united states news

The Trump administration is considering cutting nearly $8 billion in federal education funding from California amid political disputes over immigration enforcement and transgender rights. This potential cut would affect crucial programs such as Title I, which serves low-income students, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which supports students with special needs. Education advocates warn these cuts would particularly harm Black students, who already face significant achievement gaps that a recent report projected wouldn't close until 2070 for reading and 2089 for math proficiency. California officials, including School Superintendent Tony Thurmond, are preparing to fight these potential cuts through legal and legislative means while encouraging community advocacy.

The article critiques Black Americans who are disengaged from immigration enforcement issues affecting Latino communities. Author Jasmyne A. Cannick warns that citizenship status won't protect Black Americans if the government expands its targeting, drawing parallels to historical criminalization of Black existence. She challenges those who claim to be politically conscious while ignoring Black immigrants' struggles, arguing that true liberation requires solidarity across borders. Cannick emphasizes that current immigration enforcement tactics represent a dangerous precedent that could eventually impact Black communities regardless of citizenship status.

of News Article California lawmakers and state agencies are working to address rising hate crimes and bias incidents across the state, as highlighted in a recent legislative hearing and two government reports. Assemblymember Corey Jackson chaired a hearing of the Assembly Select Committee on Racism, Hate, and Xenophobia, bringing together experts and community leaders to discuss the impact of hate and potential solutions. The California Department of Justice's report showed religious bias hate crimes increased by 3.0% in 2024, while the California Civil Rights Department estimated 2.6 million Californians experienced at least one act of hate between 2022 and 2023. Both reports confirmed that Black Californians experience hate incidents more frequently than any other racial or ethnic group, underscoring the need for continued funding of initiatives like the Stop the Hate program.

of California's 2025-26 Budget Deal California has approved a $321.1 billion state budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, addressing a $46.8 billion shortfall through various fiscal measures including cuts, delays, and revenue shifts. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the budget on June 27 following contentious negotiations between his administration and lawmakers over environmental reforms, education funding, and healthcare access. While the budget maintains funding for core programs important to many Californians, including education and housing initiatives, it introduces controversial changes to Medi-Cal, including new premium requirements and enrollment freezes for undocumented adults and asset tests for seniors. The final agreement came after legislative leaders tied the budget's approval to housing reform bills containing California Environmental Quality Act exemptions, reflecting difficult compromises made by all parties involved.

Light Up Livernois, returning on July 5 from noon to 8 p.m., will transform Detroit's Avenue of Fashion between 6 Mile and 8 Mile into a vibrant cultural celebration showcasing Black music, fashion, food, and entrepreneurship. Produced by the Independent Business Association (IBA), this free event serves as both a cultural celebration and economic engine for one of the oldest and most significant Black commercial districts in the country. The festival features local performers across various music genres, fashion showcases highlighting Detroit designers, pop-up shops with handmade goods, food vendors offering local cuisine, and art installations illuminating storefronts. Beyond entertainment, Light Up Livernois represents a community-led initiative to support and amplify Black-owned businesses by creating visibility and generating revenue for the small enterprises that sustain Detroit's economic future.

Paramount has agreed to pay $16 million to settle President Donald Trump's claims that CBS News' "60 Minutes" edited an interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 campaign. This settlement follows ABC News' $15 million settlement with Trump over a defamation lawsuit regarding George Stephanopoulos' incorrect statement that Trump had been found civilly liable for rape. Paramount's settlement includes Trump's legal fees and costs, with the remaining funds going to Trump's future presidential library, and commits to releasing written transcripts of future "60 Minutes" interviews with presidential candidates. The New York Times characterized Paramount's settlement as "an extraordinary concession to a sitting president by a major media organization."

of the News Article The D.C. Council is preparing for its first vote on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget on July 14, just one day before Ward 8's special election following Trayon White's expulsion. In their recent meeting, the Council approved several pieces of legislation including the Peace D.C. initiative, a ban on in-school smartphone use, and emergency juvenile curfew measures proposed by Councilmember Brooke Pinto and Mayor Muriel Bowser. Additionally, the Council considered but ultimately modified a controversial rule change initially proposed by Chairman Phil Mendelson that would have impacted the potential return of expelled council members, with Mendelson denying any intent to influence the upcoming Ward 8 election.

of News Article on Mike Austin's Ward 8 D.C. Council Candidacy Mike Austin, an attorney and fourth-generation Washingtonian, is running for the Ward 8 D.C. Council seat in the July 15 special election triggered by former Councilmember Trayon White's expulsion. Austin brings experience from previous roles including legislative director in former Councilmember LaRuby May's office and work with the Office of Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Development. His campaign platform focuses on economic development, displacement prevention, workforce development, equitable school investments, and data-informed violence prevention strategies. Austin has secured several endorsements, including from former D.C. Councilmembers Sandy Allen and Eydie Whittington, and recently won the Ward 8 Democrats candidate forum and straw poll.

