Millions at Risk of Losing Health Coverage as ACA Tax Credits Near Expiration
by Breanna Reeves
California leaders and health advocates are calling on Republicans to extend the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits ahead of the expiration date on Oct. 1. The premium tax credit is a refundable credit that helps eligible individuals and families cover the cost of premiums for their health insurance purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace, also called Covered California for California residents.
According to a report published by the Robert Wood Foundation, if the tax credit ends, an estimated 7.3 million people will lose subsidized ACA health coverage, and 4.8 million people will become uninsured.
In California, nearly two million California residents will be impacted if the tax credit isn’t renewed.
“The enhanced premium tax credits have been a critical lifeline for millions of Americans to get access to affordable, quality health insurance,” stated Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman in a press release.
“That includes nearly two million Californians currently enrolled
Credit: Chris Allen, BVN
through Covered California, as we have seen a 23 percent jump in enrollment across all segments and ethnic groups.”
The analysis by the Robert Wood Foundation and the Urban Institute noted that hospitals, physicians, and other healthcare providers would face more than $32.1 billion in lost revenue in 2026, if the enhanced premium tax credits expire.
Democrats argue that extending these premium tax credits by the September 30 government funding deadline is important as open enrollment to purchase health insurance begins on Nov. 1.
Importantly, the decision to extend the tax credits lies at the center of a possible government shutdown if no agreement can be made on passing a stopgap bill, a temporary funding measure used by Congress to prevent a government shutdown. A funding bill needs 60 votes to advance to the Senate.
“Trump and Republicans in Congress would rather shut down the government than work with Democrats to make health care more affordable as millions of Americans struggle to pay the bills,” Senator Alex Padilla stated in a press statement.
“Republicans are refusing to extend lifesaving tax credits that millions of Americans rely on, jacking up premiums for 1.7 million Californians just trying to get by. If Republicans want to actually govern instead of shutting the government down, they need to earn Democrats’ votes by reversing their dangerous attacks on health care and supporting our plan to make these premium tax credits permanent,” Padilla continued. With no consensus in sight between Republicans and Democrats, the clock is ticking as the government could be set to shutdown on Sept. 30. During a government shutdown “nonessential” government services such as non-emergency food inspections by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and reduced personnel among the National Parks Service are among the government services interrupted.
Essential services will still be available, though workers will not be paid until after the shutdown is over. Operations such as the U.S. Postal Service, Social Security payments and Medicare and Medicaid program access will not be disrupted.
Trump’s Shutdown Warning:
Permanent Federal Layoffs Could Follow
By Stacy M. Brown
The nation is bracing for a government shutdown unlike any in its history. At the center stands President Donald Trump, who has declared that if Congress cannot keep the government open, federal workers may not just be furloughed — they may be permanently fired.
“This elegant evening includes entertainment by Lorie V. Moore and Friends, dinner, dancing, a silent auction, and raffles, all supporting important community initiatives,” said Carmen Roberts Foundation CEO.
“This elegant evening features entertainment by Lorie V. Moore and Friends, dinner, dancing, a silent auction, and raffles, all in support of vital community initiatives,” said Carmen Roberts, Chief Executive Officer & CoChairman of the Adrian Dell & Carmen Roberts Foundation.
Since its inception in 2018, the Annual Jazz fundraiser has grown each year, thanks to dedicated volunteers and generous sponsors. Proceeds help fund initiatives such as:
- The Empowering Young Women’s Annual Conference, which awards scholarships to emerging women leaders.
- The Annual Backpack Giveaway distributes 1,000 backpacks to local students.
- The 46th Annual Riverside Black History Parade, celebrating heritage, culture, and unity.
The Adrian Dell & Carmen Roberts Foundation is committed to empowering Riverside County residents through cultural activities, education, and economic development. Guided by a dedicated executive board, the foundation aims to foster diversity, academic excellence, and community engagement. Their signature event is the Black History Parade and Expo in Downtown Riverside.
Guided by a dedicated executive board, the foundation aims to foster diversity, academic excellence, and community
engagement. Their signature event is the Black History Parade and Expo in Downtown Riverside.
“Join us for this inspiring evening to support local initiatives that make a difference. For ticket information and more details, please visit our website ADCRFoundation.org or email us at Info@ADCRFoundation. org,” said Roberts. Derby After Dark sponsors include Bibbs Art, the City of Riverside, and Dameron Communications.
About The Adrian Dell & Carmen Roberts Foundation
The Adrian Dell & Carmen Roberts Foundation is a 501(c) non-profit organization that consists of dedicated volunteers focused on empowering Riverside County Citizens through the development of cultural activities, education, and economic development. The ADCR Foundation showcases Riverside County’s rich cultural diversity with colorful, inspiring, and authentic cultural activities throughout the year.
“We are going to cut a lot of the people that … we’re able to cut on a permanent basis,” Trump told NBC News. “I’d rather not do that.” Traditionally, shutdowns have meant furloughs followed by back pay when the government reopens. Trump’s directives are different. The White House Office of Management and Budget has told agencies to treat the closure as an “opportunity” to reduce staff. “Federal employees are not bargaining chips. They are veterans, caregivers, law enforcement officers, and neighbors who serve their country and fellow Americans every day. They deserve stability and respect, not pink slips and political games,” the American Federation of Government Employees stated.
“Of course, you become frugal
with your spending, only buying what you need. You prepare for a furlough. Except in this case, with Trump, you prepare to be unjustly laid off,” a park ranger told TIME. “It seems like posturing. I don’t think they will do that. But President Trump has been willing to take big risks,” Stephanie Roth, chief economist at Wolfe Research, said. “This is just running over innocent bystanders. It’s not only bad economics … but it’s profoundly unfair,” Jared Bernstein, former White House adviser, said. “These unnecessary firings will either be overturned in court or the administration will end up hiring the workers back, just like they did as recently as this week,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stated. “Brace yourselves for one hell of a storm,” a senior Democratic aide said. For millions of families, the storm is not politics — it is food on the table, rent due, medicine bought or delayed. This time, the stakes reach beyond Washington. The country is being told to prepare not only for a shutdown, but for the sudden dismantling of its own civil service.
Monday By 5pm
JOIN OUR HISTORIC PARENTS’ CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT 2025
FREE YOUR CHILDREN FROM ILLEGAL FOSTER CARE! END “LEGAL SLAVERY” END “KIDS FOR CASH”
For over 40 years, 500 CLC lawyers representing 35,000 children at any point in time and 350 LADL lawyers representing 70,000 parents, violate the civil rights of their own clients to trials in Edelman’s Children’s Court, Monterey Park, California. As a result, each year, 28 Judges order
CONTACT: 213-334-5596 National Coalition of Families
Carmen and Adrian “Dell” Roberts, founders of the Adrian Dell & Carmen Roberts Foundation, invite you to the 7th Annual Jazz Event, Derby After Dark. For tickets, visit ADCRFoundation.org.
Government Bailout (Photo by Douglass Rissing)
When Google AI Summarizes, Black Websites Pay the Price
Google’s dominance in search is draining traffic from publishers. For Black media, already underfunded and overlooked, the stakes are survival.
By Khalilah Archie
When Penske Media, the owner of Rolling Stone, Billboard, and Variety, sues Google, people pay attention. Their lawsuit argues that Google’s “AI Overviews” are cannibalizing traffic by summarizing journalism at the top of search results, so readers no longer click through to the actual articles. If that’s happening to a conglomerate that reaches over 120 million visitors a month, imagine what it’s doing — or will soon do — to Blackowned websites that depend on every single visitor to stay alive.
AI as the New Middleman Google dominates search with nearly 90% of the U.S. market. Its AI summaries are now the first thing users see. That means a Black website might break a powerful story — on politics, culture, or community — only for Google’s AI to repackage the information in two neat sentences. Readers get the gist without ever clicking. And clicks are everything. For Penske, this is a serious revenue hit: the lawsuit claims affiliate traffic is down by a third, with 20% of its search results already showing AI Overviews.
But Penske has lawyers, investors, and brand recognition. Black-owned sites like The Grio, Blavity, Okayplayer, AfroTech, and countless local newsrooms don’t have that cushion. A drop in traffic could mean layoffs, reduced coverage, or shutting down entirely.
Why Black Media Gets Hit Harder
This isn’t just about technology. It’s about inequality being baked into the next era of media.
Historic underfunding: Black outlets have always struggled for ad dollars and investment. Losing organic search traffic widens that gap.
Cultural erasure: When AI favors mainstream sites for training and sourcing, Black perspectives risk being erased twice — once by exclusion, then again by algorithm.
Affiliate reliance: Many Black outlets lean on commerce traffic. If Penske says it’s down 33%, what does that mean for a Black site barely breaking even?
And let’s be real: mainstream outlets already profit from
Scientists Reveal Most of What We Do Each Day Happens Without Thinking
By Stacy M. Brown
You probably didn’t think much about brushing your teeth this morning. Or making that cup of coffee. Or scrolling through your phone before heading out the door. That’s because, according to new research, nearly nine out of every ten actions people take each day are automatic and performed with little to no conscious thought.
A team of behavioral scientists from the University of South Carolina, Central Queensland University in Australia, and the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom tracked 105 people for a week. Using realtime prompts, the researchers discovered that 88 percent of daily behaviors were “habitually executed,” while 65 percent were “habitually instigated”— triggered by environmental cues rather than conscious decisions. Amanda Rebar, associate professor at the University of South Carolina and lead researcher, explained that most people like to imagine themselves as careful decision makers.
“However, much of our repetitive behavior is undertaken with minimal forethought and is instead generated automatically,
appropriating Black culture, language, and stories. Now AI may automate that process, stripping context while ignoring the journalists and communities behind the work.
The Two-Tier System in Action
AI licensing deals are already happening. OpenAI has struck agreements with News Corp, The Atlantic, The Financial Times. Google has been slower, but it has no incentive to negotiate fairly because of its search monopoly. That leaves Black outlets with the worst of both worlds: their content is scraped to train AI or summarized without compensation, and they don’t get the licensing checks big publishers enjoy.
