united states news

The Future Waves Conference 2025, themed around Afrofuturism and global futures, took place in Dakar, Senegal from September 11-17, bringing together scholars, artists, and thought leaders from across the globe. Hosted at multiple venues including Cheikh Anta Diop University, Artiste Du Daanu Dakar cultural center, and the Axil Hotel, the conference featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, performances, and collaborative sessions exploring how creativity, technology, and heritage can shape equitable futures. Participants from countries including the USA, Senegal, Germany, Colombia, and Botswana engaged in discussions on topics such as "Africana Futures," "AI and Ancestral Intelligence," and Afrofuturist storytelling. The multi-disciplinary event celebrated Black creativity and speculative vision while connecting ancestral wisdom with contemporary innovation, establishing Dakar as a hub for cultural exchange and forward-thinking dialogue.

The Michigan Chronicle editorial board has officially endorsed Mary Sheffield for Mayor of Detroit in the upcoming November election. The board cites Sheffield's detailed policy plans, decade of experience in Detroit politics, and proven track record as City Council President as key factors in their decision. While acknowledging both candidates' similar aspirations for neighborhood investment and tax relief, the board emphasized Sheffield's superior grasp of funding mechanisms and budgetary constraints. Sheffield's platform focuses on neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, police accountability, and improved city services, with specific initiatives like a new Department of Human, Homeless and Family Services and district-based Neighborhood Opportunity and Empowerment Hubs.

Sherry Gay-Dagnogo has been appointed as Detroit's new ombudswoman following a 6-3 City Council vote, granting her a 10-year term through 2035. The longtime educator, former state legislator, and current school board member will resign from the Detroit Public Schools Community District Board to take the position beginning October 5. Gay-Dagnogo received strong public endorsements from various community leaders including Superintendent Nikolai Vitti and Rev. Wendell Anthony of the Detroit NAACP. She describes the appointment as a homecoming, having started her political career in the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, and views the role as continuing her decades-long commitment to advocating for Detroit residents by addressing complaints and ensuring equitable city services.

The US federal government has shut down following a budget standoff between Republican and Democratic lawmakers, affecting operations through October and beyond. Approximately 750,000 federal employees (40% of the workforce) will be placed on unpaid leave, while essential workers must continue without pay until the shutdown ends. The shutdown will disrupt numerous services including air travel, passport processing, national parks access, scientific research, and social programs such as WIC food assistance. While some services like the US Postal Service will continue operating normally, many agencies will experience significant reductions in operations until funding is restored.

Detroit is considering significant zoning amendments that would expand residential districts to allow multi-unit buildings, modify dimensional requirements for vacant lots, permit more accessory units, and reduce parking requirements. The Detroit Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and vote this Thursday on whether to recommend these changes to the City Council, which would need to authorize them by November 25. These amendments primarily focus on the R2 zoning district, which comprises 25% of Detroit's lots, half of which are vacant. City officials and organizations like Strong Towns Detroit argue these changes would increase housing supply, reduce pricing pressure, and eliminate barriers to development in underdeveloped areas.

The federal government has entered its third shutdown under President Trump, raising concerns about the impact on D.C. residents who depend on federal programs. Erica Williams, executive director of the D.C. Fiscal Policy Institute, expressed worry about the sustainability of essential services like Medicaid, SNAP, and TANF during the shutdown period. The shutdown occurred after congressional Democrats and Republicans reached an impasse over budget issues, particularly regarding healthcare spending such as Affordable Care Act tax credits and Medicaid funding. Regional economists warn that the shutdown could trigger a local recession in the D.C. metropolitan area, which is already experiencing economic strain from federal job cuts and declining tourism.

In Alaska's Katmai National Park, a brown bear named Chunk has won Fat Bear Week 2025 despite recovering from a broken jaw injury. Chunk received the most votes in the competition between 12 brown bears, where people worldwide vote for the bear they believe best demonstrates fatness and success as the animals prepare for winter hibernation. Park rangers praised Chunk's resilience in adapting to fish with his injury, which was likely sustained during a fight with another bear during mating season. The competition, which began as a small event in 2014, has grown into a global phenomenon that educates fans about brown bears, with voters from over 100 countries following the bears' activities through live web streams.

The US government has entered its first shutdown in nearly seven years after Congress failed to pass a funding deal before the deadline. Both Republicans and Democrats are blaming each other for the impasse, with healthcare spending being a central point of contention as Democrats insist on extending health insurance subsidies while many Republicans oppose this due to cost concerns. Approximately 40% of federal workers—over 800,000 people—are expected to be furloughed during the shutdown, which could affect national parks, museums, and potentially cause air travel disruptions if it continues. President Trump has threatened to permanently fire "non-essential" federal employees and cut programs he claims are important to Democrats, stating that "a lot of good can come down from shutdowns."

