Featured
HBCU Football Wrap-Up: The MEAC Title Chase is on
Delaware State Extends Winning Momentum
James Jones powered Delaware State’s offense with 115 rushing yards and a touchdown on just 13 carries, helping the Hornets edge Morgan State 14-12 on Friday night.
Jones struck early, sprinting 68 yards for a touchdown less than a minute into the game, giving Delaware State (7-3, 3-0 MEAC) a quick 7-0 advantage. Early in the second quarter, Jones nearly added another score before fumbling at the goal line, but freshman lineman Amori Francis was there to recover the ball in the end zone for his first collegiate touchdown.
Morgan State’s Randall Nauden kept things close, breaking free for a 67-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to bring the Bears (3-7, 0-3) within two points. However, the two-point conversion attempt failed, sealing their fate. Kicker Alex Amaya connected on two field goals earlier but missed a 45-yard try as time expired, falling just short of the comeback.
Despite Delaware State’s recent success, Morgan State still leads the all-time series 10-4. The Hornets’ last win over the Bears came in a 33-30 thriller back in 2017.
South Carolina State Dominates to Stay Unbeaten at Home
South Carolina State wrapped up its home schedule in dominant fashion, cruising to a 42-12 victory over Howard on Saturday (Nov. 8) at Oliver C. Stadium.
The Bulldogs (7-3, 3-0 MEAC) continued their perfect home streak under coach Chennis Berry. Defensive standout Jarod Washington made headlines with two touchdowns—one on a 27-yard interception return and another on a blocked field-goal recovery—contributing to a 21-point first quarter and a commanding 28-3 halftime lead.
Quarterback William Atkins IV threw for 213 yards and two scores, while Jordan Smith added both a rushing and receiving touchdown. Receiver Jalen Johnson chipped in with six catches for 87 yards and a score.
North Carolina Central Tops Norfolk State on Senior Day
North Carolina Central celebrated Senior Day with a thrilling 31-28 win over Norfolk State, thanks to quarterback Walker Harris’ three-touchdown performance.
The Eagles (7-3, 2-1 MEAC) grabbed the lead late in the first quarter when Harris connected with Mehki Wall on a 33-yard touchdown strike to make it 10-7—a lead they would not relinquish. NCCU now looks ahead to a highly anticipated showdown with conference rival South Carolina State on Friday, Nov. 14, airing live on ESPN2.
Jackson State Cruises Past Mississippi Valley State
No. 19 Jackson State continued its dominance, rolling to a 42-3 victory over Mississippi Valley State on Saturday.
Quarterback Jared Lockhart threw for two touchdowns—both to Nate Rembert—while the Tigers (7-2, 5-1 SWAC) balanced 241 passing yards with 217 on the ground. Running backs Travis Terrell Jr., Donerio Davenport, and Ja’Naylon Dupree each added rushing scores.
Rembert stood out with six receptions for 97 yards, including a 46-yard strike and a 14-yard touchdown grab. Defensively, Mike Smith III returned an interception 60 yards for a touchdown, helping Jackson State limit the Delta Devils to just 179 total yards and 53 on the ground.
Grambling Triumphs Over Bethune-Cookman Despite Halftime Brawl
Grambling State secured a hard-fought 31-23 win over Bethune-Cookman on Saturday—a game marred by a halftime brawl that resulted in nine ejections between both teams.
Quarterback Hayden Benoit threw four touchdown passes, including three in the first half, leading the Tigers’ offensive charge. Running back Andre Crews added 130 yards on 14 carries, powering a balanced attack that controlled possession for more than 32 minutes.
For Bethune-Cookman, quarterback Timmy McClain was sharp, completing 15-of-18 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown. Receiver Maleek Huggins led the Wildcats with 122 yards and a 61-yard score that tied the game at 17 before halftime. Kicker Juan Dominguez kept the Wildcats close with three successful field goals, including a late 42-yarder.
Following the altercation, SWAC Commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland is expected to review footage and issue disciplinary measures that may affect players and staff from both programs.
Harris Leads Alabama State Past Texas Southern
Marcus Harris II spearheaded Alabama State’s offense with three rushing touchdowns, lifting the Hornets to a 42-24 win over Texas Southern on Saturday night.
Harris’ 13-yard score midway through the second quarter gave Alabama State (7-2, 5-1 SWAC) a 21-17 advantage. He later added back-to-back 3-yard touchdowns to put the game out of reach. Backup quarterback Te’Sean Smoot threw for 215 yards, including an 87-yard touchdown strike to Jalen Jones on the opening play from scrimmage.
Special teams also shined as Nehemiah Hixon electrified the crowd with a 99-yard kickoff return touchdown in the second quarter, helping the Hornets secure another crucial conference win.
Featured
Dr. Earleen Patterson’s 30 Year Legacy of Education and Service at SIUE
Dr. Earleen Patterson’s 30-year legacy at SIUE is celebrated for empowering students. Honored at the Salute to Excellence Gala, her impact extends far beyond the classroom.
