by Mitti Hicks

December 19, 2025

Trump Signs Executive Order To Expedite The Reclassifying Of Marijuana

The order does not fully legalize marijuana, but instead pushes Attorney General Pam Bondi to quickly loosen federal restrictions so research can begin.

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that would expedite the reclassification of marijuana. It’s a move that Trump says will allow more research on its medical use.

“This reclassification order will make it far easier to conduct marijuana-related medical research, allowing us to study benefits, potential dangers and future treatments,” Trump said in the Oval Office Thursday, CNN reported. “It’s going to have a tremendously positive impact.”

The order does not fully legalize marijuana, but instead pushes Attorney General Pam Bondi to quickly loosen federal restrictions so research can begin. Currently, the Drug Enforcement Agency lists cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug, putting it on the same list as heroin, LSD, and ecstasy. With Trump’s executive order, he is reclassifying it to a Schedule 3 drug.

“Schedule III drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence,” the DEA says on its website.

Some Schedule 3 drugs include Tylenol with codeine, ketamine, testosterone, and anabolic steroids.

Trump Says Executive Order Could Help With Opioid Crisis

While the president’s executive order does not federally legalize marijuana, it will not affect recreational use in two dozen states where it is legal. The order also does not include any criminal justice changes.

The president has been adamant about addressing the opioid crisis during both terms in office. In 2017, he declared the opioid crisis a nationwide public health emergency, which expanded access to telemedicine services. Then, in 2018, he signed the bipartisan SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act into law, which expanded Medicare coverage for opioid use disorder treatments.

Through his latest executive action, Trump said it’s “common sense” to reclassify marijuana in the fight against the opioid crisis and addiction.

“The facts compel the federal government to recognize that marijuana can be legitimate in terms of medical applications when carefully administered. In some cases, this may include the use as a substitute for addictive and potentially lethal opioid painkillers,” said Trump.

by Ahsan Washington

December 19, 2025

Last Minute Gift Grabs From Your Favorite Diaspora Brands

These brands contribute to the global and regional economy.

Diaspora-owned brands offer design-forward, culturally rooted gift options that meet consumer demand. These brands contribute to the global and regional economy, bringing worldwide entrepreneurship and cultural diversity.

These last-minute gift selections across fashion, beauty, food, and home goods are favorites among the many diasporan brands. There is no need to resort to generic last-minute gift-giving. Supporting diaspora brands helps preserve cultural legacies, whether it’s during the holiday or beyond.

KUA Designs

The Ghanaian fashion and lifestyle brand KUA Designs operates under Founder Ruby Buah, who creates handmade accessories and apparel. The brand creates statement bags, beaded jewelry, and fashion pieces that draw inspiration from African design traditions. KUA is headquartered in Accra, Ghana, and reaches customers worldwide through its online store and pop-up markets. The holiday gift collection features items that combine traditional craftsmanship with cultural narratives and support social responsibility programs through their sales.

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Diva By Cindy

Cindy Tawiah founded Diva By Cindy to create a natural haircare brand that offers stimulant-free shampoos, conditioners, and lotions for textured hair. Diva By Cindy has built a strong reputation over the years through its carefully developed products and deep-rooted community connections while selling its products through online platforms and retail locations.

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Bolé Road Textiles

Hana Getachew established Bolé Road Textiles to display Ethiopian weaving traditions through pillows, throws, and woven textiles. These heirloom-quality pieces are available online and allow diasporic heritage to be incorporated into daily living spaces.

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Reflektion Design

Anitra Terrell established Reflektion Design to honor African craft traditions through colorful baskets, mugs, spoons, and textiles created by Ghanaian, Kenyan, and Ugandan artisans. The online store provides decorative home goods that celebrate global craft and artisan communities.

