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Campaign Cash: Harris’ $1 Billion to Trumps $430K

Politics

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2024-10-10

Campaign Cash: Harris’ $1 Billion to Trumps $430K

Harris’ political team has raised $1 billion since entering the presidential race in late July

Vice President Kamala Harris’ political team has raised $1 billion since entering the presidential race in late July, two sources told CNN — marking a massive fundraising milestone in her 2024 campaign. A surge in giving from prospective voters has recently helped Harris rocket past the sums collected by former President Donald Trump. His team has announced collecting roughly $430 million jointly with the Republican Party during the three months between the start of July and the end of September.

At this rate, the former president could struggle to even match what his political operation raised during the 2020 campaign, a nonpartisan research group noted in a report this week. Presidential campaigns will report full details of their September fundraising and spending to the Federal Election Commission later this month

San Antonio High School Student, Anushka Jain, Leading Change Through Her Non-Profit “Dream Donations”

Cover Story

Observer Staff

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2024-10-08

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San Antonio High School Student, Anushka Jain, Leading Change Through Her Non-Profit “Dream Donations”

Dream Donations: A Student-led Nonprofit Tackling Food and Medical Supply Waste

Dream Donations San Antonio Non-Profit Anushka Jain

Anushka Jain, a student at Health Careers High School in San Antonio, is making a significant impact on her community through her nonprofit, Dream Donations. Founded in 2020 alongside two peers, Rishabh Jain and Aruj Khater, Dream Donations began with a simple mission: to reduce food waste by redistributing surplus food from local restaurants to homeless shelters. What started as a modest project during her high school years has grown into an essential service and resource for San Antonio’s underserved populations.

Food From Local Businesses Reaches Over 3,000 In Need

Dream Donations mission has been to ensure that excess food from local businesses reaches those in need, especially the homeless. They have partnered with shelters such as SAMMinistries Transitional Living Center to provide meals to people facing food insecurity. To date, they’ve donated nearly 3,000 meals and raised over $9,000 to support their cause.

Expanding to Medical Supply Waste Reduction

Dream Donations Non-Profit San Antonio — Photo Courtesy of the Jain Family

While addressing food insecurity, Dream Donations has expanded its reach to tackle another overlooked issue: medical supply waste. Recognizing the abundance of unused wound care and skincare products, the organization has initiated a project to collect these surplus supplies and distribute them to nonprofit clinics and shelters in need.

Dr. Jayesh Shah, wound care specialist, is mentoring high school student Anushka Jain in organizing her wound care supplies drive. By collaborating with healthcare providers like University Hospital, Christus Santa Rosa, and other private clinics, Dream Donations ensures that these essential items are redirected to serve homeless and low-income populations.

The impact of these efforts has been substantial, as Dream Donations has collected more than $1,500 worth of surplus medical supplies and has donated $800 worth to local shelters. To ensure that their contributions reach the most vulnerable individual, they work closely with community partners such as Seton Home, Corazon Ministries, and Broken Warrior Angels. Through this initiative, Dream Donations has extended its influence beyond food insecurity, addressing critical healthcare needs in underserved communities.

How to Get Involved: Contact and Volunteering Information

Like all non profits, Dream Donations thrives on the support of volunteers and donations. The organization is actively seeking community members who are willing to contribute unused and unopened wound care supplies. Volunteers can assist by connecting the nonprofit with clinics, hospitals, and other facilities that may have surplus medical supplies. Additionally, churches, community centers, and corporations are encouraged to host collection boxes to gather donations.

If you are interested in contributing, donations can be dropped off at 11802 Warfield St #200, San Antonio, TX 78216. Alternatively, Dream Donations offers a pick-up service for donated items. Dream Donations are also still looking to serve more shelters in need and also in need of volunteers to facilitate the transportation. For more information visit their website at https://www.dreamdonations.org/, by phone at (210) 718-4177 or by email at anushkaj837@gmail.com or Dreamdonations2020@gmail.com.

