Bad Bunny Super Bowl ICE clash, Lisa Cook ruling, CBC meets

What You Need to Know: We’re only four weeks into the NFL season, and the Super Bowl is already making headlines. Lisa Cook scored another win at the Supreme Court, holding onto her seat at the Fed—for now. And in D.C., the Congressional Black Caucus gathered to strategize, legislate, and remind America who still shows up to do the work.

White House Says ICE Agents Will Not Be At The Super Bowl, Despite Previous Comments

The White House said there is “no tangible plan” for ICE operations tied to the 2026 Super Bowl, set to feature Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny as halftime headliner. Despite that, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem reiterated that ICE agents “will be all over” the event, framing it as part of the agency’s duty to secure major national gatherings and ensure only “law‑abiding Americans” attend. 

The Bigger Picture: The conflicting statements from the White House and DHS have heightened fears that immigration enforcement could target attendees, raising broader concerns about racial profiling and the policing of large public events. Advocates warn such measures may intimidate immigrant communities and overshadow the Super Bowl’s cultural and sporting significance.

Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Conference Held In DC

Lawmakers, activists and community leaders gathered in Washington for the Congressional Black Caucus’ 54th Annual Legislative Conference, themed “Made for This Moment: Power, Policy & Progress.” Throughout the five-day event, participants tackled topics from education and health care to racial justice and artificial intelligence, and strategized ways to counter policy rollbacks under the Trump administration.

Deep dive: The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference serves as a national forum to address policy issues impacting Black Americans and underserved communities. It brings together lawmakers, thought leaders, and citizens to shape legislative priorities, foster collaboration, and develop actionable solutions for racial equity, economic advancement, and social justice. The event also provides space to celebrate Black culture and leadership while strategizing for collective political progress.

Trump Met With Project 2025 Author On Shutting Down “Democratic Agencies”

President Donald Trump met with Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought to discuss potential cuts to what he termed “Democrat Agencies” amid the ongoing government shutdown. In a Truth Social post, Trump announced the meeting, stating they would determine which agencies to cut and whether those cuts would be temporary or permanent. He expressed disbelief that Democrats provided him with this “unprecedented opportunity,” suggesting they might be inadvertently aiding his agenda.

Why it matters: Vought, a central figure in the conservative Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025,” has been instrumental in implementing its proposals, which aim to reduce the federal workforce and shift power from independent agencies to the executive branch. Under his direction, the administration has already frozen billions in funding for Democratic-led states and initiated plans to lay off federal workers not aligned with the administration’s priorities.

Lisa Cook Will Remain Federal Reserve Governor For now, Supreme Court Rules

The U.S. Supreme Court has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s attempt to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, allowing her to remain in office at least until oral arguments are heard in January 2026. In a brief, unsigned order issued October 1, the Court declined to grant the administration’s emergency request to immediately dismiss Cook, who was appointed by former President Joe Biden in 2022. 

More Info:  The case centers on whether the president has the authority to remove members of independent agencies like the Federal Reserve and whether such removals must be for cause. Cook, the first Black woman to serve on the Fed’s Board, has denied allegations of mortgage fraud and filed a lawsuit asserting that her dismissal violated federal law. Lower courts had previously ruled in her favor, and the Supreme Court’s decision to hear the case marks a significant development in the ongoing legal battle over the Fed’s independence.

The Latest On The Government Shutdown  

The U.S. government shutdown has entered its seventh day, with no resolution in sight. The Senate has repeatedly failed to pass funding bills, leaving approximately 900,000 federal employees furloughed and another 700,000 working without pay. Trump has warned that continued legislative gridlock could lead to permanent federal job cuts.

Impacts: Amid the ongoing federal government shutdown, Trump’s administration froze $2.1 billion in funding for Chicago’s transit infrastructure projects, including the Red Line Extension and Red and Purple Modernization Program. White House budget director Russ Vought announced the pause, citing concerns over “race-based contracting” practices, which he described as “unconstitutional.” This move halts a long-awaited expansion aimed at improving transit access for underserved communities on the city’s South Side.

Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson’s podcast receives 4 Signal Awards nominations 

The podcast IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, earned four nominations in the 2025 Signal Awards, including nods for Best New Podcast and Best Co-Host Team, among others. The Signal Awards praised the show for its chemistry and cultural impact, listing it among finalists across multiple categories. 

IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson launched on March 12, 2025, featuring candid conversations between the former First Lady and her brother. Each episode explores personal stories, listener questions, and topics like relationships, parenting and career challenges. The show has been praised for its authentic, relatable and insightful discussions.