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The TS Jordan Foundation held its 3rd Annual "Tre Day" event at John F. Kennedy Park, honoring the legacy of Trevon Stewart Jordan, a football coach and teacher devoted to youth development. Hundreds of community members gathered for the celebration which featured games, free food, and most importantly, distribution of backpacks and school supplies to help families prepare for the school year. Organized by Jordan's family, including his mother Myeshia Stewart (CEO) and sister Myneshia Stewart (Vice President), the event aims to continue Trevon's mission of teaching life skills through football while supporting the community. The successful turnout exceeded expectations, demonstrating the lasting impact of Trevon's dedication to giving back to children and youth.

The Trump administration has discontinued the LGBTQ+ youth-specific "Press 3" option within the U.S. 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline as of July 17, removing specialized support for a population that experiences significantly higher suicide risk. According to The Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide compared to their cisgender, heterosexual peers, with 39% having seriously considered suicide in 2024. While the Department of Health and Human Services attributes the closure to lack of Congressional funding, advocates argue that eliminating this dedicated resource puts additional strain on under-resourced nonprofits like the LGBT National Help Center and SMYAL, which are now facing increased call volumes. Mental health advocates warn that without specialized counselors who understand LGBTQ+ experiences, many youth will feel isolated and may not seek help when in crisis.

Residents of Washington D.C. organized a protest march to save the Anacostia Community Museum (ACM) after learning its funding had been zeroed out in the Smithsonian Institution's budget with Trump administration support. About 30 participants marched 1.3 miles from the museum to the Go-Go Museum and Café, wearing "Save Our Museum" t-shirts and chanting to raise awareness. The demonstration, organized by the ad hoc group "Save Our Museum," was part of a broader effort that includes social media campaigns and legislative action, with the U.S. Senate Appropriations subcommittee and D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton working on legislation to restore the $3 million cut. Participants and organizers emphasized the museum's cultural significance as a repository of Black history and community gathering place.

The article discusses concerns about conditions in D.C. jails amid rising inmate populations following recent public safety legislation. It highlights the story of Connisea O'Neal, whose son Ramone died in custody under disputed circumstances, raising questions about drug flow and treatment of inmates. The piece also details a report showing death rates at D.C. correctional facilities are 3.5 times the national average, with severe staffing shortages exacerbating problems. Former inmate Taya Johnson, who was eventually acquitted after five months in jail, describes deplorable conditions including inadequate facilities and poor treatment by correctional officers.

President Donald Trump has announced the 2023 Kennedy Center honorees: Sylvester Stallone, Michael Crawford, George Strait, Gloria Gaynor, and KISS. Breaking tradition, Trump will host the ceremony himself after taking over as chairman of the Kennedy Center, having fired its president and much of its board earlier this year. Trump claimed to be "98% involved" in selecting the honorees and rejected potential candidates he deemed "wokesters." The president also pledged to renovate the Center ahead of America's 250th anniversary in 2026, amid criticism and cancellations from performers who view his takeover as political interference in the arts.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance has sparked mixed reactions while vacationing with his family in England's Cotswolds region. His visit has disrupted local life with road closures, ID checks, and large motorcades, earning criticism from some residents who described him as "a bit of a mouth" and questioned his importance. While meeting with the Foreign Secretary and visiting U.S. Air Force personnel at RAF Fairford, Vance expressed appreciation for the "special relationship" between the U.S. and UK. Some locals expressed disapproval linked to the Trump administration's reputation, though others maintained a welcoming attitude despite the disruptions.

Rwanda has become the third African nation to enter a deportation agreement with the Trump administration, accepting up to 250 migrants from the United States. This follows similar arrangements with South Sudan, which received eight men convicted of violent crimes, and Eswatini, which accepted five deportees. Rwanda plans to provide the deportees with work training, healthcare, and accommodation assistance, though specific details about the timing and any benefits Rwanda receives from the agreement remain unclear. The Rwandan deal comes after a similar but ultimately failed migrant agreement with the UK that cost Britain nearly a billion dollars.

of "Brooklyn Church Choirs Persist Despite Declining Membership" Brooklyn's church choirs continue to serve as vital community anchors despite facing significant challenges from declining attendance, neighborhood gentrification, and demographic shifts. Historically Black congregations like Concord Baptist Church of Christ have seen their choir numbers dramatically decrease from about 100 singers in 2006 to just 30 today, mirroring broader trends in Black Protestant church attendance, which fell from 61% to 46% between 2019 and 2023. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this decline, with Black Protestant congregations being slower to return to in-person worship than other denominations. Despite these challenges, choir directors and longtime members emphasize the profound cultural and spiritual importance of church music as a connection to heritage and community identity in Brooklyn's changing religious landscape.

California's Democratic leaders, including Governor Gavin Newsom and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, have announced plans to redraw California's congressional maps ahead of the midterm elections in response to similar efforts by Texas Republicans. The proposed redistricting measure, which would be put to voters in a special election on November 4, 2025, could potentially add five congressional districts favorable to Democrats while reducing Republican seats from nine to four out of 52. This move would override California's independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, which normally handles the redistricting process using U.S. Census data. The initiative comes as Texas Democrats fled their state to block a Republican-led redistricting vote that could potentially gain five seats for Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives.

AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond criticizes President Trump's economic policies for failing working people, particularly Black Americans. The July jobs report shows Black unemployment surging to over 7%, nearly double the overall rate, reaching its highest level since 2021. Redmond points out that Black workers in federal jobs have been disproportionately impacted by layoffs, and Black women in healthcare face consequences from recent healthcare cuts. He argues that rising Black unemployment serves as an economic warning sign for the entire country, noting unemployment increased across all demographic groups with nearly one million people becoming jobless in July alone.

Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO and the highest-ranking African American in American labor movement history, is warning about severe economic impacts on Black workers during President Trump's second term. He highlights that Black unemployment has surged to more than double the national average, with Black women experiencing the highest unemployment levels since 2021. Redmond specifically criticizes Trump's attacks on federal agencies, which have historically provided middle-class pathways for African Americans, and his approach to tariffs, which he claims creates economic uncertainty without delivering promised benefits. The labor leader is actively mobilizing with the A. Philip Randolph Institute to organize Black communities nationwide, with goals including making Hakeem Jeffries Speaker of the House and rebuilding what he calls an economy "for working people."

Donald Trump has accumulated approximately $1.02 billion in personal and family gains connected to his presidential terms, according to a New Yorker investigation. These profits include foreign real estate and golf course deals in the Middle East that likely wouldn't have materialized without his political position, along with skyrocketing revenues at Mar-a-Lago where membership fees now reach up to $1 million. The investigation reveals numerous other revenue streams, including Jared Kushner's $2 billion Saudi investment, merchandise sales generating $27.7 million, donor-funded legal bill payments exceeding $100 million, and media settlements totaling $63 million. Ethics watchdogs note that Trump's exploitation of public office for personal gain is unprecedented among former presidents.

Democrat Michael Thurmond has announced his 2026 bid for Georgia governor, positioning himself as a unifying leader who can address everyday concerns like cost of living and healthcare access while bridging racial and political divides. The 72-year-old joins other Democratic candidates including state Sen. Jason Esteves and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms in seeking to succeed term-limited Republican Gov. Brian Kemp. Thurmond brings extensive political experience as a former labor commissioner, DeKalb County CEO, interim school superintendent, and state legislator, emphasizing his record of success in challenging roles. Like other declared Democratic candidates, Thurmond is seeking to become Georgia's first Black governor, focusing his campaign on fighting for Georgia residents rather than against political opponents.

According to a recent Economist/YouGov poll, only 31% of Americans view President Donald Trump as "honest and trustworthy," marking his lowest rating since beginning his second term. The poll reveals widespread suspicion about Trump's knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein's crimes, with 71% of Americans believing he knew at least something before investigations began. Trump's handling of the Epstein investigations has a -39 net approval rating, with particularly strong disapproval among Democrats. Additionally, Trump's overall job approval stands at 42% with 54% disapproving, while his support among Republican-leaning voters has decreased from 92% to 83% since January.

TSA's PreCheck Touchless ID technology, a facial comparison system that verifies identity without requiring physical ID, is now available at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and 14 other U.S. airports for enrolled PreCheck passengers with valid passports. Simultaneously, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has implemented Enhanced Passenger Processing at Nashville International Airport, using automated facial recognition to expedite traveler verification before they reach an officer. While officials tout improved efficiency and security, privacy concerns have prompted bipartisan legislation called the Traveler Privacy Protection Act of 2025, which would require consent for biometric data collection, prohibit passive surveillance, and mandate timely deletion of stored images. Both TSA and CBP systems offer opt-out options for travelers who prefer standard screening procedures.

Focus: Hope, a Detroit nonprofit founded in 1968, is facing a major crisis after losing $6 million in federal Head Start funding with no explanation from the federal government. This unexpected cut will terminate early childhood education programs serving four Detroit ZIP codes (48202, 48206, 48211, and 48238), eliminate at least 90 jobs, and leave hundreds of children and families without crucial services. The organization has already furloughed 45 staff members and laid off an additional 50 employees as a result of this funding loss. CEO Portia Roberson suggests the cuts may be related to broader Trump administration efforts to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, though no official reason has been provided.

Alaska's capital city, Juneau, is facing potential record-breaking flooding as meltwater escapes from a basin dammed by the Mendenhall Glacier. The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning, with water levels already exceeding 16 feet by Wednesday morning, surpassing the major flooding threshold of 14 feet. Governor Mike Dunleavy has declared a state disaster in response to this "imminent threat of catastrophic flooding," which experts note is part of a growing trend of glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs) exacerbated by climate change. This area has experienced annual flooding concerns since 2011, with hundreds of homes damaged in last year's floods.

The US National Guard has been deployed to Washington DC after President Trump took control of the city's police force, claiming violent crime was out of control. Around 800 National Guard troops and 500 federal law enforcement agents are expected to be deployed, with armored vehicles spotted at urban centers and tourist sites. Mayor Muriel Bowser has criticized the deployment as an "authoritarian push," while official crime statistics show violent offenses in DC have actually decreased to their lowest level in 30 years. The Trump administration has announced plans to "relentlessly pursue and arrest every violent criminal in the District," with 23 people already arrested by federal agents on Monday night.

Council Member Angela Whitfield-Calloway is facing potential consequences after her taxpayer-funded newsletter included campaign solicitations from Police Commissioner Linda Bernard, who is seeking re-election as a write-in candidate. Reverend Lucious Conway, a competing candidate, has filed multiple complaints and a lawsuit alleging improper use of public resources for campaign purposes. The Michigan Bureau of Elections determined Whitfield-Calloway violated rules by using the government communication platform GovDelivery to distribute campaign messages, though she claims it was an unintentional oversight. The Board of Ethics will hear Conway's complaint at their August 20 meeting while the Bureau of Elections continues its investigation.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance, while vacationing in the UK's Cotswolds region, held a private meeting with Conservative shadow ministers Robert Jenrick and Chris Philp at his holiday residence. During his UK trip, Vance has engaged in both official meetings, including talks with Foreign Secretary David Lammy about Gaza and international affairs, and social gatherings with various British political figures. Though he met with several Conservative politicians including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, schedules could not align for a meeting with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch. The vice president's visit has included cultural activities such as touring Hampton Court Palace, while causing some disruption to local residents due to security measures.

of the News Article A recent Trump administration report criticizes the UK for worsening human rights conditions, particularly highlighting restrictions on freedom of expression and antisemitism-related threats. The report specifically mentions government censorship following the Southport attacks, where authorities took legal action against those spreading misinformation online. It also critiques UK abortion clinic buffer zone laws that prohibit protests near these facilities, citing cases like Livia Tossici-Bolt's conviction for holding a sign outside a clinic. The US State Department expressed disappointment over such restrictions, with spokeswoman Tammy Bruce stating that criminalizing speech can catalyze further polarization.

Usha Vance, the 39-year-old second lady of the United States and wife of Vice President JD Vance, has played a significant role in her husband's political rise despite traditionally staying out of the limelight. Born to Indian immigrant parents in California, she built an impressive academic career that includes degrees from Yale, Cambridge as a Gates Scholar, and prestigious legal clerkships with Supreme Court justices. Though her own political views remain somewhat ambiguous—having been registered as a Democrat while clerking for conservative justices—she is described by friends as her husband's "spirit guide" in an equal partnership. The couple, married since 2014, prioritize family life with their three young children, and Usha's achievements have generated significant pride in India, particularly among her relatives who cite her family's scholarly tradition.

Four teenagers, including two 18-year-olds and two minors, have been arrested for a series of celebrity home burglaries in Los Angeles, including the ransacking of Brad Pitt's residence. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell identified the suspects as street gang members who targeted high-profile individuals such as actors and professional athletes. Police recovered stolen property during searches of the suspects' homes following an investigation that began after Pitt's Los Feliz home was broken into by masked thieves in late June. Authorities noted that these burglars employed sophisticated tactics like planting surveillance cameras to monitor victims' routines and using wi-fi jammers to disable home security systems.

Mexico has extradited 26 high-profile drug cartel suspects to the United States, marking the second major transfer of this kind in 2023. The extradited individuals include key operatives from major Mexican criminal organizations, particularly the Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) and Sinaloa Cartel, who face violent crime charges in American courts. This transfer comes amid continued US pressure on Mexico to combat drug trafficking across the shared border, including threats of tariffs. Mexican officials agreed to the extraditions on the condition that none of the suspects would face the death penalty, consistent with the country's longstanding extradition policy.