In response, Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) asked on X, “(1) Is he right? (2) Why?”

OK, Senator, I’ll give this a shot.

If Maher is right, it’s because:

1. Each day’s news brings more evidence of widespread fraud in this country, bilking American taxpayers out of unfathomable amounts of their money. Independent journalist Nick Shirley exposed the fraudulent child care and medical transport services in Minnesota — created largely by Somali immigrants — and calculated it at more than $100 million. This fell on the heels of the $250 million “Feeding Our Futures” scam perpetrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now we’re told that the financial fraud in that state could top $9 billion.

But those amounts are dwarfed by the fraud in California, where recent investigations have turned up $170 million in child care fraud and $3.5 billion in hospice fraud (in Los Angeles County alone.) Then there’s the $15 billion spent on “high-speed rail” — without even a single foot of track having been laid.

How about the fraud perpetrated on the American public with the “Russia collusion” hoax?

We see plenty of Fox News appearances, irate posts on X and even a smattering of congressional hearings. But where are the indictments, the arrests, the prosecutions? (The “Feeding Our Future” fraudsters have been indicted, but that fraud took place half a decade ago.) Republicans run the Justice Department; what are they doing?

2. The single most important issue to Americans is election integrity. This isn’t just a conservative voter issue, a Republican voter issue or a white voter issue. According to multiple polling outlets, a wide majority of Americans want voter ID as part of election security. Harvard CAPS/Harris puts the number at 81% of Americans, including 79% of independents and 70% of Democrats. Pew reports that 75% of Americans across all racial backgrounds want voter ID. Gallup puts the numbers even higher, with 84% of Americans overall wanting voter ID, including 98% of Republicans and 84% of independents. Eighty-three percent of those Gallup polled also want proof of American citizenship.

And yet somehow, a Republican-controlled Congress will not pass the SAVE America Act. Not cannot pass it, will not pass it.

3. In general, President Donald Trump is having to govern by executive order, because the Republican-controlled Congress appears to be doing very little. If Democrats had even the bare majorities Republicans have now, they’d be ramming their left-wing agenda items down our gullets so fast we’d be choking on them. But when Republicans get control of Congress, they act like a middle school student council given control of the mayor’s office for a day. Or highly paid court jesters.

4. Republicans voters also want an end to illegal immigration, the enforcement of our borders, and deportation of people here illegally. They do not want amnesty or government benefits for people who came here illegally. But instead of moving on the issues their voters care about, we have Republicans like Florida congresswoman Maria Salazar repackaging “amnesty” and calling it the “Dignity (“Dignitad”) Act.” She and Texas Republican congressman Brandon Gill are now in a war of words about it on X. Popular X accounts Matt Van Swol, Wall Street Mav and DataRepublican (among an increasing number of others) have called Salazar’s bluff (and that of her 19 Republican cosponsors) by reading the entire 261-page bill and explaining, with quotes and page numbers, how the “Dignity Act” is amnesty — and then some.

What’s worse is that we don’t really know how many people are living here illegally. We’re told it’s 7 million. Or maybe 10 million. But it’s probably much more. The Federation for American Immigration Reform put the number last year at 18.6 million. Amnesty means millions more people added to the voter rolls (and most won’t vote Republican, Rep. Salazar), millions more sponsoring family members to come in, and millions more struggling to get in themselves. As Ronald Reagan discovered when he signed an amnesty bill in 1986, “amnesty now and enforcement later” means “amnesty now and enforcement never.” Because it takes courage to enforce the law, and Republicans don’t have any, even when they’re in power.

5. Trump ran on improving the economy and no wars. Now there is war in Iran. Gas is over $4 a gallon. The stock market is down (a huge hit for people living on a fixed income and dependent on the performance of their pensions). The price of oil affects huge swaths of the economy. What’s the end game here? When do things get better?

I’m old enough to remember a free Iran, and I support the end of the mullahs’ reign there, the elimination of the threat of their having nuclear capability, and the liberation of the Iranian people. But it’s not among Americans’ top priorities, and the voters who elected Trump don’t see those priorities being addressed. Furthermore, at this writing, Iran and the United States are in a “ceasefire,” which Trump says presents the possibility of a resolution. But any resolution of this conflict that does not include the permanent removal of the mullahs from power will be a failure.

The midterms are seven months away, and a lot can happen in that time. But the Republican leadership in Congress has established a practice of dragging its feet, and there’s little reason to think they’ll suddenly change their modus operandi as the election gets closer.

