united states news

President Donald Trump's attempt to remove Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve's Board of Governors has been temporarily blocked by a federal appeals court in a 2-1 decision along party lines. Trump claimed he was firing Cook "for cause" over allegations of mortgage fraud, though she has not been charged with any wrongdoing. The court ruled that Trump failed to provide Cook with minimal due process before attempting to remove her. This case raises significant concerns about Federal Reserve independence, as it would mark the first time in the central bank's 111-year history that a president successfully fired a Fed governor if Trump ultimately prevails.

Cynthia Miller-Idriss, founding director of American University's Polarization and Extremism Research & Innovation Lab (PERIL), argues that gender-based bigotry is a significant predictor of violent extremism that security officials consistently overlook. In her new book "Man Up," Miller-Idriss presents research showing how misogyny frequently appears in the history of violent extremism, noting that over half of mass shooters target partners. Despite clear evidence connecting domestic violence to mass shootings, national security models fail to account for misogyny, with various institutional barriers preventing effective monitoring of gender-based violence as a precursor to extremist acts. Miller-Idriss advocates for integrating misogyny into threat assessment models and encourages communities to address hostile sexism through conversations with young people about harmful online content. # Who is affected - People targeted by gender-based violence and extremism, including women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and progressive politicians - Victims of mass shootings connected to domestic violence - Black communities (referenced in examples of extremist violence in Buffalo and Charleston) - Young people vulnerable to online radicalization through misogynistic content - Communities experiencing political and extremist violence # What action is being taken - Miller-Idriss is researching the connection between gender-based bigotry and violent extremism - PERIL is partnering with educators, pastors, and parents to prevent online radicalization - Miller-Idriss's lab is creating resource kits for parents, educators, coaches and faith leaders to combat radicalization and gender-based bigotry among youth - Miller-Idriss is publishing her research in a new book called "Man Up: The New Misogyny and the Rise of Violent Extremism" # Why it matters - Studies show 59 percent of fatal mass shootings from 2014-2019 were connected to domestic violence - In 68 percent of mass shooting cases, the shooter had a history of domestic violence - Fewer victims survive mass shootings tied to domestic violence - Current threat models completely omit misogyny as a warning sign, despite it being potentially "the biggest predictor" of trajectories leading to mass violence - The siloed approach to domestic violence (Department of Justice) versus mass violence (Department of Homeland Security) prevents effective intervention - The lack of data collection on gender-based crimes makes the problem invisible in national security contexts # What's next - Miller-Idriss wants misogyny integrated into threat models used in national security - She advocates for state attorneys general to create sex trafficking enhancement charges for extremist groups involved in gender-based violence - Miller-Idriss suggests communities can help by addressing hostile sexism and talking with young people about harmful online content - PERIL will continue developing resources to help adults guide youth in recognizing and rejecting radicalization and gender-based bigotry

The Michigan gubernatorial race has intensified with competing Teamsters endorsements for two Detroit candidates. Michigan Teamsters Joint Council 43 endorsed independent Mayor Mike Duggan, while Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson secured endorsements from five local Teamsters unions representing a majority of the state's members. The endorsement announcements created controversy when Duggan's campaign initially claimed incorrectly that all ten local affiliate unions had endorsed him. Both candidates, along with other Democratic and Republican contenders, continue to seek labor support in the increasingly competitive race for governor.

President Trump's recent social media post criticized the Smithsonian Institution for allegedly focusing too much on slavery and not celebrating American success, prompting him to instruct his attorneys to review the museums. This follows an August 12 letter from Trump administration officials demanding a "comprehensive internal review" of eight Smithsonian museums based on a March executive order to remove "improper ideology." A. Scott Bolden, the author, counters that the Smithsonian museums accurately depict history in a nonpartisan manner, noting that Trump himself had previously praised the National Museum of African American History and Culture in 2017. Bolden emphasizes that the museums balance their portrayal of difficult historical periods like slavery with extensive exhibits highlighting Black Americans' achievements and success stories across various fields.

On September 13th at Swiss Park & Hall in Chula Vista, Thelma Van-Anders celebrated her 95th birthday surrounded by family and friends who traveled from across the country to honor her. The celebration featured a lavish luncheon with various dishes including fried fish, chicken, and numerous sides to accommodate all attendees. Throughout the event, the birthday honoree received heartfelt tributes from her nine children and other family members who praised her strength, wisdom, and unconditional love. Thelma, described as a "world treasure" by her daughter Tracy Van-McCallie, was visibly moved by the outpouring of affection, expressing gratitude while being at a loss for words.

