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The article explores the critical importance of African-centered education for Black students in Detroit through the personal journey of Tiffany Brockington, who attended Nataki Talibah Schoolhouse. This school, founded by Carmen N'Namdi in 1978, was designed to counter Eurocentric curricula by intentionally weaving African history, cultural pride, and community responsibility into all subject areas. Data shows fewer than 20% of Michigan public schools offer structured African American history courses before high school, creating an educational environment where Black heritage is treated as optional rather than foundational. Brockington's experience demonstrates how culturally affirming education empowered her with confidence and purpose, ultimately leading her to become an educator and doctoral candidate focused on developing community-based educational programs.

President Donald Trump has demanded the removal of Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook, citing allegations of mortgage fraud in a letter posted on Truth Social. Cook, appointed by President Biden in 2022 as the first African American in this role, allegedly claimed two properties in different states as primary residences on mortgage documents. Democrats have condemned this action as unprecedented political interference in the Federal Reserve, which functions independently within government. Cook, whose term was set to end in 2038, has denied wrongdoing and stated she will fight the dismissal, arguing Trump lacks just cause to fire her.

Dorsey Nunn's new memoir, "What Kind of Bird Can't Fly," chronicles his journey from being incarcerated at age 19 through his transformation into an advocate for justice reform. The book details his experiences in prison, including the realization that his entire Little League team except one white player had been incarcerated, and explores themes of systemic racism in the criminal justice system. Nunn describes his radicalization during his decade in prison, his struggles with anger and sobriety after release, and his ongoing fight against what he views as modern slavery in the prison system. Through personal anecdotes about reconnecting with family and finding moments of grace, Nunn's memoir ultimately delivers a message about human dignity and the possibility of redemption.

The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) has revealed that America's 400 wealthiest households paid an average effective tax rate of just 24% between 2018-2020, significantly lower than the 30% paid by the general population and 45% by top wage earners. This reduction stems from President Donald Trump's 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which decreased the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and created new loopholes for the ultra-wealthy. The disparity is particularly evident in Washington D.C., home to numerous billionaires including Jeff Bezos, whose effective tax rate has been reported at approximately 1% despite his $161 billion fortune. The NBER study demonstrates that billionaires exploit structural gaps in the tax code, allowing their taxable income to represent only about one-third of their actual economic income.

Republicans in Congress are introducing multiple bills to expand federal control over Washington, D.C., following President Trump's August 11th "crime emergency" declaration. The legislation would give the president sweeping powers over D.C.'s laws, police, and courts, including measures to block emergency legislation passed by the D.C. Council and extend presidential control of the Metropolitan Police Department from 30 days to six months. Critics, including D.C. residents and leaders, have condemned these actions as racist attempts to dismantle the majority-Black city's limited self-governance, despite the city experiencing one of its steepest crime declines in decades. The measures have resulted in National Guard troops patrolling D.C. streets, creating what some residents describe as an atmosphere of occupation rather than democracy.

President Trump has signed an executive order threatening to withhold federal funding from jurisdictions with cashless bail policies, while also directing Washington D.C. defendants to be charged under federal statutes to circumvent the city's bail reforms. Critics highlight the contradiction between Trump's actions and his own recent legal situation, where he remained free after being convicted on 34 felony counts, benefiting from the same cash bail system that typically allows wealthy defendants to avoid pretrial detention. Data shows that over 60% of pretrial detainees are jailed solely because they cannot afford bail, with this burden falling disproportionately on Black and Latino communities. Despite Trump's claims about cashless bail releasing violent offenders, fact-checkers have disputed these assertions, noting that states with bail reforms typically exclude violent crimes and have seen decreases in crime rates.

Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, founder of the Sinaloa Cartel and one of Mexico's most notorious drug lords, has pleaded guilty to drug smuggling and conspiracy charges in a New York court. After initially pleading not guilty, the 77-year-old kingpin changed his plea, acknowledging his role in creating a vast criminal network that transported enormous quantities of drugs into the United States since the late 1980s. Zambada was arrested in Texas in 2023 following a deception by the sons of his former ally, Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, after which he claimed he was ambushed and forcibly transported to the United States. Due to his guilty plea, Zambada, who successfully evaded capture for five decades while overseeing a global drug trafficking operation, is expected to receive a more lenient sentence and is scheduled for sentencing in January 2026.

