Trustees Warn of Looming Cuts to Social Security, Medicare as Trust Funds Dwindle
to fall short of paying full
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Social Security and Medicare are facing mounting financial challenges, with both programs projected to fall short of paying full benefits within the next decade unless Congress intervenes. According to the 2025 Trustees Report, the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund will only be able to pay full scheduled benefits until 2033. At that point, recipients would receive just 77 percent of their benefits. Medicare’s Hospital Insurance (HI) Trust Fund is also projected to be depleted in 2033, three years earlier than last year’s estimate, after which 89 percent of benefits could be paid. If the OASI and Disability Insurance (DI) funds were combined, the Social Security program would be depleted in 2034, paying only 81 percent of scheduled benefits. The DI fund on its own is projected to remain solvent through 2099. The report cites several causes for the worsening outlook: the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset under the Social Security Fairness Act, slower recovery in fertility rates, and a smaller share of GDP going to
labor compensation. As of 2024, the OASI Trust Fund held $2.54 trillion, a $103 billion drop from the previous year. Meanwhile, the Social Security Administration is cutting
Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed
Gov. Gavin Newsom, Calif. State Officials, Blast Pres. Trump's “Big Ugly Bill”
Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
Gov. Gavin Newsom came out swinging June 27 against what he called the “Big Ugly Bill” and the “Big Beautiful Betrayal” -former President Donald Trump’s latest budget proposal, which Newsom says would devastate California’s health care and food assistance systems.
Kim Johnson, secretary of the state’s Health and Human Services Agency, and Michelle Baass, director of California’s Department of Health Care Services, also participated in the news conference.
The bill, officially touted by Republicans as the “Big, Beautiful Bill,” would slash at least $28.4 billion in federal Medicaid funding to California and threaten health coverage for up to 3.4 million Californians. It also proposes billions in cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), putting at risk the food security of hundreds of thousands of lowincome families.
about 12 percent of its workforce, leading to delays in service.
“Today’s report is a reminder that even as DOGE’s cuts to the Social Security Administration are wrecking Social Security’s
customer service, they are doing nothing to improve its solvency,” Nancy Altman of Social Security Works told NPR.
House Speaker Mike Johnson recently indicated Republicans
Gov. Gavin Newsom, Calif. State Officials, Blast Pres. Trump's “Big Ugly Bill”...continued
speak out against the cuts that could lead to the loss of tens of thousands of jobs.
have a plan to rein in spending on entitlement programs.
“There are two categories of spending in the federal government. Mandatory spending is on the programs
Social Security, Medicare,
Medicaid … it’s 73, 74% of spending, which is on autopilot, which is frightening,” Johnson said. “I am committing that we will do that.” A recent survey found most Americans oppose cuts. About half said Medicaid and food assistance are underfunded, and six in 10 said too little is spent on Social Security, Medicare, and education. “At this point, any member of Congress without a plan to fix Social Security is shirking their duty to preserve the nation’s largest and most important government program,” Maya MacGuineas of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget said on NPR.
“Any politician who doesn’t support increasing Social Security’s revenue is, by default, supporting benefit cuts,” Altman said. “America is the wealthiest country in the history of the world, at the wealthiest moment in our history,” Altman said. “That money can remain concentrated in the hands of billionaires, or it can go towards Social Security, enriching all of our lives.”
Black Student Enrollment in California’s Public Schools Reaches Lowest Level Since 1990s...continued
state’s education system will need to find ways to serve a changing student body,” the report concluded. Advocates say
that means paying close attention to groups like Black students, whose numbers are shrinking but whose needs remain high.
Cuts to Medi-Cal, California’s version of Medicaid, serves about 15 million Californians, which accounts for about 35% of the state’s population. Under the plan, states would be forced to re-verify eligibility for ACA expansion adults every six months instead of annually, a move expected to strip coverage from over 400,000 Californians and cost the state $2.4 billion. Work requirements would eliminate benefits for up to 3 million more. Planned Parenthood warns the bill could shut down nearly 200 clinics in California alone.
SNAP changes would strip away between $2.8 and $5.4 billion annually, pushing 735,000 Californians off CalFresh -the state’s SNAP program -while saddling state and local governments with up to $4 billion in new costs.
Newsom pledged to fight back and urged Californians to
“The so-called ‘Big, Beautiful bill’ is not cost saving. It is not smart. It is cruel, costly, and a significant encroachment on states’ rights – the opposite of what Republican leadership claims to stand for. Big government is getting bigger under Trump and Speaker Johnson, as they attempt to dictate every move states make and micromanage Americans through even greater bureaucracy. It’s dangerous, and anyone with common sense should oppose it.”
The governor led a press conference June 27 alongside top health officials to outline the bill’s projected impact.
“This is devastating,” said Newsom at the press conference.
“I know that word is overused, but his is, in many ways, an understatement of how reckless and cruel and damaging this is to millions and millions of people across this country -- but more than any other state, here in California.
Black Student Enrollment in California’s Public Schools Reaches Lowest Level Since 1990s
The number of Black students in California’s public schools has dropped sharply over the last 10 years, as overall school enrollment across the state continues to fall. New data shows that enrollment has declined from 6.2 million students in 2014–15 to just 5.8 million in 2024–25. According to a new report from the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), this is the lowest total seen in California schools since the late 1990s.
The report shows that “in absolute terms, declining enrollment has meant falling numbers of students across most racial/ethnic subgroups.”
While the number of Asian and multiracial students has grown, the number of Black and White students has gone down. The changes are most visible in large urban districts, where housing costs and migration out of state are likely playing a role.
At the same time, Latino students now make up the majority of the student population. “In 1998, shares of White and Latino students were similar, almost 40%, but by 2024–25, the share of Latino students had risen over 16 percentage points, while the share of white students fell 18 percentage points,” the report stated.
The share of students classified as socioeconomically disadvantaged has increased, while the share of migrant and foster students has decreased.
The number of English Learners has also dropped, partly due to a policy that exempts some transitional kindergarten students from testing.
PPIC researchers say these shifts are likely to continue as enrollment keeps falling. “The
Black Couple Was on Vacation When HGTV Canceled Their Show, “Married to Real Estate”
Blacknews.com
Nationwide — Husband and wife, Mike Jackson and Egypt Sherrod, who are the African American hosts of Married to Real Estate, revealed that HGTV canceled their show unexpectedly while they were on vacation. The couple said goodbye to the series after four seasons but remain thankful and optimistic about what’s next. Mike and Egypt, the real estate couple behind Married to Real Estate, took to their Instagram account on June 24 to share the news that HGTV has decided to end their show. According to People, the announcement came right after they returned from a family trip to the Mediterranean.
“While the chain of events leading up to this is disheartening, we are deeply grateful,” they wrote. “Grateful for four incredible seasons. Grateful for our amazing crew and supportive fans. Grateful that our businesses continue to thrive. And most of all, grateful that we are still very much married to real estate (and to each other).”
The couple didn’t go into detail but said they plan to share more soon. They also said setbacks like this sometimes turn out to be blessings in disguise. In the comments, Mike added, “God makes no mistakes,” believing that better things are ahead.
Bo Tefu and
2 Thursday, July 3, 2025
Restoring the Balance: Supreme Court Rulings Highlight the Importance of Parental Rights and Religious Freedom in Education
By Craig J. DeLuz | Special to California Black Media
OPINION – In an era when the judiciary is often seen as a battleground for ideological warfare, the recent rulings from the U.S. Supreme Court deserve commendation for a principled defense of constitutional limits, individual rights, and the foundational tenets of American democracy. On the final day of this term, three pivotal cases emerged that, overwhelmingly, favored a conservative understanding of governance and personal freedom, particularly echoing the values once championed by President Trump.
First, we must address the landmark decision surrounding President Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship.
The Court, in a 6-3 ruling led by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, rightly asserted that the practice of issuing universal injunctions by district court judges is not only unprecedented but also an encroachment on executive
power. For too long, district judges have wielded their authority as if they were the arbiters of national policy — a dangerous precedent that threatens the checks and balances essential to our government.
The Supreme Court’s decision underscores that judicial power must be confined to the boundaries set forth in the Constitution and by Congress.
Justice Barrett’s opinion starkly reminded us that the courts should not overstep their role, reinforcing the notion that the law should apply to particular cases without imposing nationwide decrees.
The second significant case concerning educational policy in Montgomery County, Maryland, further reflects the Court’s commitment to religious freedom.
Parents rightly took issue with a local school board’s decision to enforce mandatory inclusion of LGBTQ+ themed materials in
Op-Ed: Why Black Fathers Like Me Must Speak Up About Autism
Being “Dad” to my daughter Amari, who was diagnosed with autism, changed everything. In the Black community, silence around disability comes at a cost. I’ve learned that fatherhood is leadership—and it’s time we speak up. Our kids need early support, inclusive policies, and visible, vocal fathers. Autism isn’t the tragedy—silence is.
