united states news

Marshalls Good Stuff Social Club hosted a day-long event at BasBlue in Detroit on August 9th, curated by Amber Lewis of Social N The City, with Black women as the central focus. The event featured various educational sessions including financial guidance from Vivian Tu ("Your Rich BFF"), who explained debt management strategies like the snowball and avalanche methods, as well as a business panel featuring artists like Destinee Rose. Additional activities included a DJ-backed speed networking session led by BasBlue's Liza Gordon and a creative self-portrait workshop called "A Portrait of Confidence" facilitated by Lauren Hom and Rachael Renae. The comprehensive experience included personalized color analysis, food from women-led culinary teams, and Marshalls gift bags, creating what the author describes as "a love letter to self-worth."

Rapper Sean Kingston has been sentenced to three and a half years in federal prison after being convicted in a million-dollar fraud scheme alongside his mother, Janice Turner. The pair used Kingston's celebrity status to obtain luxury items including watches, a giant TV, a bulletproof Cadillac Escalade, and furniture from victims, sending fake wire receipts when payment was due. Kingston apologized to the court before sentencing, claiming to have learned from his actions, while his mother received a five-year prison sentence in July. Evidence presented at trial included incriminating text messages between Kingston and his mother discussing fake payment receipts, with Kingston's attorney arguing that fame at a young age left him unprepared to manage his finances properly.

The U.S. Health and Human Services Department is reinstating the Task Force on Safer Childhood Vaccines, which was disbanded in 1998, to improve vaccine safety and reduce adverse reactions in children. This revival follows pressure from anti-vaccine groups, including a lawsuit from Children's Health Defense, an organization founded by current Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The task force, originally created through the 1986 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act, will include members from major health agencies including the NIH, FDA, and CDC. This move is part of a series of vaccine policy changes implemented by Kennedy since taking office, including reconstituting vaccine advisory committees with skeptics and revising CDC recommendations.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented facial recognition technology for security screening at 15 major U.S. airports through its PreCheck Touchless ID system. This technology allows enrolled TSA PreCheck travelers with valid passports to verify their identity with a facial scan rather than physical identification documents. Simultaneously, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has expanded its biometric processing with Enhanced Passenger Processing at Nashville International Airport. While officials claim these systems enhance efficiency and security, privacy concerns have emerged, prompting bipartisan lawmakers to propose the Traveler Privacy Protection Act of 2025, which would require consent for biometric data collection and establish stricter protections.

The Trump administration is actively reshaping the Smithsonian Institution through an executive order that places Vice President J.D. Vance in charge of purging "divisive" content from exhibits, particularly those addressing race and slavery. Recent changes include removing references to Trump's two impeachments from the National Museum of American History and returning loaned civil rights artifacts from the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The administration demands "content corrections" across eight major museums to replace what it considers "ideologically driven" narratives with those celebrating "American exceptionalism." Despite Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch pledging to remain committed to telling multi-faceted American stories, the White House has established unprecedented control over the institution's content, funding, and governance.

State Representative Ron Reynolds reflects on the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, connecting historical civil rights struggles to contemporary voting rights challenges. He defends his decision to break quorum in the Texas House as a necessary stand against what he describes as modern voter suppression tactics including gerrymandered maps, polling station closures, voter roll purges, and attacks on mail-in voting. Reynolds frames his actions as continuing the legacy of civil rights leaders like John Lewis, Fannie Lou Hamer, and others who fought for voting rights. He emphasizes his commitment to continue fighting for full ballot access for all Texans, viewing the current moment as a critical juncture for defending democracy.

President Trump's executive order is directing the Labor Department to rewrite rules within 180 days to make alternative investments like private equity, cryptocurrency, and real estate standard options in 401(k) retirement plans. The policy change could give Wall Street access to a portion of the $12.2 trillion in U.S. retirement savings, but critics warn it shifts substantial risk to workers, particularly those without significant wealth or investment experience. Black Americans, who already face financial challenges including federal workforce cuts where they are disproportionately represented, may be especially vulnerable as they often have less exposure to stock markets and face additional barriers to building wealth. Financial experts caution that without proper safeguards, transparency, and education, these riskier investment options could lead to significant financial losses in retirement accounts.

