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September 8, 2025

South Korean officials will travel to US to secure return of detained workers

South Korea's foreign minister is traveling to the United States to secure the release of over 300 South Korean nationals who were detained during an immigration raid at a Hyundai-LG battery plant in Georgia. US officials detained 475 people total who they claimed were working illegally at one of the largest foreign investment projects in the state. The South Korean government expressed concern over the operation and has reached a preliminary deal with the US to return the workers on a chartered flight, though details remain to be finalized. This raid comes just two weeks after Seoul agreed to invest billions in US manufacturing and raises questions about foreign companies' ability to bring specialized workers to the US while meeting President Trump's goals for domestic manufacturing.

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September 8, 2025

PARKER/ASANTE-MUHAMMAD: Black Wealth Infrastructure as a Safety Net

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September 8, 2025

Who is suspect in Trump assassination attempt, Ryan Routh?

of the News Article Ryan Wesley Routh, a 59-year-old man who once supported Trump but later opposed him, is facing trial for allegedly attempting to assassinate Donald Trump at his Florida golf course on September 15, 2024. This incident marks the second alleged assassination attempt against Trump in 2024, following the July shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania. Routh, who has pleaded not guilty to charges including attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate and firearms violations, will represent himself at the trial beginning September 8 in Florida despite the judge's warnings against self-representation. The suspect, known for his strong support of Ukraine and erratic political positions, was arrested after authorities spotted him hiding with an SKS-style rifle near Trump's golf course, though he reportedly never had a clear line of sight to the former president.

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September 8, 2025

Ryan Routh to stand trial for alleged Trump assassination attempt

A North Carolina man, Ryan Wesley Routh, faces trial this week in Florida for allegedly attempting to assassinate Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf club on September 15, 2024. According to federal prosecutors, Routh was spotted hiding in bushes with an SKS semiautomatic rifle near Trump's golf course, fired at a Secret Service agent when discovered, and fled before being apprehended on Interstate 95. Despite Judge Aileen Cannon's advice against it, Routh has chosen to represent himself in the trial where he faces multiple charges including attempted assassination of a presidential candidate and assaulting a federal officer. The incident occurred just weeks after another assassination attempt against Trump in Pennsylvania, raising concerns about political violence ahead of the 2024 election.

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September 7, 2025

South Korean worker tells BBC of panic during US immigration raid at Hyundai plant

A major immigration operation at a Hyundai and LG Energy Solution factory in Georgia resulted in the arrest of 475 people, including 300 South Korean nationals, in what became the largest single-site immigration enforcement operation in Homeland Security investigations history. The raid, dubbed "Operation Low Voltage," targeted workers who were allegedly illegally present in the United States through various circumstances including border crossings, visa overstays, or inappropriate work visas. Federal agents swarmed the $7.6 billion factory complex, causing operations to cease while detainees, many of whom were mechanics installing production lines, were processed and transported away from the site. Both Hyundai and LG Energy Solution issued statements indicating cooperation with authorities and emphasizing that none of those detained were directly employed by Hyundai.

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September 7, 2025

US pilot and influencer released from Chilean air base in Antarctica

Ethan Guo, a 20-year-old American pilot and influencer, has been released after being detained for two months at a Chilean air base in Antarctica for allegedly landing illegally during his solo flight across seven continents to raise money for cancer research. Chilean authorities have ordered Guo to pay a $30,000 donation to childhood cancer research within 30 days and banned him from entering Chilean territory for three years. Originally from Tennessee, Guo was attempting to become the youngest person to fly solo to every continent and raise $1 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital when he was detained after landing on King George Island without proper authorization. Though initially charged with providing false information to ground control and unauthorized landing, these charges were dropped by a judge last month.

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September 7, 2025

South Korea concludes talks to release nationals detained in Hyundai raid in US

South Korea's government has completed discussions with the US regarding the release of South Korean citizens detained during an immigration raid at a Hyundai battery plant in Georgia. The operation resulted in 475 people being detained, including over 300 South Korean nationals who US officials claim were working illegally at the facility. South Korean authorities plan to send a chartered plane to bring detainees home once administrative procedures are completed and are working to improve the visa system to prevent similar incidents. The White House has defended the raid as necessary enforcement of immigration laws, despite concerns about its impact on foreign investment and ongoing trade talks between the two allied nations.

