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of News Article Lyle Menendez, 57, was denied parole one day after his brother Erik received a similar rejection, marking a significant setback in their quest for freedom after serving over three decades for killing their parents in 1989. During the 10-hour hearing, the parole board cited concerns about Lyle's continued risk to society, including his persistent unauthorized cell phone use in prison as recently as March 2023, despite his educational achievements and positive contributions to prison life. The brothers claimed the killings were in self-defense after years of abuse, while prosecutors portrayed them as greedy and entitled murderers who meticulously planned the crime and later spent $700,000 of their inheritance. Following this denial, Lyle can request another parole hearing in three years, potentially reduced to 18 months with good behavior, while both brothers pursue additional legal avenues including clemency from California Governor Gavin Newsom and a request for a new trial.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered National Guard troops in Washington DC to be armed, marking a shift in the Trump administration's ongoing crime crackdown in the capital. Approximately 2,000 troops were deployed in August when Trump took control of the city's police force to address what he called "out of control" crime, though the Pentagon previously stated troops would not carry weapons. While Trump claims the mission has brought "total safety" to Washington, polls show nearly 80% of residents oppose both the deployment and the federal takeover of local police. The administration is considering extending the operation beyond its 30-day period by declaring a national emergency and potentially expanding similar deployments to other Democratic-run cities like Chicago.

US teenager Brianna LeDoux's Nigerian-made prom dress, which went viral on TikTok with over 1.1 million views, exemplifies a growing trend of American students commissioning custom African-designed prom attire. This phenomenon has created a booming business connecting African fashion designers with American youth, with Nigerian and Ghanaian designers fulfilling thousands of orders during the 2024 prom season. The garments, priced between $600-$1,000, are significantly more affordable than US-made custom dresses while allowing wearers to make cultural statements about their identity. Despite logistical challenges and new 15% US tariffs on Nigerian imports, African designers are adapting their business models to meet continued demand.

San Francisco has significantly reduced visible homelessness through aggressive enforcement measures that began after a 2023 Supreme Court ruling allowed cities to criminalize rough sleeping. Under former Mayor London Breed and continued by current Mayor Daniel Lurie, the city has dramatically increased arrests and citations for illegal lodging while simultaneously investing $846 million in homelessness programs for fiscal year 2024-2025. While tent encampments have decreased from 319 in July 2024 to 165 in June, overall homelessness has actually increased by 7% since 2022, with at least 8,300 people experiencing homelessness. This approach, which President Trump is now implementing in Washington DC, has garnered support from many residents but faces criticism from advocates who argue criminalization merely displaces people without addressing root causes.

Kilmar Ábrego García, a Salvadoran man mistakenly deported in March during Trump's immigration crackdown despite having protection from deportation, has been released from jail. After being held in El Salvador's Cecot prison, he was returned to the US in June and charged with human smuggling in Tennessee, to which he pleaded not guilty. His release allows him to reunite with his wife and two children in Maryland after more than 160 days of separation. The Trump administration opposed his release, with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem calling him a "monster" and vowing to continue fighting until he is "OUT of our country," while his lawyers fear he may face deportation to Mexico or South Sudan.

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada will partially reduce its retaliatory tariffs on US goods, while maintaining levies on autos, steel, and aluminum. This decision follows a phone conversation with President Trump after the two countries missed a trade agreement deadline. Starting September 1, Canada will end tariffs on goods compliant with the US-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement (USMCA), which Carney claims will restore free trade for most cross-border commerce. The White House welcomed the move as "long overdue," while Canadian Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre criticized Carney for backing down from his campaign promise of an "elbows up" negotiating approach with Trump.

The Smithsonian's exhibition "The Shape of Power: Stories of Race and American Sculpture" has become a focal point of controversy after being criticized in a Trump executive order for its examination of how sculpture has reinforced racist ideologies. The exhibition, which displays 82 sculptures dating from 1792 to 2023, aims to encourage transparent dialogue about race and racism through art history. In response to the criticism, the Smithsonian has begun reviewing content across its museums, raising concerns about potential limitations on candid discussions of American history. The exhibition features works like "The Wounded Scout, a Friend in the Swamp" and "The Dying Tecumseh," prompting viewers to consider how these sculptures shaped racial narratives despite their seemingly progressive messages.

