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August 17, 2026

Trump threatens to bomb US ally Oman if it 'gets in the way' over Iran deal

President Donald Trump has threatened to bomb Oman, a United States ally, if it interferes with American efforts to negotiate with Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic waterway has been mostly closed for six months during an ongoing US-Iran conflict, severely impacting global oil and gas shipments. While Oman has been conducting separate negotiations with Tehran and announced they were nearing an agreement to reopen the strait, Trump indicated the US has its own backchannel communications with Iranian military forces. The threat comes as a 60-day ceasefire agreement between Washington and Tehran is expiring, with Trump stating he has no plans to extend it and is in no rush to end the war. # Key Takeaways

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August 17, 2026

NYPD Officer Convicted of Using Chokehold Banned After Death of George Floyd

A New York City police officer, Omar Habib, has become the first person convicted under a 2020 municipal law that criminalized chokeholds and certain restraint methods following George Floyd's death. During a 2023 response to a disturbance at a Bronx catering hall, Habib applied a chokehold that caused an intoxicated man to lose consciousness by restricting his breathing and circulation. The conviction includes misdemeanor charges under the new restraint law, plus felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault, carrying a potential seven-year prison sentence. Habib, who had multiple prior misconduct complaints including a 2017 chokehold citation, has been fired from the NYPD and is being held without bail.

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August 17, 2026

Supreme Court again rejects Trump's bid to overturn E Jean Carroll sex abuse case

The US Supreme Court has rejected President Donald Trump's second attempt to overturn a civil jury verdict finding him liable for sexually abusing and defaming writer E Jean Carroll in the 1990s. Trump had argued that the trial judge improperly allowed prejudicial evidence, including the 2005 Access Hollywood tape, to be shown to jurors. After the court's initial June rejection, Trump paid Carroll over $5 million in damages in July, though he continues to deny wrongdoing. Carroll, now 82, celebrated the decision with her legal team, while Trump has characterized the case as politically motivated "lawfare" that threatens future presidents.

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August 17, 2026

Michigan college students struggle with housing, food. Program aims to help

Michigan is launching the Open Door pilot project at Henry Ford College and Wayne State University this fall to help college students struggling with basic needs like food, housing, and transportation. The initiative comes after a state report revealed that nearly half of Michigan college students face unmet financial needs even after receiving aid, with significant percentages experiencing food and housing insecurity. The program will embed United Way staff members on campuses to connect students with both on-campus and community resources, addressing a problem that previously led to rapid depletion of a $1 million emergency fund. This effort supports Michigan's broader goal of having 60% of residents hold postsecondary credentials by 2030, acknowledging that financial aid alone doesn't eliminate the practical barriers preventing students from completing their education. # Key Takeaways

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August 17, 2026

Prosecutor: Davis planned 'retaliation' in Tupac murder

Duane "Keffe D" Davis, a former California street gang leader, is currently standing trial in Las Vegas for his alleged role in the 1996 killing of rapper Tupac Shakur. Although prosecutors acknowledge that Davis did not personally fire the weapon that killed Shakur, they are arguing that he orchestrated and led the group responsible for the drive-by shooting. The incident occurred in 1996, and Shakur died approximately one week after being shot. Prosecutors are characterizing the attack as a planned act of retaliation organized by Davis. # Key Takeaways

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August 17, 2026

“Sickle Cell Warriors” Urge Gov. Newsom to Sustain Critical Patient-Care Funding

Representatives from the Cayenne Wellness Center delivered a petition with over 1,000 signatures to California Governor Gavin Newsom requesting $15 million in funding over three years to support sickle cell disease care. The statewide nonprofit, which currently serves approximately 1,200 individuals with sickle cell disease through wraparound services including mental health counseling, transportation assistance, and care coordination, faces the expiration of its federal funding on August 31st. Sickle cell disease disproportionately affects Black and Latino communities, with an estimated 9,000 to 11,000 Californians living with the genetic blood disorder that causes severe pain and complications. Advocates warn that without continued state investment, critical services and a 12-clinic specialized care network serving over 1,100 adults will be threatened, potentially forcing thousands of patients back into a cycle of emergency room visits and inadequate care.

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August 17, 2026

Watch: Flash flood sweeps vehicle away in Hawaii after Hurricane Lala

Hurricane Lala, a category one storm, passed near Hawaii's Big Island over the weekend, triggering devastating flash floods and mudslides that resulted in one fatality. The severe weather conditions displaced approximately 100 homes from their foundations and left over 200,000 households without electrical service. The tropical storm brought heavy rainfall and powerful winds that caused significant damage across the affected areas. Authorities indicate the storm system is expected to continue moving in a westward direction over the coming days. # Key Takeaways

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August 17, 2026

How was Tupac Shakur killed?

