united states news

Cuba experienced a massive power outage on Wednesday affecting two-thirds of the island, including Havana, after an unexpected shutdown at the Antonio Guiteras power plant located east of the capital. The blackout is part of an ongoing energy crisis driven by severe fuel shortages that have been significantly worsened by US sanctions blocking oil shipments from Venezuela, which previously supplied about half of Cuba's oil needs. The fuel crisis has broader impacts beyond electricity, forcing airlines like Air France to suspend service due to aviation fuel shortages and disrupting essential services including hospitals, public transportation, and waste collection. This represents the second major western region outage in three months, highlighting Cuba's deteriorating infrastructure and its vulnerable dependence on imported fuel amid intensifying US economic pressure under President Trump.

Allegations that Texas GOP Representative Tony Gonzales sent sexually explicit messages to a former aide who later died by suicide have created divisions within the House Republican caucus. While some members, including Representative Anna Paulina Luna, have filed censure resolutions against him, party leadership has largely avoided taking decisive action, preferring to let voters decide his fate in an upcoming May runoff election. Representative Nancy Mace's resolution to release all congressional sexual misconduct investigations failed after bipartisan opposition citing concerns about victim protection and witness cooperation. Gonzales has acknowledged "a lapse in judgment" and stated he has reconciled with his wife, while an ethics investigation has been opened following findings by the Office of Congressional Conduct. # Key Takeaways

American Black Journal's Stephen Henderson interviews Mark S. Lee, an integrated marketing consultant and CEO of The LEE Group, about the business landscape facing small enterprises in 2025. Lee emphasizes that small business owners must remain proactive rather than passive while navigating economic headwinds including rising prices, trade barriers, and workforce availability issues. He recommends that entrepreneurs pursue collaborative opportunities, expand their income sources, and seek available funding programs. The discussion particularly highlights the distinct obstacles confronting Black business owners and examines how adopting technological solutions can help reduce operational expenses. # Key Takeaways

The conflict between the US-Israel alliance and Iran is consuming weapons and munitions at an unsustainable pace, with over 2,000 coalition strikes already conducted and Iran launching nearly 2,000 missiles and drones combined. Intelligence indicates Iran's attack rate has dropped dramatically—down 86% for ballistic missiles and 73% for drones since the conflict's first day—suggesting depleting stockpiles or strategic conservation amid destroyed air defenses and production facilities. While the US possesses deeper conventional weapons reserves and has shifted to less expensive munitions now that it controls Iranian airspace, critical air defense systems like Patriot missiles remain in limited supply with only about 700 produced annually. The situation highlights how even America's substantial military resources face constraints during high-intensity operations, prompting President Trump to schedule meetings with defense contractors to accelerate production.

California Assemblymember Buffy Wicks spoke at a Sacramento housing conference, emphasizing that addressing the state's housing crisis requires building approximately 2.5 million homes across all income levels while maintaining environmental standards. The conference brought together policymakers, experts, and industry leaders to discuss solutions focused on increasing housing supply, improving financing options, and addressing labor shortages. Black Californians are particularly impacted by the crisis, with homeownership rates around 35-37% compared to the statewide average of 55-56%, reflecting ongoing effects of historical discrimination and redlining. Wicks and other legislators, including Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, are pursuing multiple legislative approaches including affordable housing bonds and streamlined development processes to increase housing availability for low-income families and communities of color.

Michigan is distributing approximately $94 million in marijuana excise tax revenue to 313 local governments and tribal authorities, representing a slight decrease from the previous year's $99.5 million allocation. The funds, derived from a 10% excise tax established in the 2018 recreational marijuana ballot initiative, will provide eligible municipalities, counties, and tribes roughly $54,000 for each licensed retail store or microbusiness within their jurisdiction. Meanwhile, state education and transportation funds will each receive over $109 million from the marijuana tax revenue. The reduced payout reflects a cooling cannabis market with declining sales and increased competition, while a controversial new 24% wholesale tax that took effect in January faces bipartisan opposition and legal challenges from industry groups.