By Anthony Tilghma
BLACKPRESSUSA
NEWSWIRE – As a Black father, I’ve worn many titles—provider, protector, community leader, mentor. But none has shaped me more than being “Dad” to my daughter Amari, who was diagnosed with autism. When I first heard the word autism associated with my child, I’ll admit—I was overwhelmed. Like many parents, I didn’t fully understand what it meant. I was afraid of what the future might hold. But in the Black community, fear is often met with silence. And silence— especially around disability and mental health—has become a quiet barrier too many families struggle behind.
That’s why I’m speaking out—not just as a father, but as an advocate for our children, for public service education, and for civic engagement rooted in love and leadership. Black children are too often diagnosed, later, misdiagnosed, or outright denied access to the early interventions they need. The reasons are layered—racial disparities in healthcare, cultural stigma, under-resourced schools, and unconscious bias in medical and educational systems. The results are heartbreaking. Our children fall through cracks that should never exist.
Even fewer people talk about the role of fathers—especially Black fathers—in this journey.
elementary classrooms without offering a means of opting out.
Justice Samuel Alito, writing for the majority opinion, asserted that the state cannot condition access to public education on acceptance of ideologically charged materials that undermine parental authority and religious beliefs. This ruling is a profound affirmation of parental rights and a bulwark against the encroachment of governmentmandated ideologies into the sanctity of the family. It is not merely a matter of educational content; it is a clarification that the exercise of religious freedom is paramount and must be respected within our public institutions.
Lastly, the decision regarding the Texas law mandating age verification for access to sexually explicit content online showcases the Court’s recognition of the government’s duty to protect children from harm. Justice Clarence Thomas, in writing the court’s majority opinion, while contentious, emphasized the necessity of ensuring minors do not encounter such material freely. Contrary to the dissenting voices who might assert a violation of First Amendment rights, this decision rightly positions the protection of children not as an infringement of liberties but as a legitimate and necessary exercise of state power.
These three cases collectively illustrate the Supreme Court’s commitment to conservative jurisprudence — upholding individual liberties, promoting religious freedoms, and strengthening parental rights. Importantly, they signal a broader recognition of limits on judicial authority, ensuring that no one branch of government can unilaterally impose its will on the populace. Each ruling reaffirms the principles designed to maintain a balance of power and protect the rights of citizens against overreach, whether from the state or the judiciary itself.
As we reflect on these decisions, let us be grateful for a Supreme Court that dares to uphold constitutional values amidst societal currents that often seek to undermine them. In doing so, it has not only secured a victory for legal conservatism but has also provided a defense for fundamental liberties that are the hallmark of our national ethos.
About the Author
Craig J. DeLuz has almost 30 years of experience in public policy and advocacy. He has served as a member of The Robla School District Board of Trustees for over 20 years. He also currently hosts a daily news and commentary show called “The RUNDOWN.” You can follow him on X at @CraigDeLuz.
Op-Ed: Why Black Fathers Like Me Must Speak Up About Autism...continued
disparities are most pronouncedl. These aren’t just family issues. They are issues of public leadership. They are the foundations of building future leaders through involvement, advocacy, and education.
Music’s Role for Infants, Toddlers, and Their Families... continued
recognize patterns in music and language. Singing songs with rhymes, numbers, and patterns supports older infants’ and toddlers’ cognitive development, including memory, sequencing, and storytelling.
Connecting at Home
Singing with your young child can improve their focus, communication, emotional regulation, social, cognitive, and physical skills. It can also help you feel calmer and more connected to your infant.
Word Swap
If you aren’t sure what to sing to your baby, try using a song you and your baby already enjoy, and change the words to adapt to different situations. Like singing, “Ba ba bottle, it’s time to eat” to the tune of “Baa Baa Black Sheep.”
Bounce to the Beat
When singing or listening to
music together, bounce your baby in your lap or pat them to the rhythm of the music. This helps young infants become familiar with musical rhythms before they are able to move their bodies independently.
Follow the Leader
When singing your young child’s favorite song, pause, wait, and look for them to fill in the next word or movement. These backand-forth interactions support social connections, language, memory, and sequencing skills.
Hear Me Out
Learn songs that include feelings and emotional words along with matching facial expressions and body language. Combining singing with language and emotional expression helps young children understand their own emotions as well as the emotions of others. Even if they’re not talking about feelings yet, singing is a great way to calm them when upset.
Riverside Latino Families Grapple with Rising Costs: Local Leaders and Advocates to Host Listening Session on Immigration and Economic Struggles and Potential Solutions
This announcement posted on website: sb-american.com
Too often, we’re pushed to the margins of the conversation or expected to stay silent. That ends here.
I’ve sat in countless IEP meetings. I’ve researched therapies, pushed for inclusive classrooms, and sought out the support systems that weren’t readily available. I’ve wiped away tears and celebrated every breakthrough. And in each step, I’ve realized that parenthood is more than presence—it’s informed, engaged leadership. It’s showing up as our child’s strongest advocate. Through my advocacy, I’ve worked with other families here in Prince George’s County to build community, share knowledge, and empower fathers. But we need more. We need a cultural shift—one that recognizes neurodiversity, reduces stigma, and promotes civic participation among parents and caregivers. We need to normalize vulnerability in Black men and redefine strength as being fully present for our children.
And we need policy. Paid family leave.
Inclusive classrooms. Early intervention access. Increased funding for special education—especially in underserved communities where
Autism is not a tragedy. Silence is.
Let’s talk. Let’s act. Let’s lead.
Our children deserve more than awareness—they deserve action. And our fathers deserve to be seen, heard, and supported— not shamed or silenced.
Music’s Role for Infants, Toddlers, and Their Families
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Hearing is one of the first senses to develop — babies are listening to and learning from their birth parents before they are born! Once children are born, music and singing have important impacts on their early development
By Head Start, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Hearing is one of the first senses to develop — babies are listening to and learning from their birth parents before they are born! Once children are born, music and singing have important impacts on their early development. It supports brain development and skills across multiple Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) domains.
What does research say?
Music is universal across languages and cultures.
Parents and other adults regularly sing to their babies. They sing for many reasons — to soothe their babies, entertain them, lull them to sleep, and help them wait or transition to the next activity.
Singing engages infants more effectively than just speech.
combination of communication methods provides babies with rich social-communicative information. The rhythmic patterns and predictability help give infants important communication cues.
Singing with babies promotes bonding and reduces stress.
June 30, 2025-Riverside, California – On Tuesday, July 1, Inland Empire Economic Partnership and UnidosUS, the nation’s largest Latino civil rights and advocacy organization, will host a listening session in Riverside, California (CA), with local community leaders and advocates to discuss the intersection of immigration and the economic challenges facing Latino families, with a focus on civil rights violations, rising housing costs, wage insecurity and the cost of living.
This session will aim to address the current challenges impacting the local community by collaborating on potential solutions. The session will be closed to press, but speakers will be available after the session for media interviews.
SPEAKERS: Paul Granillo, President &
CEO, Inland Empire Economic Partnership (IEEP), UnidosUS Board Member Delia de la Vara, Senior Vice President, Advancement and External Affairs, UnidosUS Clarissa Martinez-de-Castro, Vice President, Latino Vote Initiative, UnidosUS
WHEN: Tuesday, July 1, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm PST. Press is encouraged to arrive by 3:45pm PST
WHERE: The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture; 3581 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501
INTERVIEW
AVAILABILITY: Speakers will be available for media interviews after the listening session. Press wishing to interview speakers can RSVP by contacting mfernandez@ieep.com.
California’s Commitment to Education Renewed with 2025–26 Budget Agreement
When we sing to babies, we often use facial expressions, exaggerate words and sounds, and use playful movements and gestures. This special
Head Start classrooms continued in next 2 columns
When singing with babies, parents and other adults pay close attention to the baby’s cues and adjust their singing to match the baby’s needs. These interactions provide a powerful opportunity for bonding between the baby and the adult. Singing to infants reduces the infant’s distress and increases their emotional regulation more than just speech. Singing also benefits the adult by reducing stress and anxiety, increasing feelings of well-being and self-esteem, and promoting feelings of closeness with their baby.
Singing with infants supports learning across many developmental areas.
Research shows that singing increases emotional regulation, social skills like prosocial behavior, and language learning. Using instruments like shakers and bells helps young children build fine and gross motor skills as they move and make music along to the beat. Listening to music and moving to the beat helps young babies learn to
SACRAMENTO—The California 2025–26 state budget was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday, securing critical investments for public education and directing key investments to areas specifically identified as priorities by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and the California Department of Education (CDE). The budget package supports educators, strengthens early learning, and removes barriers to participation in extended learning opportunities.
