united states news

Hurricane Erin, currently moving northward along the U.S. East Coast without making landfall, is generating life-threatening rip currents and dangerous conditions expected to persist for several days. The large category-two hurricane with sustained winds of 105mph has already soaked parts of the Atlantic coastline including North Carolina's Outer Banks, prompting beach closures, evacuations, and states of emergency. Weather officials warn beachgoers to heed safety advisories as the storm brings tropical conditions to Virginia and high wind warnings to New England. The hurricane season is predicted to be above average due to warmer sea temperatures linked to climate change, while cuts to American research raise concerns about storm tracking capabilities.

Ghanaian musician Shatta Wale has been detained by Ghana's Economic and Organised Crime Office (Eoco) in a tax investigation related to his yellow Lamborghini, which was seized earlier this month at the request of the US. The $150,000 luxury vehicle was allegedly tied to proceeds of a criminal enterprise involving Nana Kwabena Amuah, a Ghanaian serving a seven-year sentence in the US for fraud. While Wale's management stated he voluntarily presented himself to authorities regarding "tax obligations," they didn't address the US allegations connecting the car to criminal proceeds. Wale has denied knowing Amuah, claiming to be a "third-party owner" of the vehicle without knowledge of who shipped it to Ghana.

Texas legislators have approved new congressional maps that create five Republican-leaning seats, following a contentious two-week period where Democrats fled the state to stall the vote. The redistricting effort passed the Texas House of Representatives in an 88-52 vote and will now move to the state Senate for approval before reaching Governor Abbott's desk. This Texas redistricting has triggered similar electoral map battles across the country, with states like California proposing Democratic-favorable maps that would only take effect if Republican states like Texas proceed with their changes. The redistricting has sparked controversy over allegations of gerrymandering and racial discrimination, with Democrats threatening legal action on grounds that the new maps dilute minority voting power.

Frank Caprio, the 88-year-old celebrity judge known as the "nicest judge in the world," has died following a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Over his 40-year career in Rhode Island, Caprio gained international fame through his TV show "Caught in Providence," where his compassionate judgments and consideration of defendants' personal circumstances generated billions of views on social media. His family announced his death on Instagram, remembering him for his warmth, humor, and belief in people's inherent goodness. Caprio's unique courtroom style, which included inviting children to sit with him during cases, earned his show three Daytime Emmy nominations and him two personal nominations last year.

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has announced plans to reduce the agency's staff by nearly 50% and cut its annual budget by $700 million as part of a major reorganization effort. Gabbard justified these cuts by claiming the agency had become "bloated and inefficient" over the past two decades and stated the changes would consolidate teams and improve the agency's ability to deliver objective intelligence. The restructuring eliminates several units including the Foreign Malign Influence Center, groups tracking weapons of mass destruction, cyber threats, and long-range forecasting, asserting these functions are already performed by other intelligence units. On the same day, Gabbard also announced the revocation of security clearances for 37 current and former US officials, claiming they had politicized intelligence for partisan gain.

Hurricane Erin, a category 2 storm with winds reaching 105mph, is affecting coastal North Carolina's Outer Banks without making direct landfall in the US. The hurricane has prompted authorities to close Highway 12 and evacuate over 2,200 people from Hatteras and Ocracoke islands due to dangerous conditions. The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings against swimming along most of the US East Coast due to life-threatening surf and rip currents, with waves reaching up to 30ft in the Atlantic Ocean. While the unusually large storm is expected to peak by Thursday and remain a hurricane into the weekend, weakening is forecast to begin by Friday.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has strongly condemned new U.S. sanctions imposed against two of its judges and two prosecutors who were involved in cases against U.S. and Israeli citizens. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio justified the sanctions by describing the ICC as a "national security threat" and "an instrument of lawfare," while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu welcomed the move. France expressed dismay at the sanctions, especially as one of its judges, Nicolas Guillou, was among those targeted. The ICC characterized the sanctions as "a flagrant attack" on its independence and the rules-based international order.

Jinchao Wei, a 25-year-old US Navy sailor, has been convicted of espionage for selling classified information about US Navy ships to a Chinese intelligence officer over an 18-month period for more than $12,000. Wei was recruited through social media in February 2022 while serving on the USS Essex and undergoing the process of becoming a naturalized US citizen. Prosecutors presented evidence including encrypted communications and text messages with his handler (whom he called "Big Brother Andy") and his mother, showing Wei understood he was committing espionage. Facing six charges including espionage and conspiracy, Wei could receive a life sentence at his scheduled December 1 sentencing.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has received endorsements from over 200 current and former elected officials from across Michigan for his independent gubernatorial campaign. This diverse coalition, which Duggan's campaign claims is the largest for any gubernatorial candidate in the race, includes Republicans, Democrats, and Independents from communities throughout the state. Duggan, who left the Democratic Party last year, states he's running as an independent to end "toxic partisanship" in Lansing and fix Michigan's education system. His campaign has also attracted support from eight unions representing more than 25,000 members, over 150 faith leaders, and the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce.

