united states news

The article addresses the mental health crisis among Black women, prompted by the deaths of beauty pageant contestants Tyra Spaulding and Cheslie Kryst who struggled with mental illness despite outward success. It highlights how Black women often shoulder multiple burdens while ignoring their own mental health needs due to stigma and societal expectations of strength. The African American Wellness Project (AAWP) offers resources specifically designed for Black women's mental health needs through their Mental Health Resource Hub. The article emphasizes that depression requires proper care like any physical illness and encourages Black women to seek help through resources like the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Former President Barack Obama has reemerged in the political scene with pointed criticisms of President Donald Trump's authoritarian tendencies, including intimidation of universities and press crackdowns. His renewed activism comes as the Democratic Party faces historic low approval ratings, with 59 percent of Democrats disapproving of their party leadership according to Pew Research. Despite Obama's popularity (with a +17 net favorability rating), his return highlights the leadership vacuum within the Democratic Party, which has failed to maintain strong connections with its base, particularly Black-owned media. The contrast between Obama's forceful criticism and current Democratic leaders' muted responses underscores the party's struggles to effectively mobilize voters around key issues like healthcare while facing internal division.

President Trump described US-Canada trade negotiations as "complicated" during a White House meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, noting that both countries compete in industries like automobiles and steel. Despite imposing significant tariffs on Canadian imports, including 50% on metals and 25% on automobiles, Trump maintained a cordial tone, expressing "love" for Canada while acknowledging the "natural business conflict" between the neighboring nations. Carney expressed confidence in eventually reaching "the right deal" with the US, which purchases 75% of Canada's exports, even as negotiations have extended beyond an August deadline. Canada remains the only G7 country without a trade agreement with Trump this year, though both leaders appeared optimistic about future negotiations during this meeting, which was markedly warmer than Trump's previous relationship with former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Sean "Diddy" Combs received a 50-month sentence for confessed violent behavior against women, despite being acquitted of racketeering and sex trafficking charges. The article criticizes the justice system for allowing prosecutors to reference acquitted charges when determining Combs' punishment, suggesting this represents a constitutional violation and reflects racial inequity. The author draws attention to the apparent disparity between Combs' treatment and that of white offenders who received lighter sentences for similar or worse offenses. While the judge acknowledged Combs' good works including his Black-owned businesses and educational initiatives, these achievements were ultimately outweighed by his admitted harmful actions.

The United States government has shut down as of October 1st due to a stalemate between Democrats and Republicans over healthcare funding, particularly regarding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has stated Democrats will not support a "partisan spending bill that guts healthcare" despite Republican pressure from House Speaker Mike Johnson and President Donald Trump. Republicans, who control all branches of government according to Jeffries, are refusing to extend ACA tax credits for working-class Americans, which affects more than 24 million people. The shutdown could last at least two weeks, resulting in layoffs and firings across government sectors.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed two bills authored by California Legislative Black Caucus members Senator Akilah Weber Pierson and Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas on October 1. Weber Pierson's SB 39 extends California's ban on boric acid in cosmetics from 2027 to 2035, requiring warning labels on vaginal suppositories while allowing continued access if FDA-regulated. Smallwood-Cuevas's SB 303, the Public Workplace Bias Mitigation and Employee Protection Act, strengthens workplace discrimination protections by keeping employee participation in anti-discrimination training confidential and inadmissible in civil court proceedings. Both bills aim to enhance consumer safety and create more inclusive workplaces throughout California.

The Protect Voters First Coalition is opposing California's Proposition 50, a redistricting plan they claim would give Democrats an advantage in upcoming U.S. House elections while diluting Black voting power in certain regions. Coalition members argue the initiative would undermine the nonpartisan redistricting system established by voters over a decade ago and fragment communities with cohesive voting interests. They specifically highlight how San Joaquin County would be divided into as many as five congressional districts instead of the current two, and how Black communities in various parts of California would be split across multiple districts. The California Legislative Black Caucus, however, has publicly endorsed Proposition 50, which Governor Gavin Newsom proposed in response to partisan gerrymandering in states like Texas.

