united states news

GenesisHOPE, a Detroit nonprofit focused on equity and affordable housing, is establishing the Common Ground Community Land Trust to address gentrification and displacement in neighborhoods like Islandview and the Villages of Detroit. The organization plans to acquire ten vacant lots from the Detroit Land Bank to potentially build permanently affordable single-family homes, where residents purchase houses but lease the land at minimal cost. A seven-member advisory board of community residents, called "the fellows," is currently developing governance documents and learning CLT procedures through consulting support from Burlington Associates and the Detroit Justice Center. This community-driven model allows residents to own homes affordably while maintaining democratic control over development decisions, with the nonprofit retaining land ownership indefinitely to preserve housing accessibility for future generations. # Key Takeaways

Angola's National Museum of Slavery in Luanda commemorates the city's role as the epicenter of the Atlantic slave trade, from which approximately 45% of the estimated 12.5 million enslaved Africans were transported between the 1400s and 1867. Located on a former Portuguese colonial estate where enslaved people were forcibly baptized and had their identities stripped away, the museum displays not only the brutal tools and methods of enslavement but also highlights the fierce Angolan resistance that continued through independence in 1975. Museum leaders are collaborating with international researchers to digitize Luanda's historical slave trade archives, making them accessible to descendants seeking to trace their ancestry. However, the initiative faces significant funding challenges, as current archival materials are stored in inadequate conditions and require substantial financial resources to properly preserve and digitize.

California State Senator Laura Richardson, elected in November 2024 to represent the 35th Senate District in Los Angeles, reflects on her first year in office after a career in public service and policy work. She achieved the distinction of having the most bills signed by any freshman senator, including legislation allowing cities to use homelessness funds for clearing unsafe RV encampments. Richardson expressed frustration with federal-state coordination issues, particularly regarding wildfire reimbursements, while finding inspiration in her work on fuel stability legislation. Her priorities moving forward include addressing affordability challenges facing Black Californians, creating processes for abandoned cemeteries, and ensuring residents can access available programs and participate in upcoming major sporting events. # Key Takeaways

NFL star Odell Beckham Jr. sparked public debate after appearing on The Pivot Podcast to explain how professional athletes' seemingly massive contracts are dramatically reduced by taxes and fees before they receive any money. Using his own hypothetical $100 million deal as an example, Beckham illustrated how federal, state, and local taxes—including the "jock tax" applied in every state where players compete—along with agent fees can reduce take-home pay to roughly half the contract value. Financial analyses confirm that elite athletes commonly lose 43-50% of their earnings to various tax obligations, with California-based players facing particularly steep deductions. While many interpreted his comments as tone-deaf complaining from a millionaire, Beckham was highlighting the financial reality that professional athletes face brief earning windows, sudden wealth without preparation, and significant family obligations that make their fortunes less permanent than the public assumes.

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles gave extensive interviews to Vanity Fair magazine where she made controversial characterizations of key administration figures, including comparing President Trump to an alcoholic in terms of personality traits and calling Vice President Vance a former conspiracy theorist. She also described Elon Musk as a ketamine user and criticized aspects of his cost-cutting efforts at the Department of Government Efficiency, though she acknowledged some government reform was necessary. After the article's publication, Wiles claimed the magazine removed important context and created an unfairly negative portrayal of the administration. The White House rallied behind Wiles, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defending her as Trump's most loyal advisor and accusing Vanity Fair of biased reporting. # Key Takeaways

The Michigan Good Food Fund has launched its 2025 Holiday Gift Guide, featuring locally produced food items from small businesses throughout Michigan that have received financial support and technical assistance from the organization. This statewide initiative focuses on investing in food entrepreneurs who work to improve access to nutritious, affordable food while promoting economic equity, particularly for underrepresented business owners and communities of color. The guide showcases diverse products ranging from farm-raised meats to artisanal goods, organized by category to help shoppers find locally sourced holiday gifts. By connecting consumers directly with these mission-driven entrepreneurs, the guide aims to boost sales during the crucial holiday period while supporting Michigan's broader food economy and community development goals.