The District of Columbia has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration challenging President Trump's executive order and Attorney General Pam Bondi's directive that attempt to take control of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) from local leaders. DC Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb argues that the administration is abusing its limited authority under the Home Rule Act, which only allows the president to temporarily request the police department's assistance in emergencies and strictly for federal purposes. The lawsuit contends that this federal takeover violates DC's right to self-governance and contradicts the administration's crime narrative, as data shows violent crime in DC has dropped 26% since last year and is at its lowest levels in decades. The District is asking the court to declare the orders unlawful and maintain local control of the MPD.

As talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin begin in Alaska without Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky present, Ukrainians are anxiously awaiting the outcome of negotiations that could involve "land swaps." While Trump has reportedly assured European leaders that no territorial concessions would be made without Ukraine's approval, many Ukrainians remain deeply skeptical given Trump's unpredictability. Polls indicate about 54% of Ukrainians would accept some form of land compromise to end the war, but only with strong security guarantees, as there is widespread fear that freezing frontlines without such guarantees would merely allow Russia to regroup and attack again. Across Ukraine, people are grappling with difficult decisions about potentially surrendering territory, with some prioritizing the preservation of life after three years of devastating conflict.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed an Emergency Rigging Response Act that would allow state lawmakers to redraw congressional districts before the 2026 midterms through a special election in November. This move is explicitly designed to counter a similar redistricting effort in Texas backed by Donald Trump that could give Republicans five additional House seats. Newsom frames this as "meeting fire with fire" in the ongoing gerrymandering battle between Democrats and Republicans that could determine control of the U.S. House of Representatives. The proposal includes a provision that would cancel California's redistricting if Texas abandons its plans, while critics note that Californians generally support keeping their independent redistricting commission.

President Donald Trump is set to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, marking another significant chapter in their complex relationship. This upcoming summit follows several previous meetings between the two leaders, including encounters at G20 summits and their controversial Helsinki talks in 2018. Former officials describe stark differences in their meeting styles, with Putin characterized as detailed, controlled, and strategic due to his KGB background, while Trump is portrayed as unprepared and improvisational. Though Trump has expressed both firm stances and softer tones regarding the Ukraine conflict, he has recently stated there would be "very severe consequences" if Putin does not agree to a ceasefire.

Sean Charles Dunn, a former DOJ Criminal Division employee, has been arrested and charged with felony assault for throwing a Subway sandwich at a Customs and Border Patrol officer in Washington DC. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions over President Trump's deployment of federal agents and National Guard troops to the city, which Trump claims is necessary to combat crime despite local police data showing violent crime at a 30-year low. After video evidence emerged showing Dunn calling agents "fascists" before throwing the sandwich, he was fired from his position and now faces up to eight years in prison. The federal presence has sparked protests in Washington DC, where approximately 100 people have been arrested since the deployments began on Monday.

New research suggests that fast walking for just 15 minutes daily can provide significant health benefits comparable to the recommended 150 minutes of moderate activity per week. A study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine found participants who fast walked for at least 15 minutes daily experienced a nearly 20% reduction in premature death, compared to only 4% for those who walked slowly for more than three hours daily. The research, led by Dr. Wei Zheng of Vanderbilt University Medical Center, involved approximately 85,000 mostly low-income and Black participants tracked over 16 years. Fast walking offers specific benefits including decreased risk of heart failure, arrhythmias, type 2 diabetes, and cognitive decline.

Venus Williams, 45, has received a wild-card invitation to compete in singles at the U.S. Open, making her the oldest singles entrant since Renee Richards in 1981. The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion will be returning to major tournament play after a two-year absence from Grand Slam tennis, having last played at the 2023 U.S. Open where she lost in the first round. Williams, who recently returned to competitive tennis at the DC Open after a 16-month absence following surgery to remove uterine fibroids, has also received a wild-card entry for the mixed doubles competition with American player Reilly Opelka. Her comeback has generated significant attention both for her tennis achievements and her personal life, including her engagement to an Italian actor.

The Midland Independent School District in Texas is facing controversy as the school board considers reverting Legacy High School's name back to Midland Lee, which would restore a connection to Confederate General Robert E. Lee. The school's name was changed five years ago following Black Lives Matter protests, but newly elected board Vice President Josh Guinn has proposed restoring elements of the old name, claiming it honors "patriotic legacy" rather than Confederate history. This debate mirrors national tensions over Confederate symbols, with supporters arguing the name preserves community heritage and athletic tradition, while opponents like La'Toya Mayberry view it as an embrace of racist history that would force some families to consider other educational options for their children.

A comprehensive report released in May 2025 by the Black Equity Collective (BEC), Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF), and EVITARUS reveals the substantial economic and social impact of 217 Black-led organizations (BLOs) across California. In fiscal year 2023, these organizations employed over 4,000 people, paid more than $335 million in salaries, and contributed $22 million in payroll taxes while providing essential community services in health, safety, advocacy, and racial justice. Despite their significant contributions, 80% of BLOs report insufficient staffing to meet community demands due to chronic underfunding, which limits their service delivery and ability to pay livable wages. The report argues that increased financial support from public and private funders would allow these organizations to exponentially grow their impact through deeper services, expanded programming, sustainable staffing, and greater community wealth generation.

Cincinnati community leaders, led by Ohio State Rep. Cecil Thomas, are demanding charges against a white man captured on video slapping a Black man during a downtown brawl that led to violence and multiple arrests. The investigation has drawn criticism as six Black individuals have been charged with aggravated riot and felonious assault, while the white man who initiated the conflict remains uncharged after three weeks. At a meeting at New Prospect Baptist Church, Thomas, who heads the Greater Cincinnati chapter of the National Action Network, expressed concerns about potential bias in the investigation. Community members are demanding prosecution of the white man within 24 hours, with Pastor Leslie Jones noting that the community is "restless and watching."

Marion Teresa Danielly, known as Mother Danielly, passed away on August 6, 2025, at the age of 97. A devoted member of the Church of God in Christ in San Diego, she was known for her kindness and willingness to help those in need. She is survived by three sisters, a special niece who was her caregiver, and numerous other relatives. Funeral services will be held with a viewing on August 20, 2025, followed by a homegoing celebration and burial the next day.

Dr. Ernest Everett Just, Ada "Bricktop" Smith, and Earvin "Magic" Johnson share August 14 as their birth date in different years (1883, 1894, and 1959 respectively). Dr. Just was a groundbreaking biologist who faced racial barriers yet made significant contributions to cell biology research, dividing his career between Howard University, the Marine Biological Laboratory, and European institutions. Smith rose from vaudeville performer to international nightclub owner, with her Paris establishment Chez Bricktop's becoming a gathering place for celebrities and elites during the 1920s. Johnson transformed from Michigan high school basketball sensation to NBA champion with the Lakers before retiring after his HIV diagnosis and establishing the Magic Johnson Foundation to support underserved communities through health initiatives and youth programs.

James Deck Hamilton Jr. ("Strit"), born December 28, 1941, in Stamps, Arkansas, was a talented self-taught guitarist and vocalist who served in the Air Force before becoming a skilled journeyman welder. The father of five children from his marriage to Theresa Ann Batiste (Khadijah Muhammad), Strit pursued music throughout his life, traveling across the country with his guitar and even declining an offer from Motown. Known for his kindness, humor, and distinctive laugh, he passed away on July 17, 2025, leaving behind four sons, one daughter, nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and extended family.

Yvonne Baker Williams, born February 18, 1964, in San Diego, California, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025, at the age of 61. Throughout her life, she was deeply influenced by her grandmother "Ma-me," who cared for her during her mother's illness and instilled in her a love for cooking and family gatherings. A woman of strong Christian faith and musical appreciation, Yvonne pursued education at various San Diego institutions and is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, and extended family members. Her legacy of generosity, faith, and unconditional love will be remembered by all who knew her, as her family finds comfort in believing she now rests with her Savior.

A Florida police officer who was suspended for punching William McNeil Jr. during a traffic stop has been cleared of criminal charges by state prosecutors. The officer, D Bowers, had pulled over McNeil in February for traffic violations, leading to a confrontation where McNeil refused multiple commands to exit his vehicle. While McNeil's self-recorded video of the incident went viral showing the officer breaking his window and punching him, prosecutors determined the full body camera footage justified the officer's actions as lawful. McNeil's attorneys are now calling for a federal investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice into the incident and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

The US appeals court has ruled that the Trump administration can halt foreign aid payments, reversing a lower court's judgment that would have required restoration of billions in congressionally approved funds. President Trump implemented a 90-day pause on foreign assistance upon returning to office in January, prompting a lawsuit from affected international aid groups. The funding cuts impact nearly $4 billion for global health programs through September and over $6 billion for HIV/AIDS programs previously approved through 2028. The appeals court determined the aid groups lacked standing to sue, while Trump has largely shuttered USAID, transferring remaining programs to the State Department amid criticism from former presidents and humanitarian organizations.

The $75 million Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park is set to open in Detroit on October 25-26, 2023, after three and a half years of construction, creating a 22-acre riverfront destination. The park opening coincides with the completion of a new boardwalk section that will allow uninterrupted travel along nearly five miles of the Detroit River. Designed by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates with architectural elements by Sir David Adjaye, the park features four major attractions: the William Davidson Sport House, Delta Dental Play Garden, Huron-Clinton Metroparks Water Garden, and the DTE Foundation Summit. Despite financial challenges following an embezzlement scandal, the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation provided critical funding to keep construction on schedule, with the park now approximately 90% complete.

President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are meeting in Alaska for a summit focused on ending Russia's war in Ukraine, though both leaders approach with different priorities. Putin seeks international recognition and territorial gains in Ukraine, viewing the summit itself as evidence that Western isolation efforts have failed. Trump, while positioning himself as a global peacemaker potentially seeking Nobel recognition, has shown inconsistent positions toward both Ukraine and Russia in recent months. The Alaska location provides security for Putin while symbolically distancing the talks from Ukraine and European leaders, potentially sidelining their input on any peace discussions. # Who is affected - Ukraine and Ukrainian citizens - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky - European leaders - Russian and American citizens - Nations doing business with Russia that could face sanctions # What action is being taken - Trump and Putin are holding a summit meeting in Alaska - Trump has been alternating between suspending and providing military aid to Ukraine - The White House is characterizing the upcoming summit as a "listening session" and "feel-out" meeting - Putin is pushing for Russia to keep seized Ukrainian territories - Zelensky and European leaders spoke with Trump on Wednesday to influence his approach # Why it matters This summit represents a critical moment in the ongoing Ukraine war, with potential implications for territorial sovereignty and international borders. Putin views the meeting as Russia's return "to the top table of global politics" despite Western isolation efforts. Trump's inconsistent approach to both Ukraine and Russia creates uncertainty about potential peace terms, particularly concerning possible land concessions. The outcome could determine whether Ukraine receives continued U.S. military support or faces pressure to accept territorial losses, while also potentially reshaping U.S.-Russia relations. # What's next No explicit next steps stated in the article.

The FBI has repatriated a 500-year-old document signed by Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés to Mexico, one of 15 pages believed to have been stolen from Mexico's national archives between 1985 and 1993. The manuscript, written in 1527 when Cortés was governor of New Spain, details payments for expedition supplies and plans for exploring what would become Spanish colonial territory in the Americas. The document was discovered in the United States through open-source research after the Mexican government requested FBI assistance in 2024, though no prosecution will occur as the document changed hands multiple times since its theft. The FBI has committed to locating and returning the remaining missing pages from the collection.

Taylor Swift announced her upcoming album "The Life of a Showgirl" during an appearance on her boyfriend Travis Kelce's podcast "New Heights," revealing it will release on October 3rd. During the interview, which attracted over 1.3 million live viewers, Swift discussed her relationship with Kelce, explained how she wrote the album while on her Eras Tour, and described it as an "upbeat" record reflecting her current joyful state. She also shared the deeply emotional moment of recently reacquiring her first six album masters after a long-running battle, and discussed her various "granny hobbies" including baking sourdough bread with Kelce.

First Lady Melania Trump has threatened legal action against Hunter Biden for over $1 billion in damages after he falsely claimed she was introduced to Donald Trump by Jeffrey Epstein during a recent interview. Biden made the unsubstantiated claim while discussing alleged connections between former President Trump and Epstein, relying on information from a since-retracted Daily Beast article that cited Michael Wolff. Mrs. Trump's lawyers have demanded Biden retract his statement and apologize, asserting the claim has caused "overwhelming financial and reputational harm" to the First Lady. According to a 2016 Harper's Bazaar profile, Melania actually met Donald Trump at a party hosted by a modeling agency founder in November 1998.

At least four people, including a family of three and an unidentified man, died in Tennessee due to severe weather conditions featuring heavy rains and flash flooding on Tuesday and Wednesday. The family perished when a tree fell on their car in East Ridge near Chattanooga, while the man was swept away by floodwaters after reportedly bypassing fire department barricades. Chattanooga experienced its second wettest day since record-keeping began in 1879, with the airport recording 6.42 inches of rainfall. Rescuers worked extensively to evacuate residents from flooded homes and vehicles, including saving six people from a van nearly swept away by an overflowing creek, as flash flood warnings remained in effect across many parts of Tennessee.