SB American News Week Ending 7/30

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Beloved

Show’ Star Dies at 54

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA

WASHINGTON — MalcolmJamal Warner, the actor best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on the groundbreaking NBC sitcom The Cosby Show, has died at the age of 54. Warner reportedly drowned while on a family vacation in Costa Rica, according to a family source cited by People magazine. His death was confirmed on Sunday, July 21. Warner’s sudden passing has stunned fans and colleagues alike. He is survived by his wife and daughter, whose identities have been kept private throughout his career. Authorities in Costa Rica have not released additional details, but Warner’s death is being described as a tragic accident.

Warner became a household name in the 1980s as the wisecracking middle child of Cliff and Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show, one of the most successful and influential sitcoms in television history. His portrayal of Theo earned him an Emmy nomination and endeared him to millions of viewers during the show’s eight-season run from 1984 to 1992. After The Cosby Show, Warner continued to build a diverse and acclaimed career. He starred in the UPN sitcom Malcolm & Eddie from 1996 to 2000, and held recurring roles in numerous TV dramas and comedies, including Major Crimes, Suits, Community, The Resident, Reed Between the Lines, Jeremiah, and 9-1-1. He also voiced “The Producer” on

Credit: Skip Nocciolo/CNN

the popular animated series The Magic School Bus and served as an executive producer on the show. Warner’s talents extended well beyond acting. In 2015, he won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance for his work on

the song “Jesus Children” with Robert Glasper Experiment and Lalah Hathaway. He was also a published poet, musician, and director, and in recent years had become an outspoken advocate for mental health, particularly in the Black community. Just days before his death, Warner released what would be his final episode of his podcast Not All Hood, a series focused on unpacking generational trauma, wellness, and healing within marginalized communities.

Fans and celebrities flooded social media on Sunday, expressing shock and heartbreak. One longtime fan, 43-year-old Jalen Cooper of Washington, D.C., said, “He was more than Theo to us—he represented a generation of young Black men who finally saw themselves reflected on TV. His voice will be missed.” Warner’s enduring presence in American pop culture spanned four decades, and he remained active in film, television, music, and podcasting until his final days. As tributes continue to pour in from across the entertainment industry and beyond, many are remembering Warner as a trailblazer who helped redefine Black manhood on screen. Actor and director Keegan-Michael Key posted simply, “Rest easy, King. You gave us more than you know.” Warner’s family has asked for privacy during this time of grief. Funeral arrangements have not yet been made public.

Five Bills Gov. Newsom Signed Into Law Last Week You Should Know About

deeply grateful to my colleagues in the State Legislature for their support, and to the governor for signing this important piece of legislation into law.”

AB 313: Students Can No Longer Lose Financial Aid Due to Delays Beyond Their Control

AB 313 allows the California Student Aid Commission to extend application deadlines for Cal Grants, the Middle Class Scholarship, and other aid programs by up to 30 days upon a formal request. Another 30-day extension can be granted in a state or federal emergency.

Previously, schools or colleges had to formally ask the state for deadline extensions on behalf of their students. Now, the Commission can automatically grant 30-day extensions if it finds that an event -- such as a declared state of emergency or FAFSA system glitch --has made it hard for students to apply on time.

Authored by Assemblymember Liz Ortega (D-Hayward), the law applies to delays caused by a natural disaster; states of emergency declared by the California governor or president

of the United States; delays in opening the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); or a labor action.

AB 1034: All Teachers Must Now Have Youth Mental Health Training

AB 1034, authored by Assemblymember Anamarie Avila Farías (D-Concord), expands teacher training requirements to achieve a credential to include modules on mental health issues that impact young people.

Previous state law required trainings for health education topics like nutrition, CPR and the effects of alcohol, drugs and tobacco -- but did not require any training on common mental health challenges for youth.

“California is experiencing a youth mental health crisis,” said Avila Farías in a statement.

“By incorporating youth mental health training into the credentialing process, we will ensure that teachers are equipped to recognize the signs of distress and respond appropriately,” she added.

AB 233: Food Truck Owners

and

This includes smaller vendors

to

and

Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson), a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) who introduced the bill, believes this bill will support economic activity in communities across the state and benefit small business owners.

AB 233 amends California’s Business and Professions Code to permit this change.

AB 553: Law Ends CalFresh Ban on Hot Food, Other Options

This bill, written by Assemblymember Jessica Caloza (D-Los Angeles), mandates that California’s Department of Social Services must do everything possible to maximize all food choices for CalFresh users. continued on page 3

Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Guardians of history: The enduring task of Black museums in America

by Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer

co-organizer of

Leadership

Black museums are more crucial than ever when it comes to teaching, learning and maintaining the authentic history of people of African descent. Institutions across the nation and beyond are working hard to keep pure records of what African Americans have been through, how they’ve overcome and what they still face.

“As our nation wrestles with how to tell the stories of the past and who and what should be highlighted in our history, Black History Museums, and experiences like our ‘Journey To Freedom’ Global Leadership Experience Tour create opportunities for today’s emerging leaders to walk in and be inspired by the steps of their ancestors,” said Dr. Natasha Sistrunk Robinson, co-organizer of “The Journey to Freedom” Global Leadership Experience Tour. The initiative features various stops at Black museums such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C. and Museum of the American

Revolution in Philadelphia.

Dr. Natasha Sistrunk Robinson, co-organizer of “The Journey to Freedom” Global Leadership Experience Tour, works to help the public understand the vital role of Black museums in preserving authentic history. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Natasha Sistrunk Robinson) The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in Washington D.C. is the only national museum that is exclusively tasked with documenting African-American history and culture. The museum opened its doors on Sept. 24, 2016, with more than 36,000 artifacts and a range of exhibits on African-American contributions to athletics, arts, the military and more. The NMAAHC is also the 19th museum of the Smithsonian Institution.

“Museums play an especially important role in preserving and protecting these stories and images from erasure or cooptation,” said Robinson.

In Memphis, Tenn., the

National Civil Rights Museum is revered as one of the nation’s top heritage and cultural museums. It aims to tell the story of the American Civil Rights Movement, the lessons learned from it and how that era continues to shape equality and freedom in the U.S. and internationally.

The National Civil Rights Museum, established in 1991, is located at the former Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a key figure of the civil rights movement, was assassinated on April 4, 1968. The museum features a range of lively speakers, interactive exhibits and special events such as the Ruby Bridges Reading Festival and free admission days.

The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tenn., built around the former Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, serves as a solemn and powerful tribute to the struggle for racial justice in America. (Photo courtesy of the United States Civil Rights Trail)

“Education is the key to teaching empathy, compassion and changing the world for the better,” said Dr. Samora Otieno, chief program officer for CorpsAfrica. “Museums have always played a key role in that regard and Black museums

have never been more important than they are now. Both in Africa itself–where the work of CorpsAfrica takes place–and externally, in the U.S. and abroad.”

CorpsAfrica is a nonprofit organization that trains and deploys young college educated Africans to facilitate communityled development projects in their countries.

Otieno pressed that Black museums are crucial to teaching history effectively.

“We all must know how we got to the ‘now’ and museums help us navigate and understand those journeys,” said Otieno. “Museums also act as important archives–lest we forget–and help to teach the next generation about the past, no matter how tough that might be. That helps us to honor and remember history.”

Robinson suggests that youth want to engage with their history in person.

“Because their world is so full of digital content, younger people are especially eager to experience these lessons firsthand,” said Robinson. “They want to gain knowledge, learn about different parts of history, and have the chance to see and be in the places where their ancestors walked.”

Class Credit -- and a Paycheck: New Bill to Finally Pay California’s Struggling Student Teachers

Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Credit: Shutterstock

For about 28,000 student teachers in California, their first year in the classroom can be a challenge.

It’s not just because of managing oversized classrooms, creating lesson plans or grading papers. Their largest issue is doing all of this without getting paid.

Ronald Council, a teacher in his second year living in San Diego, shared his experience with California Black Media (CBM).

“I found the expectation to survive in California, pay for my credential and work for free to be unrealistic,” Council recalled.

“I had to work a full-time job and two part time jobs to help make ends meet,” he continued. “I barely had enough energy to give to my students. They are the reason I was able to make it through, but being paid for my work would’ve been extremely helpful and relieved so much stress.”

