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Donald Trump has accumulated approximately $1.02 billion in personal and family gains connected to his presidential terms, according to a New Yorker investigation. These profits include foreign real estate and golf course deals in the Middle East that likely wouldn't have materialized without his political position, along with skyrocketing revenues at Mar-a-Lago where membership fees now reach up to $1 million. The investigation reveals numerous other revenue streams, including Jared Kushner's $2 billion Saudi investment, merchandise sales generating $27.7 million, donor-funded legal bill payments exceeding $100 million, and media settlements totaling $63 million. Ethics watchdogs note that Trump's exploitation of public office for personal gain is unprecedented among former presidents.

Democrat Michael Thurmond has announced his 2026 bid for Georgia governor, positioning himself as a unifying leader who can address everyday concerns like cost of living and healthcare access while bridging racial and political divides. The 72-year-old joins other Democratic candidates including state Sen. Jason Esteves and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms in seeking to succeed term-limited Republican Gov. Brian Kemp. Thurmond brings extensive political experience as a former labor commissioner, DeKalb County CEO, interim school superintendent, and state legislator, emphasizing his record of success in challenging roles. Like other declared Democratic candidates, Thurmond is seeking to become Georgia's first Black governor, focusing his campaign on fighting for Georgia residents rather than against political opponents.

According to a recent Economist/YouGov poll, only 31% of Americans view President Donald Trump as "honest and trustworthy," marking his lowest rating since beginning his second term. The poll reveals widespread suspicion about Trump's knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein's crimes, with 71% of Americans believing he knew at least something before investigations began. Trump's handling of the Epstein investigations has a -39 net approval rating, with particularly strong disapproval among Democrats. Additionally, Trump's overall job approval stands at 42% with 54% disapproving, while his support among Republican-leaning voters has decreased from 92% to 83% since January.

TSA's PreCheck Touchless ID technology, a facial comparison system that verifies identity without requiring physical ID, is now available at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and 14 other U.S. airports for enrolled PreCheck passengers with valid passports. Simultaneously, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has implemented Enhanced Passenger Processing at Nashville International Airport, using automated facial recognition to expedite traveler verification before they reach an officer. While officials tout improved efficiency and security, privacy concerns have prompted bipartisan legislation called the Traveler Privacy Protection Act of 2025, which would require consent for biometric data collection, prohibit passive surveillance, and mandate timely deletion of stored images. Both TSA and CBP systems offer opt-out options for travelers who prefer standard screening procedures.

Focus: Hope, a Detroit nonprofit founded in 1968, is facing a major crisis after losing $6 million in federal Head Start funding with no explanation from the federal government. This unexpected cut will terminate early childhood education programs serving four Detroit ZIP codes (48202, 48206, 48211, and 48238), eliminate at least 90 jobs, and leave hundreds of children and families without crucial services. The organization has already furloughed 45 staff members and laid off an additional 50 employees as a result of this funding loss. CEO Portia Roberson suggests the cuts may be related to broader Trump administration efforts to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, though no official reason has been provided.

Alaska's capital city, Juneau, is facing potential record-breaking flooding as meltwater escapes from a basin dammed by the Mendenhall Glacier. The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning, with water levels already exceeding 16 feet by Wednesday morning, surpassing the major flooding threshold of 14 feet. Governor Mike Dunleavy has declared a state disaster in response to this "imminent threat of catastrophic flooding," which experts note is part of a growing trend of glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs) exacerbated by climate change. This area has experienced annual flooding concerns since 2011, with hundreds of homes damaged in last year's floods.

The US National Guard has been deployed to Washington DC after President Trump took control of the city's police force, claiming violent crime was out of control. Around 800 National Guard troops and 500 federal law enforcement agents are expected to be deployed, with armored vehicles spotted at urban centers and tourist sites. Mayor Muriel Bowser has criticized the deployment as an "authoritarian push," while official crime statistics show violent offenses in DC have actually decreased to their lowest level in 30 years. The Trump administration has announced plans to "relentlessly pursue and arrest every violent criminal in the District," with 23 people already arrested by federal agents on Monday night.

