united states news

Amtrak has launched its NextGen Acela train service along the Northeast Corridor, representing the first upgrade to its flagship service since 2000. The new trainsets, manufactured by Alstom in Hornell, New York, offer increased speed, improved comfort features, and enhanced technology while meeting stricter safety standards. Simultaneously, the Department of Transportation is taking direct oversight of Washington's Union Station to address its deteriorating condition and transform it into a world-class transit hub. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy emphasized that these changes will provide more reliable service and lower prices while increasing Amtrak's profitability.

Labor advocates organized "Solidarity Season: A Labor Day + March" in D.C., bringing together over 30 organizations to protest for workers' rights. The event, which began at DuPont Circle on August 28 (the anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington), featured workers like Vilma Ruiz demanding livable wages, affordable health insurance, safe working conditions, and union rights. The demonstration included hundreds of protesters, labor unions, and community leaders who marched through Northwest D.C., stopping at Le Diplomate restaurant where workers were on strike. Organizers framed the protests as resistance against what they call "a billionaire takeover" and advocated for federal workers who lost collective bargaining rights.

President Donald Trump has accused Chinese President Xi Jinping of conspiring with Russian and North Korean leaders against the United States, following China's largest Victory Day military parade. Trump made these accusations on Truth Social while Xi hosted 26 world leaders, including Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, at the Beijing event commemorating 80 years since Japan's World War II surrender. Despite these public accusations, Trump has previously downplayed concerns about strengthening ties between China, Russia, and other nations, stating that "China needs us much more than we need them" and expressing confidence that these nations would never use military force against the United States.

A congressional panel released over 33,000 pages of documents related to the federal investigation of Jeffrey Epstein, including flight logs, surveillance footage, court filings, and other records. The House Oversight Committee obtained these documents from the Department of Justice after issuing a legal summons, but both Republicans and Democrats acknowledged they contained little new information. The release includes jail surveillance footage from the night of Epstein's death, including a previously missing minute of footage that had fueled conspiracy theories. This action comes amid growing pressure for transparency about the well-connected financier's case, particularly after the Justice Department stated in July there was no "incriminating" Epstein client list.

Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B has been cleared by a Los Angeles jury in a $24 million civil case where security guard Emani Ellis accused her of a fingernail assault and spitting incident outside an obstetrician's office in 2018. The jury deliberated for just an hour before rejecting all allegations of assault, battery, emotional distress, negligence, and false imprisonment. The case centered around a heated verbal altercation that occurred when Cardi B, who was four months pregnant but hadn't announced it publicly, believed Ellis was recording her and sharing information about her pregnancy without permission. Testimony from the doctor and receptionist supported Cardi B's version of events, with the receptionist stating that Ellis was actually the aggressor in the situation.

Nine former CDC directors have written an open letter criticizing Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s policies, claiming his seven-month tenure is "unlike anything our country had ever experienced" and is endangering Americans' health. The letter specifically condemns Kennedy's actions restricting vaccines, cutting research funding, firing healthcare workers, and removing CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez, which prompted resignations in protest. Kennedy has defended his leadership in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece, arguing the CDC has lost public trust due to "bureaucratic inertia, politicized science and mission creep," while claiming the agency's dysfunction led to irrational COVID-19 policies and rising chronic disease rates. This criticism follows earlier rebukes, including a letter from over 700 current and former HHS employees concerned about Kennedy's leadership and funding cuts to infectious disease research.

The article discusses the profound impact of slavery on American society, highlighting how its legacy continues to influence racial disparities today. Professor Hasan Jeffries explains that slavery was a foundational pillar of American society whose effects persisted long after its formal abolition through Jim Crow laws and systemic racism. Research commissioned by James Madison's Montpelier reveals significant racial disparities in how Americans perceive their constitutional rights, with African Americans less likely than whites to believe their rights are respected. Kat Imhoff, president of Montpelier, notes that while the Constitution never explicitly mentions slavery, it codified the institution through various provisions, prioritizing economic interests over moral considerations.