To become a K-12 public school teacher in California,

candidates need a bachelor’s degree and a teaching credential. This is usually earned after completing a one-year program combining coursework and 600 hours of classroom experience. Student teachers work with veteran teachers or sometimes lead their own classes. While these credential programs cost between $20,000 and $40,000, first year teachers in the program do not get paid.

To lift some of the burden from student teachers, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) wrote Assembly Bill (AB) 1128. The bill would establish the California Student Teacher Support Grant Program for local education agencies to compensate teacher candidates during student teaching hours as part of their teacher preparation programs.

The grant would be used to pay student teachers the same amount as substitute teachers, which is $140 a day. The cost of maintaining the grant could cost the state up to $300 million

a year, according to Assembly analysts.

However, this year, Gov. Gavin Newsom already set aside $100 million for the program in his 2025-26 budget.

“As the world's fourth largest economy, California must invest in our students and our educators to support student success and well-being," said Muratsuchi in a statement about AB 1128 and a package of other education bills he is supporting.

“These bills will advance critical educational priorities like teaching every child to read, protecting immigrant and undocumented students, increasing pay for teachers and school employees, strengthening charter school oversight and accountability, providing affordable education workforce housing, and addressing California’s ongoing teacher shortage,” Muratsuchi continued.

AB 1128 is currently awaiting second committee review in the Senate and hasn’t received public opposition. Before that, on June 2, the Assembly voted to advance the bill with a 79-0 floor vote.

Troubling statistics on teacher shortages in the state and the financial realities they face may have contributed to the bill gaining overwhelming support in the Legislature, supporters say.

According to a recent study by the Learning Policy Institute, 60% of teachers borrowed money to finish their degrees in 2020. Their loans normally averaged about $30,000 for a four-year bachelor’s degree and

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HARLEM WEEK 2025: A Celebration of Culture, Legacy, and Community

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Harlem’s largest annual celebration returns this summer as the 51st edition of HARLEM WEEK kicks off on August 1 and runs through August 17.

previous Harlem Week celebration courtesy of NYC Tourism & Conventions

Harlem’s largest annual celebration returns this summer as the 51st edition of HARLEM WEEK kicks off on August 1 and runs through August 17.

This year’s theme, “Celebrate Our Magic,” pays tribute to the enduring cultural, spiritual, and historical legacy of Harlem, while spotlighting a lineup of events designed to inspire, uplift, and engage residents and visitors alike.

a credential program.

One of the bill’s largest supporters is the California Teachers Association (CTA), which represents the largest teachers’ union in the state.

“Aspiring educators should not be expected to work for free,” CTA Vice President Leslie Littman told CBM.

“This essential legislation helps eliminate barriers to attracting a qualified and diversified workforce. Research shows that unpaid student teaching remains a major barrier to entering the profession, disproportionately impacting educators that we need in the workforce – educators of color, those with low-income backgrounds -- thus adding more pressures to the educator shortage,” Littman continued.

Diversifying workforces has been a goal of school districts around the state. Research shows that Black and Latino students tend to do better academically when they have at least one teacher of the same race.

Muratsuchi also has another bill working its way through the Legislature. Assembly Bill 477, which passed the Assembly last month. It proposes salary raises for teachers. would raise teacher salaries.

“In order for California to build a pipeline of educators, we need to do everything we can to ensure that our aspiring educators have the stability and the means to focus on their training, and AB 1128 helps aspiring educators do just that,” Littman said.

Founded in 1974 as a one-day event by the late Hon. Percy Sutton to revitalize Harlem during a period of economic despair, HARLEM WEEK has grown into a 17-day global celebration with both live and virtual experiences. Cofounder and current chairman Lloyd Williams emphasized the event’s enduring power: “Our rich history and culture is just that, magic. From the cultural revival that was the Harlem Renaissance to institutions like the Apollo Theater and the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, this year’s theme embodies that despite challenges we may face, our creativity and our joy is magic.” This year’s programming features over 100 events across arts, music, health, business, technology, and education, while honoring icons such as civil rights trailblazer Hazel Dukes, Rep. Charles Rangel, music legends Kool & The Gang, Roberta Flack, Quincy Jones, Angie Stone, DJ Clark Kent, and the centennial of Malcolm X. The life and legacy of Harry Belafonte will also be honored with a street renaming ceremony.

HARLEM WEEK 2025 officially begins with Senior Citizens Day on August 1 at the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building. Attendees can expect health screenings, tech panels, and performances tailored to Harlem’s elder community. The following weekend, on August 2 and again on August 9 and 16, “Summer Streets Celebrating HARLEM WEEK” will transform Harlem’s blocks into car-free zones for live music, biking, roller-skating, and dancing, offering what organizers call the “hottest block party in the nation”. On August 9, Harlem’s streets will fill with runners and walkers for the Percy Sutton Harlem 5K Run and the Hazel Dukes Memorial Family Health Walk, followed by “Great Jazz on the Great Hill” in Central Park,

featuring performances from renowned jazz musicians. The festival continues on August 11 with the HARLEM WEEK Youth Conference, followed by Economic Development Day on August 12, and the NYC Jobs & Career Fair on August 13 at City College, where over 40 employers across various industries will recruit talent and host development workshops. Black Health Matters and HARLEM WEEK will host a major health summit on August 14 at Riverside Church, offering wellness panels, screenings, and community engagement focused on health equity. That evening, food lovers will gather for the Uptown Night Market, a celebration of global cuisines, culture, and family activities. One of HARLEM WEEK’s most anticipated days—“Summer in the City”—takes place August 16, featuring Harlem Broadway Row performances, a fashion show, health screenings, and hundreds of vendors. The day concludes with the HARLEM WEEK/IMAGENATION Outdoor Film Festival screening of Wicked at St. Nicholas Park. Children and families will enjoy the Alex Trebek Harlem Children’s Spelling Bee on August 16, as well as the NYC Children’s Festival at Howard Bennett Playground on August 16-17, featuring arts & crafts, face painting, double dutch, and performances.

HARLEM DAY, the grand finale on August 17, will take over 135th Street from Fifth Avenue to St. Nicholas Avenue. Featuring three entertainment stages, Harlem Health Village, and musical genres ranging from jazz to gospel to soca, HARLEM DAY reflects the vibrancy and global influence of Harlem itself. “Harlem Week celebrates that talent in all its various aspects,” said Vincent Boudreau, President of City College of New York. “It’s a joy for us to be part of the celebration.” HARLEM WEEK is presented by The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and supported by sponsors including Amazon Access, City College of New York, and Chase Bank. Nancy Dalton, Director of Amazon Access, noted, “Together, we’re creating more effective pathways to affordable, nutritious food.” For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit harlemweek.com.

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Dr. Natasha Sistrunk Robinson,

“The Journey to Freedom” Global

Experience Tour, works to help the public understand the vital role of Black museums in preserving authentic history. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Natasha Sistrunk Robinson)

The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tenn., built around the former Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, serves as a solemn and powerful tribute to the struggle for racial justice in America. (Photo courtesy of the United States Civil Rights Trail)

Thursday, July 24, 2025

A brutal – not beautiful bill – cuts consumer protection funding in half

by Charlene Crowell

week she warns that the newly passed budget bill slashes consumer protection and student loan support, threatening financial stability for millions while benefiting the wealthy. Photo Credit: Congressional Budget Office

New student loan limits also add to consumer financial stress

On the nation’s 249th birthday, President Donald Trump signed an 870-page bill known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).

But brutal – not beautiful –would be a more apt description of the widespread harm now facing families across the country.

“This is one of the most harmful and expensive bills Congress has ever considered,” said Pennsylvania Congressman Brendan F. Boyle, ranking member of the House Budget Committee. “It’s morally wrong. It’s economically reckless.”

The OBBBA will add about $3.3 trillion to the national debt over the next 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Additional cuts identified by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget cite:

$4.1 trillion more is added to the national debt through 2034 – more borrowing than any reconciliation bill in history; Social Security and Medicare insolvency is accelerated to 2032 – a year earlier than under current law; and The tax code is more complicated and less fair –creating new deductions, credits, and phase outs that treat similar income differently and increases the number of itemizers.

Beyond the ballooning

federal deficit, key programs that consumers have come to rely upon may have survived, but will now exist in markedly different ways.

For example, OBBBA cuts in half the amount of funding the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) can annually receive from the Federal Reserve System. As a result, instead of the long-standing 12 percent of federal earnings allotted for the agency’s operating expenses, now only 6.5 percent will be available, according to Thomson Reuters.

