U.S. Postal Service Releases Holiday Shipping Schedule
Consumers can find more details and printable schedules at local post offices and on the USPS website.
The U.S. Postal Service has released its recommended mailing and shipping deadlines for the 2025 holiday season to help ensure delivery by Dec. 25. The guidelines cover multiple mail categories and apply to both the U.S. and U.S. territories.
For the Lower 48 states, the recommended send-by dates are: Dec. 17 for Ground Advantage and First-Class Mail, Dec. 18 for Priority Mail, and Dec. 20 for Priority Mail Express. In Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories, Ground Advantage should be mailed by Dec. 16, while First-Class, Priority, and Priority Express match the lower-48 schedule.
“During the holiday season, customers should always plan to mail and ship packages early to ensure arrival by Dec. 25,” USPS wrote in a statement.
USPS directs users to its holiday shipping page for full details, including guidelines for military and international mailing.
This advisory arrives as USPS prepares to handle another peak season of high package and mail volume. Retailers, postal partners, and individual senders are encouraged to incorporate these deadlines into their shipping plans.
The 2025 recommendations mirror the patterns of recent years. In 2024, USPS also established similar cutoffs. Retailers and shipping consultants often remind consumers that heavy volume, weather, or transit disruptions may warrant shipment earlier than the recommended date.
The deadlines also align with a temporary rate schedule change: beginning Oct. 5, USPS will implement holiday surcharges on certain package services, effective through Jan. 18, 2026. The surcharge applies to Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select services. USPS says the higher rates are necessary to “help cover extra handling costs to ensure a successful peak season.” Rates during the holidays will range from 40 cents to $13.
Consumers can find more details and printable schedules at local post offices and on the USPS website. The agency stated that its goal is to help people plan ahead, avoid last-minute rushes, and ensure reliable holiday deliveries.
Jones, who was named for his father, the pastor of Binghamton, New York's Mount Sinai Church of God in Christ, had battled health issues in recent years.
Arthur Jones IV, a former NFL defensive lineman who was a key part of the Baltimore Ravens’ last Super Bowl win in 2013, and the brother of UFC fighter Jon Jones and longtime NFL defensive end Chandler Jones, died on Oct. 3, according to an announcement from his alma mater, Syracuse University.
As ESPN reports, neither the Ravens nor Syracuse University disclosed the location, time, or cause of Jones’ death, but Ravens brass, including general manager Eric DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh, had high praise for the franchise’s former fifth-round pick.
According to a report from News Channel 9 reporter Steve Infanti, a spokesperson for the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office informed him that Jones’ pacemaker went off on Oct. 3, and it had a safety feature that sent an emergency message to his doctor. The paramedics were called, but unfortunately, Jones had already died before they arrived. According to Infanti, Jones already had a preexisting heart condition.
An Onondaga County Sheriff's spokesperson tells us that Arthur Jones' pacemaker went off this morning, automatically sending a message to his doctor. EMS responded to Jones' home just before 11 a.m., but he had already passed away. Jones had a pre-existing heart condition.
“Arthur’s presence was a gift to everyone he encountered,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta told ESPN. “His big, bright smile, infectious energy and eternal positivity created a presence that continuously uplifted others.”
“My heart is heavy today after the loss of Art Jones,” Harbaugh noted to the outlet. “Art was a truly remarkable person, a dedicated teammate, a relentless worker, and someone any coach would be proud to lead. His love for life, generous spirit, and radiant smile left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.”
He continued, “He had a genuine gift for connecting with people, bringing joy to the locker room and beyond, and his presence was a source of light within our team and the Baltimore community.”
Jones was a standout player at Syracuse University, recording 38.5 tackles for loss, a school record for an interior defensive lineman. He also made first-team All-Big-East over his final two seasons at Syracuse.
“Arthur Jones was a tremendous player and even better person,” Syracuse athletic director John Wildhack said in a statement. “We were fortunate that Arthur continued to support our football program after his playing career. He impacted many of our student-athletes, always with a smile and uplifting message.”
According to The Athletic, Jones, who was named for his father, the pastor of Binghamton, New York’s Mount Sinai Church of God in Christ, had battled health issues in recent years.
After Jones left Baltimore in 2014, he signed a five-year $33 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts, but had injury problems while with the team. A few years later, in 2017, he joined the now-Washington Commanders, but played only one game with his new team before going back on injured reserve.