For 30 years, Dr. Earleen Patterson has helped students at SIUE find their path, build confidence and create opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. Her dedication to education and service will be honored at the St. Louis American Foundation’s 39th annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship & Awards Gala on Oct. 17. 🎓👏🏾
Read her story: https://www.stlamerican.com/salute-to-excellence/earleen-pattersons-legacy-rooted-in-education-service/
✒️ Na’Porsha Williams
📷 Lawrence Bryant
#STLAmerican #Salute39 #Education #BlackExcellence #SIUE
Featured
Defender ONE-on-ONE: U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee
Rep. Christian Menefee shares insights on his first 250 days in Congress, key legislation, and the challenges of serving in the minority. Don’t miss this exclusive interview!
In an exclusive interview with The Defender, Texas Congressman Christian Menefee sits down to reflect on his first 250 days serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Congressman Menefee shares key insights into his legislative priorities, introducing new bills, and navigating the day-to-day challenges of serving in the house minority. He breaks down why every vote matters in shaping our communities and offers a preview of the urgent legislative issues he plans to tackle next.

In this video, you’ll hear about: • Reflections on his first 250 days in Congress • Key legislation introduced and priority bills • Navigating the realities and strategy of serving in the house minority • Why civic engagement and voter participation remain critical • What lies ahead on his legislative agenda

Subscribe to The Defender for more exclusive political coverage, interviews, and community insights!
Sign-up for the Top 5 newsletter
Donate/ Support Our Work
#ChristianMenefee #USCongress #TexasPolitics #TheDefender #CommunityNews #CivicEngagement #houseofrepresentativeselection2026
Chapters
0:00 Introduction and the Importance of Voting
1:12 First 250 Days and Improving Constituent Services
2:40 Oversight Committee and Environmental Justice
4:05 Rebuilding an Empty Congressional Office
6:10 The SET Act: Ending Vacancies in Representation
8:25 Life in the Minority and Playing Defense
10:45 Foreign Policy, Inflation, and Gas Prices
12:50 Economic Goals: Child Care and Housing
14:20 Redistricting and Respecting Leadership
16:15 The Rotisserie Chicken Vote and SNAP Benefits
18:20 Congressional Black Caucus Highlights
19:45 Final Call to Action for Texas Voters
Make sure to check your voter registration status and head to the polls to make your voice heard in the upcoming election. If you found this update helpful, please like this video and subscribe to stay informed on the issues that matter most to your community. 📢
#TexasPolitics #Congress #Houston #VotingRights #ChristianMenefee
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https://defendernetwork.com/category/news/opinion/
Bakersfield News Observer
News Observer Weekly — October 7, 2026 | Top 5 Stories of the Week
Nolan Wells’ mysterious death remains unsolved, while Kern County ballots are now in voters’ hands. This week’s top 5 stories, up now on News Observer Weekly.
Nolan Wells was eighteen. A Mississippi grand jury says nobody is responsible for his death. The state medical examiner says she can’t tell you how he died. The district attorney’s message to the family was, we’ll never know. The family’s answer was, we’ll never stop.
This week on News Observer Weekly, Marcus and Nia break down the five stories that mattered most to our readers — from Observer Group Newspapers, publishers of the Bakersfield News Observer, the Los Angeles News Observer and Valley’s News Observer, serving Kern County, Los Angeles, and the San Fernando and Antelope valleys.
ONE THING THIS WEEK
Kern County ballots started going out Oct. 5. When yours arrives: fill it out,
SIGN AND DATE THE ENVELOPE (unsigned ballots cannot be processed), and return it
by mail (no stamp, postmarked by Nov. 3) or to a 24-hour drop box by 8 p.m. on
Nov. 3. Not registered? The regular deadline is Oct. 19; same-day registration
is available in person after that through Election Day. Track your ballot with
“Where’s My Ballot” at kernvote.com. Kern County Elections: 661-868-3590.
NOW LAW
AB 2599, the Truth in Disclosure Act, signed Sept. 30. California is the first
state to require companies with $100 million or more in worldwide receipts to
disclose, under penalty of perjury, whether they or their predecessors profited
from chattel slavery.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Cold open
0:37 Justice: Rulings Leave Questions Lingering in Nolan Wells Case
3:25 Sacramento: Gov. Newsom Signs Bill Requiring Large Corporations to Disclose Profits From Chattel Slavery
5:55 Inglewood: Inglewood Shifts $2.8 Million in HOME-ARP Funds to Sankofa Place Affordable Housing Project
8:34 Kern County: Your Ballot Is in the Mail: Here Is What Kern County Voters Need to Know
10:21 Los Angeles: Mayor Bass Hosts 3rd Annual Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Procurement Summit to Prepare Small Businesses for LA28 Contracts
12:22 What to do this week
THE FULL STORIES
Rulings Leave Questions Lingering in Nolan Wells Case
2. Gov. Newsom Signs Bill Requiring Large Corporations to Disclose Profits From Chattel Slavery
Gov. Newsom Signs Bill Requiring Large Corporations to Disclose Profits From Chattel Slavery
3. Inglewood Shifts $2.8 Million in HOME-ARP Funds to Sankofa Place Affordable Housing Project
Inglewood Shifts $2.8 Million in HOME-ARP Funds to Sankofa Place Affordable Housing Project
4. Your Ballot Is in the Mail: Here Is What Kern County Voters Need to Know
Your ballot is in the mail. Here is what Kern County voters need to know
5. Mayor Bass Hosts 3rd Annual Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Procurement Summit to Prepare Small Businesses for LA28 Contracts
If you are in crisis, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free and available 24 hours a day, by call or text.