They’d better. A loss at the midterms will be disastrous. We can expect a Democrat-controlled Congress to impeach Trump (and likely other members of his administration). They will not show the same deference to procedural niceties that Republicans profess. Instead, they’ll nuke the filibuster, pass amnesty, open the borders, defund federal law enforcement (including and especially Immigration and Customs Enforcement), reimpose censorship, renew their lawfare efforts, prosecute their political enemies and pack the Supreme Court. Which means you can kiss any judicial imposition of constitutional limits on government power bye-bye.

And that’s just for starters.

You guys better get off your rear ends and do what we sent you to Congress to do. And don’t bleat that Senate Majority Leader John Thune won’t let you. If he’s in the way, remove him and get the job done. Or lose in November.

There, Sen. Lee. Does that answer your questions?

Written by Laura Hollis

Official website; http://law.nd.edu/directory/laura-hollis/

Common HVAC Mistakes in First Time Homeowner Maintenance

Most first-time homeowners don’t break their HVAC system in one big mistake, it’s usually a series of small oversights that stack up, especially when home HVAC maintenance isn’t part of a regular routine.

Treating HVAC as “set it and forget it” is a common issue. Many assume if the system turns on, it’s fine, but HVAC system maintenance requires ongoing attention to stay efficient, and running doesn’t always mean it’s functioning properly.

Ignoring the air filter (or using the wrong one) can choke airflow and strain the system. Closing vents to “save energy” or blocking returns also restricts airflow, disrupting system balance and increasing pressure over time, something basic HVAC maintenance tips often warn against.

Cranking the thermostat instead of adjusting gradually doesn’t make the system work faster, it just forces it to run longer and harder. Many homeowners also overlook early warning signs like longer run times or uneven temperatures, which are key signals in first time homeowner maintenance.

Skipping professional inspections entirely allows small issues like low refrigerant or worn parts to go unnoticed until they become expensive failures, making HVAC system maintenance more costly in the long run.

Why Home HVAC Maintenance Gets Overlooked

Because HVAC is invisible when it works, and confusing when it doesn’t.

HVAC systems tend to fade into the background because they operate out of sight and don’t provide obvious signs of decline. There’s no immediate feedback loop, problems build quietly, and performance issues develop gradually, so homeowners adapt without realizing anything is wrong with their home HVAC maintenance routine.

It’s also not intuitive. Most people understand cleaning or painting a home, but airflow, duct pressure, and refrigerant aren’t obvious concepts, which makes HVAC maintenance feel optional rather than essential, closer to something you can delay than something like an oil change.

With competing priorities like furniture, repairs, and finances, HVAC system maintenance often falls to the bottom until a breakdown forces attention.

Benefits of Regular HVAC Maintenance for Homeowners?

Think of maintenance as buying reliability and lower costs upfront.

Regular HVAC maintenance keeps the system operating at its intended efficiency, which helps lower energy bills since clean, tuned systems don’t have to work as hard. It reduces wear on components, extending the system’s lifespan and lowering the likelihood of surprise breakdowns, most of which start as small, preventable issues.

Consistent home HVAC maintenance also improves indoor air quality by ensuring proper filtration and clean components, reducing dust, allergens, and pollutants. The result is more consistent comfort with stable temperatures, no hot or cold spots, and more predictable performance without the stress of emergency repairs during extreme weather.

Must-Know HVAC Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

If you do nothing else, do these HVAC maintenance tips:

Check your air filter monthly (replace every 1-3 months depending on use) and keep vents and returns unobstructed, furniture blocking airflow is more common than people think. Clean around outdoor units by removing leaves and debris and giving them breathing room as part of your regular home HVAC maintenance.

Pay attention to early warning signs. Strange noises, weak airflow, uneven temperatures, or longer run times are not “normal” and often signal underlying HVAC system maintenance issues.

Schedule at least one annual professional tune-up, ideally twice (spring + fall), but once is better than none, to ensure internal components are cleaned, tested, and adjusted for optimal performance.

How Often to Schedule HVAC System Maintenance

The ideal cadence for HVAC system maintenance:

Twice a year (best practice): spring – AC check, fall – heating system check. This timing ensures the system is prepared for periods of heavy use. At minimum: once per year, focusing on the system you rely on most.

Filters: every 1-3 months, more often if you have pets, allergies, or live in a dusty area, one of the simplest HVAC maintenance tips to follow.

Consistency matters more than perfection, regular basic care beats occasional deep maintenance, especially for first time homeowner maintenance.

DIY vs Pro Home HVAC Maintenance

You can safely handle replacing air filters, keeping vents clean and open, clearing debris from outdoor units, checking thermostat settings, batteries, and the circuit breaker, and monitoring for unusual sounds or smells as part of basic home HVAC maintenance.