The U.S. House of Representatives must now consider a revised tax and spending bill after it narrowly passed the Senate with Vice President JD Vance's tie-breaking vote. The legislation faces significant resistance from various Republican factions concerned about its impact on the national deficit and cuts to social programs like Medicaid. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the Senate version could add $3.3 trillion to the deficit over ten years and result in approximately 12 million Americans losing health insurance by 2034. With President Trump's July 4th deadline approaching, House Speaker Mike Johnson faces challenges in reconciling the competing interests within his party to secure passage of the bill.

The Detroit Pistons selected Tennessee guard Chaz Lanier with the 37th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, their only selection due to a previous trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves. This strategic second-round pick addresses the team's potential loss of perimeter shooting as five unrestricted free agents may depart during the offseason. At 23 years old, Lanier brings elite three-point shooting ability, having connected on 229 three-pointers at a 41.5% rate over his past two collegiate seasons across North Florida and Tennessee. The selection aligns with team president Trajan Langdon's "optionality" strategy, providing Detroit with an NBA-ready skill on a low-cost rookie contract without sacrificing future flexibility.

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has officially closed, with its remaining programs being absorbed by the State Department after President Trump systematically dismantled the agency over alleged wasteful spending. More than 80% of USAID's programs were canceled by March, prompting criticism from former Presidents Obama and Bush, who highlighted the agency's crucial humanitarian work. According to a Lancet study, these aid cuts could result in 14 million additional deaths by 2030, with a third being children, though State Department officials dispute these projections. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the closure, stating the administration will prioritize American interests in foreign funding, while humanitarian organizations globally have condemned the decision. # Who is affected - USAID employees (approximately 10,000 people, two-thirds of whom worked overseas) - Recipients of USAID programs worldwide - Soldiers in Ukraine who received prosthetic limbs - People in countries with landmine clearance programs - Communities affected by Ebola in Africa - Potentially 14 million people at risk of premature death by 2030 (including approximately 4.7 million children) - Beneficiaries of AIDS and HIV programs that reportedly saved 25 million lives - The global aid system and other countries that followed with their own aid reductions - The United Nations humanitarian sector # What action is being taken - The State Department is absorbing the remaining USAID programs - USAID direct-hire personnel globally have been placed on administrative leave (since February 23) - Secretary Rubio is overseeing the administration of the remaining 1,000 programs under his department - Former Presidents Bush and Obama along with Bono are hosting video conferences with the USAID community - Other countries (UK, France, and Germany) are following suit with their own aid reductions # Why it matters - The closure dismantles a 61-year-old agency that administered aid for the world's largest provider - Researchers project 14 million additional deaths by 2030 due to these cuts - USAID was considered integral to the global aid system - Critical humanitarian programs have been eliminated, including prosthetics for injured Ukrainian soldiers, landmine clearance, and Ebola containment - The closure reflects Trump's "America First" approach to foreign policy - The cuts have prompted other major donor countries to reduce their aid contributions - The United Nations is now facing "the deepest funding cuts ever to hit the international humanitarian sector" # What's next No explicit next steps stated in the article.

The United States has temporarily halted some weapons shipments to Ukraine, citing concerns about US military stockpile levels. Ukraine has warned that this interruption could embolden Russia to continue its aggression rather than pursue peace, particularly emphasizing its critical need for air defense systems as Russia continues extensive missile and drone attacks. The White House confirmed the decision was made "to put America's interests first" following a Department of Defense review, while the Kremlin welcomed the reduction in weapons deliveries. Meanwhile, Ukraine faces territorial losses as Russia makes slow but consistent advances, now controlling approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory.

