united states news

Pensana has abandoned plans to build a rare earths refinery in East Yorkshire, choosing instead to pursue investment in the United States. The company, which has developed a rare earths mine in Angola set to deliver materials by 2027, cited China's artificially low rare earth prices as making UK refining economically unfeasible without substantial government support. The £5 million contribution offered by the previous UK government was deemed insufficient compared to the half-billion dollars in investment and soft loans provided by the US government for a similar facility in California. The scrapped Saltend project would have given the UK a strategic foothold in the rare earths industry for producing magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and robotics.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to meet in person to discuss the Ukraine war during a phone call that occurred while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was en route to Washington. This development comes as Ukraine faces intensified Russian attacks, with dozens of missiles and over 300 drones targeting civilian infrastructure in the past 24 hours. Zelensky had been hoping to secure Trump's permission to purchase long-range Tomahawk missiles during his Washington visit, but Trump's conversation with Putin—in which they discussed a potential summit in Hungary within two weeks—may have undermined Ukraine's position. The timing suggests a pattern where Trump initially shows frustration with Putin but softens his stance after direct communication with the Russian leader.

Dr. Lorraine Bonner, a retired physician, presents her concept of "Liberatory Health," which integrates traditional western medicine with mindfulness and alternative approaches like meditation and guided imagery. Throughout her medical career, she treated conditions such as hypertension and diabetes while incorporating relaxation techniques and addressing root causes of illness rather than just symptoms. Dr. Bonner believes that illness stems from larger societal issues and coping mechanisms, advocating for community involvement as a pathway to collective well-being. She encourages people to connect with community helpers who are already working toward liberation through various forms of service and activism.

Fishermen in Venezuela's Lake Maracaibo region are experiencing heightened fears due to recent U.S. military operations targeting alleged drug traffickers in Caribbean waters. The U.S. has conducted at least six strikes on suspected drug-carrying boats since last month, resulting in at least 27 deaths, while tensions escalated when President Trump suggested possible strikes on Venezuelan soil and confirmed CIA covert operations in Venezuela. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whom the U.S. accuses of leading the "Cartel of the Suns" drug trafficking gang with a $50 million reward for his capture, has denied these accusations and warned Venezuelans to prepare for potential U.S. military action. In response, some fishermen have refused to work due to safety concerns, while others have participated in demonstrations supporting the Maduro government.

The DC Council has approved the Let Our Vows Endure (LOVE) Emergency Amendment Act of 2025, temporarily transferring marriage license authority from the federally funded DC Superior Court to the mayor's office during the ongoing federal government shutdown. The emergency legislation addresses a 14-day suspension of marriage services and allows Mayor Bowser, who has delegated this responsibility to the Secretary of the District of Columbia, to issue marriage licenses and authorize temporary officiants at no cost to residents or visitors. On the first day of implementation, 27 couples applied for marriage licenses and five officiants were authorized to perform ceremonies, with the measure remaining effective for 90 days while the Council considers a temporary version that could extend the authority for up to 225 days.

This article is introducing a news quiz that tests readers' knowledge of events from the past week. It briefly mentions three notable occurrences: Ricky Hatton's funeral in Manchester, Sebastien Lecornu returning to a previous position, and Cynthia Erivo impressing the Strictly Come Dancing cast. The article then challenges readers to test their awareness of other world events from the same period and invites them to try previous quizzes if interested.

During the WXYZ mayoral debate in Detroit, candidates Mary Sheffield and Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr. presented child-focused financial proposals to combat poverty. Sheffield proposed implementing the existing Rx Kids program, which provides $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 monthly for babies, while Kinloch unveiled his "Kinloch Promise," a trust fund granting Detroit newborns $1,000 annually until age 18. The Rx Kids program, already operating successfully in several Michigan communities with $270 million in state funding, has shown positive health outcomes in Flint, including improved birth weights and reduced NICU admissions. While both candidates presented compelling visions for investing in Detroit's youngest residents, neither fully addressed implementation details such as funding sources, eligibility requirements, or administrative oversight.

