united states news

Sesame Workshop is working to regain control of the Elmo X account after a hacker compromised it over the weekend, posting racist and antisemitic content to Elmo's 650,000 followers. The unauthorized posts, which included antisemitic threats and references to the Jeffrey Epstein case, were quickly deleted, though a link to a Telegram channel from the alleged hacker remains on the account. This incident represents a stark contrast to Elmo's usual content focused on encouragement, kindness, and mental health awareness, which previously attracted engagement from prominent figures like then-President Joe Biden and Chance the Rapper. X has not yet responded to requests for comment about the situation.

Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has died at age 82 in London following a prolonged illness, as announced by the presidential press office. Buhari, who served as president from 2015 to 2023 after winning two consecutive elections, was a former military general who had briefly ruled Nigeria following a 1983 coup before being overthrown. Current President Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised Buhari as a patriot and statesman committed to Nigeria's unity, particularly noting his anti-corruption efforts and stance against Boko Haram insurgency. Despite initial popularity, Buhari's presidency was marked by economic challenges, security issues, and protests, though he remained respected for his principled leadership and integrity.

David "Syd" Lawrence, the first British-born Black cricketer to play for England, has died at age 61 after battling motor neurone disease. Lawrence had a notable cricket career with England and Gloucestershire that ended prematurely due to a knee injury, later becoming a bodybuilder, nightclub owner, and advocate against racism. His significant contributions to cricket were recognized through his appointment as Gloucestershire's first Black president and his recent receipt of an MBE from King Charles III for outstanding services to cricket. Even while facing his illness, Lawrence remained active in fundraising efforts to fight motor neurone disease and was honored by cricket organizations for his pioneering impact on the sport.

Reena Evers-Everette, daughter of assassinated civil rights leader Medgar Evers, sees parallels between her father's 1963 murder and today's political violence, which experts say is at its highest level since the 1960s-70s. At a recent conference celebrating what would have been Evers' 100th birthday, she was joined by daughters of other slain civil rights leaders, including Kerry Kennedy and Bettie Dahmer. The event featured voting rights activist Stacey Abrams, who criticized Trump administration efforts to potentially remove Evers' name from a Navy vessel and drew connections between historical political violence and current military actions against protesters. Evers-Everette emphasized the importance of remembering history to avoid repeating "the crazy, nasty, racist mess."

The 2025 Retirement Confidence Survey reveals persistent disparities in retirement savings between Black and non-Black Americans, even at higher income levels. Only 33% of Black households earning $75,000+ have saved $250,000 or more compared to 63% of non-Black households, with debt being a significant barrier for 63% of higher-income Black households. Black Americans are less likely to have personally saved for retirement (77% versus 87% for non-Black Americans) and often experience worse retirement outcomes, including earlier-than-planned retirement due to health issues. While Black Americans express confidence in day-to-day budget management, they struggle more with long-term financial planning and have less access to financial advisory services.

Three Detroit entrepreneurs, Racheal Allen, Ebony Cochran, and Jessie Hayes, have established community-focused business schools designed specifically for underserved Detroit entrepreneurs, particularly Black women. These initiatives—Operations School, Detroit Wealth Club, and The Hayes Institute of Esthetics & Entrepreneurship—address the systemic barriers that have historically limited access to business education and capital for Black entrepreneurs in Detroit. Despite Black women being the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs nationally and Detroit having one of the highest concentrations of Black women-owned businesses, less than 1% of venture capital reaches Black women entrepreneurs. These grassroots institutions provide culturally relevant training, mentorship, and infrastructure to build wealth, foster entrepreneurship, and create lasting economic opportunities within Detroit's communities.

Sesame Workshop reported that Elmo's verified X account, which has approximately 650,000 followers, was compromised by hackers who posted antisemitic messages, derogatory comments about former President Trump, and references to Jeffrey Epstein. The incident occurred on Sunday, with multiple offensive posts appearing in quick succession before being removed. Sesame Workshop stated they are working to regain full control of the popular children's character's account, which had previously gone viral in 2024 for a widely-shared post asking "How is everybody doing?"