The NAACP Image Awards is concluding its multi-night ceremony on Saturday in Pasadena, California, marking one of the final events of Hollywood's awards season. The film "Sinners" has received the most nominations in the film category among this year's contenders. The Image Awards recognize achievement across multiple entertainment and cultural fields, including film, television, music, and literature. This year's final ceremony is taking place near the conclusion of Black History Month in the United States. # Key Takeaways

Recent scientific research has uncovered potentially dangerous chemicals, including lead, flame retardants, and carcinogens, in hair extensions commonly used by Black women for protective hairstyles like box braids and twists. Two major studies published in early 2025 found hazardous substances in dozens of extension brands, with over 80% containing chemicals linked to breast cancer, though definitive proof of health harm hasn't yet been established. Despite these findings, many hair braiding salons continue operating without significant changes, with braiders and clients largely unaware of or unconcerned about the risks. The discoveries highlight how the largely unregulated billion-dollar hair extension industry may be disproportionately harming Black women, who use these products regularly and more frequently than other demographic groups. This adds to existing concerns about other Black hair care products that have already been found to contain harmful substances like formaldehyde.

The Block Club, a community improvement project focused on Black arts and culture, is celebrating its first anniversary with a three-day fundraising event from March 27-29, seeking to raise $10,000 for operations and facility improvements. The celebration includes a cocktail reception with a silent auction launch on Friday evening, an intimate music lounge on Saturday afternoon, and a family-oriented gaming event on Sunday that coincides with a city proclamation honoring the organization. The online silent auction will feature artwork from Black and Brown artists, local experiences, and products from community businesses, with bidding open throughout the weekend. All events will take place at The Block Club, a donation-based creative coworking and event space operated by the nonprofit Raimo Residence 501(c)(3).

The estate of Henrietta Lacks has settled a lawsuit against pharmaceutical company Novartis over the unauthorized use of her cells, which were taken without consent from her cervical tumor in 1951. These "HeLa" cells became the first immortal human cell line and enabled crucial medical breakthroughs including polio and COVID-19 vaccines, yet Lacks' family received no compensation despite companies profiting from them for decades. This represents the second settlement for the estate, following a 2023 agreement with Thermo Fisher Scientific, as part of ongoing litigation against multiple biomedical companies accused of exploiting a racist medical system. The poor tobacco farmer died at age 31 and was buried in an unmarked grave, while her continuously reproducing cells became a cornerstone of modern medicine used in laboratories worldwide. # Key Takeaways

Iran has postponed the funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated in coordinated US-Israeli strikes, citing the need to prepare infrastructure for large crowds though the decision comes amid ongoing military operations across the country. The US and Israel continue intensive airstrikes targeting Iranian military facilities, while Iran has retaliated by launching missiles and drones at Israel and Gulf nations hosting American bases, resulting in civilian casualties including an 11-year-old girl in Kuwait. Iran's Assembly of Experts is working to select Khamenei's successor, with his son Mojtaba reportedly the leading candidate, while US defense officials claim they will achieve total air superiority within days. The conflict has already killed over 1,000 people in Iran according to reports, with additional casualties in neighboring countries caught in the crossfire.

On February 28, Lemon Grove Academy Middle School hosted a Black History Empowerment Celebration that brought together students, families, and community organizations for a day of cultural programming and festivities. The indoor auditorium featured various performances including the Black National Anthem, spoken word poetry, dance troupes, and gospel music, while an outdoor festival included food vendors, local businesses, and children's activities. Multiple community organizations collaborated to organize the event, including Thrive Lemon Grove, the school district, and several faith-based and resource groups. Despite challenges with parking and high temperatures, attendees expressed enthusiasm about the celebration, which emphasized recognizing Black history through community engagement and cultural expression.

