July 25, 2026
Iran-backed Houthis claim missile attack on Saudi Arabia
The Iran-backed Houthis launched a missile attack on the Saudi city of Jizan, causing fires, in retaliation for Saudi airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen's Hodeida port city and a nearby island. This escalation occurred during a temporary pause in the broader US-Iran conflict, which had seen 13 consecutive nights of American strikes on Iran and Iranian drone attacks on US facilities across the Middle East. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continued with an Omani delegation visiting Tehran and President Trump indicating negotiations were ongoing while maintaining threats of military action. The regional tensions have disrupted shipping and driven oil prices above $100 per barrel, though prices dropped after Chinese tankers successfully navigated through key waterways. # Key Takeaways
Read moreJuly 25, 2026
Watch: Inside the room as Trump reattempts press dinner
President Donald Trump held a second White House Correspondents' Dinner after the original April event was disrupted when a gunman fired shots near a security checkpoint. The shooter, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, struck a federal agent who survived due to wearing a bulletproof vest, and Allen now faces charges of attempting to assassinate the president. The rescheduled dinner, which traditionally celebrates press freedom, drew hundreds of journalists to the White House. BBC journalist Bernd Debusmann Jr attended the event and documented how the evening proceeded. # Key Takeaways
Read moreJuly 25, 2026
Trump orders Smithsonian to post warnings about 'inaccurate' US history
President Trump has issued an executive order requiring warning signs to be posted outside the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, alerting visitors that certain exhibits contain what his administration considers inaccurate historical content. The order, directed at the Department of Interior, accuses museum leadership of promoting social justice ideology rather than properly celebrating America's founders during the nation's 250th anniversary. This action follows recent congressional hearings where the Smithsonian director faced Republican criticism over alleged "woke ideology" in museum displays and materials. The move is part of Trump's broader campaign to eliminate what he characterizes as divisive left-wing thinking from federally-funded institutions. Democratic lawmakers have condemned the order as political overreach intended to rewrite history.
Read moreJuly 25, 2026
Texts reveal 14-year-old allegedly murdered by singer D4vd had pregnancy and abortion
Singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, is facing murder and sexual abuse charges in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was discovered in his Tesla in September 2025. Text messages presented during a preliminary hearing revealed that the girl had been pregnant and underwent at least one abortion while involved with Burke, whom prosecutors say she met online when she was just 11 years old. Authorities allege Burke sexually abused her starting when she was 13 and killed her after she threatened to expose their relationship and ruin his music career. The rising TikTok star, known for viral hits like "Romantic Homicide," has pleaded not guilty to seven criminal charges including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child, and mutilation of remains. # Key Takeaways
Read moreJuly 24, 2026
Wisconsin officials open investigation into fatal police shooting
Wisconsin state authorities have launched a homicide investigation following the fatal police shooting of 38-year-old Corey Ruiz in Madison. According to police accounts, officers shot Ruiz after he allegedly brandished a knife and injured an officer during an altercation that began when police responded to reports of someone attempting to enter parked vehicles. Video footage captured by bystanders has circulated widely on social media, prompting street protests and demands for accountability. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Ruiz's family, has condemned the shooting as unconstitutional, while Madison's mayor and police chief have promised full cooperation with state investigators examining the incident.
Read moreJuly 24, 2026
Power Read 25: Where Black Women Illuminate America’s Story
In response to the underrepresentation of Black women authors in the National Endowment for the Arts' "Big Read 250" initiative, Unerased | Black Women Speak has launched Power Read 25, a yearlong reading campaign featuring 25 biographies of Black women throughout American history. Announced in July and supported by the Park Foundation with The Washington Informer as media partner, the initiative aims to counter book banning trends and cultural erasure by highlighting the contributions of Black women from slavery through present day. The campaign includes well-known figures like Harriet Tubman and Zora Neale Hurston alongside lesser-known change agents, with companion titles for young readers. The organization is distributing a free activation toolkit and encouraging participation from families, libraries, schools, and book clubs to spark conversations about how these historical narratives can inform a better future.
