Tonight, all eyes will be on Kamala Harris.

We’ve seen her as a vice president. We’ve seen her take the Democratic National Convention stage as a historic presidential nominee.

And now, for the first time, she will be in the room with her opponent, Donald Trump, going head to head in their first presidential debate. At least as much as a candidate possibly can, with microphones muted after every response (sorry to fans of Kamala’s big prosecutor energy).

But while much of the attention will naturally fall on Harris, I will also be watching a different set of people in the room: the journalists.

It’s already known that expectations for Trump’s behavior are so low that if he simply refrains from extreme personal attacks or weird claims by Hannibal Lecter, a few people might deem him “presidential” or matured.

Some folks don’t expect much.

It’s one of the many unfortunate consequences of the Trump era. The public has grown so numb, desensitized, or even apathetic to the former president’s behavior that even being slightly less offensive gets applauded.

A recent New York Times/Sienna poll reported that almost half of respondents felt personally offended by something Trump said or did, and yet they would still vote for him.

But even if Trump manages to play “nice” in the debate sandbox with Harris tonight, the media has a responsibility not to be charmed by a veneer of presidential leadership.

Journalists on stage must ask hard questions about Trump’s actual policy plans for the country, and not just his gripes.

It was easy for Trump to spend much of the time in interviews and during campaign rallies dragging Joe Biden for being old and the “worst” president, avoiding answering questions about his plans by deflecting with complaints about America. But now it’s time to hear details — and for Trump to be held accountable for what he’s already said he’ll do.

Mass deportations of millions of undocumented immigrants? How exactly will that happen?

Deporting “pro-Hamas” college students? What law will allow it, and how does he justify kicking American students out of the country? (Yes, that’s really on his website).

Defunding schools perceived to be teaching “critical race theory” and other “inappropriate” and “racial” content? Who gets to decide, and what happens to children in already underfunded schools who are determined to be guilty?

My hunch is that Trump will not have real answers, but we’ll never know unless we ask. And if he tones it down and doesn’t act a fool, that leaves journalists to ask real questions that reveal that truth.

Similarly, Kamala Harris should be pressed about her policy plans as well. The vice president has outlined 19 areas of interest on her campaign website that include several policy positions, from affordable housing and protecting reproductive rights to fighting the opioid and fentanyl crises.

If journalists would only ask VP Harris about what matters instead of the petty insults Trump has lobbed her way, people could actually get to know her and what she stands for.

They just shouldn’t only do it to her while letting Trump off the hook.

With seasoned and respected ABC journalist Linsey Davis at the helm of co-anchoring the debate with David Muir, I’m more optimistic that this will happen on stage.

But the journalists and pundits watching will also be part of the conversation.

Tonight, all of the media needs to hold Donald Trump accountable, not by treating him as a normal candidate, but as the candidate he actually is — a convicted former president who tried to overthrow the peaceful transfer of power and is threatening to change government from the inside out so that “Christians” don’t have to worry about voting again.

That’s not my opinion — those are the facts, proven by his words and his actions. And with just two months to go until Election Day, every word will count to help the people decide who deserves their vote.

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There’s been lots of conversation about the unprecedented nature of the upcoming 2024 presidential election, and the first debate between candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump was just as unpredictable. The hour and a half-long event was full of viral moments, and Black Twitter was tuned in for every moment.

Vice President Harris was largely praised for her performance in the debate, earning kudos for confronting Trump on his record and luring him with comments that made him lose his composure. For Harris to be participating in her first presidential debate (compared to Trump’s seventh presidential debate appearance), users thought she showed poise that was befitting of an experienced prosecutor.

“So far, this debate has been characterized by Kamala Harris dropping a lot of bait and Trump eagerly picking it up and rhetorically wandering around the room,” said CNN anchor Abby D. Phillip.

Users also commented on Harris’ varied facial expressions throughout the night, as she responded to many of Trump’s comments with incredulousness, disappointment, and ridicule.

Trump, meanwhile, was chastised for statements that the debate’s moderators fact-checked in real time and proved untrue, and for quotables that users thought were silly or dishonest.

God-Is Rivera said that the debate is further proof that the race shouldn’t be so close in the first place, and that she’s disappointed that Harris was even in such a position to have to prove herself.

“The fact that a competent and qualified Black woman has to go up for a job against a clearly incompetent and unhinged man is such a spot on representation of so much of the experience of being a Black woman in this world,” Rivera wrote.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening was when, after being asked about coming up with an alternative to President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act, Trump said that he had “concepts of a plan” that he would use instead. The phrase was memed endlessly, with users teasing Trump for his vagueness and imitating it with their own scenarios of poor planning.