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Studio One Eighty Nine

The luxury artisanal brand Studio One Eighty Nine, co-founded by Abrima Erwiah and Rosario Dawson, produces garments and accessories inspired by African cultural traditions. Their collections, which are based in Ghana and the US, can be purchased online for holiday gifts. Studio One Eighty Nine stands out as a gift choice because it unites fairtrade principles with cultural storytelling through its fashion creations.

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by Kandiss Edwards

December 19, 2025

Shamed British Commentator Quietly Walks Back Labeled Lies About Meghan Markle’s Mama

A spokesperson for the duchess’s office spoke out against the sloppy journalism.

A British news commentator issued a rare on-air apology after falsely claiming that Meghan, Duchess of Sussex’s mother, had been in prison.

On Dec. 4, along with Carole Malone’s inaccurate information about Doria Ragland, she also falsely claimed the Duchess was raised by her father, Thomas Markle.

Malone, a commentator on GB News, acknowledged her error during a follow-up broadcast on Dec. 15.

In a video of the broadcast circulating online, the uninformed woman said she believed the claim based on “misinformation I had seen online.”

She continued by stating that the error was innocent and made without malice, and that she now believed the truth.

“This was a genuine error. I accept what I have been told on behalf of Ms. Ragland — that she raised her daughter and that she has never been in prison or jail,” Malone said.

During the apology segment on Britain’s Newsroom, anchor Andrew Pierce also issued an apology on behalf of the program.”

“We all wish to apologize to Ms. Ragland for the error, and we are happy to correct the record,” Pierce said

The clarification came after Malone was questioned on air about the veracity of the original claim. During the pushback, she stood behind her misguided information.

A spokesperson for the duchess’s office spoke out against the sloppy journalism in a statement to US Weekly.

“Broadcasters have a responsibility to inform, not inflame,” the statement read.

The Duchess’s team also noted that the false claim had been debunked more than two years earlier but continued to circulate, causing recurring harm before the on-air retraction.

“This lie was conclusively debunked more than two years ago, yet it continues to be recycled by irresponsible commentators, causing recurring harm. Ms Ragland proudly raised her daughter and has never been in prison. GB News did not apologize voluntarily, but only to escape a defamation lawsuit — and it speaks volumes that GB News removed any trace of that apology within 24 hours of making it.”

The original broadcast occurred amid media attention on Markle’s estranged father’s health condition in the Philippines. He underwent a leg amputation following a serious infection. Since Markle’s entrance into the British royal family, questions about her estrangement from her father have garnered attention across the pond. Even years after the Duchess of Sussex and her husband, Prince Harry, exited active royal life and moved to America, the rumors and speculation continue.

by Mitti Hicks

December 19, 2025

At 8.3%, Black Unemployment Is Worsening At A Fast and Concerning Rate

This is the highest reading since August 2021, when the unemployment rate was 7.5% in September, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

The latest job report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows an alarming and steady trend. The unemployment rate for Black Americans has soared to 8.3% under President Donald Trump’s administration. This is the highest reading since August 2021, when the unemployment rate was 7.5% in September, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

In May, the Black unemployment rate for Black workers fell to a low for the year at 6.0%. That was a rate just 1.8 percentage points above the overall unemployment rate for the month. By November, the unemployment rate among Black workers was 3.7 points higher than the broader U.S. workforce, NBC News reports.

While the economy continues to show steady signs of slowing down for hiring, Black workers have been disproportionately impacted. Job loss for Black workers is outpacing the population overall. While the unemployment rate rose by just 0.4%, Black unemployment rose by 2.3%.

Black Women Taking Hardest Hit As Unemployment Climbs To 7%

According to the Center for American Progress (CAP), the latest job report shows warning signs that the economy is weakening. The total number of jobs increased by 64,000 in November and decreased by 105,000 in October.

However, what’s even more concerning is that Black women continue to take the hardest hit for job loss, despite being the most educated nationwide. Black women’s unemployment stood at 7.1% in November, compared with 5.4% in January, CAP points out. For perspective, the unemployment rate for white workers has barely moved from its average of 3.7% in the first half of the year.

