united states news

Three Democratic candidates are currently vying for Michigan's attorney general position as current AG Dana Nessel approaches her term limit. The contenders include Washtenaw County prosecutor Eli Savit, who has implemented progressive criminal justice reforms; former U.S. Attorney Mark Totten, who previously ran for the position in 2014; and Oakland County prosecutor Karen McDonald, who has focused on juvenile justice and hate crimes initiatives. Unlike primary elections, nominees for attorney general in Michigan are selected at state party conventions, with Democrats scheduled to choose their candidate on April 19, 2026, ahead of the November general election against Republican opponents.

WGPR-TV 62, the first television station in the United States owned and operated by African Americans, celebrated its 50th anniversary since its historic launch on September 29, 1975. Founded by Dr. William V. Banks in Detroit, the station served as a revolutionary training ground for Black media professionals and pioneered technological advancements like portable video cameras and 24-hour broadcasting. Despite being sold to CBS in 1995, WGPR's legacy continues through the WGPR-TV Historical Society and the William V. Banks Broadcast Museum and Media Center, which was designated as a National Historic Site in 2021. The station's 50th anniversary celebration featured prominent speakers including Detroit Pistons Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas and ESPN executive David Roberts, highlighting WGPR's enduring impact on Black representation in American broadcasting.

Young Black Americans are increasingly migrating to cities offering economic opportunities and supportive communities in what experts describe as a modern Great Migration shaped by political and cultural factors. According to Apartment List's 2025 Best Cities for Black Professionals report, Washington D.C., Atlanta, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas lead the nation for Black professional success based on employment, income, homeownership, and representation metrics. These cities offer strong employment rates, above-average median incomes, significant Black populations, and thriving Black-owned business communities. This migration pattern represents a strategic response to political headwinds, with young professionals prioritizing locations where they can build wealth and community while maintaining autonomy.

The article details the Trump administration's economic policies that are allegedly pushing America toward a cashless, crypto-driven society threatening financial freedom. It claims Trump's tariffs have caused market losses of nearly seven trillion dollars and increased consumer prices significantly, while his administration has established a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and allowed the creation of Erebor Bank for wealthy clients. The piece further alleges that the Department of Government Efficiency, formerly led by Elon Musk, compromised sensitive personal data of millions of Americans by uploading it to unsecured servers. Additionally, the article connects these developments to global trends toward digital IDs and cashless economies, warning that such systems could disproportionately harm Black Americans and the economically disadvantaged.

The article discusses a conflict involving Paris Jackson, who has filed a legal challenge against her father Michael Jackson's estate, characterizing the executors as secretive and arrogant despite their success in transforming her father's $500 million debt into billions in assets. The piece contrasts Paris Jackson's privileged position—having received over $65 million from the estate and purchasing multiple homes—with the original Jackson family's struggles coming from Gary, Indiana. The author frames this situation as symbolic of a broader pattern where Black creation and labor ultimately benefits white heirs, noting that Paris's actions represent "the performance of privilege" while the original Jackson family members remain on the sidelines. The article contextualizes this family drama within America's racial wealth gap, where the median Black household holds significantly less wealth than white households.

According to a TMZ report, former President Donald Trump is allegedly considering commuting Sean "Diddy" Combs' 50-month federal prison sentence after just one year served, though the White House denies this claim. This potential commutation fits a documented pattern examined by a House Judiciary Committee report led by Representative Jamie Raskin, which found Trump has granted nearly 1,600 pardons or commutations representing over $1.3 billion in forgiven restitution. Critics and watchdog groups characterize Trump's clemency practices as a "pay-to-pardon" system where connections, loyalty, and financial contributions appear to influence decisions rather than justice considerations or acceptance of responsibility.

A recent survey reveals that over two-thirds of San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) students face food and/or housing insecurity, mirroring similar challenges across California community colleges. The 2025 Real College Survey found that 44% of SDCCD students were food insecure, 59% experienced housing insecurity, and 23% identified as homeless. In response, SDCCD's four colleges—San Diego City College, San Diego Mesa College, San Diego Miramar College, and San Diego College of Continuing Education—have implemented various resources including food pantries, clothing services, emergency grants, and transportation assistance. Additionally, City College is constructing an affordable student housing complex with 800 beds expected to open in fall 2028.

