united states news

Detroit's HOPE program provides income-based property tax reductions ranging from 10% to 100% for financially struggling homeowners who own and live in their primary residences. The application deadline has been moved earlier this year to November 7th, giving city officials more time to follow up with incomplete applications and help residents qualify for relief. Last year, over 10,000 Detroit homeowners benefited from this program, which addresses the city's ongoing crisis of property tax foreclosures that have particularly harmed Black homeowners. The program requires annual reapplication and can also open doors to additional assistance for clearing past-due property taxes.

Sati Smith, CEO of Diversified Members Credit Union in Michigan, will become the first credit union CEO from her state inducted into the African American Credit Union Hall of Fame. The honor from the African American Credit Union Coalition recognizes her leadership in expanding financial access and opportunity. Smith's remarkable career trajectory includes starting as a teller over twenty years ago and rising to become DMCU's first African American CEO in 2023, while earning her GED, bachelor's, and master's degrees along the way. Under her guidance, DMCU serves approximately 30,000 members with $500 million in assets across three Michigan locations, offering financial products and coaching programs focused on building generational wealth. The formal recognition ceremony will take place in March 2026 at the Governmental Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C.

The article details escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela as Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab claims US President Donald Trump is attempting to overthrow President Nicolás Maduro's government. The US has conducted military strikes against alleged drug boats near Venezuela, killing at least 43 people, and has significantly increased its military presence in the Caribbean. While the US frames these actions as anti-drug trafficking operations, Venezuela views them as preparation for regime change, with Maduro accusing the US of "fabricating war" following the deployment of numerous military assets, including the imminent arrival of the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier.

Dr. Mary Edwards experienced devastating losses when her mother, brother, sister, and husband all died from cancer within a short span of time. After her husband's death in 2004, she herself was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer in 2007 following a routine mammogram. Rather than succumbing to fear given her family history, she chose to fight back by visualizing her recovery, setting five-year goals, and adopting a positive mental outlook. She underwent outpatient surgery twice to remove the cancer and is now cancer-free, determined to break the cycle of cancer deaths in her family.

The US government shutdown has led the Department of Agriculture to announce that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will cease distribution in November, affecting over 40 million Americans. The Trump administration has declined to use contingency funds for SNAP benefits, claiming these reserves must be preserved for emergencies like natural disasters. Democrats have strongly criticized this decision, arguing that significant funding remains available in the contingency reserve that could cover most November benefits. While some states have pledged to use their own funds to cover the shortfall, others like Massachusetts have indicated they lack sufficient resources, leading states to help SNAP recipients locate food pantries and alternative meal sources.

The author argues that addressing America's family breakdown crisis requires raising the minimum wage to create family-sustaining incomes, as poverty wages prevent workers from building stable households and relationships. Currently, the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour falls drastically short of what families need to afford basic necessities, with MIT calculations showing even the cheapest areas require over $33 per hour for modest two-parent households. The article highlights how viral social media claims about Trump promising $25 minimum wage—though false—revealed bipartisan working-class support for substantially higher pay. The Living Wage for All coalition proposes a phased implementation of $25-$30 minimum wage with business support measures, which the author contends would strengthen marriages, enable parental presence, improve child outcomes, and save taxpayers billions in social program costs. # Key Takeaways

U.S. air traffic controllers, who must work without pay during the ongoing government shutdown, are increasingly seeking second jobs and calling in sick, according to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. The staff shortages have resulted in flight disruptions at multiple airports, including Los Angeles International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and potentially Dallas Fort-Worth. On Sunday alone, more than 3,000 flights were delayed, with Duffy reporting that 22 airport alerts due to worker shortages were issued on Saturday—one of the highest numbers since the shutdown began. The current shutdown entered its 26th day on Sunday, making it the second-longest in U.S. history, with potential for increased travel disruption ahead of Game 3 of the World Series and the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.

Bishop William J. Barber II, a Yale theologian and civil rights leader, has announced a comprehensive campaign to challenge North Carolina's newly approved congressional redistricting map that eliminates a Black congressional district. Barber characterizes the Republican-led gerrymandering effort as "surgical racism" designed to secure more GOP House seats and advance President Trump's policy agenda, including healthcare cuts and blocking minimum wage increases. Despite physical challenges requiring the use of canes and a mask, Barber plans to mobilize opposition through legal action, public protests, and voter engagement, comparing the moment to the historic 1965 Selma voting rights march. He argues the redistricting violates constitutional provisions limiting such changes to once per decade and points to polls showing 85% of North Carolinians oppose the new map.