“The adage ‘last hired, first fired,’ which describes the uneven labor market experiences of different races and ethnicities at the start of a recession, may hold again,” CAP analysts write.

Last month, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley called on the Federal Reserve to take action to address the unemployment rate for Black women following the release of the September jobs report.

“As the primary breadwinners for many households, Black women are the backbones of our families and our economy,” Pressley said. “Their systematic pushout not only has dangerous consequences for Black women, Black families, Black futures. It is also a glaring red flag for the entire U.S. economy.”

Sherrone Moore, Michigan football, Arrest

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 19, 2025

‘Very Dangerous’: Explosive Courtroom Testimony Puts Sherrone Moore In The Hot Seat

A Detroit detective also testified during a probable cause hearing that he "had a long history of domestic violence"

A Detroit detective who testified during a probable cause hearing for former Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore revealed that he “had a long history of domestic violence” and labeled him “very dangerous.”

According to The Athletic, Moore, who was charged with home invasion and stalking after his coaching position was terminated, headed over to his alleged lover’s home and allegedly threatened to harm himself as he “was inside her home, attacking her.” The University of Michigan fired him for allegedly being “engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.

Pittsfield Township Police Detective Jessica Welker testified on Dec. 12 and revealed a timeline leading up to Moore being arrested Dec. 10 at the apartment of the woman he allegedly had an affair with. Moore is married with three children.

Police officers were summoned to the woman’s residence after receiving a phone call from the victim’s attorney, Heidi Sharp, according to court records. She informed authorities that Moore grabbed some knives and pointed them toward her, but turned them on himself after the woman put Sharp on speakerphone. Moore denied “threatening her with any weapons” when speaking to police officers after the arrest.

In a written statement to the media outlet, the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office said, “the evidence that was available to us at the time of the charging decision indicated that Mr. Moore had an intent to terrorize and harass the victim, which is the basis for the stalking charge. Given that his statements were those of self-harm, however, there was not sufficient evidence to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, an intent to assault or batter the victim.”

The prosecutor’s office confirmed that the case “remains under active investigation” and that there could be additional charges based on new evidence.

Moore did admit to police officers that he and the woman “were in an intimate relationship for approximately two years,” according to Welker’s testimony. However, the woman told police she ended it two days before his termination and told the former coach that she had “nothing more to say to him.” Yet, he still tried to contact her “approximately a dozen times and sent her text messages over the next two days.”

The coach was with Michigan for less than two years after taking over from Jim Harbaugh in January 2024, as Harbaugh moved to the NFL to coach. Moore had a 9-3 record this season, after leading the team to a 7-5 record last year.

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 19, 2025

Trump Gifts Some—Not All—Federal Workers The Gift Of A 5-Day Christmas Weekend

On social media, many celebrated that Trump may not be the Grinch after all while others feel it's not much to jump up and shout about, given some of the other moves he made affecting all Americans.

A Dec. 18 executive order signed by President Donald Trump declared Christmas Eve and Dec. 26—the first day of Kwanzaa—as federal holidays, gifting affected federal employees a five-day holiday break, Fox News reported.

The order is the first time in years that federal employees have received an extra two days off around the holidays. It’s common practice for presidents to gift the day before or the day after Christmas, but not both.

In 2024, former President Joe Biden gave federal employees Christmas Eve off, while President Barack Obama only gave Friday, Dec. 26, off, leaving Wednesday as a regular workday, when Christmas fell on a Thursday in 2014.

During Trump’s first term, in 2018, 2019, and 2020, he gave federal employees an extra day off for Christmas Eve.

“All executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government shall be closed and their employees excused from duty on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, and Friday, December 26, 2025, the day before and the day following Christmas Day, respectively,” the order read.

In addition, the order highlights that the days should be treated the same as other federal holidays regarding pay and leave regulations. However, the order gives agency leadership the authority to determine if some offices should stay open in matters of “national security, defense, or other urgent public need.”

The Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is responsible for taking the necessary steps to ensure the order is implemented across the federal workforce. But at the state level, some workers still have to show up on both days.

In a Nov. 17 statement, Florida Governor and Trump friend, Ron DeSantis, gave state employees a five-day weekend and two four-day weekends during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. He closed state offices for Dec. 26, and Christmas Day, but failed to mention Christmas Eve, meaning employees are expected in the office. “Our state employees have worked hard throughout the year,” the statement read, according to the Tallahassee Democrat.

“I hope they enjoy additional time off with loved ones and friends this holiday season. The First Lady and I are thankful for their continued dedication to the people of Florida.”

State law actually bans the governor from extending the nice gesture to a class of workers labeled as Other Personal Services or OPS — part-time employees that fill temporary staff shortages. More than 9,900 OPS employees work for 30 state agencies and make up roughly 10% of the lowest-paid state workers.

On social media, many celebrated that Trump may not be the Grinch after all, while others feel it’s not much to jump up and shout about, especially with some of the other moves made affecting all Americans during this second term. “Coworker chanting ‘Make America Great Again’ because dumbass Trump made Christmas Eve and the day after Christmas federal holidays,” @allaseal wrote on X.

coworker chanting make america great again because dumbass trump made christmas eve and the day after christmas federal holidays. pic.twitter.com/3WLOyyeUid
— Allison (@allaseal) December 19, 2025

Another user and shopper shared a picture of an almost-empty Walmart store, highlighting the vast difference between 2024 and 2025, shortly after the president claimed the economy was booming during a Dec. 17 presidential address.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 19, 2025

New York Governor Leans In To Legalize Medical Aid In Dying: ‘God Is Merciful And Compassionate’

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has reached a deal to allow medically assisted suicide for eligible individuals.

New York is close to legalizing medically assisted suicide after Gov. Kathy Hochul reached an agreement with state legislative leaders.

On Dec. 17, Hochul announced she had reached an agreement with state leaders to advance a bill allowing terminally ill patients to end their lives using prescribed medication. In an op-ed titled “Why I’m supporting medical aid in dying,” she outlined her support for the measure and the safeguards she intends to include before signing it into law.

“Proudly, New York has long led the fight championing the rights of individuals, from civil rights to labor rights, LGBTQ rights, women’s rights, and reproductive rights,” Hochul wrote. “In the true spirit of this country, government has a responsibility to protect, not interfere, with an individual’s deeply personal decisions.”

“This is the context in which I have considered the Medical Aid in Dying Act, a bill to allow suffering terminally ill individuals with less than six months left to live the right to medical aid to speed up the inevitable,” she added.

New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Act would allow terminally ill patients given six months or less to request life-ending medication, subject to multiple safeguards. The measure requires written requests signed by two witnesses, approval from both an attending and consulting physician, confirmation from a doctor of the six-month prognosis, and a mental health evaluation to ensure the patient is acting voluntarily.

The bill also includes a mandatory five-day waiting period, written and recorded oral consent, allows religious-affiliated outpatient facilities to opt out, and limits the right to New York residents. Hochul, who is Catholic, said her decision followed conversations with New Yorkers enduring severe pain and suffering and their families, alongside consideration of objections from people of various faiths who believe intentionally ending a life violates “the sanctity of life.”

“I was taught that God is merciful and compassionate, and so must we be,” she wrote. “This includes permitting a merciful option to those facing the unimaginable and searching for comfort in their final months in this life.”

Hochul closed her op-ed by addressing opponents of the bill, emphasizing that it reflects the exercise of Americans’ free will.

