united states news

A Utah judge has ruled that Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old man charged with murdering conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a university speaking event, may wear regular clothing instead of jail attire at pre-trial proceedings to protect his presumption of innocence before potential jurors. However, Judge Tony Graf mandated that Robinson must remain in restraints during hearings due to the gravity of the charges and safety concerns, though cameras will be prohibited from capturing images of him restrained. Robinson faces seven charges including aggravated murder after Kirk's fatal shooting at Utah Valley University in September, and prosecutors are pursuing capital punishment. Despite having no criminal record, Robinson will not be permitted to appear unrestrained given the serious nature of the allegations and potential for emotional disruption in court. # Key Takeaways

Former Illinois sheriff's deputy Sean Grayson testified in court about his decision to fatally shoot 36-year-old Sonya Massey in her Springfield home after she called police about a suspected prowler in July. Grayson claimed he chose to use his firearm instead of his stun gun because he doubted the taser would work effectively through Massey's clothing, and he interpreted her religious statement "I rebuke you in the name of Jesus" as a threat while she held a pot of boiling water. Prosecutors presented evidence that Grayson's official report omitted key details captured on body camera footage, including profane threats he made before shooting, and expert witnesses testified that he faced no credible threat. Grayson now faces charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery, and official misconduct, while his partner testified that Massey never made him feel threatened during the encounter.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris has publicly indicated she may pursue another presidential campaign in 2028, telling the BBC she "possibly" sees herself as president and emphasizing she is "not done" with her career in public service. Harris has been actively criticizing President Trump's administration, accusing him of weaponizing the Justice Department and attempting to silence critics, including media figures like Jimmy Kimmel. In recent speeches, she has positioned herself as a champion of courage against what she characterizes as Trump's fear-based governance and authoritarian tendencies. While public reaction to her potential candidacy is mixed—with some Democrats calling for new party leadership and others enthusiastically supporting her—Harris remains determined to continue fighting for what she views as the country's moral direction.

New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani delivered a speech addressing Islamophobia after political opponents made inflammatory comments suggesting his Muslim faith made him unfit for office. During his remarks, Mamdani shared how his aunt avoided subway travel while wearing her hijab following the September 11 attacks due to safety concerns, which conservative figures like Vice President JD Vance subsequently mocked on social media. Extensive research demonstrates that Muslim women, especially those wearing hijabs, faced dramatically increased harassment and violence after 9/11, with hate crimes against Muslims rising over 500 percent between 2000 and 2009. Studies have documented not only physical threats but also adverse health outcomes for pregnant Muslim women during periods of heightened anti-Muslim sentiment. # Key Takeaways

Ontario Premier Doug Ford defended his controversial anti-tariff television advertisement featuring Ronald Reagan quotes, claiming it achieved its goal despite angering President Trump and derailing trade negotiations between the US and Canada. Trump responded by suspending trade talks and announcing an additional 10% tariff on Canadian goods beyond existing levies, which already include 35% on most goods with various exemptions. Prime Minister Mark Carney indicated that negotiations were progressing well and term sheets were being exchanged until the advertisement aired, fundamentally changing the situation. While Carney emphasized that federal government should lead trade negotiations, Ford maintained the ad was highly successful in generating global attention, with some Canadian politicians supporting his stance and British Columbia planning similar advertisements.

The University of California San Diego's Black Alumni Scholarship Fund has been renamed the Goins Alumni Scholarship Fund and opened to students of all races following a discrimination lawsuit filed in July. Students and the Californians for Equal Rights Foundation sued the university, arguing that the race-based scholarship violated several laws, including the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871. Though the scholarship was moved to the private San Diego Foundation in 1998 to avoid legal scrutiny after Proposition 209, plaintiffs alleged that UC San Diego remained involved in the scholarship's operation. The lawsuit settlement resulted in removing all references to Black students from the scholarship criteria, which now focuses on community service and ability to overcome challenges.

California's Proposition 50, known as the "Election Rigging Response Act," is being promoted through a new video featuring prominent Black elected officials from across the state. The measure would allow California to temporarily redraw congressional districts in response to other states' redistricting efforts outside the standard ten-year Census cycle, affecting elections from 2026-2030. Supporters, including LA Mayor Karen Bass, Governor Gavin Newsom, and former President Barack Obama, argue it protects fair representation and preserves Black political power, while opponents claim it undermines California's independent redistricting process. State Senator Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson, chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, has endorsed the measure despite acknowledging its imperfections, calling it a "tough and necessary choice" to protect voting rights.