Superintendent Thurmond issued the following statement in response to the budget package:
“This budget agreement reaffirms California’s promise to every student: That regardless of zip code, every child will have access to high-quality educational opportunities from early childhood through graduation.
“A $215 million literacy investment will strengthen evidence-based reading instruction, especially in early grades. Additional funds significantly expand extended learning programs—boosting participation by doubling the
minimum grant award from $50,000 to $100,000, a muchneeded change for rural and smaller school districts. Both of these align with proposals that I have advanced in the past.
“The budget also reflects strong investment in our education workforce. $300 million in one-time Proposition 98 General Fund dollars have been allocated to support the Student Teacher Stipend Program, which eases financial burdens for aspiring educators. In addition, $70 million in one-time funds are directed to the Teacher Residency Grant Program. Streamlined application processes across educator initiatives aim to reduce barriers and fast-track teacher credentialing to address California’s persistent workforce crisis.
“The budget also ensures continued funding for full Universal Transitional Kindergarten (TK) implementation and takes further steps to reduce studentto-adult ratios in TK classrooms, promoting more individualized learning and support.
Music programs have been implemented in Head Start and Early
3
Thursday, July 3, 2025
OP-ED: “Put Some Respect on Our Name”—The NNPA Built This.
When Joy Reid called NABJ the “lone” trade group for the Black Press, it hit wrong. The NNPA has been here— doing the work, opening doors—for over 80 years. If we don’t speak up for our legacy, who will? This isn’t shade. It’s a call to remember who built the table.
By Dawn Montgomery, Culture Critic
Before there was NABJ, there was the NNPA. That’s a fact— not a footnote.
So when I saw Joy Reid call NABJ the “lone” trade organization representing the Black Press, I gasped. I read it again. Then I made a few phone calls to make sure I wasn’t tripping. We have a duty to speak up when legacy is being erased—even when it comes from people we support. Reid may have meant well in backing Errin Haines for NABJ president, but that post started off wrong.
Joy REID “the “lone” trade organization representing the Black Press” There’s a right way to lift someone up. That includes telling the truth. To be clear, this is no shade toward Errin Haines. That said, the NNPA has represented the Black Press since 1940. To call NABJ the only trade group for Black media? That’s not just wrong—it’s erasure. And I can’t let that slide.
Let’s get into it. Here’s what’s off about Reid’s post:
The Facts—NABJ matters.
But it’s not the first, and it’s not the only. Saying it’s the “lone” group for Black journalists erases
the NNPA. The Black Press is a nearly 200-year-old institution. Founded in 1940, the NNPA preceded NABJ by 15 years.
Her Influence – Joy Reid knows the Black Press has her back. When MSNBC dropped her show, the Black community showed out—and the Black Press spoke up. We did the same for Tiffany Cross. We did so without fear, but certainly with favor. We’ve always stood in the gap. Therefore, please don’t ignore us because we never ignored you.
I’m Seeing a Pattern – This isn’t the first time. And it’s not a small thing. We are living in a time when Black stories—and the truth—are under attack. And sometimes that erasure doesn’t come from the outside. It starts within. If we don’t speak up for all of our history, who will? Reid knows what the NNPA is. She also knows who our 200+ Blackowned media outlets serve. It’s time she said it out loud.
And here’s another thing—this legacy began with Black people who took risks. Our ancestors were still enslaved at a time when it was illegal for them to read— yet the truth prevailed.
We ain’t new to this; we are true to this. If you run a Black-
California’s Commitment to Education Renewed with 2025–26 Budget Agreement...continued from page 2
“This budget reflects our shared commitment to putting students first and addressing the real challenges facing our schools—whether it’s ensuring every child can read by third grade, expanding access to
extended learning, or preparing the next generation of educators. I thank Governor Newsom and the Legislature for their leadership and investment in our schools, students, and communities.”
Governor Newsom urges safety this Fourth of July after 600,000 pounds of illegal explosives seized
What you need to know: Californians are urged to practice common sense and safety when using fireworks to celebrate this Fourth of July. People who resort to using illegal fireworks will be held accountable.
SACRAMENTO – With Fourth of July celebrations set to go off with a bang across the state this week, Governor Gavin Newsom and state fire officials are reminding all Californians that the state has no tolerance for illegal fireworks. Over 600,000 pounds of illegal fireworks have already been seized in 2025. The sale, transport, or use of fireworks without the "Office of the State Fire Marshal Safe and Sane" seal is illegal, as is possessing or using any fireworks in communities where they are not allowed. Violators face potential fines up to $50,000 as well as a year in jail.
"We all must do our part to keep Fourth of July fun and safe. I ask all Californians to use common sense and practice safety when lighting fireworks to celebrate. Our message is clear: illegal fireworks won’t be tolerated, and you will be prosecuted. They run the risk of starting dangerous fires in the peak of our fire season.”
Governor Gavin Newsom
owned media business and haven’t considered joining the NNPA, you might need to do some soul-searching. It’s 2025. NNPA outlets are digital. They’re live. They’re daily. They’re everywhere our people are.
Running a close second to the Black community itself, NNPA is the most powerful advocate for Black-owned newspapers and media platforms. Try as some might, it’s impossible to erase that legacy.
However, a real collaboration with NABJ remains unestablished. Why? Why pretend we’re not connected?
Let’s be real: without the NNPA, there’s no NABJ.
Whoever becomes president of NABJ this year—I hope you
and others finally address this issue. If for no other reason, do it for the culture and the truth, not for politricks or likes. We can prosper together—as long as we show mutual respect.
Don’t let ambition make you forget the people who laid the foundation. As Birdman said on The Breakfast Club, “Put some respect on my name.”
And while you’re at it, Joy— put some respect on the NNPA, too.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.
Governor Newsom urges safety this Fourth of July after 600,000 pounds of illegal explosives seized...continued
along with our partners, have successfully seized over 600,000 pounds of illegal fireworks from all over California,” said State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant.
“Our recent enforcement efforts clearly demonstrate our zero tolerance toward the use, transportation, and possession of illegal fireworks. Even ‘Safe and Sane’ fireworks are banned in many communities and bring
large fines for their illegal use.”
For a fun and safe Fourth of July, know your local fireworks laws. Some California communities ban all fireworks, while others allow certain “Safe and Sane” fireworks.
To learn more about fireworks safety and to view a full list of jurisdictions that allow the sale of Safe and Sane fireworks, go to ReadyforWildfire.org.
Detecting fraud before it’s too late: Clever Girl Finance founder talks red flags and warning signs
By Megan Sayles AFRO Staff Writer
Over the past several months, CAL FIRE – Office of the State Fire Marshal’s specialized Arson and Bomb Investigators have been aiding local and federal illegal fireworks enforcement efforts. Last year, officials seized 288,000 pounds of illegal fireworks. The 10 year annual average is about 240,000 pounds seized per year.
Since 2024, fireworks have caused over $35 million in property damage across California, sparking 1,230 fires. Illegal fireworks include:
Skyrockets
Bottle rockets
Roman candles Aerial shells Firecrackers Sparklers Other fireworks that explode, go into the air, or move on the ground in an uncontrollable manner
“Already this year our Arson and Bomb Investigators,
Every year, millions of Americans are victims of credit card fraud. In 2024 alone, 62 million people had unauthorized charges on their credit or debit cards, with expenses surpassing $6.2 billion.
Bola Sokunbi is the founder and CEO of Clever Girl Finance, a personal finance education platform for women in the U.S. Credit: Photo by Virten Media
As technology advances, scams are becoming more sophisticated, targeted and convincing. Bola Sokunbi, founder and CEO of Clever Girl Finance, sat down
with the AFRO to discuss the top ways to detect and address fraud before it spirals out of control.
AFRO: What are the most common signs of bank and credit card fraud that people often miss?
Bola Sokunbi: One sign people tend to overlook is small, unexplained charges. Fraudsters will often test the waters with a tiny transaction to see if the card is active and the account holder is paying attention. Also, don’t
Detecting fraud before it’s too late: Clever Girl Finance founder talks red flags and warning signs...continued ignore random texts or emails asking you to “verify” purchases or log into your bank account. Even if you didn’t click anything, these messages often signal that your information is floating around in the wrong places.
AFRO: What are common fraud scams that perpetrators might use?
BS: Phishing is still one of the most common scams. These are emails or texts that look like they’re from your bank or a retailer asking you to “confirm your information.” Scammers are also using fake job postings; Zelle or Cash App payment requests; and pretending to be delivery companies. The creativity is wild, which makes it even more important to double check everything.