Maryland political leaders used the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Annual Legislative Conference to speak out against Trump administration policies and advocate for justice and equity. Representatives like Glenn Ivey and Governor Wes Moore addressed concerns about federal job losses, particularly affecting Prince George's County, and potential government shutdowns during various panels and events. The conference, themed "Made for This Moment: Power, Policy and Progress," provided a platform for Maryland officials to highlight achievements while warning about threats to Black communities. Prince George's County officials, including County Executive and Councilmember Wala Blegay, emphasized the disproportionate impact of federal workforce cuts on their constituents.

The Trump administration has announced a deal with Pfizer to offer prescription drugs at significantly discounted prices through a new government-operated website called TrumpRx. Under the agreement, Pfizer will reduce prices on some medications by up to 85% and lower prescription drug prices for the Medicaid program, allowing the company to avoid recently announced import tariffs. This arrangement comes after President Trump imposed a 100% levy on branded drug imports effective October 1st and sent letters to 17 pharmaceutical companies demanding lower prices. Pfizer has also committed to investing an additional $70 billion in U.S. manufacturing, research and development as part of the deal.

Michigan's Legislature is racing against a government shutdown deadline with a critical focus on preserving free breakfast and lunch programs for low-income students. Senator Sarah Anthony, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, has made this program a priority in budget negotiations, emphasizing that the state has sufficient financial resources to maintain it. School districts are already warning parents about possible meal service disruptions, creating fear and confusion for families who depend on these meals as their children's primary source of nutrition. The outcome of these negotiations will reveal Michigan's commitment to addressing childhood hunger, particularly in communities with high populations of Black and Brown students where the program helps counter systemic inequities.

REKRE8 Universal recently hosted the "We Can Make It Fashion Show" at Jacobs Amphitheater on Euclid Ave in San Diego, an event dedicated to celebrating local youth while honoring Ruby Barnard's legacy. The show featured young models from REKRE8 Universal and Princess Academy, alongside various performances including musical acts, dance routines, and cultural presentations. Community involvement extended beyond the stage with Kid Entrepreneurs showcasing their ideas, community organizations like Sharia's Closet inviting volunteer participation, and local food vendors enhancing the festive atmosphere. The successful event highlighted the importance of community collaboration, with support from partners including Princess Magazine, Del Mar Solutions, Lincoln High Media Department, and other talented contributors.

The San Diego History Center has launched a new exhibition called "San Diego's Lost Neighborhoods" in partnership with the San Diego African American Museum (SDAAMFA) and with assistance from UC San Diego students. This immersive presentation, which opened on September 25 at Balboa Park, examines how discriminatory housing practices like redlining and infrastructure development displaced predominantly Black communities throughout San Diego County. Using oral histories, archival materials, and augmented reality, the exhibition explores the histories of several neighborhoods including Julian, City Heights, and La Jolla. Executive Director Gaidi Finnie explains that the exhibition aims to reveal stories of families, businesses, and cultures destroyed in the name of progress that powerful interests attempted to conceal.

Justin Onwenu, Detroit's entrepreneurship and economic opportunity director, has launched a campaign for Michigan's redrawn 1st Senate District, potentially facing a competitive Democratic primary. In his announcement, Onwenu criticized Michigan politics for failing to pass key legislation during last year's lame duck session when Democrats controlled all branches of government. With experience as an attorney, environmental justice organizer, and small business advocate, Onwenu aims to strengthen labor rights, address wage inequality, and implement statewide entrepreneurship programs similar to Detroit's Motor City Match. If elected, the 29-year-old would become the youngest and only Black male in the Michigan state Senate.

The United States is preparing for an unprecedented government shutdown in which President Donald Trump has threatened permanent termination of federal workers rather than traditional temporary furloughs. The White House Office of Management and Budget has instructed agencies to use the shutdown as an "opportunity" to reduce staff, sparking strong opposition from the American Federation of Government Employees and other critics. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer suggested such firings would face legal challenges or eventual rehiring, while federal employees express anxiety about their job security. This shutdown could have far-reaching consequences beyond typical government disruptions, potentially transforming the federal workforce permanently.

The Friends of the Malcolm X Library, a nonprofit volunteer organization, hosted the Malcolm X Library Gift Day and Soiree on September 20, 2025, celebrating the civil rights leader's 100th birthday. The community gathering featured live music, art exhibits, vendors, and a silent auction in the library's parking lot in San Diego. This free outdoor "Family Fun Day" highlighted the unique status of the Malcolm X Library as the only one of its kind in the nation dedicated to preserving Malcolm X's legacy. The library serves as a community hub offering workshops, performances, and resources that foster connection and inspiration for local residents.