This funding slash continues the ongoing agency assault that has already seen litigation challenging CFPB plans for staffing cuts from 1,700 to only 200, the withdrawal of large lawsuits filed before the current Trump term, revoked rules earlier enacted, and a suspension of investigations.

It is difficult to understand the reasoning behind the continued CFPB assault when the agency has returned over $20 billion to 195 million financially defrauded consumers.

“While stopping a complete defunding of the Consumer Bureau was a victory and the Senate’s proposed ceiling is larger than that in the House-passed budget bill, the Senate’s big brutal bill still signals an intent by this administration and Congress to

significantly abandon the federal government’s obligation to protect consumers from harms in the financial marketplace,” noted Mike Calhoun, president of the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL). “American consumers count on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to protect their wallets from harm. Lowering the Bureau’s budget ceiling by nearly half suggests that many of those consumers are likely to be let down.”

Nor was CRL alone in alerting consumers to the harm wrought by OBBBA.

“Slashing vital programs that protect civil rights, consumer protections, health care, and education for working families to benefit the rich and powerful is wrong,” said Richard Dubois, executive director of the National Consumer Law Center. “The massive cuts to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau buried in the bill further empower large corporations over people.”

Other time-sensitive financial adjustments are also confronting the more than 42 million student loan borrowers who collectively owe nearly $1.7 trillion.

Starting Aug. 1, the 8 million borrowers who enrolled in the repayment plan, Saving on a Value Education (SAVE), which ties loan payments to borrower income, will continue to have their loan payments suspended, but the interest on these loans will begin to accrue again.

Other changes are specifically in store for 3.9 million borrowers of Parent PLUS loans. Starting July 1, 2026, three-tiered loan limits take effect for both annual borrowing and total lifetime loans. The three tiers span professional degrees – like those for physicians and lawyers, and two others for other graduate and undergraduate studies.

For undergraduate studies, Parent PLUS loans will be capped at $20,000 per year, or $65,000 total per student. The

average in-state student attending a public four-year institution and living on-campus spends $27,146 for one academic year, according to the Education Data Initiative.

Graduate student loans in this program will be slightly higher on an annual basis – $20,500; but have a larger lifetime cap of $100,000. The program’s highest loan caps will be reserved for professional schools at a rate of $50,000 per year and $200,000 total.

Additionally, two other student loan programs will be eliminated no later than June 30, 2028. Pay as You Earn (PAYE) that sets a 10-year repayment limit, and Income Contingent Repayment (ICR) plan that provides a 12year limit for consolidated loans.

Borrowers enrolled in both programs will need to switch to other repayment plans with the help of loan servicers.

But getting timely assistance early enough to meet the deadline depends upon access to loan servicers. As reported by the New York Times, 1.5 million cases are already pending resolution by servicers and these must be resolved before the department handles any new requests.

Much like the CFPB, Pell Grants that support moderate and low-income college students may have survived, but new terms of access likely will reduce the amount of aid that supports fourand two-year educational studies. A last-minute change to the bill now allows unaccredited, shortterm job-training programs to administer Pell Grants.

“The American people demanded lower costs, and what did they get? A brutal bill that will push millions off their healthcare, leave children to go hungry, and push dreams of a college education even further out of reach for working people across this country,” said Aissa Canchola Bañez, policy director for the Student Borrower Protection Center.

Exploring Generational Differences in Financial Philosophies

Today’s economic environment is shaped as much by prices and policies as it is by personalities. With four different generations working, saving, and spending at the same time, their different approaches to finances can help us see why money can highlight generational gaps.

It’s essential to keep in mind that every person is an individual, and the time period you were born does not necessarily mean you adhere to the same financial principles as others born during the same period. However, surveys show that generations do tend to have some overarching financial tendencies. And exploring those similar themes

among generations affords us an opportunity to learn from each other’s strengths.

Baby Boomers

Born 1946-1964

For the first time ever, many people are working past the age of retirement. Almost half of Baby Boomers expect to be working after age 70, either from necessity or personal desire. With secure retirement accounts in most cases, Boomers are working to improve their individual quality of life and amass more generational wealth.

Financial Worldview Baby Boomers came of

age when the economy was booming after World War II. They generally had reliable work opportunities and could expect retirement savings. Boomers grew up using cash and savings accounts, where you could easily see every dollar you owned.

Saving for luxury items is a point of pride. They are careful with their money but have an abundance mindset.

Financial Traits

Secure retirement accounts

Prefer to save for purchases rather than use credit

Trust traditional investments and financial advice

Want to amass generational

Five Bills Gov. Newsom Signed Into Law Last Week You Should Know About...continued from page 1

These options, under California law, may now include hot prepared foods, or foods or hot food products ready for immediate consumption and any allowable food option under federal law.

Previous state law only required the department to “ask permission” or request waivers for these food options.

“By removing red tape and modernizing program rules, this bill supports dignity, choice, and flexibility for millions of Californians who rely on CalFresh every day,” said Caloza in a statement. Current federal law still

prohibits Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to be used for purchasing hot food with the exception of the Restaurant Meals Program, which allows elderly or disabled people to buy food from particular restaurants. However, there are separate bills currently under consideration in U.S. House and the U.S. Senate -- both introduced in March of this year – that would allow SNAP benefits to be used to purchase hot food. If passed, California law will already be in alignment with the federal mandate.

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Exploring Generational Differences in Financial Philosophies...continued

dependent children

Dedicated to investing and long-term savings goals

See value in spending on luxury material goods

Distrust traditional financial advice

Strengths to Learn From Willingness to explore nontraditional financial options

Making long-term goals and related planning

Photo: peopleimages12 via 123RF

Millennials

Born 1981-1996

wealth

Strengths to Learn From

Planning for big-ticket purchases

Steady, measured financial goals

Gen X

Born 1965-1980

Parents who had stable careers and financial plans raised Generation X, but they didn’t always find the same predictability in their own adult years. Gen X workers tend to be entrepreneurial in both their careers and personal savings plans. They are often working to support traditional goals like personal success and family stability.

Financial Worldview

Generation X experienced uncertainty in the financial world during their adolescence and early adult years. They met traditional milestones, such as home ownership, but saw market crashes and inflation alongside extensive credit card use. They expect retirement savings, but don’t entirely trust that the economy will be stable. Owning luxury items is a sign of success and hard work. They tend to have a scarcity mindset and value self-sufficiency in the face of uncertainty.

Financial Traits

“Sandwich generation” caring financially for aging parents and

Some estimates show that millennials will make up 75% of the workforce this year. Saddled with student loan debt and struggling to catch up to everincreasing prices, millennials typically work more than one job. They are competitive and value hard work, but they require respect from employers and are not loyal on principle. Millennials expect to be paying off debt and simultaneously saving for the future at high rates.

Financial Worldview

Millennials navigated the transition from pre- to postdigital globalization. They grew up using cash, but now fully embrace cryptocurrency and digital platforms. They were raised during a time of prosperity and told to follow traditional dreams alongside an expensive college education. Their early adult years pushed back against this optimism, though, with the 2008 recession. Millennials are the first generation to not expect traditional retirement savings and also the first generation to be saddled with massive student loan debt.

Alongside inflated prices for basic financial milestones (like home ownership), millennials have turned to side jobs to meet the financial expectations they heard in childhood.

Financial Traits

Highest burden of debt, substantially due to student loans

Delayed financial “milestones” such as home ownership

Willing to spend on experiences over items

Side hustle culture to build retirement savings

Strengths to Learn From

Breaking from traditional measures of success when goals don’t align

Spending money on experiences for personal pleasure rather than outward success

Gen Z

Born 1997-2012

Generation Z is the newest group to be fully immersed in the workforce and economy. As digital natives, they embrace opportunities to work and invest in creative ways. They do not view student debt as a worthy sacrifice, and they expect employers to subsidize their training.

Financial Worldview

Generation Z was the first to grow up in a fully digital world. They are comfortable navigating quickly changing careers, expectations, and investment opportunities. They saw their parents and older Millennial peers struggle with unstable economic ups and downs, so they don’t expect financial stability from the traditional system. They are very civic-minded and use their money to support worthy causes more than personal needs. However, saving for their future is a top priority, and they take that responsibility on independently rather than through institutions.