Every Contribution Helps

Whether through volunteering or donating, every contribution helps continue Dream Donations impactful work in the San Antonio community. Through their efforts, Anushka Jain and her peers have not only addressed immediate needs in their community but have also provided a model for other youth to follow in creating meaningful change.

Texas Senate Race: Cruz and Allred Debate Approaches with Tight Polls

Observer Staff

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2024-10-08

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Texas Senate Race: Cruz and Allred Debate Approaches with Tight Polls

Cruz vs. Allred: Debate Time and Polls as Election Nears

Texans are gearing up for a high-stakes U.S. Senate race between incumbent Sen. Ted Cruz and challenger U.S. Rep. Colin Allred. The only scheduled debate before the November 5 election will take place on October 15, giving voters a critical opportunity to compare the candidates ahead of Election Day.

Where and When to Watch the Cruz-Allred Debate

“The Texas Debate,” will air live at 7 p.m. MT/8 p.m. CT on October 15. It will be broadcast across multiple Texas regions, including major cities like Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, giving voters statewide access to the event.

Polls Show a Tight Race Between Cruz and Allred

Recent polls indicate a highly competitive race, with several surveys showing a narrow gap between Cruz and Allred:

A University of Houston/Texas Southern University poll shows Cruz leading with 46.6% to Allred’s 44.5%.
An Emerson College poll in collaboration with The Hill and Nexstar Media shows Cruz at 49% and Allred close behind at 45%.
A Texas Hispanic Policy Foundation poll reports Cruz leading 48% to 45%.
A Morning Consult poll shows Allred ahead by a slim margin, with 45% to Cruz’s 44%.
A UnidosUS poll highlights Allred’s strong support among Latino voters, leading Cruz by 20 points, 51% to 31%.

With the race essentially in a dead heat, the October 15 debate could play a significant role in swaying undecided voters and shaping the final outcome.

People are Losing It: Man Charged After Allegedly Attacking Black Postal Worker Over Kamala Harris Flyer

Observer Staff

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2024-10-08

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People are Losing It: Man Charged After Allegedly Attacking Black Postal Worker Over Kamala Harris Flyer

Michigan Man Charged After Allegedly Attacking Black Postal Worker Over Kamala Harris Flyer

A Michigan man is facing serious charges after an alleged racially motivated attack on a Black postal worker who delivered campaign mail supporting Vice President Kamala Harris.

According to police, Russell Valleau, 61, of Farmington Hills, reacted violently upon receiving a flyer promoting Harris. Prosecutors say Valleau expressed his anger by hurling racist slurs at the postal worker, calling her a “Black bit#*.” But it didn’t stop there—Valleau allegedly grabbed a knife and lunged at the woman.

In self-defense, the postal worker used pepper spray to stop the attack. When police arrived, they found Valleau nearby and arrested him. He is now facing charges, including those related to hate crimes.

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald emphasized that while political opinions may vary, “no one should be assaulted or threatened because of their race, or for doing their job. Hate crimes impact all of us, and we will vigorously pursue all such cases.”

As the election draws near, tensions are rising, but this case highlights just how dangerous political divisions can become.

Probing Federal Agencies: Are Joint Base San Antonio Employees’ Emails at Risk?

Gordon Benjamin

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2024-10-08

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Probing Federal Agencies: Are Joint Base San Antonio Employees’ Emails at Risk?

Project 2025 Targets Federal Workforce: Are Joint Base San Antonio Employees’ Emails at Risk?

As the countdown toward the election of 2024 continues, quite a bit more regarding the substantial scope of Project 2025 is coming under closer scrutiny. The additional inspection of the plan “for the next conservative administration” has revealed a facet of the project that suggests the real “Big Brother” image does not include the government but exists with those who seek to change what the government is doing—namely, the authors and supporters of Project 2025.

Employees Found On the Other Side Will Be Replaced By MAGA Loyalists

The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank that compiled the blueprint for the “next conservative administration,” has reportedly filed thousands of public information requests, clogging the pipeline at federal agencies in an apparent attempt to “find employees a potential Trump administration would want to purge” from civil service jobs, and reportedly replace them with MAGA loyalists.

