united states news

A comprehensive review published in The Lancet Regional Health—Europe reveals that individuals with mental health disorders face significantly higher cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks and live 10-20 years less on average than the general population. The study demonstrates a bidirectional relationship where psychiatric conditions like depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety substantially increase heart disease risk, while cardiovascular events can trigger mental health issues. Despite more frequent healthcare interactions, people with mental health disorders receive fewer cardiovascular screenings and treatments, creating a dangerous gap in care. Researchers call for an integrated healthcare approach that addresses both mental and physical health together, identifying exercise as one of the most effective interventions for improving both conditions simultaneously.

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers is facing significant backlash after calling for President Trump to deploy military troops to Detroit, claiming the city has become "a hub for violent crime." Detroit city officials, including spokesperson John Roach, strongly refuted Rogers' claims, highlighting a 90% reduction in carjackings since 2013 and noting that 2023 saw the lowest number of homicides since 1966. Political opponents, including Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and State Senator Mallory McMorrow, have condemned Rogers' request as unnecessary and harmful, with El-Sayed characterizing it as a "federal invasion." The controversy has also highlighted a potential inconsistency in U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens' position, as she criticized Rogers while having previously called for National Guard deployment in Chicago in 2016.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced that the U.S. will designate Ecuadorian gangs Los Lobos and Los Choneros as foreign terrorist organizations and potentially take military action against criminal groups trafficking drugs to the U.S. During a visit to Ecuador, Rubio stated that "friendly governments" would help identify smugglers, though neither Ecuador nor Mexico has explicitly agreed to assist with military strikes. This announcement follows a recent U.S. military strike in the Caribbean Sea that reportedly killed 11 drug traffickers and coincides with the U.S. committing $19.5 million in security aid to Ecuador. The designation allows the U.S. to target assets of anyone associated with these groups and share intelligence with Ecuador for potential lethal operations.

President Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order directing the Department of Defense to be renamed as the Department of War, initially as a secondary title while seeking congressional approval for a permanent change. The administration believes the name change will "project strength and resolve" and convey a stronger message of readiness compared to the current name, which emphasizes only defensive capabilities. The rebrand could potentially cost billions of dollars to implement across hundreds of agencies, emblems, email addresses, and uniforms. Critics like Democratic Senator Andy Kim have called the idea "childish," arguing that Americans want to prevent wars rather than tout them, while Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth maintain that the department needs to refocus on "warfighting" and a "warrior ethos" instead of diversity programs.

Former US President Joe Biden recently had Mohs surgery to remove skin cancer, as confirmed by his spokeswoman to CBS News. The 82-year-old was observed with a head wound in recent days, adding to his history of cancer treatments including a chest lesion removal in 2023 and a recent diagnosis of aggressive prostate cancer. Biden has maintained a low public profile since leaving office in January, though he and First Lady Jill Biden have been longtime advocates for cancer research and treatment following their son Beau's death from brain cancer in 2015.

Golden Gate Village, a historic public housing complex in Marin County, was designed by renowned architects Aaron Green and John Carl Warnecke in the 1950s, offering dignified housing after Black families had endured substandard wartime accommodations. The development won the Public Housing Administration's Honor Award in 1964 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017, recognized for its cultural and architectural significance. Named by long-time resident Gracie Stover in the early 1990s, the complex represents more than housing—it stands as a symbol of dignity and community pride for the largest remaining Black community in Marin County. Residents are now advocating for proper maintenance, fair policies, and implementation of the Resident Plan, which includes a community land trust and pathways to homeownership.

