united states news

The March of Dimes 2025 Report Card reveals that the United States continues to struggle with preventable maternal and infant health crises, with a national preterm birth rate of 10.4 percent that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. Black mothers face the highest preterm birth rate at 14.7 percent, while mothers with Medicaid experience worse outcomes than those with private insurance. The crisis stems from multiple factors including maternity care deserts spanning hundreds of counties, unmanaged chronic conditions, loss of insurance coverage after childbirth, and systemic dismissal of concerns raised by Black and Native mothers. States in the South, including Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana, received failing grades, though urban areas nationwide and states like Maryland and Virginia also struggle with significant racial disparities and access barriers.

A new Pew Research Center survey reveals a growing partisan divide in American attitudes toward childhood vaccines, with Republican confidence in vaccine safety and school mandates declining sharply while Democratic support remains steady or increases. Although most Americans still believe vaccines are effective against serious diseases, Republicans show significantly less trust in safety testing and vaccine schedules compared to Democrats, with only 52 percent of Republicans now supporting mandatory MMR vaccines for school attendance versus 79 percent in 2016. This shift occurs during an active measles outbreak and coincides with anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. serving as Health and Human Services Secretary and influencing federal vaccine policy. The polling also found that most Americans remain unaware of recent CDC changes to COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, suggesting policy shifts have limited impact when the public isn't informed. # Key Takeaways

The D.C. Council is considering the "Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction Amendment Act of 2025," commonly known as the bottle bill, which would establish a 10-cent deposit on beverage containers that consumers could reclaim by returning empty bottles to stores and redemption centers. Councilmember Brianne Nadeau introduced the legislation with ten colleagues, aiming to reduce litter in D.C. waterways and streets while creating income opportunities for residents, particularly in underserved wards. The proposal has garnered support from over 200 public witnesses and 32 member organizations focused on environmental cleanup, but faces opposition from business coalitions and corporations like Coca-Cola and Pepsi who cite concerns about operational burdens and potential fraud. After passing through one committee, the bill now awaits a hearing in the Committee on Transportation and the Environment, though no date has been scheduled. # Key Takeaways

The Michigan Chronicle, through its parent company Real Times Media (RTM), is partnering with a new private business club opening in downtown Grand Rapids called the Commerce Club. RTM CEO Hiram Jackson is both a co-founder and investor in the club, which represents over 50 business and civic leaders creating a 30,000-square-foot space in the historic 61 Commerce building. The club will feature professional amenities like coworking spaces, event venues, and a wellness center, with renovations starting early 2026 and opening expected by year's end. RTM will expand its presence in West Michigan by bringing signature programs like Pancakes & Politics to Grand Rapids and supporting the club's multimedia operations, reflecting Jackson's vision of evolving traditional media into community-building platforms.

Detroit Elevate, a new growth-stage business program launched by TechTown Detroit and the Gilbert Family Foundation, concluded its inaugural four-month cohort with 44 Metro Detroit entrepreneurs completing the initiative. The program provided comprehensive support including one-on-one coaching, strategic planning assistance, and customer visibility, delivering over $326,000 in technical assistance and 460 hours of virtual coaching to revenue-generating businesses seeking to scale. At the closing ceremony held at One Campus Martius, participating entrepreneurs showcased their businesses and competed for growth grants, with awards distributed based on business growth potential, presentation quality, and community impact. The program specifically targeted businesses owned by Black and Brown Detroiters who typically lack access to non-loan capital and growth resources, emphasizing practical acceleration tools rather than theoretical curriculum or requiring founders to start from scratch.

Former NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas has become the first NBA player to hold majority control of a publicly traded company through his leadership of Isiah Enterprises, a clean-tech firm focused on renewable materials and sustainable production. Thomas's journey began with studying natural plant fibers like rice, corn, and soy to develop alternatives to plastics, eventually leading to patented processes now used in automotive and packaging industries. He revitalized a near-bankrupt Michigan facility and transformed it into a sustainable manufacturing operation that now processes tens of thousands of pounds of renewable materials weekly and has shipped over 100,000 pounds of pelletized rubber compounds. Beyond business success, Thomas aims to create generational wealth opportunities for communities traditionally excluded from ground-level investment, encouraging families to become shareholders rather than lottery ticket buyers, with the ultimate goal of taking his company to NASDAQ.