San Antonio: A Federal Workforce Powerhouse

San Antonio plays a critical role in the nation’s federal workforce. Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA), which comprises four primary locations—Fort Sam Houston, Camp Bullis, Randolph AFB, and Lackland AFB—is home to 67,350 direct employees as of 2023, with 32,333 of them being active duty. When indirect employees are included, the total workforce at JBSA is estimated to be much higher. Given the size and scope of JBSA, any large-scale targeting of federal workers has the potential to severely disrupt San Antonio’s labor market and morale within the installations.

Project 2025 and FOIA Requests: A Deep Dive into Email Privacy Concerns

Some of Project 2025’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests have sought identification of and emails from various federal agency employees whose correspondence included keywords like “climate change,” “equity,” “voting rights,” “sexual orientation,” “gender identity and expression,” “ACLU,” “The Native American Rights Fund,” “Rock the Vote,” and “Fair Count,” an organization founded by Democratic politician and voting rights advocate Stacey Abrams.

The think tank’s requests have even included browser histories and server data used by Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland. Further requests targeted communications that mentioned “Trump” and “Reduction in Force,” a term that refers to layoffs.

What Federal Workers Need to Know About Project 2025’s Public Information Requests

Heritage Foundation leaders have allegedly been promoting a controversial plan designed to remove job protections for tens of thousands of career civil servants, should Donald Trump win the Presidential election. According to reports, the former president has made it clear that his administration would aim to overhaul the Department of the Interior, which protects the nation’s natural resources, including hundreds of millions of acres of land. Under President Biden, the department has prioritized tackling climate change, making it a potential target for future personnel changes.

Some of the FOIA requests, sent to agencies like the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, focus heavily on identifying personnel. One such request asked for the names of “all employees who entered into a position at the agency as a political appointee since January 20, 2021,” the first day of the Biden Administration.

Joint Base San Antonio in Focus: The Impact on Local Federal Employees

Considering these suspect FOIA requests, there’s growing concern about their potential effects on the workforce at Joint Base San Antonio. How would the targeting of federal workers affect morale and the day-to-day operations at JBSA, which is central to both national defense and San Antonio’s economy? JBSA workers may be particularly vulnerable to these information requests, which seek to probe their communications for topics that align with the Biden Administration’s priorities on equity, climate change, and more.

With such a large portion of San Antonio’s workforce connected to JBSA, any mass dismissals or targeting of civil servants could ripple through the broader local economy, affecting livelihoods and stability.

Protecting San Antonio’s Federal Workforce Amid Political Scrutiny

As San Antonio’s federal workers face the potential fallout of Project 2025’s scrutiny, it is crucial for the community to stay informed and engaged. The upcoming election on November 5, 2024, will be pivotal in determining the future of federal workforce policies. High voter turnout will be essential to ensure that the people’s voice is heard and that the results reflect the will of the community.

When all things are considered, the intensity of voter turnout must be at the highest levels. There is no question as to what results we, the people desire from the upcoming election on November 5, 2024.

If We want to Change Policies, We Change Policymakers.
If We want to Change Laws, We Change Lawmakers.

FAMU Dominates HBCU Rival at Its Own Homecoming

Observer Staff

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2024-10-08

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FAMU Dominates HBCU Rival at Its Own Homecoming

Florida A&M University (FAMU) delivered a statement win in a highly anticipated HBCU rivalry game, taking down Alabama State 28-13 during the Hornets’ homecoming in front of a packed crowd at ASU Stadium. The game drew 33,576 fans, who filled the stands with energy and excitement, but the Rattlers dominated both sides of the ball to spoil the festive atmosphere.

FAMU got off to a quick start, with quarterback Daniel Richardson connecting on an 8-yard touchdown pass to A’ceon Cobb midway through the first quarter. Alabama State responded quickly with a 3-yard touchdown run by Tacaris Bozeman, but from that point on, the Rattlers took control.