President Donald Trump's 50% tariff on steel and aluminum products has expanded to include 407 categories of derivative goods, effective Monday at 12:01 a.m. ET. Items like butter knives, baby strollers, spray deodorants, and fire extinguishers that were previously excluded are now subject to these higher tariffs. US importers face difficult decisions regarding goods already in transit, as accepting them means paying substantial new tariffs, while rejecting them likely results in financial losses. According to Under Secretary Jeffrey Kessler, this expansion aims to prevent circumvention and support American steel and aluminum industries, though analysts warn these tariffs will likely increase production costs across multiple manufacturing sectors.

The White House has ordered a comprehensive review of the Smithsonian Institution's content ahead of America's 250th birthday, aiming to align exhibitions with President Trump's interpretation of American history. The examination, detailed in a letter to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch III, will assess all public-facing content including exhibitions, social media, and educational materials for their "tone, historical framing, and alignment with American ideals." This initiative follows Trump's March executive order titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," which accused the Smithsonian of promoting "divisive, race-centered ideology." The review will initially target eight major museums, with requirements to submit materials within 30 days and implement "corrective action" within 120 days.

African American households face a disproportionate energy burden compared to white households, spending a significantly higher percentage of income on energy bills even when income levels are the same, according to a new national study from Binghamton University and California State University. The research analyzed 65,000 census tracts and found that households in majority African American areas spend an average of 5.1% of income on energy versus the national average of 3.2%, with factors beyond income including older housing stock and lower homeownership rates playing key roles. In Washington D.C., SNAP-eligible households spend over 20% of their income on energy bills, while consecutive rate hikes from providers like Pepco and Washington Gas are exacerbating the problem, leading to service disconnections and forcing many families to choose between utilities and other essentials like food and medicine. The health consequences are severe, with high energy burdens increasing risks of asthma, depression, pneumonia, and even premature death, particularly affecting African Americans who are disproportionately exposed to poor housing and environmental conditions.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro has announced that her office will no longer pursue felony charges against individuals in Washington, D.C. who carry registered rifles or shotguns in public. This policy shift, announced on August 19, follows Supreme Court rulings that expanded Second Amendment protections and aims to focus prosecution efforts on violent crime and illegal gun trafficking instead. While legal gun owners will benefit from this change, the decision has sparked significant concerns among African Americans and other minorities in D.C., who fear the policy could increase dangers in their communities. Many residents in this majority-Black city express worry that loosened enforcement will exacerbate existing racial disparities in gun enforcement and policing.

County public health officials have confirmed the first measles case of the year involving an unimmunized teenager who recently traveled internationally. The infected teen may have exposed others at specific locations and times that were identified by officials. County epidemiologists are now collaborating with Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines Urgent Care and Rady Children's Hospital to identify and follow up with potentially exposed individuals. Health authorities are advising people with measles symptoms to call their doctor before visiting in person to prevent further exposure, while providing information about symptom development and where to find additional resources.

San Diego County Probation has established an Integrated Healthcare Services Unit aimed at enhancing medical and behavioral health services for detained youth and probation clients. The initiative is led by Dr. Lou Gilleran and Michael Kelley, who bring significant healthcare expertise to implement comprehensive health assessments for youth upon booking. This effort coordinates with Justice-Involved CalAIM, a new state program allowing Medi-Cal reimbursement for youth medical care 90 days before release, addressing a critical service gap. The program integrates health assessments into re-entry plans and implements an electronic health record system while maintaining vocational training like music production to support successful community reintegration.

Despite Washington, D.C. being one of only six places in the U.S. where homelessness has fallen since 2019, with a more than 20% reduction since 2015, the Trump administration has deployed the National Guard to dismantle homeless encampments. This military action contradicts data showing D.C.'s homeless population dropped to about 5,000 people in 2025, a 9% decrease from the previous year, while national homelessness rates reached their highest levels since at least 2007. Critics argue the crackdown disproportionately targets Black residents, who comprise 41% of D.C.'s population but 82.5% of its homeless population, undermining years of progress made through targeted initiatives including housing vouchers.

Texas State Representative Nicole Collier spent the night locked in the Capitol as a protest against the Texas House's order for 24/7 DPS trooper monitoring of Democrats who had recently broken quorum to protest Republican redistricting efforts. Collier refused to sign a "permission slip" that would have authorized her constant surveillance, unlike dozens of other Democratic lawmakers who complied with the unprecedented requirement. Her protest sparked significant public support, with demonstrators gathering at the Capitol in solidarity, some of whom were arrested. The situation has escalated tensions between Republicans and Democrats in Texas, with many characterizing the monitoring requirements as authoritarian tactics to push through redistricting maps that would reduce representation for Black and Latino Texans.

