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Louisiana health officials are urging residents to take precautions after confirming a fifth death this year from Vibrio vulnificus, a bacterium that can cause severe wound infections and, in rare cases, a flesh-destroying illness called necrotizing fasciitis. The state has now recorded nine cases and five deaths in 2026, a sharp increase from Louisiana’s typical average of seven cases and one death over the same stretch in past years
What is Vibrio vulnificus, and how do people get infected?
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that occurs naturally in warm coastal waters and is more abundant between May and October, when water temperatures rise. Infection typically happens when an open wound comes into contact with brackish or salt water, though people can also become sick after eating raw or undercooked seafood, particularly oysters. According to the Louisiana Department of Health, every case reported this year involved a wound exposed to seawater, and all nine patients had underlying health conditions at the time of infection.
Why is this bacteria sometimes called flesh-eating?
In severe cases, Vibrio vulnificus can trigger necrotizing fasciitis, a condition in which tissue around an open wound dies rapidly. That rare but serious outcome is where the bacteria gets its flesh-eating nickname. Beyond skin and wound infections, Vibrio vulnificus can also cause gastrointestinal illness or, if it enters the bloodstream, a more advanced infection marked by fever, chills, septic shock, and blistering skin lesions
How dangerous is this infection?
According to health officials, about one in five people infected with Vibrio vulnificus dies, sometimes within a day or two of becoming ill. Severe infections can require intensive care or limb amputation. Healthy people generally experience only mild symptoms if infected, but the danger rises sharply for anyone who is immunocompromised or living with a chronic condition
Who faces the highest risk of serious complications?
People with liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV or thalassemia face a higher risk of severe illness, as do people taking immunosuppressive medications, those on medication that reduces stomach acid, and people who have recently had stomach surgery. Every patient infected in Louisiana this year had at least one underlying health condition, which health officials say is a consistent pattern in serious Vibrio vulnificus cases
What are the warning signs to watch for?
Early signs of a Vibrio skin infection include fever, redness, pain, swelling, warmth, discoloration, or discharge near a wound. Health officials say anyone who develops these symptoms after a wound has been exposed to seawater should seek medical care immediately and specifically tell their provider about the water exposure, since early treatment significantly improves outcomes
How is the infection diagnosed and treated?
Doctors diagnose Vibrio vulnificus bacteria by testing cultures taken from stool, wounds, or blood. Mild infections are typically managed by increasing fluid intake to prevent dehydration, while severe or prolonged cases require antibiotics to improve survival odds. In cases involving significant wound damage, surgery to remove dead tissue may also be necessary
How can people protect themselves this summer?
Health officials recommend staying out of brackish or salt water entirely if you have any open wounds, cuts, scrapes, recent surgical incisions or piercings. If water exposure with a wound is unavoidable, covering it with a waterproof bandage beforehand and washing it thoroughly with soap and water afterward can reduce risk. For food safety, officials advise cooking seafood thoroughly, especially for anyone who is pregnant, immunocompromised or dealing with liver or stomach issues, washing hands after handling raw shellfish, and keeping raw and cooked seafood separate to avoid cross contamination. People in higher-risk groups are also encouraged to wear protective footwear and clothing in coastal waters and to use gloves when handling raw seafood to prevent exposure to the bacteria.
Is this happening beyond Louisiana?
Yes. Vibrio vulnificus cases have also been reported in Florida and New York this year, suggesting the bacteria increase isn’t isolated to a single state. Louisiana’s health department says it will now post updated case numbers weekly as it continues to monitor the situation through the rest of the warm-water season
Bottom line
With cases and deaths already outpacing Louisiana’s historical average, health officials are treating this year’s Vibrio vulnificus numbers as a genuine public health concern rather than a routine seasonal fluctuation, and they’re urging anyone with an open wound to stay especially cautious around coastal water through October
Based on reporting by Rolling Out
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Talarico Pitches ‘a New American Dream’ as Economic Agenda Centers Workers, Affordability
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Millions of People Have Lost SNAP Benefits Due to Trump Overhaul
Black History
James J. Carter Installed as 84th President of the National Bar Association
DATA NEWS WEEKLY — James J. Carter was installed as the 84th President of the National Bar Association on July 30, 2026, following an introduction by attorney James Williams and swearing-in by Judge Kern Reese. National Urban League President Marc H
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BlackPressUSA Newswire
After a rousing introduction by Stellar New Orleans Attorney James Williams and swearing in by the Legendary Judge Kern Reese, the National Bar Association on July 30, 2026 installed nationally accomplished Trial Attorney and Civic Leader James J. Carter as its 84th President. In addition to NBA Past Presidents, leaders, members, friends and family from around the world, the great international leader, President and CEO of the National Urban League, Marc H. Morial, was in attendance, who gave James his first significant leadership opportunity more than 30 years ago. James’s presidency begins a term shaped by the responsibility of leading the organization as it continues its fight for Equal Justice Under the Law. He will be only the second person in the NBA’s 101 Year History, after the late Justice Revius Ortique, to serve as President while residing in Louisiana. President Carter’s bar year theme is “Meeting the Moment: A Continuing Legacy of Social Engineering and Empowerment.”