Call a professional for refrigerant checks or leaks, electrical components or wiring issues, deep coil cleaning, system diagnostics or airflow balancing, and annual HVAC system maintenance and safety inspections.

Rule of thumb: if it involves opening the system or handling internal components, it’s not DIY.

How Neglecting HVAC System Maintenance Affects Costs and Lifespan

Neglect doesn’t just cause breakdowns, it quietly drains money. It’s not just about fixing things, it’s about avoiding expensive timing.

Neglecting HVAC system maintenance leads to gradual efficiency loss, causing the system to consume more energy to maintain the same level of comfort, resulting in higher monthly bills. Over time, this increased strain accelerates wear on components, leading to more frequent repairs and a shortened lifespan.

Minor issues that go unaddressed can escalate into major failures, often requiring expensive emergency service or premature system replacement, usually at the worst possible time (peak summer or winter), something proper first time homeowner maintenance helps prevent.

Seasonal HVAC Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

Spring (before cooling season):

Replace filter, clear outdoor unit, and test AC early (don’t wait for the first heatwave), simple HVAC maintenance tips that prevent bigger issues.

Summer:

Keep filters fresh and watch for reduced airflow or longer run times as part of ongoing home HVAC maintenance.

Fall (before heating season):

Schedule furnace maintenance or heat pump inspection, check thermostat settings, and ensure vents are open and balanced to stay on track with HVAC system maintenance.

Winter:

Keep outdoor units clear of snow/ice and monitor for dry air (consider humidification if needed).

Seasonal prep is a core part of first time homeowner maintenance and prevents peak-season breakdowns, which are the most expensive and inconvenient.

Simple HVAC Habits for First Time Homeowner Maintenance

The difference isn’t knowledge, it’s habits.

Tie filter changes to a routine (e.g., first day of every month or when you pay a bill) and establish a simple monthly HVAC check walk as part of your HVAC maintenance habits. Look at vents, listen for noises, and check airflow while staying attentive to how the system sounds and performs so you can catch issues early.

Don’t ignore “minor” changes, small performance drops are early warning signs. Think in terms of prevention, not repair. HVAC maintenance is about avoiding problems, not reacting to them.

Keep the area around HVAC equipment clean, as both indoor and outdoor units need space to function properly. Consistent, small actions like these make the biggest difference and help prevent neglect while reducing strain on the system, especially for first time homeowner maintenance.

Staff Writer; Roy Jacobs

And what did she get?

Like her brunette Cabinet twin, Barbie, she got unceremoniously dumped. According to published reports, she wanted a graceful exit. He wanted her out. So out she goes.

Of course, Pam Bondi deserves to be fired for what she has done to the Justice Department. It is a disgrace. But that’s not the reason she is being fired, and nothing is likely to change with her departure. Will the President suddenly become less vengeful? Not a chance. Will he give up his efforts to control the Department? Why? Will any policies change? Todd Blanche is President Donald Trump’s personal attorney. He has been by Bondi’s side for everything that has gone right or wrong. Will Lee Zeldin, another Trump loyalist to the core, be able to resist the president’s demands any more than Bondi did? Or will he just be less “visible” than Bondi?

Bondi wasn’t the only big news this week. There was the president’s big speech on Iran, his chance to explain to the country what we are doing there and how long we’ll be doing it. Stephen Colbert had the best line on April Fool’s Day. “It was concise, intelligent, and brought the nation together with shared purpose,” Colbert said before the laughter started. It was, to say the least, none of the above.

What shared purpose? Regime change? Keeping the oil lanes open? Dealing with the potential nuclear threat? Will there be a ground invasion as soon as this weekend? Is our future engagement measured in weeks, months, or years? The president simultaneously threatened to hit Iran even harder and to be done in weeks. Done with what? Where next?

Then there is the defense budget. On Friday, the White House asked Congress on Friday to approve about $1.5 trillion for defense in the 2027 fiscal year — a 40% increase over this fiscal year, and the highest spending level in modern history. And who will pay for that? We will, with a call for $73 billion in cuts spread across many domestic agencies, including the elimination of key federal health, housing and education programs, many of which serve those most in need. With most Americans facing literal affordability crises every day, how can we possibly afford $1.5 trillion in defense? The New York Times reports that at a private lunch, Trump said military spending needed to be a national priority, even at the expense of federal safety-net programs and other government aid.

“It’s not possible for us to take care of day care, Medicaid, Medicare, all of these individual things,” he said. “They can do it on a state basis.” He added that the focus had to be “military protection.”