This creates a dangerous twotier system where white-led, legacy institutions profit from AI partnerships, while Blackowned media is exploited but unpaid. It’s the same structural inequity we’ve seen for decades, now dressed up in cutting-edge technology.
Beyond Journalism: A Threat to Black Entrepreneurs
It’s not just publishers. Black travel bloggers, beauty influencers, and entrepreneurs who rely on SEO traffic could see their work buried under AI summaries. If a user asks Google for “best Black-owned skincare brands,” and the AI overview spits out answers without linking to Black-owned sites, that’s revenue stripped from businesses trying to grow.
The broader effect? Less visibility for Black creators, fewer opportunities for discovery, and a quieter digital footprint for voices that already struggle to compete against mainstream platforms.
What Needs to Change
There are steps that could level the playing field:
Opt-out rights: Publishers should be able to exclude content from AI summaries without disappearing from Google search entirely.
Fair licensing: If AI companies are paying white-owned outlets, Black media must be included in those deals.
Collective advocacy: Black publishers need to band together, much like the News/Media Alliance, to demand transparency and compensation.
The stakes are high. If Google’s model becomes the norm, smaller outlets may never recover. And because Black media has always been more vulnerable, this could accelerate a new wave of digital erasure.
Google says AI “creates new opportunities for discovery.” But discovery that bypasses the source isn’t discovery at all — it’s exploitation.
If Black publishers don’t push back now, they risk being written out of the internet’s next chapter. And when Black voices disappear from media, the world doesn’t just lose stories. It loses truth, perspective, and cultural memory. That’s not innovation. That’s erasure.
Scientists Reveal Most of What We Do Each Day Happens Without Thinking...continued
to what a person consciously wanted to do. Researchers tracked more than 3,700 behavioral moments across categories, including employment, domestic tasks, eating, screen time, and transportation. Employment and education accounted for 22 percent of daily actions, while domestic tasks and screen time followed closely at 18 percent and 17 percent.
Experts said the takeaway is clear that, while people may consciously intend to live a certain way, their brains are already running much of the show. Habits quietly steer the course
by habit,” Rebar stated. The study broke down automatic behavior into two parts. Habitual instigation occurs when a cue—like hearing a notification—automatically sparks an action, such as checking a phone. Habitual execution refers to carrying out an activity without actively thinking, such as brushing teeth or driving a familiar route. Researchers found that demographics, including age, gender, and marital status, made no difference in how automatic people’s lives were. One exception stood out: exercise. People were more likely to be automatically prompted to start working out, but the activity itself required conscious attention once it began. This means cues may successfully get someone to lace up their sneakers, but they still need deliberate focus to complete the workout.
Interestingly, most automatic actions weren’t working against personal goals. Nearly half of all behaviors studied were both habitual and intentional. Only 17 percent of daily activities happened by habit but ran counter
of everyday life, and scientists say the best way forward is to design the right cues to make good behaviors automatic.
“Our research shows that while people may consciously want to do something, the actual initiation and performance of that behavior is often done without thinking, driven by nonconscious habits,” said Benjamin Gardner, a psychology professor at the University of Surrey and co-author of the study. “This suggests that ‘good’ habits may be a powerful way to make our goals a reality.”
Admission experts share tips for graduates continuing their education
By Megan Sayles/ AFRO Staff Writer
For many graduates, earning a bachelor’s degree is just the beginning. As more students pursue master’s and doctoral degrees, the pressures of advanced education can quickly become overwhelming.
To help students navigate this complex path, the AFRO spoke with Gillian A. Hallmen, director of graduate standards and policy for Coppin State University, and Delvin Owens, assistant director of graduate admissions for Morgan State University.
AFRO: What should students consider when determining
The Salvation Army Awards Hong N. Nguyen for Exceptional Service
SAN BERNARDINO, CA —
The Salvation Army is proud to announce Hong N. Nguyen as the recipient of the Exceptional Service Civic Award by the San Bernardino Area Citadel. Recognized for outstanding service and dedication to community development, Nguyen has made significant contributions to strengthening the organization’s financial integrity and community outreach.
Nguyen will be formally recognized at The Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Kickoff on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at the Bear Springs Hotel Event Center in Highland. Tickets are available at bit. ly/4med2qT.
Nguyen, the Chief Financial Officer at California International Bank, N.A., has been a valued member of the advisory board since 2015. Over the years, Nguyen has provided vital financial analysis, supported grant proposals, and offered strategic advice to strengthen Citadel's financial stability.
In addition to her advisory role, Nguyen actively promotes The Salvation Army’s mission, collaborating with community and financial sector partners to foster donations and partnerships that aid those in need.
Her commitment extends beyond the organization, as she has also worked with the University of California, Riverside School of Business Dean’s Advisory Council to support students’ education and establish valuable connections with business organizations.
"We are grateful for Hong N. Nguyen’s unwavering dedication
and exemplary service," said Major Adam Morales, San Bernardino Citadel commander. "Her efforts significantly contribute to our mission of helping people in need and strengthening our community ties."
The Salvation Army continues to appreciate community leaders like Nguyen, whose civic involvement and commitment to service help advance its mission and impact,” said Advisor Board Chair Cindy Amrine.
In 2024, The Salvation Army served 28,201 people in 25,022 households, provided 113,400 meals, and distributed groceries to 10,801 households.
The Hospitality House provided 35,871 nights of shelter to families and children experiencing homelessness.
A total of 3,513 children participated in educational and recreational programs. 171 households were rapidly rehoused through various deposit and rental assistance programs.
The Salvation Army welcomes donations of food, clothing, toys, and money, which can be dropped off at The Hospitality House, located at 925 W. 10th Street, San Bernardino, or at the Citadel office, 838 Alta Street, in Redlands. Donations can also be made online at SBCSVA.org. If you are Hungry, Homeless, or Hopeless, The Salvation Army can help. Call (909) 792-6868.
About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps The Salvation Army is one of the largest charitable and service organizations worldwide, having served San Bernardino since 1888 and supported those in need. They serve the cities of Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Loma Linda, Mentone, Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino, and Yucaipa, as well as the mountain communities of Big Bear, Blue Jay, Crestline, Lake Arrowhead, and other surrounding areas.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church and offers holistic programs for individuals without discrimination.
Admission experts share tips for graduates continuing their education...continued
whether graduate school is right for them?
Gillian A. Hallmen: I hate to say it, but you should think about your funding first. You can love a program all you want, but if you can’t pay the institution it’s money, it’s a fail-stop right there. You also want to know how long it will take you to graduate and to decide whether you have the time to invest in it. If you’ll be working full-time or part-time, you should talk to an academic adviser or graduate about the academic rigor
Delvin Owens: Students should start by reflecting on their longterm goals, both professional and personal. Graduate school is a commitment of time, energy and finances, so it’s important to consider whether an advanced degree aligns with your career aspirations. Ask yourself: Will a graduate degree open doors in your field? Do you enjoy deep, independent learning and research? If the answer is yes, then graduate school might be the right path.
GA: You have to decide whether you’re going to live at home, on campus or off campus in a house or apartment. If you’re living with roommates, talk to them about cleaning. Seek out areas on campus where you can study and designate a study place at home. If you’re going to continue working, talk to your employer. Let them know that you may be coming in earlier or later because of classes. You should also have a conversation with your program adviser to learn what their expectations are, and, if you have some time and they’re available, try to schedule a one-on-one with your professors.
DO: Use this time to get familiar with your program. Review the curriculum, read up on key topics and consider connecting with faculty or fellow students. If your field involves
quantitative or technical skills, brushing up on those areas can be helpful. Also, organize your finances, plan your housing and take care of logistical tasks early so you can start the semester with peace of mind.
AFRO: What academic and financial support programs should students be aware of before they begin?
GA: At Coppin State University, we have assistantships, but those are few and far to come by. We have just about eight or 10 positions. It’s a fight. But, the places you can get the most help are through a job that has tuition remission and through state and local government grants that provide scholarships. You can also contact the school’s institutional advancement office to find out if there are any scholarship opportunities. At Coppin, we also have the Eagle Achievement Center to support students. You may feel intimidated to use it because you’ll see a lot of younger folks, but you have to shed yourself of that. Your graduate school should also offer programming to help you with your studies. When you’re in the classroom, you should find study partners and start study groups.
Conceptual art, concept artwork of success hope ambition and psychology, surreal human head illustration, modern painting, minimal style (Photo by Jorm Sangsorn)
Hong N. Nguyen’
Gillian A. Hallmen serves as the director of graduate standards and policy for Coppin State University. (Photo courtesy of Coppin State University)
Delvin Owens serves as the assistant director of graduate admission for Morgan State University. (Photo courtesy of Morgan State University)
Five Education Bills You Should Know About
By Edward Henderson | California Black Media
Facing a Sept. 13 deadline to pass and submit bills for the 2024–25 legislative session, California lawmakers advanced several key measures to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk.
Among them are five education bills that could bring significant changes to classrooms across the state if enacted. The Governor has until Oct. 13 to sign or veto all legislation. The bills that Newsom does not veto before that deadline will automatically become state law.
Here are five education bills you should know about.
More California-Centered Black History
SB 510 (Sen. Laura Richardson, D-Inglewood) – This bill requires the Instructional Quality Commission to consider including content on the historical, social, economic, and political contributions of African Americans during the Spanish colonization of California, the Gold Rush Era, and Antebellum periods.
“SB 510 ensures that students learn about the economic, social and political contributions of African Americans, as well as their resilience in the face of systematic oppression,” said Richardson in support of the bill.
“By including African American perspectives in the broader context of history, economics, and civics, the bill helps foster greater understanding of the
ongoing fight for equity and justice.”
Richardson’s bill is one of the pieces of legislation included in the California Legislative Black Caucus’ (CLBC) “Road to Repair” bill package. Currently, most textbooks and other instructional materials often minimize or exclude the contributions of African Americans.
Supporters say, this legislation would help to make history instruction more accurate and inclusive.
SB 510 was signed by Gov. Newsom on Aug. 28.