Council Member Angela Whitfield-Calloway is facing potential consequences after her taxpayer-funded newsletter included campaign solicitations from Police Commissioner Linda Bernard, who is seeking re-election as a write-in candidate. Reverend Lucious Conway, a competing candidate, has filed multiple complaints and a lawsuit alleging improper use of public resources for campaign purposes. The Michigan Bureau of Elections determined Whitfield-Calloway violated rules by using the government communication platform GovDelivery to distribute campaign messages, though she claims it was an unintentional oversight. The Board of Ethics will hear Conway's complaint at their August 20 meeting while the Bureau of Elections continues its investigation.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance, while vacationing in the UK's Cotswolds region, held a private meeting with Conservative shadow ministers Robert Jenrick and Chris Philp at his holiday residence. During his UK trip, Vance has engaged in both official meetings, including talks with Foreign Secretary David Lammy about Gaza and international affairs, and social gatherings with various British political figures. Though he met with several Conservative politicians including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, schedules could not align for a meeting with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch. The vice president's visit has included cultural activities such as touring Hampton Court Palace, while causing some disruption to local residents due to security measures.

of the News Article A recent Trump administration report criticizes the UK for worsening human rights conditions, particularly highlighting restrictions on freedom of expression and antisemitism-related threats. The report specifically mentions government censorship following the Southport attacks, where authorities took legal action against those spreading misinformation online. It also critiques UK abortion clinic buffer zone laws that prohibit protests near these facilities, citing cases like Livia Tossici-Bolt's conviction for holding a sign outside a clinic. The US State Department expressed disappointment over such restrictions, with spokeswoman Tammy Bruce stating that criminalizing speech can catalyze further polarization.

Usha Vance, the 39-year-old second lady of the United States and wife of Vice President JD Vance, has played a significant role in her husband's political rise despite traditionally staying out of the limelight. Born to Indian immigrant parents in California, she built an impressive academic career that includes degrees from Yale, Cambridge as a Gates Scholar, and prestigious legal clerkships with Supreme Court justices. Though her own political views remain somewhat ambiguous—having been registered as a Democrat while clerking for conservative justices—she is described by friends as her husband's "spirit guide" in an equal partnership. The couple, married since 2014, prioritize family life with their three young children, and Usha's achievements have generated significant pride in India, particularly among her relatives who cite her family's scholarly tradition.

Four teenagers, including two 18-year-olds and two minors, have been arrested for a series of celebrity home burglaries in Los Angeles, including the ransacking of Brad Pitt's residence. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell identified the suspects as street gang members who targeted high-profile individuals such as actors and professional athletes. Police recovered stolen property during searches of the suspects' homes following an investigation that began after Pitt's Los Feliz home was broken into by masked thieves in late June. Authorities noted that these burglars employed sophisticated tactics like planting surveillance cameras to monitor victims' routines and using wi-fi jammers to disable home security systems.

Mexico has extradited 26 high-profile drug cartel suspects to the United States, marking the second major transfer of this kind in 2023. The extradited individuals include key operatives from major Mexican criminal organizations, particularly the Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) and Sinaloa Cartel, who face violent crime charges in American courts. This transfer comes amid continued US pressure on Mexico to combat drug trafficking across the shared border, including threats of tariffs. Mexican officials agreed to the extraditions on the condition that none of the suspects would face the death penalty, consistent with the country's longstanding extradition policy.