Nearly three decades after rapper Tupac Shakur was fatally shot in Las Vegas, Nevada, the criminal case is moving forward with the trial of Duane "Keffe D" Davis, who represents the sole individual ever formally charged in connection with the musician's death. Davis has entered a not guilty plea and is contesting the murder accusations brought against him. The BBC's reporting covers the legal proceedings as this long-dormant case finally reaches the courtroom stage. This marks a significant development in one of hip-hop's most infamous unsolved killings from the 1990s. # Key Takeaways

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August 17, 2026

Who is murder suspect Duane 'Keffe D' Davis?

Duane "Keffe D" Davis, a 63-year-old former gang leader, stands as the sole individual ever charged in connection with the fatal drive-by shooting of rapper Tupac Shakur that occurred in September 1996. Davis faces prosecution in Las Vegas on charges of murder with a deadly weapon, with prosecutors alleging the crime was committed to promote or assist gang activities. The accused has entered a plea of not guilty to these charges. His upcoming trial represents a significant development in a case that has remained unsolved for nearly three decades. # Key Takeaways

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August 17, 2026

Tupac's brother recalls night rapper was shot

Tupac Shakur's brother has shared his recollections about the evening when the renowned rapper was fatally shot. The incident, which occurred in Las Vegas, remains one of hip-hop's most notorious unsolved cases. The brother's account provides a personal perspective on the tragic events of that night. This testimony adds to the ongoing public interest in understanding the circumstances surrounding Tupac's death. The story continues to resonate within the music community and among fans decades after the shooting took place. # Key Takeaways

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August 17, 2026

'I want my little brother back' - Mopreme Shakur

Mopreme Shakur has expressed his profound grief and longing for his younger brother, the late rapper Tupac Shakur, in a recent statement. The article centers on Mopreme's emotional plea about wanting his sibling back, highlighting the lasting impact of Tupac's death on his family members. This personal testimony sheds light on the enduring pain experienced by those closest to the iconic hip-hop artist. The piece appears to be part of ongoing coverage related to Tupac Shakur's legacy and the continued mourning of his loss by family members decades after his passing. # Key Takeaways

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August 17, 2026

What Hayden Panettiere's memoir taught us about her life and career

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August 17, 2026

In pictures: Hayden Panettiere's life and career, from child actor to Scream star

American actress Hayden Panettiere has passed away at age 36, with her father remembering her as an "incredible light and a force of nature." Starting her entertainment career at just four years old on the soap opera One Life to Live, she went on to achieve major success across three decades in both television and film. Her most notable roles included playing a cheerleader with healing abilities in the science fiction series Heroes from 2006 to 2010, and portraying country singer Juliette Barnes in the musical drama Nashville from 2012 to 2018, which earned her two Golden Globe nominations. Earlier in 2026, she had published a memoir detailing her difficult experiences as a child actor and her battles with addiction, abuse, postpartum depression, and her journey toward recovery.

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August 17, 2026

Detroit’s riverfront safety law increased inspections. Now comes a push for transparency.

Following a 2019 dock collapse that dumped 40,000 tons of limestone into the Detroit River, the city implemented its Waterbody Protection Ordinance in 2022 to regulate properties along the waterway. The law requires 42 registered waterfront property owners to undergo regular inspections, submit engineering reports, and maintain compliance with safety standards administered by the city's Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department. While violations have decreased significantly from over 1,000 before the ordinance to 239 since implementation, environmental advocates and some state lawmakers are pushing for greater transparency and more accessible public data about enforcement. Critics argue certain requirements, particularly the mandatory five-year engineering inspections costing upward of $50,000, are too burdensome and should be adjusted based on infrastructure design lifespans.