“I hope those who are disappointed by this outcome know this was a difficult decision for me personally. It was not made lightly. It was guided by a genuine and deeply held belief that government must respect the rights and will of the people it serves,” she wrote. “I hope that those who oppose this legislation will be able to look with compassion on those who may make a choice they would not make for themselves. And isn’t that, at heart, what the choice and freedom our young nation promised its people 250 years ago is all about?”

lawsuit, Major League Soccer, Exec, Racial Retaliation

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 19, 2025

EEOC Chair Hypes White Men Up To File Workplace Discrimination Claims In Cringeworthy Video

Since President Donald Trump appointed Lucas to the EEOC leadership seat in January 2025, she has worked diligently to shift viewpoints of the agency to focus on prioritizing “rooting out unlawful DEI-motivated race and sex discrimination.”

If there are white men who may have experienced workplace discrimination based on race or sex, the chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) wants to chat.

In a cringeworthy video placed on X, Andrea Lucas put a call out, encouraging white men to come forward with employment and workplace discrimination complaints as “the EEOC is committed to identifying, attacking, and eliminating ALL race and sex discrimination.” “Are you a white male who has experienced discrimination at work based on your race or sex?” Lucas asked.

“You may have a claim to recover money under federal civil rights laws. Contact the @USEEOC as soon as possible.”

https://t.co/0H0gDclElp
— JD Vance (@JDVance) December 18, 2025

According to The Hill, the EEOC was created to enforce federal antidiscrimination laws in the workplace and hiring processes under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The legislation made it illegal for employers to discriminate against applicants or employees based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.

However, under the Trump Administration — both first and current — things have changed. As a result of the administration’s elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at the federal level, large corporations and educational institutions have adopted the ideology, enabling white people to benefit from causes and programs established for people of color.

The video was retweeted by U.S. Vice President JD Vance shortly after he posted an article he described as “the evil of DEI and its consequences.” Lucas, a vocal critic of DEI, responded to Vance’s lengthy post, agreeing with his sentiments. “Absolutely right @JDVance,” she said. “And precisely because this widespread, systemic, unlawful discrimination primarily harmed white men, elites didn’t just turn a blind eye; they celebrated it. Absolutely unacceptable; unlawful; immoral.”

Absolutely right @JDVance. And precisely because this widespread, systemic, unlawful discrimination primarily harmed white men, elites didn’t just turn a blind eye; they celebrated it. Absolutely unacceptable; unlawful; immoral. @USEEOC won’t rest until this discrimination is…
— EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas (@andrealucasEEOC) December 17, 2025

Since President Donald Trump appointed Lucas to the EEOC leadership seat in January 2025, she has worked diligently to shift the viewpoints of the agency to focus on prioritizing “rooting out unlawful DEI-motivated race and sex discrimination” in an effort to align with Trump’s anti-DEI stance.

One of her first works was issuing two “technical assistance” documents in collaboration with the Department of Justice (DOJ), intended to clarify what constitutes “DEI-related Discrimination at Work” and to provide guidance on how employees can file complaints about alleged discrimination. Targeting employer practices such as training, employee resource groups, and fellowship programs, the documents warned that these programs could violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, depending on how they are constructed.

The documents were vocally criticized by former agency commissioners and diversity advocates, claiming they misconstrue DEI initiatives as legally fraught. Executive director of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at the NYU School of Law, David Glasgow, labeled Lucas’s social media posts as demonstrating a “fundamental misunderstanding of what DEI is.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 19, 2025

Board Member Shuts Down White House Claims That Kennedy Center Approved Trump Name Change ‘Unanimously’

The board member disputes claims, calls out censorship

Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), a Kennedy Center board member, is shutting down claims of a unanimous vote to rename the building after President Donald Trump.

On Dec. 18, Beatty took to X to push back against a statement from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who claimed the board had “just voted unanimously” to rename the Kennedy Center the Trump-Kennedy Center, “because of the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building,” she wrote.

“For the record. This was not unanimous,” Beatty tweeted in response, along with a video message. “I was muted on the call and not allowed to speak or voice my opposition to this move. Also for the record, this was not on the agenda. This was not consensus. This is censorship.”

