united states news

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has launched a major recruitment drive offering substantial incentives, including bonuses up to $50,000 and student loan assistance up to $60,000, to attract 10,000 new personnel. The initiative aims to double the agency's workforce to support the Trump administration's deportation goals of removing one million people annually from the country. Funded by approximately $165 billion allocated to the Department of Homeland Security in Trump's tax and spending bill, ICE is specifically targeting deportation officers, attorneys, criminal investigators, and student visa adjudicators. The recruitment campaign features World War Two-style posters with slogans like "America Needs You" and "Defend the Homeland," with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem describing it as "a defining moment in our nation's history."

Argan oil, a prized cosmetic worldwide, serves as a crucial economic lifeline for rural Moroccan women while coming from forests increasingly threatened by overconsumption and climate change. Women in cooperatives process the oil through traditional methods passed down through generations, earning minimal wages while international companies reap substantial profits. The argan forest has shrunk by 40% since 2000 due to multiple factors including drought, overgrazing, and agricultural expansion. Despite government conservation efforts like tree planting programs and attempts to improve storage facilities for producers, the industry faces serious challenges including an inequitable supply chain and fears that both the trees and cultural traditions they support may disappear.

A coalition of state attorneys general, led by New York's Letitia James, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for allegedly conducting an unconstitutional campaign against gender-affirming care for transgender youth. The lawsuit challenges Justice Department investigations and threats that have caused numerous hospitals across the country to shut down their gender-affirming care programs, even in states with protective laws. The legal action argues that federal agencies are using intimidation tactics without basis in federal law, placing healthcare providers in the difficult position of choosing between federal threats and state non-discrimination laws. The plaintiffs assert that these federal actions violate states' rights under the 10th Amendment and seek to halt the Justice Department's ongoing investigations and subpoenas targeting gender-affirming care providers.

Switzerland is facing a severe economic shock as the United States imposes 39% tariffs on Swiss imports, the highest in Europe and fourth highest globally. Despite Switzerland's efforts to negotiate lower rates, including reducing its own tariffs on US goods to zero and promising significant investments in the US, President Trump remained focused on addressing the $47.4 billion trade deficit between the countries. The Swiss government and businesses are scrambling to respond before the August 7th implementation date, with warnings of potential job losses and growing anger across the country during its national day celebrations. This situation has shattered Switzerland's earlier optimism about securing a favorable trade deal with the US.

The trade war between the US and Canada has intensified with President Trump raising tariffs on Canadian imports from 25% to 35%, though many goods are exempt under existing trade agreements. Canada has responded with counter-tariffs on billions of dollars worth of American products, from household appliances to food items. These tariffs are already causing price increases for Canadian consumers across multiple sectors, including appliances (up 2-4.5%), automobiles (up 5%), food products, clothing, and building materials. Some retailers have begun marking tariff-affected products, with Canada's largest grocer Loblaw labeling nearly 7,500 affected items with a "T," which have subsequently seen an average 20% decline in sales.

President Trump has implemented new tariffs on imports from more than 90 countries after failing to reach trade agreements by his August 1 deadline. These tariffs, which take effect on August 7 for most countries (with Canada's 35% rate already in effect since August 1), may result in higher prices for American consumers as companies pass on the increased costs. Brazil faces particularly steep 50% tariffs on most goods, while negotiations with China continue until August 12, and Mexico has received a 90-day extension at current tariff rates instead of the threatened 35% increase. Most Canadian goods are exempt from the new tariffs due to the existing US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed disappointment over President Donald Trump's decision to increase tariffs on certain Canadian exports from 25% to 35%, citing Canada's alleged failure to curb drug trafficking across the border. Despite this escalation, approximately 90% of Canadian goods imported to the US remain exempt under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This tariff increase is part of Trump's broader initiative implementing import taxes ranging from 10% to 50% on dozens of countries worldwide, despite warnings from economists that these measures could raise prices for US businesses and consumers. While Mexico received a 90-day extension at current rates, many Asian countries face significant tariffs, with some nations like Taiwan securing lower rates through negotiations.

The race for Michigan's governorship in 2026 is shaping up to be highly competitive as term-limited Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer cannot seek reelection. The Democratic primary features Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, and others, while the Republican field includes Representative John James and several former state officials. Adding complexity to the race, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is running as an independent candidate in what is expected to be one of the closest gubernatorial contests in 2026. Michigan remains a crucial swing state with a history of alternating between Democratic and Republican governors, having supported different parties in recent elections with very narrow margins.