FAMU HBCU Football — A’ceon Wilson runs into the endzone against Alabama State. (Vaughn Wilson/HBCU Gameday)

After a scoreless second quarter, FAMU found their rhythm in the second half, with Richardson throwing two more touchdown passes—one to Cobb again for 35 yards and another to Goldie Lawrence for 10 yards—both in crucial moments that helped extend their lead. Alabama State managed only two field goals, unable to find the end zone for the remainder of the game. FAMU’s defense was relentless, forcing turnovers and holding Alabama State’s offense to just 68 passing yards.

A standout moment came in the fourth quarter when FAMU’s Nay’Ron Jenkins scooped up a fumble and returned it 20 yards for a touchdown, sealing the win and quieting the homecoming crowd. Despite Alabama State’s strong ground game, which racked up 211 rushing yards, they couldn’t keep pace with FAMU’s balanced attack and stout defense.

This win solidifies FAMU’s standing in the HBCU ranks, pushing it to 3-2 on the season, while Alabama State falls to 2-3, leaving their homecoming crowd disappointed but treated to a fierce rivalry clash.

Pharrell Williams’ Biopic “Piece by Piece” Inspired by the LEGO Movie- Oct 11th

Connor Wiley

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2024-10-08

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Pharrell Williams’ Biopic “Piece by Piece” Inspired by the LEGO Movie- Oct 11th

Pharrell Williams’ biopic, “Piece by Piece,” uses LEGO animation to offer a fresh take on his life and artistry. Inspired by “The LEGO Movie,” it brings a unique twist to the music documentary genre.

Pharrell Williams has been a hit maker of the music industry for over ten years now, with a sound that can’t really be pinned down to a single style, achieving success in a variety of genres ranging from upbeat pop and funk tunes to R&B and hip hop. In recent years, Williams has begun to expand his artistic territory, having been named the new Men’s creative director for Louis Vuitton last year, and now with his upcoming foray into the film industry with the animated documentary, “Piece by Piece.”

“Piece by Piece” hits theaters this week, aiming to tell the story of Pharrell Williams and his rise to fame, though with a slightly unconventional approach to the biopic genre. Pharrell’s story will unfold as an animated documentary in the LEGO format, similar to movies like “The LEGO Movie” and “The LEGO Batman Movie,” and will include representations of many other famous musicians and artists like Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Gwen Stefani, Jay Z, and many more, all voiced by their real-life counterparts.

We’re in an era now where the music biopic has become slightly oversaturated – with artists from all walks of life and from various generations getting the documentary treatment. But Pharrell had this in mind when he began scheming up his own life story for the big screen – and he knew that he would have to make his unique, different, in order to stand out, and to truly express the unbounded creativity that he possesses as an artist. With that, the idea to convey his story through animated LEGO bricks came to be, and “Piece by Piece” was born.

In an interview with CBS, Pharrell opened up about his gratitude for being able to exhibit his life story on the big screen, and the significance of being able to tell it in LEGO animation, saying, “it’s universal…LEGO is the great equalizer.” Pharrell grew up building LEGOs, and still does to this day with his kids, which is another reason why he felt inspired to take the LEGO route for his documentary. Ultimately, he also knew that animation would give him the most freedom to tell his story his way, and as soon as he was approached with the opportunity to do a documentary about his life, he knew it had to be with LEGOs. The film will also of course include a soundtrack curated by Pharrell, with five new original songs.

“Piece by Piece” is set for a nationwide release this Friday, October 11th, where you’ll be able to get a glimpse into the creative mind and life story of one of the most prolific artists of this generation, through the unique and distinctive world of LEGO.

Millennial and Gen Z Voters Are At A Fatalist Impasse For the 2024 Presidential Election

Fernando Rover Jr.