Easier Admission for Graduating Seniors to CSU Schools
SB 640 (Sen. Christopher Cabaldon, D-Napa) – Qualified high school students who have taken the required courses and maintained an appropriate grade point average will receive mailers directly admitting them to participating CSU campuses.
“We should make it as seamless for our students to go from 12th grade to the next stage of their education as it was for them to go from sixth grade to seventh grade,” Cabaldon said in a release. “Direct admission removes the application hurdle that stops some students from going to college and relieves the fear that they won’t get in anywhere.”
This legislation aims to make it easier for students to apply to
Advocates: Fed Decision to Eliminate SNAP Survey Will Impact CalFresh Benefits
Antonio Ray Harvey |
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on Sept. 20 that it is ending the longstanding annual food insecurity survey, which informs funding levels for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the federal food stamp program.
The Trump administration said it canceled the survey because it is “redundant, politicized, and costly,” the USDA stated.
The final report will be published in October 2025 using data collected in 2024.
“For 30 years, this study — initially created by the Clinton administration as a means to support the increase of SNAP eligibility and benefit allotment — failed to present anything more than subjective,
CSU campuses, as navigating the application process has proven to be a barrier to entry for some qualified students.
After the Legislature approved the bill on Sept. 10, the Secretary of State’s office enrolled it and presented it to Gov. Newsom for his consideration on Sept. 22.
Ban on Ultra-Processed Foods in California School
AB 1264 (Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, D-Encino) –This bill requires the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment to develop regulation to ban ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in schools. UPFs are defined as any food or beverage high in saturated fats, sodium, or specific added sugars or sweeteners.
“Our public schools should not be serving students harmful ultra-processed foods filled with dangerous chemical additives,” said Gabriel. “In California, Democrats and Republicans are joining forces to prioritize the health and safety of our children and we are proud to be leading the nation with a bipartisan, science-based approach.”
The bill text requires schools to start phasing out these foods by Jan. 1, 2028. A complete ban would start July 1, 2035, excluding food served at school fundraisers.
After the Legislature approved AB 1264 on Sept. 12, the Secretary of State’s office enrolled the bill and presented it to Gov. Newsom for his consideration on Sept. 24.
More Teaching Days for Subs in Public Schools
AB 1224 (Assemblymember Avelino Valencia, D-Anaheim). This bill increases the days a substitute teacher can teach in California public school classrooms from 30 to 60 in general education and 20 to 60 in special education.
“The increased flexibility will reduce classroom instability and learning disruptions that affect students with disabilities the most,” said Valencia in a release. “With greater stability in the classroom, students are able to establish rapport with their substitute teacher, leading to better educational outcomes.”
With California’s continued teacher shortage, proponents of the bill highlighted the need for continuity between teachers and students in hard-to-fill subject areas including special education, math and science.
On Sept. 22, the Secretary of State’s office enrolled the bill and presented it to Gov. Newsom for his consideration after the Legislature approved it on Sept. 10.
Improving Curricula and Training to Boost Reading Skills
AB 1454 (Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, D-Salinas) – This bill updates statewide reading instruction curriculum to close learning gaps. It also requires the State Board of Education to adopt instructional materials that align with evidence-based means of teaching foundational reading skills and updates training standards.
“Strong reading skills are the foundation for every student’s success, and our action today demonstrates a big commitment to improving California’s reading and literacy rates,” said Rivas in a release. “This legislation is a critical step and will improve literacy outcomes for California’s students.”
The proficiency gap in reading between Black and Hispanic students in California compared with white and Asian students is among the widest in the nation.
On Sept. 24, the Secretary of State’s office enrolled the bill and presented it to Gov. Newsom for his consideration after the Legislature approved it on Sept. 13.
Advocates: Fed Decision to Eliminate SNAP Survey Will Impact CalFresh Benefits...continued
SNAP, called CalFresh in California, is the nation’s largest food assistance program addressing food insecurity among low-income individuals and families. In 2023, almost 45% of adults in California struggled to afford food. Between 2023 and 2024, California administered a total of $12 billion to CalFresh recipients, according to the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO).
U.S. Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA-43) posted a video on her X account sharply criticizing former President Donald Trump’s proposed budget. Waters called the spending plan a “big, ugly bill,” warning that it would strip healthcare from 17 million Americans and push approximately 12 million people into hunger.
‘Trends in the prevalence of food insecurity have remained virtually unchanged, regardless of an over 87% increase in SNAP spending between 2019–2023,’” the USDA statement continued.
The annual report, titled Household Food Security in the United States, used data from the Food Security Supplement (FSS) and the Current Population Survey (CPS), a national survey sponsored by the USDA’s Economic Research Service (USDA-ERS).
In fiscal year 2024, an average of 5.38 million people received SNAP benefits in California, equivalent to about 13.6% of the state’s 40 million residents.
“We won’t sit quietly while Republicans starve our people to feed the rich,” Waters stated in the video.
Following the USDA’s elimination of the annual food survey, Mauricio Torres, communications director for the California Budget and Policy Center (Budget Center), called the move “deeply disappointing.”
The Budget Center is a nonprofit research and analysis organization that focuses on how state budget and policy decisions affect low- and middle-income residents. It has been providing independent analysis and accessible information on state fiscal matters since 1995.
In recent years, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has stopped publishing the number of CalFresh
Advocates: Fed Decision to Eliminate SNAP Survey Will Impact CalFresh Benefits...continued
participants (20%) and 628,000 Asian or Pacific Islander participants (11%).
“We call on the federal administration to restore this vital survey and safeguard the integrity of our nation’s data collection efforts. Without reliable information, policymakers cannot fully understand or address the hunger families face,” Torres stated.
Following legislation signed into law in July 2025, members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) voiced concerns about the cuts to SNAP, claiming it would disproportionately harm Black and Brown communities, likely increasing food insecurity and potentially jeopardizing jobs.
In March, during a news conference at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., Congresswoman and CBC chairperson Yvette Clarke (D-NY-9) expressed “grave concerns” over the effort to reduce benefits. Clarke said billions of dollars have been cut from SNAP benefits “that help millions of American families.”
“Twenty percent of Black
households have faced food insecurity compared to 7% of their White counterparts. 42% of all SNAP recipients are children. In fact, four in five SNAP households include a child, an elder, or an individual with a disability. SNAP is not a handout; it is a lifeline,” Clarke added.
According to the USDA, the first Food Stamp Program began in 1939 as a pilot project under President Franklin D. Roosevelt to address unemployment and food surpluses during the Great Depression. In 1964, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Food Stamp Act, making the program permanent. By 2008, the program’s name was changed from the Food Stamp Program to SNAP to reduce stigma and emphasize nutrition.
“Reliable, governmentreported data are essential not just for tracking hunger, but for informing all aspects of public policy,” Torres stated. “Weakening the data compromises the ability to make sound, informed decisions that affect all Americans.”
Bill Protecting California Veterans From Predators to Get Vote in January
By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
California’s Senate Bill (SB) 694 — written to protect veterans and service members from predatory practices — is expected to receive a full vote by the Senate when the legislative session reconvenes in January 2026, according to the bill’s author, Sen. Bob Archuleta (D-Los Angeles).
Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) recipients by race and ethnicity. As a result, the exact number of Black Californians receiving EBT benefits is not publicly available. EBT is the system used to issue food assistance through CalFresh, as well as cash aid. The EBT card, officially called the “Golden State Advantage” card, works like a debit card.
“Without this survey, policymakers, researchers, and advocates lose a valuable tool for tracking hunger trends across states and demographic groups — effectively flying blind in assessing how many families struggle to put food on the table,” Torres stated. “Eliminating this data source allows the Trump administration to dodge responsibility for policy decisions that increase suffering and will hinder the ability to quantify and address those effects.”
According to the Budget Center, policy changes in H.R. 1, signed into law by Trump in July, will impact over five million recipients of CalFresh benefits. By October 2027, an estimated loss in federal funds to California could reach up to $2 billion annually.
A July 2025 report from the Latino Policy and Politics Institute at UCLA revealed that food insecurity disproportionately affects Black Californians, numbering 483,000 (9%), while Latinos account for 55% of all CalFresh participants compared to 1,086,000 White
The bill’s language prohibits “Claim Sharks,” referring to some unaccredited individuals and nonprofits, from charging for Veteran Affairs (VA) benefit claims assistance and from charging fees that exceed what VA-accredited professionals are allowed to charge.
“We have reached an agreement on SB 694, and the bill will immediately move to the Senate Floor in January. Veterans have earned and deserve our support,” stated Archuleta, an Army veteran who served in the 82nd Airborne Division.
“They have sacrificed so much for this country, and we’re coming together to put an end to the deceptive practices that target them. This legislation deserves a vote, and this bill will get its day in the legislature as soon as we return in the new year,” Archuleta said in a Sept. 15 statement.
SB 694 was first introduced in February. On Sept. 9, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 12-0 to advance the bill to the Committee on Rules for consideration.
If the bill passes in the legislature, SB 694 will empower the California Attorney General to prosecute those who violate the law and take advantage of vulnerable veterans.
The bill has received bipartisan support in both the Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee and the Assembly Judiciary Committee. Some members of the California Legislative Black Caucus have also thrown their support behind the bill.
Assemblymember LaShae
Sharp-Collins (D-La Mesa) is a co-author of the bill.
Sharp-Collins has been a strong advocate for military members and veterans through her legislative work, serving on the California Assembly’s Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs.
Sharp-Collins acknowledged the years of discrimination against Black veterans by the VA and asked the agency to be “timely and equitable” when it comes to having their claims processed, which she said has a “major backlog in California.”
“It often requires Black veterans to wait years to receive their benefits,” Sharp-Collins said. “So, Black veterans have the highest denial rates, meaning after years of waiting due to the backlog, they are still not receiving benefits. I do not like the idea of companies charging fees for anything that is otherwise free services.”
Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City) also supports SB 694.
Wilson’s said her husband, Chavares Wilson, is a retired Air Force Reserve Technical Sergeant and one of their two sons served in the Marine Corps. Wilson, whose district covers parts of Solano County, said the area she represents has taken some steps to adequately serve veterans, but more needs to be done for all veterans around the state.
