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Two Sullivans, one Alaska Senate seat and a fight over election certification. Mary Peltola's campaign and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee are asking a federal judge to dismiss a Justice Department lawsuit involving Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan and another candidate, Daniel J. Sullivan. DOJ argues the similar names could confuse voters and seeks to block certification under certain conditions pending an investigation. The Democrats challenge DOJ's authority under the National Voter Registration Act and point to ballot wording identifying the incumbent.

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Why is President Donald Trump campaigning in Mississippi, a state he won by about 23 percentage points in 2024? Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith faces a competitive challenge from Democrat Scott Colom, who would become the state's first Black U.S. senator since Reconstruction. This report examines the Corinth rally, Democratic support from Kamala Harris and Barack Obama, and Reuters/Ipsos and Pew polling showing low approval ratings for Trump. Republicans describe the visit as a turnout push, while Colom says it shows Hyde-Smith is worried.

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Remembering Tom Houck, the civil rights activist and former aide to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who has died at 79, according to WSB-TV in Atlanta. This report traces his participation in the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery voting rights march, his service as King's driver and personal assistant, and his later campaign work for Andrew Young, Maynard Jackson and John Lewis. Houck also worked in radio, television and journalism before sharing firsthand accounts of the movement through Atlanta civil rights tours.

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Chicago is remembering legendary DJ Sam Chatman, known as the "Godfather of Steppin'," who has died at 85, according to ABC7 Chicago. Chatman coined the term "Steppin'" in the 1970s and helped popularize the Chicago dance tradition. A West Pullman street was dedicated in his honor in 2025. The father of ABC7 Chicago anchor Samantha Chatman, he is remembered by his family as a devoted husband, father, son and brother whose wisdom shaped his community.

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Why are Black activists and media figures challenging the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's ties to Palantir? An open letter signed by Rashad Robinson, LaTosha Brown, the Rev. Jamal Bryant, Tamika Mallory and Joy-Ann Reid urges the foundation to reject the technology company's funding, including its Annual Legislative Conference sponsorship. This report examines the signers' concerns about predictive policing, immigration surveillance, deportations and cuts to diversity-related grants, along with their distinction between supporting the Congressional Black Caucus and challenging its foundation's corporate funding.

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Student organizers at Florida A&M University announced a noon protest outside the Al Lawson Center during homecoming, demanding an end to campus police's partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The 287(g) agreement authorizes trained officers to perform certain immigration enforcement duties under ICE supervision. Students for a Democratic Society and participating immigrant rights and community groups say ending the partnership would help protect students. The university has not issued a response as of publication.

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U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín ordered limits on certain Department of Homeland Security election-related field operations and interviews in nine states, including Georgia and Pennsylvania. Her Oct. 21 ruling cited unreliable data and intimidation affecting Americans who help others vote. The order set a delayed start of 5 p.m. Oct. 23 and restrictions lasting through Election Day, subject to its conditions and further court action. DHS says it has no plans to question or investigate people it believes are U.S. citizens.

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The Independent's Andrew Feinberg was removed from the press pool assigned to cover President Donald Trump's Iowa trip following an Oval Office exchange. The White House Correspondents' Association condemned the move as retaliation. Meanwhile, CNN is threatening further legal action over Air Force One access after a federal judge ordered the restoration of White House press credentials for CNN, MS NOW and Politico. The administration maintains that access to presidential facilities is a privilege.

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The NAACP is partnering with former Vice President Kamala Harris for town halls in Milwaukee on Oct. 26 and Atlanta on Oct. 29. Harris and NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson will discuss community priorities, how national policies affect families and the importance of staying engaged beyond Election Day. The events will also offer nonpartisan voter education resources ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections.

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With 13 days until the midterm elections, President Donald Trump is campaigning for Sen. Darline Graham in South Carolina. More than $34 million has poured into the race against Democrat Annie Andrews, while Republicans shift resources from North Carolina and Trump's approval rating falls to 31% in a Reuters/Ipsos poll.

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On this day in 2024, Queen Latifah and Missy Elliott made hip-hop history as the first rappers to receive the National Medal of Arts. President Joe Biden presented the honors at a White House ceremony celebrating 39 recipients of the National Medals of Arts and National Humanities Medals. Elliott marked the milestone by thanking Biden and celebrating Queen Latifah for opening doors for generations of artists.