One year after that, Jones announced his retirement via an Instagram post, writing, “It’s time for me to continue my legacy off the field. Athletes always know this day will come and I’m blessed to share this news with a smile on my face.”
Jones played four seasons with the team, starting 20 of those games. He was a key cog in the Ravens’ defensive line rotation during their Super Bowl season in 2012, finishing that season with some of his best work, recording 47 tackles and 4.5 sacks. He also recorded a key sack of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (yes, he did do a sack dance) just before halftime, and a fumble recovery, helping the Ravens seal a 34-31 victory over the 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII.
“I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Arthur Jones. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have gotten to know him over the past two years. His kindness and personality were a joy to be around,” Syracuse head football coach Fran Brown told News Channel 9. “My prayers are with his family, friends, our alumni and everyone who knew him during this difficult time.”
Jones, who was close to his family, and his mother, Camille, who died in 2017 at 55 due to complications from diabetes, chose to play at Syracuse, in part, so that he could be close to his family. His eldest sister, Carmen, also died prematurely, of a brain tumor at 17, when Jones was in the eighth grade.
Per their reporting, despite these tragedies, Jones remained a positive presence over the course of his NFL career, winning the Baltimore Ravens’ “Good Guy” award in 2012, awarded to him by media members for his cooperation during press availability. Jones was highly regarded by his teammates for his distinctive wide smile and his friendly disposition, often making them smile or laugh with his patented sack dances. He was also a consistent presence during the Baltimore Ravens’ community initiatives.
FAMU Founders Day Celebrates 138 Years Of Rattler Excellence
Florida A&M University celebrated with Founders Day events to commemorate the institution’s legacy, honor past leaders, and engage students, faculty, and alums in reflections on its mission.
Florida A&M University celebrated its 138th anniversary with Founders Day events to commemorate the institution’s legacy, honor past leaders, and engage students, faculty, and alums in reflections on its mission.
On Oct. 3, Founder’s Day events included a wreath-laying ceremony at the Eternal Flame and remarks reaffirming FAMU’s role among historically Black colleges and universities. University President Marva Johnson told attendees that the anniversary is a time both to remember “the shoulders of those before us” and look forward to the HBCU’s future, as reported by Florida A&M University News.
“What was created 138 years ago planted a seed of hope that has blossomed into a legacy of opportunity,” Johnson said. “It started humbly, with just 15 students and two professors. Yet even with this modest beginning, there was a bold vision — to cultivate knowledge, dignity, and purpose. From those first steps, FAMU has grown into a powerhouse of education, research, culture, and service. That same vision that carried us forward then must continue to propel us today.”
Alumni leaders also addressed the crowd. The president of the FAMU Alumni Association spoke of the importance of giving back and sustaining FAMU’s networks across the country. Members of the FAMU band performed a tribute medley as part of the program.
Students in FAMU’s Royal Court, the Student Government Association, and members of the marching band participated in campus processions leading to the Eternal Flame. Others placed wreaths and offered prayers. The program also included the laying of memorials at statues of campus founders and leaders.
Mister FAMU, Miles Howard, and Miss FAMU, Edwina Fleuridor, were in attendance during the ceremonies and spoke with the Florida A&M University News about their perception of the university and feelings during Founders’ Day.
“It’s surreal. Glory to God. I’m thankful just to be able to be part of this legacy here at FAMU,” Howard said.
Similarly, Fleuridor expressed her personal joy, saying she is “blessed” to call FAMU her home.
Founders Day carried added significance this year as FAMU continued to earn national recognition. On Sept. 23, U.S. News & World Report placed Florida A&M among the Top 200 public colleges in its 2026 Best Colleges list, out of over 1,700 universities. Additionally, the university also maintained its position as the highest-ranked public historically Black college or university. FAMU also placed fifth among all HBCUs, both public and private.
Utah Loses First Black-Owned Brewery Following Eviction Over $50K In Unpaid Rent
Policy Kings was a Black- and veteran-owned brewery.
Utah’s premier Black-owned brewery, Policy Kings, has closed its doors amid a court battle with a landlord over $49,000 in unpaid rent.
The Black- and veteran-owned brewery made the unfortunate announcement on Sept. 26, shortly after co-owner Sara Ridgel revealed the business was months behind on rent, Axios reports. The landlord, HMB Partners LLC, is seeking $49,304.67 in unpaid rent and issued an eviction notice on Sept. 10, requiring the brewery to vacate the premises within three days.
