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  • The End of CFA Franc: Africa’s Economic Revolution

    For many years, France controlled a lot of money from African countries through a system called the CFA franc. This currency was tied to the French treasury and the euro. As a result, African countries had to send a big part of their reserves (savings) to France. In return, France had control over African money policies, and many critics saw this as unfair. Some even called it a “colonial tax” because wealth was flowing out of Africa instead of being used at home.

    Now, things are changing. Many African nations are breaking away from this system. They are saying no more to sending their money and resources to France, and instead keeping it for themselves. This is a huge shift in power and economics, and here’s why it matters.

    More Economic Control

    By leaving the CFA franc system, African countries now have the chance to make their own decisions about money. They can set their own interest rates, decide how much of their currency to print, and control their own reserves. This builds independence, also called sovereignty, because no outside country is telling them what to do with their money.

    More Money for Development

    Before, large sums of money were kept in French banks, out of reach of African governments. Now, that money can stay in Africa. This means more funding for schools, hospitals, roads, and jobs—things that directly help the people. Instead of sending wealth overseas, African countries can invest in themselves.

    Fairer Trade and Stronger Currency

    The CFA franc was tied to the euro, which made African goods more expensive on the world market. By moving away from this system, African exports like cocoa, oil, and coffee can become more affordable. Other countries will find it easier to buy these goods. This makes African products more competitive, helps local industries grow, and creates new jobs for young people.

    Breaking Colonial Patterns

    For a long time, the CFA system was seen as a leftover from colonialism. It kept Africa in a dependent position while France benefited. By ending it, African nations are breaking free from that old pattern. They are choosing to keep wealth in Africa and use it to lift their own economies.

    Real Examples

    Countries in West Africa, for example Ivory Coast, Senegal, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, are replacing the CFA franc. They will use a new currency called the Eco. In Central Africa, nations like Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Chad, and the Central African Republic are taking steps. They aim to control their own reserves. They are moving away from the old system.

    At the same time, some African governments have told French troops to leave their countries. This shows that independence is not only about money—it’s also about politics and security.

  • Two Men Found Hanging in Mississippi

    On September 15, 2025, two men were discovered hanging from trees in separate parts of Mississippi—one on a college campus in Cleveland, the other in the woods near Vicksburg. Although authorities say the cases are not connected, the timing and manner of the deaths have sparked deep concern about race, history, and mental health in the state.

    What Happened in Cleveland 🌳

    Early Monday morning around 7:05 a.m., Demartravion “Trey” Reed, a 21-year-old Black student from Grenada, Mississippi, was found hanging from a tree near the pickleball courts at Delta State University in Cleveland.

    Campus police and the Bolivar County Coroner’s Office confirmed there were no signs of physical assault—no cuts, bruises, broken bones, or injuries consistent with an attack. Officials have not yet ruled on cause or manner of death, and the body was sent to the Mississippi State Crime Lab for a full autopsy.

    Especially online, the public has reacted strongly. Some have alleged Reed was attacked or lynched—a notion countered by officials citing absence of trauma. But phrases like “Black people don’t lynch themselves” have been widely shared, reflecting skepticism that Reed’s death was suicide, especially given Mississippi’s legacy of racial violence. Reed’s father also posted online that his son had started fearing for his life before he died, deeply unsettling many who saw a lack of clarity from authorities

    Cousin of Trey Reed speaks, Cleveland MS Chief of Police speaks

    What Happened in Vicksburg 🌲

    Just hours later, around 1:30 p.m. near Ameristar Casino in Vicksburg, the body of Cory Zukatis (also spelled “Zutakis”), a white man in his mid-30s and reported to be homeless, was found hanging in a wooded area.

    The Warren County Coroner said Zukatis had a history of drug use and homelessness, but authorities made no conclusions on whether the death was suicide or homicide. His body was also sent to the state crime lab for autopsy. Vicksburg police confirmed there is no link between this death and Reed’s case.

    Online misinformation spread quickly—some claimed Zukatis was Black, or connected to broader conspiracies—but officials clarified these claims were false.

    Be sure to subscribe to Mya Lamis on Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/@ElevateWithMya

    A Painful Coincidence 💔

    It is very sad that both of these deaths happened on the same day, with both men found in a similar way. This has brought up painful memories of Mississippi’s history of lynching, a form of racial violence used against Black Americans. Many people, especially online, have found it hard to believe that both deaths were suicides, given this history.

