GOP Controlled U.S. Senate Passes Largest Cut to Food Assistance in History
Inside the Senate chambers of the historic Maryland Statehouse
By Lauren Burke After a record number of consecutive votes over two consecutive nights, the Republican controlled U.S. Senate passed President Trump’s budget bill that includes the largest cut to food assistance in history. The bill also threatens health care coverage for over 15 million Americans. “This is a reversal of so much progress we’ve had. Under Biden-Harris, we reduced childhood poverty in half, this rolls that
back,” said Jotaka Eaddy, the founder of Win With Black Women. “This bill takes health care away from 16 million Americans,” State of the People founder Angela Rye pointed out. The two were on a marathon State of the People broadcast that featured Black religious, political, and community leaders. The Senate passed Trump’s budget bill with the assistance of a tie-breaking vote from Vice President J.D. Vance. The legislation now goes to the U.S. House.
President Trump is focused on undoing the work of President Biden. The legislation passed by the Senate repeals the Inflation Reduction Act and cuts the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIPS) that provides low-cost health coverage to children in families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid but who cannot afford private insurance. President Trump is also focused on giving a tax cut to the wealthiest Americans in the country.
“Republicans jammed through a partisan megabit that slashes Medicaid, nutrition assistance, and other critical programs,” wrote Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) after the vote.
“Republicans have jammed through a cruel and callous bill that will rip health care and food assistance away from millions of Americans. All so Donald Trump can give massive tax breaks to his billionaire donors. It’s a gutting betrayal of workingclass Americans,” stated Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (DMD) after the bill passed The legislation extends the 2017 tax cuts that disproportionately benefit the rich, it overhauls who is eligible for Medicaid and food stamps, adds paperwork that is likely to reduce program eligibility, and it phases out green energy tax credits. The bill also adds 4.5 trillion to the debt, according to most estimates.
Three Republican Senators voted against the bills: Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), and Senator Thom Tillis (RNC). “My hope is that the House is gonna look at this and recognize that we’re not there yet,” Sen. Murkowski said after voting for the bill. Though there are members in the Republican House Freedom Caucus who don’t agree with aspects of the legislation, it is likely to pass.
Congressional Black Caucus Challenges Target on Diversity
USA
By Stacy M. Brown Black Press
Senior National Correspondent
Target is grappling with worsening financial and reputational fallout as the national selective buying and public education program launched by the Black Press of America and other national and local leaders continues to erode the retailer’s sales and foot traffic. But a recent meeting that the retailer intended to keep quiet between CEO Brian Cornell and members of the Congressional Black Caucus Diversity Task Force was publicly reported after the Black Press discovered the session, and the CBC later put Target on blast.
“The Congressional Black Caucus met with the leadership of the Target Corporation on Capitol Hill to directly address deep concerns about the impact of the company’s unconscionable decision to end a number of its diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts,” CBC Chair Yvette Clarke stated. “Like many of the coalition leaders and partner organizations that have chosen to boycott their stores across the country, we found that the explanations offered by the leadership of the Target Corporation fell woefully short of what our communities deserve and of the values of inclusion that Target once touted,” Congresswoman emphasized. “Black consumers contribute overwhelmingly to our economy and the Target Corporation’s bottom line. Our communities deserve to shop at businesses that publicly share our values without sacrificing our dignity. It is no longer acceptable to deliver promises to our communities in private without also demonstrating those values publicly.”
Lauren Burke, Capitol Hill correspondent for Black Press of America, was present when
Target CEO Cornell and a contingent of Target officials arrived at the U.S. Capitol last month.
“It’s always helpful to have meetings like this and get some candid feedback and continue to evolve our thinking,” Cornell told Burke as he exited the meeting. And walked down a long hallway in the Cannon House Office Building. “We look forward to follow-up conversations,” he stated. When asked if the issue of the ongoing boycott was discussed, Cornell’s response was, “That was not a big area of focus — we’re focused on running a great business each and every day. Take care of our teams. Take care of the guests who shop with us and do the right things in our communities.”
A national public education campaign on Target, spearheaded by Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), the NNPA’s board of directors, and with other national African American leaders, has combined consumer education efforts with a call for selective buying.
The NNPA is a trade association that represents the more than 220 African American-owned newspapers and media companies known as the Black Press of America, the voice of 50 million African Americans across the nation. The coalition has requested that Target restore and expand its stated commitment to do business with local community-owned businesses inclusive of the Black Press of America, and to significantly increase investment in Blackowned businesses and media, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU, Black-owned Banks, national Black Church denominations, and grassroots and local organizations committed to improving the quality of life of all Americans, and
especially those from underserved communities. According to Target’s latest earnings report, net sales for the first quarter of 2025 fell 2.8 percent to $23.85 billion compared to the same period last year. Comparable store sales dropped 3.8 percent, and in-store foot traffic slid 5.7 percent.
Shares of Target have also struggled under the pressure. The company’s stock traded around $103.85 early Wednesday afternoon, down significantly from roughly $145 before the controversy escalated. Analysts note that Target has lost more than $12 billion in market value since the beginning of the year. “We will continue to inform and to mobilize Black consumers in every state in the United States,” Chavis said. “Target today has a profound opportunity to respond with respect and restorative commitment.”
regulations.
In some cities like Berkeley, for example, the local government is already providing guidance to
COLLIN COUNTY, TEXAS –– After more than a decade forced into silence, civil rights advocate Essie Berry, widow of beloved actor Fred “Rerun” Berry, is stepping forward with grave allegations of judicial misconduct and corruption against Judge Angela Tucker, the same judge who handled Steve Harvey’s 2005 divorce case (Case No. 199-15215905) in Collin County, Texas. Berry is also accusing Harvey’s attorneys, Bobbie Edmond and Rickey Anderson, of the same crimes. She also alleges that they bullied, harassed, and cyberstalked her. Berry alleges that Judge Angela Tucker actively participated in violating her civil rights and silencing her advocacy through improper legal actions and misuse of judicial authority. In 2017, Berry was lawfully appointed Power of Attorney (POA) by Mary Harvey, Steve Harvey’s ex-wife, to help pursue justice in the aftermath of the Harveys’ “con-job” divorce. Soon after, Berry states she became the target of a coordinated campaign of intimidation, harassment, stalking, and legal retaliation. In 2018—while residing in California—Berry was served with a restraining order stemming from a sealed Texas case, despite the dispute originating from a 2005 divorce proceeding in Texas. She claims the order lacked proper jurisdiction, due process, and notice, violating her constitutional rights and setting a chilling precedent for whistleblowers and advocates.
