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Iowa school district hired superintendent despite false Morgan State doctorate claim

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The former superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district, who was detained last week by immigration agents, was hired despite falsely claiming a doctoral degree on his resume, according to records obtained by The Associated Press.

Ian Roberts, who resigned this week as superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, stated in his 2023 application that he earned a doctorate in urban educational leadership from Morgan State University in 2007. University officials later confirmed he had enrolled in the program but never completed it.

Even after learning of the false claim, the Des Moines school board hired Roberts to lead a district that serves roughly 30,000 students. District spokesman Phil Roeder said a third-party background check revealed Roberts began but did not complete the Morgan State program, and a corrected resume was supplied. However, after his hiring, the district later received his original application showing the false degree.

“The Des Moines School Board is also a victim of deception by Dr. Roberts, one on a growing list that includes our students and teachers, our parents and community, our elected officials and Iowa’s Board of Educational Examiners, and others,” board chair Jackie Norris said in a statement.

Immigration detention and resignation

Roberts, a native of Guyana and a former Olympic runner, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, who cited a final removal order issued last year and an unspecified prior weapons charge. He remains jailed in Sioux City while his attorney, Alfredo Parrish, challenges the deportation order. Parrish has asked an immigration court in Omaha to stay his removal, calling it a “very complex case.”

Roberts’ superintendent license was revoked by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, and the Des Moines school board voted to accept his resignation this week.

Degrees and disputed claims

Roberts’ resume also listed a doctorate in educational leadership from Trident University International, an online for-profit school formerly known as Trident American University. District officials confirmed he earned that degree in 2021. His official biography on the district’s website referenced the Trident doctorate but did not mention Morgan State.

The Associated Press confirmed Roberts’ earlier degrees from Coppin State University (1998) and St. John’s University (2000), as well as prior positions as superintendent of the Millcreek Township School District in Pennsylvania, network superintendent at St. Louis Public Schools, and principal in Baltimore.

Experts in education administration said the false claim about a Morgan State doctorate raised questions about Roberts’ integrity. “That’s a pretty big discrepancy,” said Sadika Jubo of the School Liability Expert Group. “If they are making misrepresentations on their CV, is this a person of moral character? They are going to be in charge of money, staff, and students’ lives.”

Previous settlement and professional history

Before beginning his role in Des Moines, Roberts was involved in a $250,000 settlement with a former colleague in Pennsylvania who alleged unlawful treatment during his time as superintendent of Millcreek Township School District. The agreement, which was made public in 2023, included a nondisclosure clause and required Roberts and others not to disparage each other.

Despite controversies, Roberts had built a two-decade career in education and frequently used the title “doctor.” He also leveraged his profile as a former Olympian for Guyana to build credibility.

The fallout from his resignation has left Iowa’s largest school district without its top leader as the legal and immigration cases against him continue.

Source: Associated Press

New York rapper Sheff G sentenced to five years for attempted murder after appearing with Trump at campaign rally

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Emmanuel
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A New York City rapper who appeared alongside President Donald Trump at a 2024 campaign rally has been sentenced to five years in prison after admitting he used his music career earnings to bankroll gang violence in Brooklyn.

Sheff G, born Michael Williams, received the sentence Wednesday after pleading guilty earlier this year to attempted murder and conspiracy. He will also serve five years of supervised release after completing his prison term. Prosecutors had sought a 20-year sentence, but Williams and the judge agreed to the five-year term over the government’s objections.

“This defendant had talent and opportunity, but chose to use them to fuel violence instead of building a better future,” Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said in a statement following the sentencing.

The 27-year-old rapper rose to prominence with songs and videos that garnered millions of views on YouTube and Spotify, but prosecutors said his career profits financed violent activity by the 8 Trey Crips and their affiliate, the 9 Ways gang. Authorities allege Sheff G rewarded members with cash, jewelry, and even extravagant meals to celebrate shootings.