The article criticizes what it views as authoritarian tendencies in the Trump administration and Speaker Mike Johnson's refusal to swear in a duly elected congressional representative from Arizona for over three weeks. The author draws parallels between biblical resistance (Joshua at Jericho) and current political opposition to Trump's policies. The piece calls for prayer, marching, and voting to counter perceived constitutional violations, specifically referencing Johnson's blocking of a representative who would likely sign the Discharge Petition regarding Epstein documents. The article concludes by urging political action, including supporting Democrats against healthcare cuts and voting for California's Proposition 50.

California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber discussed voting accessibility during a recent American Community Media news briefing, highlighting her family's personal voting history and the challenges minority voters have historically faced. Weber emphasized California's efforts to make voting accessible for its diverse population, noting that over 2.5 million votes had already been cast for the November 4 special election on Proposition 50. The proposition would allow the State Legislature to redraw Congressional districts until 2030, bypassing California's independent citizens-redistricting commission, potentially countering Texas' redistricting that favors Republicans. Weber detailed the multiple voting options available to Californians, including mail-in ballots, secure ballot boxes, and same-day registration, while highlighting the state's Voter Bill of Rights which includes ballots in multiple languages and extremely low instances of voter fraud.

President Trump has begun demolishing the White House East Wing to build a new ballroom, contradicting earlier claims that the addition wouldn't affect the existing structure. This renovation has sparked opposition from Democrats and conservation groups like the National Trust for Historic Preservation, who are calling for a public review process. Although the White House is exempt from a key historic preservation rule under a nearly 60-year-old law, presidents typically voluntarily submit their plans to the National Capital Planning Commission before starting construction. While Trump officials say they plan to submit their plans, the renovation has already begun, raising concerns about preserving the historical significance of the 83-year-old East Wing.

Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey's son Zachary, daughter-in-law Kelsey, and two grandchildren (Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, 7) died in a helicopter crash in Montana on Wednesday. Their 10-year-old grandson survived as he was not aboard the aircraft when the accident occurred. Bailey and his wife Cindy have requested privacy as they cope with this tragedy, finding comfort in their faith and family support. The Republican candidate, who previously ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2022 and for the US House in 2024, has received condolences from across the political spectrum, including from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has approved her seventh balanced state budget, which focuses on reducing financial burdens for residents while investing in critical infrastructure and services. The budget package includes multiple tax reductions, such as eliminating state taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security benefits, while continuing existing tax credits for working families and retirees. A historic $2 billion annual investment will address the state's deteriorating road infrastructure, while education funding reaches record levels with continued free meal programs for all public school students. Additionally, the budget protects Medicaid coverage for over 2 million residents and maintains investments in public safety personnel following federal healthcare funding cuts. # Key Takeaways

The Michigan Chronicle, Detroit's long-established community newspaper, will raise its single-issue price from $1 to $2 beginning November 5, 2025, marking its first price adjustment in approximately twenty years. The publication cites increasing operational expenses including printing, distribution, and news gathering as reasons for the change, while emphasizing that it remains among the region's most affordable newspapers. Despite the print price increase, all digital content on the Chronicle's website and social media platforms will continue to be available at no cost to ensure broad community access. The newspaper frames this adjustment as a necessary adaptation to current media industry economic challenges while reaffirming its dedication to delivering quality journalism to Detroit residents. # Key Takeaways

Baller Alert, a major digital media platform with 18 million social media followers and over 1.2 billion monthly impressions, has named Detroit native Chloe Gibert as its new Chief Marketing Officer. Gibert, who previously worked on marketing campaigns for brands like Adidas and Claire's, will lead brand partnerships, platform expansion, and content strategy while connecting cultural relevance with business objectives. She was attracted to the role because Baller Alert is a female-founded company that actively shapes cultural conversations rather than simply reporting on them. In her new position, Gibert aims to build on the platform's legacy by ensuring its work enhances culture while maintaining authenticity and community engagement with its Gen Z and millennial audience.

The US has announced new sanctions targeting Russia's two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, to pressure Moscow toward peace negotiations in Ukraine. President Trump, who previously avoided such measures in hopes of brokering a peace deal, has grown frustrated with Russia's unwillingness to engage in meaningful negotiations. The sanctions target companies that export 3.1 million barrels of oil daily and represent a major shift in Trump's foreign policy approach. While the Kremlin claims to be "immune" to these sanctions, Ukrainian President Zelensky praised them as a "good signal" that could lead to a ceasefire if other nations increase pressure on Russia.