Two weeks after issuing the eviction notice, HMB Partners filed a complaint in the 3rd District Court accusing the bar of unlawful detainer for failing to comply. Court documents also stated that Policy Kings still owed the landlord nearly $50,000.
“Sad news today, after fighting, arguing, proposals, we still were not able to work it out with the landlord,” a post on its since-deleted Instagram page read. “PK is officially closed.”
Named after Chicago’s early 20th-century gambling kingpins, Policy Kings opened in Cedar City in 2018 before moving to Salt Lake City’s trendy Central Ninth neighborhood in May. Reflecting on the closure, the brewery acknowledged the challenges they anticipated when starting the business.
“When we started this journey … we knew it was a gamble,” the business wrote. “When we made the choice to relocate up to Salt Lake, we also knew it was a gamble. That is the life of every small-business owner.”
The brewery received support from The Violet Hour, an upcoming lesbian bar, which organized an online fundraiser earlier this month to help cover legal fees. Despite these efforts, Policy Kings stated in their post that while they intended to challenge their landlord in court, “we can’t stay open while we do that.”
“Thanks to the many who came and loved what we had for the time we were here,” the bar added.
The company cites “safety risks” for law enforcement officers. The move follows intense criticism from Trump administration officials who claimed the app endangered ICE agents.
Apple has removed the controversial app ICEBlock and similar software from its App Store after a request from the U.S. Department of Justice.
The company cites “safety risks” for law enforcement officers as the reason. The move follows intense criticism from Trump administration officials who claimed the app endangered ICE agents.
Apple sent an email to Joshua Aaron, founder of ICEBlock, saying it had removed the app after receiving information from law enforcement regarding safety concerns, CNN reported.
“We created the App Store to be a safe and trusted place to discover apps,” the email stated.
ICEBlock allowed users to anonymously report and view locations of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents within a five-mile radius. Reports automatically disappear after four hours. The developer said the app had more than one million users before its removal.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that her office demanded Apple remove ICEBlock.
Bondi told Fox News that the app is “designed to put ICE agents at risk just for doing their jobs,” and argued that violence against law enforcement is a “red line that cannot be crossed.”
Aaron, the founder of ICEBlock, disputed the characterizations. He said the app was intended to warn residents of ICE activity, not to facilitate violence.
“I am incredibly disappointed by Apple’s actions today. Capitulating to an authoritarian regime is never the right move,” Aaron told 404 Media.
Though Aaron believes the app and its usage fall snugly under the First Amendment, Google disagrees. Following Apple’s lead, the company also removed ICEBlock from Google Play, TheVerge reported.
It is unclear if the move constitutes censorship and selective enforcement of app policies. User input features exist in apps like Waze and Google Maps, but remain available.
Existing users who previously downloaded ICEBlock will still be able to use it, but new downloads are no longer possible.
New York Now Requires Social Media Apps To Report Content Moderation Policies
New York is mandating that major social media apps disclose the volume of their hate speech and misinformation.
On Thursday, Oct. 2, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the start of a new policy that requires social media companies to report their content moderation policies to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), as part of the “Stop Hiding Hate” act.
Sponsored by Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblymember Grace Lee and signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul, the legislation mandates that platforms submit biannual reports detailing how their policies address hate speech, racism, misinformation, and other types of content.
“With violence and polarization on the rise, social media companies must ensure that their platforms don’t fuel hateful rhetoric and disinformation,” James. said. “The Stop Hiding Hate Act requires social media companies to share their content moderation policies publicly and with my office to ensure that these companies are more transparent about how they are addressing harmful content on their platforms.”
Enacted in December 2024, the “Stop Hiding Hate” law holds social media companies accountable by increasing transparency around platform content. It requires these companies to submit biannual reports to the OAG, detailing their terms of service and explaining how they define and address forms of hate speech, racism, extremism, disinformation, harassment, and foreign political interference. Reports must also outline enforcement practices, steps taken, and data on flagged or acted-upon content.
The law targets social media companies operating in New York with over $100 million in annual revenue. Starting Oct. 2, these companies can submit their content moderation reports online, with a deadline of January 1.
“Whether in our communities or online, my top priority is keeping New Yorkers safe,” said Hochul. “Social media platforms should be a place for people to connect and share their interests—not a place where individuals can hide behind a keyboard to spread hate speech or harass others. This legislation builds on our efforts to improve safety online and marks an important step to increase transparency and accountability.”
Online hate speech includes prejudiced remarks based on race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. Studies show that up to one-third of internet users have encountered hate speech online, with the figure rising to around 50% within the online gaming community.