“I strongly encourage this body (in the Assembly) to take our veterans seriously and ensure that next year we have additional bills on the subject that allow veterans in California to be first in line for their benefits,” Wilson said.
California is home to over 160,000 Black veterans, which represents approximately 9% of the total veteran population in California. California is also home to the largest veteran
California Black Media
Asm. Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City), a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), explains how military veterans apply for benefits in the state of California during a SB 694 debate on Sept. 4 at the State Capitol. Wilson’s husband and one of her two sons are veterans.
Thursday, October 2, 2025
“You Have The Power To Save Lives” Campaign Is Effective In Raising Awareness
And Promoting Access To
Naloxone
In Black Communities
Charlotte and Las Vegas are the Latest Cities to Join Campaign to Prevent Overdose Deaths in Black Communities Press Briefing on October 1st to Share Campaign Impact and Promote Expansion
NEW YORK, NY — Across the United States, overdose deaths decreased in 2024 by nearly 27% from the previous year—a massively positive development. But the United States still loses more than 80,000 people every year, and Black and Indigenous communities continue to be disproportionately affected by high rates of overdose death. To address the overdose crisis in Black communities, public health organization Vital Strategies launched a major communications campaign, “You Have the Power to Save Lives,” in March 2025. The campaign was designed to raise awareness and promote the availability of naloxone in Black communities in seven cities—Newark, NJ; Durham, NC; Philadelphia, PA; Detroit, MI; Louisville, KY; Milwaukee, WI; and Albuquerque, NM— uniting community leaders, public officials, and health experts to spread the word.
Vital Strategies partnered with community leaders, city agencies, and other critical partners, including the National Black Harm Reduction Network and the Elton John AIDS Foundation to develop and launch the campaign.
Across participating cities, the campaign promotes low-barrier, confidential access to naloxone in everyday neighborhood places and helps to reduce the stigma that has often discouraged open conversation about overdose in Black communities. Backed by a robust advertising strategy and featuring stories from parents, pastors, and other community leaders, You Have the Power to Save Lives has already reached hundreds of thousands of Black Americans where they live, work, worship, and gather.
Campaign media generated over 32 million total impressions, nearly 1.5 million video views, and hundreds of media hits nationwide. People who saw the campaign were at least five times more likely
to carry naloxone, three times more likely to know where to get it, and two times more likely to feel confident using it to reverse an overdose. Close to half reported talking about the messages in the campaign with friends, family, or other people around them.
The impactful effort is already generating interest from other cities where Black overdose deaths are disproportionately high, with Las Vegas, NV, and Charlotte, NC recently joining the campaign. Organizers welcome and encourage other jurisdictions to get involved, to continue expanding the reach and visibility of naloxone access in Black communities across the country.
A briefing on October 1st at 1 pm ET will feature organizers of You Have the Power to Save Lives sharing data and stories about the impact of the campaign, and opportunities for cities and communities to get involved. Click here to RSVP for the press briefing.
Quotes and Stories from City and Community Leaders in the Campaign
“Our campaign is helping get naloxone in the hands of those who need it, but it’s local leaders who are now carrying this effort forward,” said Daliah Heller, Vice President for Overdose Prevention Initiatives at Vital Strategies. “Cities like Detroit and Philadelphia are expanding naloxone distribution through new community-based boxes, and Albuquerque has taken the lead by launching their own locally designed billboards featuring Black residents. That’s exactly what we hoped to inspire. Vital Strategies is here to support and partner with any city ready to join this life-saving effort—we offer creative materials, messaging guidance, and a proven framework to help communities make this
WITNESS FOR JUSTICE Issue #1275
Gambling Problems
Seth Wispelwey
“And they crucified him, and divided his clothes among them, casting lots to decide what each should take.” - Mark 5.24 (NRSV)
I am a gambler, and so are you.
For me, the outlet is sports betting. To be more precise, I play fantasy football. Every week between September and January, I take a chance on some players to score more points than some other players. The monetary stakes are small with the group of friends I play with; indeed, the fun of achieving bragging rights after winning feels like the much larger prize to us. We all spend an inordinate amount of time curating our strategies, looking for an edge, and praying for a winning play (and teasing one another) in what is effectively a randomized game of chance dependent on the vagaries of infinite real-life possible outcomes.
I love it. Before I first joined a fantasy football league twelve years ago, I heartily scoffed at the idea, and not just because it had been years since I closely followed the real-life sport that animates the pretend game. Why would I devote time and energy to an artificial “team” with fake points? My job already kept me in front of a screen most of the time. My outlets and passions were more tactile: cooking, gardening, etc. And, like many others, I have
campaign their own.”
On August 28th, the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Public Safety’s Overdose Response Unit (ORU), launched the “Naloxone in Black” (NIB) initiative with a press conference that generated extensive media attention. In partnership with the Philadelphia Fire Department (PFD), the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, and with the support of Vital Strategies, NIB is Philadelphia’s iteration of the nationwide “You Have the Power to Save Lives” campaign focused on overdose prevention and increasing access to naloxone in Black communities.
The Naloxone in Black campaign ensures that every fire station across Philadelphia is equipped with an easy-to-use newspaper style naloxone distribution box stocked with free naloxone for the community.
These boxes will be easily accessible to the public on the exterior of 61 of the Fire Department buildings where residents can access the life-saving resource with no questions asked.
In Durham, NC, Dr. Wanda Boone of Together for Resilient Youth hosted a press event at the historic Stanford L. Warren Library, a building established in 1913 as a safe haven where African Americans could gather to read, learn, network, and discuss ideas. “It still gives me chills, quite frankly,” she said.
“The community responded in force. Community members became more involved. The health department director and the sheriff participated, thereby aligning with the community's mission. The campaign has spurred a groundswell of interest that has been translated into so much more.
In Durham, COVID-era infrastructure was repurposed to train 25 Health Ambassadors (youth - seniors) who now distribute naloxone through residents, businesses, housing developments, and convenience stores. So far, over 400 kits have been distributed. “In Milwaukee, people are finally saying, ‘I need to get naloxone,’” said Tahira Malik, founder of Samad’s House. “People who never would’ve carried it now have it at home. They’re having the hard conversations. It’s hitting home.”
Bryan Winters of Men Mending Men, a Milwaukee-based community group, has also seen
the shift. “A year ago, people asked, ‘What is harm reduction?’ Now they know. People want to be part of something bigger.”
He noted the engagement of nontraditional groups like Change Today, Change Tomorrow, and a new focus on older adults, a group heavily impacted in some cities.
Malik added that all Milwaukee emergency personnel now carry naloxone, and distribution is growing to restaurants, vape shops, and summer festivals like Juneteenth.
In Louisville, Dr. John Broadus said the campaign has spurred new harm reduction partners, including Vocal Kentucky and the Kentucky Harm Reduction Coalition. “As we empower more community organizations, overdose deaths will continue to drop,” he said.
“In New Mexico, we’ve never had a harm reduction effort centered on the Black population,” said Stacy Burleson, Executive Director of Women in Leadership. Billboards now feature Black community leaders promoting naloxone. “That visibility matters,” added Donette Perkins, program manager at Vital Strategies. “People are seeing themselves in this campaign.”
Across the country, city partners are taking the lead—representing the campaign at community events in Black neighborhoods, sharing naloxone resources, and helping spark vital conversations.
“We have a disproportionate impact of overdoses in our communities. Naloxone has been both unavailable and underutilized,” said Tracie Gardner, Executive Director of the National Black Harm Reduction Network. “The urgency of Black overdoses must be matched by the power of lifesaving naloxone. The You Have the Power to Save Lives campaign is making it available, saving lives, and transforming communities.”
About Vital Strategies
Vital Strategies is a global health organization that believes every person should be protected by a strong public health system. Our overdose prevention program works to strengthen and scale evidence-based, data-driven policies and interventions to create equitable and sustainable reductions in overdose deaths in several U.S. states and local jurisdictions.
Gambling Problems...continued
strong critiques of the NFL (though given its outsize synergy with and mirror to our wider culture, I find it worthwhile to track, akin to following and parsing the news). I accepted the invitation to fantasy football for a much-needed jolt of camaraderie, and that’s why I’ve loved it. Then as now I worked remotely from home, and longed for connection with colleagues and friends that a home office could not afford.
However, I’d be lying if that “jolt” of chasing points for a win didn’t also animate the fun. The gambler’s high is present even in our minor venture, same as it is with any other literal or figurative roll of the dice. Even if you’ve never set foot in a casino (I can count my own times on one hand), you very likely know what I mean. Whether it’s a game of cards, a family or office March Madness bracket, or entering a new car giveaway raffle as part of a community fundraiser, the visceral thrill of “what if…?!” is a fleeting pleasure we recognize, even if we rationally know our chance at a payoff is slim to none. Now the casinos have come to us. If you’ve glanced at a TV at any point in the past two years, you’ve seen the ads. In the palm of our hands, almost everyone in the
United States now has the ability to bet on not just sports but . . . almost everything. “The powers that be in our world have decided that there’s more benefit, more profit—and not to us!—by removing the guardrails around (gambling limitations),” said cultural critic Alexandra Schwartz on a recent podcast. More and more people are gambling, but I don’t think it’s just because of its ubiquity, our curiosity, and its addictive temptation. More people try gambling because for more people than ever, securing what we need to live “the right way” is increasingly out of reach. Moreover, more people are waking up feeling (and seeing) that help is not coming around the corner. We realize we were already gambling. We gamble on not getting sick, we gamble on hoping for a job with dental insurance, we gamble on putting diapers and milk on the credit card again in hopes that next month will be better, and we gamble on having enough money for rent, even though nowhere in the country pays a minimum wage that makes it possible. And on and on and on. And that’s if we’re the lucky, more comfortable ones. Indeed, we gamble on belief—the belief that we all can live a comfortable life even as the cost of doing so is on a salary well beyond the median. But we believe this because deep down we know: there actually *is* more than enough, globally, for everyone to live safely, comfortably, nourished, and free but for those profiteers, corporations,
Gambling Problems...continued
the jobs people want and need aren’t coming with the human rights and guarantees we need to survive, let alone thrive. People are spending countless hours of their one precious life applying to jobs that aren’t real to boost corporate bottom lines. “For job seekers, the impact is lasting. These phantom listings waste time, create false hope, and erode trust in the hiring process, and companies who deploy them, altogether.” No wonder (and no judgment) that DraftKings and FanDuel look like reasonable risks by comparison beyond their own admonitions to keep bets small and just “play for fun.” Collectively, we live in the opposite of God’s economy and a mass reckoning is surely coming soon if we don’t change course.