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September 7, 2025

One of America's most wanted evaded the FBI for 21 years - only to be found in Wales

of News Article Daniel Andreas San Diego, a 47-year-old suspected bomber on the FBI's most wanted list for 21 years, faces an extradition hearing in London to potentially return to the United States. The FBI believes San Diego is connected to animal rights extremist groups and responsible for two bombing incidents in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2003, which targeted companies allegedly linked to animal testing. After evading surveillance in a high-speed chase through San Francisco in 2003, San Diego disappeared until being discovered living under an alias in a remote cottage in north Wales last year. Former FBI agents have expressed frustration over "missed opportunities" to arrest him before he vanished, revealing they found what they described as a "bomb-making factory" in his abandoned car.

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September 7, 2025

Friends remember US instructor killed in Lisbon funicular crash as 'bright star'

Heather Hall, an instructor at the College of Charleston, was identified as the sole American among 16 people who died when the Glória funicular crashed in Lisbon on Wednesday. A first-generation college graduate and mother of two, Hall was in Portugal to speak at a conference and was remembered as a passionate advocate for inclusive education and disability rights. Hall's family described her as someone who lived life "fully, boldly, and with a heart wide open to the world," while colleagues praised her energy, kindness, and commitment to her students and the field of special education. Portuguese investigators determined the accident occurred when a cable snapped along the railway's route, with the brakeman unable to apply emergency brakes in time to prevent the derailment of the 140-year-old funicular, which is both an important transport system for locals and a tourist attraction.

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September 6, 2025

Anna Wintour was Vogue. Now she's gone, can the magazine stay relevant?

Dame Anna Wintour, after nearly 40 years as editor-in-chief of US Vogue, is transitioning to global editorial director while 39-year-old Chloe Malle takes over as head of editorial content. Throughout her influential tenure, Wintour revolutionized fashion publishing by putting celebrities like Madonna on covers, bridging high fashion with popular culture, and making Vogue more accessible beyond its traditional wealthy audience. As print magazines struggle for relevance in the digital age, Malle reportedly plans to shift from monthly issues to thematic editions designed to be collectible. Wintour's legacy remains intertwined with Vogue's identity, raising questions about whether the magazine can maintain its cultural influence under new leadership.

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September 6, 2025

Pilot who tried to cut off engine midair after taking mushrooms pleads guilty

Joseph David Emerson, a former pilot, has pleaded guilty to attempting to shut off the engines of an Alaska Airlines passenger jet while riding off-duty in the cockpit. The incident occurred on October 22, 2023, when Emerson told pilots "I am not okay" before attempting to cut the engines during the flight from Washington to California, later admitting to police he had taken psychedelic mushrooms and was struggling with depression. Under his plea agreement, prosecutors can recommend a one-year prison sentence, while in Oregon state court, he has already been sentenced to 50 days in jail (already served), five years' probation, 664 hours of community service, and over $60,000 in restitution. Emerson acknowledged in court that his inability to perceive reality after taking mushrooms didn't justify his actions, which endangered 84 people on the flight.

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September 6, 2025

Adam Hollier to Drop Congressional Bid, Consider Run for Secretary of State

Former State Senator Adam Hollier (D-Detroit) is preparing to withdraw from Michigan's 13th District U.S. House race and is considering a run for Secretary of State instead, according to sources with direct knowledge of his plans. Hollier, who previously attempted to challenge incumbent Rep. Shri Thanedar but was disqualified due to fraudulent petition signatures, has been encouraged by Michigan leaders concerned about threats to democracy. Although Hollier outpaced other candidates in fundraising during the latest reporting period with nearly $300,000 raised in his first 11 weeks, he may now pursue the Secretary of State position being vacated by Jocelyn Benson, who is running for governor. If Hollier runs for Secretary of State, he would need to be selected by Democrats during the state party's nominating convention next year.