The government of Eswatini has publicly confirmed receiving $5.1 million from the Trump administration in exchange for accepting deportees from the United States, sparking significant controversy and human rights concerns. According to the finance minister, who claimed his ministry was kept uninformed during negotiations, the funds were designated for border and migration management capacity after the kingdom agreed to accept up to 160 deportees. So far, Eswatini has received 15 deportees across two groups, though one has already been sent to Jamaica and officials say they plan to repatriate all others to their actual countries of origin. The arrangement has drawn criticism from human rights organizations and legal challenges from domestic lawyers and civil society groups, while neighboring South Africa has expressed alarm about potential border security implications.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has expressed willingness to engage in direct negotiations with Trump administration officials amid escalating U.S. military and economic pressure on his government. The Trump administration has intensified its campaign against Maduro by doubling the bounty on him to $50 million, launching Operation Southern Spear that has killed over 80 people in strikes on suspected drug-trafficking vessels, and deploying major naval assets including the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier. Washington plans to designate the alleged Venezuelan drug cartel "Cartel de los Soles" as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation on November 24th, which some interpret as an ultimatum for Maduro to negotiate. Meanwhile, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, in hiding to avoid arrest, has released a manifesto calling for accountability for crimes against humanity and urging the Venezuelan military to abandon Maduro's government. # Key Takeaways

The U.S. House of Representatives is preparing to vote on a bipartisan measure requiring the Justice Department to release documents from investigations into deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, with survivors planning to appear on Capitol Hill in support. President Trump reversed his earlier opposition to the resolution and now says he will sign it if both congressional chambers approve it, though he previously resisted releasing the files after taking office. The measure's fate remains uncertain as it must still pass the Senate, where Republican leaders have indicated they may modify provisions related to victim and whistleblower protections, which could delay the process. While lawmakers from both parties believe the files could implicate powerful figures, Attorney General Pam Bondi has discretion to withhold documents that might compromise active federal investigations she recently announced into several high-profile individuals mentioned in previously released Epstein estate documents.

President Trump announced the United States will sell advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia during a White House meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, marking the prince's first visit since the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. This arms sale builds upon a massive $142 billion defense agreement reached in May between the two nations, with Saudi Arabia serving as America's largest weapons purchaser. The potential F-35 sale has sparked concerns among U.S. defense officials worried about sensitive stealth technology potentially reaching China, and Israeli officials anxious about losing their regional military advantage as the Middle East's only current F-35 operator. The leaders are also expected to discuss nuclear power cooperation and Trump's push for Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords and establish relations with Israel, though the Saudis have conditioned this on progress toward Palestinian statehood.

Rapper Nicki Minaj is scheduled to address the United Nations in New York City on November 18th alongside Ambassador Mike Waltz and media advisor Alex Bruesewitz to discuss religious persecution of Christians. Her appearance coincides with the Trump administration threatening military intervention against Nigeria and designating it as a "country of particular concern" due to alleged systematic attacks on Christians. Nigerian officials have rejected these accusations, stating that extremist violence affects all citizens regardless of their religious beliefs. Nicki Minaj has previously spoken out against religious persecution and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to use her platform at the U.N. to address what she views as injustice. # Key Takeaways

The historic David Whitney Building in Detroit, which originally opened in 1915 and underwent a $94 million restoration before reopening in 2014, is now converting its upper hotel floors into 79 private condominiums. The units will range from one to three bedrooms with prices starting at $277,000 and exceeding $1 million for premium spaces, and residents will have access to full hotel services including concierge, housekeeping, and dining privileges. Developer The Roxbury Group is positioning this conversion as a continuation of the building's evolution while honoring Detroit's hospitality heritage and providing luxury downtown living. This project adds to Detroit's expanding downtown residential market alongside other developments like the upcoming Hudson's site condominiums.

