"D.C. has the right to govern itself. It doesn’t need this federal coup," said Derrick Johnson, president of the NAACP. @usatoday.com www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...

Join us in welcoming Ledyard King @ledyardking.bsky.social and Mabinty Quarshie @washingtonexaminer.bsky.social to the board of directors of the WPCF! Congratulations to our leadership, Deb Berry @dberryjourno.bsky.social Tia Mitchell @tiamitchell.com Jack Auresto ‪@apnews.com

“In 2026, the work is to ensure that we are not losing ground and (that) there’s an infrastructure in place for Black women to run for reelection, for Black women to run for higher office and for more Black women to run,” @glyndacarr.bsky.social told @usatoday.com, @cawp-ru.bsky.social,

'When Black women run, they do win:' New report shows increase in Black women lawmakers www.usatoday.com/story/news/p..., @cawp-ru.bsky.social, @higherheights.bsky.social, @winwithblkwomen.bsky.social, @glyndacarr.bsky.social, @blackvotersmatterfund.org,

Inspired to 'get in good trouble again:' Black lawmakers salute the legacy of John Lewis during the week of the 5th anniversary of his death. www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...

States told USA TODAY that after months of lobbying against the spending bill, they now have to figure out how their states are going to manage to live with it ‒ and how to help residents do the same. www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...

Faith leaders plan protests in the South over federal budget cuts. “What we will not do is stand down or bow down,’’ said Bishop William Barber. www.usatoday.com/story/news/n..., @usatoday.com, @repairers.bsky.social ,

'Journey to Freedom' brings students closer to Black history www.usatoday.com/story/news/n..., @usatoday.com

Governors aren't on the same page about bringing National Guard in for "No Kings" protests. They are weighing public safety, and if Trump will step in. www.usatoday.com/story/news/p... via @usatoday.com

NAACP won’t invite Trump to convention, breaking a 116-year tradition www.usatoday.com/story/news/p... via @usatoday.com

“Even if they would kill me, I would still speak up for Palestine,” Mahmoud Khalil said in brief remarks at Newark’s airport. Read more here:

Protests against U.S. military involvement in Iran were taking place in several cities Sunday, and are expected to continue throughout the week in communities across the country.

Iran's parliament has approved a measure endorsing the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a major oil transportation route, following U.S. airstrikes in Iran.

Protests erupt calling for Trump, U.S. to stay out of war in Middle East www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...

A federal judge in New Jersey ordered ICE to release Columbia University grad student Mahmoud Khalil from a Louisiana immigration detention facility.

Black organizations, some founded in the 1800s, still exist. Are they still needed? www.usatoday.com/story/news/n..., @naturbanleague.bsky.social,

It's been 10 years since the Charleston church massacre. I joined Taylor Wilson on The Excerpt to discuss how some family members have worked to honor memories of their loved ones. Our conversation begins at seven minutes in. art19.com/shows/5-thin...

It's been 10 years since the shooting of nine churchgoers at Mother Emanuel in Charleston. Families and others reflect on the decade since and talked about whether they forgive the shooter. "Forgiveness is between him and God,'' Melvin Graham told me. www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...

Social Security officials have tweaked what they want some employees to prioritize 900,000 complicated cases that must be completed by hand. Employees warn that thousands of Americans could see delays or even stopped checks in the meantime www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...

Authorities swept in with flash-bangs and tear gas grenades to disperse hundreds of protesters in Los Angeles.

Pride month could be a balm, says bishop Trump blasted over LGBTQ sermon. "I pray that it is a really joyful, inspiring gathering where people feel safe, where they feel seen, where they feel supported,'' Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde told @usatoday.com. www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...

Librarians, teachers and others plan Teach Truth Day of Action to fight book bans and preserve history www.usatoday.com/story/news/p..., @neatoday.bsky.social, @teachingchange.bsky.social,

With @sarahdwire.bsky.social: 'No member is safe': Democrats rally for Rep. LaMonica McIver accused of assault www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...

Advocates say the GOP's SAVE Act includes 'poison pills' for some Native American voters www.usatoday.com/story/news/p..., @nativerights.bsky.social, @brennancenter.org, @usatoday.com

ICYMI @usatoday.com wrote about Trump's executive order on #civilrights weeks ago: Trump’s new order could unravel years of protections against discrimination, activists say www.usatoday.com/story/news/p..., @nwlc.org,

Appreciate you sharing your insights on the important issue of civil rights.