Maine is gearing up for its 2026 gubernatorial race with a diverse field of candidates seeking to replace term-limited Democratic Governor Janet Mills. The Democratic primary features Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, former Senate President Troy Jackson, former House Speaker Hannah Pingree, and energy executive Angus King III, while Republicans have state Senator James Libby, former U.S. Assistant Secretary Robert Charles, real estate executive David Jones, and University trustee Owen McCarthy competing. Maine leans Democratic at the presidential level, giving Democrats a favorable outlook in the upcoming governor's race. The governor's position has gained significance as policy decisions on issues like abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and social programs increasingly fall to state-level leadership rather than federal authorities.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has identified India's relationship with Russia as a "point of irritation" in US-India relations, specifically citing India's significant oil imports from Russia. This statement follows President Trump's threat to impose 25% tariffs plus penalties on Indian goods due to purchases of Russian oil and weapons. While acknowledging India as an "ally" and "strategic partner," Rubio expressed frustration that India continues to buy Russian oil despite other suppliers being available, noting that these purchases are funding Russia's war in Ukraine. India has defended its oil purchases from Russia, which increased from 3% in 2021 to 35-40% in 2024, arguing it needs affordable energy for its population, though recent reports suggest some Indian state-owned refineries have paused Russian crude imports.

President Trump's recent tariff announcements have significantly impacted Asian economies, with varying outcomes across the region. While key U.S. allies Japan and South Korea managed to negotiate reduced tariffs from 25% to 15%, other countries faced different results based on their strategic importance and trade relationships with the United States. Southeast Asian nations, whose economies are heavily export-dependent, experienced particularly dramatic impacts with final tariff rates ranging from 10% for Singapore to 40% for Laos and Myanmar. The tariff rates announced are not final, as President Trump retains the right to modify them based on ongoing negotiations and changing circumstances.

President Trump's tariff policies are creating significant economic ripple effects across global trade partnerships. While countries like the UK, Japan, and EU have negotiated reduced tariff rates from the initially threatened 30%, others like Canada now face 35% tariffs after the August 1 deadline. Though Trump claims these taxes will generate revenue and boost American manufacturing, early indicators suggest consumer prices are rising, with economists warning the full impact has yet to materialize. The tariffs are affecting numerous product categories including clothing, coffee, alcohol, vehicles, construction materials, and potentially energy, with some industries already implementing price increases and others expected to follow suit.

In July 2024, catastrophic flooding in Texas claimed at least 135 lives, with Kerr County suffering the highest death toll of 95 people. During a legislative hearing in Kerrville, three top county officials testified about their whereabouts when disaster struck: Emergency Management Coordinator William B Thomas and Sheriff Larry Leitha were asleep, while County Judge Rob Kelly was out of town. All three officials claimed they had received no prior warnings about the severity of the impending floods, with Thomas citing illness, Leitha stating he had "zero worries" about the forecasted rain, and Kelly explaining he was away at his lake house. The disaster has prompted scrutiny about whether adequate warnings were provided and if earlier evacuations could have prevented the high death toll.

of News Article Tomar McWilliams and over a dozen other young men recently graduated from Maya Angelou Academy @ D.C. Jail, earning their D.C.-certified high school diplomas while incarcerated. McWilliams made the conscious decision to remain at D.C. Jail rather than transfer elsewhere, specifically to complete his education through this program. The graduation ceremony at the Central Treatment Facility celebrated these achievements, which were made possible through a settlement from the Charles H. v. District of Columbia lawsuit that extended educational opportunities to those who aged out of the system during the pandemic. Since its 2021 appointment as the education provider at D.C. Jail, Maya Angelou Academy has enrolled 282 residents and graduated 82 with high school diplomas.

The "Fresh Start Act of 2025," introduced by Senators Chris Van Hollen and Lisa Blunt Rochester, aims to provide grants of up to $5 million to states for modernizing criminal justice data infrastructure to enable automatic expungement of eligible criminal records. States must already have automatic expungement laws in place that don't delay record-clearing due to unpaid fines or fees to qualify for funding. The legislation authorizes $50 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030, with advocates noting that expungement significantly improves employment outcomes and reduces recidivism. Various law enforcement and criminal justice organizations have endorsed the bill, emphasizing its potential to remove barriers to reentry and improve public safety.