Read moreJuly 24, 2026
Former NFL star Tony Romo arrested for driving intoxicated
Tony Romo, who played as quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys from 2003 to 2016, was taken into custody by Wisconsin authorities on suspicion of intoxicated driving. The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office stopped him during the evening hours on Thursday after he failed to successfully complete roadside sobriety assessments. He was subsequently released from custody the same night with a court appearance scheduled for late September. This represents his first offense of this nature, and if convicted, he faces potential penalties including license suspension and monetary fines. # Key Takeaways
Read moreJuly 24, 2026
Report Highlights Sharp Rise in Denaturalization Lawsuits
The Trump administration has dramatically increased civil denaturalization lawsuits, filing 33 cases in May and early June 2026 compared to a historical average of less than one per month. This surge stems from a June 2025 Justice Department memo establishing denaturalization as a civil enforcement priority and the apparent resumption of Historical Fingerprint Enrollment reviews that began identifying individuals who obtained citizenship under false identities. While current cases appear to involve serious crimes like child molestation, fraud, and narcotics distribution, immigration researchers warn the scope could expand to include minor violations. The effort builds on Operation Janus, an Obama-era initiative that identified approximately 858 people who were naturalized despite previous deportation orders under different identities. # Key Takeaways
Read moreJuly 24, 2026
Teen pleads guilty in Georgia school shooting that killed four
Sixteen-year-old Colt Gray pleaded guilty to murder charges for a September 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia that claimed four lives, including two 14-year-old students and two teachers. Gray, who was 14 during the attack, entered a non-negotiated plea agreement and faces a likely life sentence without parole, having waived his rights to a trial and appeal. Evidence presented in court revealed months of premeditation, including drawings, written plans, and anticipated casualty counts found on his devices. His father was previously convicted of murder in March for providing the weapon—a Christmas gift—used in the massacre, marking a rare case of parental accountability for a child's school shooting.
Read moreJuly 24, 2026
Saving Black Mothers Starts Outside the Hospital
A recent Word In Black panel discussion examined why Black American women continue to die from pregnancy-related complications at disproportionately high rates, even as maternal mortality decreases in other developed nations. Healthcare experts and community leaders concluded the crisis stems not from biological differences but from systemic racism, lack of access to care, economic inequality, and inadequate mental health support that affect Black women long before childbirth. The panel highlighted community-based solutions already showing promise, including midwifery care that treats pregnancy as a family-centered event, guaranteed basic income programs to reduce financial stress, and integrated mental health services. However, panelists noted that institutional barriers like restrictive licensing laws, inadequate insurance coverage for midwives, and fragmented community efforts continue to prevent these solutions from reaching those who need them most.
Read moreJuly 24, 2026
Cyclospora outbreak expands to nine US states, health officials say
A cyclospora parasite outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce from central Mexico has expanded to nine US states as part of what officials are calling the largest recorded outbreak in American history. Since mid-May, over 11,000 cases have been documented across 41 states, with Michigan bearing the brunt of infections at more than 8,100 cases. The parasite causes cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness characterized by severe diarrhea, and Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled all affected lettuce products on July 17th. Health experts indicate that tracing the outbreak's origins is challenging because symptoms can take weeks to appear after consumption, making it difficult to identify contamination sources and common links between cases. # Key Takeaways
Read moreJuly 24, 2026
Automatic Draft Registration Raises Questions Among Young Americans
The federal government is transitioning to automatic registration of men ages 18-25 for the Selective Service System, using existing databases like Social Security and DMV records instead of requiring individuals to register themselves. While officials characterize this as an administrative change, it has sparked confusion and concern among young Americans who often misunderstand the difference between registration and actually being drafted into military service. The policy shift raises questions about government authority, data privacy, and the removal of personal choice from what was previously considered a voluntary civic duty. Social media misinformation has amplified anxiety, with some falsely believing automatic registration leads directly to military deployment, though the U.S. hasn't used a draft since 1973 during the Vietnam War. # Key Takeaways
Read moreJuly 24, 2026
When Can a Power Company Take Your Land for Data Center Infrastructure?