The Trump administration has ordered federal agencies to remove exhibits and materials highlighting slavery and racial injustice by September 17, with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum issuing the directive that has sparked protests. In Philadelphia, activists are defending the President's House memorial site, which documents George Washington's enslavement of nine people while serving as the first president. The administration's actions are part of a broader campaign that includes a March executive order empowering Vice President JD Vance to review and remove "improper ideology" from Smithsonian programming. Historians and community leaders warn this represents an attempt to sanitize history rather than confront it, with federal agencies already making controversial removals of historical information about Black Americans.

The San Diego County Registrar of Voters has sent postcards to over 2 million registered voters detailing their options for the upcoming November 4 special election. Voters will receive mail-in ballots beginning the week of October 6, which they can return by mail, at official ballot drop boxes, or at vote centers. California voters will decide on Proposition 50 regarding redistricting, while Poway District 2 residents will additionally vote on whether to remove their city council representative. Early voting begins October 6 at the Registrar's office, with select vote centers opening October 25 and all centers operating by November 1.

Georgia's highest court has declined to review Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' appeal of her removal from the election interference case against Donald Trump and others. Willis was removed due to an "appearance of impropriety" created by her romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade, whom she had hired to lead the case. The decision means the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia must appoint a new prosecutor to replace Willis, who stated she would make the case file and evidence available for transfer. This Georgia case was one of four criminal cases brought against Trump in 2023, with Trump calling it "a rigged case" while his supporters celebrated the court's decision.

NBA player Tobias Harris has launched a $4 million homeownership initiative in Detroit to address the city's affordable housing crisis. The program will provide up to 40% down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers in nine working-class neighborhoods, using a shared appreciation model designed to make homeownership more accessible than renting. Targeting individuals earning up to 140% of the area median income, the initiative aims to help 100-130 Detroiters become homeowners while addressing historical inequities in mortgage lending that have disproportionately affected Black communities. Harris hopes to eventually expand the program to $10 million in commitments to create greater impact in a city where housing costs are rising while incomes remain stagnant.

Detroit City Council Pro Tem James Tate has announced his intention to seek the Council presidency starting in 2026, running unopposed for reelection this November. As the longest-serving council member with 15 years of experience, Tate aims to build consensus and strengthen teamwork among the nine-member body, emphasizing the need for the council to work collectively rather than individually. The next council will have at least two new members as President Mary Sheffield and Council Member Fred Durhal III vacated their seats to run for mayor, potentially bringing significant changes to the body's composition. Tate plans to improve public understanding of the council's decision-making process and enhance resident participation in civic matters.

Donald Trump's fascination with the British royal family, which began when he watched Queen Elizabeth II's coronation as a six-year-old, has shaped his appreciation for pomp and ceremony throughout his life and career. His upcoming second state visit to the UK, a historic honor as the only president invited twice, represents a culmination of his lifelong admiration for royal pageantry and status. Trump has consistently leveraged royal connections and imagery to enhance his own brand, from claiming potential royal interest in his properties to modeling Mar-a-Lago's ballroom after Versailles. This royal preoccupation stems from both his mother's Scottish heritage and devotion to the monarchy, as well as his personal desire for the legitimacy, status, and media attention that royal association provides.

Lon Walls, the 75-year-old president of Walls & Associates Inc. and former president of the Capital Press Club, has combined his successful public relations career with his passion for Bando, a martial art from Myanmar. Walls began studying Bando in 1970 at Ohio University under Dr. U. Maung Gyi, who introduced the martial art to the United States, and now holds a sixth-degree black belt after competing in over 200 freestyle fights and 30 kickboxing bouts from the 1970s-1990s. He currently teaches Bando classes at Gold's Gym in Northwest D.C., viewing his instruction as both an income source and an opportunity to mentor students, particularly helping women feel more secure through self-defense. Walls credits Bando's disciplinary fundamentals for his professional accomplishments, describing it as "a way of life" that has become increasingly relevant in today's environment where personal safety concerns are growing.

At the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's 2025 Innovative Housing Showcase, Secretary Scott Turner emphasized his commitment to making homeownership accessible to all Americans but declined to establish specific programs for African Americans despite the significant homeownership gap between Black Americans (43.9%) and non-Hispanic whites (74%). Turner indicated his administration will focus on reducing regulations to encourage housing development across demographics, highlighting the showcase theme "The American Home is the American Dream." The event featured displays from companies like Aevolve Green Solutions, which develops environmentally sensitive housing for homeless and low-income individuals, and included discussion of bipartisan legislation aimed at addressing the nationwide housing shortage of approximately 7 million units.

