united states news

Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old influential conservative activist and Trump ally, was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University to a crowd of approximately 3,000 people. The shooter, believed to be dressed in dark clothing, fired a single shot from the roof of the Losee Center about 130 meters away from where Kirk was seated under a gazebo answering audience questions. Authorities have declared the shooting an assassination and launched a massive manhunt, with the campus locked down and police conducting door-to-door searches. Kirk's death has prompted condolences from political leaders worldwide but has also intensified political divisions, with some conservatives blaming the left while officials note this incident adds to a concerning rise in politically motivated violence in the US.

Charlie Kirk was fatally shot by a sniper at Utah Valley University, with the assassin still at large despite initial confusion about an arrest. Critics attribute the unsuccessful manhunt to President Trump's administration changes, including appointing Kash Patel to FBI leadership, removing experienced agents like the Pakistani American field chief in Salt Lake City, and redirecting FBI resources from counterterrorism to immigration enforcement. NBC correspondent Ken Dilanian highlighted how miscommunication and resource diversion have hampered the investigation, noting that many FBI agents previously focused on domestic terrorism have been reassigned to immigration duties despite rising political violence. Critics ultimately hold Trump responsible for weakening the FBI's ability to respond effectively to this assassination.

NASA has recently blocked Chinese citizens with valid U.S. visas from accessing its facilities, systems, and networks, effectively preventing them from working at the agency. The restriction, implemented on September 5, affects Chinese nationals who previously worked at NASA as contractors or students contributing to research. This measure comes amid heightened competition between the U.S. and China in space exploration, with both nations racing to reach the Moon first and potentially control its valuable resources. The decision further diminishes scientific collaboration between the two countries, adding to existing restrictions such as China's exclusion from the International Space Station and growing visa challenges for Chinese students in science and technology fields.

Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative activist and Trump ally, was fatally shot in the neck while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University attended by approximately 3,000 people. Witnesses described a scene of panic and chaos after a single shot was fired, which law enforcement believes came from a shooter positioned on a nearby rooftop approximately 130 meters away. Multiple attendees reported rushing to hide or flee the venue while experiencing intense fear and shock, with many noting a concerning lack of security measures at the event. Despite the presence of six university security officers and Kirk's private security detail, no bag searches or equipment scanning were conducted according to several witnesses.

California is entering a redistricting battle over control of the U.S. House of Representatives with Proposition 50, which would place redistricting on the November ballot. While opponents immediately launched direct mail campaigns and Democratic supporters began investing in media ads and polling, the African American community has been notably excluded from early campaign efforts on both sides. The article questions whether campaigns assume Black voters either won't participate or will automatically vote Democratic without targeted outreach. It emphasizes the constitutional requirement for inclusive representation in the redistricting process and criticizes campaigns for ignoring Black media outlets while spending advertising dollars with white-owned media.

The 23rd Oakland International Film Festival (OIFF) runs from September 10-20, 2025, under the theme "Promoting the Planet Through Film" with events at the Grand Lake Theater, Northeastern University, and Geoffrey's Inner Circle. Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee has praised festival director David Roach for his 23 years of work showcasing Oakland's positive achievements while connecting filmmakers and audiences globally. The 11-day festival features premieres, documentaries, shorts, panels, and red-carpet events that represent Oakland's vibrant cultural scene, referred to as "The Oakperience." Opening films include "From Here/From There" about a DACA recipient arguing before the Supreme Court and "Beyond the Headlines: The NABJ Journey" documenting the 50-year history of the National Association of Black Journalists.

Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative media personality and founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. Kirk was speaking at the launch of his "The American Comeback Tour" when a shooter fired from approximately 200 yards away, shortly after Kirk had engaged in a debate with a student about transgender mass shooters. As a prominent conservative influencer, Kirk had advocated for traditional gender roles, encouraged young women to prioritize family over careers, and supported gun rights despite mass shooting fatalities. Following the shooting, both conservative and liberal figures condemned the political violence, with former President Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords all issuing statements against politically motivated violence.