This news article highlights 10 influential Democratic politicians who are challenging conventional politics and resonating with younger voters. These Democrats span from newcomers representing Generation Z to experienced legislators working across party lines. According to Voice & Viewpoint staff writers Tihut Tamrat and Macy Meinhardt, these selected leaders are notable for advancing progressive policies both in Congress and during campaign season. The article positions these 10 Democrats as particularly noteworthy figures catching attention in the publication's newsroom during the summer.

This sponsored article by JPMorganChase offers comprehensive advice for affordable summer travel during what is typically the most expensive travel season. The guidance includes starting a vacation fund by cutting unnecessary expenses and leveraging credit card travel rewards to offset costs. The article recommends strategic timing approaches such as traveling during shoulder seasons and booking flights approximately two months in advance, while also suggesting money-saving alternatives like exploring lesser-known destinations, using public transportation, and taking advantage of free or discounted attractions. For those with tighter budgets, the article proposes staycations, day trips, and visits to state or national parks as enriching yet economical alternatives.

JPMorganChase volunteers recently spent a day renovating and cleaning the Pope Francis Center in Detroit, a facility that serves over 200 homeless individuals daily. The Center, established in 1990, provides over 110,000 meals, 2,550 laundry loads, and 6,000 showers annually, along with medical, dental, and legal support to Detroit's most vulnerable citizens. This volunteer effort represents a decade-long partnership between JPMorganChase and the Pope Francis Center, with the bank providing both financial services and volunteer support. The Center has expanded its impact through the Bridge Housing Campus, which opened in September and offers transitional housing and comprehensive support services to help people transition from homelessness to permanent housing.

The Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF) is celebrating its 23rd annual nine-day event, starting Friday with appearances from numerous Black Hollywood stars and influential figures. Founded by Stephanie and Floyd Rance, the festival has evolved from a grassroots gathering into a premier destination where Black creatives find connection, support, and a platform for their stories. This year's festival centers on the theme of joy and features a dynamic slate of screenings, panels, and conversations with stars like Jennifer Hudson, Spike Lee, Issa Rae, and Michelle Obama. The event continues to serve as a cultural reunion and safe haven where Black filmmakers, actors, and tastemakers can celebrate authentic stories that might be overlooked in mainstream spaces.

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies has released a 16-page issue brief warning that federal industrial policy investments meant to benefit Black communities are being threatened by the Trump administration's elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion provisions and slowed funding disbursement. Authored by Dr. Gabrielle Smith Finnie, the report examines how the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act represented historic opportunities to increase Black access to quality jobs in growing industries like manufacturing, clean energy, and technology. Despite these laws including intentional equity components such as labor protections and apprenticeship incentives, many of these components are now being rolled back or underfunded, potentially limiting economic mobility for Black workers and communities. The report highlights that many Black-led organizations remain under-informed and under-resourced to access these opportunities, despite the programs already reaching 99% of high-poverty counties.

Iñaki Williams has become the first Black captain for Athletic Bilbao, a significant milestone given the club's historical Basque-only policy and Spain's current political climate. The 31-year-old, born in Bilbao to Ghanaian immigrant parents, views his captaincy as meaningful representation for immigrants in the Basque Country and Spain. Williams, who has faced racist abuse alongside his brother Nico, emphasized the importance of speaking out against far-right rhetoric while overcoming barriers. Athletic Bilbao will compete in the Champions League for the first time since 2014-15 after finishing fourth in last season's Spanish league.

The small West African country of Benin has implemented a new law granting citizenship to descendants of enslaved people, with U.S. singer Ciara becoming one of the first public figures to receive citizenship under this initiative. Benin's efforts represent an acknowledgment of the country's historical role in the transatlantic slave trade and aim to heal historical wounds while promoting tourism centered on slavery-related memorial sites. The citizenship program is open to anyone over 18 who can prove their ancestors were deported during the slave trade, with applications processed through the recently launched "My Afro Origins" digital platform. Benin has a significant history in the slave trade, with European merchants having deported an estimated 1.5 million enslaved people from the Bight of Benin to the Americas.