Michael Moore is advocating for his brother William Lollis, who is serving a 92-year sentence for a nonviolent criminal threat charge from 2013 in Fresno County. The case allegedly involved significant racial bias, including Lollis's defense attorney calling him a racist slur during their consultation, which Judge Houry A. Sanderson dismissed as sarcasm without consequence. Moore claims the proceedings were marred by judicial misconduct, including falsified records, denial of document access, and the improper addition of 40 illegal witness dissuasion counts. Lollis has already served 11 years, which is eight years beyond what his sentence would have been without the allegedly unwarranted additional charges. # Key Takeaways

President Donald Trump has arrived in Asia for a diplomatic tour encompassing Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, with a highly anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping scheduled during the trip. Trade tensions between the world's two largest economies dominate the agenda, particularly as Trump seeks to balance tariff revenue with sustainable economic relationships. The high-stakes meeting with Xi, their first since 2019, could define US-China relations for Trump's second term, with both leaders entering negotiations from challenging positions. Other Asian nations are closely watching these developments, hoping for relief from tariffs while balancing their own economic ties with both superpowers.

Former US Vice-President Kamala Harris revealed in a BBC interview that she regrets not asking President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race due to concerns about his ability to handle a demanding campaign. In her book "107 Days," Harris questions whether Biden's decision to run should have been left to "an individual's ego" or "ambition," though she distinguished between his capacity to serve as president and his ability to endure a grueling campaign against Donald Trump. Harris explained she hesitated to speak up because she feared being perceived as acting in her own political self-interest, a dilemma that has become part of a broader conversation about whether those close to Biden should have challenged his decision to run for reelection.

A mysterious donation of $130 million to the Pentagon to help pay U.S. troops during the government shutdown has raised ethical concerns. President Trump revealed the donor is a U.S. citizen and supporter of his, while the New York Times identified the benefactor as billionaire Timothy Mellon, heir to a $15 billion fortune. The Pentagon confirmed the donation was accepted under their "general gift acceptance authority" to offset military salaries during the shutdown, which has now entered its 25th day. Critics, including Senator Chris Coons, have questioned the propriety of accepting anonymous funds for military payroll, citing concerns about foreign influence.

President Donald Trump has announced a 10% increase in tariffs on Canadian imports following an anti-tariff advertisement by Ontario featuring Ronald Reagan that Trump called a "fraud." Although Ontario Premier Doug Ford agreed to pause the campaign to allow trade talks to resume, he noted the ads would still run during World Series games over the weekend. Canada remains the only G7 country without a tariff deal with the US, which has already imposed a 35% general levy on Canadian goods (with many exemptions) plus sector-specific tariffs including 50% on metals and 25% on automobiles. Three-quarters of Canadian exports go to the US market, with Ontario housing most of Canada's automobile manufacturing sector.

Loudoun County, Virginia, known as "Data Center Alley," hosts 199 data centers occupying 3% of the county's land area and contributing 40% to its budget. The county recently made headlines when an Amazon outage disrupted global services, highlighting the region's critical role in internet infrastructure and AI development. While these facilities bring significant economic benefits, including 74,000 jobs and $5.5 billion in labor income to Virginia's economy, local residents like Emily Kasabian express concerns about noise pollution, wildlife displacement, rising electricity costs, and industrial aesthetics affecting their quality of life. Despite growing opposition from residents, the industry continues to expand with support from political leaders, including former President Trump, who envisions data centers as essential to America's technological leadership.

A shooting near Howard University in Washington, D.C. on Friday night left five people with non-life-threatening injuries shortly after the conclusion of Yardfest, a homecoming celebration event. Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela A. Smith confirmed that two suspects were apprehended and three weapons were recovered from the scene of the shooting, which occurred around 8:23 p.m. in the 600 block of Howard Place NW. None of the victims were Howard students, though one attended Morgan State University, and authorities have committed to maintaining increased police presence during remaining homecoming festivities while working to determine a motive for the violence.