Berry further alleges that attorneys Bobbie Edmond and Rickey Anderson conspired with Judge Tucker and others to shield Steve & Marjorie Harvey from public accountability by suppressing evidence, intimidating witnesses, and manipulating legal proceedings.
In an alarming escalation, Berry reports that 11 judges in McKinney, Texas, signed off on a warrant for Berry’s arrest, despite Berry being a California resident. Berry states the actions were an act of malicious intent meant to silence Berry’s voice, inflict emotional trauma, and place her under mental and emotional duress.
Maggots Seen on Body at Wake, Family Sues Funeral Home
CHESAPEAKE, VIRGINIA –– The family of Torreon Williams, 24, has filed a $5 million lawsuit against a funeral home in Chesapeake, Virginia, after they discovered maggots in his casket during an open viewing back in 2022. They claim the funeral home neglected his body, causing severe emotional trauma. Williams died in a car crash in May 2022. Just days later, his family gathered for a wake at Snellings Funeral Home in Chesapeake. But instead of a peaceful goodbye, they were shocked to see his face covered with maggots crawling out of his nose and mouth. According to the Daily Mail, the lawsuit claims maggots were seen in Williams’ nose, mouth, and across his face. His mother, Tabitha Worrell, was reportedly so distraught that her screams echoed through the room. A funeral home staff member allegedly told her not to “make a scene.”
The lawsuit accuses the funeral home of gross negligence,
company, Hollomon-Brown Funeral Homes, for $5 million. The family says the experience caused lasting trauma, including depression, anxiety, and night terrors. Williams’ body, according to the suit, was not embalmed or prepared properly, leading to what attorneys called a “grotesque” presentation. The family believes the funeral home tried to downplay the condition of the body. In a statement, Hollomon-Brown CEO Casey
Target Retail Store. Target Sells Home Goods, Clothing and Electronics. San Diego, California, USA, August 16th, 2020
(Photo by Thomas De Wever)
Steve Harvey and Judge Angela Tucker
‘Free America Weekend’ Ignites 50-State
and quickly gained momentum across social media platforms such as Instagram and Reddit. Organizers say the Fourth of July is a fitting moment to highlight what they see as threats to American democracy, pointing to Trump’s executive orders targeting immigrants, efforts to dismantle federal agencies, and the broader influence of Project 2025, a conservative policy blueprint criticized for seeking
“There is no real independence to celebrate under this administration,” the Women’s March declared in its call to action for July 4. “This is our chance to stand together and reclaim the meaning of freedom.” More than 170 events are planned across the country, ranging from rallies at state capitals to block parties, dance protests, banner drops, and
community art projects. In New York, protests are scheduled both at the state Capitol in Albany and at New York City Hall. Other major gatherings will take place at the California and Texas State Capitols and in cities including Philadelphia, Tampa, and The Women’s March website encouraged participants to host neighborhood events and create spaces where people “who aren’t going to come to a protest can still dream about freedom with hot dogs and veggie burgers.” Organizers said the combination of celebration and dissent reflects their conviction that resisting Trump’s policies and building community go hand in hand.In addition to “No Kings Day,” activists have staged numerous demonstrations over the past year condemning
Wave of Protests Against Trump on July 4
what they describe as systemic attacks on civil liberties and democratic norms. Free America Weekend is intended to unify those efforts into a single, coordinated show of resistance. While organizers have emphasized nonviolence, some local groups have reported receiving threats and harassment online. In Illinois, protest leaders said they secured permits to rally at the Capitol grounds to help ensure participants’ safety after threats from pro-Trump groups. “This movement is about more than just one day,” organizers wrote online. “It’s about standing firm in our beliefs and seeing it through, no matter the challenges we may
Talent Over Tokenism: Black Mayors Slash Crime
Despite Media Silence
By Stacy M. Brown Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent
While cable news pundits and national newspapers often fixate on urban dysfunction, Black mayors across America are delivering measurable, record-breaking progress in public safety—and getting almost no credit for it. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin have overseen some of the steepest reductions in violent crime their cities have experienced in decades. But they are far from alone. From New York to Los Angeles to Chicago, Black mayors are proving that talent, vision, and a relentless focus on evidence-based policy—not tokenism—are transforming communities. Yet their achievements have largely been ignored by mainstream media outlets that rarely look past sensational headlines.
Baltimore, long branded one of America’s most dangerous cities, released midyear crime data showing a 22% drop in homicides compared to the same period last year. Nonfatal shootings are down 19%, and juvenile homicide victims have declined by an astonishing 71%. Police are solving more crimes, with a homicide clearance rate of 64% and a nonfatal shooting clearance rate 20 percentage points above the department’s 10-year average. “These
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historic lows are the result of a comprehensive, evidence-based public safety strategy that we have implemented in partnership with residents,” Mayor Scott said. “But our work is far from over—68 lives lost to violence is 68 too many.”
The progress didn’t happen by chance. Under Scott’s leadership, the Baltimore Police Department has combined targeted enforcement with offers of help. Commissioner Richard Worley described how the Group Violence Reduction Strategy works:
“We go out and give them a letter and basically say, ‘Listen, we know you were doing the shooting. We want you to put the guns down, or we will take you and your entire drug operation off the street. But here are the services—job training, education, relocation.’” Meanwhile, in Birmingham, Mayor Woodfin has led an aggressive, community-driven approach that’s paid off. The city’s homicide rate has fallen 52% compared to last year, and the clearance rate for homicides has surged to 79%, a level rarely seen in major cities.