Dr. John E. Warren argues that while media focuses on Trump's dismantling of American institutions, the true issue lies with Congressional members who remain silent despite taking the same oath to protect the Constitution. Warren calls for prayer as the solution, citing Biblical passages and urging Americans to return to the Christian principles upon which the nation was founded. He emphasizes that prayer powered the Civil Rights Struggle and should now fuel protests against the current administration and complacent legislators. Warren concludes by encouraging readers to protect truth-telling Black newspapers, pray, protest, and vote to counter what he sees as an assault on American values.

Eddie Miller of Chula Vista celebrated his 60th birthday with a series of events from August 9th to 30th, surrounded by family who traveled from as far as Texas and Florida. Though originally planned as a surprise party, Eddie discovered the plans beforehand, but his wife Pattie and her team proceeded with the celebration regardless. The gathering featured food, music, and a festive atmosphere for the retired Navy veteran of 24 years who currently works at the Naval Hospital. Friends and family attribute Eddie's popularity to his generosity and kind-hearted nature, celebrating this milestone with the man affectionately known as "Fast Eddie" or "Eddie got your back."

American tennis player Taylor Townsend upset world No. 5 Mirra Andreeva in the third round of the US Open, winning 7-5, 6-2 in just 76 minutes. The victory advances Townsend, more known for her doubles expertise as a reigning Australian Open women's doubles champion and world No. 1, to the fourth round, equaling her best grand slam singles performance. The match came amid controversy following a tense exchange with Jelena Ostapenko after their previous match, where Ostapenko made comments that Naomi Osaka criticized as inappropriate toward a Black tennis player. Townsend, wearing a phoenix-inspired outfit that she says represents her career transformation, received a standing ovation from the crowd after her victory.

Kenya Barris, creator of "Black-ish," is developing a new comedy series for CBS inspired by victims of the Eaton fire in Altadena and Pasadena, which killed 19 people and destroyed thousands of properties across nearly 14,000 acres. The show follows two brothers trying to sell their late grandmother's house to developers, only to discover her caretaker owns part of the property, forcing them to live together while addressing questions of family and community. The series has sparked controversy over its comedic approach to honoring fire victims, with Barris defending his intent to bring awareness to an issue many have forgotten. The premise reflects real-world concerns about developers gentrifying the rebuilt area and insurance hikes forcing Black fire victims to permanently relocate.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has acknowledged the Trump administration's contribution to reducing crime in Detroit through established partnerships with federal law enforcement agencies. In a CNN interview, Duggan specifically credited Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon for increasing federal prosecutors and enhancing support for gun violence initiatives. These comments sparked criticism after being summarized by media as Duggan crediting the Trump administration for Detroit's historic crime drop. Detroit has been recognized as a national leader in utilizing federal investments for police work, including $4.2 million in ARP funding for helicopter acquisition and upgrades.

of "Emmett Till Murder Weapon Now on Display in Mississippi Museum" A .45-caliber pistol used to kill 14-year-old Emmett Till in 1955, one of the most notorious lynchings that helped spark the civil rights movement, is now exhibited at the Two Mississippi Museums. The weapon and its holster, which belonged to J.W. Milam (one of Till's killers), were acquired from an anonymous Mississippi family not connected to the case and authenticated through FBI records. The museum display aims to tell the "whole story" of Till's murder on the 70th anniversary of his death, including the often overlooked fact that he was shot in addition to being brutally beaten. Till's family expressed mixed feelings about the display but acknowledged its educational importance in preventing historical erasure.

The Walnut Avenue Family and Women's Center in Santa Cruz County has experienced the theft of its Black Lives Matter banner for the third time, which staff believe is a targeted act of hate. The nonprofit has filed a police report regarding the vandalism and trespassing, noting that other signs on their building remained untouched while only the BLM banner was removed. During the second theft, the perpetrator left a note referencing "White Lives Matter, too," further indicating the discriminatory nature of these incidents. In response to these repeated thefts, the center is considering installing security cameras focused on that particular corner of the building, while community members have rallied behind the organization with support and donations for a replacement banner.

The County of San Diego is working to increase small business participation in its procurement process, setting an ambitious goal to direct 25% of its $2.2 billion annual contract spending toward small businesses. The Board of Supervisors recently voted to update County policies to reduce barriers and improve access for small and local businesses seeking to work with the County. These changes include the creation of a new Social Equity Enterprises (SEEs) category for organizations that advance equity in historically underinvested communities. The initiative could potentially keep approximately $550 million per year in the regional economy, benefiting the estimated 123,000 small businesses that make up about 98% of all businesses in the area.