The Trump Administration's effort to restrict federal homeless funding to locations complying with sanctuary city policies has prompted a lawsuit from advocacy groups. National Alliance to End Homelessness and Women's Development Corporation sued HUD, arguing that new criteria announced on September 5 with only seven days for revision would make projects in 36 states ineligible for $75 million in Continuum of Care Build grants. A judge has temporarily blocked HUD from disbursing funds while the case continues, with plaintiffs arguing this ensures housing resources remain available without political interference. Meanwhile, homelessness in America has reached record levels according to HUD's Annual Homeless Assessment Report, with 771,480 people experiencing homelessness and families with children showing the largest year-over-year increase.

Global Citizen exceeded its fundraising goals for Amazon rainforest protection, African energy access, and community education at its annual Central Park music festival headlined by Shakira and Cardi B. The event, attended by over 60,000 people, featured international celebrities and diplomats appealing to the crowd between musical performances. Significant financial commitments were secured, including more than $638 million from the EU for climate-friendly energy production in Africa and over $280 million for Amazon rainforest protection. Throughout the festival, performers and speakers emphasized that everyday citizens can influence world leaders and create meaningful change when united in purpose.

Maryland's congressional delegation has introduced the Help Federal Employees During Shutdowns Act (Help FEDS Act) to provide unemployment benefits to essential federal workers who must work without pay during government shutdowns. The bipartisan legislation would amend the Social Security Act to require states to offer unemployment insurance to "excepted" federal employees, with provisions requiring repayment once back pay is received. Sponsored primarily by Maryland Democrats including Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and Representative Sarah Elfreth, the bill aims to prevent financial hardship for federal workers who are compelled to continue working during funding lapses. The National Treasury Employees Union has praised the measure for providing essential resources to civil servants caught in political disputes.

The article discusses how the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits (EPTCs) under the Affordable Care Act could drastically increase health insurance costs for millions of Americans if Congress fails to pass a budget or Continuing Resolution by September 30. This would particularly impact Californians, including African American households who saw a 53% enrollment increase in Covered California between 2020 and 2025, with some potentially facing premium hikes of up to 67%. Without congressional action to extend these subsidies, an estimated 4.2 million Americans could lose health insurance due to affordability issues, while those maintaining coverage could see premiums rise by an average of 75%. California has budgeted nearly $200 million to help maintain affordability, but this cannot replace the $2.5 billion in federal funding that would be lost if the subsidies expire.

Assata Shakur, a former Black Panther Party and Black Liberation Army leader who died recently after living in exile in Cuba for nearly 50 years, has left a profound impact on generations of activists. Journalist Thandisizwe Chimurenga shared her heartfelt reaction to Shakur's passing on Black Press USA's "Let It Be Known" morning news show, expressing both personal grief and appreciation for Shakur's life and legacy. Born JoAnne Byron (also known as JoAnne Chesimard), Shakur was targeted by the FBI's COINTELPRO program, convicted in contested circumstances in 1977, and escaped from prison in 1979 before receiving asylum in Cuba. Her powerful declarations about freedom and solidarity became rallying cries during protests, including the Ferguson demonstrations and the Black Lives Matter movement, cementing her status as what Chimurenga called "our warrior queen mother."

A government shutdown is looming as Democrats and Republicans face a partisan standoff over a temporary funding bill needed by Wednesday at 12:01 a.m. Senate Democrats refuse to support the House's seven-week funding extension unless it includes provisions for expiring healthcare benefits, while Republicans insist on a "clean" bill without additions. President Trump and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer exchanged blame, with Democrats seeing an opportunity to leverage their position despite needing at least eight Democratic votes to pass the bill in the Senate. The impasse threatens to furlough or potentially lay off approximately 750,000 federal workers each day during a shutdown, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared subdued while agreeing to a peace deal alongside Donald Trump at the White House, despite calling Trump "the greatest friend Israel has ever had." The agreement includes provisions for Palestinian Authority involvement in Gaza and a pathway to Palestinian statehood, directly contradicting Netanyahu's previous stance and potentially risking his government coalition. His far-right coalition partners, who oppose these concessions and favor annexing Gaza, have threatened to collapse the government if such compromises are made. After the meeting, Netanyahu quickly emphasized to Israelis that he did not agree to a Palestinian state and reports indicate the Israeli cabinet will only vote on the hostage exchange portion of the deal, suggesting Netanyahu may be maneuvering politically or possibly betting that Hamas will reject the agreement.

Iran has announced that 120 of its nationals are being deported from the United States as part of President Trump's immigration crackdown, with the individuals expected to return to Iran within one or two days. According to Iranian foreign ministry official Hossein Noushabadi, most deportees had entered the US illegally through Mexico, though some hold valid US residency permits. This deportation represents the first phase of a larger agreement between Iran and the US to deport approximately 400 Iranian nationals, marking a rare instance of cooperation between the two countries which lack formal diplomatic ties. Human rights groups have criticized Trump's deportation policies, particularly regarding countries like Iran which has been condemned for its human rights record, including what UN experts recently described as a "dramatic escalation" in the use of the death penalty.