The states cannot do “all of these individual things,” like Medicaid and Medicare, on their own. They certainly cannot and should not bear those burdens so that King Donald and Prince Pete can conduct their foreign adventures unlimited by acts of Congress or the support of the American people. It is time, past time, for Congress to say no to Donald Trump.

Written by Susan Estrich

Independent restaurants are often the foundation of a city’s food identity. They introduce new flavors, preserve traditional cooking methods, and create the kind of dishes that people go out of their way to try. When someone says a city has a strong food scene, they are almost always referring to the influence of its locally owned restaurants.

From Detroit and New Orleans to Houston and Atlanta, independent kitchens continue to define what makes American food culture so diverse and interesting.

Independent Restaurants Prioritize Flavor Over Consistency

Large restaurant chains are built on consistency. Every location needs to produce the same menu items in the same way, regardless of location. While this creates reliability, it also limits creativity.

Independent restaurants operate with a completely different mindset. Chefs and owners are not tied to standardized processes in the same way. They have the flexibility to experiment with ingredients, adjust recipes, and introduce new ideas whenever they want.

This freedom often leads to better food. Dishes are refined over time based on customer feedback, seasonal availability, and the chef’s own evolving style. A meal at an independent restaurant feels more intentional because it reflects real decisions made in the kitchen rather than a fixed corporate recipe.

Menus also tend to evolve naturally. A dish might start as a special, gain popularity, and eventually become a signature item. This kind of organic development is one of the reasons independent restaurants feel more dynamic.

Personal Backgrounds Shape the Menu

One of the biggest differences between independent restaurants and chain establishments is the influence of personal history. Many restaurant owners build their menus around recipes and techniques they grew up with.

These dishes often reflect regional traditions, family cooking styles, and cultural influences that are difficult to replicate in large-scale operations. In many cases, the food tells a story that goes beyond the ingredients on the plate.

This connection to personal experience makes independent restaurants more memorable. Customers are not just eating a meal; they are experiencing a specific perspective on food that comes directly from the chef or owner.

Over time, these restaurants become known for signature dishes that cannot easily be found anywhere else. That uniqueness is what drives people to recommend them, revisit them, and share them with others.

Local Ingredients Lead to Better Food

Independent restaurants are also more likely to work with local suppliers. Instead of relying entirely on national distribution systems, many small restaurant owners build relationships with nearby farms, fisheries, and specialty producers.

This approach improves both quality and freshness. Ingredients can be sourced at their peak rather than being shipped long distances and stored for extended periods.

It also allows chefs to design menus around what is available in their region. Seasonal vegetables, fresh seafood, and locally produced goods often play a bigger role in independent kitchens.

As a result, menus feel more connected to the local environment. Diners are not just eating food; they are experiencing flavors that reflect the area they are in.

Menus Are More Flexible and Creative

Another advantage of independent restaurants is their ability to adapt quickly. Owners can test new dishes, adjust portion sizes, and introduce entirely new menu sections without needing approval from a corporate structure.

This flexibility encourages experimentation. Chefs can combine different culinary influences, try new cooking techniques, and respond to trends as they emerge.

It is common to see independent restaurants blending cuisines in ways that would not typically appear in traditional dining settings. These combinations often lead to entirely new dishes that gain popularity within the local food scene.

Because of this, independent restaurants are usually at the forefront of food trends. What starts in a small kitchen can eventually influence menus across an entire city.

Neighborhood Restaurants Create Stronger Communities

Independent restaurants often become central parts of their neighborhoods. They are not just places to eat; they are gathering spaces where people connect with each other.

Regular customers build relationships with staff, chefs, and owners. Over time, these interactions create a sense of familiarity that is difficult to replicate in larger chain environments.

Many independent restaurants also collaborate with other local businesses, host events, and participate in community initiatives. This involvement strengthens their connection to the area and helps build a more cohesive local economy.

Because of this, independent restaurants often reflect the personality of their neighborhoods. Each one contributes to the overall identity of the city’s food culture.

Great Food Cities Depend on Independent Restaurants

Cities known for their food scenes almost always have a strong base of independent restaurants. Detroit, New Orleans, Houston, Atlanta, and Philadelphia are all examples of cities where local chefs and small business owners drive culinary innovation.

These cities offer a wide range of dining experiences because independent restaurants are constantly introducing new ideas. Some focus on traditional comfort food while others explore modern techniques or global influences.

The diversity of these restaurants creates a more interesting and dynamic food scene. Diners can explore different styles of cooking, discover new flavors, and support local businesses at the same time.