In Texas, a contentious bathroom bill (Senate Bill 8/House Bill 52) that would block transgender people from using bathrooms matching their gender identity in schools and government buildings faced significant opposition during a House State Affairs Committee hearing. Dozens testified against the legislation, including transgender Texans, activists, and Travis County Constable Stacy Suits, who questioned the bill's necessity and practical enforcement. Following the hearing, approximately 50 protesters organized by the Gender Liberation Movement staged a sit-in at a Capitol bathroom to demonstrate their opposition to the bill, which has already passed the Senate and is expected to pass the House. If enacted, the legislation would impose fines starting at $5,000 for first offenses and would also prevent Texas prisons from housing transgender detainees according to their gender identity.

The Trump administration has suspended Biden-era regulations requiring insurers to disclose restrictions on mental health claims and has cut funding to the agency enforcing mental health parity laws. These actions coincide with alarming health trends, including a surge in drug deaths among seniors and significant racial disparities in premature deaths. The Employee Benefits Security Administration is experiencing substantial workforce reductions, with investigative staff already cut by nearly 40% in some regions, leaving families struggling to receive coverage for mental health treatment. While some local initiatives like CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield's behavioral health grants demonstrate positive impacts, they cannot replace the national oversight being dismantled as part of a broader trend of unwinding Biden-era healthcare protections.

Recent research presented at the U.S. Black Chambers Annual Conference reveals strong consumer support for clearly identified Black-owned businesses across demographic groups. April Jeffries from Ipsos and Ron Busby Jr. from ByBlack shared findings from a 4,500-participant study showing positive responses to a "Certified for Future Generations Prosperity" seal, particularly in health and beauty, clothing, and fresh food categories. The research identified Houston, Dallas, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Oakland, and Washington, D.C. as markets with strongest support, suggesting certification could provide Black-owned businesses with a competitive advantage. ByBlack's certification process, requiring businesses to be at least 51% Black-owned, U.S.-headquartered, and operational for at least two years, offers the verification consumers seek when making purchasing decisions.

The FBI conducted searches of former national security adviser John Bolton's home and office as part of an investigation reportedly related to classified information handling. Bolton, who has been a vocal critic of President Trump since leaving his administration in 2019, previously authored a memoir that the Trump administration claimed contained classified information. While FBI officials have provided limited details about the investigation, Vice President JD Vance confirmed it relates partly to classified documents but denied it was politically motivated. No charges have been filed against Bolton, who has not yet commented on the searches.

Erik and Lyle Menendez, who have spent decades in prison for killing their parents in 1989, were denied parole after separate hearings in California this week. Both brothers' parole denials were primarily based on their behavior in prison, including rule violations such as unauthorized mobile phone use, rather than the original crimes. Despite claiming self-defense based on alleged abuse by their father, the parole commissioners cited concerns about anti-social personality traits and institutional misconduct that suggested they might break rules in society. Family members spoke in support of the brothers during the hearings, with many expressing forgiveness and willingness to help with their reintegration.

The Trump White House has launched an attack on the Smithsonian Institution, specifically criticizing the National Museum of African American History and Culture for its exhibits on slavery, systemic racism, and inequality in America. In an official article, the administration condemned the museum's educational content about white privilege, colonization, and the legacies of slavery as "anti-American propaganda." This criticism has prompted strong responses from organizations like the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) and the Organization of American Historians (OAH), who defend the Smithsonian's educational mission and historical accuracy.

San Diego's use of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) has sparked concerns about potential data sharing with federal immigration authorities, despite California law SB 34 prohibiting such sharing. The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) has recently come under scrutiny after a Privacy Advisory Board report revealed compliance issues, including unauthorized access to ALPR data by outside agencies and data sharing with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. While SDPD insists they have no intention of aiding federal immigration enforcement, community members in predominantly Hispanic and immigrant neighborhoods worry about increased surveillance, especially given the current administration's aggressive deportation measures. Critics also question the $12 million, five-year surveillance contract with private companies Ubicquia Inc. and Flock Safety, arguing the funds could better serve community needs.