President Trump has publicly acknowledged authorizing the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela, an unusual disclosure of typically classified information. This presidential finding could permit a range of activities from targeted strikes against drug traffickers to broader regime-change operations against Nicolás Maduro's government. Under US law, such authorizations require notification to congressional intelligence committees but not their approval, giving the president significant latitude in determining the scope of operations. The revelation raises concerns given the United States' controversial history of covert interventions in Latin America, with experts noting that these operations could include drone strikes, influence campaigns, or support for anti-government groups.

The US Chamber of Commerce has filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's new $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, claiming it would make the program cost-prohibitive for American employers. Trump implemented this fee through an executive order last month, arguing the visa program has been abused and undercuts American workers, despite tech industry leaders maintaining it attracts global talent. The Chamber argues the fee would significantly harm businesses by forcing them to either dramatically increase labor costs or hire fewer skilled employees, while Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick defends the policy, suggesting companies must decide if foreign workers are valuable enough to justify the fee or should "hire an American" instead.

President Trump announced two initiatives aimed at lowering fertility treatment costs, though they fall short of his campaign promise for free IVF access nationwide. The plan allows employers to offer standalone insurance for infertility treatments with flexible coverage requirements and includes discounts on IVF medications from drugmaker EMD Serono. Critics note that employers already could offer fertility benefits, and the new insurance option lacks clear regulations on what must be covered or who qualifies. The drug discounts would save approximately $2,200 per IVF cycle, which typically costs between $15,000-$25,000 total, leaving significant financial barriers for many Americans seeking fertility treatments. # Who is affected - Americans seeking fertility treatments, particularly those needing IVF - Employers who may choose to offer the new standalone fertility insurance - LGBTQ+ couples and individuals who face additional barriers to fertility treatment access - Low-income Americans on Medicaid who generally lack IVF coverage - People in states without mandates for private insurance to cover fertility treatments - Families making financial sacrifices to afford fertility treatments # What action is being taken - Employers are being allowed to offer standalone insurance for infertility treatments - Drugmaker EMD Serono is offering discounts on IVF medications - The drug discounts are being made available through the TrumpRx.com portal - Some providers of "restorative reproductive medicine" are meeting with Health and Human Services officials to encourage insurance coverage for their approach # Why it matters - IVF is extremely expensive, costing $15,000-$25,000 per cycle, creating significant financial barriers - The announced measures would only partially reduce these costs - The fertility insurance plans have unclear requirements about what they must cover - Current insurance coverage for fertility treatments is inconsistent across the country - LGBTQ+ couples face additional discrimination and barriers when seeking fertility treatments - According to polling, 48% of Americans want officials to protect IVF access while only 10% want restrictions - For many couples, including LGBTQ+ families, assisted reproductive technology may be the only path to having children # What's next No explicit next steps stated in the article.

The third annual Black on the Block festival, now partnered with Live Nation Urban, returns to Washington D.C.'s Nationals Park on Sunday, October 19. Founded by sisters Char and Lanie Edwards during the pandemic in 2021, this cultural celebration features over 80 Black-owned businesses, music, food, and giveaways with the goal of circulating the Black dollar and boosting business visibility. Originally launched in Los Angeles, the festival has expanded nationally and regularly attracts hundreds of thousands of attendees, with D.C. being a priority location due to the founders' connections to the area. This year's event will showcase local DJs and vendors while creating a safe space that celebrates Black joy, leadership, and economic empowerment. # Who is affected - Black-owned businesses and vendors (over 80 participating) - Black consumers and community members in Washington D.C. - Festival attendees - Local D.C. artists and DJs (Jae Murphy, DJ Wildchild, Rosegold, K-Meta, Chubb E. Swagg, and Little Bacon Bear) - Black children and youth who can see "what our community is capable of" # What action is being taken - Nationals Park is hosting the third annual Black on the Block festival on October 19 - Live Nation Urban is partnering with the festival - The event is featuring more than 80 Black-owned businesses as vendors - Local D.C. DJs are performing sets during the event - The organizers are creating a space that prioritizes Black businesses and economic empowerment # Why it matters - The festival promotes circulation of the "Black dollar" and highlights Black buying power - It provides visibility and economic opportunity for Black-owned businesses - The event creates a safe space for Black leadership and representation - It builds networks and communal relationships within the Black community - The festival serves as inspiration for Black youth by showing "what they can achieve and attain" - It contributes to Black economic progress while celebrating Black joy and culture # What's next No explicit next steps stated in the article.

