united states news

In response to historic federal funding cuts affecting critical services in San Diego County, local philanthropic organizations have launched "United for San Diego," a collaborative relief effort. The Prebys Foundation, Price Philanthropies, San Diego Foundation, and the Price family have collectively pledged $70 million to help maintain access to food, housing, and healthcare for vulnerable residents. This initiative comes as over 400,000 San Diegans risk losing healthcare access and 100,000 face food assistance cuts due to approximately $300 million in federal funding reductions. Community leaders from grassroots organizations have expressed hope that this unprecedented philanthropic collaboration will effectively support smaller, trusted organizations already serving those in need.

Donald Trump has deployed California National Guard troops to Los Angeles against Governor Newsom's wishes, citing a rebellion statute despite no actual rebellion occurring. This action has been widely condemned by California officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who argue Trump is manufacturing a crisis for political gain. The deployment violates the spirit of the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act, which generally prohibits military forces from enforcing civilian laws. Trump's actions, alongside a controversial gathering of military leaders at Quantico where he referred to the Pentagon as the "Department of War," have raised significant concerns about the misuse of military power against American citizens exercising their rights.

The US Supreme Court has ruled that Lisa Cook can temporarily remain as Federal Reserve governor, rejecting President Donald Trump's attempt to immediately remove her. Trump had claimed he was firing Cook over alleged mortgage fraud, which she denied, prompting her to sue on grounds that her dismissal was illegal and threatened the Fed's independence. The Supreme Court will hear arguments in January on this unprecedented case, as no president has previously attempted to remove a Fed governor, which by law can only be done "for cause." The ruling ensures Cook will participate in at least two more Federal Reserve interest rate decisions, amid ongoing tension between Trump and the central bank over monetary policy.

California Senate Bill 694, authored by Senator Bob Archuleta, aims to protect veterans from predatory "Claim Sharks" who charge excessive fees for VA benefit claims assistance. The legislation, expected for a full Senate vote in January 2026, prohibits unaccredited individuals and nonprofits from charging for services that accredited professionals provide within regulated fee limits. Having received unanimous bipartisan support in committee votes, the bill would empower California's Attorney General to prosecute violators who take advantage of vulnerable veterans. While supported by several California legislators including members of the Legislative Black Caucus, the bill faces opposition from some veterans groups such as Vets Know the Facts and the Black Veterans Empowerment Council.

The Office of the People's Counsel (OPC) Water Services Division held its inaugural community Water Summit at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library on September 29, bringing together D.C. residents to discuss water conservation, affordability programs, and accessibility issues. The summit featured panel discussions, breakout sessions with representatives from government agencies and environmental organizations, and opportunities for residents to ask questions about water quality and hold agencies accountable. Executive Director Sandra Mattavous-Frye emphasized the summit's timing coincides with the closing of the fiscal year and new application windows for utility discount programs, making consumer information particularly important. Against a backdrop of increasing global water demand and potential climate change threats to D.C.'s water supply, which relies on the Potomac River for approximately 78% of the metropolitan area's needs, participants discussed initiatives like DOEE's Riversmart program while also addressing concerns about upcoming budget cuts to critical water conservation efforts.

The US government has entered a shutdown after the Senate failed to pass a funding bill, marking the first federal closure in nearly seven years. Senate Democrats blocked a Republican spending bill that would have kept the government operating until November, though three Democrat-aligned senators broke ranks to support it. As the shutdown continues, political pressure will mount on both parties, with Democrats potentially facing increasing strain as government employees and the general public begin to feel the effects of curtailed services. While Republicans currently feel they have the upper hand, there are several potential resolution scenarios, including Democratic capitulation, Republican compromise, or a protracted standoff that damages both parties politically.

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's 54th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC), themed "Made for This Moment: Power, Policy, Progress," took place in Washington D.C. from September 24-28 against the backdrop of a government shutdown. The conference united legislators, community officials, influencers, and citizens in advocating for democracy and civil rights through various events including the Day of Healing Prayer Breakfast and Phoenix Awards Dinner. Programming addressed numerous issues affecting Black communities, including healthcare, criminal justice, environmentalism, redistricting, and attacks on diversity initiatives. Speakers including former Vice President Kamala Harris and Maryland Governor Wes Moore emphasized building coalitions and increasing civic engagement, particularly voting, to combat threats to constitutional freedoms.

California lawmakers have passed five significant education bills that now await Governor Gavin Newsom's signature before the October 13 deadline. These bills address various aspects of education including inclusive history curriculum about African Americans' contributions, streamlining college admissions through direct admission to CSU campuses, banning ultra-processed foods in schools, extending substitute teacher service periods, and updating reading instruction to address literacy gaps. The measures, which include Senator Laura Richardson's SB 510 (already signed by the Governor on August 28) and four other bills awaiting approval, aim to improve educational outcomes and address inequities in California's education system.

