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President Trump has revoked former Vice President Kamala Harris' extended Secret Service protection, which was previously extended by Biden for an additional year beyond the standard six-month period. The protection will now end on September 1, 2023, just weeks before Harris begins her national book tour for "107 Days" on September 24. The decision has drawn criticism from officials including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who called it "an act of revenge" and expressed concerns about Harris' safety, particularly as a woman of color in politics who faces heightened risks of threats and harassment. Harris, who recently announced she would not run for California governor in 2026, has been critical of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement actions in Los Angeles.

Over the past 20 years since Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, hurricane forecasting has improved dramatically through technological advances and enhanced data collection methods. Modern forecasting now utilizes more frequent satellite imagery (every 10 minutes versus every 30 minutes in 2005), unmanned drones, ocean data from gliders and floats, and more powerful computing capabilities. These improvements have reduced the average tracking error in 48-hour forecasts by approximately 50 percent since 2005, though accurately predicting storm intensity remains challenging due to factors like vertical wind shear and atmospheric moisture. Despite these forecasting advances, effective communication of hurricane warnings remains a critical challenge, as demonstrated during Hurricane Sandy in 2012 when technically accurate forecasts failed to adequately convey the danger to officials and the public.

Dorsey Nunn's memoir "What Kind of Bird Can't Fly" has been banned in all California State Prisons despite receiving critical acclaim and nominations for literary awards. Nunn, who served prison time from 1972-1981 and later became the executive director of Legal Services for Prisoners with Children, wrote the book to inspire incarcerated individuals as he was once inspired by books shared among prisoners. After donating hundreds of copies to incarcerated people, Nunn received notice from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation that his book has been placed on the Centralized List of Disapproved Publications. The ban comes at a time when his memoir is gaining broader recognition, including being taught at UC Berkeley and nominated for the Northern California Book Award.

A deadly attack at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis left two children dead and 18 others injured when 23-year-old Robin Westman opened fire during prayer services. Police Chief Brian O'Hara reported that Westman, who previously attended the church's school, appeared "obsessed with killing children" and expressed hatred toward multiple groups including Jewish people and President Trump. The victims were identified as eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel and ten-year-old Harper Moyski, whose grieving families have spoken publicly about their loss. Officials indicated the attacker, who died by suicide at the scene, legally purchased the firearms used in the attack and left notes expressing various hateful ideologies, with FBI Director Kash Patel describing the shooting as "an act of domestic terrorism motivated by a hate-filled ideology."

A gun attack during Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis resulted in the deaths of two children - 10-year-old Harper Moyski and 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel - while injuring 18 others. The victims' families have publicly shared their grief, with Fletcher's father Jesse Merkel asking people to remember his son for the loving child he was rather than how he died, while Harper's parents expressed hope that her memory would inspire action against gun violence. Police have not identified a clear motive but indicated the attacker held extreme anti-religious beliefs and had previously attended the school where 15 children and three elderly adults were among the wounded. Communities across Minneapolis and St. Paul have responded with vigils and moments of silence to honor the victims, with at least one person remaining in critical condition.

A federal judge has ordered a new trial for three former Memphis police officers who were convicted of witness tampering in the Tyre Nichols case, citing potential bias after the previous judge allegedly made comments suggesting one defendant was a gang member. Nichols, 29, died in 2023 after being beaten during a traffic stop, prompting nationwide protests against police brutality. The three officers—Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith Jr.—were convicted on federal witness tampering charges but acquitted of civil rights violations causing death, while two other officers had previously pleaded guilty to their involvement. Judge Sheryl Lipman took over the case in June after the original judge recused himself following controversial comments reportedly made about gang infiltration in the Memphis Police Department.

Texas Senate Bill 17 (SB 17), set to take effect September 1, 2025, prohibits people and companies from China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia from purchasing property in Texas, with limited exceptions for US citizens, green card holders, and visa holders seeking a primary residence. Signed by Governor Greg Abbott, who called it the "toughest ban in America" against foreign "adversaries," the law has sparked significant opposition from those who view it as discriminatory, particularly against Chinese Americans. The legislation impacts both individuals and businesses, with potential fines exceeding $250,000 or jail time for violations, while advocacy groups like the Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance have mounted legal challenges against the law. This controversial measure is part of a broader trend, with 26 states having passed similar legislation targeting foreign property ownership since 2021.