Grammy-winning rapper Lil Nas X has pleaded not guilty to multiple felony charges, including battery of police officers and resisting arrest, following an incident where he was found wandering naked in Los Angeles. The 26-year-old artist, whose legal name is Montero Lamar Hill, allegedly charged at officers responding to reports about a nude man on Ventura Boulevard in Studio City last Thursday. After the arrest, he was hospitalized for a possible overdose and spent the weekend in jail before appearing at his arraignment on Monday, where his bail was set at $75,000. If convicted of the charges, Lil Nas X could face up to five years in prison.

The first human case of New World screwworm (NWS) myiasis in the US has been confirmed in a patient who returned from El Salvador, with confirmation occurring on August 4. This parasitic infestation of fly larvae primarily affects livestock and typically occurs in South America and the Caribbean, though it has now been confirmed in all Central American countries as well as the US and Mexico. Health authorities, including the CDC, have investigated the case but indicate the risk to US public health is currently "very low." If an outbreak were to occur in US livestock, it could threaten over $100 billion in economic activity related to the cattle and livestock industry.

Federal Judge Paula Xinis temporarily blocked the US government from deporting Kilmar Ábrego García to Uganda or any other country after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) took him into custody during a check-in. The judge raised concerns about the government potentially conditioning Mr. Ábrego García's plea deal on deportation choices, noting this would undermine constitutional rights. This latest development follows Mr. Ábrego García's previous mistaken deportation to El Salvador in March, after which he was returned to the US and charged with human trafficking. The Trump administration has portrayed Mr. Ábrego García as a criminal, while his legal team argues he's being punished for exercising his constitutional rights by refusing a plea deal.

Four San Diego High School athletes—Jewel Parker, Shanti Glenn, Seniaah Simms, and Gianna Woodson—delivered standout performances at the Ballislife All-American Camp 2K25, competing against elite talent from California and beyond. Three of the players earned Top 20 honors, with Seniaah Simms additionally receiving the Hustle Award for the 2028 class. All four advanced to the Queen of the Court finals while participating in various camp activities including skill development stations, competitive matchups, and leadership training. The camp provided the athletes with valuable exposure through live-streamed games and highlight coverage, while also offering opportunities to challenge themselves against top competition.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, California-Hawaii State Conference (CA/HI NAACP) is urging the California Legislature to pass two reparations bills authored by Senator Akilah Weber Pierson. The bills, SB 518 and SB 437, are currently in the Assembly Appropriations Committee's "Suspense File" for further financial review. SB 518 proposes establishing an agency to implement state-level reparations for eligible descendants of enslaved individuals, while SB 437 authorizes California State University to use genealogical records to determine eligibility for reparations initiatives. Both bills are part of the California Legislative Black Caucus's "Road to Repair 2025 Priority Bill Package" and follow recommendations from the California Reparations Task Force.

Assemblymember James C. Ramos is criticizing the University of California for failing to repatriate thousands of Native American remains and sacred artifacts despite federal and state legal requirements. UC officials will face lawmakers in a joint hearing on August 26 at the Capitol Annex Building, where legislators will demand clear timelines for compliance and may consider stricter oversight measures. Three audits since 2019, including one from April, have found UC campuses consistently missing deadlines under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and its California counterpart. The audit revealed that UC still holds remains of thousands of individuals and hundreds of thousands of cultural items, with some campuses failing to properly utilize NAGPRA funds intended for tribal repatriation efforts.

Laurent Saint-Cyr, a wealthy businessman from Haiti's private sector, has been appointed as head of Haiti's transitional presidential council amid a severe security crisis where gangs control 90% of Port-au-Prince neighborhoods. During his swearing-in ceremony, Saint-Cyr emphasized the need for action rather than speeches while powerful gang leader Jimmy "Barbecue" Chérizier threatened to overthrow the government. The transitional leadership faces significant challenges including endemic gang violence, widespread sexual assault, and limited resources for the UN-backed security mission, which has only 991 personnel instead of the planned 2,500 and just 14% of needed funding. Violence has displaced more than 1.3 million people in Haiti since President Jovenel Moïse's assassination in July 2021, with at least 1,520 people killed between April and June.

Donald Trump's declaration of "liberation day in D.C." and threats to take over policing in other Black-led cities directly contradict Justice Department data showing significant crime reductions in these areas. Washington D.C. has reached a 30-year low in violent crime with a 35% overall reduction, while cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, Baltimore, and Oakland have all reported substantial decreases in homicides and other violent crimes. Black mayors attribute these successes to community-based violence prevention programs, youth employment initiatives, and public health approaches to crime reduction. The African American Mayors Association has noted that Trump's targeting appears focused on Black mayors or those perceived as Democrats, aligning with Project 2025's agenda to consolidate federal power at the expense of local autonomy.