Bitcoin recently reached a new all-time high of $120,000, boosted by President Trump's pro-cryptocurrency stance and pending US legislation on digital assets. The article explains key cryptocurrency terminology including blockchain technology, crypto exchanges, wallets, and various digital currencies beyond Bitcoin such as Ethereum and meme coins. While Bitcoin's price has surged dramatically, the article emphasizes the volatility of cryptocurrencies, noting that prices can plummet as quickly as they rise, and explains how the recent "halving" event affects Bitcoin mining rewards.

Two wildfires, the Dragon Bravo Fire and White Sage Fire, have ravaged the area near the Grand Canyon's North Rim, destroying dozens of buildings including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge which dates back to the 1930s. The fires have burned across tens of thousands of acres, forcing the closure of the North Rim for the remainder of the 2025 tourist season and prompting evacuations. Both fires were likely caused by lightning, with the Dragon Bravo Fire destroying between 50-80 buildings while the White Sage Fire has consumed over 40,000 acres of the Kaibab National Forest. Despite the extensive damage, no injuries have been reported, though firefighting efforts were complicated by a chlorine leak at a water treatment facility.

Love Island USA's seventh series concluded with Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales winning the $100,000 prize, which Bryan chose to split between them. The couple, who formed their relationship relatively late in the season, beat three other finalist couples and made their relationship exclusive just before the finale. Peacock Network reported that this season has been their most-streamed reality series, while mental health emerged as a significant theme amid severe online bullying of contestants, including death threats and racist comments directed at some islanders. Both winners expressed intentions to donate a portion of their winnings to charity, with Bryan specifically mentioning mental health awareness.

The San Francisco Bay View Foundation hosted its third annual Nonprofit Boot Camp on June 28, 2025, at the Ruth Williams Opera House, themed "Black and Proud in the Face of Opposition." The event spotlighted Black-operated nonprofits and provided them a platform to share their visions for equity in the Bay Area. Notable speakers included Kevin Epps (Executive Editor of the San Francisco Bay View newspaper), Trevor Parham (founder of OakStop and co-founder of the Oakland Black Business Fund), Theo Ellington (founder of Black Citizen), and Darian Heyman (nonprofit expert and author). The boot camp offered valuable knowledge for nonprofit leaders, though it could have better engaged younger attendees through more interactive activities.

A Senate vote this week could cut $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, threatening local stations like KOTZ in Kotzebue, Alaska, where reporter Desiree Hagan provides critical information during life-threatening weather conditions. President Trump strongly supports these cuts and has threatened to withdraw support from Republican senators who oppose them, claiming media bias. While national broadcasters like NPR and PBS would be affected, over 70% of federal funding goes to local stations, with rural outlets being particularly vulnerable as federal grants constitute a significant portion of their revenue—41% in KOTZ's case.

The San Francisco Bay View Foundation hosted a Nonprofit Boot Camp at the Ruth Williams Bayview Opera House on June 28, bringing together Black and Brown community leaders, organizers, and nonprofit professionals. Trevor Parham, founder of Oakstop, a Black-owned coworking enterprise in Oakland, shared insights about creating thriving spaces for Black communities while emphasizing the importance of collaboration between nonprofits. The event also featured perspectives from Bayview Opera House leadership, including Executive Director Theo Ellington and Managing Director Cydney Nunn, who discussed the significance of Black art spaces in communities threatened by gentrification. These Black-led organizations serve as vital community lifelines, providing essential services like housing, mentorship, and cultural preservation in areas where government support is lacking.

A gunman fatally shot two women and injured two men at Richmond Road Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky on Sunday after first shooting a state trooper during a traffic stop and carjacking a vehicle. Police Chief Lawrence Weathers indicated the suspect, who was killed by law enforcement at the church, likely had connections to individuals at the church. The victims were identified as Beverly Gum, 72, and Christina Combs, 32, while the two male parishioners were hospitalized with one in critical condition. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear condemned the violence, and the incident is now under investigation by Kentucky State Police and their Public Integrity Unit.

