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Federal prosecutor Maurene Comey has been fired from her position at the Southern District of New York by the US Department of Justice without explanation. Comey, daughter of former FBI Director James Comey, had worked on high-profile cases including those against Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Sean "Diddy" Combs since 2015. Her dismissal comes amid a broader purge of justice department officials under the Trump administration, including prosecutors who worked on investigations related to the president. According to ABC News, Trump has privately expressed displeasure about having a Comey working in his administration, particularly given his history with her father whom he fired in 2017.

The Conservation Fund (TCF) has purchased Zora Neale Hurston's former home in Fort Pierce, Florida, saving it from potential demolition or development. TCF will transfer the property to the Zora Neale Hurston Florida Education Foundation (ZNHFEF), which plans to transform it into a visitor and education center honoring the acclaimed Harlem Renaissance author. The home, where Hurston lived during her final years while writing for the Fort Pierce Chronicle, received National Historic Landmark status in 1991 but remained at risk until this intervention. Both organizations are now fundraising to replenish funds used for the purchase and make necessary improvements to the property, which forms part of the Dust Tracks Heritage Trail commemorating Hurston's contributions to American literature and history.

The Trump administration is significantly distancing itself from South Africa through diplomatic rejections, meeting boycotts, and threats of punitive tariffs. Tensions escalated when the US reportedly denied a diplomatic visa to President Ramaphosa's special envoy Mcebisi Jonas, who was appointed to improve deteriorating US-South Africa relations. The US has boycotted South Africa in global forums like the G20, with high-ranking officials skipping meetings hosted by South Africa. These diplomatic conflicts stem from ideological differences, with the Trump administration objecting to South Africa's stance on Israel, Iran relations, and domestic policies, potentially leading to devastating economic consequences if threatened 30% tariffs are implemented in August.

President Trump announced that Coca-Cola has agreed to use real cane sugar instead of corn syrup in its U.S. products following concerns raised by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about corn syrup's health impacts. While Coca-Cola didn't explicitly confirm the change, a spokesperson acknowledged Trump's enthusiasm and promised details on new product offerings soon. This potential shift aligns with the company's ongoing sugar reduction efforts but faces criticism from the Corn Refiners Association, which warns it could harm American corn farmers and manufacturing jobs without providing nutritional benefits.

The San Diego City Council recently approved a controversial housing development in Encanto by a 6-3 vote, despite significant community opposition. Known as the Klauber Development, the project will subdivide four large lots into 23 smaller lots for market-rate housing on a 5.66-acre green space that many residents had hoped would become a public park. The development was made possible by a now-removed zoning policy called Footnote 7, which reduced minimum lot sizes in Southeastern San Diego from 20,000 to 5,000 square feet without community input. Although Footnote 7 was eliminated in April for future projects, developments already in the approval process, like the Klauber project, remain exempt from the change.

The Anacostia Community Museum in Southeast D.C., a Smithsonian Institution museum focused on Black culture and local history, faces complete defunding in the latest federal budget, losing its $3 million allocation. Community members, including visitors like Crystal Overby and her son Topey, have expressed concern about potentially losing this cultural institution which has documented African American experiences since 1967. The museum's director, Melanie Adams, noted that a proposed solution to merge it with the National Museum of African American History and Culture would not adequately preserve its unique focus on hyperlocal stories from D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. In response, community organizations like the Anacostia Coordinating Council are forming a "Save Our Museum" committee to advocate for restoring funding.

The Advancement Project has released a report highlighting the alarming trend of anti-protest legislation in the United States, with 103 bills criminalizing protest introduced or passed since January 2024. The report, "Our Silence Will Not Protect Us: Tracking Recent Trends in Anti-Protest Laws," documents how these laws transform constitutionally protected activities into criminal offenses, particularly targeting movements led by people of color and marginalized communities. These anti-protest measures employ various strategies including redefining riots, increasing penalties, restricting protest locations, and targeting immigrant protesters through visa restrictions. The Advancement Project argues these laws represent a coordinated backlash against First Amendment rights that requires an equally coordinated response to protect democratic freedoms.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (WMATA) launched its "Better Bus Network Redesign Project" in late June 2023, the first systemwide overhaul of the Metrobus system in 50 years. The redesign changed all route names, removed over 500 stops, restructured schedules, and introduced 11 new routes with more frequent service running every 12-20 minutes throughout the day. Despite WMATA's claims that the changes would improve frequency and reliability, many riders have reported confusion, frustration, and longer commute times less than a week into implementation. WMATA officials acknowledge the transition has been challenging for some residents but believe the short-term discomfort is outweighed by the long-term improvements to the system.

Parks After Dark is a free summer program taking place at five San Diego City parks on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings through early August. The program, now in its fourth annual iteration, is a collaborative effort between the San Diego Parks Foundation, the City and County of San Diego, Price Philanthropies, and the Prebys Foundation. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., participants can enjoy various activities including music, theatre, movies, arts and crafts, games, sports clinics, community resources, and free food for children. The events are designed to be multicultural and multigenerational, welcoming families and individuals from all communities to participate in these outdoor celebrations.