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August 17, 2026

Tupac's brother says trial won't bring justice

The brother of rapper Tupac Shakur has expressed skepticism that an upcoming criminal trial will deliver true justice for the musician's death. A gang leader is set to face trial for Tupac's murder, which occurred decades ago and has remained one of hip-hop's most infamous unsolved cases. Despite the legal proceedings moving forward after many years, Tupac's sibling questions whether the trial will provide meaningful closure or accountability for the family. The case has garnered renewed attention as it finally approaches the courtroom stage following a lengthy investigation. # Key Takeaways

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August 17, 2026

Tributes paid to Heroes actress Hayden Panettiere who has died aged 36

Actress Hayden Panettiere, known for her roles in the television series Heroes and Nashville, has passed away at age 36. Her father confirmed the death through a statement to media outlets, though specific circumstances were not disclosed, and the family has requested privacy during this time. Panettiere began her career as a child actor at age four and gained fame portraying a cheerleader with supernatural abilities in Heroes and a rising country music star in Nashville, earning two Golden Globe nominations for the latter role. Numerous colleagues and friends from the entertainment industry, including Viola Davis and Bethany Joy-Lenz, have shared heartfelt tributes celebrating her talent and expressing shock at her untimely passing. # Key Takeaways

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August 17, 2026

Hayden Panettiere on her career and growing up in the spotlight

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August 17, 2026

Trump says US to reduce military drills with South Korea after it stayed out of Iran war

President Trump announced via Truth Social that the United States will significantly scale back joint military exercises with South Korea, justifying this decision by citing his positive relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and criticizing the exercises as costly and provocative. Trump also expressed dissatisfaction that South Korea declined to participate in U.S. efforts toward Iran's denuclearization. While Seoul stated it is reviewing Trump's comments and hoped for productive U.S.-North Korea dialogue, experts warn that reducing these exercises could undermine alliance coordination and weaken deterrence capabilities in Asia. The announcement comes amid ongoing North Korean ballistic missile tests and follows a pattern from Trump's first term when he similarly suspended exercises during 2018 denuclearization talks with Kim. # Key Takeaways

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August 17, 2026

GOLDSON: The Education Ecosystem Our Students Need

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August 16, 2026

'I want my brother back' - Tupac’s brother tells BBC murder trial won’t bring justice

Mopreme Shakur, the stepbrother of legendary rapper Tupac Shakur, spoke with the BBC ahead of the murder trial opening for the individual accused of killing his brother. In the interview, Mopreme expressed his feelings that the legal proceedings will not deliver true justice for Tupac's death nearly three decades ago. He shared personal memories of growing up with one of hip-hop's most iconic figures and recounted details from the night of the fatal shooting. The conversation also touched on Tupac's enduring cultural influence and legacy 30 years after his tragic death. # Key Takeaways

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August 16, 2026

US commander says mental health a 'priority' on USS Lincoln

The USS Lincoln aircraft carrier has been deployed in the Middle East for over 240 consecutive days supporting operations against Iran, sparking concerns about crew mental health and living conditions. Following reports of poor sanitation, equipment failures, food shortages, and suicide attempts by sailors, Admiral Brad Cooper visited the vessel and emphasized that mental health is a leadership priority, though he claimed the ship has relatively few mental health cases compared to other carriers. Thirteen Democratic senators have demanded answers from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth about the extended deployment, while President Trump dismissed concerns about the length of time at sea. The USS George Washington is reportedly en route to relieve the Lincoln, potentially arriving within a week to end the record-breaking deployment that was originally scheduled to conclude in May.

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August 16, 2026

Arboretum Detroit’s green oasis in Poletown East offers vision for reforesting city

Since 2019, Arboretum Detroit has been transforming vacant parcels in the Poletown East neighborhood by planting over 1,800 trees across five acres, creating interconnected green spaces on more than 55 formerly empty lots. Co-founder Andrew "Birch" Kemp shifted from informal tree planting to a strategic approach of acquiring land through the Detroit Land Bank Authority to prevent speculation and protect the forests being created. This initiative addresses the neighborhood's industrial legacy, including decades of pollution from a GM plant and a waste incinerator that closed in 2019, by using trees to filter air pollution and create community gathering spaces. The project exemplifies a broader shift in Detroit's urban planning philosophy that views some of the city's 18 square miles of vacant land as better suited for ecological restoration than redevelopment, offering environmental and health benefits while reducing maintenance costs.

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August 16, 2026

Hurricane Lala lashes Hawaii with strong winds and torrential rain

Hurricane Lala, a category one storm with wind speeds reaching 91 mph, has caused severe flash flooding across Hawaii's Big Island after passing within 30 miles of its southern coast. The storm has resulted in at least one death from a weather-related car accident, left approximately 115,000 customers without power, and potentially swept several occupied homes off their foundations in two areas experiencing flash flooding. Officials have issued warnings about life-threatening conditions including mudslides, with forecasts predicting up to 35 inches of rainfall in some locations, while nearly 200 flights have been postponed and major airports have experienced significant cancellations. The hurricane continues moving westward, threatening all eight major Hawaiian islands with tropical storm conditions, damaging winds, and torrential rain.

