Jerry Esters proudly displays the American flag each day on his Detroit home. A few miles away, Yvonne Pistochini says there is no scenario under which she would allow the Stars and Stripes to cast its shadow where she lives. For Esters, it's about the opportunities that allowed the great-great-grandson of slaves to find success. Pistochini simply says the America identified by the flag that she currently sees is not the same country she saw growing up. A new survey conducted by The Associated Press and NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that how “Old Glory” is viewed through the lens of patriotism differs by age, political leanings and particularly race.

The Democratic Party is confronting its long-standing dilemmas over identity and ideology as it wrestles with populist challengers in communities of color. Left-wing insurgents are increasingly challenging legacy political institutions that often are led by Black and Latino lawmakers. The outcome could reshape the party’s power dynamics as it prepares for the upcoming elections in November. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, who's poised to be the first Black speaker of the House if Democrats regain the majority, has played down the dilemma and is focused on confronting Republicans.

The Rev. Al Sharpton is putting final touches on a new Harlem headquarters for his National Action Network organization. The civil rights leader recently held an invite-only unveiling for board members and other local allies, ahead of plans to resume weekly Saturday rallies this summer. Known as the “House of Justice” since its founding decades ago, the NAN headquarters has hosted presidential hopefuls, members of Congress, New York power brokers, celebrities and families who visit to speak out on matters of injustice.

As people gathered to celebrate Juneteenth at events across the U.S., former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama welcomed the first visitors to his presidential center. A million visitors a year are expected to come together at the sprawling campus honoring the nation’s first Black president. The center’s grand opening arrives as a symbolic convergence of legacy and liberation in this fifth year since June 19 became a federal holiday. This year's Juneteenth events, held to celebrate the end of slavery, come during deep political divisions as the nation grapples with renewed questions about the arc of racial progress.

Republican lawmakers in Georgia won’t redraw congressional and state legislative districts for the 2028 elections during a special session called by GOP Gov. Brian Kemp. In a letter to Kemp on Wednesday, Republican House leaders said changes to Georgia’s maps should take place only after a deliberative process providing the public ample opportunity for input. They also noted that legal challenges are still ongoing against some of their current districts. The decision marked a setback for both Kemp and President Donald Trump, who has urged Republican-led states to redraw congressional districts to their advantage

The federal government has asked a judge to halt the United States' first reparations program in Evanston, Illinois. The program, launched in 2021, offers Black residents $25,000 for past discrimination and the lingering effects of slavery. The U.S. Department of Justice called the program “racially discriminatory,” saying it violates the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The program allots more than $20 million over 10 years to eligible residents for home repairs and property expenses. Reparations have been a contentious issue, with differing views on how to address historical injustices.

Police in Chicago say a person is in custody in an investigation of a large cross set on fire in a well-known park. The burning cross was discovered June 9 in Grant Park. That's the same park where Barack Obama delivered his acceptance speech when he was elected the nation’s first Black president in 2008. A 21-year-old college student told WMAQ-TV that he was protesting President Donald Trump and not making a racist statement. It's not clear if that same man is the person under arrest. Cross burnings in the U.S. have historically been seen as symbols of hate against Black people.

Vice President JD Vance is promoting his new book, but that wasn’t the main focus when he went on ABC’s “The View” to plug his memoir on faith. Instead, Vance faced tough questions on Jeffrey Epstein, the economy and immigration. His appearance on the show Tuesday marked a rare foray for a Trump administration official into what they consider hostile media, with the long-running morning show generally dominated by its liberal hosts. Vance joked about the challenging environment at the start of the hour, saying, “This is a show of MAGA Republicans, right?” He defended President Donald Trump’s comments on affordability and inflation by rephrasing his remarks on them, leading Joy Behar to ask him, “Are you his interpreter, or are you his vice president?”

Chicago police are urging residents to come forward with any information about a cross burning in a public park. The burning of a cross is a historic symbol of hate and intimidation against Black Americans. However, the intent behind the fire Tuesday afternoon in Grant Park was still unclear. Police released a community alert Wednesday that included an image of a person walking away from the area Tuesday. Video taken by a driver that circulated widely online showed the wooden cross engulfed in bright orange flames as it leaned against a tree in the park. Chicago firefighters put out the blaze.