American rapper Eminem has initiated legal proceedings against Sydney-based beachwear company Swim Shady over trademark infringement concerns. The rapper's legal team argues that the company's name creates misleading associations with his famous Slim Shady persona, which he trademarked in the United States in 1999. Swim Shady, which sells beach accessories like portable umbrellas and bags, registered its business name in Australia in 2023 and obtained a US trademark earlier this year. The company has stated it will defend its intellectual property rights while Eminem pursues trademark cancellation in both the US and Australia. # Key Takeaways

India's exports to the United States increased by 14.5% in October 2024 compared to September, marking the first rise in five months despite Trump's substantial tariffs remaining active. This improvement occurred while India's broader goods exports declined 11.8% year-over-year, with fifteen of its top twenty trading partners experiencing reduced bilateral trade. The uptick coincides with ongoing trade negotiations between the two nations and recent agreements, including India's state-owned oil companies committing to purchase roughly 10% of the country's annual LPG requirements from America. India faces diplomatic challenges as it attempts to balance reducing Russian oil purchases—which comprised 37% of its oil imports in the previous year—while maintaining relations with Moscow ahead of Putin's scheduled visit to New Delhi.

Former Harvard president and U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers has announced he will withdraw from public activities after emails revealed his ongoing communication with Jeffrey Epstein continued until just before Epstein's 2019 arrest on sex trafficking charges. In a public statement, Summers expressed deep shame for maintaining contact with Epstein even after the financier's 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. The disclosure comes as Congress prepares to vote on releasing all remaining Epstein-related documents and as the Justice Department launches investigations into Epstein's relationships with prominent figures at President Trump's request. Summers has left his position at the Center for American Progress think tank but will continue teaching at Harvard, while his status with OpenAI's board remains unclear.

A new comprehensive database from research lab AidData reveals that China has invested $2.1 trillion in state-backed overseas spending since 2000, with roughly half targeting wealthy Western nations rather than just developing countries. The spending appears strategically aligned with China's "Made in China 2025" initiative, which aimed to dominate ten cutting-edge industries including semiconductors, robotics, and telecommunications by acquiring foreign technologies and companies. Chinese state banks have financed numerous acquisitions in sensitive sectors across the US, Europe, and other developed economies, often routing funds through offshore accounts to obscure government involvement. This discovery has prompted Western nations to dramatically strengthen their foreign investment screening processes, with cases like the Chinese purchase of Wright USA—an insurer holding personal data on CIA and FBI agents—serving as a catalyst for stricter regulations starting in 2018. # Key Takeaways

President Trump's recent decision to remove tariffs on over 200 products, including popular items like bananas and coffee, represents a major policy reversal driven by concerns about cost-of-living issues and declining approval ratings. While food industry groups celebrated the rollback as an important step toward affordability, economists warn the actual impact on grocery prices will likely be modest since imports account for less than 20% of American food purchases and many Mexican imports were already tariff-exempt. Some importers expect to lower prices within weeks, but overall household grocery budgets may see limited relief because food costs are driven by multiple factors beyond tariffs, including labor expenses, droughts, and service-related costs like trucking and retail operations. The tariff removal excludes many items like aluminum packaging materials, wine, and cheese, while Trump administration officials acknowledge that reducing grocery prices is a goal rather than a guarantee.