AFRO: Are there red flags in digital banking activity that should cause immediate concern?
BS: Absolutely. Things like account logins from unknown locations or devices, changes to your contact information or sudden password resets are all red flags. If your phone number or email is changed without your knowledge, take that seriously. It could be a sign that someone is trying to gain full control of your account.
AFRO: How do perpetrators get access to bank or card information without access to a physical card?
BS: Data breaches are a big one. When a company you’ve been shopping with gets hacked, your information can end up on the dark web. Scammers also use public Wi-Fi to intercept information, as well as phishing links and fake websites that mimic legit ones to trick you into
entering your credentials. It’s not about being careless— it’s about how advanced and sneaky these tactics have become.
AFRO: Are there certain fraud tactics or trends that have emerged in recent years?
BS: Yes. Scammers are getting more personal. They’ll use information from social media to make scams feel more believable, like mentioning your kids or hometown. Artificial intelligence voice scams are also growing where fraudsters mimic a loved one’s voices to ask for help or money. It’s surreal, but it’s happening, so awareness is everything.
AFRO: What immediate steps should someone take if they detect suspicious activity on their accounts?
BS: Don’t wait. Lock your card or freeze your account immediately. Most apps let you do this in seconds. Then, call your bank or credit card company to report the fraud and file a claim. Change your passwords right away, and check your other financial accounts in case there’s been broader access. If the fraud is significant, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission and your local police.
AFRO: What advice would you give to people about being proactive in protecting their financial information?
BS: Stay curious and cautious. Use strong, unique passwords. A password manager can help with this. You should also enable two-factor authentication, and check your bank and credit card accounts regularly— weekly if you can. Don’t be afraid to question texts, emails or even phone calls that feel off. You’re not paranoid. You’re being smart.
California Republican Lawmakers Urge Immigration Enforcement to Focus on Violent Criminals & Call for Modernizing Immigration Process
Lawmakers urge solutions that secure the border, uphold the rule of law, and support a strong economy
SACRAMENTO, CA - Last week, a group of California Senate and Assembly Republicans asked President Trump to focus immigration raids on undocumented violent criminals, and urged the President to implement policies that will modernize our immigration process. The letter sent to the President was signed by six Republican members of the California State Senate and Assembly.
“Decades of failed policies have led us to the difficult situation we face today,” said Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares (R-Santa Clarita).
“We are now urging the Administration to prioritize public safety, while advancing immigration and visa policies that strengthen our economy, secure our borders, and keep our communities safe.”
The letter stated, “We fully support efforts to identify, detain and deport undocumented violent criminals.” The legislators also conveyed that employers in their districts had concerns about the recent raids, creating widespread fear among workers regardless of immigration status, resulting in many not showing up for work.
The legislators also joined together to call on the President to, “modernize our immigration process to allow non-criminal undocumented immigrants with longstanding ties to our communities a path toward legal status.” In addition, they called for the expansion of the H-2A and H-2B visa programs to authorize more legal guest workers across the entire economy.
The letter stated, “America needs a system that reflects both compassion and lawfulness – one that upholds sovereignty while recognizing the reality on the ground.”
The letter comes in the aftermath of national policies that ushered over ten million illegal immigrants into the United States from 2021 thru 2024, overwhelming states and local governments, and leaving them to navigate the influx of immigrants on their own. The legislators urged President Trump to, “Focus deportations on criminals, and support legal immigration and visa policies that will build a strong economy, secure our borders and protect our communities.”
The lawmakers continued, “We urge you to direct ICE and DHS to focus their enforcement operations on criminal immigrants and when possible, avoid the kinds of sweeping raids that instill fear and disrupt the workplace.”
Dear Joy, This isn’t a read. It’s a reminder.
Joy REID “the “lone” trade organization representing the Black Press”
Bola Sokunbi is the founder and CEO of Clever Girl Finance, a personal finance education platform for women in the U.S. Credit:
Photo by Virten Media
Thursday, July 3, 2025
Public Enemy Drops Surprise Album ‘Black Sky Over the Projects’
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — From the opening bars of “C’mon Get Down,” the album showcases the enduring power of hip-hop to challenge
and
JP Hesser, and Sam Farrar.
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Public Enemy has returned with a blistering new surprise album, “Black Sky Over the Projects: Apartment 2025,” a defiant 12-track collection that fuses the group’s signature social commentary with a fresh dose of old-school fire. Released without advance notice, the record is available on a “pay-what-youwant” basis for 72 hours, giving fans unprecedented access to the group’s most urgent work in years. “These new tracks are for you to get down to at home,” said Flavor Flav, who joins Chuck D at the forefront of the release. “Pay whatcha want for the next 72 hours.”
Flavor Flav deliver scathing
worried bout another sucker / Talkin’ ‘bout Messy Hens on Hennessy.” “Public Enemy Comin Throoooo,” meanwhile, celebrates the group’s longevity and their place in hip hop’s pantheon, referencing the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Lollapalooza, and decades of tours. With production credits spanning California, Pennsylvania, and New York, “Black Sky Over the Projects: Apartment 2025” represents a cross-country statement of resilience. Veteran drummer Tré Cool (Green Day) contributes live percussion on “Fools Fool Fools,” while C-Doc and JP Hesser’s engineering brings a raw immediacy to the record.
Black Couple Was on Vacation When HGTV Canceled Their Show, “Married to Real Estate”...continued from page 1
Several HGTV personalities voiced their support. Christina Haack said the couple would thrive no matter what. Ty Pennington expressed his surprise and praised their work, especially the designs featured in the most recent season. Mike also shared some frustration on Instagram Stories, hinting at challenges they faced behind the scenes. But he ended with a hopeful message, trusting that better things are ahead.
Married to Real Estate began airing in January 2022. The Atlanta-based series followed Egypt and Mike as they helped families find homes in dream neighborhoods. The show also offered a glimpse into their personal lives. Married since 2010, the couple shares two daughters, and Egypt is stepmother to Mike’s eldest daughter from a previous relationship.
Elsewhere, “Fools Fool Fools (Dirty Drums Mixx)” rails against climate denial, political corruption, and what the group calls “the masquerade parade spinning in webs of charades.” The album doesn’t shy away from humor and swagger.
“Messy Hens” finds Flavor Flav taunting gossipers: “Ain’t
From the opening bars of “C’mon Get Down,” the album showcases the enduring power of hip-hop to challenge injustice and unify generations. Chuck D, credited under his real name Carlton Ridenhour, and Flavor Flav deliver scathing verses over production by Carl Ryder, C-Doc, JP Hesser, and Sam Farrar. Cuts like “Evil Way” call out performative gangsterism— “You got to change your evil way / What goes up comes back down”— while “Sexagenarian Vape” explores the tension between youth culture and ageism, a recurring theme throughout the record. Public Enemy also revisits their longtime critique of the American political system. On “March Madness,” the group takes aim at lawmakers’ inaction over gun violence in schools: “Grade One to Twelve / Even kindergarten / Need security from this sick trend started.”
On “Ageism,” Chuck D delivers one of the album’s most personal performances, confronting stereotypes about aging artists: “Been their age, they ain’t never been mine… Ageism stuck in the bitterverse.”
From the percussive stomp of “…The Hits Just Keep on Comin…” to the confrontational closer “March Madness,” Public Enemy prove they remain as vital—and as unflinching—as ever. The album is now available at http://www.publicenemy.com, where fans can name their price during a 72-hour window. After decades of speaking truth to power, Chuck D and Flavor Flav are showing no signs of retreat.
This Independence Day, Remember Fighting Back is America’s Great Tradition
By Ben Jealous
I told my son recently that we’re descendants of the youngest combatant in the battle of Lexington and Concord. Our ancestor’s teenage ears were among the first to hear “the shot heard ‘round the world.” Then I reminded him of something he already knew. That on the other side of his family tree are men and women who were enslaved. Who risked everything to get free and to free others. Who fought for their own rights and those of their communities after emancipation.
“You see,” I told him, “we come from freedom fighters. On both sides. Black and white. We fought back against monarchy. We fought back against slavery. And now we are being called to fight back against oligarchy. And just like before, we will win.”
This is our story. It is also America’s.
There is nothing as definitively American as fighting back –against injustice, the denial of fundamental rights, and the exclusion of vast swaths of people from the American promise.
This country has never been perfect. But it has always been capable of profound change. It has risen time and again to advance the cause of freedom and human dignity – because people stood up and demanded it. That is what we celebrate on the Fourth of July. Not just our independence from a king. But our ongoing willingness to push this nation toward liberty and justice for all. It is not a straight line. Progress has always been followed by backlash. Reconstruction gave way to Jim Crow. The civil rights era gave way to mass incarceration. Each new expansion of democracy has been met by those determined to hoard power for themselves. Today, the threat is oligarchy – a government run for the rich and powerful, by the rich and powerful, at the expense of everyone else.