A group of pro-Trump activists claiming White House coordination has drafted a 17-page executive order falsely alleging Chinese interference in the 2020 election, which Trump lost by over 7 million votes. The proposed order would declare a national emergency to give Trump unprecedented control over U.S. voting systems, despite the Constitution granting states authority over elections. This development comes as Trump appears increasingly focused on influencing the 2026 midterm elections, where Republicans face expected losses due to declining approval ratings and economic difficulties. The Trump Justice Department has simultaneously sued multiple states demanding access to voter rolls, though federal courts have rejected these efforts, while over 50 Congressional Republicans have announced retirement plans. # Key Takeaways

The family of Henrietta Lacks has secured a confidential financial settlement with pharmaceutical company Novartis over the unauthorized commercial use of her immortal cell line, known as HeLa cells. These cells were extracted from Lacks without consent during her cancer treatment in 1951 and have generated enormous profits for biotechnology companies while being instrumental in major medical breakthroughs including polio vaccine development and cancer research. The settlement represents a significant victory for the family, who has pursued legal action against multiple companies for profiting from the cells while Lacks' descendants struggled financially and she was buried in an unmarked grave. This agreement follows a previous settlement with Thermo Fisher Scientific, though additional lawsuits against other companies remain active. # Key Takeaways

Satellite imagery confirms that U.S. and Israeli military operations have destroyed or damaged at least 11 Iranian naval vessels since Saturday, including Iran's largest ship, the IRINS Makran. The coordinated strikes have also targeted Iranian missile bases, air defense systems, drone facilities, and nuclear sites at Natanz, with President Trump declaring the annihilation of Iran's navy as a primary objective. While the attacks have significantly degraded Iran's conventional naval capabilities and reduced missile launches, analysts warn that Iran retains asymmetric warfare options including drones, mini-submarines, and the ability to disrupt commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict, which began on February 28, has resulted in extensive damage to military infrastructure and Iranian government facilities, though civilian casualties are mounting with over 1,000 deaths reported since Saturday.

The Detroit Police Department is requesting $1.9 million to establish a specialized enforcement unit with six officers dedicated to monitoring and regulating commercial truck traffic throughout the city. Officer Drew Battersby projects the unit would generate between $5.4 million and $13.5 million over five years through fees collected from freight trucks, potentially becoming self-sustaining after the initial year. The initiative responds to growing resident complaints about semi-trucks damaging roads, violating residential street restrictions, and creating pollution problems, particularly in Southwest Detroit where violations remain high despite a 70% reduction in truck traffic. City Council members have expressed support for the concept, especially as Detroit prepares for increased truck traffic when the new Gordie Howe International Bridge opens and begins accepting hazardous material vehicles.

The Detroit City Council has designated the historic Conductors' Protective Assurance Company building in Corktown as a protected historic district, preventing future demolition of the distinctive neoclassical structure. Constructed in 1924 by architect Alvin E. Harley, the building originally served as headquarters for an insurance company that protected railroad workers from job loss during an era before corporate employment benefits existed. The flatiron-style building, featuring ornate stonework with locomotive carvings, sits prominently across from the former Michigan Central train station and once housed various tenants including banks, doctors, and business offices. Though currently vacant and for sale, preservationists argue the building's architectural significance and role in Detroit's working-class history make it worthy of protection for future development. # Key Takeaways

Texas held primary elections on Tuesday to select Democratic and Republican candidates for a contested US Senate seat in November's midterm elections. On the Democratic side, state representative James Talarico defeated US Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett by winning suburban and Hispanic-majority areas with a message of cross-party cooperation, while Crockett performed better in major cities and regions with large Black populations. The Republican contest between incumbent Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton failed to produce a winner, forcing a May runoff despite Cornyn's massive spending advantage, as Paxton successfully portrayed him as insufficiently conservative and too close to the establishment. The election was marred by significant voting access problems in Dallas County, where new Republican-backed restrictions on polling locations caused widespread confusion and lengthy delays that particularly affected Democratic voters. # Key Takeaways

State Representative James Talarico defeated Representative Jasmine Crockett in Texas's Democratic Senate primary, a closely watched contest that many viewed as indicative of the party's future trajectory. The race, which highlighted tensions around political messaging and electoral strategy, pitted Talarico's faith-based progressive approach focused on economic populism and building a broad coalition against Crockett's confrontational style and strategy of expanding voter turnout rather than courting Republicans. Election Day complications in Dallas and Williamson counties, stemming from Republican-imposed voting changes, led to confusion and legal battles over extended polling hours. Talarico will face either Senator John Cornyn or Attorney General Ken Paxton in November after those Republicans head to a runoff, though Democrats face steep odds in a state that hasn't elected a Democrat statewide in three decades. # Key Takeaways