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Dr. Richard E. Holmes, the first Black student to enroll at Mississippi State University, died Oct. 16 at age 82. A native of Starkville, Holmes integrated the university in 1965, earned two degrees there and later graduated from Michigan State University's medical school. After spending more than 20 years as an emergency room physician in Birmingham, Alabama, he returned to Mississippi State in 2003 to serve at its student health center. The university honored his legacy by naming its cultural diversity center after him in 1991 and dedicating the Dr. Richard E. Holmes Plaza in August 2026.

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President Donald Trump has waived planned Russia-related sanctions and tariffs that were scheduled to begin taking effect Oct. 18, citing concerns about their economic impact and ongoing negotiations over the war in Ukraine. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the administration could take up to 60 days to review the measures, although the executive order does not set an expiration date for the waivers. Oil futures initially declined as investors weighed the possibility of increased Russian fuel exports, but lower crude oil prices do not necessarily translate into savings at the gas pump. For American commuters and businesses, the question remains...

On Oct. 19, 1943, legendary actor and activist Paul Robeson made Broadway history starring in William Shakespeare's "Othello" at New York City's Shubert Theatre. Robeson became the first Black actor to portray Othello on Broadway, performing alongside a largely white cast during an era of widespread racial segregation. Directed by Margaret Webster, the groundbreaking production ran for 296 performances, setting a record for the longest-running Shakespeare play in Broadway history that still stands today. Robeson later toured the country with the production, bringing his historic portrayal to audiences beyond New York.

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President Donald Trump is facing widespread disapproval as the Nov. 3 midterm elections approach. A new Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll finds just 33% of Americans approve of his job performance, while 66% disapprove. Separate NBC News and Fox News polls put his approval at 34% and 36%, respectively. With control of Congress at stake, the results highlight voter dissatisfaction, although presidential approval ratings do not necessarily predict congressional election outcomes. Voters will decide which party controls each chamber of Congress, shaping decisions on federal spending, investigations and oversight of the administration.

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A national coalition led by the NAACP, National Urban League, 100 Black Men of America, Black Men Vote and Woke Vote is launching a nonpartisan campaign to mobilize 100,000 Black men ahead of the midterm elections. The week of action culminates in the inaugural National Black Man Voter Day on Saturday, Oct. 24. More than 5,000 Black men have already participated in organizing efforts, with planned activities including barbershop conversations, community gatherings, voter transportation and group trips to the polls where early voting is available. Organizers say the broader mission is to strengthen political participation and hold elected officials accountable beyond Election Day.<...

A new Hart Research survey of 1,026 registered voters across 61 competitive or potentially competitive House districts finds growing concerns about household expenses ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections. Sixty percent of respondents said President Donald Trump is making energy prices worse, while 54% said the same about Republicans in Congress. Grocery costs, gasoline prices and utility bills are weighing on voting decisions, while Democrats led Republicans 49% to 46% on the congressional ballot, a difference within the survey's stated uncertainty range.

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The FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and U.S. Capitol Police are investigating suspicious letters sent to election officials and congressional offices nationwide ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections. Some letters contained unidentified white powder, although preliminary tests on certain mailings have come back negative for dangerous substances. At least one envelope bore a return address previously associated with the Democratic Socialists of America, which denies any involvement. Authorities are working to intercept additional letters and urging recipients to exercise caution.

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On Oct. 16, 1968, Olympic medalists Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised black-gloved fists during the national anthem at the Mexico City Olympics, protesting racial injustice and poverty in America. Their historic demonstration led to their suspension from the U.S. Olympic team and became an enduring symbol of the civil rights movement. Twenty-seven years later, on Oct. 16, 1995, hundreds of thousands of Black men gathered on the National Mall in Washington for the Million Man March, organized by Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan. The gathering emphasized Black unity, personal accountability, family responsibility and community empowerment. Both events remain defining moments...

President Donald Trump has reversed plans to livestream the execution of Nidal Malik Hasan, the former Army psychiatrist convicted of killing 13 people at Fort Hood, Texas, in 2009. The decision follows criticism from lawmakers, religious leaders and survivors who opposed turning the execution into a public spectacle. Hasan's execution remains scheduled for Dec. 3.

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A red Chicago Bulls jersey worn and autographed by Michael Jordan during Game 2 of the 1998 NBA Finals has sold for a record-breaking $14 million. The historic sale, arranged by Hunt Auctions, makes it the most expensive piece of basketball memorabilia ever sold and the second-highest known price for a game-worn sports jersey.