A new Brookings Institution report reveals an unusual shift in unemployment patterns in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, where white unemployment has increased more than Black unemployment for the first time in years, despite stable national unemployment rates. The DMV Monitor project analysis shows that the region's total unemployment climbed by nearly 0.6 percentage points, with over 20,000 workers becoming unemployed and another 20,000 leaving the labor force entirely between June 2024 and June 2025. Researchers attribute much of this change to federal job losses, with the District losing over 6,000 federal positions while unemployment rose sharply in Northern Virginia suburbs where many federal employees live. The authors warn that these trends indicate potential long-term labor market stagnation that could damage the region's economic and social welfare.

Michigan officials have announced plans for a $40 million multimodal transit hub at Michigan Central Station that would reconnect Detroit to Windsor, Toronto, and Chicago by rail by 2029. The Michigan Department of Transportation, the City of Detroit, and Michigan Central have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop this hub, which would restore rail service to the historic station for the first time since 1988. The project will leverage existing tracks and tunnels to bridge the nine-mile gap between Detroit and Windsor, with projections suggesting it could serve more than 66,000 passengers annually. The hub will also relocate regional bus lines from the aging Howard Street Station, centralizing transit access in Detroit's west downtown area while complementing the existing Amtrak station in New Center.

Leibo Glover's experience with diabetes leading to a below-the-knee amputation highlights a growing health crisis disproportionately affecting lower-income Californians. Research shows diabetes affects 1 in 6 adults with the lowest incomes compared to 1 in 11 with the highest incomes, with amputations more common in low-income ZIP codes. Dr. Bill Releford, a Los Angeles podiatrist, has responded by establishing Bloom Ranch, a 250-acre farm in Acton that serves as part of his preventive care strategy to address these disparities. The ranch aims to increase access to fresh produce in food deserts and potentially develop prescriptive vegetable boxes in partnership with UCLA and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science.

Rapper-actor Common, along with collaborators Karriem Riggins and James Poyser, has composed "Victory" as the official theme song for NBA on Prime Video's upcoming basketball coverage. The trio created three versions of the score—orchestral, hip-hop, and rock—recorded with a 70-piece orchestra in Nashville. The theme song will debut on October 24 during Prime Video's opening-night doubleheader featuring the Celtics vs. Knicks and Timberwolves vs. Lakers. For Common, who was once a Chicago Bulls ball boy and whose father played in the American Basketball Association, this project represents a meaningful way to connect with basketball through his musical talents.

A groundbreaking exhibition at London's Tate Modern titled "Nigerian Modernism" is showcasing over 250 works by more than 50 Nigerian artists, highlighting their significant but often overlooked contributions to modern art. The exhibition traces the development of modern Nigerian art from the 1940s through the colonial period, independence in 1960, and into the postcolonial era of the 1970s and 1980s. Notable featured artists include Ben Enwonwu, who gained international recognition while incorporating his Igbo heritage into his work, and Ladi Kwali, a pioneering female ceramicist who blended traditional techniques with modern training. This exhibition is part of a growing international recognition of African artists' contributions to modernism, reflected in both increased institutional attention and rising commercial interest.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has taken mixed action on bills aimed at addressing racial discrimination against Black Americans, signing legislation that allocates $6 million for CSU to study how to identify descendants of enslaved people and creating a Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery, while vetoing several other related proposals. Among the vetoed bills were measures that would have granted university admissions preference to descendants of enslaved people, investigated claims of racially unjust property seizures, and allocated 10% of first-time homebuyer funds for descendants of enslaved people. The vetoed bills were part of a broader legislative effort by the California Legislative Black Caucus to implement recommendations from a state reparations task force report documenting California's history of discrimination against Black Americans. Newsom cited various reasons for his vetoes, including existing legal authorities, potential legal risks, and lack of agency expertise to implement certain proposals.