A federal judge has raised serious concerns about potential government misconduct in the Trump administration's prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey, who faces charges of making false statements and obstruction of justice. Judge William Fitzpatrick determined that prosecutor Lindsey Halligan, who was quickly appointed by Trump and obtained an indictment within three days, may have made misleading statements to the grand jury that could have compromised the integrity of the proceedings. The judge granted Comey's defense team unprecedented access to all grand jury materials, including transcripts and audio recordings, to protect the defendant's rights. The Justice Department is appealing this decision while Comey maintains his not guilty plea to charges stemming from his 2020 congressional testimony about Russian election interference. # Key Takeaways

Tom Cruise received his first Oscar, an honorary Governors Award, at a Hollywood ceremony after 45 years in the film industry despite four previous nominations without wins. The 63-year-old actor delivered an emotional acceptance speech emphasizing cinema's power to unite people across cultures and stated that filmmaking defines his identity rather than simply being his profession. He was honored alongside Dolly Parton, Debbie Allen, and Wynn Thomas, receiving recognition from the Academy for his dedication to theatrical experiences, the filmmaking community, and stunt work. The actor, known for performing his own stunts and advocating for traditional cinema over streaming platforms, pledged continued support for the art form and promised to champion emerging filmmakers.

Indiana prosecutors have charged homeowner Curt Andersen with voluntary manslaughter after he fatally shot Maria Florinda Rios Perez, a cleaning worker who mistakenly arrived at his residence with her husband on November 5. Authorities determined that Andersen's decision to fire through his door rather than contact law enforcement does not qualify for protection under Indiana's stand-your-ground statute, which permits deadly force only when individuals reasonably believe they face imminent threats. The victim, a Guatemalan immigrant, left behind four young children including an infant, while her widowed husband seeks to repatriate her remains for burial. This incident joins a troubling pattern of similar shootings across America where individuals have been killed after approaching incorrect addresses, prompting renewed scrutiny of self-defense laws and their application.

Former Alaska Airlines pilot Joseph Emerson received no additional prison time for attempting to shut down a passenger plane's engines during an October 2023 flight, with a federal judge sentencing him to time already served and three years of supervised release. Emerson attributed his actions to a mental breakdown caused by hallucinogenic mushrooms, sleep deprivation, and grief over a friend's death, pleading guilty to interfering with a flight crew while avoiding up to 20 years in prison through a plea deal. The incident, which lasted approximately 90 seconds before other crew members subdued him, forced the diversion of a flight carrying 80 passengers from Washington to California. Since losing his pilot's license, Emerson has paid $60,000 in restitution, begun working as a pressure washer, and is training to become a substance abuse counselor while advocating for pilot mental health awareness.

Following the November 4th election, Democrats achieved significant victories in northwest Harris County, a former Republican suburban stronghold, despite a last-minute campaign push by Governor Greg Abbott. The Democratic success stemmed from strategic organizing methods including early fundraising, "carpool canvassing" that enabled neighbor-to-neighbor outreach, and messaging focused on practical issues like education and affordability rather than partisan politics. While the results suggest potential for turning Texas blue, the author warns that Democrats must convert campaign promises into concrete results to maintain momentum, as voters prioritized competence and solutions over partisan symbolism. The election outcomes indicate that suburban voters in diverse, growing areas are rejecting extremism and culture war politics in favor of leadership addressing everyday concerns like cost of living, quality schools, and consistent engagement beyond election cycles.

California Assemblymember LaShae Sharp-Collins is advocating for reform of the state's Three Strikes law, which uniquely allows juvenile court adjudications for minors aged 16 and older to count as permanent "strikes" that can lead to harsher adult sentences, including mandatory 25-to-life terms. Critics argue this practice is unjust because juveniles lack full due process protections in juvenile court, including the right to jury trials, yet these adjudications follow them permanently despite juvenile records being sealed at 18. Sharp-Collins has introduced Assembly Bill 1279, currently inactive but set to return in the legislative session, which would allow individuals to petition for resentencing if their adult sentences were enhanced by juvenile strikes. California is reportedly the only state that permits juvenile adjudications to serve as the basis for adult life sentences, making this reform effort a significant justice issue affecting young offenders who advocates say need rehabilitation rather than lifelong punishment.