“The Birmingham Police Department is extremely aggressive in what they’re doing and how they’re taking a different approach in policing our community,” Woodfin said. He credited a blend of new technology, such as the Real Time Crime Center, and grassroots cooperation. “When you share information, it doesn’t allow the criminal element to be emboldened and hide behind fear of people,” Woodfin explained. “Those who are killing people are not just walking our streets.”
Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett said the city’s street outreach teams are also preventing retaliatory shootings before they happen. “We are really, really hammering at it,” Pickett told the City Council. “I am very appreciative of all the men and women in the Birmingham Police Department who are leading our fight.”
While total violent crime in Birmingham has edged up slightly, the plunge in homicides shows that sustained focus and coordination can work—even if major media don’t bother to cover it. State and federal partners in Maryland have also acknowledged Baltimore’s progress. “Baltimore City released a midyear report showing the fewest homicides ever recorded at this point in a single year,” Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s office said in a statement. Across the country, other Black mayors are driving similar results.
In New York City, Mayor Eric Adams has presided over a 24% drop in shootings and a 14% decline in murders so far in 2025, the fewest shooting incidents recorded in more than a decade. Robberies and burglaries are also down, with NYPD data showing consistent reductions across nearly every major crime category. On the West Coast, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass saw homicides fall 14% in 2024 and gang-related killings drop nearly 45% in areas targeted by community safety programs. Overall violent crime declined by 3%, and property crimes like burglary and auto theft dropped by thousands of incidents compared to the prior year.
In Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson has overseen a 22% decrease in murders and a 31% drop in shootings through early 2025, reaching the city’s lowest homicide totals in over a decade. Officials credit community-based outreach and investments in neighborhood violence prevention. And in Atlanta, Mayor Andre Dickens announced that violent crime was down nearly 16% in 2024, with homicides decreasing and property crime dropping as well. The city has invested in hiring more officers while expanding the At-Promise Centers that connect youth with educational and
Trump Set to Sign Largest Cut to Medicaid
By Lauren Burke By a vote of 218 to 214, the GOP-controlled U.S. House passed President Trump’s massive budget and spending bill that will add $3.5 trillion to the national debt, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). The bill also represents the biggest cut in Medicare in history and is a threat to the health care coverage of over 15 million people.
The spending in Trump’s signature legislation also opens the door to a second era of over-incarceration in the U.S. With $175 billion allocated in spending for immigration enforcement, the money for more police officers eclipsed the 2026 budget for the U.S. Marines, which is $57 billion. Almost all of the policy focus from the Trump Administration has focused on deporting immigrants of color from Mexico and Haiti.
The vote occurred as members were pressed to complete their work before the arbitrary deadline of the July 4 holiday set by President Trump. It also occurred after Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries took the House floor for over 8 hours in protest.
Leader Jeffries broke the record in the U.S. House for the longest floor speech in history on the House floor. The Senate passed the bill days before and was tied at 50-50, with Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski saying that, “my hope is that the House
After a Marathon Protest Speech by Leader Jeffries Continued from page A1
homeowners on how they can fireproof their homes.
“You are responsible for keeping your property safe,” Berkeley’s website reminds residents.
“The first 5 feet around your home is the most important area to clear of vegetation and combustible materials since it is closest to buildings, structures, and decks,” the messaging on the website goes on. “In the Ember-Resistant Zone, dead vegetation creates the highest risk for ignition, but even living vegetation can pose a threat in Ignition Zone 0, especially for properties in the hills.”
CAL FIRE has also provided prevention information on their website regarding “fire smart landscaping.”
When the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection met in Sacramento from June 16 to 18, implementation of Zone Zero was high on different agendas for meeting attendees. However, the board has said it is still in the “pre-rulemaking phase.” In addition to Zone 0 for homes, the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection has defined
is gonna look at this and recognize that we’re not there yet.” There were no changes made to the Senate bill by the House. A series of overnight phone calls to Republicans voting against, not changes, was what won over enough Republicans to pass the legislation, even though it adds trillions to the debt. The Trump spending bill also cuts money to Pell grants.
“The Big Ugly Bill steals food out of the hands of starving children, steals medicine from the cabinets of cancer patients, and equips ICE with more funding and more weapons of war than the United States Marine Corps. Is there any question of who those agents will be going to war for, or who they will be going to war against? Beyond these sadistic provisions, Republicans just voted nearly unanimously to close urban and rural hospitals, cripple the child tax credit, and to top it all off, add $3.3 trillion to the ticking time bomb that is the federal deficit – all from a party that embarrassingly pretends to stand for fiscal responsibility and lowering costs,” wrote Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Yvette Clarke (D-NY) in a statement on July 3.
“The Congressional Budget Office predicts that 17 million people will lose their health insurance, including over 322,000 Virginians. It will make college less affordable. Three million people will lose access to food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). And up to 16 million students could lose access to free school meals. The Republican bill does all of this to fund tax breaks for millionaires, billionaires, and corporations,” wrote Education and Workforce Committee ranking member Rep. Bobby Scott (DVA) in a statement. The bill’s passage has prompted Democrats to start thinking about 2026 and the next election cycle. With the margins of victory in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate being so narrow, many are convinced that the balance of power and the question of millions being able to enjoy health care come down to only several thousand votes in congressional elections. But currently, Republicans controlled by the MAGA movement control all three branches of government. That reality was never made more stark and more clear than the last seven days of activity in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate.
Zone 1 and Zone 2, covering up to 100 feet around structures that would require “varying levels of vegetation management.”
The board says its goal is to have these regulations in place by the end of 2025.
U.S. Rep Laura Friedman (D-CA-30), who authored the “zone 0” measure while she served in the state Assembly, hailed the governor’s action but has also expressed concerns about the delay in enforcing the rules.