The District of Columbia has joined a multi-agency consumer protection lawsuit against Uber, originally filed by the Federal Trade Commission, involving 24 state and local enforcement agencies. The legal action accuses Uber of enrolling customers into its Uber One subscription service without proper consent and creating deliberately complicated cancellation procedures to prevent users from ending their memberships. Regulators allege that over 28 million consumers nationwide, including more than 100,000 D.C. residents, have been affected by practices such as premature billing during free trials and cancellation processes requiring up to 20 screens and dozens of steps. The lawsuit seeks financial restitution for affected consumers, civil penalties, and legal orders to stop these alleged deceptive practices. # Key Takeaways

President Donald Trump has filed a $5 billion defamation lawsuit against the BBC in Florida over how his January 6, 2021 speech was edited in a Panorama documentary that aired before the 2024 election. The BBC altered the sequence of Trump's remarks, creating what the broadcaster acknowledged was a misleading impression that he directly called for violence at the Capitol, though the organization maintains there is no legitimate basis for defamation claims. While the BBC issued an apology last month, it refused to pay compensation and has stated it will defend itself against the lawsuit. The controversy previously led to the resignations of senior BBC executives, and Trump's legal action represents his latest lawsuit against news organizations, following a pattern of successful settlements against US media companies. # Key Takeaways

President Donald Trump faced bipartisan criticism after making disparaging comments about Hollywood director Rob Reiner following his death, claiming Reiner suffered from "Trump derangement syndrome" and was "very bad for our country." Reiner and his wife Michele were found dead in their Los Angeles home, with their son Nick arrested on suspicion of murder, though police have indicated no political motive. Both prominent Republicans and former Trump allies, including Representatives Thomas Massie and Marjorie Taylor Greene, condemned the president's remarks as inappropriate given the tragic circumstances. This incident follows a pattern of Trump criticizing political opponents after their deaths, including similar comments about Senator John McCain and Representative John Dingell in previous years. # Key Takeaways

President Trump recently told his cabinet that his successor as the 2028 Republican presidential nominee is likely among them, though he confirmed he won't seek a third term. His MAGA movement faces internal divisions as various potential heirs—including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—represent different ideological factions within the transformed Republican Party. Recent polling reveals a split between traditional "core Republicans" and "new entrant Republicans" who hold less conventional conservative views and show weaker party loyalty. The coalition has shown strain through public feuds, policy disagreements, and disappointing local election results where Republicans lost ground among minority and working-class voters. Despite these challenges, experts believe Trump's fundamental reshaping of the Republican Party from Reagan-era conservatism to America First nationalism represents a lasting transformation.

Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his producer wife Michele Singer Reiner were discovered dead with multiple stab wounds in their Brentwood home, with their daughter Romy making the tragic discovery. Their 32-year-old son Nick Reiner has been arrested and charged with murder after police investigations determined he was responsible for their deaths, following reports of a loud argument between him and his father at a party the night before. Nick had publicly struggled with substance abuse and homelessness for years, which the family had openly discussed when collaborating on a 2015 semi-autobiographical film about addiction and recovery. While speculation has circulated about possible motives, including politically-motivated commentary from President Trump, authorities have not disclosed any official motive for the killings. The case is being presented to prosecutors who will decide whether to file formal charges.

A shooting at Brown University's engineering building during an exam review session left two students dead and nine wounded, marking the deadliest incident in the school's history. Police released a person initially detained and are continuing an extensive manhunt for the masked gunman who remains unidentified and at large. The university has canceled remaining in-person classes and exams while expanding security and mental health services for traumatized students. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and searching neighborhoods near campus, though early investigative missteps have heightened campus anxiety. The victims have been identified as first-year student Muhammad Aziz Umurzokov and sophomore Ella Cook.

Washington D.C.'s Attorney General Brian Schwalb has issued a warning to residents about sophisticated gift card fraud schemes targeting holiday shoppers. These "draining" scams allow criminals to steal funds from gift cards without ever making contact with victims or obtaining their personal information. Thieves employ various methods, including recording card information before purchase, replacing barcodes with activated ones, or scanning card numbers while they remain on store displays. Officials are urging consumers to purchase cards only from secure locations, inspect cards carefully before buying, and immediately report any suspected fraud to local authorities.

A Vermont school district in Winooski faced a wave of racist threats and harassing communications after displaying a Somali flag for one week to support students of Somali descent, who comprise approximately 9% of the student body. The gesture was intended as a response to President Trump's derogatory comments about Minnesota's Somali community and to demonstrate solidarity with affected students. The backlash forced school officials to shut down phone lines and the district website to protect staff from harassment, while law enforcement investigates the threats and provides additional security at school buildings. The White House distanced itself from the harassment while simultaneously defending Trump's controversial immigration stance and criticizing the flag display. # Key Takeaways

Two students were fatally shot during a campus shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island on Saturday, with nine others injured when a masked gunman opened fire in a classroom during an exam review session. Ella Cook, a second-year student serving as vice-president of the school's Republican organization and an accomplished pianist, was killed alongside Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, a scholarship-supported first-year student who aspired to become a neurosurgeon. Both victims were remembered during a Sunday candlelight vigil, with tributes highlighting Cook's kind leadership and Umurzokov's determination to succeed despite childhood health challenges including brain surgery. The shooting has prompted an outpouring of grief from religious communities, political figures, and educational organizations who described the losses as devastating and unfair. # Key Takeaways