You do not need a Ph.D. in political science to see what is happening. The same politicians trying to gut voting rights are pushing laws that make billionaires richer and the rest
of us poorer. The same leaders who talk about “freedom” taking away basic rights from workers, women, and families. The fossil fuel industry is being handed billions in subsidies and incentives to pollute the air our children breathe. Public lands are under threat. So are public schools, public libraries, and even public information and history.
When the Trump administration took down the government website hosting congressionally mandated research and data about climate change and its impacts on the US, could it really be seen as anything other than a gift to fossil fuel oligarchs?
Climate scientist Peter Gleick, who coauthored the first National Climate Assessment in 2000, called it "scientific censorship at its worst" and "the modern version of book burning."
And what about Senate Republicans’ attempts to give massive handouts to fossil fuel interests – including the forced sale of millions of acres of our cherished public lands – while trying to deal a death blow to the clean energy transition with new taxes on wind and solar projects?
All of that hurts everyday Americans in so many ways: the health impacts of all the added pollution, the cost of those health impacts on working families, the higher energy bills, the end of the good green economy manufacturing jobs boom, and the ceding of global economic leadership for the next century to the Chinese government – just to name a few!
That was a gift to fossil fuel oligarchs so egregious it even helped reignite the public tiff between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, who lamented the "utterly insane and destructive handouts to industries of the past while severely damaging industries of
the future."
And now, they are trying to rewrite the very idea of America.
This Orwellian-named “America First” agenda is not patriotic. It is predatory. It is not about preserving American greatness. It is about protecting corporate greed. It is about shielding the few from accountability. It is about convincing us to turn on each other while they loot the country.
But the good news is Americans are fighting back. As we always have.
The public backlash to attempts to sell off our public lands was swift and fierce, from Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike. And we got it pulled from the Senate's massive budget bill.
The resistance to smash-andgrab policies that enrich oligarchs and harm the rest of us will only continue to grow. That is because – and it is crucial that we remember this on Independence Day – we are a country built not on fear, but on hope. Not on exclusion, but on inclusion. Not on silence, but on speech. We are the America of Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth and Susan B. Anthony and Cesar Chavez. Of Harriet Tubman, who led people to freedom through forests and fields that are now public lands. And of my greatgreat-great-great-great-greatgrandfather who fought on a battlefield that 250 years later is also now a national park.
The America that keeps fighting, even when the odds seem long.
As I told my son, we are part of that tradition. And this Fourth of July, we recommit to it. That is what it means to be American.
Ben Jealous is the Executive Director of the Sierra Club and a Professor of Practice at the University of Pennsylvania.
The Eye of the Beholder
Karen Georgia Thompson
On May 22, 2025, the United States House of Representatives passed H.R.1 - One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This budget reconciliation bill is problematic for vulnerable communities, with many religious leaders, activists and advocates calling for a humane budget, one that will attend and address the needs of those Jesus called “the least of these.” Our communities must act now as the bill makes its way to the Senate for a vote.
The first line of the summary of the bill states: “This bill reduces taxes, reduces or increases spending for various federal programs, increases the statutory debt limit, and otherwise addresses agencies and programs throughout the federal government.” The White House notes that the bill “will be an economic windfall for working and middle-class Americans, delivering the largest tax cut in history, higher wages, higher take-home pay, and much more — coupled with generational spending cuts and deficit reduction that will position the U.S. for real prosperity.”
Yet, there are overwhelming concerns about the cuts to federal programs included in the budget, which would impact the most vulnerable communities. While the bill would provide tax relief for the wealthy, it would slash health care, Medicaid, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps) for those who are not. While the bill defunds most federal programs for the poor, it would specifically reduce federal Medicaid spending by $793 billion over the next 10 years and federal SNAP (food stamps) spending by $300 billion over the next 10 years.
In 2024, over 41 million people received SNAP benefits, with over 65 million enrolled in Medicare. The cuts to these programs would mean that by 2034, “roughly 16 million people would lose health coverage and become uninsured because of the Medicaid cuts” while 5.2 million would lose access to Medicaid. Cuts to Medicaid will have broader impact beyond those enrolled, with a disproportionate impact on healthcare providers, including hospitals, clinics, and doctors’ offices. Hospitals in rural and low-income areas rely heavily on Medicaid. These
facilities are projected to be hit hardest, and many may be forced to close their doors. Such closings would further disenfranchise these communities. Health care and anti-hunger programs have long been a part of the federal budget, their presence an acknowledgement of the poor, the hungry, and those in need of healthcare, which is an expense many still cannot afford in the United States. While billions are being cut in programs, other programs are being added and funded. These program cuts will not provide all that is needed for billions to support newly devised immigrations priorities and defense spending.
Identified cuts are funding $168 billion in new spending on the President Trump immigration agenda, including the deportation and detention of 1 million immigrants annually. The administration’s aggressive deportation and detention agenda has already been experienced in these 153 days since the president took office. The enforcement of these policies comes at the expense of the needs of the poor, while creating undue hardship for immigrants within the United States, not only undocumented immigrants. Increased federal spending for selective and discriminatory deportation and the use of third-party detention centers outside the United States do not address US immigration policies. Instead, these practices raise concerns for the human rights of immigrants in the US. Along with these concerns, the budget bill will add trillions of dollars to the national debt.
“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” comes to mind as the 119th Congress considers the One Big Beautiful Bill. Beauty in this case is absent for millions who will experience cuts in care and benefits as a result of proposed cuts. The beauty of this bill will be experienced by those who are wealthy for whom tax cuts are promised. While faith communities and nonprofit organizations will continue to assist in addressing the needs in their communities, people of faith must continue to be strong advocates for changes to this budget bill and for allocations to support the needs of the poor, the hungry, and those in need of care in our communities.
Ben Jealous
New York City, NY, USA - October 1, 2013: Hipster male walking next to a wall of graffiti in Brooklyn, New York, US.
injustice
unify generations. Chuck D, credited under his real name Carlton Ridenhour, and
verses over production by Carl Ryder, C-Doc,
‘Aligator Alcatraz’ is America’s Gulag
By Laszlo Bartus
Jun 30, 2025
Alligator Alcatraz, in Florida's Everglades National Park, is set to become the most inhumane prison in the world.
A photo posted on the official X page of the US Department of Homeland Security depicting 'Alligator Alcatraz,' a new immigrant detention facility located in Florida's Everglades National Park.
It is no secret that Donald Trump has a reputation for cruelty. In that vein, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis could not have come up with a more pleasing gift than a prison for undocumented immigrants located in the Everglades National Park.
Let’s be clear, Alligator Alcatraz—as the prison has been dubbed—is set to become the most inhumane prison in the world.
The Everglades National Park is a vast swamp stretching between Florida’s east and west coasts. It is teeming with massive pythons, alligators, swarms
of mosquitos, and panthers. Summer temperatures regularly top the triple digits. The idea is that, like San Francisco’s notorious Alcatraz, escape from this new dungeon in the swamp will be impossible, and that anyone who tries to leave will be immediately devoured by wild animals or otherwise succumb to the elements. Who will be detained here?
Based on the current pattern of ICE arrests and detentions, most will likely be undocumented immigrants with no criminal past.
Slated to open the first week of July, the site—on a former
airstrip claimed from Miami Dade County by DeSantis under emergency powers—will hold up to 5,000 detainees in tents. It is being challenged in court by an alliance of environmental, Indigenous and advocacy groups.
The Everglades is only thirty minutes from the editorial office of Amerikai Népszava, the newspaper I run serving the Hungarian American community. Everyone living here knows that summer in the Everglades brings unbearable heat (104°F), suffocating humidity, a foul stench from the swamp, and clouds of mosquitoes. During the rainy season, there is no tent that can withstand the torrential downpours.
Even without wild animals, the proposed scheme represents uninhabitable, inhumane conditions. In the fall, hurricanes and tornadoes sweep through the Everglades. The first hurricane will tear this tent camp apart, leaving detainees defenseless in the middle of the swamp, surrounded by hungry wildlife. Snakes and alligators will swim in.
And remember, the immigrants that will be imprisoned here are individuals who, under the law, can only be detained, imprisoned, and deported by court order, a fact the Trump Administration seems blithely indifferent to. Nearly half of the 59,000 immigrants now being held under ICE detention have no criminal record.
Data from the Economic Policy Institute, meanwhile, show that the vast majority of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. have lived and worked here for decades. Their labor is indispensable, especially in a state like Florida where agriculture is a significant part of the economy and where up to half the state’s agricultural labor force is undocumented.
