united states news

The US has announced new sanctions targeting Russia's two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, to pressure Moscow toward peace negotiations in Ukraine. President Trump, who previously avoided such measures in hopes of brokering a peace deal, has grown frustrated with Russia's unwillingness to engage in meaningful negotiations. The sanctions target companies that export 3.1 million barrels of oil daily and represent a major shift in Trump's foreign policy approach. While the Kremlin claims to be "immune" to these sanctions, Ukrainian President Zelensky praised them as a "good signal" that could lead to a ceasefire if other nations increase pressure on Russia.

President Trump has begun demolishing the White House East Wing as part of a controversial $250 million ballroom construction project, with officials stating the structure will be completely torn down by the weekend. This represents a significant expansion from the initial project announced over summer, which Trump had claimed would not interfere with the existing building. Despite Trump's assertions of transparency, the project has drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers who have requested documentation about the demolition, while conservationists argue the renovation should have undergone more scrutiny given the building's historic status. The president maintains that the demolition is "much-needed" and will be privately funded by himself and donors, with military involvement.

The US military has conducted two strikes on vessels in the Pacific Ocean suspected of drug smuggling, killing five people total, as part of an expanded campaign against maritime drug trafficking. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced these were the first such strikes in Pacific waters, vowing they would continue against what he termed "narco-terrorists." Colombia has strongly condemned these actions near its coastline as "disproportionate and outside international law," while President Trump has claimed legal authority to continue bombing boats in international waters and suggested operations could potentially expand to land targets. The Pacific Ocean represents a significantly larger drug trafficking route than the Caribbean, with US estimates indicating most cocaine bound for American cities passes through this region.

President Donald Trump has imposed significant sanctions on Russia's two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, which together export 3.1 million barrels daily and account for nearly half of Russia's crude oil exports. The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctions aim to pressure Moscow to end its war in Ukraine by targeting key revenue sources that fund what Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called Russia's "war machine." This represents Trump's first direct intervention against Russia over the invasion after previous diplomatic efforts, including an August summit with Putin, failed to yield results. The sanctions follow similar measures implemented by the UK last week and come as Trump has shelved a planned follow-up meeting with Putin, stating, "Every time I speak to Vladimir, I have good conversations and then they don't go anywhere."

In their final debate before the November 4 election, New York City mayoral candidates Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa engaged in heated exchanges on topics including housing, federal immigration raids, and the Israel-Gaza conflict. Democratic frontrunner Mamdani, who polls show holds a double-digit lead, faced attacks from both Independent Cuomo and Republican Sliwa on his work attendance record and position on affordable housing initiatives. The candidates also addressed how they would interact with the incoming Trump administration, with all three agreeing that local police rather than federal agents should handle street vendor issues, though differing on broader engagement strategies with the White House. The debate featured particularly intense moments around Cuomo's sexual harassment allegations and Mamdani's stance on the Middle East conflict.

Carlitos Ricardo Parias, a TikTok creator who documents immigration enforcement, was shot in the elbow during an attempted arrest by federal agents in Los Angeles. The incident occurred when Parias allegedly rammed law enforcement vehicles while trying to evade capture, resulting in officers firing at him and a US marshal being injured by a ricocheting bullet. Both Parias and the marshal sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were hospitalized. Parias, a Mexican national who was previously recognized by a city councilman for keeping the community informed about ICE activities, has been charged with assaulting a federal officer, though his court appearance has been postponed.

The US State Department has eliminated the Human Rights Reporting Gateway (HRG), which was the only public channel for reporting potential human rights abuses by foreign military units receiving American weapons. Established in 2022 to comply with the Leahy Law, which requires the government to collect information on alleged violations, the portal's removal has drawn criticism from human rights advocates and a former congressional aide who drafted the law. Despite the portal's deletion during a broader State Department reorganization under Secretary Marco Rubio, officials maintain they are still abiding by legal requirements to receive human rights violation reports. Critics argue this change severely weakens the government's ability to deter abuses and monitor foreign forces that receive US military aid.