Federal authorities in Los Angeles have arrested four individuals suspected of belonging to the Turtle Island Liberation Front, described as an extremist offshoot of a pro-Palestinian anti-government organization, for allegedly planning coordinated bombing attacks across southern California on New Year's Eve. Law enforcement apprehended the suspects on December 12th as they traveled to a desert location to test improvised explosive devices made from precursor chemicals they had brought with them. The alleged plot targeted at least five locations, including two logistics company facilities and potentially Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and vehicles in subsequent months. While officials believe they have successfully disrupted the immediate threat, investigations continue to identify any additional conspirators who may be involved. # Key Takeaways

A new Pew Research Center study reveals that approximately 70% of American teenagers have experimented with AI chatbots, with nearly one-third using them daily and some engaging multiple times throughout the day. The research, which surveyed roughly 1,500 teens aged 13-17, shows ChatGPT as the dominant platform, followed by Google's Gemini and other competitors. While these tools are marketed for educational purposes, teenagers are also using them for companionship and romantic interactions, raising serious concerns among experts about developmental impacts and mental health risks. The findings emerge amid ongoing lawsuits against AI companies and increased scrutiny over how these platforms interact with minors. # Key Takeaways

Detroit's incoming Mayor Mary Sheffield has appointed Brian White, who has served as her chief of staff for over ten years, to the position of Deputy Mayor and senior advisor. In this role, White will manage state and federal policy matters, labor relations, and city government operations for an administration emphasizing community engagement and transparency. White brings extensive experience from his decade-long partnership with Sheffield on city council, where they worked on affordable housing, tax reform, and worker advocacy, as well as his background in voting rights and civil rights policy work. The appointment continues a longtime professional partnership built on advocating for Detroit's underserved communities and promoting equitable governance.

A JetBlue passenger flight traveling from Curaçao to New York's JFK airport experienced a near-miss with a US Air Force refueling tanker near Venezuela, prompting an official review by US Southern Command. The commercial aircraft was forced to halt its climb to prevent a collision with the military plane, which was flying without its transponder activated, making it invisible to air traffic control systems. The JetBlue pilot reported that the Air Force tanker passed within two to three miles at the same altitude before entering Venezuelan airspace. Both JetBlue and the Air Force have confirmed they are cooperating with investigations, with the military emphasizing that safety is a top priority while the incident is assessed through appropriate channels. # Key Takeaways

California Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, who represents the 61st District and chairs the Los Angeles County Legislative Delegation, reflected on her 2025 legislative accomplishments and challenges in an interview with California Black Media. Her proudest achievements include passing AB 628, which requires basic appliances in rental units, and securing $8.4 million in budget funding for reentry programs supporting formerly incarcerated individuals. McKinnor expressed frustration that Governor Newsom declined to sign two reparations-related bills (AB 57 and AB 62) that had passed both legislative chambers with overwhelming support. She emphasized the importance of building Black political power and educating non-Black legislators about African American history, noting that with only 12 Black legislators in the Capitol, coalition-building is essential for advancing policies benefiting Black Californians. # Key Takeaways

Millions of Americans face potential doubling of health insurance premiums as enhanced subsidies for Affordable Care Act marketplace plans are set to expire at year's end, with Congress failing to extend them. Research reveals that opposition to the ACA has been significantly influenced by racial resentment and association with Barack Obama's name, as demonstrated by polling showing West Virginia residents approve of the "Affordable Care Act" at 70 percent but disapprove of "Obamacare" at the same rate despite being identical programs. Both Democratic and Republican bills to extend subsidies failed in the Senate this month, leaving over 24 million Americans vulnerable to dramatic cost increases starting January 1st. Academic studies show states with higher racial resentment implemented ACA provisions less fully, while current public opinion shows 57 percent approval for the law and two-thirds of Americans believing government should ensure healthcare coverage, creating a stark disconnect between public support and congressional action.

San Diego County has opened Serenade on 43rd, a 65-unit affordable housing development in City Heights designed to serve working families and individuals previously experiencing homelessness. The complex consists of multiple buildings featuring studios through three-bedroom apartments, with nearly half designated as permanent supportive housing units. Monthly rents range from approximately $1,700 to $2,500 for residents earning 30-60% of the area median income. The County contributed $6.4 million in No Place Like Home funding and will provide two decades of on-site behavioral health services, case management, and wellness programs through County Behavioral Health Services. # Key Takeaways

LaeTania Richardson, a California lifestyle entrepreneur and opera lover, was questioned by a white woman sitting next to her at a Los Angeles opera performance about whether she was famous and if this was her first opera. Richardson calmly responded by explaining her extensive opera experience, including traveling internationally twice yearly to Italy for performances. The exchange was recorded and went viral on TikTok, with viewers praising Richardson's composed handling of what many identified as a racial microaggression. Richardson shared the video to bring attention to the subtle racism she regularly faces in various upscale settings, emphasizing that such experiences reflect privilege and unawareness among those who don't encounter discrimination.