The District of Columbia's Public Service Commission has granted a $3 million contract to clean energy developer Ecogy Energy and grid technology firm Ecosuite for a solar aggregation demonstration program. The initiative, announced in late February as part of the PowerPath DC modernization effort, will upgrade three existing solar facilities with advanced inverter technology and communication systems that enable real-time coordination with the electric grid. These improvements will allow the solar installations to function as a networked unit rather than independent sources, potentially enhancing grid stability during peak demand periods and severe weather conditions. The pilot may eventually incorporate additional technologies such as battery storage, energy-efficient building systems, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. # Key Takeaways

Texas Representative Tony Gonzales has progressed to a Republican primary runoff election scheduled for May 26, where he will compete against YouTube personality and firearms manufacturer Brandon Herrera for his House seat. Gonzales is facing intense scrutiny following allegations that he sent inappropriate sexual messages to his former Uvalde district director, Regina Santos-Aviles, who died by suicide in September 2025. The alleged text exchanges from 2024, shared by Santos-Aviles' husband with media outlets, reportedly show Gonzales making unwanted sexual advances despite the aide's resistance. Multiple House Republicans, particularly GOP women including Representatives Nancy Mace, Anna Paulina Luna, and Lauren Boebert, have publicly demanded his resignation, though President Trump has maintained his endorsement of Gonzales.

Ecuador and the United States have initiated joint military operations targeting designated terrorist organizations involved in drug trafficking in Ecuador. President Daniel Noboa announced this "new phase" in the country's battle against drug cartels, noting that approximately 70% of global cocaine now passes through Ecuador's major ports. The collaboration follows high-level meetings between Ecuadorean officials and US military commanders to coordinate information sharing and operations at key transportation hubs. This development occurs despite Ecuadoreans recently rejecting a referendum that would have allowed foreign military bases to return to the country, representing a setback for Noboa, who is a close ally of former President Trump.

American and Canadian citizens traveling or living in the Middle East are struggling to evacuate as escalating conflict between the US-Israel alliance and Iran destabilizes the region. The US State Department has issued departure advisories for 14 countries and promised military and charter flights, but travelers report chaotic airport conditions, canceled flights, no helpful guidance, and rapidly increasing ticket prices. While approximately 9,000 Americans have successfully returned home in recent days, around 3,000 remain in contact with authorities seeking assistance, and between 500,000 to one million US nationals reside in the affected region. Canada has similarly urged its estimated 85,000+ citizens to leave and is negotiating airspace access with Oman for potential evacuations. # Key Takeaways

President Trump has informed Congress that the complete extent and timeline of U.S. military operations against Iran cannot yet be determined, following strikes that commenced over the weekend alongside Israel. After receiving classified briefings from senior administration officials, numerous lawmakers from both parties expressed confusion about the mission's objectives, duration, and whether ground troops might eventually be deployed, despite Trump's assurance that no ground forces are currently involved. The strikes have prompted congressional debate over whether Trump overstepped his constitutional authority by acting without formal approval, with votes scheduled on a war powers resolution that could restrict the president's military options. Iran has already retaliated by launching missiles and drones at Israel and U.S.-allied Gulf nations, raising concerns among some senators that American casualties are likely and that the conflict could escalate further.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has voluntarily agreed to provide testimony to a House Oversight Committee investigation examining connections to deceased financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Although Lutnick previously claimed he severed contact with Epstein in 2005, recently released Justice Department documents revealed he visited Epstein's private Caribbean island in 2012 during a family vacation, contradicting his earlier statements about the timeline of their relationship. This disclosure prompted lawmakers from both parties to demand his resignation from the Trump administration, though no victims have accused him of wrongdoing. His planned testimony follows recent depositions from Bill and Hillary Clinton, who also testified about their past interactions with Epstein. # Key Takeaways