The individualistic American “boot-strap” myth has always been a racist, capitalist lie. Now it’s more apparent than ever that there is bipartisan disinterest (and contempt) for the idea that we invest in or fight for collective well-being by those we ostensibly choose to govern on our behalf. Just as they always have, the ultra-rich and their Capitol Hill pawns are treating our very real lives like a fantasy football team. For too many this has always been the case. For too many more, now, the wheels are coming off. Will we collectively awake to our shared struggle?
Fred Hampton understood this as a teenager, and our government killed him by age 21 for his success in mobilizing for a truly bipartisan solidarity economy in Chicago (“Nothing’s more important than stopping fascism, because fascism is going to stop us all”). We have the numbers, but do
we have the will? Meeting the basic human needs of our beloved fellow travelers earth-side is our most urgent and holy calling. As church-members, we are uniquely positioned to manifest those needs for each other and outside our walls - materially, politically, forcefully. How, then, shall we live?
With the odds stacked against us in a rigged game that none of us chose, we all need a new jolt. A new bet. God’s economy is predicated on mutual aid—an interconnected fabric of jubilee (debt relief), abundance (meeting all materials needs), and reparations (return of stolen wealth and land)—by the people, for the people. Churches, by and large, already operate within a mutual aid model—they just might not know it yet. How might yours reimagine itself in this way, in these times, connected to your larger community (and preexisting mutual aid ventures)? In the United Church of Christ, our annual Neighbors in Need offering is coming up for one of our most transformative, impactful shared investments in shared humanity. And where else do we start to imagine and believe a new “what if…?!” but from the pulpit and the pews? There is always the chance to lift up the necessities of new economies in our congregations and there are liturgical resources HERE to help spark that high of possibility on a Sunday morning. Imagine the Angels of Bread, beloved. I’ll take *those* odds with all of you any day. In the strong name of Jesus, we say “no more” to war . . . except class war. Amen?
Admission experts share tips for graduates continuing their education...continued from page 2
DO: At Morgan State University, students have access to a range of support resources, including graduate assistantships, fellowships, academic advising and writing support centers. Financial aid options, such as scholarships and tuition remission, are also available. It’s important to explore these early and reach out to the school of graduate studies for guidance on what you may qualify for.
AFRO: What are some habits or practices that students can use to avoid burnout and manage their time well?
progress. Prioritize self-care by getting enough sleep, eating well and taking regular breaks. Staying connected with peers and mentors can also offer both emotional support and academic motivation.
AFRO: What opportunities should students take advantage of outside of the classroom early on in grad school?
and governments extracting and consuming at rates leaving scraps (and a desolated planet) for the rest of us. But we know. Those who have always fought to make ends meet don’t need to be told this. Cultural critic Vinson Cunningham, who grew up with religious prohibitions on gambling, says in the same podcast that the pervasiveness and allure of gambling now are an “invitation to re-acknowledge where actual control in our life resides.” It’s more than understandable right now that an increasing plurality of people feel out of control. “Hitting big” on a moonshot bet can easily and understandably feel like our best shot to stay above water. “We acknowledge total lack of control in so many things so we grab at the closest node of control . . . if events remain unresponsive to the usual levers of control . . . [what else is there to do but] ride the rollercoaster of speculation around those events?” We gamble now because we were gambled with first. The stock market is often (rightly) referred to as a casino, and while we might not be “the house,” we’re still stuck inside it as those in control of the poker tables build ever-taller spires out of ephemera (e.g. 2008 predatory mortgage betting collapse, current AI bubble) while the lower levels burn. So many job listings aren’t even real. Trying to find a job, no matter how qualified you might be, becomes a full-time job. And real or not real,
GA: You have to have fun. If you’re doing your work and your time management is where it needs to be, then you need to treat yourself. Go bowling, to the movies or on a trip for a day or two. Then, you can come back with a refreshed battery. You should also establish a rapport with your professors and adviser. Reach out to them if you are struggling to turn work in or need extensions. You have to let them know early if you’re drowning.
DO: Start by setting a realistic schedule and sticking to it. Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable goals and take time to celebrate your
GA: We have a career development office and a software called, “Handshake,” where you can upload your resume and a career counselor will review it. The software will tell you anything you need to improve on in your resume, and the career counselor will tell you about things you should be doing to make yourself more attractive to the marketplace.
DO: Look into professional development workshops, student organizations, networking events and academic conferences. These opportunities can help you build your resume, form meaningful connections and explore interests beyond your coursework. Early engagement with your academic community can enrich your graduate experience and lead to new possibilities.
Media Statement
Statement from Laura Chanchien Parajón, MD, MPH, Director (Acting), CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, on the passing of Suzy Ellis, Tips From Former Smokers® participant
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Suzy Ellis, a participant in CDC’s Tips From Former Smokers® campaign and devoted mother, voracious reader, and entrepreneur. At the age of 57, Suzy suffered a stroke, which her doctors linked to her many years of smoking. It was then that she quit smoking and eventually shared the story of her experience with CDC for the Tips campaign. Suzy believed that tobacco education
campaigns like Tips could make a difference, encouraging people who had never smoked not to start, and showing those who did smoke that quitting was possible. We extend our deepest condolences to Suzy’s family, her friends, and all who cared about her.
Suzy’s Tips Videos: https:// www.cdc.gov/tobacco/ campaign/tips/stories/suzy.html
Thursday, October 2, 2025
Comedian and Late-Night Host Jimmy Kimmel Sets Viewership Records After Battle with Trump
By Lauren Burke
Late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel has now broken a few records with his return to the air after doing battle with the Trump Administration.
The host of Jimmy Kimmel Live was removed from the air by ABC/Disney on September 17 after the Walt Disney Company, which owns ABC, said in a statement that Kimmel’s show had been indefinitely pulled off the air to “avoid escalating tensions during an ’emotional moment for our country”. The decision occurred after Kimmel commented on the suspect in the murder of Charlie Kirk, which happened on Sept. 10 in Orem, Utah. But calls to boycott ABC and Disney were widely seen on social media. Though the precise number of cancelled Disney and HULU subscriptions is not known, there is a general estimate that the loss of subscribers was a factor in ABC’s decision to return Kimmel to the air.
Kimmel returned to his show on Tuesday, September 23rd. Even though the Sinclair-owned affiliate stations refused to run the show, Kimmel was seen by over 6 million viewers on
Nearly
8 in
Nearly 8 in 10 Americans Say Nation Is in Political Crisis, Quinnipiac Poll Finds...continued
beyond politics. Asked about the economy, 53 percent of voters pointed to the price of food and consumer goods as their greatest worry, while another 28 percent named housing costs. And when it comes to the fate of those convicted of murder, 55 percent favor life in prison without parole over the death penalty.
Gun violence, foreign conflicts, and the direction of democracy itself weigh heavily. Eighty-three percent of voters believe political
Tuesday night. Additionally, the official YouTube channel for Kimmel’s show broke a record.
The posting of his Tuesday night monologue now has over 14 million viewers in only 15 hours. The numbers represent a record for Kimmel, and the emotional monologue in which he talks about the importance of freedom of speech is likely to be viewed by millions more. This show “is not important,” Kimmel said on Tuesday night.
“What is important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this,” he added. Talking about President Trump, he added that, “he did his best to cancel me. Instead, he forced millions of people to watch the show.” The moment of Kimmel’s removal from the air has galvanized many entertainers in Hollywood just as it has caused pushback from elected officials on the left and right. The battle for media ownership and control is the deeper story regarding Kimmel’s removal and return, and what happens next as a result of the controversy is likely to have even deeper implications for freedom of speech in the U.S.
10 Americans Say Nation Is in Political Crisis, Quinnipiac Poll Finds
By Stacy M. Brown
The nation trembles, and the numbers do not lie. A new Quinnipiac University national poll reveals that 79 percent of voters believe the United States is in the grip of a political crisis, a judgment cast in the shadow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Across partisan lines, the consensus is chilling: 93 percent of Democrats, 84 percent of independents, and even 60 percent of Republicans agree the country is spiraling. “The Kirk assassination lays bare raw, bipartisan concerns about where the country is headed,” said Quinnipiac polling analyst Tim Malloy. Seventy-one percent of voters now call politically motivated violence a “very serious” problem, a sharp rise from just 54 percent in June. The voices of politicians, amplified and sharpened, are seen by 82 percent of respondents as feeding the violence that stalks the streets and corrodes the public square. A majority—58 percent—no longer believe the temperature of political rhetoric can be lowered. Instead, more than half of voters expect political violence to worsen in the coming years. Malloy captured the mood bluntly.
“From a perceived assault on
freedom of speech to the fragility of the democracy, a shudder of concern and pessimism rattles a broad swath of the electorate,” he insisted. Freedom of speech, once assumed inviolable, now carries the weight of doubt. Fifty-three percent of voters said they are pessimistic about its protection in America. Just six months ago, the numbers were reversed. The very machinery of democracy is also under suspicion. Fifty-three percent of voters say the system is not working. Democrats and independents share that belief by strong margins, while Republicans—mirroring their president’s claims—remain largely convinced it functions. President Donald Trump’s approval rating stands at 38 percent, with 54 percent disapproving. Disapproval is strong on nearly every front— foreign policy, the economy, immigration, and gun violence. Meanwhile, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of Health and Human Services, fares little better: 54 percent of voters disapprove of his performance, and nearly six in ten say they have little or no confidence in the medical information he provides. The crisis extends
leaders are more interested in blaming others than finding solutions. The Quinnipiac poll surveyed 1,276 registered voters nationwide from September 18–21, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.3 percentage points.