“It’s past time we get these commonsense rules written and shared with the public. Not only will they help protect homes from wildfires, but they will help lower costs for homeowners and renters by lowering insurance rates,” said Friedman in a release. The regulations will likely prohibit combustible materials such as wooden fences, mulch, and flammable vegetation within this zone. Exceptions may include certain non-combustible
Governor Moore Attends a Press Conference with Mayor Brandon Scott on Public Safety in Baltimore by Pat Siebert at 100 Holliday St, Baltimore, MD 2120 (Wikimedia Commons / Photo by Maryland GovPics)
Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries
Sean “Diddy” Combs Convicted on Federal Mann Act Counts,
Cleared of Racketeering and Sex Trafficking
By Stacy M. Brown Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent
Sean “Diddy” Combs was convicted Wednesday of transporting two women across state lines for sex but acquitted of running a criminal enterprise and two counts of sex trafficking. The split verdict capped a weeks-long federal trial that exposed the hip-hop mogul’s private life to public scrutiny and left him facing prison time for felony convictions. Jurors in U.S. District Court in Manhattan returned the following decisions after several days of deliberation:Count 1: Not guilty of racketeering conspiracy.
Count 2: Not guilty of sex trafficking of former girlfriend Casandra Ventura.
Count 3: Guilty of Mann Act transportation of Ventura.
Count 4: Not guilty of sex trafficking of another former girlfriend, identified as “Jane.”
Count 5: Guilty of Mann Act transportation of “Jane.”
Combs, who had spent decades cultivating a brand defined by luxury and influence, sat impassively as the foreperson read the verdicts in a quiet courtroom. His mother, several of his children, and other family members were present to hear the outcome. The defense secured three acquittals,
including the most serious charge of racketeering conspiracy, which carried the possibility of life in prison. Jurors also declined to convict Combs of sex trafficking either woman.Prosecutors alleged that Combs used his businesses and employees to arrange hotels, flights, and drugs for what witnesses described as “freak-off” encounters. They argued that his staff helped maintain control over the women through manipulation and intimidation. Defense attorneys countered that while Combs’ personal relationships were unconventional, they were consensual, and that the government had overreached by attempting to portray them as part of an organized criminal enterprise.The two guilty verdicts on Mann Act violations are serious felony convictions, each punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled. Combs’ attorneys have now asked for bail because he’s no longer charged with racketeering. As Combs stood to leave, he turned to his family, blew a kiss, and said quietly, “I love you all.” One of his lawyers told reporters outside court, “Mr. Combs appreciates that the jury looked closely at the evidence. While we are disappointed in the convictions, we are grateful for the acquittals and will continue to fight at sentencing.”
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK –– Meet Jessica
Hyatt, the highest-rated African American female chess player ever and the youngest African-American woman to earn the National Master title. At just 19, she’s already rewriting chess history and inspiring a new generation of young Black girls. Jessica’s journey began in Brooklyn, New York City, where she was introduced to chess through Chess in the Schools, a nonprofit that teaches the game to students in underserved communities. Her
rating keeps rising, and her chess skills have earned her over $40,000 in college scholarships, according to Duchess International Magazine.
at a simultaneous exhibition hosted by the Detroit Institute of Arts and won every game. Two months later, she became the youngest African American woman to earn the National Master title, just one month after Shama Yisrael became the first. But Jessica’s mission extends beyond personal wins. She wants to mentor girls of color and open doors in a game where Black women are still underrepresented. She aims to prove what’s possible when talent meets opportunity. 19-Year-Old
As a teenager, she was already beating older, more experienced opponents. In 2019, she took home the New York State Scholastic Championship title. By 2023, she became the KCF All-Girls Nationals Champion and a five-time member of the USA National Youth Team. That same year, at the World Youth Chess Championship, she held a draw
against top-seeded Liya Kurmangaliyeva despite being rated 1818. Jessica has also made headlines by defeating grandmasters. In 2021, she beat Grandmaster Michael Rohde, and followed up in 2022 by taking down chess prodigy Grandmaster Abhimanyu Mishra, joining a very small group of AfricanAmerican women to ever beat a grandmaster. In 2024, she was ranked the No. 1 18-year-old girl in the U.S. In June, she showcased her talent
Former MLB Player Gets an Annual $1.2M Check
Even Though He Hasn’t Played in 24 Years
he’s made almost $30 million more — without playing a single game. A six-time All-Star, Bonilla ended his career with a .279 batting average, 287 home runs, and 1,173 RBIs.
“People say, ‘Oh, that’s Bobby Bo,’” Bonilla told Local 12 News. “Oh my goodness. He is part of one of the greatest contracts in sports. I love what he did.’ And that kind of brings a smile to my face.”
Sean P. Diddy in 2013 (Wikimedia Commons / Photo by Cannes Lions Learnings)
Sugar and Cream Cancel Coffee’s Health Perks
By Stacy M. Brown
Black
Press USA Senior National Correspondent
Drinking coffee may help you live longer— but only if it’s black. A new long-term study analyzing the coffee habits of more than 46,000 U.S. adults found that coffee drinkers had a lower risk of dying from any cause, but only when the coffee was consumed without significant amounts of added sugar or saturated fat. Researchers from Tufts University published the findings in the journal Nutritional Epidemiology, drawing on two decades of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which was linked to National Death Index records. The study tracked adults 20 years and older from 1999 to 2018 and examined not only how much coffee they drank but also what they put in it. Participants who drank 1 to 3 cups of coffee per day saw up to a 17% lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to non-coffee drinkers. But those benefits disappeared for people who regularly added cream, sweeteners, or other high-fat, high-sugar ingredients to their coffee. Over the median 9 to 11-year followup period, researchers documented more than 7,000 deaths among participants, including 1,176 from cancer and 1,089 from cardiovascular disease. When broken down further, the data showed that drinking black coffee or coffee with minimal sugar
and saturated fat was associated with a 14% lower risk of death. “The health benefits of coffee might be attributable to its bioactive compounds, but our results suggest that the addition of sugar and saturated fat may reduce the mortality benefits,”
said Dr. Fang Fang Zhang, senior author of the
study and a professor at Tufts University. The study defined “low” sugar as less than 2.5 grams and “low” saturated fat as less than 1 gram per 8-ounce cup. Most coffee drinkers in the study exceeded those thresholds. On average, each cup contained 3.24 grams of added sugar and
0.52 grams of saturated fat. Researchers employed Cox proportional hazards models to investigate the relationship between coffee consumption and mortality. The strongest associations were observed among those drinking between 1 to 3 cups of coffee daily, primarily when consumed black. The study’s authors stated that the findings support previous research indicating that compounds naturally found in coffee, such as polyphenols and chlorogenic acids, may offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. However, they cautioned that these benefits may be negated by the addition of sugary syrups and high-fat creamers, which contribute empty calories and may increase health risks over time. Also, a separate Harvard study tracking nearly 48,000 women over three decades found that those who drank at least one cup of coffee daily were more likely to reach age 70 in good health—free of major chronic diseases and cognitive decline—compared to non-coffee drinkers. Researchers concluded that regular coffee consumption was associated with what they termed “healthy aging” in women. “Given how common coffee drinking is in the U.S., it’s important for people to know that how they take their coffee can make a difference,” Zhang said.