“If a woman in a presidential debate said that she had the ‘concepts of a plan’ for national freaking health care… that would be all the news media talked about for a week and it would functionally end her campaign,” said The Nation correspondent Elie Mystal.

At one point, Trump also stated that Harris “wants to do transgender operations on illegal aliens who are in prison” — phrasing that users found ridiculous and silly.

Comedian Desus Nice compared Trump’s topic-jumping to a level on the adventurous video game “Crash Bandicoot,” and journalist Joel D. Anderson made his thoughts on his performance even more plain.

“If your elderly parent started talking to you like this,” he wrote, “wouldn’t you think they were suffering cognitive decline?”

Tonight’s presidential debate was moderated by David Muir and Linsey Davis, a well-regarded journalist at ABC News. Davis anchors the Sunday edition of World News Tonight and hosts the weekday prime-time streaming program ABC News Live Prime with Linsey Davis. She also serves as a substitute anchor for Good Morning America and other editions of World News Tonight.

Davis is a graduate of the University of Virginia, where according to UVA Today she was initiated into the Theta Kappa Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and holds a bachelor’s degree. She later earned a master’s degree in communication from New York University.

With a career at ABC News spanning several years, Davis has reported for programs such as Good Morning America, 20/20, Nightline, and World News Tonight. In 2020, she launched the network’s flagship streaming broadcast, and in 2021, she was named anchor for the Sunday edition of World News Tonight. In 2022, Davis took on additional responsibilities by delivering the top stories for ABC News Radio’s national newscast.

Davis has been involved in coverage of key political events, joining George Stephanopoulos and David Muir since 2019 to co-anchor presidential debates, election coverage, and other significant news events including tonight’s debated.

Alongside her Emmy award-winning work in journalism, Davis is a New York Times bestselling author of multiple children’s books, including Stay This Way Forever, Girls of the World: Doing More Than Before and How High Is Heaven?, aimed at fostering young readers’ engagement with literature.

When D’Angelo released his third studio album, “Black Messiah,” in 2014, it debuted on the Billboard R&B charts at No. 1 and the Billboard 200 charts in the No. 5 spot. The album, which launched soulful hits like “Really Love” and “Sugah Daddy,” has left fans hungry for more. Ten years later, D’Angelo is reportedly back at work in the studio again.

The musician’s longtime friend and collaborator, producer and Tony! Toni! Toné! co-founder Raphael Saadiq, revealed what D’Angelo has been up to and more during an appearance on the latest episode of Rolling Stone’s “Music Now” podcast.

“D’s in a good space,” Saadiq said, adding, “He’s excited. He’s like, ‘You gotta play bass. I’ve got this track. I’m telling you, you got to get on it. It got your name all over it.’ … He’s working on six pieces right now and he seems super excited.”

Elaborating further, Saadiq said D’Angelo is working on something major: a track recorded years ago by Linwood Rose, the short-lived ‘90s R&B supergroup that included D’Angelo, Saadiq, and Q-Tip. “I think it’s going to be a record on D’Angelo’s new album when it comes out; a record that we all did together,” Saadiq explained.

He continued, “Linwood Rose lives. I’m playing bass, D’s playing, me and D is singing backgrounds. It’s funky as hell, too. It’s like, D is a bad boy. … It’s aged well. Good music ages well.”

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Saadiq and D’Angelo have been collaborating since the single “Lady” on D’Angelo’s debut album; Saadiq later produced and co-wrote D’Angelo’s biggest hit, “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” from his 2000 hit album, “Voodoo.” Saadiq told the publication the two artists initially connected over their shared gospel background.

“I think more of his soul came from his gospel roots, not Prince,” Saadiq noted. “But Prince had a huge gospel background, too. He was able to camouflage it a lot in his songwriting. And I think D’Angelo is the same way, too.”

D’Angelo isn’t the only artist Saadiq had intel on. He also shared what it was like to work with Beyoncé on “Cowboy Carter.”

According to him, the single “Bodyguard,” which began as a potential solo project for him, almost didn’t happen. Saadiq recalled a time when he was sharing music from his Dropbox with the “Texas Hold ‘Em” songstress.

He said, “‘Bodyguard’ came up for a second — like the intro — and I went to the next one, and she was like ‘Go back, go back!’ And then what she added vocally was bars up from what I did. She sounded like Reba McEntire; felt like Aretha. She took what I did and completed it.”