“I accept this responsibility with a clear understanding of what the National Bar Association has represented for generations of Black Lawyers and for the communities we serve,” Carter said. “Our next century requires courage, discipline and practical action. We will strengthen civic activism, defend access to the ballot, advance financial independence, and address the conditions that affect the health and safety of our communities.”
Founded in 1925 after Black Attorneys were excluded from membership in the American Bar Association, the National Bar Association has spent a century advancing Civil Rights, professional excellence and equal access to justice. Carter assumed the presidency at a consequential point in that history, with a mandate to honor the institution’s legacy while preparing it for the demands of the next 100 years
During his term, Carter will work with NBA members, affiliates, sections, divisions, law schools, corporate partners and community organizations to translate the Association’s national reach into measurable civic and economic impact
“The National Bar Association begins its next 100 years with a strong foundation and a clear obligation,” Carter said. “We will protect what prior generations built, respond to the realities facing our communities now, and create the systems the next generation will need.”
Based on reporting by Data News Weekly
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Black Press
Talarico Pitches ‘a New American Dream’ as Economic Agenda Centers Workers, Affordability
THE DALLAS WEEKLY — Democratic U.S. Senate nominee James Talarico unveiled his economic platform, “A New American Dream,” in Arlington. The platform focuses on lowering household costs, strengthening workers’ rights, and expanding access to housing, healthcare, and education
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August 9, 2026
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BlackPressUSA Newswire
Credit: Dallas Weekly
ARLINGTON — Framing affordability as the defining issue facing Texas families, Democratic U.S. Senate nominee James Talarico unveiled what he called “A New American Dream” Wednesday night, introducing an economic platform centered on lowering household costs, strengthening workers’ rights and expanding access to housing, healthcare and education
Speaking before a crowd of more than 1,300 supporters in Arlington, Talarico argued that rising prices, stagnant wages and growing wealth inequality have placed the American dream further out of reach for working families. Throughout the speech, he returned to a central message that Texans who “work hard and play by the rules” should be able to afford a home, raise a family and retire with dignity
Local leaders set the stage
Before Talarico took the stage, several Texas political leaders addressed the audience
Congressman Marc Veasey encouraged attendees to remain engaged through Election Day, followed by Tarrant County District Attorney candidate Tiffany Burks, who is seeking to become the county’s top prosecutor in November. Republican former Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley also spoke, criticizing Republican Senate nominee Ken Paxton and urging voters to consider a different direction for the state. Arlington Mayor Jim Ross, who has described himself as an independent, welcomed attendees before introducing Talarico and thanking residents for participating in the event. Talarico opened his remarks by recognizing each speaker and announcing the launch of his statewide “New American Dream Tour.”