A federal appeals court in Atlanta has overturned a lower court order that would have required the closure of Alligator Alcatraz, an immigration detention center in Florida's Everglades. The 2-1 ruling allows the facility to remain operational while a lawsuit from environmental groups and a Native American tribe continues. The appellate court determined that state and federal officials would likely succeed in proving the facility wasn't subject to environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act because it hadn't received federal funding. This decision reverses an earlier order by District Judge Kathleen Williams who had mandated the facility begin dismantling within 60 days.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced intense scrutiny during a three-hour Senate Finance Committee hearing where lawmakers questioned his leadership of US health agencies, particularly regarding vaccine policies. Since becoming Secretary of Health and Human Services in February, Kennedy has made controversial decisions including firing the CDC director and replacing an entire panel of independent vaccine experts with individuals criticized for their vaccine skepticism. Democratic senators accused Kennedy of restricting vaccine access and lying, while even some Republican senators expressed concerns about his leadership and statements contradicting previous assurances. Despite the criticism, President Trump continues to support Kennedy, describing his "different ideas" about health and vaccines as a positive attribute.

The District of Columbia has filed a lawsuit against President Trump and federal agencies, challenging the deployment of over 2,200 National Guard troops from seven states and D.C. that were dispatched without Mayor Bowser's consent. D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb's 52-page complaint argues that armed soldiers conducting patrols, making detentions, and using armored vehicles in D.C. neighborhoods constitutes an illegal military occupation that violates multiple laws including the Home Rule Act. The lawsuit claims Trump's executive orders, which placed Guard units under federal command and deputized them as U.S. Marshals, unlawfully strip governors of constitutional control over their state militias and has negatively impacted the local economy. The District is seeking court declarations that Trump's actions are unconstitutional and is requesting the permanent removal of military presence from D.C.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Council Chairman Phil Mendelson have announced a new labor agreement with the D.C. Fraternal Order of Police Union that will provide pay increases for nearly 3,000 Metropolitan Police Department officers, detectives, and sergeants, as well as higher-ranking "white shirts." The agreement includes cost-of-living adjustments of 4.5% in Fiscal Year 2024 and 4.25% in both Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026, with emergency legislation planned to implement the raises by October. Beyond pay increases, the administration is implementing several initiatives to boost recruitment and retention, including expanding the take-home vehicle program, removing the mandatory retirement age, and creating educational opportunities for recruits through a partnership with the University of the District of Columbia.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has signed a collective bargaining agreement that extends cooperation between DC's Metropolitan Police Department and federal officers beyond President Trump's 30-day National Guard deployment, which critics view as surrendering the city's autonomy. The mayor defended her decision, claiming it provides "a framework to exit" the presidential emergency and credited the federal presence with significant drops in carjackings and violent crime. DC Council members and local activists have strongly criticized Bowser's decision, arguing it legitimizes federal overreach and endangers Black youth and immigrant communities. Additionally, Bowser has announced wage increases for MPD officers, further fueling criticism that she is diverting resources from community needs to law enforcement.

Detroit City Council has approved an ordinance allowing the city's law department to prosecute certain misdemeanors beginning in summer 2026, a change described as "historic" by city officials. The 8-1 vote transfers prosecution authority for crimes like retail fraud, larceny, and domestic violence from Wayne County to the city of Detroit. This shift aims to give Detroit more control over sentencing while allowing the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office to focus on violent crimes. The initiative will cost approximately $700,000 to hire four attorneys and two paralegals, though some council members have expressed concerns about funding sustainability once pandemic relief dollars expire.

Maryland Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen has introduced the "District of Columbia National Guard Home Rule Act" (S.2688) that would transfer control of the D.C. National Guard from the president to the mayor of Washington, D.C. The legislation, co-sponsored by 11 Democratic senators, would amend an 1889 law by replacing "President of the United States" with "Mayor of the District of Columbia" throughout the statute. This bill emerges amid ongoing legal disputes between D.C. officials and the Trump administration over the deployment of National Guard troops in the city, including a lawsuit filed by D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb claiming the president violated the 1973 Home Rule Act. Supporters argue the bill would prevent presidents from using the Guard for political purposes and give D.C. leadership the same authority that governors have in their states.