Senate Bill 515, introduced by Senator Laura Richardson (D-Inglewood), would require California local governments to disaggregate demographic data for Black or African American populations by distinguishing between African Americans descended from U.S. slavery, Black individuals not descended from U.S. slavery, and those who don't know or choose not to identify their ethnicity. The bill, which passed the Assembly Local Government Committee on July 2 with an 8-2 vote, aims to address the current practice of grouping all Black communities under one category on government forms. If enacted, SB 515 would take effect January 1, 2027, requiring cities and counties to collect more detailed demographic data to better understand the unique needs of different Black subgroups.

James Cloud Jr. celebrated his 84th birthday on July 1st at MLK Park with friends and family, combining the occasion with a book signing for his new work "From Rigger in the Navy to Soldier in the Army of God." The celebration brought together longtime companions from Las Vegas and San Diego to share memories, enjoy food, and laugh together. Pastor Glenn McKinney of St. Stephen's Church of God in Christ praised Mr. Cloud's journey as inspirational, noting how he had become a positive influence for his family and community. Mr. Cloud expressed gratitude for the attendance of his relatives, including children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as friends from his hometown of Akron, Ohio.

Six months after the devastating Eaton Canyon and Palisades fires, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a comprehensive recovery plan at Pasadena City College alongside local leaders. Newsom reported that cleanup efforts are 96% complete and detailed his administration's financial response, including 23 executive orders, a $2.5 billion relief package, and securing an additional $3 billion from FEMA and the Small Business Administration. LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger introduced the "LA County Forward: Blueprint for Rebuilding" plan to streamline recovery efforts through simplified permitting, infrastructure repairs, power line undergrounding, and enhanced support services. The Eaton Fire destroyed 9,400 structures and claimed 17 lives, while the Palisades Fire burned a larger area but destroyed fewer structures (6,800), with the combined death toll exceeding 30.

The Annual Summer Bash celebration for kids was held at MLK Park, organized by Cherish Moments Non-Profit Organization. The event featured numerous activities including inflatable games, music by DJ Styles, entertainment, arts and crafts, raffles, and complimentary food for community members. Local officials attended to demonstrate their support for neighborhood youth, with the celebration running from 10 am to 4 pm. Organizers Sherrell Kinsler and Kimberly Foster emphasized that the event's purpose was to create a joyful environment where children could feel valued and appreciated while bringing the community together.

of the News Article The Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to proceed with over 1,300 layoffs at the Department of Education while a lawsuit challenging this action continues in lower courts. This decision enables the administration to reduce the department's workforce by nearly half, significantly impacting divisions like the Office for Civil Rights, which will lose seven of its twelve regional offices. Critics argue these cuts will harm marginalized students including children of color, economically disadvantaged youth, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with disabilities, while Education Secretary Linda McMahon has praised the ruling as supporting efficiency and accountability. The administration also plans to cut staff overseeing bilingual education, K-12 funding, disability education grants, and federal student financial aid.

Public broadcasting services NPR and PBS face significant financial challenges as they may lose funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), an independent nonprofit distributing federal money to public broadcasters nationwide. While NPR and PBS receive only 1% and 15% of their funding directly from the government through CPB respectively, local stations that pay for their programming could be severely impacted as many rely heavily on federal support. Rural and Native American communities would be particularly affected, as public broadcasting stations serve as vital information sources in areas with limited media access. Conservative Republicans have targeted public broadcasting funding, arguing it has a liberal bias and is unnecessary in today's diverse media landscape.

Fort Hays State University will honor six outstanding alumni during the upcoming Homecoming weekend in September, with Police Commander Benjamin A. Kelso of San Diego receiving the Alumni Achievement Award, the university's highest recognition for graduates. Kelso has served over 35 years in law enforcement with expertise in areas including neighborhood policing, traffic services, homeland security, and team development, while also holding two advanced degrees from FHSU. The other honorees include Michelle Dillard, Jeffery Curtis, Michael Slattery, Sara Brungardt, and Jacie Hoyt, who will be recognized for their various contributions and achievements. President Dr. Tisa Mason expressed excitement about celebrating these alumni who embody the "Tiger spirit" through their service to professions, communities, and society.

The Detroit Police Department is regaining control of the Detroit Detention Center after a decade of state operation by the Michigan Department of Corrections, which will end its oversight in August 2023. This transition marks a significant milestone for Detroit, as the state originally took over the facility in 2013 when the police department was under federal oversight for civil rights violations in its precinct lockups. The city will purchase the 49-acre state-owned property for $1, including two buildings at the Mound Road location, and will save the $11-14 million it had been paying annually for state operation. DPD officers are being trained to ensure past issues that led to the state takeover do not recur, though the facility will likely need upgrades, particularly to its air conditioning system.