Redemption Bank, the first Black-owned bank in the western United States, recently broke ground in Holladay, Utah, with Bernice A. King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., serving as senior vice president for corporate partnerships and community impact. The institution is classified as a Minority Depository Institution (MDI), becoming only the 24th such bank in the nation, and is uniquely positioned as the only Black-owned bank not located in an economically underserved community. Despite Utah's Black population being under 3 percent, founder Ashley Bell considers the state ideal for business due to its favorable banking regulations and supportive local investors and collaborators. The bank aims to address lending disparities highlighted by recent statistics showing 39 percent of Black-owned businesses were denied loans in 2024, significantly higher than the 18 percent rejection rate for white-owned businesses.

Callie M. Burke, a devoted nurse and U.S. Navy Reserve veteran, passed away on September 21, 2025, at age 77 in San Diego, California. Her 50-year nursing career spanned service in the military, VA Hospital, and Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, where she approached healthcare as a spiritual calling. A graduate of Kaiser University with a nursing degree, Burke was deeply guided by her Christian faith throughout her life. She leaves behind a loving family including sisters, four children, twelve grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, having lived by her favorite scripture from 1 John 4:19 about loving others.

Freddie Bevelyn, born in 1936 in New Orleans, passed away on September 30, 2025, after a life of dedicated service and community involvement. Following a 20-year career in the U.S. Navy where he developed carpentry and firefighting skills, Bevelyn worked at NASSCO for 25 years before retiring as a foreman. He was deeply committed to Bethel AME Church, serving as a Trustee from 1996 until being appointed to the position of Emeritus in 2025, while also actively participating in the Southeast Kiwanis Club and PAZZAZ, Inc. Known for his mechanical and culinary talents, particularly his famous gumbo and pralines, Bevelyn is survived by his wife Pat, daughter, grandsons, and numerous family members and friends.

This article highlights three significant historical events that took place on October 16 across different years. In 1831, Lucy Stanton Day Sessions was born, later becoming the first African American woman to complete college-level education at Oberlin College and the first African American to publish a short story. Ebenezer D. Bassett, born in 1833, made history as the first African American diplomat when appointed as U.S. Minister to Haiti by President Grant in 1869. Finally, the Million Man March of 1995 brought together approximately 850,000 African American men at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., focusing on unity and community rebuilding, resulting in over 1.5 million Black men registering to vote nationwide.

India's foreign ministry has disputed US President Donald Trump's claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to stop purchasing Russian oil during a recent phone call. Trump stated that Modi had assured him India would halt Russian oil imports "within a short period of time," but an Indian government spokesman said they were "not aware of any conversation" taking place when Trump claimed. The disputed exchange occurs amid ongoing US pressure on India to end its support for Russian energy markets as part of efforts to economically isolate the Kremlin over the Ukraine war. India has become a major customer for Russian oil since the war began, with the White House acknowledging "productive discussions" while claiming India is already reducing its Russian oil purchases.