Lincoln High School's Hornets celebrated their first home football game since 2023 with a commanding victory over Long Beach Poly, winning 36-20. The event began with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring NFL Hall of Famer and Hornet alumnus Terrell Davis. Lincoln dominated early, beginning with Junior Curtis's 89-yard kickoff return touchdown and continuing with four touchdowns from running back Rashad Robinson before Long Beach Poly finally scored in the third quarter. While Coach David Dunn expressed gratitude for the win and playing at home again, he acknowledged that the team still has improvements to make.

The Muscogee Nation's chief, David Hill, has temporarily blocked the issuance of tribal IDs to Black Freedmen descendants despite a recent tribal supreme court ruling that granted them citizenship rights. Chief Hill argued that the court overstepped its authority by striking down the "by blood" constitutional requirement adopted in the 1970s that had excluded descendants of those once enslaved by the tribe. While applications from Freedmen descendants can still be accepted, they won't be processed until the tribal council reviews and establishes new citizenship requirements through a constitutional amendment process. This dispute stems from the tribe's 1979 constitution that eliminated automatic citizenship for Freedmen descendants, contradicting an 1866 treaty with the U.S. government that had granted citizenship to formerly enslaved people.

The 14th Annual Jazz at the Creek sunset finale marked the end of this signature summer concert series during Labor Day Weekend, held at the Educational Cultural Complex in San Diego. Created by Dr. Leonard Thompson and the M.A.N.D.A.T.E. Records and M.A.N.D.A.T.E. Project Impact teams fourteen years ago, the two-day celebration featured performances from renowned artists such as Gerald Albright, Durti-Ryce, Rebecca Jade, and several other talented musicians. The event, which moved from its original location at Jacob's Center's creek side pavilion to the ECC campus last year, ran from 1:00 to 7:00 PM each day and offered VIP experiences including gourmet meals, reserved seating, and access to premium beverages. After fourteen years of bringing quality music to Southeastern San Diego, Jazz at the Creek has concluded its run while leaving behind a lasting legacy.

New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, who won the Democratic primary in June, is now working to connect with older Black voters after underperforming in predominantly Black neighborhoods. Black New Yorkers, comprising about 22% of the city's 8.8 million residents, represent a crucial voting bloc that Mamdani needs to win over from his opponents—former Governor Andrew Cuomo and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams—who have established long-standing relationships in these communities. Mamdani is focusing his campaign on making the city more affordable, an issue that resonates with Black voters according to AP VoteCast data showing about 60% are "very concerned" about housing costs. While younger Black progressives have embraced Mamdani, he faces challenges winning over older generations who have historical connections to his opponents and concerns about his limited political experience as a state assemblymember since 2021.

California's 2020 Proposition 17 restored voting rights to approximately 50,000 people on state parole for felony convictions, a significant change from previous law that prohibited voting until completion of both prison and parole terms. Adam Cain, who served a 14-year prison sentence, was actively involved in advocating for this voting rights restoration while incarcerated, organizing fellow inmates and educating their families. Cain shared his experience during California's 60th Anniversary celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, hosted by Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, where he appeared on a panel with prominent figures including former Assembly Speaker Willie Brown. Now working as a Program Coordinator for Initiate Justice, Cain continues his advocacy to empower formerly incarcerated individuals and promote systemic change in California's criminal justice system.

Roderick Antonio Smith (known as Rodku), born in 1970 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, led a multifaceted life as a Navy veteran, nurse, musician, and devoted family man. After graduating from Hattiesburg High School and serving honorably in the Gulf War, he married Regina Sutton and raised four children while working as an LVN nurse. Rodku was known for his talents as MC Rodku within the music community, his involvement in organizations like the San Diego All Star DJ's, American Legion, and VFW, and for his deep commitment to his faith and family, including his six grandchildren. He passed away on July 23, 2025, leaving behind a legacy characterized by love, compassion, and joy.