Making affordability the centerpiece
Talarico opened the policy rollout with the story of a Houston airport worker named Augusta, whom he described as working long hours while struggling to afford rent and care for her grandson with autism
He used her story to argue that many Texans are working full time but remain unable to cover basic necessities because wages have failed to keep pace with the cost of housing, healthcare and other essentials. He contrasted today’s economy with what he described as the stronger middle class of previous generations, when homeownership, higher education and retirement were more attainable for working families
Raising wages and cutting costs
A significant portion of the proposal focused on increasing workers’ earnings while reducing financial pressures on households
Among Talarico’s proposals are raising the federal minimum wage, expanding overtime protections, repealing tax breaks that primarily benefit the wealthiest Americans and redirecting those savings into cost-of-living tax relief for middle-class families. He also proposed lowering taxes for small businesses rather than multinational corporations and strengthening labor unions to help workers negotiate higher wages, better benefits and safer workplaces
For many families across South Dallas and North Texas, where inflation and housing costs continue to strain household budgets, those proposals were presented as a way to increase take-home pay while supporting locally owned businesses
Tackling debt, housing and healthcare
Talarico also outlined several proposals aimed at reducing personal debt
His plan calls for canceling medical debt, limiting excessive hospital billing, capping high credit card interest rates and expanding access to college and career education without long-term student debt. He also proposed reducing the federal deficit by closing billionaire tax loopholes, cracking down on tax fraud and reducing spending tied to prolonged overseas conflicts
Housing affordability also featured prominently in the speech
Talarico proposed reducing federal barriers to new home construction and creating down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers. He paired those proposals with calls for universal childcare, paid family leave, permanent expansion of the Child Tax Credit and continued protection of Medicare and Social Security
Energy and technology
On energy, Talarico rejected an either-or approach, describing Texas as both the nation’s leading oil and gas producer and its largest generator of wind and solar energy
Instead, he proposed maintaining partnerships with the state’s traditional energy industry while expanding renewable energy investment, arguing that Texas can remain an energy leader through an “all-of-the-above” strategy
He also addressed artificial intelligence and the rapid growth of data centers across Texas, an issue increasingly affecting North Texas communities
His proposals include stricter oversight of large data centers over concerns about electricity demand and water consumption, while also calling for an “AI dividend” that would allow Americans to benefit financially from advances in artificial intelligence. He further proposed expanding entrepreneurship grants for small business owners, inventors and artists seeking startup capital
Framing the election
Closing the speech, Talarico returned to the campaign’s central message that economic opportunity should be available to every Texan willing to work
He pledged to reject corporate PAC money and argued that the election is ultimately about lowering costs, raising wages and making homeownership, education and retirement more attainable for working families
The Arlington event marked the first stop of Talarico’s statewide “New American Dream Tour,” which the campaign says will continue with additional events across Texas in the coming weeks
The post Talarico pitches ‘A New American Dream’ as economic agenda centers workers, affordability appeared first on Dallas Weekly
Based on reporting by The Dallas Weekly
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Black Press
Millions of People Have Lost SNAP Benefits Due to Trump Overhaul
TEXAS METRO NEWS — Changes implemented by the Trump administration to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have resulted in an estimated 4 million people losing benefits. These changes, part of a bill passed last July, include new work requirements for various groups, such as parents of children over 14, former foster children, veterans, and individuals aged 55 to 64
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August 9, 2026
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BlackPressUSA Newswire
Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA.
As part of last year’s Big, Beautiful Bill, Trump made significant changes to the work requirements and funding structure for SNAP benefits
AI guess President Donald Trump’s primary goal is to ensure more Americans are broke, sick, and hungry. An estimated 4 million people have lost Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as a result of changes the Trump administration made to the program
NPR reports that SNAP has seen a rapid decline in enrollment and participation since Trump’s “Big, beautiful, bill” became law last July. The law implemented new work requirements for anyone with a child over 14, former foster children, veterans, and even people aged 55 to 64. What makes the changes particularly cruel is the fact that most people on SNAP already work in part-time, low-income jobs. It’s just hard to make that new 80-hour monthly threshold on a part-time job. I say that as someone who also works part-time in a job where I’m contractually limited to under 40 hours a month.
Starsky Wilson, the president of the Children’s Defense Fund, told NPR that the speed of the tax law’s impact has shocked him. “We’re upset about how quickly this has happened,” Wilson told NPR. “There are some supports that are still slated to go away later this year. So there could be an even greater sense of desperation among children and their families as we come to the end of this year.”
As if the work requirements weren’t already having an adverse impact, the Trump administration is set to implement changes to SNAP’s funding model this October. The federal government is now requiring states to allocate millions in additional funding to keep SNAP up and running. If a state can’t afford to provide the extra funding, there’s a real chance SNAP may stop being available in that state. There simply aren’t enough food banks or supplemental government programs to help mitigate the impact of SNAP completely disappearing.