The U.S. military has conducted two new strikes against suspected drug boats in the Pacific Ocean, killing five people total, as part of an escalating campaign against maritime drug trafficking. These operations represent the eighth and ninth U.S. strikes against alleged drug vessels since September 2, with most previous attacks occurring in the Caribbean Sea. President Trump has asserted his legal authority to target boats in international waters while suggesting he may seek Congressional approval for expanding operations to land targets. The strikes come amid rising tensions between the Trump administration and Colombia's government, with Trump recently denouncing Colombian President Gustavo Petro and threatening "serious action" against the country.

The Swaliga Foundation hosted its 10th Annual #STEAMtheBlock Party at Gateway DC in Southeast Washington, offering free STEAM-focused activities to the community. The "Fall Back to School Edition" event, sponsored by major companies including Best Buy, Google, and Bank of America, featured interactive stations, live demonstrations, and artistic performances. Designed as part of Swaliga's youth empowerment initiative, the event created a safe, educational space for young people amid rising concerns about youth incidents across the District. Students engaged with robotics, community art projects, and received mentorship from tech industry professionals, all aligned with the foundation's mission of connecting youth to global opportunities through STEAM education.

The Trump administration has begun demolishing the East Wing of the White House to make way for a $250 million privately-funded ballroom, sparking concerns from historians about the loss of significant American history. The East Wing houses the Office of the First Lady, which was first professionalized by Eleanor Roosevelt and has served as the operational base for numerous first ladies' initiatives throughout history. Despite President Trump's earlier assurance that the ballroom construction "won't interfere with the current building," bulldozers have begun tearing down the East Wing, with funding coming from major corporations that have business with the Trump administration. The White House has dismissed criticism as "manufactured outrage," while former East Wing staffers have expressed dismay at seeing their former workspace demolished.

of Beyond Meat Stock Surge Beyond Meat's stock has experienced a remarkable surge of more than 1,000% over four days despite the company's ongoing struggles with sluggish sales and lack of quarterly profits for over five years. The rally was largely fueled by Reddit users and gained momentum when Roundhill Investments added the company to its meme stock ETF, triggering a short squeeze as investors betting against the company had to cover their losses. A new distribution deal with Walmart provided additional positive momentum, though market analysts caution the stock movement is based more on emotions and technical factors rather than business fundamentals. This volatile trading pattern has reignited concerns about potential market bubbles, particularly in the context of broader stock market valuation worries.

The Fix Our Forests Act (FOFA) is bipartisan Senate legislation designed to address the escalating crisis of catastrophic wildfires in U.S. forests, which has been worsened by fire suppression practices and climate change. The bill aims to restore forest health, enhance resilience, and protect communities by streamlining environmental reviews for fuel-reduction projects and strengthening community wildfire defense programs. FOFA promotes collaboration among federal, state, and tribal entities for a unified approach to wildfire prevention and response, and has already passed the House of Representatives. The letter writer urges California Senators Schiff and Padilla to support this legislation, characterizing it as vital common-sense reform that would allow proactive treatment of fire-prone lands.

An American missionary was kidnapped from his home in Niamey, Niger, on Tuesday by three unidentified gunmen approximately 100 yards from the presidential palace. The victim, who has worked for a US-based charity and lived in Niger since 2010, had his phone tracked to a location about 56 miles north of Niamey, an area considered a sanctuary for Islamic State-affiliated groups. US embassy officials are collaborating with local authorities to secure the American's safe return, with the State Department confirming efforts across the US government to recover the kidnapped citizen. The incident occurs amid ongoing political instability in Niger following a July 2023 coup that ousted democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who remains detained in the presidential palace under General Abdourahamane Tiani's military junta.

San Diego County's Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act program is demonstrating growing success as it reaches its two-year anniversary. The voluntary treatment program for adults with untreated schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders has expanded from 71 CARE agreements in its first year to 149 agreements currently, with a total of 23 participants graduating, including 11 in a recent single-day celebration. The program enables participants to actively create their own recovery plans for mental health treatment and housing support through collaboration between County Behavioral Health Services, the Public Defender's Office, Superior Court, and other partners. Recent graduates celebrated their commitment and personal success in a courtroom ceremony marking their achievement.