Lewis H. Latimer was an influential African American inventor born in 1848 to formerly enslaved parents who taught himself drafting and became a key figure in electric lighting technology. Richard Wright, born in 1908, overcame poverty to become one of the 20th century's most influential African American writers with groundbreaking works like "Native Son." In 1957, the "Little Rock Nine," a group of Black students selected to integrate Little Rock Central High School, were initially blocked by angry mobs and the Arkansas National Guard before President Eisenhower secured their enrollment with federal military protection. These three historical events represent significant achievements and challenges in African American history across different fields and time periods.

A new report by the Michigan Citizens Research Council reveals that implementing an admissions tax on sports and entertainment venues in Detroit could generate between $14 million and $47 million annually, potentially allowing the city to reduce its high property taxes. The report, commissioned by Detroit's Legislative Policy Division, highlights how the city bears significant costs when hosting major events at its numerous sports venues and entertainment facilities. Detroit City Council president Mary Sheffield supports such a tax initiative, along with considering a 0.5% city sales tax, though implementation would require state authorization, city council approval, and voter support in a general election.

The Michigan Chronicle has opened nominations for the 2026 Women of Excellence awards, marking the 19th year of this program that recognizes Black women's leadership and impact across Michigan. The initiative honors women who excel in various fields including business, community service, civic engagement, and social advocacy, creating a legacy that highlights Black women's crucial contributions to Detroit's progress. Recognition through these awards validates the sacrifices and investments made by women of color who might otherwise go unacknowledged, while also inspiring younger generations by providing powerful role models. The Chronicle's commitment to sustaining this tradition reflects its dedication to highlighting local leadership within broader conversations about gender equity and racial justice.

Rx Kids, an innovative cash aid program created in Flint by Dr. Mona Hanna, has expanded to 11 Michigan communities, providing pregnant women with $1,500 during pregnancy followed by monthly payments after birth. The program, which has distributed approximately $14 million to over 3,300 families, aims to address infant poverty by giving mothers financial resources to stabilize their households. A May 2025 survey revealed that 87% of participants said the program helped them "make ends meet," while 72% reported it allowed them to take time off work for family care. Michigan lawmakers are now considering legislation that would scale Rx Kids statewide, potentially making Michigan the first state to guarantee such support for all new mothers.

Former US President Donald Trump has accepted King Charles III's invitation for a second state visit to the UK from September 17-19, 2024, which Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described as "truly historic" and "unprecedented." This visit breaks with tradition, as US presidents serving second terms typically receive only tea or lunch invitations rather than full state visits. Trump will be hosted at Windsor Castle due to ongoing renovations at Buckingham Palace, with events including a ceremonial welcome and state banquet in St George's Hall. The visit comes two months after Trump's recent four-day trip to Scotland and is scheduled during a time when only the House of Lords will be in session.

President Donald Trump has appealed to the US Supreme Court to reverse a lower court ruling that deemed many of his sweeping tariffs illegal. A divided Federal Circuit Court ruled 7-4 that tariffs imposed through emergency economic powers exceeded presidential authority and infringed on Congress's core power to set levies. The case could potentially force the US to refund billions in tariffs and significantly impact Trump's economic and foreign policy agenda. While the appellate court ruled against the president, it temporarily delayed implementation of its decision to allow time for the administration's appeal.

A federal court has overturned the Trump administration's decision to cut approximately $2 billion in research grants to Harvard University, ruling that the government violated the university's free speech rights. Judge Allison Burroughs issued an 84-page decision that blocks the administration from stopping federal funding to Harvard while acknowledging that the university should have done more to address antisemitism. The White House has vowed to appeal the ruling, calling it an "egregious decision" made by an "activist" judge, while Harvard President Alan Garber affirmed that the ruling upholds the university's First Amendment rights. Unlike Harvard, three other Ivy League universities—Columbia, Penn, and Brown—chose to strike deals with the Trump administration to preserve their funding rather than pursue legal action.