Investigators said Sheff G acted as a getaway driver in a 2021 shooting that targeted a rival but instead struck two bystanders. He also treated gang members to a Manhattan steakhouse dinner in 2020 to celebrate a shooting that killed one man and injured five others. Prosecutors presented surveillance footage, social media posts, text messages, and lyrics as evidence tying him to the violence.

More than 30 alleged members of the 8 Trey Crips and 9 Ways have been indicted as part of the investigation, with 23 pleading guilty and seven cases still pending.

Among them was fellow rapper Tegan Chambers, known as Sleepy Hallow, who also shared the stage with Trump and Sheff G at a May 23, 2024, campaign rally in the Bronx. Chambers was sentenced last week to one year in jail after pleading guilty to conspiracy charges.

Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow’s appearance with Trump drew scrutiny at the time because their gang-related charges had already been made public. Asked whether Trump’s campaign was aware of the allegations, spokesman Steven Cheung brushed off the controversy, quoting Sheff G: “They always whisper your accomplishments and shout your failures.”

The rappers’ presence was highlighted by Trump as part of his outreach to Black voters during his successful return to the White House.

Defense attorney Arthur Aidala, who represented Sheff G, did not immediately respond to requests for comment Wednesday. He previously said the plea agreement was “in the best interest of everyone involved.”

Source: AP

Dozens missing, three dead in Indonesia school collapse

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Simeon
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SIDOARJO, Indonesia (BN24) — Rescue teams on Wednesday pulled a survivor from the wreckage of a collapsed school building in Indonesia, as desperate parents awaited news of their children still believed trapped under the debris. The collapse occurred on Monday afternoon on Java Island, during a time when students were gathered for afternoon prayers.

Rescuers also recovered a fourth body from the ruins, but details about the victims have not been released. Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for Indonesia’s National Disaster and Mitigation Agency (BNPB), said 91 people are still feared trapped, according to school records.

Tearful parents gathered near the site, pleading for the rescue efforts to be intensified. “We believe our children might still be alive because they were crying for help,” said Abdul Hanan, whose 14-year-old son is missing. “The rescue operation must be accelerated,” he added, his voice breaking.

Dewi Sulistiana, also searching for her 14-year-old son, rushed to the scene from Surabaya after hearing of the collapse. “I have been here for days, I cried thinking about my son,” Sulistiana said, expressing frustration over the slow pace of the search. “Why is it taking so long?”

Mohammad Syafii, head of the National Search and Rescue Agency, said the operation is complex. Crews are digging tunnels under the collapsed structure to reach the victims, but the narrow spaces and the risk of further collapse have made the operation more dangerous. “If vibration happens in one spot, it could affect other areas,” Syafii said. The tunnels being dug are only about 60 centimeters (23 inches) wide due to the concrete pillars supporting the structure.

With the 72-hour “golden period” for rescue operations nearing its end, thermal-sensing drones and snake cameras have been deployed to locate survivors. Rescue teams have detected signs of life in seven areas, but as of Wednesday, it remained unclear how many people might still be alive.

An earthquake offshore on Tuesday briefly halted the search, but rescuers resumed operations shortly after the tremors subsided. Local charities have set up aid stations to provide food and water for the families waiting for any news.

Investigations are ongoing, but initial reports suggest that the collapse was caused by structural issues, including a failure of the building’s foundation to support the added weight of new construction on the fourth floor. Experts have raised concerns about lax building standards in Indonesia, where it is common for buildings to be constructed in phases, often leaving structures incomplete or inadequately reinforced.

Earlier this month, a similar incident occurred in West Java, where a building hosting a prayer recital collapsed, killing three people and injuring dozens more.

The search continues as the families of the missing hold on to hope that more survivors will be found.

Church scaffolding collapse kills 22, injures 55 in Ethiopia during Virgin Mary festival

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Simeon
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ARERTI, Ethiopia (BN24) — A deadly scaffolding collapse at a church in Ethiopia has left at least 22 people dead and 55 others injured, many critically, as they attended the annual Virgin Mary festival in the town of Arerti. The incident occurred early Wednesday morning at around 7:45 a.m. local time, during one of the country’s largest religious events, which attracts thousands of pilgrims every year.