The article describes far-right Christian nationalist Joshua Haymes' recent statements defending slavery as "not inherently evil," connecting these views to Donald Trump's administration and its efforts to censor historical exhibits about slavery. According to the article, Trump has directed the National Park Service and Smithsonian Institution to remove exhibits that "disparage" America's founders by mentioning slavery, including removing historical images showing the physical effects of slavery. The article further links these actions to a broader movement of white Christian nationalism, citing examples of racist comments from young Republican groups and arguing this represents a coordinated effort to rewrite history and suppress truths about America's past. The author characterizes these efforts as part of a cultural counterrevolution against truth and equality.

New York Attorney General Letitia James has been indicted on "mortgage fraud" charges by the Trump Administration's Department of Justice, with allegations that she misrepresented a Virginia property as a "second home" rather than an investment property to secure a lower mortgage rate. The case is viewed by many as politically motivated retaliation, as it follows James' civil prosecution of Trump for alleged $250 million fraud. After pleading not guilty in a Norfolk federal courthouse, James emerged to a crowd of over 200 supporters, including prominent community leaders and elected officials. Many legal observers predict the charges against James will be dismissed, making this the third instance of the Trump DOJ pursuing legal action against individuals Trump considers political enemies.

Two Maryland Democratic senators are leading efforts to protect federal workers affected by a government shutdown. Chris Van Hollen has introduced legislation backed by over twenty senators that would guarantee back pay for federal employees and service members who missed paychecks due to the shutdown. Meanwhile, Senator Angela Alsobrooks is supporting multiple bills aimed at ending furloughs for workers in funded agencies and preventing mass layoffs through Reduction in Force orders. Both senators are criticizing Republican leadership and President Trump for what they characterize as politically-motivated decisions that harm dedicated civil servants who provide essential services to all Americans regardless of political affiliation. # Key Takeaways

President Donald Trump has suggested he would be open to serving a third presidential term, despite the 22nd Amendment's constitutional limit of two terms. The Trump Organization is already selling "Trump 2028" merchandise, and former adviser Steve Bannon has claimed a "plan" exists to secure Trump another term, possibly through a constitutional loophole involving succession from the vice presidency. Legal scholars widely dismiss these theories, noting that constitutional amendments explicitly prevent anyone who has served two terms from holding the presidency again. While some Republicans oppose any attempt to circumvent term limits, the speculation continues as Trump maintains he hasn't seriously considered the possibility while simultaneously expressing interest in continuing to serve.

Jamal Ibn Mumia, son of imprisoned journalist Mumia Abu-Jamal, traveled to Cuba in October 2025 to participate in conferences celebrating the 60th anniversary of Cuban newspapers Granma-Rebelde and Juventud, as well as an international meeting of left-wing publications. During his visit as part of the Mumia Freedom Tour, he advocated for his father and other Black Panther political prisoners, establishing connections with international media platforms and delegates who have experienced political oppression. The trip held special significance following the recent death of political exile Assata Shakur, who had lived in Cuba as a citizen for decades. Jamal emphasized Cuba's historical support for journalists and revolutionaries fighting political persecution, drawing parallels between his father's case and other imprisoned activists including Kamau Sadiki and Imam Jamil Al-Amin. # Key Takeaways

President Donald Trump revealed that he underwent an MRI scan during a recent visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center earlier this month, describing the results as "perfect." The 79-year-old president declined to explain the reason for the imaging test, instead directing reporters to consult his doctors. His physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, characterized the visit as a routine follow-up appointment that included various preventative health assessments and confirmed Trump remains in excellent overall health. The disclosure comes after the White House previously announced Trump's diagnosis with chronic venous insufficiency, a common vein condition in older adults that causes leg swelling. # Key Takeaways

The American Federation of Government Employees is urging Congress to pass a clean continuing resolution to end a government shutdown that has reached its 27th day with no resolution in sight between Democrats and Republicans. Approximately 670,000 federal workers are furloughed without pay while another 730,000 are working without compensation, creating severe financial hardship as employees missed their first paycheck and turned to food banks for assistance. The shutdown originated from disagreements over Affordable Care Act subsidies, and while the Trump administration has found funding for military personnel through Pentagon transfers and private donations, Democrats criticize the failure to maintain benefits like SNAP for 40 million low-income Americans. The union argues that federal employees are legally entitled to back pay and should be returned to work immediately, though the Trump administration has suggested workers might not receive back pay this time.