President Donald Trump has expressed interest in seeking China's help to end the Russia-Ukraine war, stating he would discuss this with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their upcoming meeting in South Korea. This comes amid a challenging week for Ukraine, which faced refusals of military aid from Western allies and continued deadly Russian strikes. Despite Trump's earlier promises to quickly resolve the conflict and his previous conversations with Vladimir Putin, no ceasefire has materialized, prompting the U.S. to impose new sanctions on Russia's largest oil companies. China, as Russia's biggest ally providing vital economic support through oil purchases and dual-use materials since Western sanctions began, maintains close relations with Moscow while never criticizing the invasion.

In her first UK interview with the BBC, former US Vice-President Kamala Harris indicated she may run for president again, stating she is "possibly" considering another White House bid and that she is "not done" with public service. Harris defended her 2024 campaign against Donald Trump, attributing her loss primarily to the late timing of President Biden's withdrawal, while criticizing Trump as a "tyrant" who has weaponized government agencies as she predicted. She pointed to specific examples of Trump's authoritarian tendencies, including the suspension of comedian Jimmy Kimmel after Trump-appointed regulators threatened his broadcasters, and criticized American business leaders for "capitulating" to presidential demands. Throughout the interview, Harris expressed confidence that America will eventually elect a female president, suggesting it could be her, while dismissing polls that show her as an unlikely Democratic nominee for 2028.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed openness to meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his upcoming Asia trip, citing their "great relationship" despite past failed denuclearization talks. Trump, who previously made history as the first sitting U.S. president to enter North Korea in 2019, will visit Malaysia and Japan, with plans to meet various world leaders including China's Xi Jinping amid ongoing trade tensions. Kim has indicated willingness to meet Trump again if the U.S. drops its "absurd" demand for North Korea to abandon nuclear weapons, while South Korea's Unification Minister suggested there's a "considerable" chance of such a meeting during Trump's visit to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation forum. Trump's Asia itinerary includes the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Malaysia, followed by the APEC summit in Busan, South Korea, where he will also meet South Korean leader Lee Jae Myung.

The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Colombia's President Gustavo Petro, accusing him of allowing drug trafficking to flourish under his administration. This action marks an escalation in diplomatic tensions between Petro, Colombia's first left-wing leader, and U.S. President Donald Trump, who have already clashed over U.S. strikes on suspected drug smuggling boats. The U.S. Treasury claims cocaine production in Colombia has reached record highs under Petro's leadership, while simultaneously removing Colombia's certification as an ally in the war on drugs. Petro has defended his administration's efforts, claiming his government has actually reduced coca crop growth and arguing that U.S. demand reduction is essential to addressing the problem.

President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela has accused the United States of "fabricating a new war" after the US deployed its largest warship, the USS Gerald R Ford, to the Caribbean. The carrier, which can hold up to 90 aircraft, represents a significant increase in US military presence in the region where the US has already conducted 10 air strikes against alleged drug trafficking vessels. The deployment comes amid tensions following Venezuela's contested 2024 election, which many nations including the US deemed neither free nor fair. President Trump has suggested possible "land action" in Venezuela and accused Maduro of leading a drug trafficking organization, allegations Maduro denies.

Kevin Federline, Britney Spears' ex-husband, has released a memoir titled "You Thought You Knew" offering his perspective on their relationship, her mental health struggles, and the controversial conservatorship that controlled Spears' life for 13 years. The book directly contradicts many accounts from Spears' 2023 memoir "The Woman In Me," particularly regarding the necessity of her conservatorship, which Federline claims provided stability for their children while Spears characterized it as controlling and abusive. Spears has denounced Federline's book as "extremely hurtful and exhausting," while Federline insists he's publishing his account to ensure his children don't have to "explain who their father is" and to counter decades of media portrayal as a "bad boy" coasting on Spears' wealth. Both memoirs attempt to reframe the public narrative around their relationship and Spears' conservatorship battle, though they present dramatically different perspectives on the same events.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has announced a pause on his province's anti-tariff advertisement campaign in the US following President Trump's decision to terminate trade talks. The controversial advertisement quoted former US President Ronald Reagan speaking against tariffs, which prompted criticism from the Reagan Foundation for misrepresenting Reagan's address without permission. Ford stated the campaign achieved its goal of initiating conversation about tariffs' impact, though its combative approach has sparked debate in Canada about negotiation tactics with its largest trading partner. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Carney has pursued a more diplomatic approach to addressing the 35% levy on Canadian goods, as well as sector-specific tariffs that have particularly harmed Ontario's automobile manufacturing industry.