Detroit police came under scrutiny after assisting federal agents during an immigration raid that led to the arrest of undocumented Honduran Marcos Fabian Arita Bautista. Although Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison maintains that DPD doesn't engage in immigration enforcement, residents and council members questioned this distinction after officers pepper-sprayed protesters and helped apprehend individuals who tried to prevent the federal operation. The incident triggered a debate about police policies limiting cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with residents arguing that by providing security for federal agents, DPD was effectively participating in immigration enforcement despite claims to the contrary. Several council members, including mayoral candidates, requested body camera footage to determine the exact nature of police involvement.

Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal trial in New York has reached a critical juncture as jurors have agreed on verdicts for four of the five charges against him but remain deadlocked on the most serious racketeering charge, which carries a potential life sentence. The hip-hop mogul has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. After two days of deliberations, Judge Arun Subramanian instructed the jury to continue working toward a unanimous decision on the racketeering charge, with deliberations set to resume Wednesday. Throughout the two-month trial, the jury heard testimony from 34 witnesses, including former girlfriends, employees, male escorts, and federal agents regarding the activities of the 55-year-old music industry veteran.

Dr. Calvin W. Rolark founded a newspaper over 60 years ago with a vision to create a platform that would uplift the community through stories of triumph and resilience. The publication's mission, shaped by Dr. Rolark's dedication to service, continues to focus on serving, informing, and empowering the community. According to Publisher Denise Rolark-Barnes, while providing free, fact-based local journalism has become increasingly challenging in today's environment, the need for such reporting has only grown. The newspaper is seeking community support to sustain its legacy of service.

The District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency hosted a Homeownership Fair at the R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center, attracting prospective homebuyers like DeWayne Ellis and his wife who are looking for affordable housing options in the city. Currently, homeownership rates in DC stand at 40.2% overall, with a significant racial disparity as only 31.7% of African Americans own homes compared to 49% of white households. Housing affordability remains a major challenge in the District, where the median price for a single-family home is $708,000, substantially higher than the national median of $418,000. Despite these challenges, housing professionals at the fair emphasized that numerous resources exist to help District residents achieve homeownership.

The House-passed "One Big Beautiful Bill," supported by President Trump and House Republicans, offers significant tax benefits to high-income earners while reducing support for safety net programs. According to simulations from the Penn Wharton Budget Model, wealthy Washington D.C. residents could receive tax savings of nearly $10,000-$12,000, while lower-income families gain minimal benefits or suffer net losses when factoring in program cuts. The legislation would slash Medicaid by over $900 billion and SNAP by nearly $300 billion over a decade, disproportionately impacting low-income communities. Overall, the bill adds $2.8 trillion to the national deficit while effectively redistributing wealth from poor to rich Americans through tax policy changes.

Ward 8 voters in Washington D.C. are being encouraged to vote for their next council member in a special election running until July 15, following the expulsion of former council member Trayon White in February. Candidates include Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Salim Adofo, Mike Austin, Sheila Bunn, and former council member Trayon White, along with write-in candidates Mary Roach, Oliver Roy, and Delonte Ford Singh. The election is significant not only for Ward 8's predominantly Black population of over 73,000 residents facing various socioeconomic challenges but for all District residents, as council members make decisions affecting the entire city. The Washington Informer, headquartered in Ward 8 since 1980, has a special connection to this election, given its historical ties to former Ward 8 Councilmember Wilhelmina Rolark, who was the wife of the publication's founder.

In the wake of Trayon White's expulsion from the D.C. Council in February, Ward 8 voters must select their next representative in a special election running until July 15. Four candidates are vying for the seat, including White himself, alongside Salim Adofo, Mike Austin, and Sheila Bunn, each bringing different qualifications and priorities to the race. Since White's expulsion, Ward 8 has lacked ward-level council representation during important budget discussions concerning schools, Medicaid, and housing initiatives. The candidates have participated in forums where they've outlined their visions for addressing issues like community violence, environmental concerns, and economic development in Ward 8.

Amazonia, a Peruvian bar and restaurant in Northwest Washington, has been nominated for a 2025 RAMMYS award in the Cocktail Program of the Year category by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington. The establishment has gained popularity for its authentic Peruvian cocktails, particularly the Pisco Sour, which features Peruvian brandy, lime juice, syrup, egg white, angostura bitters, and ice. Lead bartender Drew Furlough and general manager Nicolas Arriagada emphasize creating balanced, interesting cocktails that tell stories and incorporate authentic Peruvian ingredients like huacatay (Peruvian marigold). Amazonia is located above its sibling restaurant Causa, allowing customers to experience both coastal Peruvian and Andean cuisine and spirits in an authentic atmosphere with Peruvian décor and music.