The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence in the United States has triggered unprecedented construction of data centers, with over 3,000 currently operating and 1,500 more under development. These facilities require enormous amounts of electricity and water, necessitating new transmission lines that must often cross private property. When landowners refuse to sell, power companies are increasingly invoking eminent domain—the government's authority to seize private property for public use with compensation—to acquire the necessary land. However, significant legal questions have emerged about whether transmission lines serving private data centers truly constitute "public use" under constitutional requirements, with landowners finding varying success challenging these seizures depending on state laws and whether local residents benefit from the infrastructure.
Read moreJuly 24, 2026
Children’s Books About Black People’s Everyday, Joyful Lives are Sometimes Banned – But They Help All Kids Explore What it Means to be Human
Researchers studying "Black livingness" literature—children's books by Black authors depicting Black children and families in everyday, joyful situations—have identified concerning trends in book banning that disproportionately affect these works. Since 2021, nearly 23,000 individual book bans have occurred in schools and libraries, with approximately 44% targeting books featuring characters of color. The researchers argue that contemporary Black children's literature from 2020-2024 reveals three key themes: the central role of extended family networks, the use of imagination as a tool for hope and possibility, and diverse pathways to learning beyond traditional schooling. These books serve as both mirrors for Black children to see positive representations of themselves and windows for non-Black children to understand different communities, helping combat stereotypes and racial bias through humanizing everyday Black experiences. # Key Takeaways
Read moreJuly 24, 2026
Blowback from latest DTE outage surfaces on midterm campaign trail
A major power outage over the July 4th weekend affected roughly 400,000 DTE Energy customers in Southeast Michigan, particularly in Dearborn and Downriver communities, leaving many without electricity for multiple days during heat and humidity. The widespread disruption has intensified political pressure on the utility company, with candidates in contested state Senate primaries channeling resident frustration and proposing various reforms including rate freezes, increased outage compensation, and restrictions on utility political donations. DTE CEO Joi Harris characterized the July 3 storms as a "unique event" that developed rapidly, while acknowledging the inadequacy of the company's $42 daily outage credit and pledging infrastructure improvements. The Michigan Public Service Commission launched an investigation into DTE and other utilities' storm response after receiving over 1,500 customer complaints, while a separate ballot initiative seeking to ban political donations from monopoly companies could significantly impact utility influence over state lawmakers. This latest outage compounds longstanding concerns about DTE's reliability and affordability, as Michigan already has the highest residential electricity rates in the Midwest and DTE ranks among utilities with the longest outage durations nationally. # Key Takeaways
Read moreJuly 24, 2026
All passengers rescued after fiery seaplane crash
A seaplane carrying eleven people crashed in the Puget Sound waters near Seattle, Washington on July 23rd. Video footage captured the aircraft making an awkward landing on the water before erupting into flames. Despite the dramatic nature of the incident, rescue operations were successful in saving all eleven individuals who were aboard the aircraft. Authorities confirmed that there were no fatalities resulting from this fiery crash, and all passengers survived the emergency. # Key Takeaways
Read moreJuly 24, 2026
Michigan bans big investors from buying more homes. Will it work?