U.S. President Donald Trump has defended Attorney General Pam Bondi against criticism from his own supporters who are demanding her resignation over the Jeffrey Epstein case. The controversy erupted after Bondi's justice department released a memo stating there was "no incriminating client list" related to Epstein, contradicting her previous statements suggesting significant revelations were forthcoming. This announcement has created division among Trump's allies, including FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, who reportedly had a contentious meeting with Bondi following the memo's release. The situation has exposed growing tensions between the FBI and justice department, with prominent Trump supporters like Laura Loomer, Elon Musk, and Mike Flynn publicly questioning the administration's transparency regarding the Epstein case.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials reportedly removed Camp Mystic buildings from high-risk flood zones on official maps after appeals from the camp, years before 27 children died in severe flooding on July 4. According to investigations by the New York Times and Associated Press, FEMA's 2011 maps initially designated the summer camp, located in a low-lying area by the Guadalupe River, as being at high flood risk. Despite being successful in challenging these designations, some cabins were situated in a "floodway" zone where dangerous floodwaters would be expected, while others were in areas projected to flood once every century. The tragedy has raised significant questions about warning systems, evacuation procedures, and the exemptions granted to a facility serving children.

The US attorney general has ordered the dismissal of charges against Dr. Michael Kirk Moore Jr., who was accused of destroying Covid-19 vaccines, distributing fake vaccination cards, and giving children saline shots instead of vaccines. Dr. Moore, a plastic surgeon in Utah who had pleaded not guilty, was facing up to 35 years in prison for allegedly providing fraudulent vaccination certificates for over 1,900 doses in exchange for payments or charity donations. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated the charges were dropped because Dr. Moore "gave his patients a choice when the federal government refused to do so," noting that Republican lawmakers Marjorie Taylor Greene and Mike Lee had brought the case to her attention. The acting US Attorney filed to dismiss the charges "in the interests of justice."

President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 30% tariffs on imports from the European Union and Mexico starting August 1, prompting strong reactions from both trading partners. The EU's Ursula von der Leyen warned of potential "proportionate countermeasures" while Mexico criticized the move as an "unfair deal" and emphasized its sovereignty is non-negotiable. Trump has warned he will impose even higher tariffs if either partner retaliates, extending similar tariff threats to Japan, South Korea, Canada, and Brazil. Both the EU and Mexico have expressed a desire to continue negotiations with the US despite the tensions.

A federal California judge has issued a temporary restraining order preventing the Trump administration from indiscriminately detaining individuals suspected of being in the US illegally and denying them access to lawyers. The case was initiated by three immigrants arrested at a Pasadena bus stop and two US citizens who were detained despite one showing identification. Judge Maame Frimpong cited a "mountain of evidence" that officials were conducting unconstitutional "roving patrols" that cannot be based solely on factors like race, ethnicity, language, or location. The Department of Homeland Security responded critically, claiming the judge was "undermining the will of the American people" as the administration continues its intensified immigration enforcement efforts.

An Arizona resident has died from pneumonic plague, marking the first fatality from the disease in Coconino County since 2007. While plague, historically known as the "Black Death" that devastated Europe's population in the 14th century, is now rare in the United States with only about seven cases reported annually according to the CDC. County officials have assured the public that the risk of exposure remains low, emphasizing that pneumonic plague is the most severe form of the disease, which develops when other forms of plague spread to the lungs. Prevention measures include using DEET-based insect repellents, avoiding dead animals, and limiting contact with symptomatic individuals.

Two Palestinians, including a dual US citizen named Sayfollah Musallet, were killed during a violent confrontation with Israeli settlers near Sinjil in the occupied West Bank. The Palestinian health ministry reported that Musallet was beaten to death while Mohammed al-Shalabi was shot in the chest, with both allegedly denied timely medical assistance as settlers blocked paramedics. The Israeli military acknowledged the incident, stating that Palestinians had thrown rocks at Israeli civilians which led to a violent confrontation, and confirmed that security forces are investigating the deaths. This incident occurs amid escalating violence in the West Bank since Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack, with the UN reporting hundreds of Palestinian casualties and dozens of Israeli deaths.