The rise of hate speech on social media is fueled by platform designs that prioritize emotionally charged content, the creation of “echo chambers” that normalize hateful views, and the spread of AI-generated disinformation. Although social media companies maintain policies to combat hate speech, their effectiveness is debated, with recent research finding a persistent spike in hate speech on X (formerly Twitter) following its acquisition by Elon Musk.
Basketball Player Jarred Shaw Faces Possible Death Sentence In Indonesia Over Cannabis Gummies
'They’re making it seem like I’m this big drug dealer. Why would I bring the candy here to sell? It was for personal use.'
American basketball player Jarred Shaw is currently facing the death penalty in Indonesia after he was arrested for receiving imported cannabis gummies, which are illegal in the country.
Shaw, who played for Prawira Bandung in the Indonesian Basketball League (IBL), told The Guardian that the gummies were to treat his Crohn’s disease.
After he grabbed the package from the lobby of his apartment complex on May 7, Indonesian police confiscated 132 pieces of cannabis candy. Law enforcement officials were tipped off by customs at the airport that the veteran basketball player received a suspicious airway package from Thailand, according to Ronald Sipayung, the Soekarno-Hatta Airport police chief.
Shaw said he planned to use the gummies for his condition. Law enforcement said he planned to share the gummies with teammates.
Shaw is currently in prison, just outside Indonesia’s capital of Jakarta. He has yet to receive a court date.
“I use cannabis as a medicine,” Shaw, 35, told The Guardian in a phone interview from prison. “There’s no medicine apart from cannabis that stops my stomach from aching.”
Now he faces the possibility of spending his life in prison or the death penalty.
“I’ve never been through anything like this,” said Shaw, who has also been banned for life from the IBL.
“I don’t use it to have fun and go party,” he added. “With my stomach condition, sometimes it’s hard for me to keep food down or go to the toilet. It just soothes the pain a little bit.”
A GoFundMe was started by Shaw’s friend, Bree Petruzio, to raise money to help with his legal fees.
“They’re making it seem like I’m this big drug dealer,” Shaw said. “Why would I bring the candy here to sell? It was for personal use.”
New Invite-Only Social App Led By Black Women Puts ‘Authentic Interactions’ First
A new invite-only social media platform, founded and led by Black women, aims to redefine the digital landscape.
A new invite-only social platform, founded and led by Black women, aims to reshape the digital space by prioritizing safety and authentic connections.
Byio—short for ‘By Invite Only’—calls itself the first AI-driven SaaS social platform founded and owned by Black women. Launched on Sept. 9, its distinctive selection-based model seeks to tackle the discrimination, censorship, content theft, and unfair monetization that many in the Black community face in everyday digital spaces.
“This is not just for the Black community, but for allies and supporters everywhere who believe in fairness, recognition, and putting power back into the hands of users,” R.M. Easterly, founder and CEO of Byio, said in a press release.
Byio will be entirely invite-only, with the community determining who joins and remains. Initial access starts with the TG10s—the Global Ten Thousand. Within the first 24 hours, over 1,000 people joined Byio’s Discord, the exclusive hub where TG10 members are chosen.
After Sept. 1 Instagram announcement of Byio’s “build,” supporters worldwide sought to “lock in” by purchasing physical Byio stickers—tangible symbols of solidarity with the platform’s mission. The stickers served as digital badges when the app launched.
They also grant perks in Byio’s Discord, including access to an exclusive supporters’ channel, but they do not guarantee platform entry. To be considered, participants must join the Discord regardless of sticker ownership. Once selected, the TG10s will oversee the next wave of invitations and help shape Byio’s growth.
The app is creator-focused. Users can engage in live streaming, video sharing, gifting, subscriptions, and e-commerce while experiencing patent-pending features and processes. With its AI-driven design, Byio aims to deliver a smarter, safer, and more engaging environment where authentic connections can be made.
Poppi Unveils New Flavor Inspired By ‘Love Island USA’ Star Amaya Espinal
'Love Island USA' star Amaya Espinal has signed a product partnership with prebiotic soda brand Poppi.
The billion-dollar prebiotic soda brand Poppi has partnered with Love Island USA star Amaya Espinal on a new flavor.
“At Poppi, we had the 80/20 rule—80% of our budgets were planned towards big moments in retail. We left 20% for culturally relevant moments,” Allison Ellsworth, the co-founder of Poppi, said at the Clover x Shark Tank Summit on Tuesday, Sept. 30.