The 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results show significant academic declines among U.S. students, with twelfth-graders performing worse in both reading and mathematics compared to 2019, and eighth-graders showing deterioration in science scores. Reading scores for high school seniors have dropped three points since 2019 and ten points since 1992, with only the highest-performing students maintaining their levels. Mathematics and science results mirror this downward trend, with increasing percentages of students falling below basic proficiency levels across all subjects. African American students continue to be disproportionately represented among lower performers nationally, maintaining longstanding achievement gaps when compared to White and Asian peers despite the overall national decline in scores.

The presence of National Guard troops at Union Station and throughout Washington D.C. has created mixed reactions among local business owners. While some merchants like Samarah Lee Banks of Lee's Flowers and Marc Barnes of The Park at 14th welcome the additional security, others report significant business downturns with D.C. Council member Charles Allen noting some businesses have seen sales decline by up to 50%. D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb has filed a lawsuit to suspend National Guard activity, arguing it's "unnecessary and unwanted" while the Downtown BID President Gerren Price reported approximately 12,000 fewer people on the streets compared to the same period last year. Despite these concerns, business organizations like the D.C. Chamber of Commerce continue to emphasize that the city remains "safe, open for business, thriving and ready to welcome visitors."

Former Michigan State Senator Adam Hollier has announced his candidacy for Michigan Secretary of State, joining Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum and Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie in the race to succeed term-limited Jocelyn Benson. Hollier, who withdrew from the congressional race in Michigan's 13th District, emphasized his background as a U.S. Army Paratrooper and his experience in the State Senate as qualifications for the position. He promised to protect voting rights, combat election interference, and make voting more accessible if elected. Hollier has secured endorsements from several local officials including Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter and Detroit councilman Fred Durhal III.

The Reverend Willie Wilson and community leaders announced the 30th Anniversary Million Man March and revival of Unifest, to be held October 16-18 in Washington D.C., during a press conference at Union Temple Baptist Church. The events aim to bring the community together during a challenging time as D.C. faces federal troop presence in civilian areas until November 30. Wilson emphasized that the programming will offer spirituality, strength, and empowerment for Black people across the District and beyond, with supporting events beginning September 22. The initiative has received blessing from Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan, who convened the original 1995 Million Man March, and similar commemorative events are being organized in cities nationwide and internationally.

Issa Rae's new two-part HBO documentary, "Seen and Heard: The History of Black Television," premiering September 9, examines the complex history of African American representation on television. The documentary features prominent figures including Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, and Shonda Rhimes discussing both the achievements and challenges faced by Black creators in the television industry. Rae was motivated to create this project after witnessing the disappearance of Black sitcoms in the 2000s and their replacement with often degrading reality TV portrayals of Black women. The documentary emphasizes the importance of authentic representation and creative control, highlighting how networks have profited from Black content while creators have frequently been denied appropriate recognition and ownership.

OpenAI and Meta are implementing changes to how their AI chatbots respond to teenagers in distress, particularly regarding suicide-related queries. OpenAI announced plans to introduce parental controls allowing account linking, feature restrictions, and distress notifications, while also routing sensitive conversations to more capable AI models. Meta is blocking teen conversations about self-harm, suicide, disordered eating, and inappropriate romantic topics, redirecting users to expert resources instead. These changes follow a lawsuit against OpenAI by parents who claim ChatGPT contributed to their 16-year-old son's suicide, and come amid a recent study highlighting inconsistencies in how AI chatbots respond to suicide-related queries.

Frieda McCurley's 65th birthday celebration at the Town and Country Resort drew over 100 attendees and featured a special proclamation from the City of San Diego declaring September 4 as Frieda McCurley Day. The honor recognizes McCurley's 35-year career as a Judge's Clerk at the San Diego County Courthouse, where she became part of the courthouse's longest-serving judge and clerk team. During the celebration, colleagues and friends praised McCurley's professionalism, respect for others, and consistent dedication to justice. The event highlighted not only her professional accomplishments but also her significant community involvement and positive influence on those around her.