“Nearly 80 percent of registered voters feel they are witnessing a political crisis, seven in ten say political violence is a very serious problem, and a majority say this discord won’t go away anytime soon,” Malloy noted.
A Question of a Government Shutdown?
BLACKPRESSUSA.COM — House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries asked Democrats to return to the nation’s Capital today and Tuesday, hoping Republicans want to make deals to stave off a government shutdown. North Carolina Democratic Congresswoman Alma Adams is “hoping we can come to the table” to avert a shutdown. She says when they shut the government down, “they will shut the money down that is already flowing.”
By April Ryan
A government shutdown could become an unwanted reality in two days on Wednesday, October 1. However, this afternoon, President Trump meets with the top four congressional leaders on the same day he is hosting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
This weekend, President Trump told NBC News that Democrats want “to do all healthcare for illegal immigrants” and “they want open borders, which we are not doing.”
Democrats stand firm, saying they will not approve funding cuts unless Republicans extend healthcare subsidies, extend the Affordable Care Act, and undo GOP cuts to Medicaid.
Virginia Democratic Congressman Bobby Scott wants a discussion on healthcare, saying the Republicans’ plan will call for “people’s healthcare costs to skyrocket.
Last week, President Trump abruptly canceled a meeting with Democratic House and Senate leaders, who planned to discuss healthcare.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries asked Democrats to return to the nation’s Capital today and Tuesday, hoping Republicans want to make
deals to stave off a government shutdown. North Carolina Democratic Congresswoman Alma Adams is “hoping we can come to the table” to avert a shutdown. She says when they shut the government down, “they will shut the money down that is already flowing.”
If approved, the Republican Continuing Resolution would make it harder to go to college. Adams, who co-chairs the Congressional Bipartisan Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Caucus, also says that the CR cuts Pell Grant funding for colleges and universities.
Adams also warns, “furloughs will not be normal as they have been in the past.” This time, those furloughed will lose their jobs.
According to Scott, Republicans are cutting back on nutrition. Scott points out that if the healthcare issue is not addressed in the continuing resolution, it will cut into nutrition funding for the SNAP program and farmers, who will not have people to sell food to through SNAP.
“I think they [Republicans] are trying to find ways to stop the money from flowing,” adds Adams.
Black Caucus Awards Dinner: Former VP Kamala Harris, Gov. Wes Moore Give Pointed Remarks
By Lauren Burke
Black Caucus Awards Dinner: Former VP Kamala Harris, Gov. Wes Moore Give Pointed Remarks... continued
over statehouses, gerrymander districts and stack the Supreme Court,” said Vice President Harris, speaking from the large podium to over 2,000 people. She offered advice and surprise at how so many have capitulated to the demands of Donald Trump. She also offered remarks on leadership.
“Please let’s get over the savior complex, which suggests only one individual can save us. Come on. As Democrats, we have so many stars and many of them are in this room right now. You are the leaders who are up for the fight,” Harris added. The audience cheered loudly for her appearance on stage. The crowd also reacted favorably to Texas U.S. Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett. Both women have been direct and consistent in their criticism of Trump. “At a time such as this, it demands one thing for sure: we must fight fire with fire,” Harris added. It hasn’t been forgotten that, during her 107-day presidential campaign in 2024, Harris accurately predicted the future of America under a second Trump Administration.
Her book, entitled “107 Days,” was recently released.
“I’m not interested in talking about how powerful the President is or how powerful the President thinks he is. I’m interested in talking about how powerful we are,” said Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. There were many questions and much discussion during CBC Week about “what the strategy is” against Trump’s attacks on democracy moving forward. “The CBC was built in moments like this,” Gov. Moore added. “If you ever want to learn anything about anybody, watch them when it was hard. Watch them when it was tough. Watch them when it wasn’t simple. Watch them when there are no easy decisions left,” Gov. Moore went on. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries also spoke as the government stands on the brink of a shutdown and more mass firings of federal employees. The evening featured awards to Vice President Harris, former Congressional Black Caucus Executive Director Angela Rye, and Win with Black Women founder Jotaka Eaddy.
Ben Crump Pledges $50K to the Black Press, Challenges Others to Follow His Lead
National Leadership Awards
The Conrad Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C., pulsed with history and urgency as the Black Press of America gathered for its Annual National Leadership Awards and Reception. The evening honored House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette Clarke, and Communications Workers of America President Claude Cummings Jr. Cummings, who now serves on the executive committee of the Democratic National Committee, put the night into sharp focus. Speaking to the Black Press’ Let It Be Known morning news show hosts on the Red Carpet, Cummings declared, “Democrats need to spend money now with the Black Press. The Black Press has always been that vehicle in our community that we’ve all needed and that has always been the trusted voice. With what’s happening in Washington and what they are trying to do to our community and our history, everyone should be supporting the Black Press of America.”
The words carried the sting of truth. For decades, the Black Press has stood as the trusted voice for African Americans, telling stories ignored or distorted elsewhere. It carried the mutilated image of Emmett Till when white newspapers looked away. It published Dr. King’s words when others labeled him a troublemaker. It guided families through Jim Crow’s terror and chronicled the triumphs and tragedies of migration, struggle, and resilience. Today, two years before its 200th
anniversary, this institution is fighting for its life. Then Attorney Ben Crump, known as “Black America’s Attorney General,” took the stage. He did not come to flatter. He came to help, and he came with fire. “I will ask for personal privilege because I see my leaders in the room. The National President of the NAACP, Derrick Johnson, and Chair of the Board, Leon Russell,” Crump began. “The men who I stand with this evening, I want to come and demonstrate my appreciation to them and the Black Press. Right now in America we’re under attack like we’ve never been in our lifetime.” The weight of his words fell heavily.
“So now more than ever, we have to make sure that we have institutions that are disseminating information to our people, being the clarion call for us to be able to be ready to stand up for our children and our communities, to be ready to speak up for our children and communities, and to be ready to fight for our children in the community. And nobody carries the Black narrative and the Black information to Black communities more passionately than the Black Press.” Crump then turned to those seated in the room.
“Y’all, right now, y’all know this attack on DEI and everything, they’re cutting funding to all our institutions. And it isn’t right, but part of me says that’s okay. We don’t need them to save us. We are going to save ourselves. We are all we need.”
Cropped photo President Joe Biden tapes an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles. (Wikimedia Commons / Photo by Erin Scott)
Concept, American flag on cracked background
Black Caucus Awards Dinner
At the annual Congressional Black Caucus Foundation awards dinner that marks the end of the half-century-old legislative conference commonly known as “CBC Week,” the notable speakers of the evening were blunt in their remarks. Beyond the awards and the sequins and campaign that’s
featured at the annual CBC Gala, blunt talk of what is ahead for Blacks in America and the state of democracy was close at hand. Former Vice President Kamala Harris was one of three awardees. “They played the long game working for decades to take
NNPA Chairman Joh Warren, President and CEO Benjamin Chavis, and Benjamin Crump at the 2025 NNPA
Mapping Deportations: Tracing the Racist Origins of US Immigration Policy
by Alyssah Hall
Mapping Deportations, created by three scholars from UCLA's Center for Immigration Law and Policy and the Million Dollar Hoods Project. It traces the racist origins of immigration laws and policies in the United States since 1895. (source: mappingdeportations.com)
Overview: Mapping Deportations, created by three scholars from UCLA’s Center for Immigration Law and Policy and the Million Dollar Hoods Project, traces the racist origins of immigration laws and policies in the United States since 1895. The website shows that over 96% of deportation orders have been issued to people from predominantly non-white countries, and that Mexico and Central America have been in the lead with the highest number of deportation orders continuously since 1915. The researchers argue that racism has been baked into the immigration system since the antebellum period and has been reinvented since 1965.
A new map developed by scholars at UCLA called Mapping Deportations, traces the history of deportation orders in the United States, dating back to 1895. Their research, “Mapping deportations: Unmasking the history of racism in U.S. immigration reinforcement,” uncovers patterns of deportation, who it affects the most, and gives information on the origins and realities of the U.S. deportation
policy.
During a media briefing hosted by nonprofit news agency American Community Media, researchers Kelly Lytle Hernández, Mariah Tso, and Ahilan Arulanantham from UCLA’s Center for Immigration Law and Policy and the Million Dollar Hoods Project reviewed the map’s features.
Hernández, Tso, and Arulanantham decided to begin map deportations research because they wanted to develop a website that would trace the racist origins of a multitude of immigration laws and policies that remain in effect today during the Trump administration and their heavy push for deportation.
“There have been well over eight million deportation orders since 1895, and as we know, that number is increasing every day. The pattern is that over 96% of deportation orders have been issued to people from predominantly non white countries. And this isn’t random, it’s a reflection of policies steeped in racism, and the quotes of lawmakers and leaders throughout history reveal even
FBI fires agents photographed kneeling during 2020 racial justice protest, AP sources say
by Eric Tucker
WASHINGTON (AP) —
The FBI has fired agents who were photographed kneeling during a racial justice protest in Washington that followed the 2020 death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers, three people familiar with the matter said Sept. 26. The bureau last spring had reassigned the agents but has since fired them, said the people, who insisted on anonymity to discuss personnel matters with The Associated Press.
The number of FBI employees terminated was not immediately clear, but two people said it was roughly 20. The photographs at issue showed a group of agents taking the knee during one of the demonstrations following the May 2020 killing of Floyd, a death that led to a national reckoning over policing and racial injustice and sparked widespread anger after millions of people saw video of the arrest. The kneeling had angered some in the FBI but was also understood as a possible deescalation tactic during a period of protests.
The FBI Agents Association confirmed in a statement late Sept. 26 that more than a dozen agents had been fired, including military veterans with additional statutory protections, and condemned the move as unlawful. It called on Congress to investigate and said the firings were another indication of FBI Director Kash Patel’s disregard for the legal rights of bureau employees.
“As Director Patel has repeatedly stated, nobody is above the law,” the agents
more,” Tso said.