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September 6, 2025

Trump signs order to punish countries that unjustly detain US citizens

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at punishing countries that wrongfully detain American citizens. The order empowers the State Department to create a "state sponsor of wrongful detention" designation, which could result in economic sanctions, visa restrictions, and other penalties against offending nations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described this as an "unprecedented action" modeled after the state sponsor of terrorism classification. According to the Foley Foundation, at least 54 Americans were wrongfully detained in 17 countries in 2024, with such cases accounting for 83% of Americans detained abroad.

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September 6, 2025

Seoul holds emergency meeting after citizens detained in US Hyundai raid

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a major raid at a Hyundai-LG battery facility in Georgia, detaining 475 people—primarily South Korean nationals—for allegedly working illegally in the United States. The South Korean government responded by establishing an Overseas Korean Protection Task Force and dispatching diplomats to the site, while LG Energy Solution announced it was suspending most business trips to the U.S. and sending its Chief Human Resources Officer to Georgia. President Trump defended the operation, stating ICE was "just doing its job" enforcing immigration laws against unauthorized workers, while South Korean officials expressed concern about protecting their citizens' rights and the economic activities of Korean companies. The timing of the raid has raised concerns in Seoul as it occurs during sensitive trade talks between the two countries, potentially affecting South Korea's planned investments in American manufacturing.

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September 6, 2025

US tells Kilmar Ábrego García he faces deportation to Eswatini

The Trump administration has informed Kilmar Ábrego García, a Salvadoran national involved in an ongoing immigration dispute, that he may be deported to Eswatini, marking at least the fourth country considered for his deportation. US officials previously deported him to El Salvador in error, then returned him to the US where he was detained and charged with human smuggling, while also claiming he belongs to the MS-13 gang—allegations he denies. His case has become central to the administration's immigration enforcement efforts, despite having no connection to Eswatini, a small African monarchy that has already received five deportees from the US. Analysts suggest Eswatini may be accepting deportees to protect its sugar exports to the US, though the country has not confirmed whether it receives payment for this arrangement.

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September 6, 2025

AmeriStarRail Proposes Libertyliner 250 to Open High-Speed Trains to Coach Riders

AmeriStarRail, a Delaware-based company, is criticizing Amtrak's decision to exclude coach passengers from its new high-speed Acela service on the Northeast Corridor. The company argues this exclusion is discriminatory toward the majority of rail travelers and raises safety concerns as coach passengers must continue using aging train cars, some approaching 50 years old. AmeriStarRail has proposed partnering with Amtrak to operate the new 28 Alstom Avelia Liberty trainsets as "Libertyliner 250," which would provide coach, business, and first-class seating on high-speed trains. The proposal claims to increase capacity by over 50% between New York and Washington while improving safety and accessibility for all passenger demographics.

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September 6, 2025

Man discovered living in Oregon home without owner's knowledge

A 40-year-old man named Beniamin Bucur was arrested after being discovered living in the crawl space of a home near Portland, Oregon without the homeowner's knowledge. Deputies responded to a witness report of suspicious activity and found Bucur had established a living space complete with a bed, television, lights, and other electronics powered by the house's electricity through an extension cord. The homeowner confirmed no one should be there and reported hearing "strange noises" from the space previously. Bucur was charged with burglary and unlawful possession of methamphetamine after officers found a meth pipe during the search, with bail set at $75,000.

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September 6, 2025

Trumps says Venezuelan jets will be shot down if they endanger US ships

Tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela have escalated after Venezuelan military aircraft flew near a U.S. vessel for the second consecutive day, following a U.S. strike against what officials claimed was a Venezuelan drug-carrying vessel that killed 11 people. President Donald Trump has warned that Venezuelan jets would be "shot down" if they put U.S. naval ships in danger, while Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has denied U.S. allegations and called for respect and dialogue. The U.S. is reinforcing its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying additional naval vessels, thousands of marines and sailors, and sending 10 F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico as part of intensified anti-drug-trafficking efforts under Trump's administration. Trump has long criticized Maduro, recently increasing the reward for information leading to his arrest to $50 million and accusing him of being "one of the largest narco-traffickers in the world."