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A federal appeals court has blocked California from requiring nonuniformed federal agents to display identification. The unanimous ruling follows a February decision that blocked the state's ban on agents wearing masks. The two rulings have raised concerns about accountability when people stopped or detained by masked immigration officers cannot see their faces or obtain identifying information at the scene. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has criticized the practice, while the appeals court cited constitutional limits on state regulation of federal law enforcement operations.

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More than 5 million fewer Americans are receiving SNAP benefits, including an estimated 2 million children, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. SNAP participation fell 13% between July 2025 and June 2026, reaching its lowest level in 17 years. Researchers say an improving economy is unlikely to explain the decline, pointing instead to tighter eligibility rules and federal funding cuts as likely contributing factors. With most states scheduled to begin sharing SNAP benefit costs in October 2027, advocates warn that even more families could lose food assistance.

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U.S. inflation climbed to 3.7% in September, up from 3.4% in August, as consumer prices jumped 0.6% in a single month. Gasoline prices were the biggest driver, averaging $4.33 a gallon, according to AAA, as the war with Iran continues pushing fuel costs higher. While inflation excluding food and energy stood at 2.6%, American families continue facing rising everyday expenses. The report is the final monthly consumer inflation update before the Nov. 3 midterm elections, putting renewed attention on President Donald Trump's campaign promise to lower prices.

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Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland and Tina Knowles attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the Knowles-Rowland House in Houston. The renovated facility will provide 31 permanent supportive housing units for people who have experienced chronic homelessness, including 16 units designed for residents with mobility or sensory impairments. Originally opened in 1999 with funding from Destiny's Child's first single, the building was damaged by Hurricane Harvey and a subsequent fire. The redevelopment received about $7.2 million in federal pandemic recovery funds from Harris County.

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New White House press secretary Katie Zacharia made her debut Tuesday with a briefing lasting about 14 minutes, more than eight of which were devoted to her opening statement. Zacharia took questions from reporters representing just three news outlets: Breitbart, Fox News and the Daily Mail. When Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy asked whether the U.S. had stopped sharing intelligence with Ukraine, Zacharia said she would have to get back to him. She also promoted President Donald Trump's campaign rallies from the White House podium, raising questions about the Hatch Act's restrictions on federal employees engaging in political activity...

Hospitals across the United States are closing maternity wards, and health experts warn President Donald Trump's Medicaid cuts could accelerate the trend. According to The Guardian, the advocacy group Protect Our Care reports that 52 maternity wards have closed since July 2025, with eight additional closures announced. Hospitals in Virginia and Georgia have cited upcoming Medicaid policy changes among their reasons for ending maternity services. March of Dimes warns that funding cuts and restrictions could leave more communities without nearby maternity care. Medicaid covers roughly four in 10 U.S. births, making the potential impact significant. The stakes are especially high for...

On Oct. 13, 1914, pioneering Black American inventor Garrett Morgan received a U.S. patent for his safety hood, an early version of the modern gas mask. Designed to protect firefighters and workers from smoke and dangerous fumes, the invention proved its value in 1916 when an explosion trapped workers in a tunnel beneath Lake Erie in Cleveland, Ohio. Morgan, his brother and two volunteers wore the safety hoods as they entered the smoke-filled tunnel, helping rescue several men. Despite facing racial discrimination, Morgan continued developing innovations, including a three-position traffic signal patented in 1923. He died in 1963, leaving a lasting legacy of...

Federal agents searched the Washington home of Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., just 22 days before the midterm elections, prompting accusations of political targeting from the Congressional Black Caucus. CBC Chair Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, D-N.Y., and other caucus members questioned the legal basis for the search and cited President Donald Trump's history of attacks on Omar. 

The Justice Department said Homeland Security Investigations agents executed a court-authorized search warrant as part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation. Reuters reports that the investigation concerns alleged immigration fraud involving paperwork completed by Omar's late father when she was a c...

President Donald Trump's agreement to purchase Russian diesel is drawing bipartisan opposition in Washington as Americans face high fuel costs. Seven senators urged the administration to reverse course Sunday, while Brent crude was trading above $105 a barrel Monday morning. Trump announced the deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, saying it was intended to lower fuel prices ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections. The agreement raises questions about U.S. efforts to restrict Russian energy revenue used to finance the war in Ukraine, particularly after Trump signed legislation targeting major buyers of Russian oil and gas. Whether the...