Headlines show the growing negative impact from Trump’s campaign of mass deportation on local growers.
Still, the cruelty is the point. Alligator Alcatraz will allow Trump to showcase a brutal crackdown on undocumented immigrants, to instill fear that will ultimately compel people to leave the country before they are thrown to the pythons, alligators, or panthers.
This should rightly be considered a crime against humanity.
The Everglades National Park is a protected area. Experts say the prison could destroy the ecosystem and pollute the environment. Indigenous Miccosukee and Seminole tribes live in the Big Cypress National Preserve surrounding the proposed prison site.
Construction has occupied part of the land where these tribes conduct sacred ceremonies and prayers. Republican officials bulldozed it without hesitation.
15 Sneaky Moves Pulled by Trump That’ll Have A Grave Impact You
From cutting the Job Corps to sneaking in scary artificial intelligence regulation, many fear Trump is trying to distract Americans with an onslaught of questionable moves.
By Phenix S Halley
Published June 30, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump takes part in a press conference on recent Supreme Court rulings in the briefing room at the White House on June 27, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that individual judges cannot grant nationwide injunctions to block executive orders, including the injunction on President Trump’s effort to eliminate birthright citizenship in the U.S. The justices did not rule on Trump’s order to end birthright citizenship but stopped his order from taking effect for 30 days. It seems like everyday since President Donald Trump took office, breaking news headlines continue to flood the media. And in the midst of the downpour of current events, one day, you just might miss something that’ll have a major impact on your everyday life.
From attacks on Black history to Trump’s attempt to alter the U.S. Constitution, there’s no telling what will come next, and as the president continues his selfproclaimed mandate to reshape the country– and history– it’s important Americans everywhere stay vigilant. Here’s 15 “fine print” moves by the Trump administration that you might’ve missed in the last six months.
Quietly Rewriting History
American baseball player Jackie Robinson (1919 – 1972) plays for the Brooklyn Dodgers, USA, 28th August 1949. In efforts to purge all diversity in the government, the Trump administration faced backlash after Civil Rights icon and former Brooklyn Dodgers’ player Jackie Robinson’s military
service was erased from the Department of Defense database, according to ESPN. The Navajo Code Talkers, the Tuskegee airmen and the Marines at Iwo Jima were also among the president’s erasure of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Although the move was ultimately reversed, this shady attempt to rewrite history drew bipartisan criticism.
Birthright Citizenship
WASHINGTON, DC –MARCH 04: Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett and retired Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy listen as US President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on March 4, 2025. Generations after the 14th Amendment was added to the historic legislation, the Trump administration now argues birthright citizenship is not Constitutional. By definition, a person born on U.S. soil is automatically a U.S. citizen. Folks like former Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and even Bruce Lee have their citizenship under this Amendment. As part of his January storm of executive orders, Trump attacked the 14th Amendment, and months later, he is still fighting to get it removed. On June 27, the U.S. Supreme Court voted to lift temporary blocks against Trump’s order– meaning the president is just one step closer to his wish being granted, according to NPR.
Cuts to Medicaid
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE
27: U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) speaks with
reporters following a Senate Republican luncheon, in the U.S. Capitol on June 27, 2025 in Washington, DC. Republican leaders are pushing to get what Trump calls his One Big Beautiful Bill Act through Congress and to his desk before the July 4 Independence Day holiday.Trump spent most of his campaign and early second term promising not to cut Medicaid, but surprise, surprise… that was not the full truth. In his Big, Beautiful Bill Act– the 1,000-page spending bill drawing criticism from Democrats and Republicans– drastic cuts to Medicaid are promised. As of June 30, the bill sits in the House of Representatives, waiting for approval. If it passes, the more than 71 million Americans will be impacted. Of those, about 20 percent are Black Americans, according to Medicaid Awareness.
Hiring WWE CEO to Take Down DOE
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 03: Education Secretary Linda McMahon testifies before the Senate Appropriations Committee’s Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee about the proposed 15-percent cut to the Education Department’s budget in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on June 03, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Donald Trump tasked McMahon with shutting down the Education Department, however, its FY2026 budget maintains spending levels for Title I and special education while slashing funding for Pell Grants and other programs for low-income students. President Trump vowed to dismantle the Department of Education, and he started his agenda by slyly appointing Linda McMahon to run the show. McMahon has a brief background in education. In fact, she was nominated to serve on the Connecticut State Board of Education in 2009, according to ABC News. But unfortunately, that’s where her expertise stops.
Before she was picked by Trump, McMahon founded WWE with
her husband Vincent. As one of the most questionable picks in Trump’s cabinet, McMahon has made it her mission to fulfill the president’s agenda, no matter the cost. The DOE provides financial assistance to states and school districts, most notably in Title I grants for low-income schools and special education funding. Without it, Black and brown students, who are typically the most vulnerable — will likely have limited protections and assistance as they progress in the American educational system.
Suspending $19 Million HBCU Scholarship
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 13: Howard University graduates arrive for the 2023 Commencement Ceremony at Capitol One Arena on May 13, 2023 in Washington, DC. President Joe Biden is the seventh president to deliver the address at Howard University.
Remember in February when Trump’s national spending freeze left billions of dollars in allocated funds suspended in the air? Well, while most folks were worried about food stamps, Medicaid and FEMA funding, our HBCUs were dealing with the harsh consequences of the blitz. The federal government suspended a scholarship program giving $19 million to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), according to AL.com. The 1890 Scholarship Program allowed lower income students to chase their educations goals at their dream HBCUs. Shortly after, a judge ordered the Trump administration to restore the program.
Defying Judge Orders
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 27: U.S. President Donald Trump answers questions during a press conference on recent Supreme Court rulings in the briefing room at the White House on June 27, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that individual judges cannot grant nationwide injunctions to block
E G A L S / C L A S S I F I E D S
‘Free America Weekend’ Ignites
50-State Wave of Protests Against Trump on July 4
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Two bright burning sparklers with an American flag in the background. 4th of July celebrations.
A sprawling coalition of activists plans to transform July 4 into a day of protest and civic action, as demonstrators in all 50 states rally against President Donald Trump’s secondterm agenda. Billed as “Free America Weekend,” the effort is the latest in a string of largescale demonstrations, following June’s “No Kings Day” protests that drew crowds nationwide to reject what organizers described as Trump’s push toward authoritarian rule.
The nationwide protests are part of the 50501 Movement— named for the goal of holding 50 protests in 50 states on the same day. The movement emerged in late 2024 through grassroots organizing and quickly gained momentum across social media platforms such as Instagram and Reddit. Organizers say the Fourth of July is a fitting moment to highlight what they see as threats to American democracy, pointing to Trump’s executive orders targeting immigrants, efforts to dismantle federal agencies, and the broader influence of Project 2025, a conservative policy blueprint criticized for seeking to consolidate power in the executive branch.
“There is no real independence to celebrate under this administration,” the Women’s March declared in its call to action for July 4. “This is our
chance to stand together and reclaim the meaning of freedom.”
More than 170 events are planned across the country, ranging from rallies at state capitals to block parties, dance protests, banner drops, and community art projects. In New York, protests are scheduled both at the state Capitol in Albany and at New York City Hall. Other major gatherings will take place at the California and Texas State Capitols and in cities including Philadelphia, Tampa, and Tallahassee.
The Women’s March website encouraged participants to host neighborhood events and create spaces where people “who aren’t going to come to a protest can still dream about freedom with hot dogs and veggie burgers.”
Organizers said the combination of celebration and dissent reflects their conviction that resisting Trump’s policies and building community go hand in hand.In addition to “No Kings Day,” activists have staged numerous demonstrations over the past year condemning what they describe as systemic attacks on civil liberties and democratic norms. Free America Weekend is intended to unify those efforts into a single, coordinated show of resistance.
While organizers have emphasized nonviolence, some local groups have reported receiving threats and harassment online. In Illinois, protest leaders said they secured permits to rally at the Capitol grounds to help ensure participants’ safety after threats from pro-Trump groups. “This movement is about more than just one day,” organizers wrote online. “It’s about standing firm in our beliefs and seeing it through, no matter the challenges we may face.”