Financial Traits

Are wary of debt and prioritize savings

Do not count on pensions or social security, and prefer to invest early in private retirement accounts

View jobs as flexible and expect to change careers multiple times

Use spending to support causes and values

Strengths to Learn From Purposeful spending to support community values

Approaching financial goals as a continuum rather than specific steps

Ultimately, generational approaches to finances are a fun concept to explore, but remember: Everyone is an individual with their own unique approach to finances. Highlighting shared experiences can shape financial attitudes in interesting and even surprising ways, and understanding them can help us better appreciate each other’s strengths and learn new approaches to managing our money.

Photo: peopleimages12 via 123RF

Charlene Crowell is a senior fellow with the Center for Responsible Lending. This

Fastest-Growing

Black-Owned Free Streaming Platform

Nationwide -- African American entrepreneur Anthony Washington is making history as the Founder and CEO of AEN (Anything Entertainment Network), the fastest-growing Black-owned streaming platform with free access to more than 50,000 movies, TV shows, and podcasts. The app is available for download on Roku, Google Play Store, and Apple iOS App Store, and its mission is to empower storytellers and engage audiences through a diverse mix of original, independent, and impactful content.

The platform is available to everyone globally. Currently, people are signing from more than 60 countries, including the United States, Germany, Japan, Jamaica, Belize, Ghana, and more. Subtitles are available in multiple languages for people who don't speak or understand English.

Washington comments, "We strive to create a space where creativity is celebrated, new voices are amplified, and entertainment goes beyond trends — leaving lasting impressions and inspiring connections."

He adds, "Our vision is to become a global hub for fresh, authentic, and accessible

entertainment that reflects the richness of human experience. We aim to bridge cultures, genres, and generations through a constantly evolving library of films, documentaries, music, and more — all while supporting creators and curating content that entertains, educates, and elevates."

For more details and/or to get started with AEN, visit AENClub.com

About the Founder

Anthony Washington is the Founder and CEO of AEN (Anything Entertainment Network). He is also one of the founders of the Black Film Association of Upstate New York. He got his start in the entertainment industry working for WDKX, a Black-owned radio station in Rochester, New York. He also has a background in videography and audiovisual, thanks to the influence of his dad, who was a photographer for 45 years, and his mom worked for Eastman Kodak for 31 years. He says that he created his own streaming platform to be able to tell stories that highlight our culture.

Seeking Artists for New Public Art at the City Services Building

The City of Ontario is seeking an artist or artist team to develop public art that will be placed at the entrance of the newly constructed City Services Building.

The City’s Museum, Arts & Culture Department is seeking an artist or artist team to develop public art that will be placed at the entrance of the new City Services Building in downtown. Artists will develop site-integrated sculptural work of art that fosters community, connectivity, and civic pride, while reflecting multiple cultural identities and intergenerational values. This work of art will be placed into the City’s permanent public art collection, and will ultimately become a well-known visual landmark at this site for all to enjoy.

This location provides the artist a space of high-visibility and accessibility during the day and in the evening, will become meaningful to the City staff who work there, and to all who visit. The project will continue to increase the community’s interest in public art, as well as heighten the visibility of artists and the arts in Ontario.

Museum, Arts & Culture

Director Marissa Kucheck shared, “We’re thrilled to launch the first permanent public art project with support by our newly established Public Art Advisory Commission. This marks a bold step in our vision to make Ontario a thriving destination for arts and culture — a place where creativity is not only welcomed, but celebrated in our public spaces. We invite artists to be part of this historic moment and create a lasting piece that reflects our shared values, stories, and aspirations.”

With this public art installation, it is the goal of Ontario’s Public Art Advisory Commission and

Thursday, July 24, 2025

A Life Well Lived: Honoring Willie Charles Brown, Sr., Publisher of Inglewood Today

Regina Wilson and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black

Willie Charles Brown, Sr., the longtime publisher of Inglewood Today, passed away on June 25 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He was 81.

For more than three decades, Brown used his platform as a journalist and publisher to uplift Inglewood residents and document the evolution of one of South Los Angeles’s most dynamic Black communities. On July 19, his life and legacy were honored by family, friends, and civic leaders at a service held at Inglewood Park Cemetery.

Born on February 17, 1944, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Brown was raised in the Desire neighborhood of the Upper Ninth Ward. He excelled as a student-athlete at G.W. Carver High School before relocating to California, eventually making Inglewood his home.

In 1993, a year after the Los Angeles uprising, Brown founded Inglewood Today to give residents a voice and counter narratives of the community too often distorted in mainstream media. The paper soon became a trusted source of local news, community commentary, and political accountability.

“Willie and Inglewood Today were an institution,” said Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts. “There was no paper more informative or reliable. He was

FBI’s Release of

Media

more than a publisher -- he was an anchor in the community.”

Brown’s influence extended beyond the newsroom. He was a mentor, civic partner, and connector. He backed emerging leaders and elevated community concerns before they made it into city council agendas or campaign platforms.

Councilmember Gloria Gray, a longtime friend and early supporter, read a city proclamation honoring Brown’s impact on local media and public life. “Through his unwavering commitment to journalism,” she said, “Mr. Brown informed the public, empowered the voiceless, and ensured our stories were told.”

Hardy Brown Sr., founding president of California Black Media, credited Brown as a foundational voice in the network’s formation. “He came to every meeting,” Hardy recalled. “He believed in the vision of creating a statewide

King Assassination Files

Is

an Invasion of Privacy, Say King’s Children

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — The King FBI files have been sealed since 1977. Subsequently, the two surviving children of Dr. King, Martin Luther King III and Bernice King, oppose President Trump’s January executive order. The King children cite the personal nature of their father’s 1968 assassination as the reason to keep the files sealed.

By April Ryan

the City of Ontario to achieve the following:

Create a design that is visually captivating and engaging from all vantage points

Have a strong visual presence both day and night

Generate a site-specific work of art that evokes a memorable sense of place authentic to the City as a premier destination for arts and culture in the Inland

Empire

The City’s Public Art Advisory Commission identified some potential themes for the artists to consider when applying for this project. Artwork should be unique to and a reflection of Ontario, while inspiring a sense of community, connectivity, and civic pride.

At a glance

Seeking artists or artist teams who design site-integrated sculptural works of art and have experience working on previous public art commissions with other municipalities. Their work process aligns to national public art trends, and they live and are based in California, and eligible to work in the United States.

Key dates and project budget Submission deadline: August 7, 2025 by 4 PM (PST) Budget: up to $300,000

If you are interested in submitting:

Submissions for the Call for Artists Qualifications shall be submitted through the online platform Submittable.com at: Call for Artists Qualifications, City Services Building Public Art To learn more about this project, review the Full Version - Call for Artists Qualifications, City Services Building Public Art

Questions Email MuseumInfo@ ontarioca.gov

To the dismay of the children of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders, President Donald Trump has ordered the release of more than 240,000 pages of FBI documents related to the assassination of Dr. King in 1968.

“The emphasis here is to give Americans the truth,” said Trump Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields.

In late January of this year, President Trump signed Executive Order 14176, declassifying the records on the assassinations of President John Kennedy, Senator Robert Kennedy, and Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr.

The King FBI files have been sealed since 1977. Subsequently, the two surviving children of Dr. King, Martin Luther King III and Bernice King, oppose President Trump’s January executive order. The King children cite the personal nature of their father’s 1968 assassination as the reason to keep the files sealed.

Reverend Al Sharpton the head of the National Action Network and close friend of the King family, said in a statement, “We need to be crystal clear on the fact that Trump releasing the MLK assassination files is not about transparency or justice, it’s a desperate attempt to distract people from the firestorm engulfing Trump over the Epstein files and the public unraveling of

A Life Well Lived: Honoring Willie Charles Brown, Sr., Publisher of Inglewood Today...continued

Black press infrastructure.”

For Kenneth Miller, publisher of the South Bay Black Journal and former publisher at Inglewood Today, Brown was both mentor and friend. “Willie trusted me with his baby,” Miller said. “That paper was his heart. I will do whatever I’m asked to keep his legacy alive.”

As print media faced economic headwinds, Brown stayed committed to Inglewood Today. During the pandemic, Brown worked to secure advertising from the Rams, Chargers, and Clippers to keep the publication alive.

Outside the newsroom, Brown’s favorite space was the golf course. His golfing circle became a second family, one that shared stories at his memorial about his wit, generosity, and optimism. Friends recalled “Willie-isms” like “shankopotamus” for wayward shots, or “Saddam Hussein” when a player bounced from sand trap to sand trap.