President Donald Trump has announced the firing of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook over allegations of mortgage fraud, marking an unprecedented challenge to the central bank's independence. Cook has refused to step down, stating the president lacks the authority to remove her, and her lawyer announced plans to sue. Cook, who made history in 2022 as the first Black woman to serve on the Fed's board of governors, was appointed by President Biden for a term running through 2038. The controversy centers on accusations from Trump appointee Bill Pulte that Cook claimed two primary residences in 2021 to secure better mortgage terms.

Coco Gauff advanced to the second round of the U.S. Open with a hard-fought 6-4, 6-7, 7-5 victory over Ajla Tomljanovic despite continuing struggles with her serve, including 10 double faults. The defending champion recently enlisted biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan to help address her serving issues, which have been a persistent problem this season with 320 double faults prior to this tournament. Despite the serving challenges, Gauff's excellent court coverage, strong backhand, and net play ultimately secured her victory in a nearly three-hour match. As the tournament progresses, Gauff has a chance to overtake her competitors and reach the world No. 1 ranking for the first time in her career.

Naomi Osaka, the two-time U.S. Open champion and current No. 23 seed, defeated Greet Minnen 6-3, 6-4 in her first-round match on Tuesday night. Osaka made a fashion statement by entering the court with sparkly red roses in her ponytail that complemented her crystallized Nike bubble hem skirt, though she removed the hair accessory before playing due to its weight. The elaborate outfit was specifically designed as her "night outfit" for playing under the lights in New York, with the crystalized performance attire requiring significant preparation time. Osaka explained that while the outfit design was planned well in advance, the idea for the decorative hair roses came together just two weeks before the match.

Democratic leaders across the United States are responding to Texas Republicans' recent congressional redistricting efforts that aim to strengthen GOP control in the House of Representatives. Maryland State Senator Clarence Lam has introduced a bill to change Maryland's congressional map to counter Republican gerrymandering in other states, potentially affecting the 1st Congressional District currently represented by Republican Andy Harris. Maryland's Governor Wes Moore and Senate President Bill Ferguson have indicated openness to redistricting actions, while California Governor Gavin Newsom has called for a November referendum to alter his state's congressional boundaries in response to what Democrats characterize as a coordinated Republican effort.

The population at Donald Trump's controversial immigrant detention center "Alligator Alcatraz" has decreased by half following a federal judge's order to close the facility and relocate all detainees within 60 days. The Florida Everglades detention center, which opened in July to support the administration's mass deportation efforts, faced legal challenges over alleged poor conditions and environmental concerns. White House officials expressed disagreement with the judge's decision but confirmed they would comply with court orders while continuing to fight legally. Despite this setback, the administration is building other temporary detention facilities in Republican-led states and seeking more permanent infrastructure with funding from the recently signed budget bill.

A proposed constitutional amendment by 482 Forward aims to increase school funding by implementing an additional 5% tax on high-income earners - specifically on annual taxable income over $1 million for joint filers and $500,000 for single filers. The initiative faces opposition from business groups like the Detroit Regional Chamber, which argues the tax would harm economic competitiveness and small businesses. Though the Board of State Canvassers initially approved the petition language, they later rescinded approval, resulting in a deadlock at a subsequent meeting over concerns about fund allocation. Despite legal challenges claiming their signatures are invalid, 482 Forward continues gathering signatures and remains confident their petition language will ultimately be approved.

This brief news article is actually introducing a weekly quiz to test readers' attention to world events. It mentions a few noteworthy events from the week including Donald Trump firing heads of public health and central bank, SpaceX completing a test flight, and Manchester United losing to a lower-league team. The article ends by inviting readers to test their memory with this week's quiz or previous ones, indicating this is part of a regular quiz feature.

On March 26, 2024, the container ship Dali struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing its collapse into the Patapsco River, killing six people, and significantly impacting Maryland's economy. The disaster, which affects 8,000 jobs and causes $15 million in daily economic impact, has recently become a political controversy between former President Trump and Maryland Governor Wes Moore. Governor Moore has refuted Trump's claim of providing funding for the bridge, clarifying that the federal funding came during President Biden's administration and was approved by both Democrats and Republicans in Congress. The bridge reconstruction, estimated to cost nearly $2 billion, is projected to be completed by 2028, with the shipping channel already cleared in 11 weeks instead of the expected 11 months.

Rwanda has received seven vetted migrants deported from the United States as part of a deal with the Trump administration that will eventually involve 250 people. Four of these migrants will remain in Rwanda while three have chosen to return to their home countries. The Rwandan government has committed to providing appropriate support and protection to all deportees, citing Rwanda's own historical experience with displacement as motivation for the agreement. This arrangement comes amid President Trump's broader mass deportation initiative, though rights groups have expressed concerns about potential violations of international law if migrants face risks in their destination countries.