A “New Direction”: West Coast Black News Publisher, Dr. John Warren, Elected Board Chair of NNPA
Dr. John Warren of the San Diego Voice & Viewpoint made his mark at the 2025 National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) annual convention in Savannah, Georgia when he became the third person from the West Coast to lead the 85-year-old organization, whose members are mostly from the East Coast, South and Midwest.
Warren says he has been preparing for the job for more than 20 years.
NNPA members elected Warren at the conference held from June 26 to June 28.
In his new leadership role, Warren plans to bring a “new direction” to the Washington, D.C.based organization that represents more than 230 African American-owned newspapers and media companies across the United States.
“Now, I won’t telegraph all my plans,” Warren joked when California Black Media (CBM) asked him to share his vision for the organization founded in 1940 as the National Negro Publishers Association.
“I will say this: I will push to reinvigorate the NNPA, starting with each region,” said Warren, who is also an attorney, ordained minister, U.S. Army veteran and college professor. He has also served as a Washington, D.C. Board of Education member and U.S. congressional aide.
“I will bring people back -- people who have
pulled away over the years,” Warren continued.
“There is a whole new board of directors elected with me. We will organize major training sessions before we begin our work, taking a close look at the organization’s priorities and operations, everything -- budget, finance, programs, etc.”
Warren said there is a perception that the NNPA has been “a closed and selective network” serving the needs of only some members. He promises to change that, taking steps to “open the organization to all members.”
At the awards ceremony on June 27, the Sacramento Observer, received the conference’s top honor, the highest overall score across all awards categories with a cumulative total of 154 points.
The Observer earned first-place awards in Education Reporting, Business Reporting, Original Photography, Youth and Children Coverage, and Facebook Campaigns. It also ranked among the top three in several other areas, including Environment; Social and Criminal Justice; and Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle.
“Simply put: It feels really good to be honored in that way,” Larry Lee, publisher of the Sacramento Observer, told CBM. “Our team works really hard to present news and information in a thoughtful and compelling way. Everyone in our newsroom strives for excellence. They are the winners -- the people who take the time to create every story, every headline, every photo, every caption, every layout.”
Lee added, “I always tell our team that we don’t do what we do for awards, but it is always nice to be honored, to be recognized for our hard work.”
The Los Angeles Sentinel also received three honors at the NNPA Awards for Religion Section coverage (first place); Community Service Reporting (second place); and Video Campaign (third place).
Both Warren and Lee emphasized the “critical” need for the Black Press to continue covering and centering Black stories and engaging Black audiences in the historic tradition of the Black press. Freedom’s Journal, America’s first African American newspaper, was published in New York City almost 200 years ago in 1827.
“We inform and educate our readers. That’s what we do. That’s what I’ve always done. We are always teaching when we write stories,” said Warren, who first started working for the Black Press at 17. He is now 79.
Lee says he has confidence in Warren’s leadership.
“He is forward-thinking, smart, strategic and courageous,” said Lee. “He has tremendous knowledge on policy issues -- and hopefully his experience and insights can help position the NNPA in a way that continues to empower the Black Press.”
For Warren, focusing on helping to steer NNPA members as they continue to transition from print to digital is paramount. Although, he
reminds them, “print is not dead.”
“We have to figure out ways to bring more resources and dollars to our sector -- by innovation, with public policy. How can we help ourselves to be more sustainable as we continue to do the important work that we do?”
Disney Dreamers Academy
Dr. John E. Warren, publisher San Diego Voice and Viewpoint
Tanu Henry | California Black Media
Dreamers Academy Students
California Capitol News You Might Have Missed Political Playback
Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media Black Caucus Chair
Weber-Pierson’s
Reparations Bills Move
Forward Amid Criticisms From Advocates
On July 1, the Assembly Judiciary Committee voted to pass two reparative justice bills authored by Sen. Akilah Weber-Pierson (D-San Diego): Senate Bill (SB) 437 and SB 518.
SB 518 and SB 437 were each approved by a 9-3 vote. The bills now advance to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations for review. The bills are part of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) Road to Repair 2025 Priority Bill Package.
“This is a critical responsibility and much-needed delayed step towards addressing enduring harms of slavery and systemic racism right here in California,” Weber-Pierson.
SB 437 addresses the process of determining eligibility for reparations for the descendants of enslaved people in the United States and the decades of discrimination that followed it. It also directs the California State University (CSU) to develop a researchbacked methodology for validating lineage and descent. Designed to implement recommendations from the California Reparations Task Force establishes the Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery within the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Chris Lodgson, lead organizer for the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC) who testified in front of the committee, shared his displeasure with both bills.
CJEC is a California-based grassroots organization focused on achieving lineage-based reparations for African Americans.