The incident took place in the town of Arerti, approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) east of the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. Authorities reported that a large crowd had gathered at the church for the Virgin Mary festival, which is an important pilgrimage in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. The collapse occurred when the makeshift scaffolding, erected for the festival’s activities, gave way, causing people to fall under a heap of wooden beams and debris.

Local official Atnafu Abate confirmed the death toll, stating that 22 people were confirmed dead by the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC). “Many pilgrims were killed or sustained physical injuries,” Abate said, adding that the number of wounded is expected to rise as more are taken to hospitals. According to hospital sources, some of the injured were transferred to Addis Ababa for treatment.

Several victims remain trapped under the rubble, though rescue efforts were continuing through the day, with emergency teams working to recover any remaining survivors. EBC aired images of the scene showing crowds of people gathered around the site, with collapsed wooden poles and other debris scattered throughout the area. One image showed a view of the church, where the scaffolding had been constructed in a makeshift manner, with little apparent regard for safety standards.

The local authorities have not yet provided additional details on the number of people still trapped under the rubble. Still, emergency crews have been working to clear the debris and search for survivors. The disaster has prompted an outpouring of grief and anger from families and community members, with many questioning why the scaffolding was constructed so haphazardly.

The festival is a key event for Ethiopia’s Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, many of whom travel from all over the country to participate in prayers and other religious rituals in honor of the Virgin Mary. This year’s festival, which was expected to draw thousands of pilgrims, has now turned into a tragedy, leaving families mourning the loss of loved ones.

Health and safety regulations are virtually non-existent in Ethiopia, and construction accidents are not uncommon. Makeshift scaffolding and poorly constructed buildings are frequent concerns in the country, particularly during major religious events or festivals. Many of the structures used in such events lack proper safety oversight, making them vulnerable to collapse, especially under heavy weight or stress.

Ethiopia, Africa’s second-most populous country, is home to a rich Christian heritage. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church, which traces its roots to the early Axumite Empire, is one of the oldest Christian institutions in the world. Despite its deep religious traditions, the country struggles with infrastructure issues and has long faced challenges in enforcing construction safety standards. These systemic problems often result in unsafe building practices and, tragically, frequent accidents during public events.

The government has launched an investigation into the cause of the scaffolding collapse, with officials suggesting that the construction may have been improperly secured. Experts believe that the makeshift scaffolding, lacking proper structural integrity, may have failed under the weight of the crowd and other materials used for the event.

In the wake of the disaster, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church has expressed condolences for the victims and their families. Religious leaders have called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the tragedy, as well as stronger regulations to prevent similar accidents in the future.

As rescue operations continue and investigations unfold, Ethiopians remain shocked by the scale of the tragedy, which has underscored ongoing concerns about construction safety in the country. The festival, which was meant to celebrate faith and community, has instead become a painful reminder of the vulnerabilities in Ethiopia’s infrastructure and the importance of enforcing safety standards.

The tragedy marks another devastating incident in a country that has struggled with building safety for years, following a string of other accidents, including fatal collapses of residential and public buildings. Authorities are under increasing pressure to address the root causes of these accidents and implement stricter construction regulations, particularly for events that draw large crowds.

Nigeria @ 65: Nigerians deserve better than peanuts from politicians – Cleric

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Simeon
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LAGOS, Nigeria (BN24) — As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Anniversary, Apostle Lawrence Achudume, the Lead Cleric of Victory Life Bible Church International, has called for a shift in leadership that truly reflects the needs of everyday Nigerians. Speaking in a statement issued by the church’s media department on Wednesday, Achudume lamented the nation’s ongoing infrastructural challenges, despite its vast potential.

Achudume emphasized that although Nigeria is a nation with immense possibilities, the benefits of freedom and self-determination are not being fully realized by its citizens. “At 65, Nigeria stands as a nation of immense potential – yet the dividends of freedom seem elusive for many ordinary Nigerians,” the cleric stated. He expressed his frustration with the growing disparity between the nation’s global presence and the everyday struggles faced by its people.