During a press interaction, US President Donald Trump accused Australian journalist John Lyons of "hurting Australia" after being questioned about his wealth accumulation since returning to office. Trump responded that he didn't know about his financial status as his children handle the family businesses, then threatened to inform Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about the journalist's questioning. The exchange comes amid strained US-Australia relations, including Trump's recently announced review of the Aukus submarine deal and implementation of tariffs on Australian exports. Despite Trump's reaction, Lyons defended his questioning as legitimate and professionally delivered, while Albanese confirmed plans to meet with Trump during the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York.

Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with seven counts including aggravated murder for the fatal shooting of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. According to prosecutors, Robinson confessed to the killing in a note to his roommate/romantic partner, stating he shot Kirk because he "had enough of his hatred." Utah County Attorney Jeffrey Gray presented evidence including DNA found on the rifle trigger and text messages where Robinson allegedly discussed his motives and actions following the shooting. Robinson, who surrendered after his parents became suspicious of his involvement, faces potential death penalty charges while prosecutors emphasized he remains innocent until proven guilty.

Tyler Robinson, suspected of fatally shooting conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University in Orem, confessed to the crime in text messages with his roommate. According to court documents, Robinson left a confession note under his keyboard and later texted his roommate admitting he had shot Kirk because he "had enough of his hatred." The messages reveal Robinson had planned the attack for over a week and was concerned about retrieving his grandfather's rifle that he had hidden after the shooting. After expressing worry about what his "diehard MAGA" father would think about the missing rifle, Robinson ultimately indicated he would turn himself in to authorities.

A 71-year-old man named George Zinn was arrested for obstruction of justice after falsely claiming responsibility for Charlie Kirk's assassination in an apparent attempt to help the actual suspect escape. Authorities say Zinn shouted that he was the shooter immediately following the shooting of the conservative commentator at Utah Valley University on September 10th. The primary suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, has been charged with aggravated murder and other counts for the killing of Kirk, who was a prominent conservative activist and close ally of President Trump. Zinn, who has a history of disrupting public events and minor crimes, is being held without bail and faces additional charges for possession of child sexual abuse material.

The Trump administration has ordered federal agencies to remove exhibits emphasizing slavery and racial injustice by September 17, including potential removal of Philadelphia's President's House memorial that documents George Washington's enslavement of nine people. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum's directive has sparked protests, with community leaders and historians condemning it as an attempt to erase Black history and sanitize America's past. This follows earlier administration actions targeting the Smithsonian Institution, particularly the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which were criticized as promoting "anti-American propaganda." Community activists in Philadelphia and nationwide are organizing to resist these changes through legal action, committee formation, and public protests to preserve historical truths about slavery and racial injustice.

More than 300 South Korean workers were detained in Georgia during one of the largest immigration raids under Trump's presidency, despite many having valid visas or visa waivers. The workers, who were helping build an electric car battery plant run by Hyundai and LG as part of U.S. efforts to attract foreign manufacturing investment, described being handcuffed and shackled before being transported to detention centers in traumatic conditions. Although U.S. officials initially claimed the workers were in the country illegally, both governments eventually reached an agreement allowing them to leave voluntarily without penalties, with U.S. officials later expressing "deep regrets" over the incident that has strained relations between the two allied nations.

Esther Haugabook, a housing advocate who placed third in Detroit's municipal primary, has launched a write-in campaign for the District 5 city council seat. Citing frustrations with the lack of meaningful options on the ballot, Haugabook brings over 30 years of experience in community planning and development to her campaign. She will compete against primary winners Renata Miller, who received 23.17% of the vote and has secured several endorsements, and Willie Burton, who received 19.42% of the vote. District 5 is one of Detroit's most active council districts, containing downtown and Midtown areas, and is currently represented by Council President Mary Sheffield who is not endorsing any candidate.

Week three of Black College Football featured several exciting games, including Grambling State's overtime victory against Kentucky State thanks to Tyrell Raby's 83-yard fumble return touchdown. Howard University claimed a 38-20 win in the HBCU NYC Classic, while Alabama A&M narrowly defeated Tennessee State 23-21 in The Legacy Series game. Florida A&M secured their first season victory against Albany State, and South Carolina State won a high-scoring 55-41 game against Bethune-Cookman despite an impressive performance from backup quarterback Cam'Ron Ransom. The article concludes by listing upcoming games for week four.

"Clothes Story," an exhibition at Mesa College Art Gallery featuring replicated historical African American women's fashion from 1890-1963, opened last week to celebrate Black women's contributions to history. Curated by Kenneth Green, who drew inspiration from his seamstress mother and collected archival photographs over decades, the exhibit showcases authentic recreations of garments worn by notable figures like Coretta Scott King and Mahalia Jackson. The exhibition provided Mesa College Museum Studies students with valuable hands-on experience in exhibition setup and design. This culturally significant collection runs through October 16 and aims to preserve African American history by presenting stories of courage and resilience through fashion.