New York City's mayoral race features three distinctive candidates who will debate at Rockefeller Plaza on Thursday: frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Democratic socialist state assemblyman who won the Democratic primary by nearly 13 points; Andrew Cuomo, the former New York governor running as an independent after resigning amid sexual harassment allegations in 2021; and Curtis Sliwa, a Republican known for founding the Guardian Angels crime prevention group. Current Mayor Eric Adams dropped out of the race last month following various scandals including federal indictment on bribery and fraud charges that were later dropped after President Trump took office. The candidates are expected to debate critical issues including affordable housing and the city's $4 billion government budget deficit as they compete to lead America's largest city.

China has escalated the trade war with the US by imposing strict export controls on rare earth minerals, which are essential components in high-tech manufacturing, electronics, and defense systems. The new regulations require government approval for all rare earth exports from China, which controls approximately 61% of production and 92% of processing globally. This strategic move directly impacts US industries that rely heavily on Chinese rare earth imports, with the US depending on China for 70% of its rare earth compounds and metals between 2020-2023. The restrictions are viewed as China leveraging its market dominance as a bargaining chip in ongoing trade negotiations with Washington.

The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) concluded that OceanGate's Titan submersible imploded during its journey to the Titanic wreckage due to inadequate engineering, insufficient testing, and undetected damage. The June 2023 disaster killed all five people aboard, including OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush and four passengers who paid up to $250,000 each for the experience. The investigation revealed a problematic safety culture at OceanGate, with evidence that safety concerns were ignored and that the company attempted to circumvent regulations by labeling paying customers as "mission specialists" rather than passengers. The NTSB has recommended that the US Coast Guard study how pressure vessels carrying people are assessed and update regulations accordingly.

Acclaimed actress Diane Keaton, known for her iconic roles in films such as The Godfather series, Annie Hall, and Father of the Bride, has died at age 79 from pneumonia. Her family released a statement to People magazine thanking fans for their outpouring of support following her October 11th passing in California. The news prompted tributes from numerous Hollywood stars including her First Wives Club co-stars Goldie Hawn and Bette Midler, as well as Steve Martin. Keaton's remarkable five-decade career included an Academy Award for Annie Hall along with three additional Oscar nominations, and she was also recognized for her distinctive fashion style featuring turtlenecks and hats.

India's goods exports to the US fell significantly by 20% in September and nearly 40% over four months following the implementation of 50% tariffs by the US on August 27, which included a 25% penalty for India's Russian oil purchases. According to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), labor-intensive sectors like textiles, gems, engineering goods, and chemicals have been most severely affected, contributing to India's widening trade deficit which reached a 13-month high of $32.15 billion in September. Trade negotiations between the two countries are ongoing with the aim of finalizing an agreement by next month, though major disagreements persist regarding agriculture and dairy market access. Despite these challenges, both nations have established an ambitious target to increase bilateral trade from $190 billion to $500 billion.

Detroit mayoral candidates Rev. Solomon Kinloch and Mary Sheffield debated public safety approaches ahead of the November 4 municipal election, with federal law enforcement assistance emerging as a key point of contention. While both opposed military deployment in Detroit, Kinloch expressed openness to federal collaboration on law enforcement, whereas Sheffield firmly rejected militarizing neighborhoods and advocated for addressing root causes of crime. The debate occurred amid claims about Detroit's crime statistics, with Kinloch questioning their legitimacy while city officials maintain crime rates are declining. Current Mayor Mike Duggan, who is not seeking reelection, has credited partnerships between Detroit Police and federal agencies along with community violence intervention groups for the city's reduced crime rates.

President Donald Trump is planning to build a triumphal arch near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC to commemorate America's 250th anniversary. The proposed "Arc de Trump," modeled after Paris's Arc de Triomphe, would be positioned at the end of Memorial Bridge coming from Arlington National Cemetery and is reportedly being privately funded by Trump's supporters. This monument is part of Trump's broader second-term vision for reshaping the capital, which includes extensive White House renovations, a $250 million ballroom, and clearing homeless encampments. While presidential renovations to the White House are common, Trump's plans extend significantly beyond traditional updates, with the president already displaying renderings and models of his proposed arch during recent meetings.