“ There’s no replacement for SNAP if a state gets rid of it,” Wilson told NPR
The Trump administration’s SNAP overhaul couldn’t have come at a worse time. Wage growth already wasn’t keeping pace with inflation; the job market has become a parody of itself over the last three years, and housing affordability is only worsening. Yet that didn’t stop Trump from launching a war with Iran that has had a profoundly negative impact on the American economy
Gas prices continue to hover around $4 and above, housing prices have hit their highest level in decades, and more people are going into debt to afford groceries. If this is the strain facing what would traditionally be considered the middle class, you can only imagine how hard it’s been for the working poor who can’t even rely on SNAP benefits anymore to make ends meet
What makes this all so insulting is that we have the money; there’s no need for people to suffer. We’ve got billions of dollars to fight an unnecessary war in Iran, subsidize Israel’s campaign in Gaza, and potentially give to people who attempted an insurrection, but feeding hungry kids is a bridge too far. Tell me again how this administration is putting America first
Millions Of People Have Lost SNAP Benefits Due To Trump Overhaul was originally published on newsone.com
Based on reporting by Texas Metro News
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Art
Blacks Are Beautiful, Brilliant and Stupendous on Broadway by Linda Armstrong
HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — Black cast members are delivering soul-stirring performances across 28 current Broadway productions. These shows highlight the grace, talent, and soul-rejuvenating abilities of Black actors on the Great White Way. Audiences can experience moments of pure delight in musicals such as “Ragtime,” “MJ: The Musical,” “The Lion King,” and “Hadestown,” where Black performers are notably featured
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August 9, 2026
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BlackPressUSA Newswire
Layton Williams’ Tony-Nominated ‘River Deep, Mountain High’ From Titaníque
Black cast members are blessing audiences with soul-stirring performances on Broadway. There are currently 28 productions that are splendidly spotlighting our grace, talent, and soul-rejuvenating abilities on the Great White Way. Moments of pure delight await you whether you go to experience “Ragtime”, “MJ: The Musical”, “The Lion King”, or “Hadestown.” It blesses my soul every time I look at a Broadway stage and see us being spectacular!
“& Juliet” playing at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre asks what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? She gets a second chance at life and loves her way. It stars Gianna Harris (Juliet) and features Mackenzie Meadows (Lady Capulet/Nell); Zalah Vallien (Judith); Darien Daah Van Rensalier (Augustine); and Michael Ivan Carrier (Thomas)
“Aladdin,” playing at the New Amsterdam Theatre, is Disney’s movie come to life and tells the story of Aladdin, a poor boy, falling in love with Princess Jasmine. The musical features Michael James Scott (the Genie); JC Montgomery (Sultan); and Dennis Stowe (Jafar)
“The Book of Mormon,” playing at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre, is a musical about the Mormon faith. Derrick Williams (the General); Jacques C. Smith (Mafala Hatimbi), and Sydney Quildon (Nabulungi)
“Buena Vista Social Club,” playing at the Schoenfeld Theatre, is inspired by true events and shows you the heart of Cuba, telling the story of the legends who lived and created the musical sounds of Havana. The cast features Natalie Venetia Belcon (Omara); Chris Myers (Juan De Marcos); Jaleel Battles Jr. (Young Ibrahim); Isa Antonetti (Young Omara); Leonardo Reyna (Young Ruben); Da’Von T. Moody (Compay); Ashley De La Rosa (Young Haydee); Mel Seme (Ibrahim); and Jainardo Batiste Sterling (Ruben).
“CATS: The Jellicle Ball,” playing at the Broadhurst Theatre only through August 8th, is Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “CATS” reimagined, and the Jellicle Cats are having a Ball. It is Broadway meets runway, a purrrfect time. This production has an amazing cast which features Andre De Shields (Old Deuteronomy); Bebe Nicole Simpson (Demeter); Dava Huesca (Rumpleteazer); Dudney Joseph Jr. (Munkustrap); Garnet Williams (Bombalurina); Jonathan Burke (Mungojerrie); Junior La Beija (Gus); Nora Schell (Bustopher Jones); Primo Thee Ballerino (Tumblebrutus); Robert “Silk” Mason (Magical Mister Mistoffelees); Sydney James Harcourt (Rum Tum Tugger); Teddy Wilson Jr. (Sillabub) and “Tempress” Chasity Moore (Grizabella).