Detroit's HOPE program provides income-based property tax reductions ranging from 10% to 100% for financially struggling homeowners who own and live in their primary residences. The application deadline has been moved earlier this year to November 7th, giving city officials more time to follow up with incomplete applications and help residents qualify for relief. Last year, over 10,000 Detroit homeowners benefited from this program, which addresses the city's ongoing crisis of property tax foreclosures that have particularly harmed Black homeowners. The program requires annual reapplication and can also open doors to additional assistance for clearing past-due property taxes.

Sati Smith, CEO of Diversified Members Credit Union in Michigan, will become the first credit union CEO from her state inducted into the African American Credit Union Hall of Fame. The honor from the African American Credit Union Coalition recognizes her leadership in expanding financial access and opportunity. Smith's remarkable career trajectory includes starting as a teller over twenty years ago and rising to become DMCU's first African American CEO in 2023, while earning her GED, bachelor's, and master's degrees along the way. Under her guidance, DMCU serves approximately 30,000 members with $500 million in assets across three Michigan locations, offering financial products and coaching programs focused on building generational wealth. The formal recognition ceremony will take place in March 2026 at the Governmental Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C.

The article details escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela as Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab claims US President Donald Trump is attempting to overthrow President Nicolás Maduro's government. The US has conducted military strikes against alleged drug boats near Venezuela, killing at least 43 people, and has significantly increased its military presence in the Caribbean. While the US frames these actions as anti-drug trafficking operations, Venezuela views them as preparation for regime change, with Maduro accusing the US of "fabricating war" following the deployment of numerous military assets, including the imminent arrival of the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier.

Dr. Mary Edwards experienced devastating losses when her mother, brother, sister, and husband all died from cancer within a short span of time. After her husband's death in 2004, she herself was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer in 2007 following a routine mammogram. Rather than succumbing to fear given her family history, she chose to fight back by visualizing her recovery, setting five-year goals, and adopting a positive mental outlook. She underwent outpatient surgery twice to remove the cancer and is now cancer-free, determined to break the cycle of cancer deaths in her family.

The US government shutdown has led the Department of Agriculture to announce that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will cease distribution in November, affecting over 40 million Americans. The Trump administration has declined to use contingency funds for SNAP benefits, claiming these reserves must be preserved for emergencies like natural disasters. Democrats have strongly criticized this decision, arguing that significant funding remains available in the contingency reserve that could cover most November benefits. While some states have pledged to use their own funds to cover the shortfall, others like Massachusetts have indicated they lack sufficient resources, leading states to help SNAP recipients locate food pantries and alternative meal sources.

The author argues that addressing America's family breakdown crisis requires raising the minimum wage to create family-sustaining incomes, as poverty wages prevent workers from building stable households and relationships. Currently, the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour falls drastically short of what families need to afford basic necessities, with MIT calculations showing even the cheapest areas require over $33 per hour for modest two-parent households. The article highlights how viral social media claims about Trump promising $25 minimum wage—though false—revealed bipartisan working-class support for substantially higher pay. The Living Wage for All coalition proposes a phased implementation of $25-$30 minimum wage with business support measures, which the author contends would strengthen marriages, enable parental presence, improve child outcomes, and save taxpayers billions in social program costs. # Key Takeaways

U.S. air traffic controllers, who must work without pay during the ongoing government shutdown, are increasingly seeking second jobs and calling in sick, according to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. The staff shortages have resulted in flight disruptions at multiple airports, including Los Angeles International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and potentially Dallas Fort-Worth. On Sunday alone, more than 3,000 flights were delayed, with Duffy reporting that 22 airport alerts due to worker shortages were issued on Saturday—one of the highest numbers since the shutdown began. The current shutdown entered its 26th day on Sunday, making it the second-longest in U.S. history, with potential for increased travel disruption ahead of Game 3 of the World Series and the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.

Bishop William J. Barber II, a Yale theologian and civil rights leader, has announced a comprehensive campaign to challenge North Carolina's newly approved congressional redistricting map that eliminates a Black congressional district. Barber characterizes the Republican-led gerrymandering effort as "surgical racism" designed to secure more GOP House seats and advance President Trump's policy agenda, including healthcare cuts and blocking minimum wage increases. Despite physical challenges requiring the use of canes and a mask, Barber plans to mobilize opposition through legal action, public protests, and voter engagement, comparing the moment to the historic 1965 Selma voting rights march. He argues the redistricting violates constitutional provisions limiting such changes to once per decade and points to polls showing 85% of North Carolinians oppose the new map.