Graham Platner, a 41-year-old Marine Corps veteran and Democratic candidate for Maine's US Senate seat, has apologized and removed a tattoo resembling a Nazi Totenkopf symbol after it became visible in a social media video showing him dancing at his brother's wedding. Platner claimed he only recently realized the skull-and-crossbones tattoo's Nazi connection, stating he acquired it in 2007 in Croatia with fellow Marines while drinking. The controversy has escalated amid scrutiny of Platner's past social media posts, including comments downplaying military sexual assault and describing himself as a communist, though prominent supporter Senator Bernie Sanders has defended him.

A Politico investigation has uncovered thousands of leaked messages from a private Telegram group of Young Republican officials across multiple states containing antisemitic, racist, and violent content. The participants, who included state chairs, campaign strategists, and individuals with Trump administration connections, joked about gas chambers, used racial slurs against Black people, and celebrated Hitler while coordinating their plan to control the Young Republican National Federation. Sociologist Joe Feagin noted that Trump's political rise has created a "liberating atmosphere" for expressing bigoted views. This revelation comes amid reports of systemic racism within Trump's administration, including the removal of Black officials, dismantling of civil rights protections, and targeting of diversity programs.

Oakland community leaders unveiled a new mural titled "Together, We Rise" at Chinatown's Wilma Chan Park on October 16, marking the beginning of United Against Hate week (October 19-25). Created by the street art crew Illuminaries, the nearly 40-foot mural features a dragon called the "Oakness Monster" rising from Lake Merritt, symbolizing unity and multicultural harmony as California continues to face rising hate crimes. The project represents a collaborative effort between state agencies and local organizations in response to increasing hate crimes, which rose by 2.7% statewide between 2023 and 2024 according to Attorney General Rob Bonta's office. The mural's unveiling coincides with ongoing state initiatives to combat hate crimes, including the California Vs. Hate hotline launched in 2023.

The 20th Annual Taste of Soul festival on Crenshaw Boulevard in Los Angeles attracted over 300,000 attendees on October 18, 2024, featuring nearly 400 vendors including more than 100 food booths. The day before the festival, the City of Los Angeles honored founder Danny J. Bakewell Sr. by naming the intersection of Crenshaw and Obama boulevards after him, recognizing his contributions as a civil rights leader, businessman, and community builder. Beyond food, the event included health screenings, nonprofit services, political outreach, and entertainment across three stages featuring artists like Cameo and Karen Clark Sheard. The festival has grown into one of South Los Angeles' most significant economic events for small businesses, with many vendors using it as a stepping stone toward full-time entrepreneurship while celebrating Black culture and community unity.

The "No Kings" rally on October 18 drew tens of thousands of protesters in Los Angeles and millions nationwide to oppose what organizers describe as growing authoritarianism in the Trump administration. The Los Angeles demonstration maintained a festive atmosphere with costumed participants, despite House Speaker Mike Johnson labeling it a "hate America rally." Organizers reported approximately 300 rallies across California, with an estimated 4.2-7 million participants nationwide according to a crowdsourced study. A key focus of the protests was support for Proposition 50, a ballot initiative that would temporarily redraw California's congressional districts to favor Democrats in response to alleged gerrymandering in Texas.

Two major community events in Washington D.C. recently brought people together during a time of national division: the 30th anniversary of the Million Man March and the revival of Unifest after an 18-year hiatus. Both events, facilitated by the Rev. Willie Wilson of Union Temple Baptist Church, emphasized community unity, faith, and responsibility. The Million Man March commemoration on October 16 included a symbolic lantern-lit march across the Anacostia River to honor historical Black migration patterns, followed by speeches and performances at Union Temple Baptist Church. Two days later, Unifest was revived on the church grounds, featuring vendors, speakers, and celebrations of Black culture and community.

D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb has reached a $200,000 settlement with Residences at Kenilworth Park, LLC (RKP) for significant environmental violations during construction of their Ward 7 assisted living complex. The developer illegally installed 218 groundwater extraction wells without permits, draining protected wetlands and discharging pollutants into the Anacostia River at least 50 times. Despite prior commitments to protect natural resources, RKP violated multiple environmental regulations between December 2020 and August 2022, including the Water Pollution Control Act. The settlement requires RKP to pay the financial penalty and permanently protect remaining wetlands through a conservation easement that will bind all future property owners.