President Trump has begun demolishing the White House East Wing as part of a controversial $250 million ballroom construction project, with officials stating the structure will be completely torn down by the weekend. This represents a significant expansion from the initial project announced over summer, which Trump had claimed would not interfere with the existing building. Despite Trump's assertions of transparency, the project has drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers who have requested documentation about the demolition, while conservationists argue the renovation should have undergone more scrutiny given the building's historic status. The president maintains that the demolition is "much-needed" and will be privately funded by himself and donors, with military involvement.

The US military has conducted two strikes on vessels in the Pacific Ocean suspected of drug smuggling, killing five people total, as part of an expanded campaign against maritime drug trafficking. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced these were the first such strikes in Pacific waters, vowing they would continue against what he termed "narco-terrorists." Colombia has strongly condemned these actions near its coastline as "disproportionate and outside international law," while President Trump has claimed legal authority to continue bombing boats in international waters and suggested operations could potentially expand to land targets. The Pacific Ocean represents a significantly larger drug trafficking route than the Caribbean, with US estimates indicating most cocaine bound for American cities passes through this region.

President Donald Trump has imposed significant sanctions on Russia's two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, which together export 3.1 million barrels daily and account for nearly half of Russia's crude oil exports. The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctions aim to pressure Moscow to end its war in Ukraine by targeting key revenue sources that fund what Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called Russia's "war machine." This represents Trump's first direct intervention against Russia over the invasion after previous diplomatic efforts, including an August summit with Putin, failed to yield results. The sanctions follow similar measures implemented by the UK last week and come as Trump has shelved a planned follow-up meeting with Putin, stating, "Every time I speak to Vladimir, I have good conversations and then they don't go anywhere."

In their final debate before the November 4 election, New York City mayoral candidates Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa engaged in heated exchanges on topics including housing, federal immigration raids, and the Israel-Gaza conflict. Democratic frontrunner Mamdani, who polls show holds a double-digit lead, faced attacks from both Independent Cuomo and Republican Sliwa on his work attendance record and position on affordable housing initiatives. The candidates also addressed how they would interact with the incoming Trump administration, with all three agreeing that local police rather than federal agents should handle street vendor issues, though differing on broader engagement strategies with the White House. The debate featured particularly intense moments around Cuomo's sexual harassment allegations and Mamdani's stance on the Middle East conflict.

Carlitos Ricardo Parias, a TikTok creator who documents immigration enforcement, was shot in the elbow during an attempted arrest by federal agents in Los Angeles. The incident occurred when Parias allegedly rammed law enforcement vehicles while trying to evade capture, resulting in officers firing at him and a US marshal being injured by a ricocheting bullet. Both Parias and the marshal sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were hospitalized. Parias, a Mexican national who was previously recognized by a city councilman for keeping the community informed about ICE activities, has been charged with assaulting a federal officer, though his court appearance has been postponed.

The US State Department has eliminated the Human Rights Reporting Gateway (HRG), which was the only public channel for reporting potential human rights abuses by foreign military units receiving American weapons. Established in 2022 to comply with the Leahy Law, which requires the government to collect information on alleged violations, the portal's removal has drawn criticism from human rights advocates and a former congressional aide who drafted the law. Despite the portal's deletion during a broader State Department reorganization under Secretary Marco Rubio, officials maintain they are still abiding by legal requirements to receive human rights violation reports. Critics argue this change severely weakens the government's ability to deter abuses and monitor foreign forces that receive US military aid.

The U.S. military has conducted two new strikes against suspected drug boats in the Pacific Ocean, killing five people total, as part of an escalating campaign against maritime drug trafficking. These operations represent the eighth and ninth U.S. strikes against alleged drug vessels since September 2, with most previous attacks occurring in the Caribbean Sea. President Trump has asserted his legal authority to target boats in international waters while suggesting he may seek Congressional approval for expanding operations to land targets. The strikes come amid rising tensions between the Trump administration and Colombia's government, with Trump recently denouncing Colombian President Gustavo Petro and threatening "serious action" against the country.

The Swaliga Foundation hosted its 10th Annual #STEAMtheBlock Party at Gateway DC in Southeast Washington, offering free STEAM-focused activities to the community. The "Fall Back to School Edition" event, sponsored by major companies including Best Buy, Google, and Bank of America, featured interactive stations, live demonstrations, and artistic performances. Designed as part of Swaliga's youth empowerment initiative, the event created a safe, educational space for young people amid rising concerns about youth incidents across the District. Students engaged with robotics, community art projects, and received mentorship from tech industry professionals, all aligned with the foundation's mission of connecting youth to global opportunities through STEAM education.