“Both bills propose competing processes for genealogical verification, one through the DOJ and the other through the CSU,” Lodgson said. “So, which is it? This overlap only guarantees delay, bureaucracy, and confusion.”
During the hearing for the bill, a contentious debate about the rationale for using CSU and the process for determining lineage ensued but it didn’t appear to rattle Weber-Pierson.
“This bill (SB 518) established the infrastructure needed to move from recommendations to real implementation, ensuring that California leads with both accountability and action,” Weber-Pierson said.
Pres. Trump Signs “Big Beautiful Bill” Into Law; Gov. Newsom Newsom Calls Spending Bill “Betrayal” of California Families
Speaking at the White House, President Donald Trump signed his “Big Beautiful” spending plan into law on the Fourth of July.
“Our country has had so much to celebrate this Independence Day as we enter our 249th year, America is winning, winning, winning like never before,” said Trump before putting his signature on the legislation.
“It is the most popular bill ever signed in the history of our country,” according to Trump, predicting that the American economy will be a “rocket ship.”
“It includes the largest tax cut in American history. The largest spending cut -- $1.7 trillion – and yet you won’t even notice it. It’s just waste, fraud and abuse.” Gov. Gavin Newsom sharply criticized the Republican-led tax and spending law, calling it a “tragedy for the American people.”
“This bill is a tragedy for the American people, and a complete moral failure” said Newsom in a statement on July 3. “With this measure, Donald J. Trump’s legacy is now forever cemented: he has created a more unequal, more indebted, and more dangerous America. Shame on him.”
The bill would cut $28.4 billion from federal Medicaid support to California, putting health coverage at risk for millions and threatening the financial stability of hospitals and health clinics statewide. Newsom’s office estimates that 686,000 California jobs could be lost due to the rollback of clean energy tax credits.
The Governor also warned the bill would hit middleclass families by raising childcare costs, limiting access to financial aid for college, and cutting food assistance for 3 million Americans. More than 17 million people nationwide could lose health coverage by 2034 as a result of Medicaid and premium subsidy cuts.
“This measure cements Trump’s legacy,” said Newsom. “He has created a more unequal, more indebted, and more dangerous America.”
“Wrong Decision”: Former Sen. Bradford Questions Court Ruling Allowing Colleges to Pay Athletes Directly
Former California State Sen. Steven Bradford is speaking out against a recent federal court ruling that permits colleges to pay student-athletes directly, calling it a “wrong decision” that could have long-term consequences for college sports and education.
Last month, U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken approved a landmark settlement in House v. NCAA, authorizing colleges nationwide to begin sharing revenue from their athletic programs with student athletes starting July 1. The ruling includes nearly $2.8 billion in retroactive payments to Division I athletes who competed between 2016 and the present. Going forward, schools will be able to distribute direct payments to athletes, with annual caps reaching approximately $20.5 million by the 2025–26 academic year. Although hailed by some as a major step forward for athlete compensation, Bradford -- who co-authored California’s historic Senate Bill (SB) 206, the first law in the nation to allow college athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL) -- voiced strong
On July 1, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two landmark bills authored by
construction of affordable housing in California. CBM
reservations.
“When Sen. Nancy Skinner and I introduced SB 206, our goal was to empower student athletes to negotiate directly with sponsors, endorsers, and companies – not to shift financial control to the colleges themselves,” Bradford told California Black Media (CBM).
“This ruling hands colleges too much power,” he continued. “It allows them to dangle carrots – to manipulate these athletes’ decisions about their education, future, and finances.”
Before the ruling, college athletes could only earn income through third-party NIL deals. These arrangements, often facilitated by donor-funded collectives, enabled top players to receive compensation without direct school involvement.
Under the new settlement, those payments must now be routed through official school channels, and endorsement deals involving boosters will be subject to review for legitimacy.
NCAA President Charlie Baker said the agreement brings clarity to athlete compensation and allows schools to regain control over the process. However, major questions remain unresolved -- chief among them whether student athletes should be considered employees and given the right to unionize.
Bradford argued that positioning schools as the gatekeepers of athlete pay not only alters the educational environment but also deepens inequalities between institutions.
“Before, a local athlete could stay in their community, attend a nearby university, and still earn compensation,” he said. “Now, big-name schools with deeper pockets can lure them away with financial incentives. Why stay close to home when you can go with the highest bidder?”
Bradford warned that the new system risks undermining fairness and educational integrity in college sports.
“This makes student athletes more beholden to their universities than ever before,” he said.
Gov. Newsom’s 4th of July Message Shines Light on America’s Fight for Equality and Opportunity
In his proclamation declaring July 4, 2025, Independence Day in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom centered his message on equality, freedom and opportunity, reminding Californians that they have a stake in the fight to keep the dream of America alive.
The Governor said, since the founding of the country, “Americans have fought and died to safeguard the promise of our democracy and all its ideals.”
He also reminded Californians that America has not always guaranteed freedom and opportunity to all – and that it has taken sacrifice and determination to achieve the freedoms we celebrate on the Fourth of July.
“The struggles and triumphs of generations of Americans have continued our progress toward this goal, and the work is far from over,” he said. “Relentless attacks across the country, from the highest levels, try to weaken and erase our fundamental rights and freedoms, threatening to undo decades of hard-won progress we’ve made as a nation.
Newsom promised that California will never “back down from the fight to protect freedom.”
“We will protect the rights of all who call this country home, and we will never again allow this country and its people to be subject to a king or autocrat,” he said.
During the holiday weekend, the South Carolina Democratic Party (SCDP) announced that Newsom will be joining Palmetto State party leaders on July 8 and July 9 for a tour of parts of rural South Carolina.
“Governor Newsom leads the largest economy in America and the fourth largest in the world, and he’s coming to meet folks in towns that have been hollowed out by decades of Republican control,” said SCDP Chair Christale Spain in a statement.
“This is about building partnerships, uplifting communities, and showing rural voters that they aren’t forgotten,” Spain added.