Trump Budget: GOP Controlled U.S. Senate Passes Largest Cut to Food Assistance in History
By Lauren Burke
After a record number of consecutive votes over two consecutive nights, the Republican controlled U.S. Senate passed President Trump’s budget bill that includes the largest cut to food assistance in history. The bill also threatens health care coverage for over 15 million Americans. “This is a reversal of so much progress we’ve had. Under Biden-Harris, we reduced childhood poverty in half, this rolls that back,” said Jotaka Eaddy, the founder of Win With Black Women. “This bill takes health care away from
Inside the Senate chambers of the historic Maryland Statehouse
16 million Americans,” State of the People founder Angela Rye pointed out. The two were on a marathon State of the People broadcast that featured Black religious, political, and community leaders. The Senate
Thursday, July 3, 2025
Trump Budget: GOP Controlled U.S. Senate Passes Largest Cut to Food Assistance in History...continued passed Trump’s budget bill with the assistance of a tie-breaking vote from Vice President J.D. Vance. The legislation now goes to the U.S. House.
President Trump is focused on undoing the work of President Biden. The legislation passed by the Senate repeals the Inflation Reduction Act and cuts the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIPS) that provides low-cost health coverage to children in families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid but who cannot afford private insurance. President Trump is also focused on giving a tax cut to the wealthiest Americans in the country. “Republicans jammed through a partisan megabit that slashes Medicaid, nutrition assistance, and other critical programs,” wrote Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) after the vote.
“Republicans have jammed through a cruel and callous bill that will rip health care and food assistance away from millions of Americans. All so Donald Trump can give massive tax breaks to
his billionaire donors. It’s a gutting betrayal of workingclass Americans,” stated Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) after the bill passed The legislation extends the 2017 tax cuts that disproportionately benefit the rich, it overhauls who is eligible for Medicaid and food stamps, adds paperwork that is likely to reduce program eligibility, and it phases out green energy tax credits. The bill also adds 4.5 trillion to the debt, according to most estimates.
Three Republican Senators voted against the bills: Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), and Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC). “My hope is that the House is gonna look at this and recognize that we’re not there yet,” Sen. Murkowski said after voting for the bill.
Though there are members in the Republican House Freedom Caucus who don’t agree with aspects of the legislation, it is likely to pass.
Buys T.D.s and Buys/Lends on Partial Interests
15 Sneaky Moves Pulled by Trump That’ll Have A Grave Impact You...continued
from page 6
executive orders, including the injunction on President Trump’s effort to eliminate birthright citizenship in the U.S. The justices did not rule on Trump’s order to end birthright citizenship but stopped his order from taking effect for 30 days. Since the beginning of his second term, Trump has faced legal backlash from federal judges who claim his actions are illegal or unconstitutional. In several cases–like when a judge ordered him to turn around a plane full of alleged Venezuelan gang members– Trump took a sneaky route either claiming his hands were tied or just flat out ignoring the ruling. In the case of the ICE plane, the administration claimed since the flights were over international waters, the judges order did not apply, according to ABC News.
Suspending the Jobs Corps
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 22: A counter-protestor shows off his Kippah decorated with an image of President Donald Trump as demonstrators gather for a rally opposing the United States’ strikes on Iran on June 22, 2025 in New York City. The United States dropped a series of bombs on several alleged nuclear facilities in Iran, joining Israel’s ongoing strikes with the country. Iran responded with a barrage of missiles at Israel and promised retaliation against US interests in the region. As we previously reported, the Department of Labor announced all Job Corps centers will pause operations by Monday (June 30). The program provides free education and vocational training to Americans within the ages of 16 and 24. The Root spoke with Illinois attorney Henderson Banks, who claimed Trump’s dismantling of the program was illegal. “What the Trump administration and the Department of Labor is doing is not what legislation stated or enacted for the program or certain job sites to be dismantled,” Banks said.
“There’s an administrative process that was not followed, which gives those contractors who received and depended on funding a claim against the Trump administration and the Department of Labor to sue the government.” A judge has since issued an order allowing for Job Corps operations to continue.
‘Aligator Alcatraz’ is America’s Gulag... continued from page 6
On July 29, hundreds turned out to protest.
In the mid-19th Century the Everglades swamp became a refuge for Indigenous people who refused to be relocated to distant reservations. The Seminoles—led by the famed mid-19th Century fighter Osceola—retreated here after battles, later joined by others similarly displaced by U.S. policy.
A direct descendant of Osceola once stopped the construction of an airport in the swamp. Now his great-grandchildren are protesting again. William “Popeye” Osceola, a former art teacher at the Miccosukee Indian School and now secretary of the Miccosukee tribe, says they are in constant struggle for their land and rights.
Despite resistance, construction is moving at breakneck speed. For his part, DeSantis wants to reap the political benefits of “Alligator
Alcatraz” as quickly as he can. As unbelievable as it sounds, the plan was met with thunderous applause among Republicans nationwide. Donations surged. DeSantis has revived his presidential ambitions for 2028.
DeSantis wants Trump to attend the camp’s opening ceremony on July 1. It appears he will get his wish, as Trump reportedly wants to personally inaugurate the world’s most inhumane prison on earth to boost his popularity and intimidate political adversaries.
“Alligator Alcatraz” is emerging as America’s Gulag. And who is to say, as Trump continues to pursue opponents and critics alike, that even American citizens won’t one day end up here?
Laszlo Bartus is owner and editor of Amerikai Nepszava, the nation’s oldest Hungarianlanguage newspaper based in New York City.
15 Sneaky Moves Pulled by Trump That’ll Have A Grave Impact You...continued from page 6
these programs, students will likely suffer the consequences. In 2023, around 53 percent of Black students said they experienced some sort of depression, according to AP News.
A Pause on USDA Inspections of Meat
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 10: Health and Human Services
Sneaky Tax Cuts
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 22: Protesters gather outside of a Manhattan Tesla dealership to demonstrate against Tesla CEO Elon Musk on March 22, 2025, in New York City. Working as a “special government employee” of the Trump administration, Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have recently made dramatic cuts across federal agencies. Tesla profits have fallen as thousands of customers sell or trade in their vehicles due to their dislike of Musk. The biggest rightwing appeal of the Big, Beautiful Bill is its promised tax cuts for the wealthy. As the wealth gap in the country continues to widen, Trump’s tax cuts prove to be another handout for the richest Americans—most of whom are white, according to data from the Pew Research Center. On the other hand, Trump’s cuts will likely increase the racial divide in the country. A 2024 study conducted by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy found corporate tax cuts disproportionately benefit white households because white people disproportionately own corporate stocks and bonds, unlike Black households.
$1 Billion Cuts to Mental Health Programs in Schools
NEW YORK, NEW YORK –JUNE 24: Students attend class on the second to last day of school as New York City public schools prepare to wrap up the year at Yung Wing School P.S. 124 on June 24, 2022 in New York City. Approximately 75% of NYC public schools enrolled fewer students for the 2021/2022 school year due to the pandemic. As a part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, $1 billion was allocated to increase the amount of mental health professionals in schools, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump’s administration cut it completely citing concerns about a DEI focus among providers, according to Education Week. To be expected, the decision was immediately met with criticism from mental health advocates and education professionals, who argued without
Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (L), accompanied by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, speaks after Rollins signs three new SNAP food choice waivers for the states of Idaho, Utah, and Arkansas in her office at the United States Department of Agriculture Whitten Building on June 10, 2025 in Washington, DC. The wavers will limit what the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program can select as eligible foods, targeting unhealthy food. In a post-COVID world and during the height of the bird flu, which saw historic prices of eggs, Trump and DOGE’s reorganizing of the government also led to questionable moves in the FDA. The organization is reportedly still in a shift of most routine food safety inspections to state and local authorities, according to CBS News. In an attempt to cut down on government spending, many critics argued the quality and safety of food standards would have a grave impact on Americans nationwide. The FDA stated inspections will continue during the reorganization, but already DOGE layoffs and inconsistencies from the administration pose a threat.
‘Restriction on Enforcement’
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE
24: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before boarding the Marine One presidential helicopter and departing the White House on June 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. Less than 12 hours after announcing a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, Trump is traveling to the Netherlands to attend the NATO leaders’ summit.
(Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
On page 544 of the 1,082-page bill, a hidden provision called the “Restriction on Enforcement” has the potential to officially upend the checks and balances system. Under SEC. 70302, more restrictions against U.S. judges who push back on Trump’s orders are on the table. The administration has been sued, blocked and threatened with contempt in court by judges fearing Trump’s orders are unconstitutional. If the bill passes in the House, then this small section would likely benefit Trump’s deportation agenda and his anti-DEI push.
Rolling Back on Climate Change Legislation
ASHEVILLE, NORTH
CAROLINA – MARCH 24: A Moe’s Burrito restaurant destroyed by Hurricane Helene on March 24, 2025 in Asheville, North Carolina. Nearly six months after the historic storm, communities in western North Carolina continue the recovery process.
(Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
On his very first day in office, Trump rescinded several Bidenera initiatives aimed at addressing growing climate change concerns pushing for clean energy, making its development more difficult and expensive. And as the racial gap widens, Black communities will continue to be devastated by harsh weather conditions. Black Americans are at greater risk of experiencing natural disasters because of concentrated populations in extreme weather environments, like in Black cities like St. Louis and Houston, according to McKinsey Institute for Economic Mobility.