“Chicago,” playing at the Ambassador Theatre, tells the delightful, sexy stories of the women of Murderess Row. It features Jacqueline B. Arnold (Matron “Mama” Morton); Sean Samuels (Martin Harrison); and James T. Lane (Harry/The Jury)
“Death Becomes Her,” playing at the Lunt Fontanne Theatre, is a musical comedy based on the 1992 film of the same name, about two women who want to stay young and work out an unholy alliance to stay beautiful, so of course it backfires. It stars Michelle Williams (Viola Van Horn) and features Taurean Everett (Chagall)
“Death of a Salesman,” playing at the Winter Garden Theatre, tells the compelling story of salesman Willy Loman. It features K. Todd Freeman (Charley); Michael Benjamin Washington (Bernard); and Karl Green (Young Bernard)
“The Great Gatsby,” playing at The Broadway Theatre, is an amazing musical telling of the classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It features China Anne McClain (Daisy Buchanan) and Corbin Bleu (Nick Carraway)
“Hadestown,” playing at the Walter Kerr Theatre, tells the myth of Orpheus trying to overcome Hades and return to his love. The cast stars J. Harrison Ghee (Hermes); Gary Dourdan (Hades); Jordan Tyson (Eurydice); John-Michael Lyles (Orpheus) and features Khori Michelle Petinaud (Fate)
“Hamilton,” playing at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, is a beloved musical that focuses on the life of Alexander Hamilton. The cast stars Marcus John (Alexander Hamilton), and features Lencia Kebede (Angelica Schuyler); Donald Webber Jr. (Aaron Burr); Simon Longnight (Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson); Isaiah Johnson (George Washington); Wallace Smith (Hercules Mulligan/James Madison) and Amina Faye (Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds)
“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” playing at the Lyric Theatre tells an engaging story of Harry Potter and other students at Hogwarts. It’s a magical time at the theatre! It features Rachel Christopher (Hermione Granger)
“Just In Time,” playing at Circle In The Square Theatre, is about the life of singer Bobby Darin. It features Lance Roberts (Ahmet Kirshner)
“The Lion King,” playing at the Minskoff Theatre, is the beloved Disney musical that brings the movie version of the same name to glorious life with lifelike puppets, a captivating storyline, powerful, meaningful songs, and helps one appreciate the circle of life. It stars L. Steven Taylor (Mufasa); Sidney Nicole Wilson (Sarabi); Pearl Khwezi (Nala); and Bonita Hamilton (Shenzi)
“The Lost Boys” will be playing at the Palace Theatre with previews beginning March 27. The new musical tells the story of Lucy and her two teenage sons as they move to a sunny coastal community in search of a new start, only to discover that it has a terrifying secret. The cast features Dean Maupin (Paul) and Maria Wirries (Star)
“MJ The Musical,” playing at the Neil Simon Theatre, tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life and features 25 of his biggest hits. The cast stars Matte Martinez (MJ) and features Brandon Lee Harris (Michael); Antoine L. Smith (Joseph Jackson/Rob); Sasha Allen (Katherine Jackson); Christopher Sean Cooper Jr. and Jackson Robert Vann alternate as Little Michael; Blake Channing Taylor (Little Marlon); Matthew Frederick Harris (Tito Jackson/Quincy Jones); Michael Andreaus (Berry Gordy/Nick); Lloyd A. Boyd III (Randy Jackson); John Edwards (Jackie Jackson); Nick T. Daly (Jermaine Jackson); and Brion Marquis Taylor (Marlon Jackson).