Many of these restaurants are built around cultural traditions and personal cooking styles, which adds even more depth to the overall dining experience.

For readers who want to explore more of these locally driven food scenes, Huffity has put together a curated guide to black owned restaurants across major U.S. cities, highlighting independent spots that contribute to the character and diversity of their local food communities.

Independent Restaurants Take More Creative Risks

One of the reasons independent restaurants stand out is their willingness to take risks. Without corporate oversight, chefs can experiment with bold flavors, unique presentations, and unconventional menu ideas.

Some of these ideas may not work, but many of them lead to standout dishes that define the restaurant. This trial-and-error process is part of what makes independent dining so exciting.

It also encourages innovation across the broader food scene. When one restaurant introduces something new and successful, others may adapt or build on that idea.

Over time, this cycle of experimentation pushes the entire food culture of a city forward.

Authenticity Is What Makes Food Memorable

At the core of every great food scene is authenticity. People remember meals that feel genuine, whether that comes from traditional recipes, creative expression, or a strong connection to local ingredients.

Independent restaurants are uniquely positioned to deliver this kind of experience. Their menus reflect real decisions, real stories, and real creativity rather than standardized processes.

This authenticity is what keeps customers coming back. It is also what drives word of mouth recommendations, online reviews, and social media attention.

When people search for the best places to eat in a city, they are usually looking for restaurants that offer something different. Independent restaurants consistently deliver on that expectation.

Why Independent Restaurants Will Continue to Lead Food Culture

As the food industry continues to evolve, independent restaurants will remain a key part of what makes dining experiences interesting. Their ability to adapt, experiment, and connect with local communities gives them a lasting advantage over larger chains.

While corporate restaurants will always have a place in the market, they are unlikely to replace the creativity and individuality that independent kitchens provide.

For anyone looking to explore a city’s food scene, the best starting point is almost always locally owned restaurants. These are the places where new ideas are tested, traditions are preserved, and memorable meals are created.

In the end, independent restaurants do more than serve food. They shape the culture of the cities they are in, one dish at a time.

Staff Writer; Fred Parker

Unfortunately, it took the shame and embarrassment of the massive media exposure for L A. city sanitation department officials to act. The news that people were living in L.A.’s sprawling 6500 miles of sewer passages sparked widespread rage. The question repeatedly asked was how did L.A.’s seemingly intractable homeless crisis result in something this appalling. How could people in this day and age and in a city such as L.A. sink to the level of living in dank, dark, unsafe, unhealthy sewer passages?

The pictures of the hapless Black woman sitting at the sewer manhole opening captured the attention of many. It sadly answered the question. Neither she, nor her plight, was an aberration. The increasingly substantial number of persons termed variously “mole people” or “tunnel people” that live beneath America’s cities has been well documented. They have carved out their residence in abandoned subways, railroad, flood, and heating shafts. And in L.A. the city’s sewers.

In the early 1990s, filmmakers and reporters, and writers were fascinated by the considerable number of people living in tunnels under New York City streets. There were so many of them that they had formed their own orderly community with their own set of rules. A documentary and a best-selling book chronicled their plight. New York was no exception. A year ago, investigators in Las Vegas reported that more than one thousand homeless people lived in tunnels under Las Vegas streets. That again sparked widespread disgust and anger.

The stock explanation is that the tunnel dwellers suffer drug, alcohol addictions, and mountainous mental health afflictions. Obviously, many do. After all few rational individuals would voluntarily pitch their tents, even if homeless, in such horrendous spots. But there is no mystery or guess work why many of them are driven to that level of desperation in living. It’s poverty and homelessness.

They go hand-in-hand and they are deep, structural problems. They are fueled in large part by unchecked, unaffordable, high-end development. Los Angeles is a magnet for thousands of people with challenges, who are from other states. It’s about more than providing housing to deal with their issues. It entails meeting the full range of social and human service problems. It’s also a global problem linked directly to poverty, race, gender, and social disconnect and dispossession.

One of many sobering experiments to end homelessness confirmed how dogged the problem is. In 2024, the federal government in Canada issued a report that after spending billions in public money to wipe out homelessness in the country, they didn’t know if the money made any dent in the problem.

The Canadian dilemma, again, is no different than what other U.S. cities face when it comes to getting a handle on homelessness. The city that tops them all in confronting the problem is, of course, Los Angeles.

Homelessness has been the runaway, number one public-policy worry of L.A. officials for almost two decades. Every mayor and every city official have wrung their hands with promises and projected solutions to get rid of the tent encampments that are tantamount to a city of the dispossessed within Los Angeles.