If you ask any native Georgian what to look out for in the Peach state, they’ll likely give you two warnings: Be careful of scammers, and NEVER go swimming in Lake Lanier.

Named after a confederate army soldier, it’s no shocker Lake Sidney Lanier has been plagued by notoriety since its creation during the 1950s, according to the Gwinnett County website. Even though the lake is advertised as a prominent recreational spot for tourists, Georgia residents know better than to test those muddy waters.

The legend of Lake Lanier dates back to 1912, when a white woman was killed in Oscarville, a thriving Black town which is now home to the lake, according to the Atlanta History Center. After her death, Black residents, in accordance with typical American history, quickly became the target of white terrorism. Black churches were burned down, homes were raided, and Black families were threatened and ran out of town completely.

When construction began on the lake 40 years later, excavators uncovered the homes, churches, and graves which were all intentionally buried and covered up as part of the town’s legacy, according to the Medium. But even before the racial cleansing of 1912, Gwinnett County Library branch manager Ronald Gauthier said “In 1838, the Cherokee Nation, Native Americans, were actually forcibly removed from Forsyth County.”

Oscarville and bloodshed of the Cherokee Nation became distant memories by the time Lake Lanier began construction in 1950, but legend has it the area is still haunted by the pain of the communities who were stripped away and mostly erased from history.

Before you say anything, this is not just a scary bedtime story, and it’s more than just superstition. Since Georgia’s largest lake was opened to the public, an estimated 700 people have died in the water, according to the U.S. Sun. This number might not seem like a lot compared to that of the Lake Michigan— the deadliest lake in the nation— or other large bodies of water, but in contrast, Lake Lanier continues to claim a disproportionate amount of its’ 12 million visitors every year.

Citing drownings, boat fires, and missing people, the lake claimed 13 lives in 2023, in contrast to Allatoona Lake— Georgia’s second deadliest lake— where only three people died that year.

On Aug. 31, 46-year-old Hasani Kamau Widemond became the lake’s latest victim after he drowned swimming from the shore, per 11 Alive. Before him, 20-year-old Zachary Rutledge was found safe in July after he went missing in the lake the night before, according to Fox 5 News.

Regardless if you believe lake is cursed or not, anyone who visits the Georgia attraction can feel that something is up. But if you’re feeling froggy, take a leap into the deadly lake, and hopefully, you’ll make it back to tell the story.

While Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s firstborn daughter, Blue Ivy, quickly became a fan favorite as she made nightly appearances as a dancer on her mother’s Renaissance World Tour, Beyoncé now admits she originally did not want her daughter to join her onstage. In a recent interview with GQ, the “Cowboy Carter” singer reflected on her 12-year-old daughter’s innate star power. 

“Blue is an artist. She has great taste in music and fashion. She is a fantastic editor, painter and actress,” she told the publication. “She has been creating characters since she was three. She’s a natural, but I did not want Blue onstage.”

As previously reported by theGrio, Beyoncé initially shared her concerns about her daughter performing in “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé.” While the mother of three believed dancing in front of thousands of people was no place for a child, Blue Ivy was determined to not only show up but show out for the Beyhive. So much so, that following her first appearance onstage, the 12-year-old used the negative feedback on social media as motivation to train harder. 

“Blue wanted it for herself. She took it seriously and she earned it. And most importantly, she had fun! We all watched her grow more and more every night before our eyes,” Beyoncé added. 

“She’s been born into a life she didn’t ask for. So since she was born, she’s been in scrutiny and the public eye and everyone having an opinion of even a little girl, how she keeps her hair,” Jay-Z previously said as he sang his daughter’s praises. “So for her to be on that stage and reclaim her power — and the song is called ‘My Power’ — you can’t write a better script.”

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However, Blue Ivy’s interest in her mother’s work comes as no surprise to the international superstar. Balancing multiple roles and responsibilities, Beyoncé keeps motherhood at the top of her priority list, bringing her kids everywhere she goes. 

“[My kids] come to my office after school, and they are in the studio with me. They are in dance rehearsals. It’s natural that they would learn my choreography,” she explained. “I build my work schedule around my family. I try to only tour when my kids are out of school. I always dreamt of a life where I could see the world with my family and expose them to different languages, architecture, and lifestyles.” 

In addition to Blue Ivy, Beyoncé and Jay-Z share seven-year-old twins Sir and Rumi. 