Former D.C. Council member Trayon White is leading the special election to reclaim his Ward 8 seat with approximately 29.46% of the votes counted so far, ahead of challengers Sheila Bunn (24.13%), Mike Austin (23.49%), and Salim Adofo (22.17%). The special election was necessitated by White's earlier expulsion from the council, and despite his federal indictment, he appears poised to return to office. During his election night gathering, White called for unity and outlined plans to be inclusive in Ward 8, while his closest competitor Bunn also emphasized the need for Ward 8 residents to come together regardless of the election outcome. Candidate Mike Austin suggested another special election might occur soon, citing the vote split that benefited White despite what he described as significant anti-White sentiment among residents.

U.S. Representative Cory Mills, a Republican from Florida's 7th Congressional District, faces an eviction complaint filed by landlord Parcel 47F LLC for allegedly failing to pay over $18,000 in rent for a luxury Washington D.C. apartment. The complaint, filed July 9 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, concerns a penthouse unit with monthly rent exceeding $17,000 plus additional fees. The landlord provided notice on January 22 requiring Mills to pay the overdue balance or vacate by February 26, after which they filed for possession of the property and a money judgment for unpaid rent and fees. Mills, a U.S. Army combat veteran and Trump supporter who serves on the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees, has not responded to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit.

Vance Boelter, a 57-year-old suspect in the fatal shooting of Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman, has been indicted on six federal charges including stalking and murder. Federal prosecutors announced these charges could result in life imprisonment or the death penalty, while noting that Boelter also allegedly shot at state senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette in what prosecutors described as "targeted political assassinations." During the attacks on June 14, Boelter allegedly approached victims' homes disguised as a police officer, with court documents indicating he had researched his targets beforehand and had plans for larger-scale attacks before being arrested following a two-day manhunt. The suspect allegedly claimed in a letter that Minnesota's Governor Tim Walz had directed him to kill U.S. Senators, an assertion that prosecutors and the governor have declared completely false.

President Donald Trump has reached a tariff agreement with Indonesia, reducing import duties from 32% to 19% following negotiations with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. In exchange, Trump claimed the U.S. would receive "full access" to Indonesian markets, with Indonesia agreeing to purchase $15 billion in U.S. energy, $4.5 billion in agricultural products, and 50 Boeing jets. This deal follows Trump's recent pattern of threatening high tariffs against major trading partners and then negotiating reductions, with Prabowo describing Trump as "quite a tough negotiator" and the agreement as marking a "new era of mutual benefit" between the countries.

Puerto Rico residents receive federal food assistance through the Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP), a more limited version than the mainland's SNAP program, with benefits that cover significantly less despite high food costs. The recent tax and spending package passed by Congress has frozen mechanisms used to increase NAP funding, further straining a system where benefits average only $115 per person monthly compared to SNAP's $364 for a family of two. Recipients like Diane Call Fragoso describe the challenges of stretching insufficient benefits in Puerto Rico's expensive food system, which is still recovering from Hurricane Maria and plagued by frequent power outages that risk food spoilage. Over 40 percent of Puerto Rico's population lives below the poverty line, with women comprising almost 3 in 5 NAP recipients, yet transitioning to the more responsive SNAP program faces significant political and infrastructural obstacles.

President Donald Trump has stated that Attorney General Pam Bondi should release "whatever she thinks is credible" regarding sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, amid backlash from his political base. Bondi faces criticism after her department recently claimed there was no evidence of an Epstein "client list," seemingly contradicting her previous statements. Trump questioned the continued interest in the case, calling it "sordid but boring," while several key Republican allies, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, continue pushing for transparency. The controversy follows a Department of Justice and FBI memo that found no "incriminating list" of Epstein clients and confirmed that investigators found no evidence to investigate "uncharged third parties."

Adelita Grijalva has won the Democratic primary for Arizona's 7th Congressional District, the seat previously held by her late father Raúl Grijalva. She defeated her main opponent, 25-year-old reproductive rights activist Deja Foxx, after campaigning on progressive values similar to her father's, including environmental justice, defending welfare programs, and advocating for housing affordability. Grijalva benefited from her decades of experience in local politics, endorsements from progressive leaders like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders, and substantial donor support. She is virtually guaranteed to win the special election in September for this solidly Democratic district, though she will need to defend the seat in the 2026 midterms.

The United States inflation rate has reached 2.4% according to WalletHub, exceeding the Federal Reserve's 2% target. The Washington metropolitan region faces particularly high housing costs, with Maryland homeowners spending 26.1% of income on housing and Virginia homeowners spending 26.7%, while renters in these states pay 33.6% and 25% respectively. Tax burdens further strain household budgets, with Maryland residents paying an effective tax rate of 11.51% of median income, Virginia residents 10.96%, and Washington, D.C. residents 9.05%. WalletHub expert Favour Olarewaju attributes inflation to several factors including sticky prices, increased labor costs, volatile energy prices, and lingering supply chain disruptions from the pandemic.