in March that chronicles their romance. Both Gomez and Blanco have established careers in the entertainment industry, with Gomez known for her Disney Channel role and music career, while Blanco is recognized as a producer who has worked with numerous high-profile artists.

President Donald Trump has ordered troops to Portland, Oregon with authorization to use "full force" against protesters targeting immigration detention centers, claiming to protect ICE facilities from "Antifa and other domestic terrorists." Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has pushed back, stating there is no security threat in Portland and calling the deployment "an abuse of power." The move comes amid Trump's broader immigration crackdown and recent designation of Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization, following protests at Portland's ICE facility since early June that have led to federal charges against 26 people. Democratic lawmakers have criticized the deployment and ICE's tactics, while some Republicans have supported Trump's decision to "protect ICE facilities."

President Donald Trump has announced plans to declassify all government records related to the 1937 disappearance of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart, who vanished over the Pacific Ocean during her attempt to circumnavigate the globe. Despite numerous theories ranging from fuel exhaustion to Japanese capture, the mystery remains unsolved, with no physical evidence ever found to conclusively determine her fate. While some FBI files and Navy search reports have been released over the decades, many records have remained classified, fueling speculation about possible government cover-ups. The declassification will include all materials related to Earhart, her final journey, and other aspects of her life and career.

The California Department of Housing & Community Development (HCD) is launching two new assistance programs through ReCoverCA to help residents affected by the 2023-2024 floods. The Single-Family Housing Rehabilitation/Reconstruction (SFRR) program will provide funding to repair, rebuild, or reconstruct damaged primary residences for eligible homeowners in federally designated Most Impacted and Distressed Areas. Additionally, the Disaster Recovery Homebuyer Assistance Program (DR-HBA) will offer up to $300,000 in second mortgage loans, forgiven after five years, to help low and moderate-income residents purchase homes in safer areas starting November 10, 2025. Both programs have specific eligibility requirements, including proof of flood damage and location requirements, with the DR-HBA program prioritizing impacted households during the first 60 days of applications.

Democratic governors in Arizona, Illinois, Maine, and North Carolina have recently signed orders to allow most residents to receive COVID-19 vaccines at pharmacies without individual prescriptions, joining a growing trend among states. According to CVS Health, its stores now offer shots without individual prescriptions in 41 states, though nine states plus D.C. still require prescriptions under the company's interpretation of state policies. At least 14 states have announced policies this month to ease vaccine access, with most being led by Democratic governors, while a West Coast alliance of four states plans to make their own vaccine recommendations. Republican-controlled states generally haven't changed vaccine policies recently, though the vaccinations remain available under existing protocols.

A recent Quinnipiac University poll reveals that 79% of American voters believe the country is experiencing a political crisis, with widespread agreement across party lines following Charlie Kirk's assassination. The survey indicates 71% of voters now consider politically motivated violence a "very serious" problem, up significantly from 54% in June, with 82% blaming inflammatory political rhetoric. Most respondents (58%) no longer believe political rhetoric can be toned down, and a majority expect political violence to worsen in coming years. Additional concerns highlighted in the poll include declining confidence in freedom of speech protections, skepticism about the democratic system's functionality, low approval ratings for President Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and economic worries centered on consumer prices.

In 1989, Alan Swanson and Willie Bennett, two Black men, were wrongly accused of killing Carol Stuart, a pregnant white woman in Boston, when in fact her husband Charles Stuart had orchestrated the murder. After facing wrongful accusations that sparked racial tensions and a police crackdown in a Black neighborhood, Swanson and Bennett have now received a $150,000 settlement from the city of Boston. The settlement comes two years after Boston Mayor Michelle Wu issued a formal apology for the injustice they suffered and the harm caused to the Black community. Bennett will receive $100,000 while Swanson will receive $50,000 from the settlement.

Recent research reveals that approximately 88 percent of our daily behaviors are performed habitually with minimal conscious thought. The study, conducted by researchers from three universities across multiple countries, tracked 105 participants for a week and discovered that 65 percent of actions were "habitually instigated" by environmental cues rather than deliberate decisions. The research distinguished between habitual instigation (automatically starting an action) and habitual execution (carrying out an activity without thinking), finding that demographics generally didn't affect how automatic people's behaviors were, with exercise being a notable exception. Importantly, the study found that most automatic behaviors aligned with personal goals, with only 17 percent of habitual actions contradicting what people consciously wanted to do.

Eleven West African deportees from the U.S. were sent to their home countries by Ghana over the weekend despite ongoing legal challenges and safety concerns. The deportees, who were part of a group of 14 immigrants initially sent to Ghana, had filed a lawsuit seeking release, with eight claiming they faced risks of torture or persecution in their home countries. Their lawyer, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, stated that the deportations occurred hurriedly to circumvent their court case, and some deportees have gone into hiding for safety reasons after arriving in their countries of origin. The deportations are part of the Trump administration's controversial program that has been criticized by human rights experts who question whether proper screening protocols for asylum-seekers are being followed.

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.