President Donald Trump's administration has seized management of Washington D.C.'s Union Station, claiming the transportation hub has "fallen into disrepair" and needs beautification. This takeover follows the federalization of the Metropolitan Police Department and deployment of National Guard troops throughout the city. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy stated that the government would make Union Station "safe and beautiful at a fraction of the cost" while also highlighting new Acela trainsets to improve Amtrak service. D.C. officials, including Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton and Attorney General Brian Schwalb, are fighting these actions, viewing them as part of a systematic effort to strip Washington D.C. of its home rule.

The U.S. Open is prominently honoring Althea Gibson, the first Black player at a major tennis tournament, 75 years after her groundbreaking achievement. Gibson's image is featured throughout the tournament, including as the event's logo, on screens inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, and in a tribute narrated by Venus Williams. Despite her remarkable accomplishments—winning Grand Slam titles and breaking racial barriers in both tennis and golf during the Jim Crow era—Gibson's contributions have historically been marginalized compared to other pioneers like Jackie Robinson. The USTA is now making a concerted effort to properly celebrate Gibson's legacy through various tributes throughout the two-week tournament, including a special luncheon, performances, and educational initiatives highlighting her struggles and achievements.

The article discusses Republican redistricting efforts in Texas aimed at increasing their representation in the House of Representatives ahead of midterm elections, which the author characterizes as gerrymandering to limit voting strength of Black and Brown communities. In response, California has initiated its own redistricting process to potentially convert Republican seats to Democratic ones, neutralizing Texas' efforts. The author emphasizes the Black Press's role in keeping communities informed about these redistricting battles, which are portrayed as part of a larger effort by President Trump to maintain power. The piece calls for voter mobilization and engagement to counter these redistricting strategies and protect constitutional rights.

Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook has announced she will sue President Trump's administration to prevent being fired, setting up a potential Supreme Court battle over presidential authority over the Federal Reserve. Trump has moved to dismiss Cook based on allegations of mortgage fraud, claiming she improperly listed two primary residences in 2021 to secure better mortgage terms. This conflict highlights tensions over the Fed's political independence, which economists consider crucial for maintaining economic stability. Trump has explicitly stated his intention to gain control of the Fed to lower interest rates, suggesting he would soon have a majority on the governing board.

The San Diego County Library and County Child and Family Well Being collaborated in July to renovate the library at A.B. and Jessie Polinsky Children's Center. The renovation includes an expanded book collection, new activities, and a brighter atmosphere for children at the center. The refreshed space now features newly curated books in a colorful and well-lit environment designed to foster reading and learning. According to Norma Rincon from County Child and Family Well Being, the improved library aims to bring joy, adventure, and interest in new hobbies to the youth at the center.

Akili Smith Sr. and David Monday, lifelong friends since elementary school, celebrated their 50th birthdays together at an outdoor gathering hosted by their family. The celebration took place at VFW Post 1512's outdoor patio, where guests enjoyed various activities and a diverse menu of food. Smith, a former professional football player who now serves as Morse High School's offensive coordinator and trains aspiring young football players, expressed deep appreciation for the family-organized event. The joint celebration was organized by family members, including Antoinette, who considers both men her nephews.

Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook has filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump challenging his attempt to fire her, which she claims is "unlawful and void." Trump alleges Cook made false statements on mortgage applications, citing this as "cause" for removal under his constitutional powers, while Cook maintains no legal cause exists. The unprecedented legal battle could have significant implications for Federal Reserve autonomy and may ultimately reach the Supreme Court. Cook is one of seven board members responsible for setting U.S. interest rates, and her removal would allow Trump to nominate a replacement potentially more favorable to his economic agenda of lowering interest rates.

Detroit recently launched the Emerald Alert system to address gaps in existing missing persons notification systems, successfully finding four missing individuals on its first day of operation. The new system works through the city's existing 365 Alerts network to send notifications for high-risk missing persons cases that don't qualify for Amber Alerts, including vulnerable children, those with special needs, and suspected non-domestic kidnappings. Created following the tragic disappearance of 13-year-old Na'Ziyah Harris in 2024, the system represents Detroit's response to longstanding concerns that missing Black residents didn't receive adequate attention. The Emerald Alert system sends text notifications and push alerts with descriptions of missing individuals and a dedicated tipline number to help mobilize community assistance.