The federal government shutdown that began at midnight Wednesday has furloughed nearly 750,000 federal workers, with an estimated daily compensation loss of approximately $400 million according to the Congressional Budget Office. While basic services in Washington D.C. remain operational, including trash collection, schools, and Metro transportation, the shutdown has severely impacted federal employees across the metropolitan area, including those in Maryland and Virginia. Small businesses, restaurants, and tourism are suffering as federal buildings close, museums and monuments shut down, and workers have their pay suspended due to political disagreements. The effects are disproportionate across departments, with some agencies like the Education Department furloughing up to 90% of staff while Homeland Security has only furloughed 5%, though critical functions like cybersecurity response capabilities have been significantly compromised.

Sean "Diddy" Combs faces sentencing after his July conviction on prostitution-related charges under the Mann Act for arranging paid sexual encounters between his girlfriends and male sex workers. Prosecutors have requested at least 11 years and 3 months imprisonment, citing his serious crimes and the traumatic impact on his victims, including former girlfriends who testified about being forced to participate in drug-fueled sexual events that Combs often filmed. Despite his defense attorneys requesting no more than 14 months imprisonment and claiming he has changed during his detention, prosecutors characterized Combs as "unrepentant" and attempting to shift blame to his victims. Combs has remained jailed since his conviction, with sentencing scheduled for Friday.

The U.S. Health and Human Services' newly appointed vaccine advisory committee, led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., met in Atlanta to reconsider vaccine recommendations for several diseases. The panel, whose members were all selected by Kennedy after he dismissed the previous committee, declined to recommend COVID-19 vaccines to any specific population groups, suggesting individuals make their own decisions. The committee also recommended new restrictions for the combination vaccine protecting against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox, while postponing a vote on hepatitis B vaccines for newborns. Critics express concern that the panel's composition and decisions could undermine public trust in vaccines, as its recommendations will go to the CDC director and typically become standard practice for doctors and insurers.

of News Article Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts was detained by immigration authorities who claim he was in the country illegally and possessed weapons unlawfully. According to DHS, Roberts had entered the US on a student visa in 1999, received a final removal order in May 2024, and was found with a loaded handgun during his arrest, which violates federal law for those without legal status. The school district acknowledged Roberts had disclosed a firearms offense related to a hunting rifle during his hiring process but was unaware of any removal order against the superintendent, who has a long career in education and previously competed as an Olympic athlete for Guyana. The arrest has sparked protests and support from local education and community groups, while the school board has appointed an interim superintendent and scheduled a special meeting to discuss Roberts' status.

The Future Waves Conference 2025, themed around Afrofuturism and global futures, took place in Dakar, Senegal from September 11-17, bringing together scholars, artists, and thought leaders from across the globe. Hosted at multiple venues including Cheikh Anta Diop University, Artiste Du Daanu Dakar cultural center, and the Axil Hotel, the conference featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, performances, and collaborative sessions exploring how creativity, technology, and heritage can shape equitable futures. Participants from countries including the USA, Senegal, Germany, Colombia, and Botswana engaged in discussions on topics such as "Africana Futures," "AI and Ancestral Intelligence," and Afrofuturist storytelling. The multi-disciplinary event celebrated Black creativity and speculative vision while connecting ancestral wisdom with contemporary innovation, establishing Dakar as a hub for cultural exchange and forward-thinking dialogue.

The Michigan Chronicle editorial board has officially endorsed Mary Sheffield for Mayor of Detroit in the upcoming November election. The board cites Sheffield's detailed policy plans, decade of experience in Detroit politics, and proven track record as City Council President as key factors in their decision. While acknowledging both candidates' similar aspirations for neighborhood investment and tax relief, the board emphasized Sheffield's superior grasp of funding mechanisms and budgetary constraints. Sheffield's platform focuses on neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, police accountability, and improved city services, with specific initiatives like a new Department of Human, Homeless and Family Services and district-based Neighborhood Opportunity and Empowerment Hubs.

Sherry Gay-Dagnogo has been appointed as Detroit's new ombudswoman following a 6-3 City Council vote, granting her a 10-year term through 2035. The longtime educator, former state legislator, and current school board member will resign from the Detroit Public Schools Community District Board to take the position beginning October 5. Gay-Dagnogo received strong public endorsements from various community leaders including Superintendent Nikolai Vitti and Rev. Wendell Anthony of the Detroit NAACP. She describes the appointment as a homecoming, having started her political career in the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, and views the role as continuing her decades-long commitment to advocating for Detroit residents by addressing complaints and ensuring equitable city services.

The US federal government has shut down following a budget standoff between Republican and Democratic lawmakers, affecting operations through October and beyond. Approximately 750,000 federal employees (40% of the workforce) will be placed on unpaid leave, while essential workers must continue without pay until the shutdown ends. The shutdown will disrupt numerous services including air travel, passport processing, national parks access, scientific research, and social programs such as WIC food assistance. While some services like the US Postal Service will continue operating normally, many agencies will experience significant reductions in operations until funding is restored.

Detroit is considering significant zoning amendments that would expand residential districts to allow multi-unit buildings, modify dimensional requirements for vacant lots, permit more accessory units, and reduce parking requirements. The Detroit Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and vote this Thursday on whether to recommend these changes to the City Council, which would need to authorize them by November 25. These amendments primarily focus on the R2 zoning district, which comprises 25% of Detroit's lots, half of which are vacant. City officials and organizations like Strong Towns Detroit argue these changes would increase housing supply, reduce pricing pressure, and eliminate barriers to development in underdeveloped areas.

The federal government has entered its third shutdown under President Trump, raising concerns about the impact on D.C. residents who depend on federal programs. Erica Williams, executive director of the D.C. Fiscal Policy Institute, expressed worry about the sustainability of essential services like Medicaid, SNAP, and TANF during the shutdown period. The shutdown occurred after congressional Democrats and Republicans reached an impasse over budget issues, particularly regarding healthcare spending such as Affordable Care Act tax credits and Medicaid funding. Regional economists warn that the shutdown could trigger a local recession in the D.C. metropolitan area, which is already experiencing economic strain from federal job cuts and declining tourism.

In Alaska's Katmai National Park, a brown bear named Chunk has won Fat Bear Week 2025 despite recovering from a broken jaw injury. Chunk received the most votes in the competition between 12 brown bears, where people worldwide vote for the bear they believe best demonstrates fatness and success as the animals prepare for winter hibernation. Park rangers praised Chunk's resilience in adapting to fish with his injury, which was likely sustained during a fight with another bear during mating season. The competition, which began as a small event in 2014, has grown into a global phenomenon that educates fans about brown bears, with voters from over 100 countries following the bears' activities through live web streams.

The US government has entered its first shutdown in nearly seven years after Congress failed to pass a funding deal before the deadline. Both Republicans and Democrats are blaming each other for the impasse, with healthcare spending being a central point of contention as Democrats insist on extending health insurance subsidies while many Republicans oppose this due to cost concerns. Approximately 40% of federal workers—over 800,000 people—are expected to be furloughed during the shutdown, which could affect national parks, museums, and potentially cause air travel disruptions if it continues. President Trump has threatened to permanently fire "non-essential" federal employees and cut programs he claims are important to Democrats, stating that "a lot of good can come down from shutdowns."

Maryland political leaders used the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Annual Legislative Conference to speak out against Trump administration policies and advocate for justice and equity. Representatives like Glenn Ivey and Governor Wes Moore addressed concerns about federal job losses, particularly affecting Prince George's County, and potential government shutdowns during various panels and events. The conference, themed "Made for This Moment: Power, Policy and Progress," provided a platform for Maryland officials to highlight achievements while warning about threats to Black communities. Prince George's County officials, including County Executive and Councilmember Wala Blegay, emphasized the disproportionate impact of federal workforce cuts on their constituents.

The Trump administration has announced a deal with Pfizer to offer prescription drugs at significantly discounted prices through a new government-operated website called TrumpRx. Under the agreement, Pfizer will reduce prices on some medications by up to 85% and lower prescription drug prices for the Medicaid program, allowing the company to avoid recently announced import tariffs. This arrangement comes after President Trump imposed a 100% levy on branded drug imports effective October 1st and sent letters to 17 pharmaceutical companies demanding lower prices. Pfizer has also committed to investing an additional $70 billion in U.S. manufacturing, research and development as part of the deal.

Michigan's Legislature is racing against a government shutdown deadline with a critical focus on preserving free breakfast and lunch programs for low-income students. Senator Sarah Anthony, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, has made this program a priority in budget negotiations, emphasizing that the state has sufficient financial resources to maintain it. School districts are already warning parents about possible meal service disruptions, creating fear and confusion for families who depend on these meals as their children's primary source of nutrition. The outcome of these negotiations will reveal Michigan's commitment to addressing childhood hunger, particularly in communities with high populations of Black and Brown students where the program helps counter systemic inequities.

REKRE8 Universal recently hosted the "We Can Make It Fashion Show" at Jacobs Amphitheater on Euclid Ave in San Diego, an event dedicated to celebrating local youth while honoring Ruby Barnard's legacy. The show featured young models from REKRE8 Universal and Princess Academy, alongside various performances including musical acts, dance routines, and cultural presentations. Community involvement extended beyond the stage with Kid Entrepreneurs showcasing their ideas, community organizations like Sharia's Closet inviting volunteer participation, and local food vendors enhancing the festive atmosphere. The successful event highlighted the importance of community collaboration, with support from partners including Princess Magazine, Del Mar Solutions, Lincoln High Media Department, and other talented contributors.