“Moulin Rouge” is playing at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. As Bohemians and Aristocrats mingle, this musical celebrates truth, beauty, freedom, and love. It features Andre Ward (Toulouse-Lautrec); Rayven Bailey (Arabia) and Donnie Hammond (La Chocolat)
“Oh Mary,” playing at the Lyceum Theatre, is a dark comedy about a miserable, suffocated Mary Todd Lincoln in the weeks prior to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. It stars Phillip James Brannon ( Mary’s Husband)
“The Outsiders,” playing at the Jacobs Theatre, is a musical that tells the story of the haves and the have-nots as poor and rich kids clash. It features Runako Campbell (Ace); and Alejandro MullerDahlberg (Steve)
“Paranormal Activity” will play starting August 14 at the August Wilson Theatre; it tells the story of James and Lou who move from Chicago to London to escape their past, but they soon discover that places aren’t haunted, people are. The play stars Travis A.Knight (James)
“Ragtime” playing at Lincoln Center’s Viee families going after the American Dream, it shows racism against Blacks and prejudice against immigrants in this country and features a brilliant Black cast including Joshua Henry (Coalhouse Walker Jr.); Nichelle Lewis (Sarah); John Clay III (Booker T. Washington); and Caleb Stallings (Coalhouse Walker III)
“The Rocky Horror Show,” playing at Studio 54, is a sexy, fun cult classic musical. It encourages audience participation. It features Amber Gray (Riff Raff); Michaela Jae Rodriguez (Columbia) and Boy Radio (Phantom)
“Schmigadoon!” playing at the Nederlander Theatre is a hilarious musical comedy about a couple living in a musical as they try to find love. It features Ayaan Diop (Carson) and Isabelle McCalla (Emma Tate)
“Six” is playing at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre. A British pop musical, it goes into the lives of the six ex-wives of King Henry VIII. The cast features Khalia Wilcoxon (Catherine of Aragon) and Oli
“Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” playing at the Marquis Theatre, is based on the Netflix TV show; the story captivates on Broadway. The production stars Ayana Cymone (Patty Newby) and features Zoe Sage (Sue Anderson) and Jennie Harney-Fleming (Patty’s Mom)
“Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York) playing at the Longacre Theatre, tells the story of Dougal, a Brit who comes to New York for his father’s wedding and meets Robin, the sister of the bride. They reveal deep truths about themselves as they run errands for the bride. The play stars Christiani Pitts (Robin)
“Titanique,” playing at the St. James Theatre, is a delightful musical comedy about the Titanic and Celine Dion’s remembrance as a passenger on the doomed voyage. The production stars Deborah Cox (Unsinkable Molly Brown) and features Layton Williams (The Seaman, Iceberg)
“Wicked,” playing at the Gershwin Theatre, tells the story of the wicked witch and Glinda in a way you have never heard before and will not soon forget. It utilizes Black actors in ensemble, swing, and understudy roles
Actors are people who I believe bless audiences with their vast gifts. They can educate, enlighten, and inspire us on so many levels. Black actors on Broadway are doing a magnificent job in every performance, giving their hearts and souls to the work. With all that they willingly and happily share with Broadway audiences—their talent, their strength, their heart- please make it your business to share your presence. Go and see a Broadway show; let them know you truly appreciate them and care. Every one of us needs to feel supported.
Based on reporting by Harlem Community Newspapers
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Black Press
Support a Safe, Healthy School Year
SAN DIEGO VOICE & VIEWPOINT — SAN DIEGO VOICE & VIEWPOINT — San Diego County health officials are urging parents and caregivers to include vaccinations in their back-to-school preparations. California mandates several vaccines for students from transitional kindergarten through 12th grade, such as DTaP, Hepatitis B, MMR, chickenpox, and polio
Published
4 hours ago
on
August 9, 2026
By
BlackPressUSA Newswire
Credit:
As reported by the San Diego County Communications Office, county health officials urge parents and caregivers to make vaccines part of back-to-school preparations
California requires several vaccines for students in transitional kindergarten (TK) through 12th grade. These include DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis/whooping cough), Hepatitis B, MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), chickenpox, polio, and more. You can see a full list of vaccines by grade on theCounty’s website
The first week of August marks California HPV Vaccine Week. The HPV vaccine is not required for school, but health officials strongly recommend it for boys and girls ages 9 and older. This vaccine helps protect against six different types of cancer later in life
“This vaccine is capable of preventing 90% of future cancers caused by HPV,” said Dr. Kelly Motadel, County Chief Pediatric Officer. “When families stay up to date on recommended vaccines, they protect their children and those who are immunocompromised. Higher vaccination rates make outbreaks less likely and help keep communities healthy.”