Kamala Harris is embarking on a 15-city international book tour to promote her new memoir "107 Days," which chronicles her historic but brief presidential campaign as the first Black woman to lead a major-party presidential ticket. The tour, beginning September 24 and concluding in late November, includes a stop at Washington D.C.'s Warner Theatre on October 9, hosted in partnership with Mahogany Books. Harris plans to share reflections on her campaign experience while discussing "how we collectively chart a blueprint that sets an alternative vision for our country now." Each ticket to the tour events includes a copy of the book, with premium packages offering signed editions and photo opportunities.

The Henry Ford museum near Detroit is showcasing important Civil Rights artifacts, including Rosa Parks' bus and a desk used by Martin Luther King Jr. for planning voting rights marches. Curator Amber Mitchell explains that such exhibits help tell collective stories about American society, particularly for those who didn't experience these historical events firsthand. However, the Trump administration's rules could potentially restrict public access to similar artifacts at federal sites by prohibiting content considered "divisive" that acknowledges the significant impact of racism in American history.

A national study from Binghamton University and California State University, San Bernardino reveals that Black households spend a significantly higher percentage of their income on energy costs compared to white households, even at the same income levels. Researchers found that households in majority African American census tracts spend an average of 5.1% of income on energy bills versus the national average of 3.2%, with factors including older housing stock and lower homeownership rates contributing to this disparity. These energy burdens force families to make difficult tradeoffs between utilities and other essentials like food and medicine, leading to serious health consequences including increased risks of asthma, depression, and even premature death. In Washington D.C., the situation is particularly severe, with SNAP-eligible households spending over 20% of their income on energy bills and utility companies implementing consecutive rate hikes that have resulted in thousands of service disconnections.

Recent polling shows the Democratic Party facing its worst favorability ratings in over 30 years, with more than 60% of Americans viewing Democrats unfavorably. Despite disliking Trump's economic handling, voters still trust Republicans more on economic issues, and Trump made significant gains with Black and brown voters in the 2024 election. Democratic strategists argue that the party must use the August congressional recess to reconnect with constituents through direct engagement rather than simply opposing Trump. Meanwhile, Republicans are implementing a comprehensive strategy to secure power through redistricting efforts and a proposed census change that would exclude undocumented immigrants from congressional apportionment.

State Senator Akilah Weber Pierson of California's 39th Senate District has released a statement opposing Texas's redistricting plan, which she claims is backed by the Trump administration to add five new Republican congressional districts. She argues that this plan threatens fair representation and could negatively impact communities beyond Texas's borders. Senator Weber Pierson justifies California's response as necessary to protect democratic integrity and the economic welfare of its residents. She warns that if the plan succeeds, it will allow leaders to govern without accountability for policies that benefit the wealthy at the expense of working-class families.

California abortion rights groups are supporting Democratic efforts to redraw congressional maps in response to Republican redistricting attempts in Texas. Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed legislation approving new Democratic-leaning maps, which will go before voters in a November special election. This political mobilization comes as Planned Parenthood and other reproductive rights organizations face funding cuts and restrictions following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. The redistricting battle escalates amid Republican-passed legislation that includes nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts over ten years, which has sparked significant voter concerns about healthcare access.

The United States has initiated a comprehensive review of over 55 million visa holders to identify individuals who may have violated their entry conditions. State Department officials will implement "continuous vetting" of visa holders, revoking visas for those involved in criminal activity, overstays, public safety threats, or terrorism-related concerns. The review includes social media screening for prospective students and visitors to identify anti-American sentiments or support for terrorist organizations. This initiative is part of President Trump's broader anti-immigration agenda, which includes mass deportations, travel bans, and the revocation of thousands of student visas.

President Donald Trump is engaged in a power struggle targeting Democratic-led cities, particularly those with Black women mayors. Despite low crime rates in Washington D.C., Trump has threatened to federalize the city's police force, challenging Mayor Muriel Bowser's authority, and has similarly deployed federal forces to Los Angeles against Mayor Karen Bass's wishes. Trump has indicated plans to expand this federal intervention to other Democratic cities led by Black mayors including Baltimore, Chicago, Oakland, and New York. This confrontation represents a broader pattern where Trump targets Black women political leaders, occurring at a time when they have reached unprecedented levels of political power while simultaneously facing unique challenges due to both racial and gender discrimination.