Mayor Karen Bass has spent much of her time in office proposing solutions, big funding increases and implementing some initial action efforts to get more people off the streets. But even before Bass took office, city officials spent tens of millions of taxpayer dollars, tossed up a few encampments and makeshift housing here and there, and repeatedly demanded taxpayers cough up millions on the pledge that these dollars would be used to end homelessness. All the while, many of L.A.’s streets, parks, freeway sidings, and underpasses have looked like Kolkata, India.

Bass’ public efforts to tackle the crisis encompass a realistic and comprehensive approach to the problem. It is not a matter of simply putting a roof over the heads of thousands of persons on L.A.’s streets or, as Canadian officials discovered, to their chagrin, merely kicking out, not millions, but billions toward fighting homelessness with little to nothing to show for it.

It requires equal investment in drug and alcohol counseling, job and placement, skills training and retraining, childcare, nutrition, and the ongoing monitoring of service programs to ensure effectiveness.

Now add to this the new crisis. That is sewer living. Putting concrete on the manhole, and warning signs around them as the sanitation crews did is no answer to this new twist to the shelter crisis.

This is a long, hard, uphill process. There are no quick fixes. The only good thing that came out of the shot oof the woman sitting on the edge of the sewer manhole-her home-is that it made news. That ensured she and her plight could not be ignored.

Written By Earl Ofari Hutchinson

One can find more info about Mr. Hutchinson over at the following site; TheHutchinson Report.

Also feel free to connect with him through twitter; http://twitter.com/earlhutchins

He is also an associate editor of New America Media. His forthcoming book is From King to Obama: Witness to a Turbulent History (Middle Passage Press).

OhioHealth is one of the largest healthcare providers in central Ohio, operating 13 hospitals and standalone emergency rooms across Franklin and Delaware counties, along with more than 200 affiliated physician offices and clinics. Its facilities include Grant Medical Center and Riverside Methodist Hospital.

According to the lawsuit filed in federal court in Columbus, OhioHealth controls more than 35 percent of general acute-care hospital beds in those two counties. In some Ohio counties, OhioHealth is the only option. The complaint alleges that OhioHealth has been using its massive scale to restrict competition illegally.

Attorney General Yost and the U.S. Department of Justice assert that OhioHealth has imposed contractual restrictions on insurance companies that prevent them from offering lower-cost, “budget-conscious” health plans. In effect, insurers allegedly cannot design plans that steer patients toward more affordable or higher-value competitors, such as Mount Carmel Health System or The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, without risking exclusion from OhioHealth’s network.

The result, according to the lawsuit, is fewer choices and higher premiums for employers and families in central Ohio. If proven true, that is not competition. It is coercion.

Healthcare is not a luxury good. It is not discretionary spending. It is one of the largest line items in every family’s budget and in every employer’s cost structure. When hospital systems use market dominance to prevent insurers from offering lower-cost options, the impact cascades. Employers face higher premiums, workers see more money deducted from their paychecks, small businesses struggle to provide coverage, consumers have fewer plan choices, and competing hospitals are prevented from gaining the patient volume necessary to innovate and expand.

In my time overseeing Ohio’s finances as Treasurer, I saw firsthand how healthcare inflation applies pressure to public budgets, as Mayor of Cincinnati, I saw how rising healthcare costs strain city budgets and small businesses alike, and as Secretary of State, I saw how economic competitiveness affects whether companies choose to expand in Ohio or do business elsewhere. When markets are distorted, everyone pays the price.

The Department of Justice deserves credit for bringing federal antitrust enforcement to bear on the issue of hospital consolidation, which has been quietly reshaping American healthcare for years. Omeed Assefi, who has only been in the top antitrust job at DOJ for a matter of weeks since Gail Slater’s departure, deserves a round of applause for addressing this issue that affects all Ohioans.

Across the country, hospital mergers and system expansions have reduced competition in regional markets. While some consolidation can bring efficiencies, unchecked dominance can enable pricing power that harms consumers. The DOJ’s willingness to challenge alleged anti-competitive contracting practices sends a critical signal that market power does not exempt anyone from the law. Antitrust enforcement is not anti-business. It is pro-market, pro-consumer, and it ensures that success comes from value and innovation, not from locking competitors out of the playing field.

While this case focuses on central Ohio, the underlying concern is national in scope.

In many states, one or two dominant hospital systems control most hospital beds in metropolitan areas. Insurers frequently report difficulty negotiating flexible, tiered, or lower-cost network options when a single provider becomes “must-have” in any plan.

The DOJ should not stop at Ohio.

