united states news

Georgia's 2026 gubernatorial race is heating up as term-limited Republican Governor Brian Kemp prepares to leave office. Republican contenders include Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones and Attorney General Chris Carr, while Democratic candidates include State Senator Jason Esteves, State Representative Derrick Jackson, and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. This election holds significant importance as Georgia has transformed into a battleground state, with recent elections showing narrow margins of victory between parties. The race will unfold amid heightened focus on state-level governance, particularly regarding contentious issues like Georgia's six-week abortion ban which has generated national attention through several high-profile cases.

The family of Virginia Giuffre, a victim of Jeffrey Epstein who died by suicide in April, has publicly asked President Trump not to pardon Ghislaine Maxwell, calling her a "monster who deserves to rot in prison." Their statement challenges Trump's recent claim that Epstein "stole people that worked for me," including Giuffre who was employed at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort when she was allegedly targeted by Maxwell in 2000. The family expressed concern about Maxwell's recent meetings with federal prosecutors and questioned whether Trump was aware of Epstein and Maxwell's criminal actions when Giuffre was working at his property. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence and has offered to testify to Congress if granted immunity from future prosecution.

The U.S. has announced sanctions against Brazilian Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes, accusing him of authorizing arbitrary detentions and suppressing free expression while leading investigations into former President Jair Bolsonaro. Simultaneously, President Donald Trump signed an executive order raising tariffs on Brazil to 50%, though excluding some major exports like orange juice and certain aircraft parts. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva condemned the sanctions as "unacceptable" interference in Brazil's justice system and noted Brazil's significant trade deficit with the U.S. over recent decades. This escalation follows tensions over Brazil's regulation of social media platforms, including Trump's Truth Social and Elon Musk's X, and marks a deterioration in U.S.-Brazil relations under Trump's second term.

Vice President Kamala Harris announced she will not run for California governor, marking the first time in over 20 years she won't be a candidate for elected office. This decision follows her historic 107-day presidential campaign after becoming the Democratic nominee when President Biden withdrew from the race. Harris's statement indicated she's seeking new methods of public service beyond traditional political pathways, reflecting what many see as Black women's evolving relationship with American political institutions. While her future plans remain unspecified, Harris mentioned she will continue listening to Americans, helping elect Democrats, and will share more details about her plans in the coming months.

California's 2026 gubernatorial race features a crowded Democratic field vying to replace term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom. Prominent candidates include Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, Secretary of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, former Representative Katie Porter, and several other high-profile Democrats. The race comes amid heightened tensions between California and the Trump administration, with Trump frequently criticizing the state's Democratic leadership and threatening federal funding cuts. California's gubernatorial contest is one of 36 governorship races occurring in 2026, with the state maintaining its position as a Democratic stronghold where Republicans haven't held the governor's office since Arnold Schwarzenegger's term ended in 2011.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris released a statement on July 30 announcing her decision not to run for Governor of California after months of reflection. Harris expressed her commitment to public service and her history of working within the system as a prosecutor, Attorney General, Senator, and Vice President. While acknowledging her love for California, she indicated she will pursue public service outside of elected office, suggesting she plans to find new methods to advance her values rather than following traditional political paths. Harris stated she will focus on supporting Democratic candidates and engaging with Americans, with more details about her future plans to be shared in coming months.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris has announced she will not run for California governor in 2026 after giving the decision "serious thought" and "deep reflection." Harris stated her leadership will not be in elected office for now, though she plans to remain politically active by helping elect Democrats and will share more about her future plans in the coming months. Her decision leaves open the possibility of a 2028 presidential run while creating space in a crowded Democratic gubernatorial primary that already includes numerous high-profile candidates such as Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and former Rep. Katie Porter. Harris, who began her political career as San Francisco's district attorney and made history as the first female, Black, and South Asian Vice President, has largely stayed out of politics since her 2024 presidential election loss, only occasionally commenting on issues like immigration enforcement in Los Angeles.

of News Article On the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, protesters gathered in Washington, D.C. for a 60-hour vigil called the Families First National Day of Action rally to oppose cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs. Rally participants shared personal stories about how Medicaid has been essential for their families' healthcare needs, particularly for disabled individuals. The Republican Congress, with support from the Trump administration, has passed a budget that cuts Medicaid by approximately $1 trillion over 10 years, potentially leaving 11.8 million Americans without health insurance according to Congressional Budget Office estimates. Speakers emphasized the urgent need to preserve Medicaid funding, arguing that these cuts would disproportionately harm vulnerable populations including those with disabilities.

Sean "Diddy" Combs has filed a new motion seeking release from federal custody before his October 3 sentencing, following his conviction on Mann Act violations despite acquittal on sex trafficking and racketeering charges. His attorneys argue that his nearly year-long detention represents an unprecedented application of a 114-year-old law originally intended to combat human trafficking and forced prostitution. They contend Combs is being unfairly punished for consensual sexual activities within a swinger lifestyle, not for coercion or profiteering. The legal team has offered a $50 million bond secured by Combs' Miami home, along with travel restrictions and electronic monitoring, while also citing the dangerous conditions at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center as further justification for his release.