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2024-10-08

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Millennial and Gen Z Voters Are At A Fatalist Impasse For the 2024 Presidential Election

Half of Gen Z Voters Support Harris, One-Third Back Trump”

Author George Orwell once said, “each generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it, and wiser than one that comes after it.” With the 2024 Presidential Elections less than a month away, voting has become important more than ever. However, much of Millennial and Gen Z have polarizing opinions over the two presidential candidates.

Writers Stephanie Perry and Marc Trussler, in their 2024 article for NBC News, “Poll: Half of Gen Z Voters Support Harris, One-Third Back Trump” writes, “half of Gen Z voters say they’ll vote for Vice President Kamala Harris in November, while one-third say they’ll vote for former President Donald Trump…as young voters grapple with new economic and cultural challenges in 2024, including rising costs and concerns about debt that are prompting delays to some critical life events.”

Most of the individuals that are politicians in Washington D.C are within the Silent, Baby Boomer, and Gen X groups while a majority of voters make up the Gen X, Millennial, and Gen Z groups. The outcome of this upcoming election will impact not only incumbent generations but future generations as well. With concerns surrounding student loan debt, rising costs of living, and climate and political unrest both domestically and globally, it should come as no surprise that there is a sense of apathy and fatalism towards who is slated to become the next President of the United States.

Writer Edward Lempinen, in his 2024 article for UC Berkeley News, “Young Voters Have Growing Power, but Broken Politics Leave Them ‘Fatalistic,’” writes, “the values of Gen Z and millennial voters across the political spectrum are converging toward agreement on key issues… both young liberals and young conservatives want effective government action to solve challenges, while their parents and grandparents have been in conflict for a half-century over the role of government… many young voters appear to share a belief that fractured, dysfunctional government systems are incapable of addressing critical challenges that fall heavily on their generations. A sense of fatalism extends across the right, center and left.”

What does it say about the state of a country’s political landscape when the majority of its vital voter base feel as though they are on a slow-burn path towards destruction? What does it mean when a generation of voters feels abandoned, neglected, and betrayed by the generation that came before them? These are questions many young voters are asking themselves and these will be the same questions they will be asking in the voting booths.

VIA to Provide Park & Ride Services for Big Texas Comicon

Local
News

Observer Staff

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2024-10-08

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VIA to provide Park & Ride services for Big Texas Comicon, Oct. 11-13

VIA Metropolitan Transit is offering convenient and affordable transportation to the Big Texas Comicon, happening October 11-13 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, 900 E. Market St.

Attendees can catch a ride to the event from the Crossroads Park & Ride, located at 151 Crossroads Blvd., on all three days. Return service will be available up to an hour after each day’s events.

The shuttle will run on the following schedule:
Friday, Oct. 10 – Service starts at 1 p.m. and stops at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 11 – Service starts at 9 a.m. and stops at 6 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 12 – Service starts at 9 a.m. and stops at 5 p.m.

The fare is $1.30 each way, with discounts available for children, seniors, students, and active-duty military. Payment options include cash, credit cards, and VIA passes, with pre-purchase available through VIA’s goMobile+ app for faster boarding. For more information or to plan your trip, visit VIAinfo.net.

City Council Approves Funding for Design of New Senior Center in District 2

Local
News

Observer Staff

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2024-10-08

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City Council Approves Funding for Design of New Senior Center in District 2

The City Council has approved funding for the design of a new senior center at 4911 Lord Rd., as well as concept master planning for affordable senior housing and improvements to Copernicus Park and Community Center.

The city intends to buy the Lord Road property, located next to Copernicus Park and just under two miles from the current District 2 Senior Center, for $745,000. The funding for this purchase will come from Councilman McKee-Rodriguez’s capital improvements budget, with each council district receiving $1 million this year for similar projects.

A community meeting in June 2024 brought together over 300 seniors to discuss the plans and share their ideas for the new center. The project aims to provide a modern, stand-alone facility where seniors can connect, learn, and make new memories.

With design expected to take 12-18 months, the project is anticipated to be ready for construction ahead of the 2027 Bond program, positioning it for various funding opportunities. The next steps include selecting an architect and holding another community meeting to keep District 2 seniors involved in the process.