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September 6, 2025

Raid on Hyundai plant in US swept up workers on visitor visas

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained 475 people, primarily South Korean nationals, during a raid at a Hyundai battery plant in Georgia for allegedly working illegally in violation of their visitor visa terms. Officials stated the enforcement action was necessary to protect American jobs, emphasizing that those on short-term or recreational visas are not permitted to work in the US. South Korea has responded by sending diplomats to Georgia and calling for its citizens' rights to be respected, while both Hyundai and LG Energy Solution (which operates the plant with Hyundai) noted that none of the detained workers were directly employed by Hyundai. The raid potentially creates tension between President Trump's priorities of building up US manufacturing while cracking down on illegal immigration, and could strain relations with South Korea, which has promised billions in US investment.

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September 6, 2025

'We are the troops': Inside Chicago's split communities as Trump vows to deploy National Guard

Chicago is at the center of debate over President Trump's recent threat to deploy National Guard troops to combat crime, despite violent crime rates actually declining in the city over the past two years. Local crime prevention workers argue they are "the troops" already making progress, with Chicago Police Department reporting homicides down by 125 last year and shooting victims reduced by over 700. Opinions on potential military deployment are divided along community lines, with some South Side residents opposing federal intervention while others in areas like Canaryville welcoming it. Local officials, including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling, have questioned the effectiveness of National Guard deployment, noting the troops lack police powers, while also highlighting concerns about federal funding cuts to crime prevention programs.

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September 6, 2025

Tylenol-maker shares hit after report RFK Jr will suggest autism link

Kenvue, the maker of Tylenol, has defended its pain reliever as safe after its shares dropped sharply following a Wall Street Journal report that U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. plans to potentially link the medication to autism when used during pregnancy. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services called such claims about their forthcoming autism report "speculation" while confirming they are investigating America's rising autism rates. Scientific studies on acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy and autism have shown mixed results, with some suggesting a possible link while others, including a 2024 Swedish study of 2.4 million children, found no causal connection. Medical organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, maintain that there is no clear evidence proving a direct relationship between prudent acetaminophen use during pregnancy and developmental issues.

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September 5, 2025

Is Trump right about Chicago's crime levels?

Chicago's crime statistics show a significant decline, with violent crime down 11% in 2023 and homicides reduced by nearly a third through August 2024 compared to the previous year. Despite President Trump's characterization of Chicago as a "killing field" and his threat to send National Guard troops, the city ranks 29th out of 37 large US cities for violent crime rate according to FBI data. Governor Pritzker has rejected federal intervention, stating Chicago is successfully addressing violent crime on its own. While Chicago recorded the highest absolute number of homicides in 2023, it ranked tenth in homicide rate per capita among large US cities, contradicting claims that it has the highest murder rate.

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September 5, 2025

Carney pushes for 'Buy Canadian' policy and pauses EV targets for 2026

Prime Minister Mark Carney has suspended Canada's requirement that 20% of new car sales be electric by 2025, while maintaining longer-term EV targets of 60% by 2030 and 100% by 2035. Simultaneously, he announced a "Buy Canadian" policy prioritizing domestic products for federal contracts and creating a fund to help firms develop new products. These policy changes come as Canada faces economic challenges including job losses of 66,000 in August, a 7.1% unemployment rate, and the impact of U.S. tariffs on various Canadian industries. The government has also initiated a 60-day review of EV mandate rules while seeking relief through trade negotiations with Washington.

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September 5, 2025

Societal control: The real Stanford Prison Experiment 

The article discusses how prison systems, particularly the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), serve as testing grounds for societal control tactics. It argues that control methods used against the public were first perfected in prison settings, including chemical agents, surveillance, and riot control techniques. The author details how prison authorities operate with minimal accountability while restricting prisoner rights, specifically highlighting a 2023 policy that banned physical mail in favor of digital scanning, allegedly to prevent drug smuggling. The article suggests these prison policies represent a broader pattern of manufacturing problems to justify increasing restrictions on rights.

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September 5, 2025

BLM Co-Founder Debuts Homeless Youth Documentary as Trump Sweeps Encampments in DC

"Close to Home," a new documentary executive-produced by Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors, showcases homeless Los Angeles youth advocating for a care-first approach to housing vulnerable young people. The 30-minute film, directed by Whitney Skauge, follows four youth leaders from LA Emissary, an organization working to influence policies affecting young, LGBTQ+, and homeless populations in Los Angeles County. The documentary's festival debut coincided with President Trump's removal of homeless encampments in Washington D.C., highlighting the contrast between punitive approaches and the film's humanizing perspective. Through their stories, the film aims to challenge the dehumanization of homeless individuals and demonstrate how multiple systems have failed vulnerable youth.