Chinese national Zhi Dong Zhang, known as "Brother Wang," has been extradited to the United States following his capture in Cuba after escaping house arrest in Mexico. Zhang, wanted on drug trafficking and money laundering charges, is accused by U.S. prosecutors of being a crucial link between Mexican drug cartels and Chinese chemical companies in sourcing fentanyl precursor chemicals. His journey to U.S. custody involved a dramatic escape through a hole in a wall, a private jet to Cuba, and a failed attempt to enter Russia before Cuban authorities detained him and eventually transferred him to Mexico and then the U.S. Despite this high-profile arrest, security experts suggest Zhang's capture will have limited impact on the global drug trade as cartels have already adapted to his absence during his year of detention and flight.

New York Attorney General Tish James is facing arraignment in Norfolk, Virginia on a bank fraud charge, which her supporters claim is politically motivated retaliation by the Trump administration. James will request dismissal of the case, citing allegations that Trump-appointed interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan improperly communicated about the indictment. The charges appear to be retribution for James' three-year investigation into the Trump Organization that resulted in a civil fraud lawsuit against Trump and his children. Black women's groups and advocacy organizations are rallying in support of James both in Norfolk and at a planned Sunday event in New York.

Public murals across America are preserving and celebrating Black history despite ongoing attempts to erase it from mainstream education and discourse. Cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, Los Angeles, Topeka, Birmingham, Jacksonville, and Washington D.C. feature powerful artistic works depicting Black historical figures, movements, and experiences. These murals, created by dedicated artists, serve as public reminders of Black contributions to American society and as forms of resistance against historical erasure. The artworks transcend decoration to become testimonials of Black resilience, achievement, and ongoing presence in American life, standing as defiant statements against efforts to silence or rewrite this essential history.

New York Attorney General Letitia James has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution at a US District Court appearance in Norfolk, Virginia. The charges allege she misrepresented a three-bedroom home purchase as a secondary residence when prosecutors claim it was used as a rental investment property, allowing her to obtain favorable loan terms. James has characterized the charges as politically motivated retribution from the Trump administration, noting she previously brought fraud charges against Trump. Her legal team is challenging both the appointment of Trump's former personal attorney to oversee the case and the legitimacy of the charges themselves, with a trial date set for January 26.

Russell Vought, Donald Trump's former budget director, has emerged as the power behind the White House according to a ProPublica investigation. As the principal author of Project 2025, Vought is implementing policies aimed at creating what he calls a "Christian nation" by consolidating control through the Office of Management and Budget. The investigation reveals he has blocked aid for disadvantaged communities, canceled education programs, and dismantled health and environmental protections while controlling federal spending. Vought's influence extends to replacing diversity initiatives with policies that many critics view as reinforcing racial hierarchies, with reports indicating he has already paused or canceled over $400 billion in funding for social programs.

President Trump faces growing opposition, with a recent AP-NORC Center Poll showing only 37% approval and approximately 7 million Americans participating in "No Kings Day 2.0" protests nationwide. The ongoing government shutdown has caused office closures, worker furloughs, and service reductions, while the administration has already terminated over 4,000 federal jobs. Republican leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson and Vice President JD Vance, have dismissed or mocked protesters, while President Trump shared a controversial AI video depicting himself wearing a crown and targeting demonstrators. A federal judge has temporarily halted additional worker terminations, ruling that the administration's targeting of "Democrat agencies" appears politically motivated and likely illegal.

The California Teachers Association (CTA) has endorsed Proposition 50, a redistricting initiative introduced by Governor Gavin Newsom, and is specifically targeting Black voters through legacy Black newspapers. CTA Secretary/Treasurer Erika Jones positions the initiative as a counter-response to concerning developments in states like Texas where education funding and voting rights face threats. Jones argues that federal dysfunction directly impacts California classrooms, potentially endangering $15 billion in federal assistance for education. Despite criticism from within Democratic circles about the ethics of using Prop. 50 as a political tool, the CTA is mobilizing educators and community members to support the initiative before the upcoming vote.

A recent sophisticated heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris resulted in the theft of eight priceless jewels that once belonged to Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie. The thieves, dressed in black and moving with precision, completed the robbery in less than seven minutes, leaving security unable to respond in time. Experts believe that while the thieves might be caught, the stolen jewels will likely never be recovered once they are melted down or cut. This incident joins a series of notable art thefts throughout history, including the infamous 1990 Gardner Museum heist in Boston and the temporary disappearance of the Mona Lisa in 1911.