Union Wesley AME Zion Church in Northeast DC recently held its third annual "Unity in the Community" event, connecting residents with essential resources amid challenging times. The event gained particular significance this year as community members faced federal government furloughs, Medicaid cuts, and the recent surge of federal law enforcement in District neighborhoods under President Trump's federalization of the Metropolitan Police Department. Hundreds gathered at the church for services, where they received backpacks, school supplies, health screenings, and information from various organizations including College Bound, Inc., D.C. Fire and EMS, and the Department of Behavioral Health. Reverend Dr. Brian Scott Relford, Sr. emphasized the church's role as a gathering place where community members can address issues ranging from mental health to education while fostering civic engagement.

President Donald Trump's 30-day emergency order giving him control over Washington, D.C.'s police is set to expire at midnight Thursday, potentially ending a significant intervention into local governance since the 1973 Home Rule Act. The August 11 declaration, which Trump justified by claiming a "crime emergency" in the capital, has been limited in scope by city officials and courts. During the federal operation, crime reportedly dropped 15% overall compared to the previous year, including a 39% decline in violent crime, though over 1,600 people were arrested with 80% facing minor charges. Despite the order's expiration, many federal forces remain in the city, and D.C. officials warn that the struggle over self-governance continues as Congress considers bills that could further expand federal control over the District.

Approximately 10,000 demonstrators participated in the "We Are All D.C." march, uniting various organizations protesting against federal law enforcement actions in Washington D.C., including the placement of the Metropolitan Police Department under National Guard control. Conservative critics, including President Trump and Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller, have dismissed these protests as inauthentic and claimed participants are paid activists with no connection to the city. However, organizers and participants from diverse backgrounds firmly reject these accusations, emphasizing that the movement represents genuine grassroots organizing by concerned citizens fighting for democracy and justice in the nation's capital. Black activists note that while some community members may be taking time to rest and prepare, the struggle against what they view as authoritarian policies requires participation from Americans of all backgrounds.

Amtrak's new Acela service is being criticized by AmeriStarRail for excluding coach passengers, who comprise over three-quarters of Northeast Corridor ridership. AmeriStarRail has proposed a plan called "Libertyliner 250" that would partner with Amtrak to operate 28 new high-speed trainsets with coach, business, and first-class seating options. The Delaware-based company argues that continuing to use 50-year-old Amfleet coaches at high speeds poses significant safety concerns for millions of passengers. Their proposal would increase capacity by over 50% between New York and Washington while making high-speed rail accessible to all passengers through private financing.

of "African American Firms Participating in California High-Speed Rail Project" The California High-Speed Rail Authority reports that 47 African American-owned firms are working on the state's high-speed rail project as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), representing 5.2% ($96 million) of the $1.136 billion allocated to minority firms. The multi-billion-dollar transportation project has created over 15,600 jobs, primarily in the Central Valley, with a focus on employing people from disadvantaged communities through a Community Benefits Agreement with the State Building and Construction Trades Council. Despite the project's escalating costs from an initial estimate of $33 billion to more than $130 billion, supporters like Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas emphasize its importance in building "a cleaner, more connected California while creating thousands of union jobs." Senate Bill 545, which aimed to study economic opportunities along the high-speed rail corridor, was recently held in the Assembly Appropriations suspense file, effectively ending its progress in the current legislative session.

Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb has announced that 7-Eleven will pay $1.2 million to settle allegations of violating Washington D.C.'s ban on selling electronic smoking devices near schools. The Office of the Attorney General found that 16 7-Eleven locations illegally sold over 7,500 vapes and e-cigarettes within quarter-mile school zones since October 2022, despite prior notification about the restrictions. Under the settlement, 7-Eleven must permanently end sales and marketing of these products at affected stores, provide annual training, monitor franchise compliance, and take corrective actions against repeat violators. The case has sparked social media debate about regulatory consistency, with some noting that tobacco products remain available at these stores and marijuana dispensaries operate near schools.