The DC Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting on December 11th at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, where business and political leaders emphasized that Washington DC's 2026 economic success requires stronger support for local enterprises. Chamber President Chinyere Hubbard highlighted the organization's significant expansion, including recruiting 176 new members and plans to double its events from 50 to 100 in the coming year. Political speakers, including DC Council members, discussed various economic development initiatives while also praising outgoing Mayor Muriel Bowser and Councilmember Anita Bonds for their service to the city. The event featured Marla Blow from the Skoll Foundation, which recently relocated its headquarters from California to Washington DC, as the keynote speaker. # Key Takeaways

The Republican-controlled Michigan House Appropriations Committee blocked $645 million in previously approved state budget carryforward funds using an uncommon legal provision that requires no Senate or gubernatorial approval. This unprecedented action eliminated funding for over 160 community programs, including maternal health initiatives, school infrastructure improvements, cancer support services for children, food pantries, and affordable housing projects that were already in planning or implementation stages. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Sarah Anthony condemned the move as deliberately cruel and a breach of bipartisan agreements, noting she had never witnessed such a large-scale funding reversal without transparency or collaboration. The decision has left nonprofits, local officials, and service providers scrambling to address funding gaps, while raising broader concerns about the reliability of budget agreements and government stability in Michigan.

Michigan's Department of Corrections will begin photocopying all legal mail sent to incarcerated individuals starting January 5, eliminating the long-standing exception that allowed attorney-client documents to be delivered in original form. Officials justify this policy change by pointing to synthetic drugs entering prisons through paper soaked in chemical substances, which are increasingly being disguised as privileged legal correspondence. The new procedure requires staff to photocopy legal documents in the recipient's presence before immediately shredding originals to maintain confidentiality while preventing contraband circulation. This shift mirrors actions taken by several other states facing similar synthetic drug challenges and reflects broader national trends in prison contraband involving lab-made substances that can be absorbed through touch. The policy expansion raises questions about balancing institutional security with constitutional protections for Michigan's nearly 32,000 incarcerated people.

Carl Carlton, the acclaimed Detroit R&B vocalist known for his hits "Everlasting Love" and "She's a Bad Mama Jama," passed away at age 72 after battling health issues stemming from a 2019 stroke. Beginning his musical journey as "Little Carl" Carlton at just 11 years old, he achieved national stardom in 1974 with his chart-topping cover of "Everlasting Love," though royalty disputes temporarily derailed his career momentum. He made a triumphant comeback in 1981 with a gold-certified album featuring "She's a Bad Mama Jama," which earned Grammy recognition and became widely sampled in hip-hop. Carlton continued performing throughout his later years, eventually transitioning to gospel music and earning a Detroit Music Award nomination before his death, leaving behind a multi-generational legacy spanning soul, funk, and R&B. # Key Takeaways

Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk, a Dominican-born Democrat from District 21, is set to become speaker of Maryland's House of Delegates on December 16, making her only the second Latina presiding officer in U.S. history. She will succeed Adrienne Jones, Maryland's first Black and female speaker, who achieved significant progressive victories including police reform, cannabis legalization, and reproductive rights protections. Peña-Melnyk, a former federal prosecutor and longtime delegate since 2006, has built her reputation on health policy initiatives and immigrant advocacy while earning bipartisan respect for her work ethic and inclusive approach. Her leadership transition will likely trigger committee reorganizations, with Del. Bonnie Cullison expected to chair the Health and Government Operations committee and Del. Jheanelle Wilkins potentially leading the Ways and Means committee following Del. Vanessa Atterbeary's resignation. # Key Takeaways

Acclaimed film director and actor Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were discovered deceased in their Brentwood, Los Angeles residence under circumstances that police are treating as a homicide investigation. The 78-year-old director, celebrated for helming iconic films across multiple genres including romantic comedies, thrillers, and mockumentaries, had recently released a sequel to his cult classic This is Spinal Tap. Emergency responders were summoned to the couple's home on a Sunday afternoon, though authorities have not disclosed details about injuries, weapons, or suspects, and no arrests have been made. The entertainment industry and political figures, including former President Obama, have expressed grief over the loss of the couple, who were known both for their artistic contributions and extensive philanthropic and political activism.