The CDC is experiencing significant turmoil following President Trump's dismissal of Director Dr. Susan Monarez, which has triggered mass resignations of senior leaders including Dr. Debra Houry, Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, Dr. Daniel Jernigan, and Dr. Jennifer Layden. The agency has permanently laid off at least 600 employees and gutted divisions focused on violence prevention and HIV/STD awareness, while canceling hundreds of millions in grants to state and local health departments. Jim O'Neill, a venture capitalist with no medical background who believes drug companies shouldn't have to prove effectiveness before selling products, now leads the CDC. Public health experts and former CDC directors warn these changes will disproportionately impact Black Americans and other vulnerable populations, jeopardizing critical health services and prevention programs.

Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook, the first Black woman to serve on the Board, has been targeted by Trump administration officials who labeled her a "DEI hire" despite her impressive academic and professional credentials. This comes as former President Trump announced plans to fire Cook based on unproven mortgage fraud allegations from 2021, before she joined the Fed. In response, Cook has filed a lawsuit arguing Trump lacks legal authority to remove her "for cause" without due process under the Federal Reserve Act. The article contextualizes this within a pattern of Trump questioning the legitimacy of accomplished Black leaders and contrasts Cook's qualifications with the controversial record of her critic, Peter Navarro.

President Trump consistently targets minority-populated cities and jurisdictions, portraying them as crime-ridden despite evidence of declining crime rates in many categories. Washington, D.C., which had the highest murder rate in 2023 at 39 per 100,000 residents with 265 murders, receives particular criticism from Trump who portrays it as unlivable. Meanwhile, several Republican-led states such as Louisiana, New Mexico, Alabama, Tennessee, and Arkansas have higher murder rates than Democratic-led states with larger minority populations that Trump often criticizes. Critics argue this pattern represents a deliberate strategy of scapegoating urban areas with large Black and Latino populations while ignoring systemic problems in states where Trump has stronger support.

Chloe Malle has been appointed as the new top editor at American Vogue following Dame Anna Wintour's departure from the editor-in-chief position after 37 years. The 39-year-old Malle has worked at Vogue for 14 years, most recently serving as editor of Vogue.com and host of the magazine's podcast "The Run Through." While Wintour is stepping aside from the editor-in-chief role, she will retain her position as Condé Nast's chief content officer, continuing to oversee Vogue's content along with other company publications. Malle, who is the daughter of actress Candice Bergen and film director Louis Malle, has expressed excitement about shaping Vogue's future while acknowledging the magazine's influential history.

Under Donald Trump's administration, Black Americans and other marginalized groups are facing severe challenges that impact their ability to get proper rest, which research indicates is essential for health and survival. Congressman Bennie Thompson has highlighted specific actions by Trump that directly target Black communities, including dismantling diversity programs and reducing HBCU funding. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has identified a "triple threat" to Black households through cuts to essential programs like food assistance and Medicaid, creating financial stress that contributes to poor sleep. Multiple scientific studies demonstrate that sleep deprivation leads to serious health conditions including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, making this political situation a direct threat to the physical wellbeing of affected communities.

Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom as announced by Donald Trump on Truth Social. Trump praised Giuliani as "the greatest Mayor in the history of New York City" and "an equally great American Patriot," highlighting his leadership during the 9/11 attacks that earned him the nickname "America's Mayor." This announcement follows a recent car accident in New Hampshire that left Giuliani with back injuries, lacerations, and contusions. Despite his celebrated past, Giuliani has faced significant personal and financial troubles in recent years, including a $148 million defamation judgment that led to bankruptcy and the loss of his legal credentials.

Sterling K. Brown has become a focal point in the growing social media phenomenon connecting Black Americans with Black Scottish people, referred to as "cousins" online. Brown's wife, Ryan Michelle Bathe, shared a TikTok video of him speaking with a Scottish accent, delighting followers of the #BlackScottishTikTok trend. This social media movement has brought attention to Black Scottish influencers like Torgi Squire, who has gained popularity for his accent and resemblance to Brown. CNN's Roy Wood Jr. has also participated in this cultural exchange, traveling to Scotland to meet and film content with Black Scottish influencers.