    IN MY PERSONAL OPINION, THESE WERE NOT SUICIDES! THESE WERE MURDERS IN MISSISSIPPI! NO FOUL PLAY-NO SUCH THING! AND WE ALL KNOW THESE POLICE DEPARTMENTS IN THESE SMALL MISSISSIPPI TOWNS ARE CORRUPT!

  • The Tragic Story of Romeca Meeks: A Community Seeks Justice

    Romeca Meeks-Blackmon, a 31-year-old mother, was shot in the face and killed on Monday morning, September 8, 2025, in Chicago’s South Loop area near State Street and Cermak (South State Street near Serach Road) while dropping off her son at school. She was taken to Stroger Hospital but did not survive.

    Following the shooting, the suspect—Quadajah “Holly” Johnson—was arrested and held by Chicago police. However, as of reports published September 12–13, 2025, prosecutors announced that Johnson has been released without any charges filed.

    Romeca’s mother, Tina McMiller, has publicly demanded justice and called for stricter measures against domestic violence. She joined local leaders near the scene of the shooting and urged enforcement of Illinois House Bill 158, which treats violence as a public health crisis. A vigil was held outside Englewood STEM High School (or nearby), where hundreds of balloons were released in memory of Romeca, and her family described her as a kind, loving person who cared deeply for her child.

    Romeca’s young son is now being cared for by his grandmother. He is still trying to understand the loss of his mother.

    Many reports highlight that Romeca shared a child with a man named Carlos (sometimes referred to as Carlos Losos Way), who was present during the altercation. There are differing accounts about what triggered the confrontation. Some say Romeca had a restraining order against Carlos, and the relationship was unstable. Others—including people close to Carlos and Holly—claim Romeca may have harassed Holly, destroyed property, and initiated the fight on the day of the shooting.

    Witnesses reported that a physical struggle broke out. They allege Carlos held Romeca in a headlock, while Holly retrieved a firearm from their vehicle and shot Romeca in the face. Holly later told police she feared for her life, citing her concealed-carry license and claiming self-defense.

    Ultimately, no charges were brought against either Johnson (“Holly”) or Carlos. Police have labeled the shooting “domestic in nature,” but the exact sequence of events are still debated.

    The most heart-wrenching part of this story was the note she wrote for her son. She wrote it on the first day of school and put it in his lunch bag. As a mom, that messed me up a little. Was she expecting something bad to happen?

    What should have been a normal start to her day turned into a nightmare her child will never forget. Romeca wrote one last note to her child.

    I started thinking the other day. Most BW on BW (Black Woman on Black Woman) violence stems from either jealousy or a man. This happens whether you’re trying to impress him or keep him. Its sad because once again, kids will be missing a mother. Do you even care about your kids at all???

  • America Is in the Toilet and I Want the African American Aliens to Beam Me Up

    America’s losing it right now. From school shootings to false alarms on campuses, every day feels like another blow. Rising unemployment adds to the constant school bullying. Unsafe school settings contribute to this daily impact. Honestly? I’m like, “Beam me up, my 🥷🏾👽,” because this mess is too heavy.

    School Shootings and Fear in Classrooms

    School shootings and lockdowns are becoming the norm. Students walk into buildings filled with anxiety, not hope. Every day looks like a potential headline. Yesterday at Evergreen High School near Denver, a 16-year-old named Desmond Holly, reportedly radicalized by some extremist network, opened fire with a revolver around lunch. Then today, UMass Boston went on full lockdown. Reports of gunfire near East Residence Hall and the Kennedy Institute sent students fleeing, hiding, not opening doors—even though nothing was ever found. A false alarm, but trauma is real and so is the reminder: our campuses are always just a whisper away from real danger.

    😒 Charlie Kirk—No Love, But Sorry for the Family

    Charlie Kirk, conservative activist, was assassinated at an event in Utah—yeah, it sucks and obviously my heart goes out to his family. But me? I’m not sad about him. He frequently said some nasty things about Black women. So listen—I don’t care for the guy. Sorry, not sorry. He’s gone, and his death happened in a way that echoes the issues he criticized—but he didn’t support people like me. So it’s a hard pass for me emotionally here.

    📉 Black Women Unemployment Is Soaring

    Black women’s unemployment has spiked to around 6% in August 2025—up from about 5.4% in January, and double the rate for white women. Between May and August alone, nearly 300,000 Black women either lost or exited jobs. Many of the hardest hits were federal jobs cut under Trump’s administration. This isn’t just numbers. It’s Black moms losing stability and support. They are trying to raise kids in dangerous schools. They are fighting to protect their kids and holding families together.