President Donald Trump has reduced proposed tariffs on EU pharmaceuticals and semiconductors from potential rates of 250% and 100% to 15%, as detailed in the newly released US-EU trade agreement. The deal requires the EU to eliminate tariffs on US industrial and agricultural goods before the US will reduce its 27.5% tariff on European vehicles to 15%. European officials intend to begin the legislative process in August, which would make the reduced car tariff retroactive to August 1. The agreement, described as a "first step in a process," offers more stability for the world's largest trading partnership, though disappointment remains regarding the inclusion of wine and spirits in the tariffs.

Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong has openly criticized the United States for imposing steep tariffs on India while advocating for stronger India-China cooperation. The ambassador described the US as a "bully" for implementing tariffs of up to 50% on India, specifically referencing a 25% penalty imposed earlier this month that will take effect on August 27. This criticism comes amid warming relations between India and China following Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's recent two-day visit to Delhi, where both nations expressed interest in viewing each other as partners rather than adversaries. Ambassador Xu emphasized that India and China should function as "double engines" of economic growth in Asia and suggested that unity between the two nations benefits the global community.

A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration's "Alligator Alcatraz" migrant detention center in Florida must significantly scale back operations, prohibiting new detainees and ordering the dismantling of key infrastructure. Judge Kathleen Williams issued a preliminary injunction citing irreparable environmental damage to the Florida Everglades, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruling requires the facility to shut down essential utilities including generators and waste receptors within 60 days, effectively crippling its operations. The state of Florida, which partnered with the Trump administration on the 3,000-capacity detention center, has already filed an appeal against this major setback to Trump's immigration enforcement agenda.

Yvonne Ann Carey, born in 1938 in Georgia, was a Spelman College chemistry graduate who relocated to San Diego in 1963 with her husband Howard Carey. She worked for the County of San Diego as a caseworker and was a devoted member of Bethel Baptist Church for over 60 years, serving as a Deaconess and participating in church ministries. Known for her creative talents in crafting and baking, as well as her generosity toward college students and various charities, Yvonne passed away on August 7, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of devotion to God and a gentle spirit. Her viewing and homegoing celebration will be held in late August at Bethel Baptist Church, followed by committal at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Erik Menendez's first parole hearing after resentencing ended in denial, with the California parole board ruling he continues to pose "an unreasonable risk to public safety" despite his claims of redemption. The board cited prison violations and past criminal activity in their decision following a 10-hour hearing where Erik expressed remorse for the 1989 shotgun murders of his parents in Beverly Hills. While Erik must wait three years for another parole hearing, his brother Lyle faces his own hearing, and both brothers are pursuing multiple avenues for freedom including clemency from Governor Gavin Newsom and a request for a new trial based on additional evidence. The brothers, who claimed self-defense due to parental abuse during their original trials, received resentencing in May under California's evolving approach to juvenile offenders, making them eligible for parole after previously serving life sentences without parole.

of Hypersonic Missile Development Article The article details the global race to develop hypersonic missile technology, with China and Russia currently leading while the US and other nations attempt to catch up. These weapons, traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound) with the ability to maneuver unpredictably during flight, pose significant challenges for detection and interception systems. The development timeline traces back to China's public unveiling of its DF-17 hypersonic missiles in 2019, with various nations since advancing their capabilities amid growing concerns about their potential to change warfare dynamics due to their speed, maneuverability, and the difficulty in determining whether they carry conventional or nuclear warheads. Despite the concerns, some experts suggest the threat may be somewhat overstated as defensive countermeasures are being developed alongside these offensive weapons.

A New York appeals court has overturned the $500 million penalty imposed on Donald Trump in his civil fraud case, while still upholding his liability for fraud. The judges ruled that the fine was excessive and potentially violated constitutional protections against severe punishment, despite agreeing that Trump had inflated property values to secure favorable loans. Judge Peter Moulton noted that while harm occurred, it wasn't "cataclysmic" enough to justify such a large financial penalty. The ruling maintains other non-monetary penalties against Trump, including a three-year ban on serving as a company director or obtaining loans from New York banks.