Michael Moore is advocating for his brother William Lollis, who is serving a 92-year sentence for a nonviolent criminal threat charge from 2013 in Fresno County. The case allegedly involved significant racial bias, including Lollis's defense attorney calling him a racist slur during their consultation, which Judge Houry A. Sanderson dismissed as sarcasm without consequence. Moore claims the proceedings were marred by judicial misconduct, including falsified records, denial of document access, and the improper addition of 40 illegal witness dissuasion counts. Lollis has already served 11 years, which is eight years beyond what his sentence would have been without the allegedly unwarranted additional charges. # Key Takeaways

President Donald Trump has arrived in Asia for a diplomatic tour encompassing Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, with a highly anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping scheduled during the trip. Trade tensions between the world's two largest economies dominate the agenda, particularly as Trump seeks to balance tariff revenue with sustainable economic relationships. The high-stakes meeting with Xi, their first since 2019, could define US-China relations for Trump's second term, with both leaders entering negotiations from challenging positions. Other Asian nations are closely watching these developments, hoping for relief from tariffs while balancing their own economic ties with both superpowers.

Former US Vice-President Kamala Harris revealed in a BBC interview that she regrets not asking President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race due to concerns about his ability to handle a demanding campaign. In her book "107 Days," Harris questions whether Biden's decision to run should have been left to "an individual's ego" or "ambition," though she distinguished between his capacity to serve as president and his ability to endure a grueling campaign against Donald Trump. Harris explained she hesitated to speak up because she feared being perceived as acting in her own political self-interest, a dilemma that has become part of a broader conversation about whether those close to Biden should have challenged his decision to run for reelection.

A mysterious donation of $130 million to the Pentagon to help pay U.S. troops during the government shutdown has raised ethical concerns. President Trump revealed the donor is a U.S. citizen and supporter of his, while the New York Times identified the benefactor as billionaire Timothy Mellon, heir to a $15 billion fortune. The Pentagon confirmed the donation was accepted under their "general gift acceptance authority" to offset military salaries during the shutdown, which has now entered its 25th day. Critics, including Senator Chris Coons, have questioned the propriety of accepting anonymous funds for military payroll, citing concerns about foreign influence.

President Donald Trump has announced a 10% increase in tariffs on Canadian imports following an anti-tariff advertisement by Ontario featuring Ronald Reagan that Trump called a "fraud." Although Ontario Premier Doug Ford agreed to pause the campaign to allow trade talks to resume, he noted the ads would still run during World Series games over the weekend. Canada remains the only G7 country without a tariff deal with the US, which has already imposed a 35% general levy on Canadian goods (with many exemptions) plus sector-specific tariffs including 50% on metals and 25% on automobiles. Three-quarters of Canadian exports go to the US market, with Ontario housing most of Canada's automobile manufacturing sector.

Loudoun County, Virginia, known as "Data Center Alley," hosts 199 data centers occupying 3% of the county's land area and contributing 40% to its budget. The county recently made headlines when an Amazon outage disrupted global services, highlighting the region's critical role in internet infrastructure and AI development. While these facilities bring significant economic benefits, including 74,000 jobs and $5.5 billion in labor income to Virginia's economy, local residents like Emily Kasabian express concerns about noise pollution, wildlife displacement, rising electricity costs, and industrial aesthetics affecting their quality of life. Despite growing opposition from residents, the industry continues to expand with support from political leaders, including former President Trump, who envisions data centers as essential to America's technological leadership.

A shooting near Howard University in Washington, D.C. on Friday night left five people with non-life-threatening injuries shortly after the conclusion of Yardfest, a homecoming celebration event. Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela A. Smith confirmed that two suspects were apprehended and three weapons were recovered from the scene of the shooting, which occurred around 8:23 p.m. in the 600 block of Howard Place NW. None of the victims were Howard students, though one attended Morgan State University, and authorities have committed to maintaining increased police presence during remaining homecoming festivities while working to determine a motive for the violence.

President Donald Trump has expressed interest in seeking China's help to end the Russia-Ukraine war, stating he would discuss this with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their upcoming meeting in South Korea. This comes amid a challenging week for Ukraine, which faced refusals of military aid from Western allies and continued deadly Russian strikes. Despite Trump's earlier promises to quickly resolve the conflict and his previous conversations with Vladimir Putin, no ceasefire has materialized, prompting the U.S. to impose new sanctions on Russia's largest oil companies. China, as Russia's biggest ally providing vital economic support through oil purchases and dual-use materials since Western sanctions began, maintains close relations with Moscow while never criticizing the invasion.