The All of Us or None National Convening took place July 17-20, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas, bringing together formerly incarcerated advocates from across the United States. Participants gathered to collaborate on advocacy work focused on restoring civil rights for currently and formerly incarcerated people, reuniting families, providing resources to those still imprisoned, and educating about new laws that could help with resentencing, parole, and release. The convening featured workshops on topics including basebuilding, using AI for liberation, and "crimmigation," creating an environment that the author, Robert Bowden, described as feeling like a family reunion for those dedicated to freeing incarcerated individuals. Attendees from numerous cities nationwide participated in this gathering aimed at supporting advocacy efforts and sharing resources for continuing their mission.

Positively Caviar Inc., a DMV-based nonprofit, is hosting its fourth annual "Flourish & Grow" back-to-school summer wellness workshop at the R.I.S.E Demonstration Center in Southeast D.C. on August 16. The program aims to provide middle school students with practical tools for managing stress, building mental resilience, and establishing healthy habits through activities including affirmation exercises, healing techniques, and nutrition education. Executive Director Chazz Scott emphasizes the long-term implications of mental health issues, including poor school performance and higher dropout rates, particularly in underserved communities. The organization seeks to address mental health in a culturally relevant way for young African Americans, with co-founder Nikki Abraham noting that nearly 3,000 D.C. adolescents experience major depressive episodes annually, with more than a third receiving no treatment.

The White House plans to host a UFC event as part of the United States' 250th anniversary celebrations on July 4th next year, as announced by UFC president Dana White. This unprecedented event at the White House was initiated by President Trump, who has a longstanding friendship with White dating back to when Trump hosted early UFC events at his properties. Trump has suggested building an octagon cage on White House grounds with capacity for up to 25,000 people, though specific logistics remain unclear. This UFC event is part of Trump's broader efforts to transform the White House, which have already included gold office renovations, lawn modifications, and plans for a $200 million ballroom.

The U.S. has announced criminal charges against Haitian gang leader Jimmy Cherizier (known as "Barbecue") and U.S. citizen Bazile Richardson for soliciting funds from the Haitian diaspora to support gang activities in violation of U.S. sanctions. Cherizier, who leads the gang alliance Viv Ansanm that controls much of Port-au-Prince, is accused of numerous human rights abuses including the 2018 La Saline massacre where 71 people were killed. The U.S. is offering a $5 million reward for information leading to Cherizier's arrest, while Richardson was arrested in Texas last month for helping raise funds to pay gang leaders and purchase weapons. Haiti has experienced economic chaos, violent gang warfare, and humanitarian crisis since President Jovenel Moïse's assassination in 2021, with 5.7 million people facing acute food insecurity.

The Trump administration has substantially revised the US government's annual global human rights report, reducing criticism of allies like Israel and El Salvador while increasing scrutiny of countries like Brazil and South Africa. The restructured State Department document eliminates entire sections from previous reports, including coverage of government corruption and LGBTQ+ persecution, while officials claim changes were made to "remove redundancies" and "increase readability." The report also characterizes the human rights situation as "worsened" in close US allies including the UK, France, and Germany due to online hate speech regulations. Former State Department official Uzra Zeya criticized the changes as "gutting" decades of respected human rights work and signaling that the US might "look the other way" for governments willing to cooperate with the administration.

A CNN news segment featuring Christian nationalist pastor Doug Wilson and his supporters, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has highlighted the growing visibility of fringe evangelical beliefs questioning women's right to vote. Wilson advocates for a patriarchal Christian society where men would cast votes for their households after discussion with family members. While Christian nationalism remains a minority viewpoint held by only about 10% of Americans, experts note these once-fringe ideas are gaining increased traction within the Republican Party. Wilson's views on gender roles, which include opposition to women's suffrage and promotion of patriarchal family structures, represent part of a broader conservative backlash against progressive movements for gender equality.

President Donald Trump has deployed 800 National Guard troops to Washington D.C. and taken control of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) under Section 740, which allows federal command during "emergency conditions" for 30 days. This action removes operational control from Mayor Muriel Bowser and places the MPD under federal command, with Terry Cole named as interim federal administrator. The approach contrasts sharply with the 1989 National Guard deployment under President George H.W. Bush, when then-Mayor Marion Barry maintained city control with Guard members serving only in support roles. Critics argue this federal takeover disproportionately impacts D.C.'s Black population and highlights the District's lack of statehood protections.