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September 5, 2025

TV nudity scandal, impeachment calls, a meeting no-show: Troubles pile up for Oklahoma’s schools chief

Oklahoma schools chief Ryan Walters has been absent from recent State Board of Education meetings amid multiple controversies, including allegations that explicit content appeared on his office television. These absences follow accusations made in July by two board members who claimed they saw nudity on his TV during an executive session, which Walters denied and attributed to a coordinated attack by Governor Kevin Stitt. While a preliminary investigation suggested the incident was an accidental result of a newly installed television defaulting to a pre-programmed channel, Walters faces mounting criticism over his leadership, including protests calling for his impeachment and concerns about Oklahoma's education ranking. His controversial initiatives include announcing free lunch programs without secured funding, implementing ideological tests for out-of-state teachers, and attempting to place Trump-endorsed Bibles in classrooms.

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September 5, 2025

Africa is Seeing A Surge of Dementia Cases. Families Aren’t Sure What To Do.

In Uganda, the prevalence of dementia is rising as the population ages, creating profound challenges for patients and their families. Herbert Rutabyama struggles to care for his 87-year-old mother Alice Ndimuhara, who suffers from dementia symptoms including nighttime confusion when she believes her house is on fire, and daytime wandering that sometimes takes her to neighboring villages. Without proper resources, Rutabyama resorts to locking his mother in her room at night, even as she pounds on the door and yells for release. This situation highlights the broader healthcare crisis across Africa, where dementia care options are virtually nonexistent, with few nursing homes, limited medical expertise, and even a lack of vocabulary in many languages to describe the condition.

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September 5, 2025

Why Black People Should be Concerned About the Jeffrey Epstein Case

The Jeffrey Epstein case has sparked demands from survivors for transparency, with Democratic-sponsored legislation moving forward in the House that would release case materials within 30 days. While Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene supports document disclosure, most House Republicans prefer launching an investigation instead. Survivors have announced plans to compile their own list of alleged abusers who participated alongside Epstein. Congressmen Kweisi Mfume and Sydney Kamlager-Dove emphasized this case demonstrates how powerful individuals can escape justice, with Mfume specifically noting its relevance to Black America as an example of how the wealthy can "oppress and deny basic justice."

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September 5, 2025

The ‘Roots’ of Slavery and Its Lasting Effects

The 1976 publication and television adaptation of Alex Haley's "Roots" marked a watershed moment in American cultural history, coming in the aftermath of the Civil Rights Movement and the assassinations of major civil rights figures. The autobiographical saga powerfully illustrated the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade while inspiring African Americans to reconnect with their heritage, particularly through giving their children African-themed names. Experts like Dr. Kellie Jackson and Walter Palmer note that "Roots" built upon the work of previous Black historians while helping to reshape how Americans understood slavery by humanizing the enslaved as families and communities who suffered but also built the nation. Despite its significant impact on American consciousness, experts agree that the country still has far to go in fully addressing its history of slavery and racism, as evidenced by the delayed establishment of institutions like the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

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September 5, 2025

A Nigerian Group Attempts a 431-Hour Reading Marathon to Set a Guinness World Record

Five Nigerians attempted to break the Guinness World Record for the longest marathon reading aloud by continuously reading for 431 hours and 31 minutes at a Lagos restaurant. The participants—Precious Ukachi, John Obot, Stephen Oyelami, Temitope Ogunremi, and Ketura Heman—read 79 books by Nigerian authors during their 18-day marathon, which ended on Saturday. Organized by the nonprofit Naija ReadFest, the event aimed to promote literacy and celebrate Nigerian literature in a country where more than 10 million children are out of school and the literacy rate stands around 63%. The current record is held by a group from the Dominican Republic who read for 365 hours and 39 seconds in 2011, and Guinness World Record is yet to confirm this new attempt.

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