The earliest year that the researchers have deportation order data by country or region is 1895, and each dot on their map represents “deportation orders.” They chose to use the term deportation order because it refers to the event, not a unique individual. The map was created with publicly available data from federal authorities that map immigration statistics.
The map is grouped into nine geographic regions, due to the data varying over 120 years. The map shows that Mexico and Central America have been in the lead with the highest number of deportation orders continuously since 1915.
“I was struck by how stark some of the race discrimination was in immigration policy, even during the Biden administration… one example, the application of the title 42 program, excluding people from the country on the basis of Covid was applied very harshly to Haitians and to other people from Central America. And then, just like that, virtually all Ukrainians were exempt from the program, and they were allowed to come in,” Arulanantham shared.
“Similarly, the Biden administration was defending the illegal re entry, the criminal prohibition on illegal re entry… It was passed in 1929 at the height of the of the eugenic movement, and its role in immigration policy is a very clear law that you cannot, the government is not allowed to enforce laws that are motivated by race discrimination, and yet the Biden administration was defending these,” Arulanantham continued.
Hernández explained that when building the map, it was clear to the team that to be able
to interpret the data on the map, they also needed to know the additional factors for “what’s at play” in the numbers. Their website also gives historical background and a timeline for folks to understand at what point in time there were certain laws that targeted certain communities and how that coagulated with the deportation data.
“What we’re trying to show is how racism was baked into the immigration system over time, dating all the way back to the antebellum period and is yet to be fully purged. And, in fact, has been reinvented in some ways since 1965,” Hernández said.
“We argue that since 1991, the United States federal government has built the largest immigrant detention and deportation system in the world, conducting more than seven million deportations during this time period, issuing more than 25 million so-called voluntary departure orders during this time period,” Hernández continued.
Research found that racial disparities among deportations grew during this time period. The growth is largely attributed to the tightening relationship between the U.S. criminal legal system and the immigration system, which effectively made mass deportation a component of mass incarceration, Hernández explained.
The Mapping Deportations website has many features including a “maps and data tab” with a data library of 15 different visualizations, including deportations by year; mapping the “white man’s” republic; the whites-only immigration regime; “voluntary” departures; Black immigration: 1899-1961; and Title 42 expulsions.
FBI fires agents photographed kneeling during 2020 racial justice protest, AP sources say... continued
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder... continued
Difficulty communicating and interacting with other people
Highly specific interests and repetitive behaviors
Symptoms that affect the person’s ability to function in school, at home, and in other areas of life
Symptoms for ASD generally appear by age 2 or 3, and it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. While research shows that early intervention can lead to positive outcomes later in life, many children are diagnosed at a much later age. The first step to supporting a child showing signs of ASD is identification. Some early signs of ASD can include little to no babbling or noise-making, delayed language development, little to no response to name, or avoiding interactions like eye contact, back-and-forth exchanges, and gesturing.
Support Strategies
Educators can implement a variety of strategies to support a positive experience for children with ASD in their learning environment.
If the child already has an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Program (IEP), coordinate with the intervention team. Provide structured routines, transitions, and environments.
Display a daily schedule with pictures of routines and activities. Use visual cue cards during transitions and routines to help
the child predict next steps. Let the child know ahead of time that a transition is coming. Gradually increase the time the child is expected to remain on task during learning activities. Create, read, and discuss personalized “social stories” or “teaching stories” with the child to help them prepare for or cope with various situations.
Create verbal and nonverbal communication opportunities. Create and use picture cards to cue transitions and routines. Create a communication book — with pictures of items or activities the child enjoys or may need to communicate about — that the child can use to communicate with others. Offer wait time for the child to verbalize ideas or requests. Read familiar, repetitive books and provide opportunities for the child to fill in the blanks. Limit the time spent with desired items and activities so that the child is motivated to request them again. Support positive social interactions.
Use first-ten boards and cue cards to support the child while engaging in turn-taking activities. Model, prompt, and reinforce appropriate responses to common greetings and interactions. Create and repeatedly read social stories with the child. Include pictures along with descriptions of activities, others’ feelings, and directives about how the child can respond in the situation.
Submission Deadline Is Mondays By 5pm & Tuesday by Noon After Holiday
Bill Protecting California Veterans From Predators to Get Vote in January...continued from page 3
association said. “But rather than providing these agents with fair treatment and due process, Patel chose to again violate the law by ignoring these agents’ constitutional and legal rights instead of following the requisite process.”
An FBI spokesman declined to comment Sept. 26.
The firings come amid a broader personnel purge at the bureau as Patel works to reshape the nation’s premier federal law enforcement agency.
Five agents and top-level executives were known to have been summarily fired last month in a wave of ousters that current and former officials say has contributed to declining morale.
One of those, Steve Jensen, helped oversee investigations into the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. Another, Brian Driscoll, served as acting FBI director in the early days of the Trump administration and resisted Justice Department demands to supply the names of agents who investigated Jan. 6.
A third, Chris Meyer, was incorrectly rumored on social media to have participated in the investigation into President Donald Trump’s retention of classified documents at his Mara-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla. A fourth, Walter Giardina, participated in high-profile investigations like the one into Trump adviser Peter Navarro.
A lawsuit filed by Jensen, Driscoll and another fired FBI supervisor, Spencer Evans, alleged that Patel communicated
that he understood that it was “likely illegal” to fire agents based on cases they worked but was powerless to stop it because the White House and the Justice Department were determined to remove all agents
who investigated Trump. Patel denied at a congressional hearing last week taking orders from the White House on whom to fire and said anyone who has been fired failed to meet the FBI’s standards.
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
By U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provided this guide on autism spectrum disorder as part of a series of briefs that offer basic information about common disabilities and tips for educators as they support children with disabilities.
Overview
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that leads to distinctive social, communication, and behavioral strengths and challenges. A diagnosis of ASD now includes what used to be a
few separate autism diagnoses: autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDDNOS), and Asperger syndrome. ASD is a spectrum disorder, which means that each person with autism has a unique set of strengths and challenges.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a guide created by the American Psychiatric Association for diagnosing psychological disorders, people with ASD show:
population of any state, with estimates ranging from about 1.6 million to 1.8 million veterans, according to the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet).
Assemblymember Carl DeMaio (R-San Diego) voted in favor of the bill on Sept. 4, when it received a 68-0 margin on the lower house’s floor.
“If you look at some of these companies, it’s outrageous what they charge,” DeMaio said.
The bill has received backlash from some veterans and groups such as Vets Know the Facts, an advocacy group committed to providing information and fighting misinformation about government policies that affect veterans’ lives.
Other organizations that oppose SB 694 include the Black Veterans Empowerment
Council, Purple Heart Homes, United Veteran Benefits Agency, and Veterans Guardian.
Freshman Assemblymember David Tangipa (R-Clovis) said his father served in the military. His father is a disabled U.S. veteran. Tangipa, who said he has had to “deal personally” with VA for spousal benefits for his mother, supports SB 694 and voted in favor of the bill on Sept. 4, but stated that the measure still needs work.
“The problem is we and the government have not taken care of the veterans as much as we could because we haven’t given back the services or hired more Veteran Affairs offices to help them,” Tangipa said. “I am not in opposition to this bill. I am simply asking for more time to go all the way upstream and fix the issue.”
Multicolored paper hands with pencils on white background. World autism day concept (Photo by Liliia Bila
Thursday, October 2, 2025
California Bans Law Enforcement From Wearing Face Coverings
by Alyssah Hall
after signing a slate of bills designed to protect Californians from the aggressive immigration policies of
Overview: California
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed the No Secret Police Act, prohibiting law enforcement officers from covering their faces with ski masks while performing their duties. The bill, which will take effect on January 1, 2026, includes exemptions for SWAT teams and other situations. The legislation is part of a package of bills aimed at establishing a standard of expectations to keep people safe against the Trump administration’s “immigration agenda.” The passage of these bills follows the Supreme Court’s recent ruling which lifted ICE restrictions in Los Angeles, allowing for the racial profiling of residents during immigration raids.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senator Scott Wiener’s (D-San Francisco) No Secret Police Act, prohibiting local and federal law enforcement, including ICE agents, from covering their faces with ski masks while performing their duties. The bill also calls for law enforcement agencies to acquire a policy governing the use of facial coverings by July 1, 2026. Senate Bill 627 was first introduced by Wiener and Senator Jesse Arreguín
(D-Berkeley) on June 16, and will take effect Jan. 1, 2026.
The Trump administration has encouraged and enforced antiimmigrant and militant ICE practices such as the deployment of Marines and National Guard troops to Los Angeles in June. Against Newsom’s disapproval, Trump deployed the guard in response to protests sparked by immigration raids on June 6. Since then, the Trump administration has not let up on its extreme anti-immigrant policies.
On Sept. 23, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security claimed that the administration has removed two million “illegal aliens,” or that they have self-deported since the beginning of the year. This report comes after Homeland Security, led by Secretary Kristi Noem, called for Newsom to veto the No Secret Police Act, stating that the bill puts officers and their families “at risk of being doxed and targeted by vicious criminals, including gang members, terrorists, cartel members, and murderers.”
“As this authoritarian regime seeks to demolish our constitutional rights and engages
Trump and RFK Jr. Make Unproven
by Breanna Reeves
Chris Allen, BVN
Overview: President Donald Trump and U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made unproven claims linking the use of Tylenol (acetaminophen) and autism spectrum disorder. Studies have not proven any causal relationship between acetaminophen use and autism. Health officials and organizations have called the claims unfounded and urged families to consult with their healthcare providers before making any decisions about medication use.
In a joint press conference, President Donald Trump and U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made unproven claims that linked the use of Tylenol (acetaminophen) and autism spectrum disorder. During the announcement, Trump falsely claimed, “Tylenol during pregnancy can be associated with a very increased risk of autism.” Studies have not proven this to be true. According to Yale School of Public Health Associate Professor Dr. Zeyan Liew, who has spent years investigating factors that
in a straight up terror campaign, California is meeting the Trump Administration’s secret police tactics with strength and defiance.
I applaud Governor Newsom for the tremendous leadership he has shown in combatting President Trump’s assault on California.