The Federal Highway Administration is awarding $113.6 million to improve 44 sites where wildlife-vehicle collisions frequently occur across 19 states. The funding, part of the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program established by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to reduce the estimated 1-2 million annual wildlife-vehicle collisions that cost roughly $10 billion in damages. Projects range from overpasses and underpasses to detection systems and fencing, with states like Wyoming receiving substantial funding for multiple initiatives. This marks the first time dedicated federal funds have been allocated specifically for wildlife crossings.

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order declaring an emergency at the US southern border and is considering invoking the Insurrection Act of 1807 to address immigration issues. This rarely used law would allow the president to deploy active-duty military personnel for law enforcement duties within the US, including arresting and detaining migrants. Trump has indicated he might use this power if federal courts prevent him from deploying National Guard troops for law enforcement missions. The administration has already implemented various border control measures, including nationwide deportation sweeps and transferring Venezuelan gang members to an El Salvador prison, while border apprehensions have significantly decreased in recent months.

Therme Group is planning to develop a $500 million indoor-outdoor wellness facility at Poplar Point along the Anacostia River in Ward 8, Washington D.C. The project, which spans 15 acres and includes thermal baths, saunas, pools, and other amenities, is being promoted by local resident Wanda Lockridge as an economic development opportunity for an area that has been contaminated and unused for over 30 years. Before construction can begin, an environmental assessment must be completed and the land must be transferred from the National Park Service to D.C. government. The development will also include mixed-use residential buildings with ground-floor retail and is intended to be accessible to local residents through community partnerships, workforce training, and discounted rates.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is visiting Washington for his second meeting this year with President Trump, primarily to advance stalled trade negotiations. Despite missing an August deadline, Canada has less urgency than other G7 nations due to exemptions under the USMCA trade agreement. The visit occurs amid renewed statements from Trump about making Canada a U.S. state and pressure from opposition leader Pierre Poilievre, who claims not securing a deal would be a failure. While Carney has made concessions like ending a Digital Services Tax and dropping retaliatory tariffs, the discussions face challenges as the U.S. may want commitments beyond trade, including defense cooperation and border security.

Community Skate @ Golden Gate is a monthly roller skating event held at Golden Gate Village Park in Marin City, founded by Sharika S. Gregory following Father's Day 2025. The gathering revives the important African American tradition of roller skating while bringing together people of all ages in a space that embodies resilience, cultural expression, and community bonding. Gregory has donated over 50 pairs of skates and organized more than a dozen events with minimal resources, transforming skating into a tool for unity, health, and heritage preservation. This initiative holds particular significance as it takes place in Golden Gate Village, one of the few remaining historically Black communities in the nation, connecting current residents with the legacy of Black shipyard workers who established Marin City after World War II.

The US Senate failed for the fifth time to pass government funding measures, with both Democratic and Republican proposals falling short of the 60-vote threshold needed. Thousands of federal employees remain furloughed or working without pay since the shutdown began five days ago. The impasse centers on healthcare provisions, with Democrats insisting on protections for low-income Americans' health insurance subsidies and Medicaid funding, while Republicans want a "clean" funding bill with healthcare addressed separately. President Trump has threatened mass layoffs of federal workers while claiming to be open to negotiations, though Democratic leaders dispute his characterization of ongoing talks.

President Trump's deployment of National Guard troops to several Democratic-controlled cities has sparked legal battles across the country. The president justifies these actions as necessary to address violence, crime, and support deportation initiatives, while Democratic governors argue the deployments are unnecessary and potentially inflammatory. Multiple lawsuits have been filed in response, including Illinois seeking to block troops in Chicago and a federal judge temporarily halting deployments to Portland, Oregon. Though the president can federalize National Guard troops under certain circumstances using a rarely invoked provision of military law (10 US Code § 12406), the deployments face significant legal challenges regarding their constitutionality and necessity.