“We Won’t Stand for It”: Tony
Thurmond Blasts Trump Admin for Cutting $811 Million in Education Funds for California
California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, flanked by education leaders in the state, held a news conference on July 1 to push back on federal government budget cuts to California totaling about $811 million.
Announcing that California and other states are suing the federal government for the education cuts, Thurmond called the cuts an “illegal action.”
“We won’t stand for it,” said Thurmond. “It will not happen on our watch.”
“The dollars the President and his administration have threatened to take back have already been approved by Congress,” continued Thurmond, who said he was speaking on behalf of the nearly six million students enrolled in California’s public schools and tens of millions more around the United States.
“The president cannot illegally withhold resources from students just as we are approaching the new year just because they do not align with his personal preferences -or to settle some political score,” said Thurmond.
Thurmond was joined on stage by the California School Boards Association (CSBA), the California Federation of Teachers (CFT), the California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO), SEIU Local 99 (Education Workers United) and the California County Superintendents (CCS).
Thurmond said the cuts will affect students in all communities and impact after-school and teacher training programs as well as technological support and hiring.
“On behalf of 5,500 school board members, the California School Boards Association urges the federal government to immediately release the billions of dollars in education funding that they promised to our schools in California,” said Patrick O’Donnell, Chief of Government Relations at CSBA. “Honor your commitment to students, to educators, to school board members, to administrators.”
Cal DOJ: Black Californians Disproportionately Impacted by Police Use of Force; 20% of Officers Involved Injured
Black Californians remain disproportionately impacted by police use of force, according to new data released by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) in its 2024 criminal justice statistical reports.
The “Use of Force Incident Reporting 2024” report revealed that while Black residents make up just 5.7% of the state’s population, they accounted for 19.4% of civilians involved in use-of-force incidents that resulted in serious injury or death, or the discharge of a firearm.
In contrast, Hispanic individuals represented 50.2% of such incidents, and White individuals accounted for 25.8%. Whites account for 34.7% of the state’s population and Latinos make up 40.3%
“Transparency is key for understanding, preventing, and combatting crimes in our communities. While crime rates have declined over the past year, public safety in our communities remains priorities one, two, and three. I encourage local partners and law enforcement to review this data and recommit to taking action,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta during a press conference held on July 1.
“The statistics reported today in the California Department of Justice’s annual crime reports are a critical part of understanding where we are, regulating our response, and ensuring policymakers and law enforcement have the tools they need to make informed decisions that keep millions of Californians safe,” he added.
In total, 581 incidents in 2024 involved serious bodily injury or death, or the discharge of a firearm by either a peace officer or civilian. The data shows 592 civilians, and 1,215 officers were involved in these incidents. While none of the officers died, 20% were
injured. Bonta emphasized that transparency remains essential in addressing public safety concerns.
“Understanding where we stand is key to making California safer and more equitable,” said Bonta. He urged law enforcement and community leaders to use the data to inform action and reforms.
The findings are part of a broader release of five annual reports, including statistics on crime, homicides, juvenile justice, and gun-related offenses. The DOJ has been working to improve data collection through the California Incident-Based Reporting System (CIBRS), aimed at providing more comprehensive insights into criminal justice trends.
Bonta encouraged the public to engage with the data to hold systems accountable and support informed policymaking.
The report also included data on “crime guns” and “juvenile justice.”
A Big Win for Newsom on Housing: Gov Pushes Lawmakers to Loosen CEQA Restrictions
Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law a housing reform package that scales back California’s landmark environmental law, a move he says is critical to easing the state’s housing shortage and homelessness crisis.
The two-bill package – containing Assembly Bill (AB) 609, authored by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland), and AB 306 authored by Assemblymember Nick Schultz (D-Burbank) --reforms the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Until now, CEQA required environmental reviews for new development. Newsom and housing advocates say the law has delayed projects for years through costly lawsuits and reviews.
“We have too much demand chasing too little supply,” Newsom said June 30 in Sacramento. “This was too urgent, too important, to allow the process to unfold as it has for the last generation.”
According to the Governor’s office, the new law will speed up housing project approvals in dense urban areas and streamline reviews in an effort to lower construction costs and increase supply.
Gov. Newsom also signed Senate Bill 131, authored by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), along with budget trailer bill AB 130 --two measures that advance further reforms to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Supporters say the changes will help reduce costs for families.
Home prices in California remain among the highest in the nation, with the median price for a singlefamily home in San Jose surpassing $2 million last year.
“With AB 130, we’re taking a major step toward building desperately needed homes faster, fairer, and with more certainty,” Wicks said. “This is what our workingclass families deserve and how we move California’s housing goals from promise to reality.”
Environmental groups, including the Sierra Club, opposed the legislation. Jakob Evans, a senior policy strategist with Sierra Club California, said the bills “will have destructive consequences for environmental justice communities and endangered species across California.”
With about 18 months left in office, Newsom is pushing to leave a legacy of progress on housing. When first elected, Newsom pledged to build millions of homes. That goal remains out of reach.
Planning expert Bill Fulton said it’s unclear how much development the law will actually unlock. “I think the increase will be incremental rather than a boom,” he said.
Republicans criticized Newsom for acting too late. “The governor has done very little. Now he wants to take credit for our work,” said Assembly GOP leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City).
The housing overhaul comes as the state scales back other programs, including a health care expansion for undocumented immigrants, to close a $12 billion budget gap.
Newsom framed the move as a test of trust in government. “It’s about the reputation of the state of California,” he said.
Asm. Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) aimed at streamlining the
photo by Antonio Ray Harvey
Celebrating the Rich Legacy of Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
Did you know there’s a remarkable place in California dedicated to honoring the resilience and legacy of African Americans? Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, located in Earlimart, CA, was founded in 1908 by Colonel Allen Allensworth—a visionary and the highest-ranking Black officer of his time in the U.S. Army. This unique town symbolizes Black determination, self-sufficiency, and cultural pride.