Parents and caregivers should contact their health care provider to receive vaccines. Getting vaccinated at least two weeks before school stated allows time for full protection. For more information about vaccine-preventable diseases and the shots that protect against them, visit the County’s Immunization Branch online or call (866) 358-2966
County Public Health Services protects and improves the health of all San Diego County residents by preventing disease, promoting wellness, and advancing health equity. Through community partnerships, education, and data driven programs, the department works to create safer, healthier communities for all
Based on reporting by San Diego Voice & Viewpoint
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Black History
Money Matters: The State of Black Media – and Why Its Future Matters to Business
TEXAS METRO NEWS — ATLANTA DAILY WORLD — Black-owned media has historically served as a trusted institution, advocate, and economic catalyst for underserved communities. These outlets filled information gaps left by mainstream media, covering events like the Civil Rights Movement and highlighting local business successes
Published
9 hours ago
on
August 9, 2026
By
BlackPressUSA Newswire
Black-owned media has long served as more than aunderserved communities, and an economic catalyst for entrepreneurs and neighborhood businesses. From covering the Civil Rights Movement to spotlighting local business success stories, Black media has consistently filled information gaps left by mainstream outlets
Today, however, the industry faces significant economic headwinds
The challenges mirror those confronting local journalism nationwide. According to Northwestern University’s Medill School, the United States has lost more than one-third of its newspapers since 2005, with over 3,000 newspapers closing. As local news organizations disappear, communities lose trusted reporting, accountability journalism, and advertising platforms that connect businesses with consumers
Black-owned media has been especially vulnerable
Historically, many Black newspapers and broadcasters have operated with smaller staff and tighter margins while serving audiences often overlooked by national advertisers. At the same time, advertising dollars have increasingly shifted to digital platforms, with Google, Meta, and Amazon capturing a substantial share of the digital advertising market. That shift has made it more difficult for community-based media organizations to compete for marketing budgets
Yet the audience remains significant
According to Nielsen, Black Americans continue to be among the nation’s most engaged media consumers, spending more time with television, radio, smartphones, and social media than many other demographic groups. This represents tremendous purchasing power. The University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business estimates Black buying power now exceeds $2 trillion annually, making African American consumers one of the world’s largest consumer markets if considered independently
That creates an important business opportunity
For companies seeking authentic engagement with diverse audiences, Black-owned media provides something algorithms cannot: trust. Readers and viewers often have longstanding relationships with community newspapers, radio personalities, digital publishers, and local broadcasters who understand the issues affecting their neighborhoods
That trust translates into influence
Black media has consistently elevated stories about small business owners, nonprofit organizations, educational opportunities, workforce development, and neighborhood investment. These stories not only inform readers but also stimulate local economic activity by connecting residents with products, services, and opportunities they might not otherwise discover
Detroit offers a powerful example
For decades, Black-owned media outlets, including the Michigan Chronicle, have chronicled the city’s entrepreneurs, faith leaders, educators, and civic organizations while helping businesses reach loyal audiences. They have celebrated economic development projects, highlighted minority-owned businesses, and provided platforms for discussions about housing, healthcare, education, and employment
Their role extends beyond journalism
Black media helps preserve community history, strengthens civic engagement, and creates visibility for businesses that often lack multimillion-dollar advertising budgets. During elections, public health crises, and economic downturns, these trusted outlets frequently become essential
Innovation is also reshaping the industry
Many Black-owned media organizations are expanding beyond traditional print and broadcast formats. Podcasts, newsletters, YouTube channels, streaming programs, and digital publications are helping publishers reach younger audiences while creating new sponsorship opportunities. Those embracing digital transformation are positioning themselves for long-term sustainability, even as the overall media landscape continues to evolve
Still, sustainability requires investment
Supporting Black-owned media should not be viewed simply as a diversity initiative. It is a business strategy. Companies invest in media because it delivers audiences. Black media delivers highly engaged audiences with deep community credibility—an asset that cannot be easily replicated through mass advertising alone
Consumers also have an important role to play
Subscribing to local publications, sharing stories, attending community events, and supporting advertisers who invest in Black-owned media all contribute to a stronger local information ecosystem. Every subscription and advertising dollar helps sustain journalists, photographers, editors, sales professionals, and publishers committed to telling stories that might otherwise go untold
The future of Black media is ultimately tied to the future of local economies
Strong communities depend on informed citizens, thriving businesses, and trusted institutions. Black-owned media strengthens each of those pillars by connecting people with information, opportunity, and one another
As advertising models continue to evolve, one fact remains unchanged: communities need trusted voices
The continued success of Black media is not simply about preserving history – it is about shaping the future of entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and economic opportunity for generations to come
We invite readers, business owners, and future entrepreneurs to follow along, ask questions, and engage.If you have story ideas or questions, you can email Leeat[email protected] or visit leegroupinnovation.com
Based on reporting by Texas Metro News
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