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August 16, 2026

Watch: Flooding destroys a road in Indiana after heavy rainfall

Severe storms swept through the midwestern United States this week, causing devastating flooding in Indiana that resulted in significant infrastructure damage, including the destruction of roadways. At least five fatalities have been confirmed by state officials as a result of the powerful weather system. Indiana's Governor Mike Braun announced that President Donald Trump will grant approval for the state's emergency declaration request, which will provide federal aid to affected areas. The flooding represents one of several extreme weather events impacting the midwest region during this period. # Key Takeaways

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August 15, 2026

Watch: Why Tupac Shakur's murder trial is happening 30 years after he was killed

Nearly three decades after rapper Tupac Shakur was fatally shot in Las Vegas, Nevada, the murder trial is finally beginning for the sole individual charged in connection with his death. Duane "Keffe D" Davis faces murder charges but has entered a not guilty plea and disputes the accusations against him. Opening arguments in the long-awaited trial commenced on Monday, marking a significant development in a case that has remained unsolved for approximately 30 years. The trial represents the first time anyone has been prosecuted for the iconic rapper's 1996 killing on the Las Vegas Strip. # Key Takeaways

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August 15, 2026

Multiple suspects at large after five shot at Virginia State University, police say

Five people were shot early Saturday morning outside residence halls at Virginia State University, with one person critically wounded and four others sustaining non-life-threatening injuries. Police believe multiple shooters were involved in the incident, which occurred around 1:28 a.m., but no suspects have been arrested yet. The victims include at least one VSU student who has been released from the hospital and one minor under 18 years old. The shooting happened just as the campus was welcoming returning students ahead of the new term starting Monday, and while the temporary lockdown has been lifted, a substantial police presence remains on campus. # Key Takeaways

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August 15, 2026

World's Ugliest Dog contest crowns 2026 winner

The article announces the winner of the 2024 World's Ugliest Dog contest, though it appears to contain a typo listing "2026" in the headline. This annual competition celebrates dogs with unconventional or unique appearances, crowning a new champion for this year. The article references last year's winner for comparison and context. The contest continues its tradition of highlighting dogs that might not fit conventional beauty standards but are beloved nonetheless. The piece is categorized under US & Canada news and relates to dog-related topics. # Key Takeaways

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August 15, 2026

Michigan’s local election officials are confident in voting integrity ahead of November’s midterm election

A University of Michigan survey conducted in spring 2026 reveals that 95% of Michigan's local election clerks express strong confidence in their ability to conduct accurate elections for the upcoming November gubernatorial and congressional races. Despite this high confidence in their own capabilities, local officials identified significant challenges, with nearly half citing election costs as their primary concern, particularly due to the financial burden of implementing nine days of early voting approved by voters in 2022. Officials also expressed worries about disinformation targeting voters and potential polling place disturbances, especially in larger communities where over 40% anticipate misinformation problems. The survey also uncovered a partisan divide regarding confidence in other jurisdictions' election administration, with Republicans showing notably less trust than Democrats in their counterparts' abilities. # Key Takeaways

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August 14, 2026

Many Canadians are boycotting the US, so this is where they're travelling instead

Many Canadians are boycotting travel to the United States in response to President Trump's re-election and his tariff policies, as well as his controversial remarks about annexing Canada. Statistics show that Canadians made 800,000 fewer trips to the US in April 2026 compared to the previous year, resulting in approximately $2.35 billion in lost tourism revenue for America. Instead of visiting the US, Canadian travelers are choosing to explore domestic destinations or travel to other international locations like Europe. American cities and states have begun offering special promotions and discounts to entice Canadian tourists back, including New York City's 30% discount on Broadway tickets and hotel rooms, though many Canadians indicate they have no plans to return anytime soon.

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August 14, 2026

Parent engagement and more resources to get kids to school: What to expect this school year in Detroit

Detroit is launching several transportation and safety initiatives to address chronic absenteeism and help students get to school for the upcoming 2026-27 school year. The city is deploying 50-100 trained transit employees as safety ambassadors on buses and at stops, continuing free bus service through a state grant, and piloting a ride-share program for 150 students at four high schools with high absenteeism rates. Detroit Public Schools Community District is expanding yellow bus service to two additional high schools and implementing a high school redesign focused on ninth graders, including career pathway exploration and smaller class sizes. These efforts come as the district faces increased scrutiny from parents demanding budget transparency and as five of seven school board seats are contested in the November election. # Key Takeaways

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