The contrast, according to Achudume, is striking. While Nigerians continue to excel in various fields abroad, including medicine, technology, and education, the nation struggles with leadership gaps and widespread infrastructural deficits. “You find Nigerians excelling abroad in fields like medicine, tech, and education – showcasing their capabilities. But back home, we grapple with leadership gaps and infrastructural deficits holding us back,” he said.

Despite these shortcomings, Achudume praised the Federal Government’s recent Student Loan Scheme as a step in the right direction for improving access to education in Nigeria. “The Federal Government’s student loan initiative is a right step that will go a long way in supporting education,” he remarked. However, he cautioned that such programs should not fall prey to political exploitation. “Often, when governments send money or empowerment support meant for market women and other beneficiaries, it doesn’t get to them because of politicization,” Achudume warned, noting the challenges faced by citizens when these initiatives are politicized.

The cleric also strongly criticized the prevalent practice of vote-buying in Nigeria, where politicians often offer trivial handouts, such as packages of noodles or small gifts, to gain votes. “Nigerians deserve better than peanuts from politicians during elections – we need leaders who genuinely understand the common man’s hardships,” he said. According to Achudume, this practice undermines the democratic process and reduces the potential of leadership to bring about meaningful change.

In his statement, Achudume underscored the need for a political environment that nurtures business growth, innovation, and intellectual pursuits. He argued that for Nigeria to realize its giant potential truly, it needs leadership that is attuned to the realities of its citizens. “For Nigeria to realize her giant potential, we need leadership attuned to citizens’ needs and ecosystems that empower talent,” he said, stressing the importance of creating a nurturing environment for economic and intellectual growth.

The cleric’s call for reform was clear: Nigeria’s leadership must be grounded in grassroots realities. He stressed that leadership that is disconnected from the struggles of ordinary citizens will continue to hinder progress. “Leadership feeling the pulse of ordinary Nigerians is crucial if we’re to match Nigeria’s global footprint with domestic progress,” he emphasized.

As Nigeria reflects on its journey since independence, Achudume’s remarks serve as a pointed reminder that while the country holds great promise, it is the responsibility of its leaders to create conditions that allow the nation’s people to thrive. With transformative leadership that listens to the needs of the people, Nigeria could begin to unlock the full potential that so many believe it has.

Rema named to 2025 TIME100 Next List, recognized as global voice for afrobeats

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Simeon
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LAGOS, Nigeria (BN24) — Nigerian Afrobeats artist Divine Ikubor, known professionally as Rema, has been named to the 2025 TIME100 Next list, marking a major milestone in his rapidly rising global career. Published Tuesday, the list highlights 100 emerging leaders shaping the future across music, film, science, politics, and philanthropy.

Rema, 25, is the sole African artist featured this year, standing out among international figures in entertainment and innovation. His selection is accompanied by a tribute penned by five-time Grammy-winning artist Angélique Kidjo, who described Rema as a defining force in the global rise of Afrobeats.

“The young Nigerian superstar has accomplished so much: ‘Calm Down’ has joined the billion-streams club twice over,” Kidjo wrote, referencing Rema’s breakout hit that continues to dominate global charts and streaming platforms.

Kidjo praised Rema as “the embodiment of the international success of Afrobeats,” emphasizing how artists like him have propelled African music to the forefront of global culture. Her remarks place Rema in a lineage of African innovators whose influence extends well beyond music.

Other notable figures on the 2025 TIME100 Next list include American music icons Teyana Taylor and GloRilla, underscoring the list’s broad recognition of creative excellence. TIME’s editorial team described the honorees as “rising stars” who are “forging new paths and pushing boundaries in their industries.”

Rema’s inclusion on the prestigious list not only cements his place among the world’s most influential young artists but also signals a broader acknowledgment of Afrobeats as a global movement. With over a billion streams and growing international recognition, Rema’s ascent mirrors the expanding footprint of African culture on the world stage.

Oktoberfest temporarily closed after bomb threat linked to building fire in Munich

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Simeon
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MUNICH, Germany (BN24) — Munich’s Oktoberfest was shut down for several hours on Wednesday as authorities responded to a bomb threat that arose following a deadly explosion at a residential building in northern Munich. The suspect, a 57-year-old German man, was believed to have died by suicide near a lake, prompting a large-scale police investigation that initially triggered the closure of the famous beer festival.

The threat, which involved a suspect carrying an explosive device in a backpack, was linked to an explosion that occurred early Wednesday in the Starnberg area, south of Munich. The blast, which followed a deliberate house fire, appeared to be part of a domestic dispute, according to Bavarian police. Preliminary reports indicated the dispute was related to a paternity issue.

Authorities quickly launched a security sweep of the Oktoberfest grounds, located at the Theresienwiese, a sprawling open space that has hosted the festival for over 200 years. Police deployed sniffer dogs and other specialized teams to search for any potential explosives at the festival site, which typically attracts millions of visitors each year.

Images from the scene showed nearly empty Oktoberfest grounds with police officers in fluorescent vests patrolling the area, usually bustling with festivalgoers enjoying beer, rides, and traditional Bavarian fare. However, after several hours of investigation, police confirmed that the bomb threat was “not verified,” allowing the festival to reopen later in the afternoon.

According to police, the suspect, whose identity has not been officially confirmed, had been carrying a backpack containing an explosive device when his body was discovered. A letter found near the crime scene indicated a vague, non-specific threat involving Oktoberfest. In addition, the man’s 81-year-old mother and 21-year-old daughter, a German-Brazilian dual national, were injured in the fire and were hospitalized for treatment. A 90-year-old man, reportedly the suspect’s father, was found dead at the site.

Specialized teams were called in to defuse booby traps inside the burned-out building, which also featured a destroyed van nearby. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities examining possible connections between the incident and other locations in Munich.

The Bavarian interior ministry later confirmed that no additional threats were found at other sites in the city. Over 500 officers were involved in securing the area, with emergency personnel working throughout the day. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt reassured the public that extensive safety measures were in place.

This year’s Oktoberfest, which began on September 20 and runs through October 5, had already drawn over 3.5 million visitors before the temporary closure. The festival, renowned as the world’s largest beer and folk festival, has been a staple of Bavarian culture since 1810.

In a chilling historical context, the closure comes 45 years after a deadly bombing targeted Oktoberfest in 1980, in which 13 people were killed, including the attacker, and more than 200 were injured. That attack, attributed to a neo-Nazi, remains one of the darkest moments in the festival’s history.

Madagascar protesters return to streets as government dissolves

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Simeon
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ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar (BN24) — Youth-led protests in Madagascar have intensified, even after President Andry Rajoelina dissolved the government in response to escalating unrest over the country’s ongoing water and electricity shortages. Despite the president’s concession on Monday evening, which he framed as an attempt to create space for dialogue, hundreds of young demonstrators took to the streets once more, clashing with security forces who deployed tear gas to disperse them.

In a nationally televised address, Rajoelina expressed a desire to address the grievances of the youth, many of whom have been demanding better access to basic services like water and electricity. He also promised measures to help businesses impacted by looting during the protests. However, his comments were met with defiance from organizers, who voiced dissatisfaction with the government’s response. They took to social media, criticizing the president for failing to provide concrete solutions and demanding apologies from him and the dismissed prime minister.

The protests, which have now entered their fourth day, reflect widespread frustration over years of inadequate infrastructure and public services. Demonstrators, many of them Gen Z, are calling for immediate improvements to the country’s water supply and electricity grid, which have long been unreliable. Placards reading “We need water, we need electricity, Rajoelina out” were seen in protests across the capital and other cities.

The United Nations has reported at least 22 fatalities and over 100 injuries from the violence, though the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Madagascar has disputed these figures, claiming they were based on rumors rather than official data. Footage from the protests aired by the privately owned channel Real TV Madagasikara showed large crowds marching through the streets of Antananarivo, the nation’s capital, as well as in Fenoarivo, a town located 20 kilometers to the west. Demonstrations also spread to Mahajanga, located 510 kilometers to the northwest, and Diego Suarez, 950 kilometers to the north.

The protests, which have drawn comparisons to similar youth movements in Kenya and Nepal, mark the most significant challenge to Rajoelina’s leadership since his re-election in 2023. The four days of unrest have become the largest in years and underscore growing dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the country’s basic needs. Rajoelina, who first rose to power in a 2009 coup, has been president since 2018, after a return to office in the wake of a contested election. His third-term victory in December 2023 was marred by allegations of irregularities, further fueling opposition to his rule.

As protests continue, the pressure on Rajoelina to deliver tangible results in addressing the country’s infrastructure challenges grows. The outcome of the ongoing unrest will likely have significant political ramifications as Madagascar faces mounting public demand for reform.

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White House freezes funds for Democratic states in shutdown slap, cancels $8 billion for climate projects in latest shutdown cuts

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WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump’s administration froze $26 billion in funding for Democratic-leaning states Wednesday, following through on threats to use the government shutdown to target Democratic priorities while approximately 750,000 federal workers faced furloughs.

The targeted programs included $18 billion for transit projects in New York, home to Congress’s top two Democrats, and $8 billion for green-energy projects across 16 Democratic-run states including California and Illinois. Vice President JD Vance warned that the administration might extend its purge of federal workers if the shutdown lasts more than a few days.

The moves demonstrated Trump’s willingness to leverage the shutdown to punish political opponents and extend his control over the $7 trillion federal budget, which the U.S. Constitution establishes as Congress’s domain. The pressure tactics emerged as the 15th government shutdown since 1981 suspended scientific research, financial oversight, environmental cleanup efforts and numerous other activities.

Approximately 750,000 federal workers were ordered not to work, while others including military personnel and Border Patrol agents began working without pay. The Department of Veterans Affairs announced it would provide burials at national cemeteries but would not erect headstones or maintain grounds.

Vance stated at a White House briefing that the administration would resort to layoffs if the shutdown extends beyond a few days, adding to the 300,000 workers scheduled for removal by December. Previous shutdowns have not resulted in permanent layoffs, marking this approach as unprecedented.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office announced plans to lay off one percent of its 14,000 employees, according to an internal letter obtained by Reuters.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said the funding freeze for subway and harbor projects in his home state of New York would displace thousands of workers. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, also representing New York, accused Trump of targeting regular Americans for partisan purposes.

“He is using the American people as pawns, threatening pain on the country as blackmail,” Schumer said, characterizing the funding freeze as political hostage-taking.

Republican Senator Thom Tillis expressed concern that freezing infrastructure funds for New York could complicate efforts to resolve the shutdown. “They need to be really careful with that, because they can create a toxic environment here,” Tillis said. “So hopefully they’re working with the leader, and the leader with them, on not creating more work to get us out of this posture.”

Republican Senate Leader John Thune dismissed concerns about the spending freeze constituting hostage-taking. “Well, vote to open up the government and that issue goes away, right? I mean, it’s pretty straightforward,” he said during a press conference.

The Senate again rejected efforts to maintain government operations as both a Republican proposal funding the government through November 21 and a Democratic measure pairing funding with additional health benefits failed in floor votes.

Trump’s Republicans hold a 53-47 Senate majority but require support from at least seven of Schumer’s Democrats to meet the chamber’s 60-vote threshold for spending bills. At issue is $1.7 trillion for agency operations, representing roughly one-quarter of annual spending, with the remainder allocated to health and retirement programs and interest payments on the growing $37.5 trillion national debt.

A bipartisan group of senators conferred on the floor during voting, attempting to identify a path forward. “I want to see that a deal is a deal, and I would like to see the Republicans make a commitment to work with us on health care,” said Senator Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat representing numerous federal workers near the nation’s capital.

Democrats also seek guarantees that Trump will not ignore spending bills he signs into law, as he has repeatedly done since returning to office. Both parties attempted to assign blame to opponents, positioning themselves ahead of 2026 midterm elections that will determine congressional control.

Democrats argued Republicans bear responsibility for the disruption given their control of Washington’s power structures. Republicans claimed Democrats were surrendering to partisan pressures to oppose Trump despite routinely supporting spending bills previously. Republicans repeated a false claim that Democratic proposals would extend health coverage to people in the country illegally, though the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office stated the Democratic plan would only restore coverage to certain legal immigrant categories including asylum seekers and work visa holders.

Several government agencies posted website notices blaming the “radical left” for the shutdown, potentially violating the Hatch Act designed to insulate routine government services from partisan politics.

Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought announced Wednesday that the administration would cancel $8 billion in climate-related projects across 16 states, representing the latest funding cut following the overnight government shutdown. All affected states voted for former Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election and have Democratic Senate representation.

“Nearly $8 billion in Green New Scam funding to fuel the Left’s climate agenda is being cancelled,” Vought wrote on X, stating the Department of Energy would provide additional details.

The impacted projects span California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont and Washington. Fourteen states have Democratic governors while New Hampshire and Vermont have Republican leadership.

The climate project announcement followed the administration’s pause of approximately $18 billion in New York City infrastructure projects. Vought said the initiatives, specifically the Hudson Tunnel and Second Avenue Subway, were suspended “to ensure funding is not flowing based on unconstitutional DEI principles,” referencing diversity, equity and inclusion policies.

The Transportation Department issued letters informing New York officials that projects faced administrative review “to determine whether any unconstitutional practices are occurring,” stating the examination “will take more time” due to the shutdown.

“Without a budget, the Department has been forced to furlough the civil rights staff responsible for conducting this review,” the Transportation Department stated.

New York represents the home states of Congress’s top two Democrats, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, suggesting potential political motivation behind the targeted funding freezes.

The longest U.S. government shutdown, stretching 35 days during 2018-2019 in Trump’s first term, ended partly after flight delays caused by air traffic controllers calling in sick demonstrated the practical consequences of extended funding lapses.

Supreme Court allows Lisa Cook to remain on Fed board pending Trump firing case

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admin
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Washington (BN24) – The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook to keep her seat on the central bank’s board, at least for now, while it considers President Donald Trump’s attempt to remove her.

In a brief unsigned order, the justices declined the Trump administration’s emergency request to immediately oust Cook, saying they would hear arguments in January on whether the president has the authority to remove her before her term expires. The case stems from Trump’s effort to force Cook off the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, a move she is challenging in court.

The high court will decide whether to block a lower-court ruling that temporarily sided with Cook, permitting her to remain on the board while her lawsuit continues. The decision marks a rare instance in which Trump did not secure quick relief from the justices in an emergency appeal.

For now, Cook will continue to participate in the Federal Reserve’s policymaking, including its two remaining meetings in 2025. That means she will be present at the critical late-October session of the interest rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee, where policymakers will weigh the next steps on borrowing costs amid inflation and slowing growth.

The dispute carries broader implications for the independence of federal agencies. In December, the court is set to hear arguments in a separate but related case concerning Trump’s authority to fire members of boards that oversee independent agencies. That case could clarify whether the president has sweeping removal powers or whether limits remain in place to preserve agency autonomy.

One key issue still unresolved is whether federal courts can block such firings outright or whether they can only provide remedies after the fact, such as ordering back pay for officials who were wrongly dismissed. That legal question could directly affect Cook’s tenure and shape the precedent for future battles over presidential authority.

The fight over Cook underscores the ongoing tension between the Trump administration and the Federal Reserve. Trump has long pushed for more direct control over the central bank, clashing with its leadership over interest rate decisions and regulatory policy. Cook, who was first appointed to the board in 2022, is one of the few remaining governors not aligned with Trump’s economic agenda.

Until the Supreme Court rules, Cook retains her seat — ensuring her voice will be heard at a pivotal moment for U.S. monetary policy.

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