The Trump administration has begun demolishing the East Wing of the White House to make way for a $250 million privately-funded ballroom, sparking concerns from historians about the loss of significant American history. The East Wing houses the Office of the First Lady, which was first professionalized by Eleanor Roosevelt and has served as the operational base for numerous first ladies' initiatives throughout history. Despite President Trump's earlier assurance that the ballroom construction "won't interfere with the current building," bulldozers have begun tearing down the East Wing, with funding coming from major corporations that have business with the Trump administration. The White House has dismissed criticism as "manufactured outrage," while former East Wing staffers have expressed dismay at seeing their former workspace demolished.

of Beyond Meat Stock Surge Beyond Meat's stock has experienced a remarkable surge of more than 1,000% over four days despite the company's ongoing struggles with sluggish sales and lack of quarterly profits for over five years. The rally was largely fueled by Reddit users and gained momentum when Roundhill Investments added the company to its meme stock ETF, triggering a short squeeze as investors betting against the company had to cover their losses. A new distribution deal with Walmart provided additional positive momentum, though market analysts caution the stock movement is based more on emotions and technical factors rather than business fundamentals. This volatile trading pattern has reignited concerns about potential market bubbles, particularly in the context of broader stock market valuation worries.

The Fix Our Forests Act (FOFA) is bipartisan Senate legislation designed to address the escalating crisis of catastrophic wildfires in U.S. forests, which has been worsened by fire suppression practices and climate change. The bill aims to restore forest health, enhance resilience, and protect communities by streamlining environmental reviews for fuel-reduction projects and strengthening community wildfire defense programs. FOFA promotes collaboration among federal, state, and tribal entities for a unified approach to wildfire prevention and response, and has already passed the House of Representatives. The letter writer urges California Senators Schiff and Padilla to support this legislation, characterizing it as vital common-sense reform that would allow proactive treatment of fire-prone lands.

An American missionary was kidnapped from his home in Niamey, Niger, on Tuesday by three unidentified gunmen approximately 100 yards from the presidential palace. The victim, who has worked for a US-based charity and lived in Niger since 2010, had his phone tracked to a location about 56 miles north of Niamey, an area considered a sanctuary for Islamic State-affiliated groups. US embassy officials are collaborating with local authorities to secure the American's safe return, with the State Department confirming efforts across the US government to recover the kidnapped citizen. The incident occurs amid ongoing political instability in Niger following a July 2023 coup that ousted democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who remains detained in the presidential palace under General Abdourahamane Tiani's military junta.

San Diego County's Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act program is demonstrating growing success as it reaches its two-year anniversary. The voluntary treatment program for adults with untreated schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders has expanded from 71 CARE agreements in its first year to 149 agreements currently, with a total of 23 participants graduating, including 11 in a recent single-day celebration. The program enables participants to actively create their own recovery plans for mental health treatment and housing support through collaboration between County Behavioral Health Services, the Public Defender's Office, Superior Court, and other partners. Recent graduates celebrated their commitment and personal success in a courtroom ceremony marking their achievement.

Graham Platner, a 41-year-old Marine Corps veteran and Democratic candidate for Maine's US Senate seat, has apologized and removed a tattoo resembling a Nazi Totenkopf symbol after it became visible in a social media video showing him dancing at his brother's wedding. Platner claimed he only recently realized the skull-and-crossbones tattoo's Nazi connection, stating he acquired it in 2007 in Croatia with fellow Marines while drinking. The controversy has escalated amid scrutiny of Platner's past social media posts, including comments downplaying military sexual assault and describing himself as a communist, though prominent supporter Senator Bernie Sanders has defended him.

A Politico investigation has uncovered thousands of leaked messages from a private Telegram group of Young Republican officials across multiple states containing antisemitic, racist, and violent content. The participants, who included state chairs, campaign strategists, and individuals with Trump administration connections, joked about gas chambers, used racial slurs against Black people, and celebrated Hitler while coordinating their plan to control the Young Republican National Federation. Sociologist Joe Feagin noted that Trump's political rise has created a "liberating atmosphere" for expressing bigoted views. This revelation comes amid reports of systemic racism within Trump's administration, including the removal of Black officials, dismantling of civil rights protections, and targeting of diversity programs.