“I played with Willie twice a week for 14 years,” one friend

said during the memorial. “He was a comic, a philosopher, and one hell of a sand trap escape artist.”

Ken Dower, another friend and neighbor, said Brown could “make everyone feel like a million bucks -- whether you were a city official or a busboy.”

Speakers at his Celebration of Life, held July 18 at the CenterPointe Club in Playa Vista, remembered Brown as principled and progressive. He championed women’s rights, spoke out against injustice, and believed Black-owned media should be unapologetically communitycentered.

Details about Brown’s family remain private, but what is public is his enormous contribution to journalism, civic life, and Black media - contributions that continue to resonate today.

In the words of his longtime friend James Black: “When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure. Willie Brown was a treasure.”

WITNESS FOR JUSTICE Issue #1265

Once You Knew: Climate Grief and the Courage to Act

Sue Mueller

Last February, I traveled to Houston to join faith leaders in protest outside CERAWeek, the fossil fuel industry’s annual meeting of executives, investors, and policymakers. We stood shoulder-to-shoulder, praying for justice and calling for an end to the $20 billion in fossil fuel subsidies—$2 million a minute— that fuel planetary destruction. Imagine what that kind of funding could accomplish if redirected toward feeding the hungry or healing the land.

We also traveled to Freeport, Texas, a frontline community devastated by petrochemical expansion. Local leaders Gwen Jones, Melanie Oldham, and Manning Rollerson guided us through neighborhoods erased by smokestacks and poisoned soil. Where homes and churches once stood, there are now pipelines. Where Freeport and the Gulf of Mexico meet is too toxic to swim, fish, or drink. Most people have been displaced. Reparations remain a distant dream.

his

When Black Press USA asked Fields to comment on the timing of the release of the Epstein files, Fields directed this news organization to the Department of Justice.

The King family requested to review the files before their release. Since the examination of the FBI files the family declared the federal government’s investigation of their father,” an invasion of privacy,” as they assert, “The intent of the government’s COINTELPRO campaign was not only to monitor, but to discredit, dismantle, and destroy Dr. King’s reputation and the broader American Civil Rights Movement.”

In her piece for Vanity Fair, Bernice King writes, “Our mother, Coretta Scott King, prepared us for these repeated attempts saying, ‘They keep trying to assassinate your father over and over again.’”

The King family requests that “these files must be viewed within their full historical context.” Dr. King’s children also say, “During our father’s lifetime, he was relentlessly targeted by an invasive, predatory, and deeply disturbing disinformation and surveillance campaign orchestrated by J. Edgar Hoover through the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).”

We were invited to bring water from our home communities for a sacred water ceremony on the shore of the Gulf of Mexico—a ritual of connection, lament, and hope. I carried water from Lake Erie, where I live, and stood on the shores of the Gulf, grief hollowing me out. As we gathered in prayer, one member of our group suddenly jumped into the ocean, intending it as a baptismal act, a gesture of sacred immersion in creation. But the locals recoiled. They had warned us: “You don’t swim here.” “That water could kill you.” Bacteria levels are known to cause flesheating infections. What he saw as a spiritual offering, they experienced as painful ignorance. That moment shattered something in me, and forced me to ask: am I really listening?

The next day, we took to the streets of downtown Houston in nonviolent resistance. We sang. We marched. As we approached the site, we divided into red and green zones, safety categories. The green zone was for supporters not risking arrest; the red was for direct action. Those in the red zone sat in the intersection, blocking traffic. Then mounted police charged. I watched in horror as eight peaceful protestors were violently arrested and others injured. It was clear: the police were not there to protect us, but to protect the billionaires behind the glass towers.

Faith communities across the country are stepping up. Through letters, town halls, and public witnesses, Climate Hope Affiliates are making our moral values heard. Frances Moore Lappe once said, “Our real problem is not a heating planet… it is our own feelings of powerlessness.” Climate Hope Affiliates exist to dissolve powerlessness— through courage, community, and committed action.

Grief is holy. But grief alone won’t save us.

What will you do once you know?

I carried that experience home, its ache, its rage, and above all, its clarity. We no longer have the luxury of witnessing from a distance. Not when real people are being harmed. It’s a big reason why I said yes to leading the Climate Hope Campaign at the United Church of Christ. We launched Climate Hope Affiliates, a national network of local teams committed to addressing the twin crises of climate and justice. These chapters don’t just raise awareness—they organize, strategize, and act faithfully in their communities. In the past week, we faced a painful setback. Despite significant public pressure, Congress passed a reconciliation bill that guts key climate investments from the Inflation Reduction Act. The new law dismantles some of the biggest actions the federal government has ever taken to fight climate change, including eliminating wind and solar funding, cutting environmental justice enforcement, and slashing programs to improve air quality and public health. These cuts are dangerous. They will make it harder to meet emissions goals, and they disproportionately harm the very communities who have already borne the brunt of environmental degradation. But the fight is far from over. Right now, Congress is debating the 2026 federal budget through a series of appropriations bills. Our job is to make sure that more damage isn’t done. We’re calling on lawmakers to protect funding for a clean and just energy system, including programs that advance renewable energy, expand EV infrastructure, hold polluters accountable, and improve public health. One critical focus is safeguarding the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, which aims to put an EV charger every 50 miles on major highways. It’s a tangible, forward-looking investment in both climate action and economic access.

credibility among the MAGA base.”

Thursday, July 24,

Officials: Leaner Budget Won’t Shake California’s Support for ‘Aging With Dignity’

By Nicole Chang

By

2030,

one-in-four Californians will be over the age of 60. Despite

to supporting older adults.

GLENDALE, CA – Over 100 attendees gathered Thursday, July 17, evening at ABC Studio for “The ABCs of Aging Town Hall: Getting Older and Wiser,” hosted live by ABC7 Eyewitness News anchor Mark Brown.

Sponsored by the California Department of Aging, the event brought together state and county officials, aging experts, and caregivers to address the pressing needs of California’s rapidly growing senior population.

Older adults from across the greater Los Angeles metro area and even from San Bernardino County gathered at Glendale’s iconic Grand Central Air Terminal, sharing unique perspectives and raising practical, often deeply personal questions about aging.

One woman traveled from Rancho Cucamonga to ask about long-term care insurance, while another woman shared her story of caring for her 104-year-old mother, who passed away recently. Now facing her own aging journey, she expressed her concerns with a mix of vulnerability and strength, prompting prolonged and heartfelt applause from the audience.

The expert panel emphasized the importance of early planning, open family communication, and the use of state-fund resources without hesitation. They also urged older adults to seek medical advice early, noting that conditions like urinary tract infections or vitamin deficiencies can mimic cognitive decline.

“People plan vacations… We should be planning retirement and aging with the same intention,” said Senior Director of Public Policy Barbra McLendon with Alzheimer’s Los Angeles, underscoring the value of proactive aging strategies.

Dr. Donna Benton, director of the Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center, highlighted the need for support among families facing dementia.

“Dementia is a progressive disease. Early intervention and support services—often available for free and in multiple

languages—are essential,” she noted.

Panelists also addressed the financial challenges many seniors face, especially with soaring rent and living costs. They advised exploring resources like subsidized meals, transportation vouchers, and tax-funded caregiver support. “Don’t be ashamed to use services you’ve already paid into through your taxes,” one expert advised.

One of the most sobering topics was elder abuse, often inflicted by family members.

“One-in-ten seniors faces some form of abuse,” said Dr. Laura Trejo, director of the LA County Department of Aging and Disabilities. She explained that abuse includes not only physical harm or financial exploitation, but also neglect, such as failing to provide food, medication, or hygiene care.

Dr. Trejo reminded the audience that signs of abuse should be reported immediately, and that assistance can be accessed through resources like 211.

The panel emphasized maintaining physical and mental health through diet, exercise, and social connection. Mediterranean diets, regular physical activity— even walking with a walker—and community engagement were recommended.

Despite looming budget constraints, California Department of Aging Director Susan DeMarois reaffirmed the state’s commitment to aging with dignity, referencing Governor Gavin Newsom’s Master Plan for Aging, a long-term initiative running through 2030.

“When Governor Newsom took office in 2019, he knew that by 2030 one-in-four Californians will be over the age of 60 and we set in motion a plan to prepare for the year 2030,” Demarois said.