Natasha Rothwell, Emmy nominee for HBO's "The White Lotus," recently shared with CNN how she managed her finances before achieving success in entertainment. She revealed carrying a $40,000 check written to herself for years while struggling financially in New York, visualizing the day she could pay off her student loans. Rothwell eventually did pay off her loans with her first significant entertainment industry paycheck, describing the emotional moment as powerful and validating her belief in the law of attraction. Her performance as resort wellness employee Belinda in "The White Lotus" has earned her an Emmy nomination for outstanding supporting actress in a drama series, contributing to the show's 23 nominations this year.

The article details the perilous journeys of Ethiopian migrants attempting to reach Saudi Arabia through Yemen, highlighting the recent tragedy of a capsized boat that killed approximately 140 people, including 19-year-old Nigus Yosef. It chronicles the devastating impact on families left behind, including parents grieving lost children and others forced to pay ransoms to kidnappers after their loved ones are captured in Yemen. Despite government warnings against illegal migration, Ethiopian youth continue to flee due to high unemployment and regional instability following the Tigray war, with migration scholar Girmachew Adugna noting that legal migration pathways remain inaccessible to most young people, driving them toward dangerous irregular routes.

President Trump has deployed federal law enforcement and National Guard troops to Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., while threatening similar action in predominantly Black Democratic cities, ostensibly to fight crime. Critics view these deployments as political provocation and racial intimidation, sparking debate about their legality and placing Black officers and soldiers in a difficult position. The article examines historical instances where Black police and military personnel have responded to questionable federal deployments to their communities, highlighting that federal officers and soldiers can legally refuse unlawful orders. Though rare, there have been notable cases of Black military dissent during racial tensions, including the "Fort Hood 43" incident in 1968 when Black soldiers refused deployment for riot control in Chicago.

Jerry Adler, who died peacefully in his sleep at age 96, was renowned for his role as Herman 'Hesh' Rabkin in The Sopranos, though he only began acting in his sixties after a distinguished 30-year career behind the scenes on Broadway. As a stage manager, supervisor, and director, Adler worked on more than 50 Broadway productions alongside stars like Julie Andrews, Angela Lansbury, and Richard Burton before transitioning to television acting. Following his breakthrough role in The Sopranos, Adler secured recurring parts in popular series including The Good Wife, The Good Fight, and Rescue Me, while also making appearances in shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm and The West Wing. His career came full circle when he returned to Broadway as an actor in the productions Taller than a Dwarf (2000) and Fish in the Dark (2015).

Gabriela, a middle-class Ecuadorian woman, fled to the United States after receiving death threats from gangs and witnessing the kidnapping and murder of her daughter's grandfather. She is now among millions with pending asylum claims in the US, where applicants fleeing cartel violence face significant legal challenges. US asylum law only recognizes five grounds for protection (race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group), making it difficult for cartel violence victims to qualify. Under the Trump administration, immigration policies have become stricter, with expanded deportations and detention, creating an environment of fear for asylum seekers like Gabriela who live restricted lives while awaiting their cases to be heard.

President Donald Trump has threatened to deploy troops to Baltimore amid an escalating dispute with Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who invited Trump to join a "safety walk" in the city. This confrontation is part of Trump's broader initiative to send National Guard troops to Democratic-led cities as a crime-fighting measure, which has already resulted in approximately 2,000 troops in Washington DC. Democratic leaders have strongly criticized this approach, with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker calling it an "abuse of power" and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries questioning Trump's legal authority for such deployments. Despite Trump's claims that his intervention has brought "total safety" to Washington DC, official crime statistics show violent offenses had already been declining significantly before the deployment.

Kilmar Ábrego García, a Salvadoran national who was mistakenly deported and then returned to the US, now faces potential deportation to Uganda after declining a plea deal that would have sent him to Costa Rica. His attorneys claim the US government is attempting to coerce him into pleading guilty to human smuggling charges by threatening deportation to a country with which he has no ties. Released from federal custody, Ábrego García must decide by Monday whether to accept the plea deal or potentially be deported to Uganda under a bilateral agreement between the US and Uganda. The case has become a prominent example in the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, with Ábrego García scheduled to appear in a Baltimore immigration court on Monday.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has dismissed Lieutenant General Jeffery Kruse from his position as head of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), along with two other senior military commanders. While the Pentagon provided no immediate explanation for the firings, they follow a White House rebuke of a DIA assessment that claimed US strikes on Iran had set back its nuclear program by only months, contradicting President Trump's assertion of complete destruction. Senator Mark Warner criticized Kruse's removal as part of a pattern where Trump treats intelligence as a "loyalty test," noting that this follows several other dismissals of officials whose analyses diverged from the president's views, including the Commissioner of Labor Statistics and the NSA director.