The Supreme Court's 2025-26 term has begun with a docket full of consequential cases involving race, gender, campaign finance, and presidential authority that will shape the nation's direction on equality, freedom, and democracy. Legal experts at the D.C. Bar's annual Supreme Court Review and Preview discussed the increasingly polarized court, noting that Chief Justice Roberts joined the majority in 95% of decisions while Justices Thomas and Alito aligned 97% of the time during the previous term. Cases involving transgender rights, conversion therapy, voting rights, campaign finance regulations, and presidential emergency powers highlight this term's significant social and political implications. Public confidence in the judiciary has reached record lows as the court continues to embrace originalism, an interpretive approach that has already transformed national law on abortion, guns, affirmative action, and federal regulation.

The US Supreme Court's new term is dominated by cases that will define the scope of Donald Trump's presidential authority. Trump has been pushing the boundaries of executive power through unilateral policy implementations, budget cuts, workforce reductions, and attempts to control previously independent agencies. The latest legal battle involves Trump's efforts to deploy National Guard units in cities he claims have crime problems, despite objections from local authorities. The Court will also address other significant issues including tariffs, birthright citizenship, conversion therapy bans, and transgender athlete restrictions. These cases may result in landmark rulings that could fundamentally reshape American law by June 2024.

The US Supreme Court has rejected Ghislaine Maxwell's appeal against her sex-trafficking conviction, upholding her 20-year sentence for recruiting and grooming underage girls for Jeffrey Epstein to abuse. Maxwell's legal team expressed disappointment and pledged to continue pursuing legal options to challenge her conviction. Despite the appeal's rejection, speculation has emerged about whether President Trump might pardon Maxwell, though the White House has stated this isn't being discussed. Recently, Maxwell was interviewed by federal agents regarding Epstein's trafficking scheme and was subsequently transferred to a minimum-security prison in Texas.

The San Diego County Registrar of Voters is distributing over 2 million ballots for the November 4 special election, with voters expected to receive them by the week of October 6. Voters statewide will decide on Proposition 50 regarding redistricting, while those in Poway's Council District 2 will additionally vote on whether to remove their city council representative. Multiple voting options are available, including mail-in ballots (postage-free), official ballot drop boxes starting October 7, early voting at the Registrar's office beginning October 6, and in-person voting at vote centers that will open progressively from October 25 through Election Day. The Registrar encourages voters to sign and date their ballot return envelopes and to take advantage of voting by mail for convenience.

US President Donald Trump and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva held a friendly 30-minute video call aimed at improving relations after previous tensions. During the conversation, Lula requested that Trump reduce the 50% US tariffs on Brazilian imports back to 10% and remove sanctions on Brazilian officials. Both leaders expressed positive sentiments about the call, with Trump noting it focused on economic and trade matters between the two countries. The leaders exchanged phone numbers and discussed potential future meetings, with Trump appointing US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to continue negotiations with Brazilian officials.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) made history by installing the Rev. Yehiel Curry as its first Black presiding bishop during a ceremony at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis on October 5, 2023. Curry, formerly the bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, succeeds Rev. Elizabeth Eaton who served for 12 years as the denomination's first female leader. Taking the helm of a denomination that is over 95% white, Curry faces challenges including declining membership and navigating theological differences. His background includes growing up Catholic in Chicago before becoming involved with Shekinah Chapel, an ELCA congregation, where he transitioned from lay leadership to ordination in 2009.

Two people were killed and twelve injured in a mass shooting in downtown Montgomery, Alabama on Saturday night when two groups began firing at each other in a crowded area. The shooting occurred near Bibb and Commerce Streets around 11:30 PM, claiming the lives of 17-year-old Jeremiah Morris and 43-year-old Shalanda Williams, both believed to be Montgomery residents. Authorities stated that one person was specifically targeted in the incident, which triggered others in the crowd to draw weapons and begin shooting as well. Officials emphasized that the shooting was unrelated to several major events happening in Montgomery that weekend, including the Tuskegee-Morehouse Classic, the Alabama National Fair, and Alabama State University's homecoming game.

The California Department of Public Health announced that the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will continue operating during the federal government shutdown using existing funds. The program, which provides healthy food, nutrition education, and healthcare referrals to approximately 988,000 low-to-moderate income California residents monthly, remains open and is still serving and enrolling eligible families. Following the October 1 shutdown caused by a budget impasse in Washington, the Congressional Black Caucus blamed Republicans and former President Trump for the funding lapse. Both Democrats and Republicans have warned that a prolonged shutdown could deplete critical resources, potentially causing millions of families to lose essential benefits.

Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed Assembly Bill 288, authored by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, which strengthens labor protections in California by allowing workers to bring cases to the state's Public Employment Relations Board when the federal National Labor Relations Board fails to act. The new law establishes a PERB Enforcement Fund supported by civil penalties collected from employers who violate labor laws, ensuring resources for enforcement. Labor leaders have praised this legislation as the most significant labor law reform in nearly a century, with California Federation of Labor Unions President Lorena Gonzalez noting it frees workers from relying on what they consider a failing federal agency. The bill is positioned as a direct response to perceived weakening of worker protections at the federal level.

A 60-year-old Missouri man was found dead at Sam's Throne campground in Arkansas' Ozark National Forest after what officials believe was a rare fatal bear attack. The victim's children alerted authorities after not hearing from their father for several days, and his body was discovered with injuries consistent with a large carnivore attack. Officials subsequently captured and killed a young male bear believed responsible for the attack, based on photos the victim had sent to his family showing a bear with matching characteristics at his campsite. This incident stands as an uncommon occurrence, as fatal black bear attacks are extremely rare in North America with only 63 documented deaths between 1900 and 2009.

The current U.S. government shutdown has resulted in the suspension of some services and approximately 750,000 federal employees facing unpaid leave due to Congress's inability to agree on spending legislation. This shutdown appears particularly contentious due to heightened political tensions between Democrats and Republicans, with each side refusing to compromise on key demands. Democrats are pushing for renewed health insurance subsidies and limitations on presidential power to redirect congressional funds, while President Trump and his administration view the shutdown as an opportunity to implement further cuts to the federal workforce. Unlike previous shutdowns, there seems to be little collaborative effort to resolve the impasse, with both parties publicly blaming each other for the situation.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the death of a 35-year-old skydiving instructor, Justin Fuller, who became separated from his student during a jump in Nashville, Tennessee. Fuller is believed to have fallen without a parachute, while his 46-year-old client survived after being trapped in a tree for hours with the emergency parachute. Police found Fuller's body in a wooded area hours after the incident, which occurred following three successful dives near Nashville's John C Tune airport. It remains unknown how Fuller, an experienced instructor who had recently expressed his passion for teaching skydiving, became detached from the tandem rig that connects instructor and student during a jump.

The United States has deported 10 people to Eswatini as part of the Trump administration's hard-line immigration approach, despite ongoing legal challenges from human rights groups in the African nation. This marks the second group of deportees sent to Eswatini following an agreement where the US would provide $5.1 million in exchange for accepting up to 160 deportees. Civil society groups are contesting the deal in court, arguing it represents "executive over-reach" as it lacked parliamentary approval required by Eswatini's constitution. The Eswatini government maintains the deportees are being securely accommodated while arrangements are made for their return to their countries of origin.

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deploying National Guard troops from Texas and California to Portland, Oregon. Judge Karin Immergut ruled there was insufficient evidence that recent protests necessitated federalized troops and expressed concerns that this deployment might circumvent her earlier decision denying Oregon's National Guard deployment. The administration is also attempting to send National Guard troops to Chicago, which Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has strongly opposed, calling it "Trump's invasion." This conflict represents ongoing tension between the Trump administration and Democrat-led cities regarding immigration enforcement, protests, and federal authority over state sovereignty.

Rite Aid, a once-prominent US pharmacy chain founded in 1962 that operated up to 5,000 stores at its peak, has announced the closure of all its remaining locations. The company, which had fewer than 100 stores left by Friday, filed for bankruptcy twice (October 2023 and May 2025) amid financial struggles and legal challenges. Rite Aid faced significant legal issues related to the opioid epidemic, paying up to $30 million in 2022 to settle lawsuits and later agreeing to settle a Justice Department complaint regarding unlawful opioid prescriptions. The closure of Rite Aid comes as other major pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens have also been reducing their retail footprints, contributing to concerns about growing "pharmacy deserts" across the United States.