“Raising three kids isn’t easy. The older they get, the more they become their own individuals with unique needs, hobbies, and social lives,” the Cécred haircare founder admitted. “My twins are God-sent. Parenting constantly teaches you about yourself. It takes a lot of prayer and patience. I love it. It’s grounding and fulfilling.” 

Though her kids may always be with her behind the scenes, the “Texas Hold ‘Em” songstress is adamant about maintaining a certain level of privacy and protecting them from the spotlight. 

“One thing I’ve worked extremely hard on is making sure my kids can have as much normalcy and privacy as possible, ensuring my personal life isn’t turned into a brand. It’s very easy for celebrities to turn our lives into performance art,” she added. “I have made an extreme effort to stay true to my boundaries and protect myself and my family. No amount of money is worth my peace.”

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A prominent adult film star, Saiveon Hopkins, known professionally as Jay Hefner, was tragically killed in a shooting incident in Lincoln, Nebraska, on Sunday. The 24-year-old was visiting the city from Ontario, Canada, to celebrate a loved one’s birthday when he was fatally injured.

According to his family, Hopkins was attempting to protect his cousin from physical violence when he was shot. The incident occurred around 1:30 AM, and police responded to reports of a fight. Upon arrival, officers discovered two men with gunshot wounds. Hopkins, unfortunately, succumbed to his injuries.

The shooting is one of three separate incidents that occurred in Lincoln over the weekend. While the other two incidents did not result in fatalities, the circumstances surrounding Hopkins’ death have left the community in shock.

Hopkins leaves behind a 10-month-old daughter, his terminally ill mother, and other loved ones. Friends and family have expressed their grief and shared heartfelt tributes online. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support his family, which has already exceeded its initial goal.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C_q7Dd_SgHm/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

The Lincoln Police Department is investigating the shooting and appealing for any information from the public. As the investigation continues, more details about the circumstances surrounding Hopkins’ death are expected to emerge.

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Today, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) named 19 institutions of higher education as Fulbright Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Institutional Leaders for 2024. The special recognition highlights their commitment to global engagement and academic exchange, as well as notable participation in the Fulbright Program during the 2023-2024 academic year.

The Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader status is awarded each year to institutions that actively engage with and promote the Fulbright Program, sending graduate students, faculty, administrators, and recent graduates abroad while also hosting international scholars, students, language teachers, and faculty.

This designation, announced ahead of the 2024 Annual National HBCU Week Conference hosted by the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities, celebrates the growing partnership between HBCUs and the Fulbright Program. It also aims to encourage administrators, faculty, and students to engage more deeply with the program while highlighting HBCUs as significant destinations for international students and scholars.

The 19 institutions honored as Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders are:

• Alcorn State University (Mississippi)
• Bennett College (North Carolina)
• Fayetteville State University (North Carolina)
• Florida A&M University (Florida)
• Howard University (District of Columbia)
• Huston-Tillotson University (Texas)
• Jackson State University (Mississippi)
• Jarvis Christian University (Texas)
• LeMoyne-Owen College (Tennessee)
• Lincoln University (Pennsylvania)
• Mississippi Valley State University (Mississippi)
• Morgan State University (Maryland)
• North Carolina A&T State University (North Carolina)
• North Carolina Central University (North Carolina)
• Prairie View A&M University (Texas)
• Spelman College (Georgia)
• Tennessee State University (Tennessee)
• Virginia State University (Virginia)
• Xavier University of Louisiana (Louisiana)

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken commended the institutions for their commitment to fostering international understanding. “This designation is a testament to your institution’s dedication to promoting global engagement and international understanding,” he said in a statement.

Scott Weinhold, Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, emphasized the importance of diversity within the Fulbright Program. “The U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Program are committed to reflecting the full diversity of the United States,” he noted. “HBCU engagement with the Fulbright Program builds meaningful relationships between communities and people around the world.”

Howard University, a notable recipient, highlighted the profound impact of the program on its community.

“Our Fulbrighters return to the Howard community with fresh insights, a deepened cultural understanding, and a broadened worldview, laying the foundation for their personal and professional growth. Their work has an enduring and positive impact on communities and institutions, at home and abroad,” said Howard University President Dr. Ben Vinson III.

As the U.S. government’s flagship international academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program continues to expand its reach to reflect the diverse fabric of American society and societies worldwide. Beyond its collaborations with HBCUs, the program partners with other organizations, including Diversity Abroad, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange, UNCF, and the White House Initiative on HBCUs, among others.

We at Watch The Yard would like to congratulate these 19 HBCUs on getting named Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leaders for 2024.