Had a chance to talk with Taylor Wilson of the Excerpt about my USA TODAY story on reacts to President Trump calling out the National African American History and Culture Museum in a recent executive order. Starts at 9:20. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...

Trump's cuts are putting local libraries in peril. I discuss on today's episode of The Excerpt from @usatoday.com art19.com/shows/5-thin...

The Trump administration admitted it mistakenly deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia but said it had no authority to return him from El Salvador.

Trump, GOP vow to fix DC. Residents want to run their own city -and for Congress to make it a state. www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...

Despite an uphill battle to pass bills addressing disparities, @repbonnie.bsky.social said it's important for Democrats to show communities “that we're not going to fade into the woodwork." www.usatoday.com/story/news/p..., @repbonnie.bsky.social, @usatoday.com

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman said Trump's executive order on elections puts up barriers for voters of color. "I don't think he's going to get away with that,'' said @repbonnie.bsky.social. "The courts still recognize voter suppression when they see it." @usatoday.com www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...

Native American students still reeling from feds firing staffers at tribal colleges. “Students were telling us they felt scared and worried,” said Jacqueline De León of @nativerights.bsky.social. “There’s dire effects.” @aftunion.bsky.social, @usatoday.com www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...

In just over a month’s time, the rural doctor has become one of the nation's only doctors with firsthand experience of how infectious, and serious, measles is. And she is an unwitting expert in a disease she never thought she'd treat. @cuevasreports.bsky.social wrote.

'What happened on Bloody Sunday is worthy of remembering.' This marks the 60th anniversary. www.usatoday.com/story/news/n..., @splcenter.org, @eji.org, #BloodySunday

It will be worth tuning in!

Not planning to watch Trump's speech? These activists have a 24-hour alternative. “It’s about turning the television off and hearing from people within our communities, people that we know, people that we trust, people who are fighting for us,’’ said Jaime Harrison. www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...

“Our goal is to show our economic power and muscle, period,” Pastor Keith Byrd, who is leading a boycott at his church and participating in an economic blackout against companies that have rolled back diversity initiatives, told @usatoday.com. www.usatoday.com/story/money/...

Thank you for sharing your insights!

“Our building is filled with accomplished scientists who have climbed through the ranks of our profession and now they’re being treated like lazy people who don’t want to do their jobs,” Robyn Smyth said. www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...

'It's an answered prayer': Historic Black churches get grants for needed repairs www.usatoday.com/story/news/n..., @savingplaces.bsky.social

A child has died in the Texas measles outbreak – the first US measles death since 2015 www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com

You’re …rehired? What we know about who is exempt from Donald Trump's mass firings www.usatoday.com/story/news/p... via @usatoday.com

Why some Native American citizens worry about getting caught in ICE's net. The Native American Rights Fund and the ACLU issued guidance to tribal leaders & communities recommending people know their civil rights and carry ID. www.usatoday.com/story/news/n..., @nativerights.bsky.social, @aclu.org

Are you a federal employee who is taking the buyout or deciding to stay and risk layoffs? USA TODAY is looking for people to talk about what this means for them and their families. Please fill out this form if you are interested forms.office.com/r/MGqJWZZcYt

EXCLUSIVE: Black church vandalized by Proud Boys hopes to use attention to support more social justice causes. "We intend to take that evil and use it for good,’’ Pastor William Lamar told me. www.usatoday.com/story/news/n..., @usatoday.com

EXCLUSIVE: Q&A with Rep. Bennie Thompson on Trump J6 pardons. "He can have his opinion and the pardoning power is there, but these people either pled guilty or were found guilty,'' @benniethompson.bsky.social told @usatoday.com. "What people saw with their own eyes on Jan. 6, 2021 really happened.”

See you tomorrow at the Congressional Dinner! #wpcfdinner

Trump order recognizes only two sexes. Advocates call it 'cruel,' 'lawless.' www.usatoday.com/story/news/p... via @usatoday.com @dberryjourno.bsky.social

“Blaming a tragic air crash on what makes our country great, which is our diversity, equity and inclusion, it's offensive and it's wrong especially because we know these values make our nation stronger,’’ said Margaret Huang, president of @splcenter.org. www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...,