The White Sage Fire, a lightning-sparked wildfire northwest of Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, has burned approximately 10,900 acres and remains completely uncontained, forcing the closure of the park's North Rim and evacuations of area residents. Approximately 500 guests were successfully evacuated from the North Rim as the fire spread toward Jacob Lake amid dangerous conditions created by high temperatures, gusty winds, and dry vegetation. Emergency responders have been fighting the fire both on the ground and from the air since Wednesday, while officials issued an extreme heat warning with temperatures expected to reach up to 115°F (46°C). The wildfire threat extends beyond Arizona, with evacuations also occurring at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in western Colorado where lightning has ignited multiple fires.

The US State Department has laid off over 1,000 civil service and 246 foreign service employees as part of the Trump administration's workforce reduction efforts. These involuntary cuts follow more than 1,500 voluntary departures earlier this year, impacting key programs including refugee resettlement and Afghan relocation initiatives. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the reductions as a consequence of bureau closures rather than targeting individuals, while Democratic senators criticized the cuts as undermining national security. The layoffs proceeded after a recent Supreme Court ruling allowed the Trump administration's federal workforce reduction plan to move forward, alongside other agency restructuring like the closure of USAID.

Federal immigration agents conducted raids at Glass House marijuana farms in California, detaining approximately 200 people including 10 minors and reportedly causing critical injuries to some workers. During the operation in Ventura County, clashes erupted between protesters and federal agents, with tear gas deployed and allegations that a protester fired a weapon at agents. The Department of Homeland Security characterized the situation as potentially involving child labor violations, human trafficking, or smuggling, while Glass House denied knowingly violating hiring practices or employing minors. This raid is part of broader immigration enforcement actions in Southern California since President Trump deployed National Guard troops and Marines to support federal immigration agents in the region.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump visited Kerrville, Texas to express support following devastating floods that killed at least 121 people in central Texas last week. During their visit, they met with local officials, surveyed the damage, and promised government assistance for rebuilding efforts. Over 12,300 volunteers are working 10-hour days to search for 161 people still missing statewide, with Kerr County experiencing the worst flooding. The disaster claimed 27 young girls from Camp Mystic among its victims, raising questions about the adequacy of warnings and evacuation procedures before the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes.

A TUI-operated British Airways flight from Cancun to London was diverted to Bangor, Maine after an altercation between two passengers. The emergency landing on Tuesday evening forced all 267 passengers to spend the night in Maine as the crew had reached their maximum allowable working hours. Though the fighting passengers weren't criminally charged, they were removed from the aircraft and sent back to their respective countries on separate flights, while the remaining passengers continued their journey to London Gatwick Airport on Wednesday afternoon after a relief crew was brought in.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is visiting China for a six-day trip spanning Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu to strengthen ties with Australia's largest trading partner. The visit, Albanese's second to China but first since his re-election in May, will focus on regional security and trade issues as both countries navigate their relationship amid global tensions. China accounts for nearly a third of Australia's total trade, with Albanese emphasizing that "the relationship in China means jobs in Australia." Despite ongoing disagreements over issues like the AUKUS submarine deal and China's military activities in the Pacific, analysts view this trip as signaling a stabilization of bilateral relations, reflecting a mature diplomatic approach.

A federal appeals court has invalidated a plea deal that would have allowed Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and other 9/11 co-defendants to avoid the death penalty in exchange for guilty pleas. The agreement, which was rejected in a 2-1 decision, would have granted the defendants life sentences without parole and required Mohammed to truthfully answer questions from victims' families. This ruling upholds Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's earlier decision to overrule the deal, which had been negotiated over two years and initially approved by military prosecutors and Pentagon officials at Guantanamo Bay. The case has been complicated by concerns about torture during the defendants' detention and has divided 9/11 victims' families on the appropriate path to justice.

Trump administration Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has proposed replacing deported undocumented farm workers with America's 34 million "able-bodied adults" on Medicaid. This controversial plan suggests using Medicaid enrollment as a roster for agricultural labor, going beyond President Trump's earlier proposals to have farmers house and supervise migrant workers to avoid ICE raids. Critics characterize this approach as forced labor that would disproportionately impact Black Americans, who make up nearly 19% of Medicaid enrollees under 65, and would particularly affect women and children who constitute a significant portion of Medicaid recipients. Farmers have warned that such deportation and labor policies could lead to food shortages and economic disruption.