Covered California officials announced a 10.3% average increase in health insurance premiums for 2024, the first double-digit hike since 2018. This increase stems from multiple factors, including annual healthcare cost growth (about 8%), the impending expiration of enhanced federal subsidies implemented during COVID-19, and market uncertainty. If Congress doesn't renew these subsidies by September, California will lose approximately $2.1 billion in tax credits that currently benefit over 90% of Affordable Care Act enrollees. While California has allocated $190 million to maintain subsidies for the lowest-income members, officials estimate that 600,000 people could drop coverage due to affordability concerns, potentially driving future costs even higher.

On the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, Senator Alex Padilla introduced two bills to expand voting access: the Sustaining Our Democracy Act and the Expanding the VOTE Act. The Sustaining Our Democracy Act aims to fund improvements in election administration, secure voting systems, recruit poll workers, and increase voter access for underserved communities. Meanwhile, the Expanding the VOTE Act, co-led by Representative Nikema Williams, would ensure translated voting materials for the nearly 68 million U.S. residents who speak languages other than English. Both lawmakers emphasized these bills as necessary responses to what they describe as an "alarming surge of attacks on voting rights" across the country.

"Deceived," a psychological thriller based on the classic film "Gaslight," has premiered at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego with a modernized script by co-adapters Johnna Wright and Patty Jamieson. Set in 1901 London, the play follows newlywed Bella, whose husband Jack manipulates her into doubting her sanity through gaslighting tactics like suggesting she misplaces objects and experiences delusions. Director Delicia Turner Sonnenberg has created an intimate in-the-round staging with a talented diverse cast, featuring standout performances by Brittany Bellizeare as Bella and Travis Van Winkle as Jack, with comic relief provided by the housemaids portrayed by Maggie Carney and Kennedy Tolson. The production, running through September 7, features a contemporary feminist perspective on the classic story, transforming the protagonist from passive victim to empowered survivor.

The 2025 Game Changer Classic, a fundraising event benefiting First Tee - Greater Detroit (FTGD), will be held on August 25, 2025, at Wabeek Country Club in Oakland County. FTGD is a nonprofit organization that utilizes golf to teach essential life skills to young people, including leadership, communication, and resilience. The event will feature a full day of activities beginning with check-in at 8 a.m., followed by golf, an awards ceremony, and a dinner reception. Wabeek Country Club, designed by Jack Nicklaus and Pete Dye, represents a strategic new venue for the fundraiser which serves as one of FTGD's primary fundraising events.

Walmart has recalled specific frozen shrimp products from its Great Value label in 13 U.S. states after the FDA detected radioactive Caesium-137 in a shipping container from an Indonesian supplier. Although one breaded shrimp sample tested positive for the radioactive isotope, the FDA confirmed this particular sample never entered U.S. commerce. Walmart has removed the affected products from store shelves and is offering full refunds to customers who purchased shrimp from three identified batches. While the FDA stated the amount detected wouldn't cause acute harm, long-term exposure to Caesium-137 could potentially increase cancer risk by damaging cells in the body.

The US has established bilateral deportation agreements with Honduras and Uganda, allowing them to accept migrants from other countries seeking asylum at the US-Mexico border. These arrangements are part of the Trump administration's broader effort to increase deportations of undocumented migrants by partnering with at least a dozen nations worldwide, including those with controversial human rights records. Similar agreements have been reached with countries such as Rwanda, Panama, Costa Rica, and Paraguay, with each nation accepting specific numbers of deported migrants under varying conditions. The US Supreme Court recently supported these deportation practices despite opposition from three justices and concerns from human rights organizations that the policy could violate international law.

The newly signed "One Big Beautiful Bill" (also called the "Big Ugly Bill") is projected to cause health insurance premiums to rise significantly by 2026, with a median increase of 15% nationwide in ACA marketplaces. The legislation eliminates enhanced premium tax credits that have helped over 24 million Americans afford health coverage, resulting in individual premium payments increasing by more than 75% on average for subsidy recipients. Additionally, tariffs on imported goods including pharmaceuticals are compelling insurers to raise premiums beyond medical inflation rates. The changes will disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, including low-income Americans, Black and Hispanic adults, and those with existing health conditions.

As Washington D.C. students prepare for the new school year, they face heightened concerns about interactions with law enforcement following the arrival of hundreds of federal agents and National Guard troops from Republican-led states. D.C. State Board of Education Representative LaJoy Johnson-Law emphasizes the critical need for youth to exercise caution in what she describes as a "life-or-death situation" and "state of emergency." The situation has intensified after President Trump's administration attempted to take control of the Metropolitan Police Department, though a federal judge ruled against this takeover. Amid these tensions, community activists like Arianna Afeni Evans of Harriet's Wildest Dreams have been working to protect young people from potential law enforcement overreach, with Evans herself being arrested while advocating for youth at Navy Yard.