The House of Representatives is preparing to vote on legislation that would compel the Justice Department to release approximately 100,000 pages of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the deceased financier and sex offender. Bipartisan representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna sponsored the Epstein Files Transparency Act, using a discharge petition to bypass Republican leadership opposition and bring the measure to a floor vote. President Trump initially resisted the effort but reversed his position over the weekend, though he has not directly ordered the Justice Department to release the documents without congressional action. The push for transparency has created tension within Trump's political base and the administration, as Trump had previous social connections to Epstein decades ago, while Justice Department officials have not fulfilled campaign promises to release the files voluntarily.

David Richardson has resigned from his position as acting head of FEMA after serving only six months, during which he faced significant criticism for the agency's response to catastrophic Texas floods that killed over 130 people in July. His departure follows controversial moments including being inaccessible during the early flood crisis and telling a congressional committee that FEMA's response was exemplary despite reported problems. Richardson will be replaced by current FEMA chief of staff Karen Evans effective December 1st, while the Trump administration continues broader efforts to restructure the agency, potentially reducing its role in favor of greater state responsibility for disaster management. The resignation occurs as a presidential council completes its review of FEMA's operations and inefficiencies. # Key Takeaways

The family of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. has issued a statement correcting misleading media coverage about his health status. The civil rights leader is currently hospitalized at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in stable condition while receiving treatment for progressive supranuclear palsy, a neurological condition he was diagnosed with earlier this year. Despite reports suggesting otherwise, he is not dependent on life support equipment and is breathing independently. The family expressed gratitude for medical care and public support, while his son Yusef confirmed that Reverend Jackson remains engaged in his advocacy work, recently calling for churches to provide food assistance during the holidays.

The District of Columbia is conducting a comprehensive planning initiative called DC 2050 to prepare for anticipated growth to 845,000 residents and one million jobs by 2050. Through public workshops and meetings organized by the Bowser administration and DC Office of Planning, city officials are gathering community input on neighborhood development, housing, transportation, and economic expansion across all eight wards. The initiative is mandated by the District's Home Rule Charter and must undergo a two-year approval process through the DC Council and mayor before implementation. While some residents like 75-year-old Kathleen Richardson express concerns about displacement and whether community character will be preserved, officials emphasize that development burdens will be shared equitably across neighborhoods rather than concentrated in specific areas. # Key Takeaways

The Democratic Women's Caucus has sent a letter signed by 61 lawmakers to ICE's acting director demanding the release of pregnant, postpartum, and nursing immigrants in detention who don't present security threats. The lawmakers cited troubling reports from The 19th and the ACLU documenting cases where detained pregnant women received inadequate food, prenatal care, and pumping supplies, creating serious health risks for both mothers and babies. Although a Biden-era policy directive restricts ICE from detaining such individuals except in exceptional circumstances, and Trump hasn't formally rescinded it, numerous violations continue to be reported. The exact number of affected detainees remains unknown because Congress allowed a biannual reporting requirement to expire in March, and ICE has refused to provide the data despite multiple requests from lawmakers and advocacy organizations. # Key Takeaways

President Trump has reversed his earlier opposition to releasing Jeffrey Epstein-related files, now urging Republicans to support their public disclosure after facing potential party rebellion. The House of Representatives is expected to vote Tuesday on legislation requiring the Justice Department to release all Epstein files within 30 days in searchable format, a measure likely to pass given bipartisan interest. However, the bill faces uncertainty in the Republican-controlled Senate, where Majority Leader John Thune has not committed to bringing it forward despite mounting pressure. Even if the legislation becomes law, actual release could be delayed or limited due to privacy protections, ongoing investigations, and provisions allowing redaction of sensitive information.

Recent research shows that enrollment of new international students at US universities fell by 17% this fall, primarily due to complications with student visa processing under the Trump administration's stricter policies. While the overall international student population declined only modestly by 1% when including continuing students, education officials express serious concerns about future enrollment trends. Foreign students currently represent approximately 6% of total US university enrollment and generate $55 billion annually for the American economy. Despite implementing more restrictive visa screening measures and pausing appointments earlier this year, President Trump has recently acknowledged the financial importance of international students and announced plans to significantly increase Chinese student visas.