    🙅🏾‍♀️Bullying Among Girls Is Exploding

    Bullying among girls has hit alarming levels—especially online. According to recent data, adolescent girls are more likely than boys (59.2% vs 49.5%) to experience cyberbullying—and over 28% were bullied in the past month alone. Girls report appearance-based body shaming at rates of 72% in 2025. Social exclusion, rumor spreading, and humiliation on Instagram dominate the landscape. These behaviors appear weekly in 37% of middle schools and 25% of high schools. Even worse, among Black teens 21% report bullying because of their race. Black girl victims face high rates of damaging online exposure. They also experience emotional harm. No lie, I must put some blame on Baddies. The Baddie culture of fighting and getting expensive wigs pulled off heads has ran its course. Plot twist: GROWN WOMEN WITH CHILDREN PARTAKE IN CYBERBULLYING AS WELL.

    Teachers Bail Out; AI Steps In

    Teacher shortages are off the charts. Over 411,000 positions are either empty or filled by uncertified staff. This situation affects 1 in 8 classrooms nationwide. Local breakdowns show even deeper trouble: in Houston ISD, 32% of teachers left last year, nearly double the state average. Teachers report burnout, low pay, chaos—even though fewer teachers say they’re leaving, stress levels remain sky high. While human teachers exit, schools are experimenting with AI lesson plans and virtual “teachers.” But AI can’t comfort kids, see bullying hiding behind smiles, or teach empathy. It’s education by default—and our children are losing.

    🏚️ The Rent Is Too Damn High

    And then there’s housing. Rent is out of control. Landlords and big apartment companies tack on random fees. These include parking fees, trash fees, “amenity” fees, pest control, and insurance. They add things that weren’t even on the lease. You either pay it, move out, or risk homelessness. Having a job is one thing, but jobs don’t stretch when rent takes half your paycheck. Add food, light bill, internet, gas, childcare, and you’re stuck in a depressing cycle. Save money? How? And if you’re working two jobs, when do you see your kids? When do you rest? Families are being priced out of living with dignity, forced to choose between shelter and sanity. And honestly, that cycle breaks people.

    America may be in the toilet, but we still deserve dignity, safety, jobs, and respect. Beam me up? Maybe. I’m ready to take my kid out of school. I want to move to the country and homeschool her. We can live happily and safely ever after.

  • How AI is Transforming Jobs: Insights from Microsoft Study

    Imagine your job changes overnight because a chatbot can do much of the work. Microsoft’s 2025 study, based on 200,000 real Copilot conversations in 2024, shows exactly how that’s happening in many fields. Let’s break it down simply—what it means for workers, how to stay ahead, and what isn’t as scary.

    1. What the Study Shows

    This study does not mean people will lose jobs right away—it shows which jobs AI is already helping with. Microsoft created a score to show how much AI can do in different jobs. Some jobs have high overlap, meaning AI can help a lot. Other jobs have low overlap, meaning AI can’t do the work well.

    2. Real Numbers & Expert Quotes

    Job / RoleHow Much AI Can HelpWhat It Means
    Historians91% of tasks AI can doAI helps with research and writing
    Developers75% use AI; 90% feel more productiveAI helps programmers, but humans still decide and create
    Customer ServiceHighChatbots answer simple questions, humans handle the tricky stuff
    Writers & AuthorsHighAI can draft content; humans add ideas and creativity
    Translators / InterpretersHighAI can translate words, but humans check for correct meaning

    3. Jobs AI Can’t Do Well

    Some jobs need hands-on work or human care, so AI can’t replace them. Examples:

    • Roofers
    • Housekeepers
    • Massage therapists
    • Dishwashers
    • Heavy machine operators

    These jobs need physical work and personal judgment that computers can’t do.

    4. What Workers Can Do to Stay Ahead

    Even if AI helps in your job, you can still succeed. Here are skills that matter:

    • Creativity: Come up with ideas that AI can’t think of.
    • Critical Thinking: Make decisions and solve problems.
    • Communication & Empathy: Talk to people, understand feelings.
    • AI Basics: Learn to use AI tools safely and effectively.
    • Start considering trades and vocations if you haven’t already.

    5. Challenges People Might Face

    Learning to work with AI isn’t always easy:

    • Learning Curve: Some people may find AI confusing at first.
    • Trust Issues: AI can make mistakes, so humans need to double-check.
    • Job Identity Stress: Some people may feel unsure about their value if AI does part of their work.

    ✅ Bottom Line

    AI is here to help, not replace humans. Some jobs, like writing, translating, or customer service, will see big changes. Other jobs, like cleaning, roofing, or hands-on work, are safe for now.

