FED GOVERNOR FIGHTS TRUMP’S FIRING ORDER
Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook is fighting back against President Donald Trump’s attempt to remove her from office, filing a federal lawsuit that could reshape the boundaries of presidential power. Cook, the first Black woman to serve on the Fed’s Board of Governors, refuses to step down despite Trump’s claims of “sufficient cause” for her termination.
The controversy erupted when Trump posted allegations of mortgage fraud against Cook on social media, though she hasn’t been charged with any crimes. Critics argue this fits a disturbing pattern of targeting Black leaders across government, from Gen. Charles Brown, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to former Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden.
Cook’s impressive credentials include degrees from Oxford and Spelman College, advisory roles for multiple presidential administrations, and groundbreaking research on racial barriers to economic advancement. Her term runs through 2038, and she has consistently voted alongside Fed Chair Jerome Powell.
Civil rights leaders see this as more than a personnel dispute. They view it as Trump’s attempt to bend the traditionally independent Federal Reserve to his will while simultaneously attacking Black excellence in leadership positions.
The outcome could determine whether presidents can bypass legal protections for Fed governors and potentially destabilize one of America’s most crucial economic institutions.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“These civil rights movements can’t be won alone. You need people working together…no one’s free till we’re all free.” – Izumi Sunada, a Japanese American protester, told AsAm News about why he participated in a peace vigil protesting the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel at Terminal Island in San Pedro, Calif., a place that used to be home to a Japanese fishing village.
MORE FROM THE URL MEDIA NETWORK
Source: Outlier Media / Cydni Elledge
Older voters have young ideas for Detroit: Detroit’s senior voters are about to decide the city’s next mayor, and their priorities might surprise you. These residents over 60 cast ten times more ballots than voters under 30, making them the ultimate kingmakers. They’re not just complaining about “kids these days” though. Instead, they want more youth programs, stronger neighborhoods, Black business districts, and affordable home repairs. Their vision for Detroit’s future could signal what older Americans nationwide really care about when they hit the polls. Read more at Outlier Media.
India purges voters before key election: India’s Election Commission just deleted 650,000 voters from Bihar’s rolls right before state elections, and many of them are still living in their villages. Entire communities are discovering they can’t vote despite never moving, dying, or doing anything wrong. Officials blame rushed paperwork and impossible deadlines, but patterns suggest something more deliberate is happening in this crucial area. Read more at Scroll.
Mamdani says corruption killed Brooklyn bike lanes: New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is calling out a corruption scandal that literally put lives at risk for pocket change. Mayor Eric Adams’ top advisor allegedly took bribes totaling just $12,500 plus a TV cameo to kill crucial bike lane safety improvements in Brooklyn. The halted project would have protected cyclists on a dangerous corridor, but film studio owners wanted to keep their truck access. Now Mamdani is promising to finish what corruption stopped. Read more at BK Reader.
Silent bullying sparks legal victory: Kiria Cora, founder of the Pittsburgh-based Cora Foundation, together with her husband, former MLB player Joey Cora, turned their son’s traumatic bullying experience into a legislative victory that’s reshaping how Pennsylvania schools handle harassment. After their child was hospitalized from “silent bullying” that left him ignored for 28 days, the Cora Foundation fought for new laws requiring schools to notify parents within five days or face civil court. Their pain became policy change. Read more at Pittsburgh Latino Magazine.
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
National Voter Registration Day – Sept. 16 – various locations
Retreat or resilience: Responding to global democratic decline – Sept. 16 – Chicago Center on Democracy
Still the beacon: California and the future of climate policy – Sept. 17 – San Francisco – CalMatters
Legislative conference – Sept. 24 – 28 – Washington, D.C. – Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
Resilience, Resistance, Renewal: Charting a Just Future leadership and policy conference impact weekend – Sept. 19-20 – Washington, D.C. – Council of American-Islamic Relations
Town halls to defend civil rights and mobilize volunteers ahead of the 2026 election – NAACP
OTHER RECOMMENDED READING
When did caring for America’s most vulnerable kids become political? – The 19th News
Months after Trump’s firing of federal “climate proofers” millions are still at risk – The Xylom
Blue states retain CDC grants after suing Trump; red states face losses – The Current
Tribes call on Trump to “do right for Indian Country,” return federal land within Wind River Reservation’s bounds – Indian Country Today/
Why him? Why now? Why not? Jason Esteves wants to be Georgia’s next governor – The Atlanta Voice