Amid concerns about potential federal budget cuts following the passage of legislation dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” signed by President Donald Trump, California officials sought to reassure the public.

“We’re still analyzing the Big

Beautiful Bill. It’s quite in-depth and comprehensive, so it will have ramifications… especially on Medicaid,” said DeMarois.

However, she emphasized that for now, essential aging programs remain secure.

\“I’m pleased to say that at both the federal and state levels, funding for key programs, including the Older American Act and community-based services, remains intact.”

Reflecting on the event, DeMarois shared what moved her most: the hopeful energy in the room. “What I appreciated most was how positive and empowering this conversation was.”

Aging Resources and Information Statewide

California Department of Aging : (800) 510-2020, available weekdays 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.

California Caregiver Resource Centers

National Center on Elder Abuse

Los Angeles County

LA County Aging & Disabilities Department : Dial 211

LA County Transportation Hotline: (888) 863-7411

City of Los Angeles Department of Aging : (213) 482-7252

Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center : (800) 5404442

Orange County

Orange Co. Office on Aging : (714) 480:6450

Caregiver Resource Center OC : (714) 446:5030

Riverside County

Riverside Co. Office on Aging : Aging & Ability Resource Center : (877) 932-4100

Riverside Co. Family Caregiver Support : (877) 9324100

San Bernardino County

San Bernardino Co. Aging and Adult Services : (909) 891-3900

San Bernardino Co. Family Caregiver Support Program : (800) 510-2020

Ventura County

Ventura Co. Area Agency of Aging : (805) 477-7300

Image via Rawpixel. Published under CC license 4.0

Living Strong: How Men May Maintain Bone Health and Prevent Falls

By Dr. Damanpreet Jamarai, chief medical officer,

UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement of California

As we grow older, we begin losing bone density and mass, which may make us more susceptible to bonerelated conditions, including osteoporosis and injuries. Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults, often resulting in fractures and other serious health issues according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

With many older adults wanting to live independently as long as possible, good overall health is crucial. Maintaining strong bones and preventing falls can help.

Osteoporosis is often called a ‘silent’ condition, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH), especially for men. Osteoporosis in men is often under-screened, underdiagnosed

and undertreated. An estimated two million American men currently have osteoporosis and an additional 12 million are at risk for developing the disease, as reported by the NIH. It’s important that osteoporosis not be regarded as a primarily women’s disease. Know Your Numbers – Up to one in four men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Men 75 and older might consider discussing the option of a bone density scan, also known as a DEXA scan, with their health care providers. Testosterone levels and other changes impact bone health. The bone scan measures the mineral content, particularly calcium, to determine bones’ density. Based on the results, providers may recommend treatments. This test is generally covered under Medicare and other health plans. Understand Your Risks –

Living Strong: How Men May Maintain Bone Health and Prevent Falls...continued

Proof – Look around your home – inside and outside. Can you safely pass by tables, chairs, and other furniture? Are all the rugs and floorboards secure? Are there grab bars and handrails? Are bare floors slippery, even when dry? What about outside your home? Are there holes, cracks, uneven spots? Address these obstacles and other worries to make your home safer inside and out.

Dress for Safety – In addition to ensuring clothes do not drag on the floor – a potential trip hazard, be mindful of what you are wearing on your feet. Wear rubber-soled shoes or sneakers, or slip-proof socks or slippers. Specifically designate these as “inside wear only” if you do not want to track the outside dirt and grime into the home.

While bone density naturally decreases over time, the amount, speed, and impact of loss may be slowed so take stock of what you eat and drink, and how much you exercise and move. Also, review your family’s health history to determine what health conditions may be hereditary. Be sure to share this with your physician.

Eat Right and Exercise –Consider including foods high in Vitamin D and calcium as part of a well-balanced diet. New to exercise? Start slowly and try exercises like beginner's yoga; every extra movement may help you improve your strength. If you are already participating in a routine such as walking, jogging, and balance coordination exercises, consider adding weights to enhance your workout.

Make Your Surroundings Fall-

MISCELLANEOUS

looming cuts, officials say the state remains committed

Over 100 attendees gathered Thursday, July 17, evening at ABC Studio for “The ABCs of Aging Town Hall: Getting Older and Wiser. (Credit:NicoleChang)

California Department of Aging Director Susan DeMarois reaffirmed the state’s commitment to aging with dignity, referencing Governor Gavin Newsom’s Master Plan for Aging. (Credit: Nicole Chang)

Black Americans Hit Hard as Medical Debt Rule Tossed

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — A Trump-appointed federal judge has blocked a key rule that would have removed medical debt from the credit reports of roughly 15 million Americans, dealing a harsh blow to struggling families already burdened by the high cost of health care, particularly Black Americans who carry a disproportionate share of that debt.

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Health care billing statement with stethoscope, bottle of medicine for doctor's work in medical center stone background.

A Trump-appointed federal judge has blocked a key rule that would have removed medical debt from the credit reports of roughly 15 million Americans, dealing a harsh blow to struggling families already burdened by the high cost of health care, particularly Black Americans who carry a disproportionate share of that debt. The ruling by Judge Sean Jordan of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas vacated the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) rule issued in January under the Biden administration. The judge sided with credit reporting industry groups, who argued that the CFPB had exceeded its authority under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The decision halts a rule that had not yet taken effect and was designed to prevent medical debt, which is often the result of billing errors, insurance disputes, or unavoidable emergencies— from dragging down a person’s credit score. Julie Margetta Morgan, former CFPB official and now president of The Century Foundation, told CBS MoneyWatch that medical debt “doesn’t show whether [someone is] likely to pay their mortgage or other debts.” The court decision effectively slams the door to that reform.

According to the PetersonKFF Health System Tracker, nearly 20 million adults in the U.S. owe medical debt, with a total estimated at $220 billion. Among them, 3 million people owe more than $10,000. That burden is not shared equally: 13% of Black Americans report having medical debt, compared to 8% of white Americans and 3% of Asian Americans. Medical debt also disproportionately affects women, people with disabilities, and those living

in the South and rural areas. In addition, more than half of all collection items on credit reports are for medical bills, according to the CFPB. While private credit bureaus like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion have taken limited steps—such as removing medical collections under $500—consumer advocates note these changes fall short of true relief, especially for low-income households and communities of color.

Medical debt has lasting effects: KFF polling shows people with such debt often cut back on food, clothing, and other essentials, drain savings, borrow from friends and family, or skip needed care entirely. For many, even those with health insurance, a serious illness or emergency can trigger financial ruin. The Biden administration’s nowblocked rule aimed to address this by recognizing that medical debt is not a reliable indicator of financial behavior and should not influence credit scores. But that rule was effectively frozen after Trump reinstalled Russ Vought—a fierce critic of the CFPB—as acting director in February. Vought promptly issued a directive halting new rules and investigations, leaving the agency in a state of paralysis. With 20% of Americans having at least one medical debt collection on their credit report, and with Black communities most likely to carry that debt, the ruling stands as a glaring example of policy decisions with racial and economic consequences. States like Colorado and New York have taken steps to protect consumers, but without federal backing, millions remain exposed. “There are a lot of flaws in our medical billing and reporting system, and it lands in the consumer’s lap,” Margetta Morgan stated.

CDPH Recommends Families Add Vaccines to Back-to-School Checklists

SACRAMENTO –

SACRAMENTO – During National Immunization Awareness Month in August, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is highlighting the importance of routine vaccines as students return to school. Vaccination prevents the spread of serious illnesses, reduces hospitalizations, saves lives, and helps keep kids in school and doing the activities they love.

While California’s immunization rates for kindergarten students remain higher than the national average, CDPH wants to keep rates high and continue to protect California children and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases. CDPH recommends families stay up to date on all vaccinations for the new school year.

“When our youngest Californians are healthy and able to participate in learning and doing the things they love, the future of California is

brighter,” said Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. “As a parent and a pediatrician, I am grateful for and confident in the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, which have transformed the leading causes of childhood deaths away from infectious diseases. CDPH remains committed to ensuring all California families have access to safe and effective vaccines, and the information they need to understand that vaccine recommendations are based on credible, transparent, and science-based evidence."