    Tip: Learn to work with AI, build your human skills, and you’ll stay valuable in the workplace.

  • Drake Shows Off 2Pac’s Death Row Records Chain From 1996

    If you’ve been following hip-hop news, you might have seen a lot of talk about Drake and a new chain. But this isn’t just any piece of jewelry. It’s a gold chain from Death Row Records, and it has a big story behind it.

    What is Death Row Records?

    Death Row Records was one of the most famous and important record labels in the 1990s. It was the home of legendary artists like 2Pac, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg. For many fans, a Death Row chain is a symbol of old-school hip-hop greatness.

    Why is Drake’s Chain a Big Deal?

    Drake recently posted a picture on Instagram wearing the famous Death Row chain. Fans quickly noticed that it looked like the one owned by the late 2Pac. But why would Drake, a modern superstar, wear a chain from a different era? The answer lies in his recent a disagreement with rapper Kendrick Lamar.

    Drake’s Instagram post with chain front and back.

    Over the past few months, Drake and Kendrick Lamar have been in a heated rap feud. This means they have been releasing songs that take shots at each other. Some of their songs have even mentioned 2Pac, who is a legend in the rap world. For example, Drake used an AI version of 2Pac’s voice in one of his songs. Kendrick Lamar mentioned a special ring that belonged to 2Pac in his own song. Okay let’s be real. Drake should have been eliminated from the battle when he used AI. And you use 2Pac’s voice? I told a blogger on Twitter today…

    Me keeping it real on Twitter

    By wearing the Death Row chain, many people believe Drake is sending a direct message to Kendrick Lamar. He is showing that he has a piece of hip-hop history. He is also demonstrating that he is not backing down in their public disagreement.

    What Do Fans Think?

    I see it as Drake trying to stir up more trouble and playing a dangerous game. He should focus on his music instead of that spanking Kendrick Lamar put on him.

  • Trump’s Executive Orders: Cashless Bail and Flag Burning

    President Donald Trump made a major move appealing to his conservative supporters. He signed two high-profile executive orders today. These orders aim at rolling back cashless bail systems. They also focus on criminalizing flag burning.

    Striking Against Cashless Bail

    The first order directs federal authorities to withdraw funding from cities and states that have eliminated cash bail. It argues that such systems are too lenient. They threaten public safety. Attorney General Pam Bondi has 30 days to identify which jurisdictions have adopted cashless bail policies. She will particularly focus on serious criminal offenses.

    Washington, D.C.—a city that largely abolished cash bail decades ago—is a primary target. The administration is using federal oversight and funding as leverage, even considering sending more pretrial detainees into federal custody. Critics, including reform advocates, argue cashless bail addresses systemic inequality—helping low-income defendants who can’t afford traditional bail. Research, such as from the Brennan Center, found no link between bail reform and crime increases.

    Flag Burning Becomes a Crime (Again)

    The second executive order calls on the Justice Department to investigate and prosecute individuals who desecrate the U.S. flag—punishable by up to one year in jail, with no early release. Foreign nationals caught burning the flag may face revocation of visas or immigration benefits, and possible deportation.

    The Supreme Court ruled in Texas v. Johnson (1989) that flag burning is protected under the First Amendment. Trump’s move aims to challenge this precedent. It suggests prosecution may be possible if flag burning “incites imminent lawless action” or counts as “fighting words.” Legal and civil liberties groups warn this order will likely face uphill battles over free speech rights.

  • Texas Senate Bill 15: Changes to Police Misconduct Records

    A new bill in Texas could change how the public can see police records. This bill, called Senate Bill 15, has already passed the Senate and is now waiting for a vote in the House. It has the support of a large police union in the state but is not liked by groups that want more government transparency.

    What’s in the Police Records Bill?

    This bill would create a new type of file for police misconduct records. These records would include information about bad behavior, investigations, and any punishments given to officers. The public would not be able to look at this new file. However, other police departments could see it when they are hiring. This file could also be used by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and during certain criminal court cases.

    People who support the bill say it is important to protect the privacy of police officers. They believe that officers should not be treated differently based on where they work. These supporters also say the public could still get some information about police misconduct, just not from this new file. They argue that other ways to get these records would still be available.

    On the other hand, people who are against the bill say it would make it much harder to hold police officers accountable for their actions. They worry that it would create a “secret file” of police misconduct. They believe it would be much more difficult for regular people to find out what happened and get the records they need. This would make it harder to know if the police are doing their jobs correctly.