A far-right Christian nationalist named Joshua Haymes recently proclaimed that slavery is not inherently evil and demanded Christians defend the right to own human beings, reflecting a broader movement within white Christian nationalism that includes connections to high-ranking government officials. Simultaneously, the Trump administration has ordered the National Park Service and Smithsonian Institution to remove or revise exhibits that discuss slavery's brutality, including directing the removal of historical photographs showing enslaved people's scars and panels describing George Washington's enslaving of people. This coordinated effort to sanitize American history extends beyond museum censorship, as young Republican groups have been exposed using racist slurs and celebrating violence in private communications. Historians and activists argue this represents a dangerous campaign to erase historical truth about slavery and racism, making it possible to repeat past atrocities by eliminating cultural memory of them.

President Donald Trump is defending his controversial $250 million project to demolish part of the White House East Wing to build a 90,000 square foot ballroom, describing construction sounds as "music to my ears." The project has drawn significant criticism from organizations like the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Society of Architectural Historians, who are concerned about the ballroom's impact on the White House's historic design and have called for public review. While the White House claims the renovation will be privately funded through donations and doesn't require approval from the National Capital Planning Commission, critics including Hillary Clinton have condemned the alterations as inappropriate and destructive to a national landmark.

A $24 million housing development project in Detroit's West Village has sparked concerns among east side residents who voiced their opinions to the City Council. The project, proposed by Arrive Community Development and Ethos Development Partners, would transform an underutilized parking lot at Butzel Family Recreation Center into a four-story building with 48 affordable housing units, retail spaces, and park improvements. Some community members worry the development might displace longtime residents and continue a pattern of gentrification, while developers insist it's an "anti-gentrification" initiative designed to preserve affordability with units targeting households earning 30-80% of the area median income. The project requires several City Council approvals including a land sale and special tax breaks before proceeding.

The Detroit City Council has voted 7-2 to ban smokeless tobacco and alternative nicotine products like Zyn in city stadiums, with violations potentially resulting in a $100 fine after an initial warning. Council Member Fred Durhal III led the proposal, partnering with the organization Knock Tobacco Out of The Park, arguing that the ban helps prevent children from being influenced by unhealthy habits associated with sports. The ban applies to everyone in stadiums, including athletes and employees, though it excludes vaping products which are already prohibited under existing venue policies. Some council members opposed the measure, arguing it overreaches into adults' freedom to use legal substances and may be ineffective since similar bans already exist.

Paul Ingrassia, President Trump's nominee to lead the Office of Special Counsel, has withdrawn his candidacy following the publication of offensive text messages in which he allegedly described himself as having a "Nazi streak." The 30-year-old former right-wing podcast host and current Department of Homeland Security liaison cited insufficient Republican support for his withdrawal. Several Republican senators, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Florida's Rick Scott, had already expressed opposition to his confirmation after Politico published messages in which Ingrassia allegedly disparaged holidays honoring Black Americans. While Ingrassia's lawyer suggested the texts might be AI-generated or satirical, the controversy proved insurmountable for his nomination to the independent federal agency that protects government whistleblowers.

President Trump has twice claimed that Indian Prime Minister Modi agreed to reduce Russian oil purchases during a recent call, stating Modi "wants to see the war end with Russia-Ukraine." While Modi acknowledged receiving the call, he did not confirm any oil agreement, and India's foreign ministry has not commented on Trump's latest statements. India significantly increased Russian oil imports after the Ukraine war began in 2022, citing energy security needs despite US accusations that these purchases help fund Russia's war efforts. The situation unfolds amid ongoing trade negotiations between the US and India, with recent reports suggesting India may gradually reduce Russian oil imports as part of an upcoming deal.

A recent poll for Maryland's 2026 gubernatorial race shows Democratic Governor Wes Moore leading former Republican Governor Larry Hogan by 45% to 37%, with 14% of respondents undecided. Moore, who is currently the nation's only Black governor in office, enjoys a 54% approval rating, with voters particularly appreciating his handling of transportation, education, and budget matters. While Moore recently received an endorsement from the Maryland State Education Association (MSEA) and has been praised for his leadership during crises like the Key Bridge incident, some voters feel he hasn't sufficiently addressed issues like rising utility costs, reparations for slavery, and housing affordability. Though Hogan hasn't officially announced his candidacy, political analysts note his past success in attracting Democratic voters in a predominantly blue state.