Each October, people gather from across California and beyond to commemorate the town’s historic founding and to celebrate its continuing legacy. On Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 11 am to pm, the park will host its annual Rededication Festival. Visitors can enjoy a vibrant day filled with cultural performances, educational exhibits, delicious food, and inspiring speakers.
Recently, on June 14, 2025, the park hosted a memorable Juneteenth Celebration, highlighting the historical significance of freedom and community strength. The event featured engaging speakers, live entertainment, community resources, and activities designed to reinforce family and cultural connections. These festivals not only honor the past but also educate and empower future generations, ensuring that the powerful story of Colonel Allensworth and this pioneering Black community continues to inspire. Mark your calendars and join these enriching celebrations of history and heritage. For more details, visit www. friendsofallensworth.org or call 877-245-6232. Written By Friends of Allensworth
Prop 36 Is Triggering an Arrest Surge in California, Hitting Black Communities Hard
By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media
Six months after California’s Prop 36 took effect, early data shows a rise in arrests -- with the law disproportionately affecting Black communities in some parts of the state.
Also known as the “Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act,” the measure was overwhelmingly passed by voters in the November 2024 general election. Prop 36 increased penalties for certain drug and theft crimes, reclassifying some as felonies, and lengthened sentences for specific offenses, particularly those involving multiple individuals or the sale of certain drugs.
Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights), the vice chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), raised concerns about the effects of Prop 36.
“Instead of a war on poverty, California’s legal system has initiated a war on poor people,” Bryan told California Black Media (CBM). “We deserve better. We have to fight for the economic opportunities our community deserves.”
According to a report by Voice of San Diego, via San Diego Census and San Diego Police Department, data shows that 32% of 374 people arrested for Prop 36-related drug or theft charges in the city from the middle of December through May were Black. Out of 1.9 million residents, Black people make up 5.6% of the city’s population.
Ricardo D. García, the Chief Public Defender for Los Angeles County, shared with CBM that Prop 36 cases have risen since the law went into effect on Dec. 18, 2024.
“Poverty, homelessness, drug addiction, and mental illness are driving factors,” he says.
“Prop 36 disproportionately hurts Black, Brown, and immigrant communities,” García said. “We are already under-resourced. Prop 36 and its treatment mandates are meaningless if there’s no bed, no place for someone to go to.”
Before Prop 36 became law, the L.A. County jails had a population of just over 11,000 inmates, but it quickly rose above 12,000, and reached over 13,000 in May, before falling to the “12,900 range” before the 4th of July holiday. “We saw 12 arrests before Prop 36 on these types of offenses and since May of 2025, we are looking at 594 arrests,” García said. According to the L.A. County’s Public Defender’s Office’s website, 700 attorneys are employed within 32 office locations. Garcia said each public defender has a case load, and Prop 36 is increasingly becoming a burden for the largest county in the state.
Garcia continued, “As the public defender of
Los Angeles County, the largest and the first public defender office in the country, I’m committed to standing with every group that understands Prop 36 is doing more harm than good.”
Prop 36 emerged as a policy response to rising concerns across the state about crimes like shoplifting, smash-and-grabs and other forms of property theft. The bill’s language and provisions, in many ways, respond to Prop 47, legislation passed in 2014 that significantly lowered penalties for a range of non-serious, nonviolent drug and property crimes.
Prop 47 reclassified certain felonies as misdemeanors, downgrading punishments for specific nonviolent crimes like drug possession for
personal use; petty theft, shoplifting, and receipt of stolen property under $950; and forgery and check fraud under $950.
According to a report Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) report, early data from Prop 36 implementation shows that prosecutors have filed thousands of new felony drug and theft charges.
For the 2025-2026 fiscal year, Gov. Gavin Newsom has allocated about $110 million in funding for Prop. 36 implementation. About $65 million of it has been specifically earmarked for counties. Another $50 million will go to behavioral health departments and $15 million to support courts and public defenders across the state.
Newsom, who did not support Prop. 36 before it was added as a ballot measure, explained to CBM during a Zoom call on June 26 how his administration computed the Prop 36 funding.
“We are estimating that it would increase at a cost of over $130,000 per year (for each prison inmate),” Newsom said. “That would put pressure on some of the other criminal justice reforms that have been proven very successful, and (Prop 36) would slow down the reduction of the total number of prison closures at a cost to the taxpayers,” Newsom shared.
Legislative Republicans, however, were advocating for $400 million to support Prop 36 implementation. The lawmakers also pushed ongoing funding.
“This initiative was passed by the people, and I think they wanted ongoing funding,” Sen. Tony Strickland (R-Huntington Beach)
told CBM in his Capitol Swing Space Annex office. “I can’t recall the last initiative that passed all 58 counties -- even those liberal counties like Marin and San Francisco voted for this.”
Strickland said $110 million doesn’t scratch the surface. “I don’t think $400 million scratches the surface either, but it will at least get it going,” Strickland said. “What the governor did fund is a (high-speed rail) train to nowhere, and everyone knows it’s never going to be built,” he added. Yoel Haile, the Director of the Criminal Justice Program at the ACLU of Northern California (NorCal ACLU), penned a commentary about the number of Prop 36 cases that are popping up in the Bay Area.
About 90% of the people from north Alameda County -- Berkeley, Emeryville, and Oakland -- charged under Prop 36 are Black, while Black people make up just 10% of Alameda County’s total population, according to Haile’s commentary co-written with Alameda County Public Defender Brendon Woods. Many of the cases, Haile told CBM, involve individuals committing petty theft to attain necessities such as food, toothpaste, diapers, and soap. Two or more prior convictions for theftrelated offenses could lead to a felony charge that results in a sentence of up to three years in county jail or state prison.
“Arresting someone for that and giving them a record is not going to solve their problem,” Haile said. “We have to push D.A.s not to criminalize and charge everything that comes across their desk.
Asm. Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights), Vice Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, called Prop 36 a “war on poor people” after learning that the backlog of cases is disproportionately impacting the Black community. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey file photo.