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has enacted legislation preventing large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes if they already own 100 or more properties in the state, while a parallel federal law sets a 350-home nationwide threshold. The measure aims to preserve housing availability for Michigan residents, particularly in tourism-driven areas where vacation rentals have proliferated, though state housing officials acknowledge institutional investors represent a relatively small portion of the market compared to other states. Large-scale investors own approximately 3-4% of single-family rentals nationally, but in Michigan the rate of institutional purchases stands at 6.5%, significantly lower than states like Alabama at 10.9%. Critics worry the law may be circumvented through multiple LLC formations, while supporters view it as proactive protection against future housing market consolidation that could price out local workers and families. # Key Takeaways
Read moreJuly 24, 2026
US hits dozens of countries with new wave of tariffs
The United States has imposed new tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on goods from 60 trading partners, including the UK, China, and the European Union, affecting nearly all American imports. These levies replace an earlier identical tariff system that expired, with the White House justifying the action based on claims that trading partners have failed to adequately address forced labor practices. However, trade experts suggest the forced labor rationale is merely a legal cover, with the real motivation being Trump's focus on reducing the US trade deficit and boosting domestic manufacturing. The tariffs are expected to increase costs for businesses and consumers, while potentially prompting affected countries to reduce their economic dependence on the United States by pursuing alternative trade agreements. # Key Takeaways
Read moreJuly 24, 2026
Why is David Beckham so popular in the US?
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Read moreJuly 24, 2026
Man sues ChatGPT for near-fatal medical advice
A Florida man has filed a lawsuit against ChatGPT after allegedly receiving dangerous medical guidance from the AI chatbot that nearly resulted in his death. The legal action centers on advice the man claims he received from the artificial intelligence system regarding a medical condition. This case represents a significant legal challenge concerning the liability and responsibility of AI companies when their products provide potentially harmful health-related information to users. The lawsuit raises important questions about whether AI developers can be held accountable when their chatbots dispense medical advice that puts people at risk. # Key Takeaways
Read moreJuly 24, 2026
Using a bathroom 20 times a day - life in the middle of US cyclospora outbreak
The United States is experiencing its largest recorded cyclospora outbreak, with thousands of people across 41 states infected by a parasite that causes severe intestinal illness including intense diarrhea and stomach cramps. Michigan has been hit hardest with over 7,000 cases, particularly in Monroe County where residents are experiencing widespread anxiety and drastically changing their eating habits out of fear. Health authorities have struggled to identify the contamination source, initially pointing to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in Mexico, but a positive test result turned out to be false, leaving the investigation without definitive answers. Major food chains and retailers including Taco Bell, Walmart, and Jack in the Box have pulled produce from shelves as a precautionary measure while the mystery continues.
Read moreJuly 24, 2026
What's going on with the US-Saudi nuclear deal?
The United States and Saudi Arabia are engaged in negotiations over a nuclear cooperation agreement, which has attracted significant attention due to its geopolitical implications. The deal involves American support for Saudi Arabia's civilian nuclear energy program, raising concerns about nuclear proliferation in the Middle East region. President Trump's administration is involved in these discussions, which come amid broader US-Saudi relations and regional security considerations. The agreement's terms and safeguards are subject to scrutiny given the sensitive nature of nuclear technology transfer and the potential for weaponization. # Key Takeaways
Read moreJuly 24, 2026
Watch: Another day, more Trump tariffs - but are they working?