A gunman, identified as Patrick Joseph White, opened fire at the CDC headquarters in Atlanta on August 8, firing approximately 500 rounds and killing police officer David Rose who responded to the scene. Investigators revealed that White, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, had expressed distrust of COVID-19 vaccines and blamed them for making him depressed and suicidal. The attack damaged six CDC buildings with approximately 200 rounds striking the complex, though no civilians were injured during the incident. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited the CDC campus following the shooting to offer condolences to Officer Rose's widow and honor his sacrifice.

San Diego Unified School District began the 2025-2026 school year this week, welcoming nearly 95,000 students back to classes, including 750 at Bell Middle School in Paradise Hills. Bell Middle School is starting the year with new principal Tamara Muhammad, who previously led Franklin Elementary STEAM Magnet and brings a focus on equity and student-centered learning. The school offers numerous programs including visual and performing arts, athletics, and a wellness center, and has earned recognition as one of America's "healthiest schools" by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. While the district reports improvements in assessment scores, with English Language Arts proficiency at 54.2% and math at 43.9%, significant performance gaps persist for students of color, which the district is addressing through literacy coaches and its "Goals and Guardrails" strategy extending to 2030.

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton has criticized three Republican-backed bills targeting the District of Columbia's local governance as "paternalistic" and undemocratic. The legislation, considered by the U.S. House Rules Committee, would override D.C.'s laws on noncitizen voting rights, police reform, and immigration cooperation. Norton defended D.C.'s right to self-governance for its more than 700,000 residents and condemned the timing of these bills, which followed a continuing resolution that reduced D.C.'s local budget by $1 billion. She urged Congress to respect D.C.'s democratically enacted laws and called for passage of her D.C. statehood bill to grant residents representation in Congress.

Janna Rodriguez, founder of Innovative Daycare Corp in Freeport, NY, was interviewed by BlackPressUSA about her work in early childhood education. As an advocate and educator, Rodriguez leads efforts through multiple organizations including the CDA Council and CSEA/VOICE Union to ensure children from underserved communities have access to quality education. She emphasizes that parents should consider program philosophy, developmentally appropriate practices, and cultural inclusivity when choosing early childhood education for their children. Rodriguez also highlights challenges in the early education workforce including low wages and limited benefits, while advocating for systemic change to address racial inequities in childcare access and affordability.

This summer, Black celebrities showcased their fashion prowess amid global chaos, transforming ordinary venues into fashion showcases. According to The Root's roundup, stars like Rihanna, Tyla, Megan Thee Stallion, and Tyler, the Creator made significant style statements through their distinctive looks and fashion choices. Other notable fashion standouts included Latto in vintage Chanel at Wimbledon, Tracee Ellis Ross channeling Jacquemus in New York, Doechii with futuristic footwear, Keith Powers in YSL at Paris Fashion Week, Lil Baby revitalizing denim-on-denim, and Ravyn Lenae sporting a relaxed summer outfit. These celebrities demonstrated that Black creativity in fashion is a constant, not just a seasonal phenomenon, with each look making a powerful statement.

Tajee Michael was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the 2022 shooting death of high school football coach Greg Najee Grimes outside a Sacramento nightclub. Michael, who had prior felony convictions, accepted a plea deal in the presence of Grimes' parents, allowing them to avoid a traumatic trial. In response to this tragedy and other gun violence incidents, the Grimes family established the Greg Najee Grimes 212 Anchor Foundation, while California has launched the "Reduce the Risk" public awareness campaign through the Governor's Office of Emergency Services. The campaign aims to educate the public about gun violence protection orders and other legal tools to reduce firearm deaths, particularly in communities of color where gun violence disproportionately occurs.