Due to large outbreaks in other states, the number of measles cases in the U.S. as of July 2025 are already higher than any year since 2000, when the World Health Organization declared the disease eliminated in the United States due to vaccination. Over 90% of this year’s cases were not vaccinated, and more than 1 in 10 of those infected with measles were hospitalized, some

High imports, soft summer demand weigh on US gasoline

Nicole Jao and Shariq Khan

NEW YORK (Reuters) -U.S. gasoline prices could fall below $3 a gallon this summer for the first time in over four years as a stretch of bad weather events dampens fuel demand and a jump in imports fills inventories.

Gasoline prices have been in a lull in recent months, a boon for Americans traveling this summer. Consumers endured record prices at the pumps after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine upended energy markets.

Gasoline prices fell 8.3% over the 12-month period ended June, the latest Consumer Price Index report showed, as U.S. crude prices tumbled more than 20% amid concerns over lackluster demand and a trade war with China. Lower oil prices reduce the cost to refiners for producing motor fuels, with some of the savings typically passed on to consumers.

U.S. President Donald Trump has promised to lower fuel prices, although analysts say presidents ultimately have little influence on pump prices.

Fuel demand in the week ended July 4, typically among the periods of highest consumption, was down 2.5% from the same time last year. Analysts said the slowdown was likely due to extreme heat blanketing parts of the country, which may have discouraged some driving.

The national average price of gasoline after the Independence Day holiday dipped to $3.14 per gallon, the lowest during summer months in four years, AAA data showed. Average gas prices across the U.S. have not fallen below $3 a gallon since May 2021.

Summer is typically the peak season for gasoline consumption in the U.S., but gasoline product supplied, the U.S. Energy Information Administration's proxy for demand, has averaged 9.2 million barrels a day over the past four weeks, down by 1% from the same period last year.

More fuel-efficient vehicles on the road and post-pandemic changes in driving patternsparticularly remote working - are expected to permanently reduce U.S. gasoline consumption from its peak of more than 9.3 million bpd in 2018.

"As we head toward August, I think gasoline will see additional weakness," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "The national average has a good chance of falling below $3 per gallon in September," he added.

That downward momentum could continue, De Haan said, as OPEC's decision to boost crude

NCHE’s 3rd Annual Heart Of America Survey Finds Americans Proud, Seeking Unity And Urging Fair Treatment Of

Immigrants

National Survey Offers Compelling Counter-Narrative to Divisiveness & Cynicism

for unity, and a quiet, yet powerful, recommitment to the very principles and values that

WASHINGTON, DC - The National Collaborative for Health Equity (NCHE) today released the results of its 3rd Annual Heart of America Survey. This year's findings, which include a surprisingly unified perspective on a major immigration issue, revealed a strong and growing desire for unity, empathy, and racial healing across the nation.

production by a larger-thanexpected 548,000 bpd in August adds more pressure to oil prices.

Imports jump

Imported gasoline flowing into the U.S. has also caused a surge in storage demand.

Weekly U.S. gasoline imports peaked in mid-June at 100,700 bpd, the highest in over a year, government data shows, driven by an influx of shipments from Canada and Europe. Imports in June were up around 7% compared to the same period a year ago.

In the U.S., demand for tanks to store gasoline has climbed since March, reaching a threeyear high in June, according to data from storage broker The Tank Tiger.

"If refiners are producing more gasoline, you need a place to park it if it's not being consumed," said Steven Barsamian, chief operating officer at The Tank Tiger.

On the U.S. East Coast, which represents nearly a third of total U.S. consumption of refined products and relies heavily on imports to meet that demand, a steady stream of shipments helped pull gasoline prices about 5 cents a gallon under the national average, according to government data.

Nigeria's Dangote oil refinery has ramped up production of gasoline that meets U.S. standards, boosting imports, and shipments from the 320,000bpd Irving Oil refinery in New Brunswick have also landed at the New York Harbor consistently, GasBuddy's De Haan said.

With limited pipeline and transportation capacity, the U.S. East Coast market typically gets oversupplied quicker than other markets in the U.S., The Tank Tiger's Barsamian said.

An increase in flows on Colonial Pipeline's main gasoline artery, which delivers fuel from the U.S. Gulf Coast to East Coast markets, likely also contributed to larger flows of gasoline to the East Coast.

Colonial Pipeline recently informed shippers it will boost capacity on Line 1 by 5% to 7% above typical summer volumes, according to a notice seen by Reuters.

A Colonial spokesperson confirmed the pipeline volume increase.

(Reporting

The survey, conducted by Burson’s Insights, Data, and Intelligence Group, found that the American spirit of unity is resurging. A powerful and consistent majority of Americans express hope for a more unified future, with 76% (up from 67% in 2023) believing Americans can work through challenges to find common ground. This optimism is underscored by a strong sense of national pride, with 72% of Americans expressing pride in their nationality in 2025, indicating a strong, underlying sense of national identity that transcends political factions.

Complete

““Beneath the divisive political rhetoric and social media echo chambers, a far more profound story is unfolding in communities across the country,” said Dr. Gail C. Christopher, NCHE’s Executive Director.

"Respondents in the Heart of America survey have revealed a nation grappling with profound challenges, but also Burson conducted 1301 online interviews from May 30 to June 9, 2025. All respondents were 18 years old or older and included oversamples of young voters and voters of color to ensure adequate representation within the survey. The margin of error at the 95% confidence level was ±2.72 percentage points. The poll used a rigorous and unbiased methodology for questions and didn’t steer respondents toward negative or divisive answers. The survey was designed and conducted by Burson's Insights, Data, and Intelligence Group, a reputable research firm with a proven track record in conducting large-scale, national surveys. Dr. Christopher provides a comprehensive analysis of the poll in an article for Washington Monthly. Past survey results are archived in the renowned Roper Center for Public Opinion Research at Cornell University, an inclusion underscoring the significance and quality of the survey's methodology and findings. NCHE’s 2025 Heart of America Survey will also be housed at the Roper Center.

Two Projects Awarded $1.66 Million for Advancing Mid-Depth Marine Protected Area (MPA) Monitoring in California

A key recommendation from the 2022 Decadal Management Review called for more robust and durable methods for monitoring mid-depth habitats (30–100 meters)—a biologically important zone that comprises around 75% of the state's ocean. Monitoring these areas requires advanced technologies such as robotic cameras, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), or even submarine dives.

To address this need, a Technical Expert Panel (TEP) was formed to identify improved strategies for collecting and analyzing biological and ecological data in mid-depth habitats. Based on the TEP’s findings, California Sea Grant, OPC and CDFW ran a research competition and have selected two projects that will advance monitoring efforts for California’s mid-depth rocky reef habitats.

California Sea Grant, in partnership with the California Ocean Protection Council (OPC) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), is pleased to announce the award of $1.66 million in funding to support two research projects that will advance the monitoring of California’s mid-depth marine habitats within the state’s Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network. California’s statewide MPA Network spans 1,110 miles of coastline from Mexico to the Oregon border and protects 16% of state waters, including 9% designated as no-take state marine reserves. Since its establishment in 2012, the state has collected extensive baseline data and transitioned into longterm monitoring guided by the MPA Monitoring Action Plan, which focuses on habitat-based tracking to assess ecological changes and support adaptive management.

by Nicole Jao and Shariq Khan in New York; Editing by Liz Hampton and Nia Williams)

Dr. Gail C. Christopher one brimming with a resilient spirit, a surprising yearning

America was founded on.”

Grieving Someone We Never Met: What MalcolmJamal Warner’s Death Reveals About Us

Dr. Brandon Gillespie

People from all over the country joined me, sharing memories, feelings, and—what surprised many of them—grief.

Because for many, MalcolmJamal Warner wasn’t just an actor. He was Theo. A symbol of family, growth, possibility. Someone we grew up with,

met him. This is the strange, powerful reality of parasocial relationships. We attach to public figures who shape our lives from afar. They feel like friends, siblings, even role models. And when they’re gone, the loss is real. But what are we really mourning?

I think tonight, many of us weren’t just grieving Malcolm himself—we were grieving the

AI Isn’t Killing Jobs—Yet. But EntryLevel Workers and Middle Managers Should Be Watching Closely

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — the World Economic Forum, and tech industry analysts all point to the same conclusion: AI is changing the workforce—but the doomsday scenario hasn’t arrived.