    Senate Bill 15 has already been passed by the Senate and is now awaiting a vote in the House. If it passes the House, it will be sent to the governor for his signature.

  • Apollonia Sues Prince’s Estate for Name Ownership

    Patricia “Patty” Kotero—known to fans worldwide as Apollonia—starred in Prince’s iconic 1984 film Purple Rain. For over 40 years, she has built a career under that name. Now, she has filed a lawsuit against Prince’s estate, claiming ownership of the “Apollonia” name and trademark.

    Apollonia 6 (L to R: Susan Moonsie, Apollonia Kotero, and Brenda Bennett)

    Prince gave Kotero the name when casting her in Purple Rain. She performed as Apollonia in that film, formed the group Apollonia 6 in the mid-1980s, and continued her career using the name. Kotero hosts the podcast Apollonia Studio 6 (launched in 2022), and a Purple Rain musical—featuring a character named Apollonia—is set to premiere in Minneapolis in October before heading to Broadway.

    What Is the Lawsuit About?

    Patty argues that she has used the “Apollonia” name for decades—in films, television, music, podcasts (Apollonia Studio 6), and branding—and that Prince himself gave and encouraged her adoption of that name. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, seeks a court declaration affirming that she owns the trademark rights to “Apollonia.” She also asks for an injunction to stop Prince’s estate from interfering with her use of the name.

    What Prompted the Legal Action?

    In June 2025, Prince’s estate—Paisley Park Enterprises—filed its own trademark application for “Apollonia,” covering clothing and entertainment services. The estate also moved to cancel Kotero’s existing trademark filings Kotero asserts that the estate’s action threatens her identity and business, as she fears they could bring a trademark infringement lawsuit if she continues using her professional name.

    Kotero’s attorney, Dan Cislo, said she “fully expects to prevail in protecting her name”. Prince’s estate called the suit “frivolous” and “unwarranted.” They point out that Kotero’s registration was canceled at some point, that they offered her settlements, and that they never asked her to stop using the name during Prince’s lifetime.

    The late singer’s estate responds on Instagram to the recent lawsuit.

    This breaks my heart because I love Prince and Apolonia, but when it comes to entertainment law, liking somebody doesn’t go as far as the legalities. This case touches on key issues in entertainment law—trademark ownership, rights of artists to use a name tied to their identity, and posthumous control by estates. It also highlights how an artist’s long-standing professional identity can clash with estate or legacy management.

  • New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell Faces Federal Indictment

    LaToya Cantrell, the first woman to serve as mayor of New Orleans, is now facing one of the biggest scandals in the city’s history. On August 15, 2025, a federal grand jury indicted her on several charges, making her the first sitting mayor of New Orleans to be indicted while in office. The case has quickly become national news and is raising questions about corruption, power, and leadership in the city.

    According to the indictment, Cantrell is accused of using her position and city resources to cover up an alleged personal relationship with her former bodyguard, former NOPD officer Jeffrey Vappie. Prosecutors claim that the mayor and Vappie conspired together through wire fraud, obstruction of justice, and false statements to investigators. They say the two went to great lengths to hide their relationship, including using encrypted WhatsApp messages, deleting communications, and misleading investigators.

    The indictment also points to the misuse of taxpayer money. Court documents allege that Cantrell and Vappie took more than a dozen domestic and international trips together, costing the public over $70,000. Investigators say Vappie was paid as though he was working, even when he was allegedly spending personal time with the mayor. Reports also claim the pair frequently used a city-owned apartment in the Pontalba Building for private visits while Vappie was supposed to be on duty.

    Another key piece of evidence highlighted by prosecutors is the 15,000 WhatsApp messages between the two, including photos and voice notes. Many of these messages were reportedly deleted once questions started to surface. The indictment also accuses Cantrell of intimidating subordinates, lying under oath, and trying to mislead others in order to keep the relationship secret.

    If convicted, both Cantrell and Vappie could face serious penalties. Each count of wire fraud and obstruction of justice carries up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000. The weight of the charges has left city leaders stunned, with some calling it a “sad day” for New Orleans while also urging the public to let the legal process unfold.

    Cantrell’s office has not given a full response to the charges, though her team has acknowledged the indictment. The case will likely take months to move through the courts, and it remains unclear what impact this will have on the city’s leadership and upcoming elections.

    This marks a dramatic turn in Cantrell’s career. She was once praised for guiding New Orleans through the pandemic and focusing on rebuilding infrastructure, but these new allegations cast a shadow over her time in office. For now, the people of New Orleans are left waiting to see how the legal process plays out and what it means for the future of their city.