On Oct. 12, 1908, pioneering novelist and journalist Ann Petry was born in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. Trained as a pharmacist, Petry later worked as a journalist in Harlem, where her experiences with racism, poverty and housing discrimination helped shape her writing. In 1946, she published her groundbreaking debut novel, "The Street," about a Black single mother struggling to build a better life for herself and her son. The book became the first novel by an African American woman to sell more than 1 million copies. Petry went on to write "Country Place," "The Narrows" and books for young readers, including a biography of...

President Donald Trump has tapped Katie Zacharia to serve as his next White House press secretary, replacing Karoline Leavitt, who stepped down Aug. 27 to spend more time with her children. Zacharia currently serves as a senior communications adviser at Trump Media & Technology Group, the company behind Truth Social, and previously worked at the Department of Homeland Security. No official start date has been announced. Her selection comes amid mounting scrutiny over restrictions on White House press access and Trump's treatment of journalists. Meanwhile, Leavitt remains an outside adviser to Trump and is scheduled to join Fox News as a...

Curtis Flowers, a Black man who spent nearly 23 years imprisoned in Mississippi, has died at 56. Flowers faced six trials for the 1996 murders of four people and maintained his innocence throughout. Four convictions were overturned, and two trials ended in mistrials. In 2019, the Supreme Court overturned his latest conviction, ruling that racial discrimination had tainted jury selection. Flowers was released later that year, and all charges were dropped in 2020. His cause of death has not been announced.

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The Department of Housing and Urban Development is investigating Wells Fargo's initiatives to expand Black homeownership. HUD Secretary Scott Turner said lending decisions based on race may violate the Fair Housing Act, though no violation has been established. In 2017, Wells Fargo pledged $60 billion in mortgage lending to help create at least 250,000 Black homeowners by 2027. The National Fair Housing Alliance argues that federal law permits special-purpose credit programs and warns the investigation could discourage lenders from supporting underserved communities.

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President Donald Trump's effort to ban CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House remains blocked as a federal judge considers longer-term protections for their access. U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly heard arguments Thursday over whether the restrictions violate the First Amendment and due process protections. Attorneys for the news organizations accuse the administration of punishing critical coverage, while the Justice Department defends the restrictions. Kelly intends to decide by Tuesday whether to extend the protections.

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Missy Elliott is bringing the inaugural Missy Elliott Presents HBCU Band Battle to Norfolk State University on Sunday, Oct. 18. The event will feature four HBCU marching bands: Norfolk State's Spartan Legion, Virginia State's Trojan Explosion, Hampton University's Marching Force and Elizabeth City State's Sound of Class. The celebration will also include the Missy Elliott Innovation Summit, highlighting music, technology, education and entrepreneurship.

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With 26 days until the midterms, the NAACP is asking a federal court to force the Trump administration to disclose its plans for election monitors. The organization filed an emergency records lawsuit after Attorney General Todd Blanche reportedly announced plans to deploy monitors to all 50 states. The NAACP says the Justice Department missed the deadline to respond to its public records request and is seeking details about the operation's legal authority, deployment locations and training materials. The group warns that federal election monitoring could intimidate eligible voters, particularly in Black communities.

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Three years after the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel, all hostages have been returned, but the crisis continues. More than 74,000 Palestinians have been killed during Israel's military campaign, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, while about 1.4 million people are expected to face high levels of acute food insecurity through December. Israeli strikes have continued, Hamas has not fully disarmed and negotiations over Gaza's future remain stalled.

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Democracy Forward says newly obtained government records show ICE's Homeland Security Investigations probed voter registration nonprofits and considered undercover operations, with New Jersey and Pennsylvania listed as priorities. The group says HSI also obtained tens of millions of voter roll records as part of its investigations. Democracy Forward argues the federal scrutiny could discourage voter registration work and intimidate eligible voters ahead of the midterm elections.

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R&B singer Freddie Jackson, best known for the 1985 hit "You Are My Lady," has died at 70. The Harlem native earned two Grammy nominations and built a career around romantic ballads that became staples of 1980s R&B. Jackson revealed in 2024 that he had been diagnosed with kidney disease and later partnered with the National Kidney Foundation to raise awareness. No cause of death has been announced.

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