President Trump has implemented another round of import tariffs during his second term in office, continuing a policy focus that has dominated headlines. The BBC's Samira Hussain examines the economic impact of these trade taxes on American consumers and businesses. Analysis suggests that American households are experiencing approximately 1.5% higher costs as a result of the tariff policies. The report investigates who bears the financial burden of these tariffs and evaluates whether the measures are successfully achieving their intended policy goals. # Key Takeaways
Read moreJuly 24, 2026
US and Iran trade more strikes in Gulf as fears of escalation mount
The United States and Iran have engaged in an intensifying cycle of military strikes, with Iran launching drone attacks on US military facilities across the Middle East following 13 consecutive nights of American bombardment of Iranian territory. The escalation threatens a fragile ceasefire agreement reached in June that aimed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which President Trump declared "over" three weeks after signing. Trump has announced plans to seize frozen Iranian assets to compensate victims of shipping damages in the strait, prompting Iranian officials to warn of resulting chaos. The conflict has driven oil prices above $100 per barrel and raised concerns about regional shipping security, with Trump threatening renewed major combat operations against Iran. # Key Takeaways
Read moreJuly 24, 2026
This new bridge aimed to show US-Canada unity but instead stoked divisions
A new $6.4 billion bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor was meant to symbolize US-Canada unity, but has instead become a flashpoint for tensions between the two countries. Canada funded the entire construction over eight years and originally planned to recoup costs through tolls before sharing revenue, but President Trump demanded immediate ownership and revenue sharing, threatening to block the bridge's opening. Under pressure, Prime Minister Mark Carney agreed to split half the bridge revenues with a US-controlled fund for fifteen years, leading to accusations he negotiated from weakness. The controversy has resulted in Canada holding a solo inauguration ceremony after disinviting American officials, while Carney faces domestic criticism for making concessions to what many view as unfair demands. # Key Takeaways
Read moreJuly 24, 2026
US health panel loosens restrictions for controversial peptides popular online
A US FDA advisory panel has narrowly voted to allow specialized pharmacies to manufacture controversial peptides like BPC-157, TB-500, and KPV, which have gained popularity among online wellness influencers and young people despite lacking substantial human research. These naturally-occurring proteins, which act as cellular messengers in the body, are being marketed online for unproven benefits like anti-aging, muscle building, and tissue repair, particularly among teenage boys on TikTok. The substances currently exist in a regulatory gray area—they're not illegal to possess but aren't approved for human use or subject to pharmaceutical quality controls. Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. supports easing restrictions on these drugs, reversing Biden-era policies that limited them due to safety concerns, though health experts warn about unknown long-term effects and the absence of proper clinical trials. # Key Takeaways
Read moreJuly 24, 2026
Watch: Driver dressed as Spider-Man whisks man in a wheelchair across busy road
A driver named Christopher Hellenthal, who was dressed in a Spider-Man costume while returning from a superhero-themed event, assisted a wheelchair user in crossing a busy intersection in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He intervened just before the traffic lights were about to change, quickly helping the person get safely across the road. The local police department released traffic camera footage of the incident and publicly thanked Hellenthal for his helpful actions. The heartwarming moment demonstrated how ordinary people can step up to help others in need, even while dressed as fictional heroes. # Key Takeaways
Read moreJuly 23, 2026
Secret Service agent in Vance's team under investigation over alleged leak
A Secret Service agent assigned to Vice-President JD Vance's protection detail has been suspended pending a criminal investigation for allegedly disclosing sensitive operational and security information. The suspension reportedly relates to anonymous leaks about frustrations within Vance's security team regarding his family's travel requirements, including helicopter transport for his son's golf lessons and house-hunting trips. This incident occurs amid what Secret Service leadership describes as an unprecedented threat environment, with nearly 10,000 threat investigations opened since January. The agency attributes the surge to online threats, extremist ideologies, foreign interference, and individuals in mental health crises, marking the most dangerous period in the current director's 24-year career. # Key Takeaways
Read moreJuly 23, 2026
Bethel AME: Annual Class Leader Council Worship & Celebration
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Read moreJuly 23, 2026
Justice dept withdraws subpoenas over New York Times reports about Air Force One
The Justice Department has withdrawn subpoenas that sought to compel testimony from New York Times journalists who reported on security issues with a new Air Force One aircraft gifted by Qatar. A federal judge questioned the legitimacy of the subpoenas, which also targeted records from journalists' family members, including one reporter's mother and another's spouse. During the court hearing, government lawyers acknowledged procedural errors in serving the legal summonses, leading to their withdrawal. Despite this setback, the Justice Department maintains it will continue investigating the leak of classified information, while press freedom advocates and the Times have celebrated the outcome as a victory for journalism and the protection of confidential sources. # Key Takeaways
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