WASHINGTON–Already elected under historic circumstances, President-elect Barack Obama’s transition to power seems to be moving at unprecedented speed, beginning with his appointment of Rep. Rahm Emanuel, D-Ill., as his chief of staff two days after the Nov. 4 election. “He’s beaten a lot of records during the course of the campaign,” said Obama Transition Team Cochair John Podesta on Fox News Sunday.

NEW YORK–The Big Apple is one of several east coast cities grappling with a serious problem: Violence is up and community and political leaders are searching for answers to the growing crisis.

When the new First Family takes up residence in the White House in January, Barack and Michelle Obama and their daughters will be living in a historic mansion that was built in large measure with slave labor.

WASHINGTON–She’s been compared to Jacqueline Kennedy, is every bit as high-powered as Hillary Rodham Clinton was and has praised Laura Bush’s calm and rational approach to issues. So what kind of first lady will Michelle Obama be? It may be too soon to know—she’s probably still trying to figure it all out herself.

WASHINGTON–Despite the clear mandate that America’s new president prioritize the reparation of the economy, jobs and tax-related issues, many other issues deserve top billing, say Black political observers. Judicial appointments, voting rights, international relations and education are among other issues on a wish list for African Americans and civil rights advocates.

RALEIGH, N.C.– If you’re in the market for a diamond-studded gold gorilla pendant, the North Carolina Department of Revenue may have just what you’re looking for— thanks to busted drug dealers.

NEW YORK–John McCain supporters who believe they haven’t gotten a fair shake from the media during the Republican’s candidacy against Barack Obama have a new study to point to. Comments made by sources, voters, reporters and anchors that aired on ABC, CBS and NBC evening newscasts over the past two months reflected positively on Obama in 65 percent of cases, compared to 31 percent of cases with regards to McCain, according to the Center for Media and Public Affairs.

BALTIMORE–A new report says Maryland’s Historically Black Institutions have been historically underfunded by the state and more money has to be invested in Black schools if they are going to compete fully with Traditionally White Institutions.

NEW ORLEANS–U. S. Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt announced last week that Louisiana will receive $61.5 million from the federal government’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program under the Fiscal Year 2009 Continuing Resolution.

COVINGTON, Ky.–A gunman fatally shot a Cincinnati minister and wounded a church deacon just after the two men arrived at a northern Kentucky church to attend a funeral, police said. Court records in Hamilton County, Ohio, revealed a yearlong dispute between the accused gunman and the minister, the Rev. Donald Fairbanks Sr. Fairbanks and Dowdell Cobb were shot just before 11 a.m. Saturday, police said.