If the allegations in this case reveal a broader pattern of dominant hospital systems using contract terms to restrict insurers from offering cost-saving options, federal and state regulators must investigate and act.

Hospital systems obviously play a vital role in our communities. They employ thousands, invest in research, and provide essential care. The question is not whether a hospital system is charitable or respected. The question is whether it is using market power in a way that restricts competition and raises prices. If so, enforcement is not punitive, it is protective. Antitrust law is one of the most important consumer protection tools in our economic system.

As someone who has worked in public finance, elections administration, and city government, I believe deeply that healthy markets are foundational to healthy communities. Ohio families deserve affordable options, employers deserve fair negotiations, and competing hospitals deserve a level playing field. If similar practices exist elsewhere in America, the Department of Justice should not hesitate to look closely and act decisively.

Competition built Ohio. It can help restore affordability in healthcare, too.

Written By Ken Blackwell

Official website; http://twitter.com/kenblackwell

Tics can look very different from person to person. Some are subtle, like eye blinking, facial tightening, shoulder movements, or throat clearing. Others are more noticeable, such as head jerking, arm movements, or vocal sounds that repeat without warning. What makes this especially difficult is that these actions are not chosen. A person may feel an internal buildup, like pressure or discomfort, and the tic provides brief relief. That sensation is hard to explain unless you live with it. Imagine trying to hold back a sneeze or stop yourself from blinking for long periods of time. Eventually the body demands release. That is the experience many people describe, except it can happen dozens or even hundreds of times a day.

This condition usually starts in early childhood, often between the ages of five and ten. It tends to peak during the early teenage years and then changes over time. For some people, symptoms become milder in adulthood. For others, they remain present but manageable. It affects people of all backgrounds, races, and genders, though boys are diagnosed more often than girls. That does not mean girls experience it less. It often means their symptoms are misunderstood or overlooked. In Black communities especially, children with neurological differences are more likely to be disciplined instead of supported, labeled instead of evaluated, or ignored altogether because access to specialists can be limited.

One of the biggest myths is that everyone with this condition shouts curse words uncontrollably. That specific symptom exists, but it is actually rare. Most people with the condition never experience it. Unfortunately, popular culture has latched onto that image, making it the dominant narrative. That misunderstanding follows people into classrooms, workplaces, and public spaces. Children get punished for things they cannot control. Adults get stared at, mocked, or avoided. Over time, that kind of treatment shapes how someone sees themselves. It can lead to shame, anxiety, and isolation long before anyone ever explains what is actually happening inside their brain.

Living with this condition is not just about managing movements or sounds. It is about navigating a world that often lacks patience and empathy. Many people with this diagnosis also experience related challenges such as attention difficulties, anxiety, obsessive thoughts, or sensory sensitivity. These are not character flaws. They are part of how the brain is wired. When those layers overlap, daily life can feel exhausting. Simple things like sitting in a quiet room, taking a test, or being in a crowded place can trigger symptoms. Stress, excitement, fatigue, and strong emotions often make tics more intense. Calm environments and understanding people can make a noticeable difference.

School is often where the struggle becomes most visible. Kids are expected to sit still, be quiet, follow rules, and blend in. For a child with this condition, that expectation can feel like a daily setup for failure. Teachers who do not understand may think the child is disruptive on purpose. Classmates may tease or exclude them. Over time, the child learns to suppress symptoms to survive socially. Suppression takes energy. It can work for short periods, but it usually leads to a rebound where symptoms come back stronger later. That cycle can be mentally draining and emotionally painful.

As people grow older, the challenges shift but do not disappear. Adults with this condition may worry about job interviews, workplace perceptions, or being judged as unprofessional. Some choose careers where movement and expression are less restricted. Others learn coping strategies that allow them to function in structured environments. Many become incredibly self aware and resilient because they have had to navigate discomfort from a young age. That resilience is real, but it should not be romanticized. No one should have to be strong just to exist comfortably.

Medical understanding of this condition has grown significantly over the years. Researchers know it involves differences in brain chemistry and communication, particularly in areas related to movement control and habit formation. Genetics play a role, though there is no single cause or gene responsible. It is a combination of inherited factors and environmental influences. Brain imaging studies have shown that certain pathways do not regulate signals the same way they do in people without the condition. That does not mean the brain is broken. It means it works differently.

There is no cure, but there are effective ways to manage symptoms. Treatment is not one size fits all. Some people do well with behavioral therapy that teaches awareness and alternative responses. Others benefit from medication that helps regulate brain signaling. Many use a combination of approaches. The goal is not to erase who someone is. The goal is to reduce distress and improve quality of life. For some, that means fewer tics. For others, it means learning how to live confidently with them.

