Photo: Science Photo Library RF
1 Racist Texts About Picking Cotton Received By Black People Across Several States
The FBI and other agencies are investigating a rash of text messages sent to Black men, women, and students this week. The texts, which were sent anonymously, were reportedly received by people in several states including New York, Alabama, California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. While the texts had some differences, including spelling and wording, most told the recipient that they had been chosen to be picked up for work at a “plantation,” with some specifying the recipients of the text would be picking cotton. The FBI, the Justice Department, and the Federal Communications Commission are investigating the texts, and while they’re not sure who sent them there are speculations that they may be coming from a foreign intelligence community trying to take advantage of emotions after this week’s presidential election.
2 President-Elect Trump Names Susie Wiles As White House Chief of Staff
It took less than 48-hours for President-elect Donald Trump to break at least one glass ceiling. Trump named his co-campaign chair Susie Wiles as his new White House chief of staff, making her the first woman to ever be appointed to what’s considered one of the most important nonelected posts in Washington . The 67-year-old Wiles is a well-respected Republican operative and previously worked for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2018. Wiles is the daughter of football player and sportscaster Pat Summerall.
3 Federal Reserve Cuts Interest Rates By A Quarter Point; Jerome Powell Says He Won't Step Down
Yesterday, there was little surprise when Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announced that the Fed had cut interest rates by another quarter of a point. The move was widely expected as inflation continues to approach the 2-percent goal of the central bank. The Fed said that inflation is still “somewhat elevated” and that unemployment has “moved up but remained low.” While the statement removed language used in previous updates saying the Fed was confident it would hit the 2-percent inflation goal, some experts are speculating the bank may not cut interest rates again next month.During the question-and-answer portion of yesterday’s press conference, a “Politico” reporter asked Powell if he would step down if asked to resign by President-elect Trump, and Powell’s response was direct…a simple “No.” He continued by saying he wasn’t legally required to leave if asked to do so. Powell, who was appointed to the position by Trump in 2017, is scheduled to reach the end of his term in May 2026.