For the record. This was not unanimous. I was muted on the call and not allowed to speak or voice my opposition to this move. Also for the record, this was not on the agenda. This was not consensus. This is censorship. https://t.co/D1zGV7xiWV pic.twitter.com/npNvSIy6sV
— Rep. Joyce Beatty (@RepBeatty) December 18, 2025

In a video recorded from her congressional office in Washington, D.C., Beatty said she was on the Kennedy Center call but was blocked from voicing her opposition to the proposed name change.

“I was on that call and as I tried to push my button to voice my concern, to ask questions, and certainly not to vote in support of this,” she said. “I was muted. Each time I tried to speak.”

A community note has since been added to Leavitt’s tweet, noting that Congress formally established the Kennedy Center as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and the board was never granted authority to change its name. Beatty emphasized this in her video statement, saying, “Congress has a say in this.”

“This center, the Kennedy Center, was created by the Congress,” she said. “I think it’s important for us to know that this is just another attempt to evade the law and not let the people have a say.”

Shortly after returning to office, Trump reshaped the Kennedy Center by removing appointed board members and installing allies, later naming himself chair of the institution. He also signaled plans to roll back DEI initiatives, saying, “We don’t need woke at the Kennedy Center.”

In August, Trump hinted at renaming the venue when he referred to the “TRUMP/KENNEDY CENTER” in a social media post previewing the Kennedy Center Honors. Earlier this month, he became the first sitting president to host the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors, recognizing Sylvester Stallone, George Strait, KISS, Gloria Gaynor, and Michael Crawford.

by Kandiss Edwards

December 19, 2025

A Century Of Living History: Harriet Tubman’s Descendant Dies At 98

Copes Johnson’s connection to Tubman and her role in preserving the legacy of her ancestor was recognized publicly by the New York Senate.

Pauline Copes Johnson, a documented descendant of abolitionist Harriet Tubman, died at age 98.

Copes Johnson spent much of her life in Dorchester County, Maryland, where Tubman was born. She was known within her community for her familial connection to Tubman at a time when public interest in Tubman’s life had expanded through museums, historic preservation efforts, and educational initiatives.

A trailblazer in her own right, Copes Johnson made history as the first African American telephone operator at the New York Telephone Company. She was recognized as a Woman of Distinction by the NAACP in 2017.

Family members confirmed Copes Johnson’s death, the Grio reported. Copes Johnson lived in Maryland at the time of her death, in the same region where Tubman was born and where much of Tubman’s early life and Underground Railroad activity took place. Copes Johnson’s lineage connected her directly to Tubman, whose legacy as a freedom fighter and conductor on the Underground Railroad has been widely documented.

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A post shared by Saadia Mirza (@saadia___m)

Copes Johnson’s connection to Tubman was formally recognized during her lifetime. In 2017, former New York State Sen. John DeFrancisco honored Copes Johnson during a ceremony at the New York State Capitol, according to an official press release issued by the New York State Senate. The event acknowledged Copes Johnson as a descendant of Tubman and recognized her role in preserving Tubman’s history.

During the ceremony, DeFrancisco said, “Harriet Tubman’s bravery and leadership helped shape the course of American history, and it is fitting that we honor her descendant, Pauline Copes Johnson, who has worked to ensure that her ancestor’s story continues to be told.”

The New York State Senate release reported that Copes Johnson attended the Capitol event with members of her family and that the recognition focused on Tubman’s impact on American history and the importance of preserving that legacy for future generations. The Senate cited Copes Johnson’s presence as a living link to Tubman’s story.

Tubman, born Araminta Ross, escaped slavery in Maryland and went on to lead dozens of enslaved people to freedom. Her life has been commemorated through national parks, historic sites, and other public memorials. Copes Johnson’s death marks the loss of a direct familial link to that history.

Funeral arrangements were not publicly announced at the time of publication.