Head Start, a six-decade-old program providing child care for vulnerable children across the United States, is facing unprecedented political challenges under the Trump administration. Despite its history of bipartisan support since its 1965 establishment, Head Start now confronts multiple threats including funding delays, regional office closures, and most controversially, a directive banning undocumented children from the program. This immigration rule change has prompted legal action from 21 Democratic-led states and created confusion among providers who serve approximately 700,000 children nationwide. The program, which offers comprehensive services including health screenings and family assistance, stands at a crossroads as providers grapple with the moral dilemma of potentially having to check immigration status.

Mexico is experiencing a significant 53% increase in New World screwworm (NWS) infestations in animals over a four-week period ending mid-August, according to government data. The flesh-eating parasite primarily affects cattle but has also been found in other animals and humans, with dozens of people receiving treatment in southern Mexican states. This surge coincides with the first confirmed human case in the United States from a patient returning from El Salvador, marking a concerning northern spread of the parasite that was previously eradicated in the US in 1966 and Mexico in 1991. NWS larvae feed on living flesh after female flies lay eggs in wounds or mucous membranes, causing potentially fatal damage if left untreated.

A mass shooting occurred at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis on Wednesday morning, where a 23-year-old attacker named Robin Westman opened fire during a children's Mass, killing two children and injuring 17 others before dying by suicide. The FBI is investigating the incident as an anti-Catholic hate crime, while witnesses described the terrifying scenes, including a 10-year-old boy who was protected by his friend who was shot in the back. Westman, a former pupil of the adjacent school whose mother previously worked there, reportedly approached the church and fired dozens of shots through the windows using three firearms, with police also finding a smoke bomb at the scene. Hundreds attended a vigil for the victims on Wednesday evening, while officials noted that the injured victims are expected to recover, with some already released from hospital. # Who is affected * Children attending Mass at Annunciation Church * Two children who were killed * Seventeen people who were injured * Weston Halsne (10-year-old survivor) and his friend Victor who was shot * Families of victims and survivors * The Annunciation Church and school community * Local residents and neighbors who witnessed the aftermath * Minneapolis community members who attended the vigil # What action is being taken * The FBI is investigating the incident as an anti-Catholic hate crime * Police are investigating whether shots were fired from inside or outside the building * Officials are examining a "manifesto" that Westman timed to publish on YouTube * The FBI assisted officials in taking down the manifesto * Hundreds of people are attending vigils for the victims * US flags are being flown at half-mast at the White House as a show of respect # Why it matters * The incident represents another mass shooting targeting children in the United States * The FBI's classification as an anti-Catholic hate crime indicates religious targeting * The event highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence in schools and places of worship * Governor Tim Walz noted this situation is "all too common" across the country * The attack affected children who were practicing active shooter drills in school but were unprepared for violence in a church setting * The incident has drawn national attention, including responses from the President and Pope Leo XIV # What's next No explicit next steps stated in the article.

The CDC Director, Susan Monarez, has been fired by the Trump administration after just one month in her position for being "not aligned with the president's agenda." Following her dismissal, at least three senior CDC leaders resigned, including Chief Medical Officer Debra Houry, who expressed concerns about vaccine misinformation and budget cuts. The leadership shake-up comes amid tensions between Monarez and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom she accused of "weaponising public health." The firings and resignations have raised alarms among health experts regarding the CDC's approach to immunizations under Kennedy's leadership, especially as the FDA recently approved new Covid vaccines with restricted eligibility.

A shooting at Minneapolis' Annunciation Church has left two children dead and 17 injured, with the FBI investigating it as an anti-Catholic hate crime and act of domestic terrorism. The attacker, 23-year-old Robin Westman, fired dozens of shots through the church windows using three firearms during a morning Mass before dying of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police Chief Brian O'Hara described the attack as a "deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people worshipping," though authorities have not yet released a suspected motive. The incident has drawn condemnation from officials including Pope Leo XIV and President Donald Trump, who ordered flags at the White House to be flown at half-mast in respect to the victims.

A tragic shooting occurred at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis when 23-year-old Robin Westman fired dozens of shots through the windows during a worship service attended by schoolchildren, killing two children aged 8 and 10 and injuring seventeen others. The FBI is investigating the incident as "an act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics," with evidence suggesting Westman had planned the attack for more than a month, including detailed notes written partly in Cyrillic. Westman, who died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, left behind a "manifesto" timed to publish on YouTube and notebooks revealing extensive planning, while officials confirmed the suspect acted alone and lacked an extensive criminal history.