Executive Order to Cancel ‘Sesame Street’ NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 04: Cody, Scatter, Mr. Primm and Heart, from “Helpsters,” a brand-new preschool series from the makers of “Sesame Street” that airs on Apple TV+, were on hand at Apple Fifth Avenue for an exclusive Today at Apple session, “Coding Lab for Kids: Pre-Coding with Helpsters.” To celebrate Computer Science Education Week, the event featured creative pre-coding activities to teach communication, thinking, and problem-solving skills on December 4, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Apple TV+)
Despite the president’s continuous claims of media bias and “fake news” in the nation, he is still fighting to put an end to— wait for it– “Sesame Street.” In May, he signed an executive order to get rid of government funding for PBS and NPR. “It’s the latest move by Trump and his administration to utilize federal powers to control or hamstring institutions whose actions or viewpoints he disagrees with,” PBS said in response. Instead of setting his target on media machines with clear bias, Trump insisted PBS and NPR posed dangerous threats and were poisoning the youth. In response, both organizations have sued the administration.
Trump’s Attacks South African President
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 21: U.S. President Donald Trump and South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa talk to each other during a press availability in the Oval Office at the White House on May 21, 2025 in Washington,
The Sacramento Observer and Savannah Tribune Win Big at 2025 NNPA Messenger Awards
By Stacy M. Brown
SAVANNAH, Ga.—The Sacramento Observer and The Savannah Tribune stood out as the top honorees at the 2025 National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Fund’s Messenger Awards, held during the Black Press of America’s annual convention at the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District Hotel.
The convention, themed “The Black Press: Engaging Black America—Empowerment, Justice and Prosperity,” marked the 198th year of the Black Press of America, which today comprises more than 200 African American-owned newspapers and media companies committed to covering the stories and issues that shape Black communities nationwide.
The Sacramento Observer earned the night’s most prestigious recognition, the John B. Russwurm Award, presented to the newspaper with the highest cumulative score across all award categories. The Observer achieved an impressive 154 points and took home first-place honors in Education Reporting, Business Reporting, Original Photography, Youth and Children Coverage, and Facebook Campaigns.
The publication also placed among the top three in several additional categories, including Environment, Social Criminal Justice, and Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle, underscoring its consistent strength in both editorial content and audience engagement.
While the Observer dominated the content awards, The Savannah Tribune was honored for its leadership and community impact. Publisher Shirley Ann Barber James received the Publisher of the Year Award, recognizing her decades of dedication to preserving and strengthening the Tribune’s voice. Accepting the award, James thanked her family, staff, and Savannah’s civic organizations for supporting the paper’s mission and expanding its reach.
Other publications also earned multiple honors. The Houston Defender captured first-place awards in Health Reporting, Environment Reporting, and Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle.
The St. Louis American earned first place in the categories of Special Editions, Original Advertising Campaigns, Broadsheet Layout and Design, and Video Campaigns. The Afro-American Newspaper of Baltimore and the Chicago Defender also collected several top finishes.
All winners by category included:
Health Reporting – Emory O. Jackson Award
1st Place: Houston Defender
2nd Place: Birmingham Times
3rd Place: Afro-American Newspaper, Baltimore
Nationwide — During a peace agreement ceremony in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump called a female reporter “beautiful” and said he wishes there were more reporters like her. The moment came as leaders from Congo and Rwanda signed a deal aimed at ending decades of conflict. The agreement marks a major step toward peace in eastern Congo, where clashes between armed groups have caused widespread suffering, displacement, and millions of deaths. As the event began, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt introduced reporter Hariana Veras to speak. Veras, an African-born journalist covering the White House, shared what she saw during her visit to Congo. She said people felt hopeful and added that President Felix Tshisekedi of Congo wanted to nominate Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize for his role in the peace talks. Trump praised her words,
Education Reporting – Frank L. Stanley Award
1st Place: The Sacramento Observer
2nd Place: Washington Informer
3rd Place: Savannah Tribune
Social Criminal Justice – Ida B. Wells Award
1st Place: Chicago Defender
2nd Place: Dallas Weekly
3rd Place: The Sacramento Observer
Environment – Wilbert L. Holloway Award
1st Place: Houston Defender
2nd Place: The Sacramento Observer
3rd Place: New York
Amsterdam News
Faith & Religion
1st Place: L.A. Sentinel
2nd Place: Baltimore Times
3rd Place: Final Call
Business Reporting
1st Place: The Sacramento Observer
2nd Place: Chicago Defender
3rd Place: Houston Defender
Editorial Opinion – Robert S. Abbott Award
1st Place: Forward Times
2nd Place: Washington Informer
3rd Place: Texas Metro News
Original Photography
1st Place: The Sacramento
Observer
2nd Place: Houston Defender
3rd Place: New York Amsterdam News
Entertainment Coverage –Armstrong Ellington Award
1st Place: Afro-American Newspaper, Baltimore
2nd Place: Washington Informer
3rd Place: Atlanta Voice
Sports – Don King Award
1st Place: Afro-American Newspaper, Baltimore
2nd Place: St. Louis American
3rd Place: Atlanta Voice
Youth and Children Coverage
1st Place: The Sacramento Observer
2nd Place: Philadelphia Tribune
3rd Place: Savannah Tribune Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle –Ada S. Franklin Award
1st Place: Houston Defender
2nd Place: The Sacramento Observer
3rd Place: Atlanta Voice
Special Editions – Leon H. Washington Award
1st Place: St. Louis American
2nd Place: Philadelphia Tribune
3rd Place: Washington Informer Original Advertising Campaign – E. Washington Rhodes Award
saying, “So beautifully stated.” He then also told her she is “beautiful”.
“I’m not allowed to say that,” he joked. “You know that could be the end of my political career, but you are beautiful—and you’re beautiful inside. I wish I had more reporters like you.”
Meanwhile, the peace deal aims to end decades of violence involving over 100 armed groups that have caused millions of deaths and massive displacement in Congo. Trump said he would pressure both countries to stick to the agreement, calling it a “glorious triumph” for peace.
According to The Daily Beast, the Washington Accord also gives the U.S. access to Congo’s valuable minerals like gold and lithium. Trump took credit for several recent peace deals, including those involving India and Pakistan, India and Iran, and the new Congo-Rwanda agreement. He joked that the deal should have been named the “Trump Accord” instead.
DC. Relations between the two countries have been strained since Trump signed an executive order in February that claimed white South Africans are the victims of government land confiscation and race-based “genocide,” while admitting some of those Afrikaners as refugees to the United States. Trump also halted all foreign aid to South Africa and expelled the country’s Ambassador to the U.S., Ebrahim Rasool. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Hoping to recreate that White House moment with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump’s public meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa turned into calculated attempt to corner him. Trump came ready with a PowerPoint presentation, a stack of documents, a horrific video and several false claims of a white genocide going on in the African nation. Although Ramaphosa chose to go high, denying Trump’s lies and trying to focus the Oval Office discussion on trade and a technological partnership, the U.S. president persisted. The meeting came one week after Trump welcomed 60 Afrikaners— white South Africans– to the country with refugee status. Critics of the move argued it was a slap in the face to Black and brown migrants who Trump has demonized over the past decade.
1st Place: St. Louis American
2nd Place:
Deadline To Submit Press Releases & Legals Is Mondays By 5pm
AI Regulation in Big, Beautiful Bill Act
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 26: U.S. President Donald Trump stops in the White House Cross Hall to listen to the band at the conclusion of a “One, Big, Beautiful” event in the East Room of the White House on June 26, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump held an event to urge the passage of the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill,” Trump’s signature tax-andspending agenda. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
In a world where artificial intelligence is growing rapidly and unexpectedly, the Trump administration is offering scary regulations– or lack there of– to AI. In the Republican-led spending bill, one provision aims to ban state regulation of AI, and even Republicans are upset about it. Ga. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene came out saying she opposes the provision because it violates states’ rights. This was of course after she voted to pass the bill to the House, admitting she didn’t read that part. But if the very people elected to read and review proposed legislation have confessed to being unaware of the very small, fine print, then Americans should probably be paying even closer attention to what’s at stake.
continued in next 2 columns
Trump Flirts With Black Female Reporter, Calls
Messenger Award winners Larry Lee, publisher of the Sacramento Observer and Shirley Ann Barber James, publisher of the Savannah Tribune. Photo by Mark Mahoney, DreamInColor Photography for NNPA.
15 Sneaky Moves Pulled by Trump That’ll Have A Grave Impact You...continued from page 7