The No Secret Police Act is a bold step that builds on a remarkable record of leadership defending our immigrant communities and democracy itself,” stated Weiner via press release.
SB 627 describes law enforcement officers as “any peace officer at the local or federal level, any person acting on behalf of a federal law enforcement agency, or any out of state officer.” The finalized version of SB 627 lists nine exemptions for mask wearing including SWAT teams, motorcycle helmets and masks to protect against inclement weather. The bill is backed by a substantial coalition of immigrant rights, labor and civil rights organizations.
Along with SB 627, Newsom also signed several other bills as follows:
Assembly Bill 49 by Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance), prohibits immigration enforcement officers from entering public school grounds without a valid judicial warrant or court order.
Senate Bill 81 by Jesse Arreguín (D-Berkeley)makes emergency rooms and other health facilities off limits to immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant or court order.
Senate Bill 98 by Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Pasadena), titled The Sending Alerts to Families in Education (SAFE) Act, calls for K-12 schools and higher education institutions to issue alerts if immigration
enforcement authorities are present on campus, and prohibits immigration enforcement from entering certain areas without a judicial warrant or court order.
Senate Bill 805 by Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Pasadena), prohibits impersonating a law enforcement officer, law enforcement officers must identify themselves while conducting their duties.
This signed package of legislation was created to establish a standard of expectations to keep people safe from the Trump administration’s “immigration agenda.” The agenda being tactics that have “terrorized communities, traumatized students, disrupted businesses, and endangered public safety for American citizens,” according to Newsom’s press release.
The bills also follow the Supreme Court’s recent ruling which lifted ICE restrictions in Los Angeles. The Court’s ruling allows for the racial profiling of residents during immigration raids.
“It’s like a dystopian sci-fi movie. Unmarked cars, people in masks, people quite literally disappearing. No due process, no rights. No rights in a democracy where we have rights. Immigrants have rights, and we have the right to stand up and push back, and that’s what we’re doing here today,” Newsom stated.
“This is a disgrace. This is an outrage, what we have allowed to happen in this country. And I could not be more proud of this legislature, the legislative authors, to the community demanding more from all of us at this moment to push back. I’ll be signing a bill, the first in the nation, saying, enough. To ICE . . . unmask. What are you afraid of?” Newsom continued.
Claims Linking Tylenol to Autism
deficits associated with autism, and characterized Tylenol as “not good.”
In a letter, the FDA
Commissioner Dr. Martin A. Makary encouraged physicians to “consider minimizing the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy for routine low-grade fevers,” but noted that no causal relationship has been established between acetaminophen and autism.
contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders, there is no proven causal relationship between acetaminophen use and autism.
Executive Director Beth Burt from the Autism Society Inland Empire, a nonprofit organization based in Corona, shared that the language used during the press conference was concerning.
“We are deeply troubled by the language used during the press conference, which portrayed Autism as a ‘horrible, horrible crisis’ that is ‘destroying families.’ Such rhetoric perpetuates harmful stereotypes and undermines the lived experiences of those in the Autism community,” Burt stated in an email.
Autism is a neurological and developmental condition that affects how people interact with others, communicate, and learn. There is no known cause of autism, and studies have shown that the condition develops from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Trump and RFK Jr. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will work on developing a potential treatment for speech-related
Dr. Steven J. Fleischman, MD, MBA, FACOG, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, called the HHS announcement “highly unsettling” in a press statement.
“Today’s announcement by HHS is not backed by the full body of scientific evidence and dangerously simplifies the many and complex causes of neurologic challenges in children,” Dr. Fleischman stated.
“Acetaminophen is one of the few options available to pregnant patients to treat pain and fever, which can be harmful to pregnant people when left untreated. Maternal fever, headaches as an early sign of preeclampsia, and pain are all managed with the therapeutic use of acetaminophen, making acetaminophen essential to the people who need it,” he continued.
As part of the administration’s plan to address the use of acetaminophen, the FDA issued a physician notice and began the process to initiate a label change for acetaminophen (Tylenol and similar products).
Kenvue, the company that produces Tylenol, shared a statement with Black Voice News via email, addressing the president’s comments about the safety of taking Tylenol while pregnant.
Ben Crump Pledges $50K to the Black Press, Challenges Others to Follow His Lead.... continued from page 6
He reminded the room of the lessons of struggle and obligation.
“Everybody got to give a little more when they can. If you’ve been blessed, you got to pass the blessing on. You just can’t keep it to yourself,” Crump told the packed ballroom. “Our fraternity teaches us we must lift as we climb. So tonight, I’m trying to lift as we climb to make this donation, and I pray that others will join us if you’re able to. If you’re able to.” “Because, like Dr. King said, we all got a role to play. The Black lawyers got a role to play. The Black doctors got a role to play. The Black bankers got a role to play. The Black insurance agents, Black funeral homes. I understand everybody can’t be on the front line with the NAACP and Black Lives Matter and us, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have a role to play when you get a seat at the table. When you are inside the room and you have got a voice, you got a role to play. And so, you can’t be afraid to speak truth to power.”
“We believe independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism. We strongly disagree with any suggestion otherwise and are deeply concerned about the health risks and confusion this poses for expecting mothers and parents,” the statement read. “The facts are that over a decade of rigorous research, endorsed by leading medical professionals and global health regulators, confirms there is no credible evidence linking acetaminophen to autism.”
Health officials from the California Department of Public Health, the Office of the Surgeon General and Department of Developmental Services also issued a joint statement addressing the unfounded claims.
“Americans deserve clear medical guidance that is the result of a rigorous scientific process. We urge everyone to seek out credible medical guidance to inform their health care choices and to have conversations with their licensed health care providers,” the statement read.
“The California Department of Public Health will continue to work with partners in health care and science to share guidance that people can trust.”
The Autism Society Inland Empire encourages families to consult with their healthcare providers before making any decisions about medication use and to focus on early developmental screening, inclusive education, and lifelong support services.
Organizations such as The Autism Society Inland Empire, Autism Speaks and the California Autism Foundation offer educational resources and support for families.
He paused, then drew from the words of his fraternity brother, Attorney Billy Murphy. “He says, Crump, in America today, we got enough African Americans who are educated. We got enough African Americans who are articulate. We got enough African Americans who are intelligent. What we seem to lack is enough African Americans who got courage to speak truth to power. And that’s what we got to have when we’re facing bullies. We got to speak truth to power. We can’t be scared. Just like they unapologetic in their white supremacist beliefs, we got to be unapologetic defenders of Black life, Black liberty, and Black humanity. Now more than ever. And our actions got to match our words.” His action matched his words. Crump pledged $50,000 to the Black Press—structured at $10,000 a year for five years. Fifty thousand dollars for the Black Press. A seed planted in fertile ground, if others dare to water it. “And so I want to present this donation to the Black Press for $50,000,” Crump said. “Because right now we got to support our own.” But he was not content with his own gift. He pointed the way for others. With the bicentennial of the Black Press approaching, supporters are being urged to step forward through sponsorships, advertising, and partnerships to ensure that the Trusted Voice of the Black Community remains alive. Even for Let It Be Known, ever rising in its import to the Black Press and its growing audience, survival is paramount. There’s an official GoFundMe at https:// gofund.me/240152783.
“That’s why I’m making this donation to the Black Press,” Crump declared, his words cutting with urgency. “Because right now the Black Press is needed more than ever before.”
Riverside County Suicide Prevention Coalition Conference Gathers Leaders, First Responders, and Educators
PALM SPRINGS, CA -- (Sept. 30, 2025) The annual Riverside County Suicide Prevention Coalition (SPC) Conference on Oct. 2 will provide tools and resources to support communities, first responders and educators in the aftermath of suicide loss.
This year’s theme, “Postvention: Best Practices for Community Helpers, First Responders, and Educators to Respond and Support After a Suicide Loss,” highlights the importance of fostering resilience, compassion and healing across Riverside County.
“Way too often, we know someone who has attempted to commit suicide or taken their own life,” said Riverside County Board Chair and Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “We know that depression, behavioral health issues or PTSD has been a cause of those actions. This conference provides a space to learn, to collaborate, to bring people together and to think about how we can build stronger systems of support ensuring that we don’t have to experience suicide among our friends anymore.”
The daylong conference begins at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, at the Palm Springs Convention Center, 277 N. Avenida Caballeros, Palm Springs. The event is free and open to the public.
Keynote speaker Dr. David J. Schonfeld, a developmentalbehavioral pediatrician and founder of the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement, will share insights from more than 35 years of experience helping schools and communities navigate grief and crisis. Attendees will hear personal stories from those who have suffered loss and will have the opportunity to participate in breakout sessions on how to access resources that strengthen both professional practice and
personal well-being.
According to the latest data from RUHS-Public Health’s Epidemiology & Program Evaluation program, in Riverside County, there were 266 confirmed suicide deaths in 2024. Postvention practices play a critical role not only in supporting those grieving but also in preventing future tragedies.
“Connection is the starting point for healing,” said Dr. Matthew Chang, Director of Riverside University Health System –Behavioral Health (RUHSBH). “When professionals and community members come together to share knowledge and support, they open the door for recovery and lasting hope.”
The SPC was established in 2020 by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors and formed in partnership with RUHS-BH, RUHS Public Health (RUHSPH), the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE), law enforcement, community partners, and healthcare organizations.
The coalition works to reduce suicide rates by increasing awareness, improving access to resources, and fostering collaboration across agencies. In addition to the annual conference, the SPC offers a variety of free, evidence-based trainings and workshops throughout the year to strengthen community capacity for suicide prevention and support after a loss.
For more information about the conference, visit https://rivcospc. org/news/4th-annual-suicideprevention-coalition-conferencethursday-october-2-2025-palmsprings Learn about the coalition: rivcospc.org
For local data and resources on suicide prevention, visit RUHealth.org/public-health
CA Governor Gavin Newsom speaks
President Donald J. Trump. Credit: Chris Allen, BVN
In a joint press conference with U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald J.Trump falsely claimed, “Tylenol during pregnancy can be associated with a very increased risk of autism.” Credit: