united states news

The "One Big Beautiful Bill" signed by President Trump on July 4, praised by Republican Senator Tim Scott as promoting fiscal responsibility and opportunity, is being heavily criticized by equity advocates as harmful to Black communities and working Americans. While Republicans frame the legislation as beneficial for American families, Democratic leaders like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries characterize it as rewarding billionaires at the expense of everyday citizens. According to independent analyses, the law will significantly increase the federal deficit through permanent corporate tax cuts while providing only temporary benefits to middle-income households. Critics argue the bill strengthens systemic inequities by expanding programs like Opportunity Zones that have failed to reduce poverty, implementing school choice tax credits that primarily benefit wealthier families, and allowing the expanded Child Tax Credit to remain expired.

Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton has introduced the Commission of Fine Arts District of Columbia Home Rule Act to eliminate federal oversight of non-federal property development in Washington, D.C. The legislation would remove the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts' authority over D.C.-owned sites and certain private properties that currently require federal approval for construction or alterations. Norton argues that federal involvement in local land-use decisions violates home rule principles, creates unnecessary delays, and increases costs for development projects in the District. This bill is part of Norton's broader legislative effort to increase D.C.'s autonomy over its land-use policies, joining two other related bills she has introduced in the current Congress.

A handwritten anti-slavery declaration from 1847, signed by 116 New England Baptist ministers, was recently discovered in the American Baptist archive in Groton, Massachusetts. Volunteer Jennifer Cromack found the pristine 5-foot-long scroll titled "A Resolution and Protest Against Slavery" that had been considered lost for decades, with the last known copy appearing in a 1902 history book. This significant historical document emerged two years after southern Baptists split from northern Baptists over slavery issues, and fourteen years before the Civil War began. The declaration firmly states the ministers' opposition to slavery, describing it as "an outrage upon the rights and happiness of our fellow men" and emphasizing they could "no longer be silent" on the issue.

President Donald Trump has sent letters to leaders of 14 countries announcing new tariff rates set to take effect on August 1, extending the previous July 9 deadline for most countries except China. The letters, sent to nations including Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and others, impose tariffs ranging from 24% to 40%, with Trump specifically citing trade deficits as justification. Trump warned that tariffs could increase further if countries retaliate with their own tariffs, while encouraging foreign leaders to manufacture goods in the United States to avoid these duties. Financial markets responded negatively to the announcements, with major stock indexes experiencing their worst performance in about three weeks.

The Bayside Gospel Concert Aboard the Midway returns on July 26th at 7:30pm, featuring an evening of faith and worship on the historic U.S.S. Midway Museum's flight deck in San Diego. Headlining artists include Gospel legend Vanessa Bell Armstrong, vocalist Kelontae Gavin, and The Family, alongside performers Corey Thompson, Robert Earl Dean, and M.A.N.D.A.T.E.'s recording artist Palace. The event promises an uplifting experience under the stars with spiritual music and stunning views, with tickets currently available for purchase on Eventbrite.

Proposition 36, known as the "Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act," has shown troubling trends six months after implementation, with early data revealing disproportionate impacts on Black communities. The measure, which passed in November 2024, increased penalties for certain drug and theft crimes by reclassifying some as felonies and lengthening sentences for specific offenses. In San Diego, data shows 32% of people arrested for Prop 36-related charges were Black despite representing only 5.6% of the population, while in Alameda County approximately 90% of those charged under Prop 36 are Black despite comprising just 10% of the county's population. Los Angeles County has seen a dramatic increase in arrests, jumping from 12 before Prop 36 to 594 by May 2025, contributing to jail population increases from 11,000 to nearly 13,000 inmates.

Descendants of enslaved Africans from the last slave ship to reach America gathered in Mobile, Alabama for a memorial ceremony honoring those transported on the Clotilda in 1860. The event took place near the Africatown Bridge where the ship remains submerged due to its deteriorated condition, with attendees dressed in white participating in a ceremonial wreath-laying. The Clotilda was discovered in 2019, but descendants had established a historical society over 40 years ago to preserve their heritage and ensure future generations understand this history. A state-funded investigation has been examining how to protect and potentially preserve the wreckage, with recommendations to install protective pillars around the sunken vessel.

Black mayors across America are achieving significant reductions in violent crime rates, yet their successes remain largely unrecognized by mainstream media. In Baltimore, Mayor Brandon Scott has overseen a 22% drop in homicides and a 19% decrease in nonfatal shootings compared to last year, while Birmingham's Mayor Randall Woodfin has led efforts resulting in a 52% reduction in homicides. These improvements stem from comprehensive, evidence-based strategies combining targeted enforcement with community services and technological advancements. Similar crime reductions are being reported in other major cities led by Black mayors, including New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta, where various violence prevention initiatives have produced measurable results.

Senator Akilah Weber-Pierson's two reparative justice bills, SB 437 and SB 518, have advanced to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations after being approved by the Assembly Judiciary Committee. These bills are part of the California Legislative Black Caucus's Road to Repair 2025 Priority Bill Package and aim to address lingering impacts of slavery and systemic racism. SB 437 focuses on determining eligibility for reparations by directing California State University to develop methodology for validating lineage, while SB 518 establishes the Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery within the Department of Justice. Despite criticism from advocacy groups like the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California regarding potential bureaucratic confusion between the two verification processes, Weber-Pierson remained confident in the bills' importance for moving from recommendations to implementation.

President Trump and Republicans' new tax-and-spending law extends tax breaks primarily benefiting corporations and wealthy Americans while significantly cutting funding for programs serving lower-income populations. The legislation faces potential legal challenges, with a federal judge already temporarily blocking a provision preventing Planned Parenthood clinics from accessing Medicaid funding. The law will substantially impact women, children, and LGBTQ+ Americans through extensive cuts to Medicaid, CHIP, and SNAP benefits, while simultaneously allocating billions for immigration enforcement including border wall construction and detention centers. According to nonpartisan research groups, more than two-thirds of the tax cuts will benefit households with annual incomes of $217,000 or more, while adding trillions to the federal deficit.

Ben's Chili Bowl, a landmark establishment on U Street NW since 1958, will temporarily close its original location from July 14 for four months to undergo major renovations for the first time in over 60 years. During the closure, the business will operate as a pop-up across the street at 1208 U Street NW starting July 17, while continuing to offer its products at other locations throughout the Washington metropolitan area and at select grocery stores. The renovation aims to preserve the heritage of this historic gathering place that has served locals, celebrities, and politicians for generations while ensuring it remains safe for future patrons. Co-founder Virginia Ali emphasized that the business represents more than just food, calling it a place of "family, community and history" that now needs care to serve another generation.

Joi Harris will make history on September 8 when she becomes the first woman president and CEO of DTE Energy following a unanimous board vote as part of a planned leadership transition. Her remarkable 34-year journey with the company began as a high school engineering co-op, culminating in her current role as president and chief operating officer where she oversees electric and gas operations, customer service, IT, and safety departments. Under Harris's leadership, DTE launched the $1 billion Blue Water Energy Center and achieved a 70% improvement in electric reliability in 2024. Beyond her corporate achievements, Harris maintains deep community connections through her board service with organizations like the Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP) and the Skillman Foundation, while advocating for mentorship and career pathways for Black youth.

President Trump expressed optimism about Gaza ceasefire talks despite no breakthrough in the latest negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Qatar. During a Washington meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Trump claimed the talks were "going along very well," though Palestinian sources indicated no progress has been made. The discussions, scheduled to resume Tuesday, involve a proposed 60-day truce where Hamas would release hostages while Israel withdraws from parts of Gaza. Both leaders also controversially discussed plans for relocating Palestinians from Gaza, which has been condemned by the UN and international community as potential ethnic cleansing.

President Donald Trump has announced the United States will resume sending defensive weapons to Ukraine after previously pausing some critical arms shipments. This reversal follows intense Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, with Trump expressing disappointment that Russian President Vladimir Putin has not stopped the aggression. The Pentagon confirmed they will send additional defensive weapons to Ukraine at Trump's direction to help the country defend itself while working toward peace. This decision comes as relief to Ukraine, whose President Volodymyr Zelensky had warned that pausing shipments would hamper Ukraine's ability to defend against escalating Russian airstrikes and front-line advances.

Flash floods in central Texas have claimed over 100 lives, with numerous people still missing four days after the disaster struck on July 4th. Search and rescue teams continue their efforts despite threatening weather conditions, while Camp Mystic, a Christian all-girls' summer camp, confirmed at least 27 girls and staff are among the dead, with 11 more still missing. The White House has defended the National Weather Service's response to the disaster amid criticism about budget cuts, stating that appropriate warnings were issued. As more thunderstorms threaten the region, discussions have emerged about implementing flood sirens in Kerr County, which Texas Lt Gov Dan Patrick acknowledged might have saved lives.

A 27-year-old man identified as Ryan Lewis Mosqueda was fatally shot by police after attacking a Border Patrol facility in McAllen, Texas on Monday morning. The assailant, wearing tactical gear and armed with a rifle, fired numerous rounds at the building, injuring three people including a police officer who was shot in the knee. Mosqueda, who had no known criminal record and ties to Michigan, had spray-painted "Cordis Die" (a phrase from the Call of Duty video game) on his vehicle, though authorities have not yet determined a motive for the attack. The FBI has taken over the investigation following the incident, which temporarily closed traffic near the McAllen airport.

San Diego County's Vector Control Program is conducting truck-mounted pesticide-mist treatments in the Rolando community from July 9-11 to combat mosquitoes that tested positive for West Nile virus on June 24. The treatments will use AquaDuet, an EPA-approved pesticide that poses low risks to humans and pets, and will target approximately 4,000 parcels in both San Diego and La Mesa areas from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. While no human cases have been reported in San Diego County this year, officials urge residents to follow "Prevent, Protect, Report" guidelines, including removing standing water around homes and wearing protective clothing or insect repellent when outdoors. Residents are advised to stay inside with pets and close windows during treatment as a precaution, though normal activities can resume 30 minutes after application.

The article examines claims that Trump administration cuts to federal workforce affected the National Weather Service's (NWS) response to recent Texas floods. While the NWS lost about 600 of its 4,200 staff through buyouts, early retirements, and terminations since January, climate experts indicate forecasts and warnings for the Texas floods were issued appropriately. Some experts suggest staffing shortages may have impacted coordination between NWS offices and emergency services, as both the San Angelo and San Antonio offices had vacancies including meteorologist positions. The NWS confirmed these offices increased staffing during the flooding event, with the San Antonio office having up to five forecasters on duty instead of the typical two.

The US Department of Justice and FBI have concluded that Jeffrey Epstein did not possess a client list implicating high-profile associates and confirmed he died by suicide, contradicting popular conspiracy theories. Despite President Trump's campaign promises to release Epstein-related files, some supporters have expressed frustration with the administration's handling of the case, particularly after Attorney General Pam Bondi released previously available documents. A two-page memo from investigators stated they found no evidence of blackmail or grounds to investigate "uncharged third parties," though this conclusion has been met with skepticism from some Trump supporters. The White House has indicated some files were withheld due to their "incredibly graphic" nature, while the case recently resurfaced during a public disagreement between Trump and Elon Musk.

The House narrowly passed a sweeping budget bill on July 3 with a vote of 218-214, largely along party lines, meeting President Trump's deadline. Known as the "One Big, Beautiful Bill," the legislation includes significant tax cuts for high-income households while cutting approximately $1 trillion from Medicaid and $189 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill will increase the number of uninsured Americans to almost 12 million while also boosting fossil fuel companies, phasing out renewable energy tax credits, and increasing border security funding. Republican supporters tout economic growth benefits while Democratic opponents and advocacy groups condemn the legislation for prioritizing tax cuts for the wealthy at the expense of healthcare and nutrition programs for vulnerable populations.

President Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" proposes significant changes to American social programs and immigration enforcement. The legislation would cut $1 trillion from Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act over ten years while allocating $150 billion to expand ICE operations, including increasing its detention budget from $3.4 billion to $45 billion by 2029. The bill also authorizes a federal citizenship registry combining Social Security and immigration data, which critics view as an unprecedented surveillance system implemented without proper debate. Despite public opposition to key aspects of Trump's immigration agenda, the bill continues to advance with strong Republican support but faces significant Democratic resistance.

The United States is experiencing its worst measles outbreak in 33 years with nearly 1,300 confirmed cases across 38 states and Washington D.C. as of Friday, according to Johns Hopkins University data. The CDC reports that 92% of these cases occurred in unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status, with Texas being the hardest hit state at over 700 cases. Three deaths and 155 hospitalizations have resulted from this outbreak, which is primarily spreading in communities with lower vaccination rates, such as Mennonite communities that opt out of modern medicine. Public health experts warn that the US could lose its measles elimination status if the current rate of infection continues for more than 12 months, though vaccination rates have increased in response to the outbreak.

Dr. John Warren of the San Diego Voice & Viewpoint was elected as the new leader of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) at their annual convention in Savannah, Georgia, becoming only the third West Coast representative to head the 85-year-old organization. Warren plans to revitalize the NNPA by focusing on regional engagement, bringing back members who have distanced themselves, and making the organization more inclusive rather than "closed and selective." At the same convention, the Sacramento Observer received the conference's highest honor with the most cumulative points across award categories, while the Los Angeles Sentinel earned three recognitions. Both Warren and Lee emphasized the critical importance of the Black Press continuing its nearly 200-year tradition of covering Black stories and engaging Black audiences while navigating the transition from print to digital media.

MAGA influencers who had long demanded the unsealing of Jeffrey Epstein's files are now expressing outrage after the Justice Department announced there is no Epstein client list and promised "no further disclosure." Pro-Trump media personalities who championed transparency are questioning why they were promised information that apparently doesn't exist. The backlash has been particularly fierce from figures like Chad Prather, who received a binder of Epstein evidence from Attorney General Pam Bondi at the White House in February, along with others including Jack Posobiec, Savanah Hernandez, Paul Syzpula, and Robby Starbuck who have publicly expressed their disbelief and frustration with the DOJ's conclusion.

The Trump administration's revised guidelines for the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program threaten to deprive California of billions in funding for broadband expansion in rural communities. These new guidelines, announced on June 6, follow the termination of California's Digital Equity Capacity Program on May 9, 2025, which resulted in an immediate loss of $70 million. California's stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion has put it at odds with the current federal administration, jeopardizing funding that would help connect low-income minority households in rural areas. This change undermines two years of state planning to advance digital equity and threatens communities' access to essential online services for healthcare, education, and civic participation.

Pharrell Williams presented his latest Louis Vuitton men's collection at the Pompidou Center in Paris, drawing A-list celebrities like Beyoncé and Jay-Z to the front row. The show transformed the plaza into a lifesize "Snakes and Ladders" board, creating a cultural passage between Paris and Mumbai with designs that fused Indian traditions with modern dandyism. Williams' collection featured flowing silhouettes, jeweled details, and cultural references ranging from cricket jerseys with rhinestone embellishments to pin-striped tailoring that nodded to both British Raj and Parisian influences. Despite the maximalist approach that sometimes threatened to overwhelm with multiple references, the show reinforced Louis Vuitton's position as the world's most valuable luxury brand, with LVMH reporting record revenue of 84.7 billion euros in 2024. # Who is affected * Fashion consumers and Louis Vuitton customers worldwide * The luxury fashion industry and competing brands * Celebrity attendees and cultural influencers at the show * Artisans and craftspeople whose traditional techniques were showcased * LVMH shareholders and stakeholders * Indian cultural communities referenced in the collection # What action is being taken * Pharrell Williams is creating collections that blend cultural references from Paris to Mumbai * Louis Vuitton is hosting elaborate fashion shows that function as cultural events rather than simple presentations * The brand is incorporating traditional craftsmanship like hand-beaded details and sandalwood-scented linens into contemporary luxury designs * LVMH is continuing to position Louis Vuitton as its flagship brand within its Fashion & Leather Goods division * The luxury house is actively engaging celebrities and cultural figures to enhance its global influence # Why it matters * The show highlights Louis Vuitton's continued dominance as the world's most valuable luxury brand with a market value near $455 billion * Williams' approach represents a shift in luxury fashion toward cultural fusion and global references * The collection demonstrates how traditional craftsmanship can be integrated into contemporary luxury products * LVMH's record revenue of 84.7 billion euros in 2024 indicates the ongoing strength of the luxury market despite economic challenges * The spectacle nature of the show reinforces how fashion presentations have evolved into cultural moments that extend beyond the clothing itself # What's next No explicit next steps stated in the article.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced on Thursday that the controversial Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Nile River is now complete, with an official inauguration planned for September. This milestone has heightened tensions with Egypt, which views the dam as an existential threat to its water supply for agriculture and its population of over 100 million people. Despite years of negotiations, no agreement has been reached between the two countries regarding water allocation during droughts, though Ethiopia claims it is committed to ensuring its growth doesn't harm its neighbors. The $4 billion dam, Africa's largest, began producing power in 2022 and is expected to generate over 6,000 megawatts of electricity, potentially transforming Ethiopia into a net energy exporter.

Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela, a 41-year-old beer brewing master and the first Black woman to own a craft brewery in South Africa, is teaching 13 young Black graduates (mostly women) the art of beer making at her Brewsters Academy in Johannesburg. The students, who already hold science-related degrees, undergo a year-long program with six months of exploring beer varieties followed by work placement. Nxusani-Mawela aims to transform South Africa's $5.2 billion beer industry by creating opportunities for more Black people and women, while also preserving traditional African brewing methods through innovative beers like her award-winning Wild African Soul, which blends traditional Umqombothi with Belgian Saison.

Sean 'Diddy' Combs was acquitted of the most serious charges in his sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy trial but convicted on two lesser prostitution-related charges under the federal Mann Act. The Mann Act, originally enacted in 1910, criminalizes transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution purposes and has a controversial history of being used against Black defendants. Though amended several times to remove vague language about "immoral purpose," Combs' defense argued he was targeted for being a powerful Black man, while prosecutors denied allegations of racism. The law has been used in other high-profile cases, including against R. Kelly and Ghislaine Maxwell, both of whom received lengthy prison sentences.

The Georgia chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans has filed a lawsuit against Stone Mountain Park, claiming that planned exhibits about the site's connections to slavery, segregation, and white supremacy violate state law. This legal challenge comes after the Stone Mountain Memorial Association voted in 2021 to relocate Confederate flags and create a "truth-telling" exhibit detailing the site's role in the KKK's rebirth and the monument's segregationist origins. The massive Confederate monument, depicting Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and "Stonewall" Jackson, is protected by Georgia law from modifications. The proposed exhibit, designed by Warner Museums, would explore the "Lost Cause" ideology, the KKK's reemergence, and stories of a small Black community that lived near the mountain after the Civil War.