Former President Barack Obama has urged Americans to actively participate in preserving democracy, emphasizing that citizens hold more power than presidents in a democracy. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson discussed her approach to dissenting opinions and expressed concern about American democracy during the Global Black Economic Forum. Voting rights advocate Stacey Abrams outlined ten tactics used in autocracies during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, encouraging resistance through truth-telling and community action. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass strongly refuted reports that federal officials threatened to arrest her while conducting aggressive immigration enforcement operations in MacArthur Park.

Beyoncé's 13-year-old daughter Blue Ivy Carter has become a standout performer on the Cowboy Carter tour, drawing fans specifically to see her evolving stage presence. The young performer has progressed significantly since her debut during the 2023 Renaissance tour, now appearing in nearly every song and demonstrating professional-level skills alongside her mother. Behind-the-scenes insights revealed that Beyoncé was initially hesitant about her daughter performing but agreed after Blue proved her commitment through practice. The mother-daughter dynamic has resonated strongly with fans, particularly other mother-daughter pairs who attend concerts together and see Blue as an inspirational figure for the younger generation.

The article warns that the early release of FBI files on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. appears to be part of a coordinated effort to discredit his legacy and potentially dismantle MLK Day. The author connects this to a broader pattern of reactionary moves including voter suppression, book bans, and attacks on civil rights. Several examples are cited as evidence of this trend, including the renaming of Fort Gregg-Adams back to Fort Lee, the removal of Dr. Carla Hayden as Librarian of Congress, and far-right figures like Charlie Kirk publicly criticizing Dr. King and the Civil Rights Act. The commentary, published in The Afro, frames these actions as attempts to control the future by rewriting American history.

Dr. John E. Warren, the new Chairman of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Board of Directors, welcomes readers to Black Press "Local Newsrooms" with their 198-year history of service. He emphasizes that Black newspapers remain trusted messengers in communities of color while embracing digital media alongside traditional print formats. Warren highlights the economic power of these communities, which contribute over $4 trillion annually to the American economy, and encourages readers to support publications that reinvest in their communities. He calls for corporate America to fairly exchange advertising dollars with Black media outlets that serve communities with significant market spending power.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for the entire Washington D.C. metropolitan area and surrounding regions in Maryland and Virginia from Thursday afternoon until early Friday morning. Forecasters warn that a dangerous system of storms will bring torrential downpours capable of producing 1-2 inches of rain within 30 minutes, with some areas potentially receiving 4-6 inches total. The combination of extreme humidity, an incoming cold front, and an upper-level trough will create conditions for slow-moving thunderstorms that pose significant flash flooding risks, particularly during the evening commute. Officials are emphasizing the "Turn Around, Don't Drown" safety message while warning of possible road closures and travel disruptions throughout the affected areas.

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Canada's intention to formally recognize a Palestinian state in September at the UN General Assembly, making it the third G7 nation after the UK and France to make such an announcement recently. The recognition is contingent upon democratic reforms, including the Palestinian Authority holding elections next year without Hamas participation. Carney cited the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank, and the October 7, 2023 attacks as reasons for this significant shift in foreign policy. Israel's foreign ministry criticized the decision as rewarding Hamas, while former US President Trump suggested it could negatively impact US-Canada trade relations.

Former NFL star and popular podcaster Shannon Sharpe has been dropped by ESPN following the settlement of a rape lawsuit against him. The lawsuit, filed by a woman alleging assault during their nearly two-year relationship, sought over $50 million in damages but was recently dismissed after both parties reached a settlement with undisclosed terms. Sharpe, who denied the allegations and called them a "shakedown," confirmed on his podcast that he would not be returning to ESPN after learning of the network's decision earlier in the week. The 57-year-old Hall of Famer had not appeared on ESPN since the lawsuit was filed in Nevada in April.

President Donald Trump is implementing new tariffs on imports from several key trading partners effective August 1, 2024, as part of his broader international trade policy initiated since returning to office in January. He argues these tariffs will boost American manufacturing, protect jobs, and reduce the U.S. trade deficit, despite critics suggesting they have thrown the world economy into chaos. The tariffs vary by country, with the EU facing 15% tariffs, Canada 35%, Mexico 30%, and the UK negotiating the lowest rate at 10%, while ongoing negotiations with China could see rates exceed 100% after August 12. Major companies including Adidas, Nike, and Mattel have already announced price increases for U.S. consumers as a result of these import taxes, while international organizations have downgraded global economic growth predictions.