Read everything at ognsc.com
Subscribe for the top five, every week.
Featured
Antron Brown Takes His Impact Beyond the Racetrack
Antron Brown’s influence extends far beyond the racetrack. Discover how this racing legend is making a difference off the track.
Antron Brown’s impact reaches beyond the finish line. See how the racing star is taking his success beyond the track.
Read more: https://www.stlamerican.com/sports/antron-brown-takes-racing-success-beyond-the-track/
#stlamerican #AntronBrown #Motorsports
Featured
Headlines and Hot Topics with Rodney Perry
Get the scoop on today’s hottest stories with Rodney Perry on Black Press USA’s Morning Show. Don’t miss the conversation behind the headlines!
Today on Black Press USA’s Morning Show, we’re breaking down the stories driving the conversation.
Watch Black Press USA’s Morning Show for the headlines, the context, and the conversation behind the news.
#BlackPressUSA #MorningShow #BlackNews
Featured
Headlines and Hot Topics with Rodney Perry 📱
Rodney Perry tackles today’s hot topics on Black Press USA’s Morning Show. Don’t miss the breakdown of the stories everyone’s talking about.
Today on Black Press USA’s Morning Show, we’re breaking down the stories driving the conversation.
Watch Black Press USA’s Morning Show for the headlines, the context, and the conversation behind the news.
#BlackPressUSA #MorningShow #BlackNews
Dr. Earleen Patterson’s 30 Year Legacy of Education and Service at SIUE
Latinas Deserve Equal Pay. Unions Help Make It Happen.
Defender ONE-on-ONE: U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee
Unlock Your Best Auto Loan: Ask These Questions! #shorts
News Observer Weekly — October 7, 2026 | Top 5 Stories of the Week
Atlas Family Comfort: Worth the Extra Cash? #shorts
Antron Brown Takes His Impact Beyond the Racetrack
Headlines and Hot Topics with Rodney Perry
Headlines and Hot Topics with Rodney Perry 📱
Houston’s ‘call Me Mother’ Exhibit Opens Today, Spotlighting Black Maternal Health
Latest Massacre in Haiti Reveals Cruelty U.S. Deportations
The Youngest American Killed in the Vietnam War
Booked and Unbound: The Legacy of Black Women’s Literary Circles
Passing for White, Fighting for Black America: The Courage of Walter White
OPINION: Nolan Wells’ Death One of Several Signifying Racial Terror Lives on in U.S. South
Prostate Cancer is Twice as Likely to Kill Black Men. Talking to Your Doctor Could Help Save Your Life
OP-ED: If AI Is the New Language of Power, Then NAN Wants Black Communities Fluent
OP-ED: Haiti TPS: Have We Lost Sense of Humanity?
OP-ED: How Does Your State Rank for Pre-K?
Henry O. Flipper: A Trailblazer at West Point and Beyond
Dr. Earleen Patterson’s 30 Year Legacy of Education and Service at SIUE
Defender ONE-on-ONE: U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee
Unlock Your Best Auto Loan: Ask These Questions! #shorts
News Observer Weekly — October 7, 2026 | Top 5 Stories of the Week
Atlas Family Comfort: Worth the Extra Cash? #shorts
Antron Brown Takes His Impact Beyond the Racetrack
Headlines and Hot Topics with Rodney Perry
Headlines and Hot Topics with Rodney Perry 📱
Jamal’s Take: Cowboys’ Epic Comeback Win and Dak’s Dominance Against Houston
REBROADCAST: HE SAID, HE SAID, HE SAID:Author Derrick M. Jackson — FRI. 10.9.26 7PM E
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Black Press1 week agoOP-ED: Haiti TPS: Have We Lost Sense of Humanity?
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Black History1 week agoRulings Leave Questions Lingering in Nolan Wells Case
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Black History1 week agoBaptist Minister Says Black Church Champions for Civil Rights to Reign but Hesitates to Let Black Women Lead
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Black History1 week agoWhy Black Artists Struggle to Sell Tours
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Black Press1 week agoResponsible AI Development Requires a Seat at the Table for Black America
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Black History1 week agoIN MEMORIAM: The Mighty Sparrow, King of Calypso, Dies at Age 91 in New York