Diego Borella, a 47-year-old assistant director for "Emily in Paris," tragically died during production of the show's fifth season in Venice, Italy. Medical personnel responded to Hotel Danieli on Thursday evening but were unable to save Borella, who reportedly collapsed in front of colleagues while preparing to film a scene. Paramount Television Studios, which produces the Netflix series, expressed deep sadness over the sudden passing of a member of their "production family." Following the incident, filming was temporarily suspended as the cast and crew cope with the loss of their colleague.

The US National Archives has released thousands of pages of records detailing the government's response to the 1955 lynching of Emmett Till, a 14-year-old African-American youth who was brutally killed in Mississippi after being accused of harassing a white woman. These newly released documents, totaling over 6,500 pages, include previously undisclosed case files and public materials that provide greater insight into this watershed moment in American history. The Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board described the release as "historic," noting it offers "long-overdue clarity" about the federal government's response to Till's murder, which became a catalyst for the civil rights movement largely due to his mother Mamie Till-Mobley's activism following his death. The Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act, making lynching a federal hate crime, was only signed into law in 2022, nearly seven decades after his killing.

Ghislaine Maxwell, currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking and seeking a Supreme Court appeal, told US officials during a July interview that the rumored "client list" of Jeffrey Epstein associates does not exist. During the 300-page transcript, she denied witnessing inappropriate conduct by Donald Trump or Bill Clinton, claimed she did not introduce Prince Andrew to Epstein, and disputed allegations against the Duke of York. Maxwell, who described her relationship with Epstein as beginning in 1991 and evolving into a "friends with benefits" arrangement where she received up to $250,000 annually, is seeking a pardon from President Trump while the White House maintains "no leniency is being given or discussed."

The Menendez brothers, who were convicted of murdering their parents in 1989 and sentenced to life without parole in 1996, were recently denied parole despite becoming eligible following a resentencing hearing in May 2025. Both Erik (54) and Lyle (57) were rejected by separate parole boards in August, with officials citing public safety concerns, the brutal nature of their crimes, and ongoing behavioral issues despite their expressed remorse. Their case has received renewed public attention following Netflix's 2024 drama series "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story," which prompted debate about their claims of parental abuse and divided public opinion on whether they deserve clemency. The brothers can apply for parole again in three years, while California Governor Gavin Newsom is separately considering a clemency request.

The Hunters Point Biomonitoring Program is establishing a Community MedicoLegal Defense Fund for Environmental Justice to continue providing toxic exposure screening services to residents and workers near the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard federal Superfund site in San Francisco. Launched in 2019 as the nation's first community-based human biomonitoring program, it offers screening for up to 35 toxicants including radioactive and cancer-causing heavy metals. The program can no longer provide free services due to overwhelming demand for testing, toxicological referrals, and legal assistance as federal and state lawsuits progress and a major class action lawsuit approaches trial in 2026. The organization is now seeking community financial support through a GoFundMe campaign to continue its environmental justice work.

A tour bus carrying 52 passengers, mainly from India, China, and the Philippines, crashed on a western New York motorway about 40 miles from Niagara Falls, resulting in five fatalities. The bus lost control, veered into a median and ditch, causing some passengers to be ejected while others remained trapped for hours. While mechanical failure and driver impairment have been ruled out, the exact cause remains under investigation, with authorities requesting dashcam footage from other drivers. Emergency services responded with ambulances, medical helicopters, and translators to assist victims aged between one and 74 years old, most of whom are expected to recover from their injuries.

In an escalating political battle over redistricting, lawmakers in California and Texas are redrawing congressional maps to gain partisan advantage in the U.S. House of Representatives. Texas Republicans initiated the conflict by passing a measure to create five new Republican-leaning congressional seats mid-decade, prompting California Democrats to counter with their own redistricting plan designed to neutralize Texas' move. This unusual mid-decade gerrymandering effort could spread to other states before the 2024 midterm elections, with several Democratic and Republican-controlled states considering similar actions. The outcome of this redistricting battle could significantly impact the balance of power in the House, where Democrats need just three more seats to gain control.