One such moment was the massive success of Love Island USA Season 7, which broke streaming records on Peacock and drew nearly half its audience from first-time viewers. Seeing the buzz online, Poppi jumped in with a meme inspired by standout star Espinal—an idea that quickly evolved into launching a flavor named after her.
“For example, Love Island was going really viral this summer. We did an Amaya Papaya meme and we were like, ‘Let’s make this flavor,'” Ellsworth shared. “It got picked up by people. It went viral. We got hundreds of thousands of views and likes. So much so, we had a DM waiting for her when she got out, and we were able to do that within three months. And we’re a huge company now.”
Following the announcement, Poppi officially unveiled its new limited-edition flavor, Amaya’s Island Colada.
“With notes of creamy coconut and sweet pineapple, who needs a man when you can have this can?” the Instagram caption read.
Espinal took to TikTok to share her gratitude for the brand deals and newfound fame from her time on Love Island USA—a dramatic shift from just a year ago, when she was working as a licensed cardiac nurse.
“My life last year was completely different compared to what it is now. And earlier this year, it wasn’t the most easiest year because I did go through a really dark time,” Espinal said. “I went through a tragic loss of…it was a me vs. me moment. For me to still have faith and for me to keep on pushing forward…Now I have a Amaya Colada.”
An official ad campaign features Espinal cracking open her signature Poppi can and delivering her new slogan to the camera: “Who needs a man when you can have your own Poppi can?”
ICE Arrests 37 In Chicago Apartment Raid, Residents Say They Feel ‘Defeated’
Residents are speaking out following a massive immigration raid at one Chicago apartment building.
The Department of Homeland Security rained down on the city of Chicago, conducting one of the largest raids in the city, arresting 37 people from one South Shore apartment building.
On Sept. 30, federal agents from Border Patrol, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) raided nearly every unit at 7500 S. South Shore Drive, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. Residents and witnesses say men, women, and children were forcibly removed from their apartments—some partially unclothed—arresting close to 40 individuals and detaining U.S. citizens for hours.
“I’m pissed off,” said resident Dan Jones. “I feel defeated because the authorities aren’t doing anything.”
Jones, 27, was woken up out of his sleep around 1 a.m. by the sound of federal agents attempting to break down his apartment door. Confident his double lock would hold, he went back to sleep. Hours later, as he left for work, he discovered shattered doors lining the hallway and noticed his neighbors were gone.
Toys, shoes, and food remained scattered in the building’s hallways on Oct. 1, while property managers hauled mattresses and broken doors into dumpsters. Video near 75th Street and South Shore Drive showed federal agents in large vehicles gathered outside, some wearing U.S. Border Patrol uniforms and others displaying FBI logos.
A spokesperson for Chicago’s FBI field office confirmed the bureau’s involvement, stating they were assisting a ‘targeted immigration enforcement operation’ led by Border Patrol, which resulted in 37 arrests. According to DHS, some of those detained are believed to be linked to drug trafficking, weapons offenses, and immigration violations.
Ebony Sweets Watson, who lives across the street, said it “looked like hundreds” of agents outside her home. She recalled seeing residents, including children, being dragged from the building—some without clothes—into U-Haul vans. She added that children were separated from their mothers during the operation.
“It was heartbreaking to watch,” Watson said. “Even if you’re not a mother, seeing kids coming out buck naked and taken from their mothers, it was horrible.”
Rodrick Johnson, 67, was among the U.S. citizens detained during the South Shore raid. He said agents broke down his door and restrained him with zip ties, leaving him tied up outside the building for nearly three hours before being released.
“I asked [agents] why they were holding me if I was an American citizen, and they said I had to wait until they looked me up,” Johnson said. “I asked if they had a warrant, and I asked for a lawyer. They never brought one.”
The raid is among the largest operations carried out since the Trump administration launched ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ on Sept. 8, sending a wave of federal immigration officers to the Chicago area for arrests and raids. Watson said she entered the building afterward to assist a resident and was stunned by what she found.
“Stuff was everywhere,” Watson said. “You could see people’s birth certificates and papers thrown all over. Water was leaking into the hallway. It was wicked crazy.”
By Oct. 3, tensions erupted into heated protests outside the Broadview ICE facility in Illinois. Since the launch of Trump’s ordered operation, the site has experienced escalating clashes between protesters and armed guards, with reports of agents deploying tear gas, pepper spray, and other chemical agents. Multiple arrests were reported during a visit by U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino.