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Despite relentless corporate hype and rising concerns about mass unemployment, artificial intelligence has yet to lead to widespread job losses. Reports from Goldman Sachs, Brookings, CNN, the World Economic Forum, and tech industry analysts all point to the same conclusion: AI is changing the workforce— but the doomsday scenario hasn’t arrived. According to Goldman Sachs’ Q2 2025 AI Adoption Tracker, AI usage among U.S. firms rose from 7.4% to 9.2% in just one quarter. Yet the research found “no sign of a significant impact on most labor market outcomes.” Job growth, wage trends, unemployment, and layoff rates in AI-exposed industries remain consistent with those in less-exposed sectors. Brookings reached a similar conclusion. In a July report, researchers Tania Babina and Anastassia Fedyk found that “AI adoption is associated with firm growth, increased employment, and heightened innovation.” A one-standard-deviation increase in AI investment resulted in a 2% annual increase in both sales and headcount after two to three years. But the disruption is already visible in certain roles. Call center employment is slowing, and AI-related job postings now account for 24% of all IT openings—even if they still make up only 1.5% of total job ads. “We’re looking at a complex reshaping, rather than

a straightforward elimination,” said Gaurab Bansal of Responsible Innovation Labs. Goldman’s analysis found that productivity is where AI is already leaving its mark. Firms that fully integrate generative AI report labor productivity gains between 23% and 29%. Tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft confirm those numbers. Amazon saved $250 million after deploying AI agents to upgrade 30,000 internal apps. Microsoft now uses AI for up to 30% of its code development. But AI’s reach goes beyond code. According to a 2025 survey from Howdy.com, 79% of U.S. tech workers are using AI more than they were six months ago. Workers report AI helping with code generation, data analysis, cybersecurity, and documentation. Yet 38% believe their companies will replace jobs with AI within five years. That concern is acute for early-career workers. The World Economic Forum warns that “entry-level roles could be increasingly at risk.” Their Future of Jobs Report 2025 showed 40% of employers plan to cut jobs where AI can automate tasks. Market research analysts and sales representatives could see up to 67% of their tasks replaced by AI, according to data cited in the Forum’s analysis from Bloomberg. Brookings

chapters of life his presence represents. Childhood.

Family nights in front of the TV. A version of America where possibility seemed more within reach. His death pulls at those threads.

As both a therapist and a journalist, I’ve learned something important: Grief doesn’t always need logic. It just needs space. So tonight, I held space. On a sidewalk in New York City.

Thank you for the stories, the music, the hope.

Rest in power.

If you’ve ever felt grief after losing someone you never met, know this: it’s valid. And you’re not alone.

AI Isn’t Killing Jobs—Yet. But Entry-Level Workers and Middle Managers Should Be Watching Closely... continued

found that AI-adopting firms are actively reshaping their labor force. The share of collegeeducated workers increased by 3.7%, and those with STEM degrees are in higher demand. At the same time, the number of non-college-educated workers fell by 7.2%. Companies are also flattening their hierarchies, reducing the need for middle management in favor of highly skilled, independent contributors.

“Most tasks for most jobs can’t be automated,” wrote Meta’s Chief AI Scientist Yann LeCun, echoing a sentiment across the industry. But that doesn’t mean the changes won’t be profound. As Brookings notes, the shift favors highly-skilled workers and larger firms with the resources to build and deploy

custom AI tools—possibly exacerbating inequality. CNN’s reporting also noted skepticism about corporate motivations. “AI is so good, it’s going to put humans out of jobs” may serve as a convenient cover for executives looking to cut staff, said some insiders. Pew Research found that more than half of Americans are worried about AI’s impact on the workplace. For now, mass layoffs may be overstated—but entry-level workers, mid-tier managers, and policymakers alike are on notice, experts declared.

What’s clear is that the workforce is in transition. “We’re entering a decade-ish, maybe more, period of uncertainty,” said Bansal.

Obama Responds to Trumps Treason Claims

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Nothing in the document issued last week undercuts the widely accepted conclusion that Russia worked to influence the 2016 presidential election but did not successfully manipulate any votes

By April Ryan

U.S. President Barack Obama's official photograph in the Oval Office on 6 December 2012. (Wikimedia Commons

Statement from Patrick Rodenbush, Spokesperson for President Obama:

Out of respect for the office of the presidency, our office does not normally dignify the constant nonsense and misinformation flowing out of this White House with a response. But these claims are outrageous enough to merit one. These bizarre allegations are ridiculous and a weak attempt at distraction. Nothing in the document issued last week undercuts the widely accepted conclusion that Russia worked to influence the 2016 presidential election but did not successfully manipulate any votes. These findings were affirmed in a 2020 report by the bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee, led by then-Chairman Marco Rubio.

Beyoncé’s Tour Spurs Black Western Fashion Revival

By Stacy M. Brown

Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour isn’t just making musical headlines—it’s transforming the way Black communities express themselves through fashion. With each city stop, the tour has reignited interest in Western style, with Black fans reclaiming and redefining a genre long associated with whiteness. As the tour nears its close on July 26, fans across the country have turned out in droves, wearing rhinestone-studded cowboy hats, bold denim-on-denim ensembles, fringed jackets, and satin sashes.

Concert parking lots and arenas have become makeshift runways of Black cowboy and cowgirl style, blending tradition, swagger, and reinvention. “This ain’t just a concert—it’s a statement,” said 26-year-old Mia Jackson of Atlanta, who wore a leather corset, flared denim pants, and custom boots to the tour’s stop in her city. “We’ve always been part of the Western story. Beyoncé just made it undeniable.”

Black-owned fashion brands have experienced a surge in sales, particularly those that incorporate Western aesthetics. Designers like Dymond Taylor of Houston’s Bstone Western Wear have seen record demand. Her brand, which blends traditional rodeo gear with modern silhouettes, reported a 212% increase in online traffic since the tour began. “This movement is changing lives,” Taylor said. “People want something real, something rooted. And Beyoncé put that on stage in a way that gave us all permission to shine.” Retail data supports the trend. In the U.K., where Cowboy Carter recently wrapped a leg of its tour, PrettyLittleThing reported a 622% spike in searches for cowboy jackets, with cowboy boots and hats rising by 53%

and 85%, respectively.

Vinted reported that searches for “Western” fashion increased by 16%, and “denim” by 8%, in the days following the concerts. “It’s about taking something that’s always belonged to us but wasn’t seen that way,” said 33-yearold Marcus Thompson from Chicago. “My granddaddy was a Black cowboy in Mississippi. When I put on this hat, it ain’t just for show—it’s heritage.”

The fashion surge goes beyond commercial appeal—it’s also a form of cultural reclamation. For decades, the image of the cowboy in America has largely erased the presence of Black cowboys who helped shape the West. Beyoncé’s visual narrative, tour wardrobe, and intentional inclusion of Black Western symbolism have brought that buried history back into the spotlight. “This is the first time I’ve seen so many of us rocking cowboy boots and fringe jackets and not feel like it’s costume,” said 22-year-old Nia Roberts of Dallas. “It feels like we’re wearing ourselves.”

Major fashion houses have also taken note. Calvin Klein collaborated on bedazzled tour pieces worn by Beyoncé, while brands like Levi’s have seen increased foot traffic tied to her influence. Stylists say the tour has helped shift trends toward elevated denim, metallic accents, and bold silhouettes—many of them now signature pieces in the Cowboy Carter visual identity. “I ain’t never worn a cowboy hat in my life,” said 28-year-old Jordan Banks from Detroit. “But standing in that stadium with thousands of other Black folks dressed like this? I felt powerful. Like we were finally being seen on our own terms.”

CDPH Recommends Families Add Vaccines to Back-to-School Checklists ...continued from page 7 in intensive care units. Three people have died this year from this entirely preventable disease, reminding us of the importance of immunization. California continues to report more than 95% coverage among kindergarteners for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. While the state has maintained the level of vaccination necessary to prevent community spread for nearly a decade, it remains critical that our children and communities stay protected through continued vaccination.

Required Immunizations:

California law requires students to receive age-specific immunizations to attend public and private schools and licensed childcare centers. Schools and licensed childcare centers are required to enforce immunization requirements, maintain immunization records of all children enrolled, and report children’s immunization status to CDPH. Families can visit CDPH’s Shots for School and Don’t Wait – Vaccinate! webpages for information on immunization laws and required vaccinations for students in California.

On a livestream watched by thousands. And here, now, with you. We’ll miss you, Malcolm.

Photo by Official White House

Photo by Pete Souza)

Beyoncé on the Cowboy Carter Tour at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London in June 2025 (Wikimedia Commons / Photo by Ben Terret)