A new Prison Policy Initiative report titled "Hiding in Plain Sight: How Local Jails Obscure and Facilitate Mass Deportation Under Trump" reveals how local jails have become essential to implementing President Trump's mass deportation agenda, despite sanctuary policies. The report shows that when accounting for detainees in U.S. Marshals Service custody and in local jails for immigration-related offenses, the actual number of detained immigrants is approximately 83,400—45% higher than ICE's official figure of 57,200. According to the findings, nearly half of all ICE arrests in 2025 came from transfers out of local jails, many operating under U.S. Marshals contracts that override sanctuary laws. The Trump administration has bypassed sanctuary protections by prosecuting immigration violations as federal crimes, shifting people into jails with federal detention contracts.

City of Hope International Church recently hosted its annual "Pack the City with Hope Back-to-School Giveaway and Community Resource Fair," serving over 100 students and families from the greater San Diego area. The event provided backpacks, school supplies, personal care items, dental kits, and other resources to help students start the school year confidently, with 50 students receiving new headphones and 75 girls receiving feminine hygiene kits. Associated Barber College offered free haircuts, while various partners including Visionary Dental, Super Dentists, Dr. Chan DDS, Lincoln High School Alumni Association, and church members contributed to the event's success. Remaining supplies will be donated to Lincoln High School and Porter Elementary School, extending the event's impact beyond the church grounds.

The Africa Migration Report Poetry Anthology Series is seeking submissions of poems and short prose pieces exploring African migration experiences for a new anthology. This multi-volume initiative aims to collect works examining the historical and contemporary patterns of African and African diasporic migration, including motivations like education, employment, climate change, and conflict. Submissions must be 40 lines or less for poetry or 100 words maximum for prose, with each contributor allowed to submit up to three pieces. The series was inspired by the Africa Migration Report's 2nd Edition and is organized by Forced Migration and The Arts in collaboration with CivicLeicester and Regularise.

The Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (San Diego Alphas) attended the fraternity's 98th General Convention in Philadelphia where they received multiple recognitions. The chapter was honored as the second-highest fundraiser for March of Dimes, raising $13,896, and received recognition for traveling the farthest distance to attend. Additionally, Brother Don Long was inducted into the Western Region Hall of Fame, making the San Diego chapter the only one in Alpha's 119-year history to have two members receive this distinction. While maintaining their national presence, the San Diego Alphas continue their local focus with their upcoming Holiday Scholarship Ball to fund educational programming, having awarded $23,000 in scholarships to high school seniors in 2025.

A recent AP-NORC poll reveals that 60% of Americans use AI for information searches, with higher usage (74%) among adults under 30. The survey shows significant generational differences in AI adoption, with younger adults more likely to use AI for brainstorming and work tasks. While AI has become common for information searches, fewer Americans employ it for work tasks (40%), email writing, image creation, or shopping. The poll highlights both the current limitations of AI adoption and signals potential for increased future usage as younger generations continue embracing the technology across various aspects of life.

Hulk Hogan's recent death at age 71 has evoked deeply divided reactions among wrestling fans, especially in the Black community. While many celebrate Hogan's iconic status and undeniable influence in popularizing professional wrestling, others cannot separate his legacy from his documented racist comments, including slurs captured on recordings in 2007. Black wrestling enthusiasts like Kazeem Famuyide, who hosts "The Ringer Wrestling Show," express complex feelings about Hogan—acknowledging his childhood hero status while criticizing his apparent lack of genuine remorse for racist statements. The contradictory responses to Hogan's death reflect broader tensions about race within both wrestling culture and American society as a whole.

Assemblymember Tina McKinnor's bill (AB 62), which aims to help victims of racially motivated eminent domain recover lost property, received unanimous approval from the Senate Judiciary Committee with bipartisan support. The bill establishes a process for reviewing claims of racially motivated property seizures through an agency's Office of Legal Affairs, which would then certify claimants' rights to original property, comparable assets, or monetary compensation. AB 62 follows in the spirit of SB 796, which facilitated the return of Bruce's Beach to descendants of the Black couple whose property was seized in 1924. Now headed to the Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations, the bill is part of the California Legislative Black Caucus's "Road to Repair" legislative package seeking justice for marginalized communities.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, the state's first female governor who took office following Andrew Cuomo's resignation in 2021, is now running for a second term amid both Democratic and potential Republican challenges. Hochul faces a primary challenge from Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado while Republican Representative Elise Stefanik is considering entering the race after November. Despite Democrats being favored in blue New York, Hochul's underwater approval ratings (36% wanting her reelection versus 55% preferring "someone else" according to a Siena College poll) suggest the race could be competitive and expensive. With $17.5 million cash on hand after raising $4 million in early 2025, Hochul is financially prepared for what will likely be a nationally watched contest in one of 36 governorships up for election in 2026.

Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland has announced her candidacy for governor of New Mexico, aiming to become the first Native American woman elected governor in U.S. history. Haaland, who already made history as one of the first Native American women in Congress and as the first Native American Cabinet secretary, will compete in the Democratic primary against Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman and former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima. The Democratic nominee will likely have an advantage in the general election, as New Mexico consistently votes Democratic despite being rural with high poverty rates. The gubernatorial race is one of 36 governorships up for election in 2026, which includes several politically significant contests in battleground states.

Arizona, once a Republican stronghold, has evolved into a critical battleground state with Democrats winning key statewide races in 2022 including the governorship. The 2026 gubernatorial race is shaping up to be competitive, with Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs fundraising for reelection while the Republican primary attracts national attention with Trump endorsing both Rep. Andy Biggs and Karrin Taylor Robson. State-level governance has become increasingly significant as policy decisions on issues like abortion have shifted from federal to state control, exemplified by Arizona's recent abortion law changes culminating in voters approving a constitutional amendment guaranteeing abortion rights in 2024. The Arizona race is part of 36 governorships up for election in 2026, including several in states where the presidential vote differed from the party of the current governor.

Detroit City Council has voted to increase fines for parents whose children violate the juvenile curfew law, raising penalties to $250 for first offenses and $500 for second offenses while eliminating jail time as a sentencing option. Police Chief Todd Bettison supports the updated ordinance as an accountability measure aimed at changing behavior and addressing recent youth gun violence incidents in the city. The police department plans to use curfew violations as intervention opportunities to connect families with support services rather than processing minors through the juvenile court system. Critics question the effectiveness of curfews in reducing youth crime, citing studies showing little impact on violence rates, and express concerns that fines may create financial hardship for already struggling families without achieving the intended behavioral changes.

Following a powerful earthquake near Russia, many Hawaiian residents evacuated coastal areas as tsunami waves several feet high hit the islands of Maui, Oahu, and Hawaii. Officials downgraded the initial tsunami warning to an advisory but cautioned that flooding and dangerous currents could persist for hours or days after the initial waves. While Governor Josh Green expressed optimism about not seeing a "wave of consequence," residents took precautions seriously, with traffic congestion reported as people moved to higher ground. The tsunami also prompted advisories for the US West Coast and parts of Canada, though waves were smaller in those regions than in Hawaii.

The article discusses campaign finance disclosures for Detroit's mayoral race, revealing that candidates have collectively raised $3 million, with only 28% coming from Detroit residents while 72% comes from outside the city. Council President Mary Sheffield leads in fundraising with nearly $800,000 raised this year, giving her a significant financial advantage over rivals Solomon Kinloch Jr. and Saunteel Jenkins. The article also covers the City Council's vote to update a parental responsibility ordinance with increased fines in response to youth violence, and residents' complaints about a problematic hotel in the Ravendale neighborhood allegedly attracting crime and prostitution.

Cincinnati police have arrested two individuals, Montianez Merriweather and Dekyra Vernon, in connection with a violent brawl that occurred early Saturday morning and was captured on viral videos. The suspects face felonious assault charges carrying potential prison sentences of two to eight years, with a third arrest reportedly in progress. The incident, which involved approximately 100 people with only one calling police, sparked reactions from prominent figures including Vice President JD Vance and Elon Musk, with some commentators suggesting racial motivations despite conflicting witness accounts. Police Chief Teresa Theetge noted that alcohol was a factor in the melee, which began around 3:00 AM local time and dispersed before officers arrived six minutes after being called.

Caribbean Superior, a Jamaican restaurant with locations in Bladensburg and District Heights, Maryland, was recently honored with a 2025 Milestone Award by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) for its 25 years of service. Founded by Chef Patrick Martin in August 2000, the restaurant has become popular for its authentic Jamaican cuisine including jerk chicken, curry dishes, and breakfast options served from 8 a.m. Manager Leo Artwell attributes the restaurant's longevity to serving authentic food and offering unique services that distinguish it from other establishments. The recognition came during RAMW's second-annual RAMMYS Honors on July 1, which serves as a precursor to the RAMMYS Awards Gala scheduled for August 3.

In May 2024, catastrophic flooding severely damaged Western Maryland's Allegany and Garrett Counties, but the Trump administration denied Governor Wes Moore's request for $15.8 million in federal disaster relief despite the region meeting all FEMA thresholds. The denial came just one day after Trump approved disaster relief for several states that supported him in the 2024 election, raising concerns about politically motivated decision-making. Maryland's entire congressional delegation, including Republican Representative Andy Harris, had urged approval of the aid request. Governor Moore has confirmed the state will appeal FEMA's decision within the 30-day window while allocating limited state funds to assist affected communities.