Senator Joni Ernst's decision not to seek a third term in 2026 has created an open Senate race in Iowa, which Democrats view as a potential pickup opportunity despite the state's increasingly Republican trend. GOP Representative Ashley Hinson has already launched her campaign with endorsements from key Republican leaders, while other prominent Republicans like Attorney General Brenna Bird and former Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker are being considered as potential candidates. Several Democrats have entered the race, including state Senator Zach Wahls and state Representative Josh Turek, hoping Ernst's retirement improves their chances of capturing the seat. Iowa has become more Republican-leaning in recent years, with Trump winning the state in the last three presidential elections and carrying it by 13 points in 2024.

The release of Jeffrey Epstein's 2003 "birthday book" has reignited public interest in his connections to powerful figures, particularly Donald Trump. The book, compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell, contains numerous personal messages to Epstein, including a controversial note allegedly from Trump featuring suggestive dialogue and a nude female torso sketch, which Trump's team denies is authentic. While there's no evidence of criminal wrongdoing by Trump, the revelation has political implications as it highlights his former association with the convicted sex offender and comes amid broader congressional investigations into Epstein's network. The birthday book also contains messages from other prominent figures like Bill Clinton and Lord Peter Mandelson, demonstrating the extent of Epstein's connections to powerful individuals.

Saunteel Jenkins, who finished third in Detroit's 2025 mayoral primary, has officially endorsed City Council President Mary Sheffield for the November general election. Jenkins cited alignment on key issues including reducing violence, keeping children safe, and strengthening Detroit schools as reasons for her support. The endorsement adds significant momentum to Sheffield's campaign as she seeks to become the first woman and first Black woman elected mayor in Detroit's 325-year history. Sheffield has also secured the endorsement of outgoing Mayor Mike Duggan, further strengthening her position as she builds a coalition of support heading into the general election less than two months away.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has stated that President Trump is not targeting Detroit for federal immigration enforcement partly because the city, unlike Chicago, is not a sanctuary city and cooperates with ICE detainer requests. This stance comes as Trump's administration launches "Operation Midway Blitz" in Chicago, targeting undocumented immigrants in a city that refuses to honor deportation requests for convicted criminals. Meanwhile, some Detroit residents are advocating for sanctuary city protections, with the Detroit Community Action Committee requesting the City Council create an ordinance protecting residents, particularly in light of a recent Supreme Court ruling that expands immigration agents' authority to stop individuals based on factors including ethnicity and language.

Louise B. Miller, a pioneering disability rights and education equity advocate, was honored with the renaming of the 1200 block of T Street NW to "Louise B. Miller Way" during a ceremony attended by district leaders and community members. Miller's advocacy began when she fought for her deaf son Kenneth's education, leading to significant improvements in educational access for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in DC public schools. Her work, which was largely connected to what is now Gallaudet University, created lasting change in educational policies and practices that benefit deaf students throughout the District and beyond. Though Miller passed away in 1963, her legacy continues to inspire ongoing efforts for educational equality for students with hearing disabilities.

Maryland Representative Glenn Ivey is challenging the decision to deploy the National Guard to address crime in Washington D.C., arguing that military presence is not a sustainable solution for crime reduction. Despite Mayor Muriel Bowser extending cooperation between local police and federal agencies through December via the Safe and Beautiful Emergency Operations Center (SBEOC), Ivey advocates for long-term intervention programs rather than temporary military deployments. While Bowser claims the National Guard has helped lower crime rates, Ivey highlights that crime was already at a 30-year low before Trump announced the MPD takeover and credits existing federal and local programs for this progress. Ivey specifically criticized the Trump administration for eliminating Biden-era intervention and prevention programs that were designed to help at-risk youth.

Maryland leaders are strongly opposing President Donald Trump's plan to deploy troops to Baltimore, despite his claims the city needs military intervention. Governor Wes Moore, a decorated veteran, argues that the National Guard is not trained for urban policing and that restoring violence prevention funding would better serve communities. Baltimore has actually experienced significant reductions in homicide and violent crime in recent years through community partnerships and violence interruption programs. This controversy comes as a federal judge ruled that similar troop deployments in Los Angeles violated the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits federal military involvement in domestic law enforcement.