The Senate narrowly passed the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (referred to as the "Big Ugly Bill" by critics) with a 51-50 vote, with Vice President J.D. Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. The legislation preserves Trump-era tax cuts for wealthy Americans while making substantial cuts to social programs including Medicaid and SNAP benefits. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the bill would eliminate $793 billion in Medicaid funding, leaving nearly 11 million fewer Americans insured by 2034, and reduce SNAP spending by over $1 trillion. Critics, including civil rights advocates and Democratic senators, argue the bill prioritizes the wealthy and corporations at the expense of working Americans, with Black communities expected to be disproportionately affected.

United Way of San Diego County's President and CEO Nancy L. Sasaki warns about the harmful impacts of the proposed "Big Beautiful Bill Act" (H.R. 1) currently under debate in Congress. The legislation threatens to cut critical programs like SNAP, Medicaid, and tax credits that many San Diego families rely on, especially as the region faces the highest inflation rate in the country with families making $46,000 less than needed for survival. Sasaki illustrates the importance of these programs through the story of Juan and Roberta's family, who benefited significantly from free tax preparation services and tax credits that provided a $4,300 refund. She urges community members to contact their Congressional representatives to reject the bill that would devastate vulnerable families and strain already limited community safety nets.

The NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner in Detroit featured journalist Roland Martin accepting the William Monroe Trotter Freedom and Justice Award, where he emphasized that challenging power and advocating for people should be central to such events. Martin stressed that these gatherings are only meaningful when followed by concrete action, not just symbolic appearances. Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist attended the event at Huntington Place, with Gilchrist celebrating the Detroit NAACP's 70 years of impact while warning that new tactics are needed to address current threats to rights and identity. The dinner, described as the largest sit-down dinner in the country, brought together various leaders, clergy, activists, and organizations.

The San Diego Solidarity Network (SDSN) declared a state of civic emergency on June 18, 2025, in response to federal funding cuts that are severely impacting the region's social services. At an event held at the Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center, community leaders highlighted how nonprofits across San Diego are experiencing layoffs, service reductions, and funding losses that threaten essential services including food access, housing support, climate resilience, and public health. The SDSN's emergency declaration calls for rapid investment in community organizations and support systems centered on racial equity, with Catalyst of San Diego and Imperial Counties launching the San Diego Resilient Response Fund to address these goals. Following the event, over 50 people participated in a conversation to develop strategies to protect San Diego's nonprofit sector from federal funding threats.

The Senate voted 99-1 to remove a provision that would have banned states from regulating artificial intelligence for at least five years, a move widely considered a victory for child safety advocates. Originally proposed by Republican Senator Ted Cruz and later modified by Senator Marsha Blackburn, the provision faced significant opposition from parent advocates, tech policy groups, and state legislators who argued it prioritized corporate interests over public welfare. State legislatures have been leading efforts to address AI-related concerns such as deepfake abuse and risks from AI chatbots. The provision had support from the Trump administration and companies like OpenAI, whose proponents argued that varied state regulations hinder innovation. # Who is affected - Children and families growing up in an "AI-powered world" - Parents concerned about their children's safety online - State legislators who maintain their ability to regulate AI - Marginalized people online - Victims of deepfake abuse and AI-related harm - Tech companies and venture capital firms like Andreessen Horowitz and OpenAI # What action is being taken - The Senate is voting to remove the AI regulation moratorium from the president's policy agenda bill - Senator Marsha Blackburn is brokering deals and introducing amendments to strike the clause completely - State legislatures are enacting policies to address deepfake abuse and AI chatbot risks - California is considering SB 234, a bill proposing safeguards for AI chatbots # Why it matters - The removal of the moratorium allows states to continue creating and enforcing AI regulations to protect citizens - State legislatures can respond more quickly to evolving AI threats than the federal government - The provision would have potentially jeopardized important state legislation like California's SB 234 - The issue has created unusual bipartisan agreement, with groups across the political spectrum opposing federal pre-emption - The regulation of AI chatbots is particularly important for child safety after an incident where a Florida teen died by suicide following interactions with a chatbot # What's next - The unchanged bill must return to the House for final approval