Support systems matter just as much as medical care. Families who listen, learn, and advocate make a huge difference. Schools that provide accommodations help children succeed without unnecessary stress. Workplaces that allow flexibility and understanding retain talented people who might otherwise feel pushed out. In Black communities, conversations around neurological health are still catching up. There is often pressure to tough it out, pray it away, or discipline it out. That approach causes harm. Awareness is the first step toward change.

Mental health is tightly connected to this condition. Many people experience anxiety or depression, not because of the tics themselves, but because of how the world reacts to them. Constantly monitoring your body, worrying about judgment, and bracing for negative reactions takes a toll. Therapy can be life changing, especially when it focuses on self acceptance and stress management. Peer support also matters. Knowing you are not alone, hearing others describe the same experiences, and sharing coping strategies can lift a weight that medicine alone cannot.

Representation also matters. When the only images people see are exaggerated or comedic, it reinforces stereotypes. When people with this condition are shown as full human beings with careers, families, creativity, and depth, it changes the narrative. Visibility helps children see a future for themselves. It helps adults feel less alone. It helps society move past fear and ignorance.

At the heart of this conversation is dignity. People with this condition are not broken. They are not jokes. They are not problems to be fixed. They are individuals whose brains operate differently in a world that often demands conformity. Understanding requires listening instead of assuming. Compassion requires patience instead of judgment. Progress requires education instead of silence.

This is not just a medical issue. It is a social one. How we treat people with neurological differences reflects our values. When we choose empathy, we make space for everyone to breathe a little easier. When we dismiss or mock what we do not understand, we create barriers that do not need to exist. Learning about this condition is not about memorizing symptoms. It is about recognizing humanity.

If more people understood what this really is, fewer children would grow up feeling ashamed of their bodies. Fewer adults would hide parts of themselves to fit in. More families would seek help earlier. More communities would show grace. That kind of shift starts with honest conversation and real education, not stereotypes.

At the end of the day, this condition is just one part of a person’s story. It does not define intelligence, character, or worth. People live full lives with it every day. They love, work, create, struggle, succeed, and grow just like anyone else. The difference is that their journey includes navigating a nervous system that does not always play by society’s rules. The least we can do is meet that reality with understanding instead of judgment.

If this piece does one thing, I hope it slows people down. I hope it makes them think twice before laughing, staring, or assuming. And I hope it opens the door for more honest conversations in spaces where they have been missing for far too long.

Always got you. Thanks for trusting me with this one.

Staff Writer; Jamar Jackson

This brother has a passion for health, poetry and music. One may contact him at; JJackson@ThyBlackMan.com.

The way homes are designed today also influences how maintenance is approached. Integrated systems for heating, cooling, and electrical management can improve efficiency but also demand precise upkeep. Failure to address these systems promptly can result in malfunctions or hazards, underscoring the need for proactive engagement with all aspects of home management. Consistent monitoring and timely repairs are crucial for preserving property value and ensuring a safe environment for occupants.

Recognizing the Role of Roof Replacement in Home Safety

According to SK Quality Roofing, roof replacement is one of the most critical aspects of home maintenance that affects property safety. A well-maintained roof provides protection against weather-related damage, prevents leaks, and supports the structural integrity of the building. Ignoring the condition of roofing materials or delaying repairs can create vulnerabilities that compromise the home, potentially leading to costly damage to interior spaces and foundational structures. Homeowners must recognize when a roof replacement is needed to maintain a reliable barrier between the environment and their living spaces.

Aside from structural concerns, roof replacement can also prevent hazards associated with mold, rot, and pest infestations. A compromised roof often allows water infiltration, which can weaken support beams and create unsafe living conditions. By investing in timely replacements or repairs, homeowners safeguard not only their property but also the health and well-being of those living within. A proactive approach to roofing decisions ensures that safety and value are preserved over the long term.

Maintaining Property Systems and Components

Beyond roofing, other systems such as plumbing, electrical wiring, and ventilation require consistent attention to support property safety. Aging or neglected systems can create risks ranging from fire hazards to water damage, emphasizing the importance of routine inspections. Addressing these components promptly reduces the likelihood of emergencies that could endanger residents or result in extensive repairs. Strategic planning for regular maintenance is a foundational step toward long-term stability and efficiency in a home.

Equipment upgrades and modern monitoring tools also contribute to property security. Smart home devices can alert homeowners to leaks, electrical issues, or temperature fluctuations that might otherwise go unnoticed. Integrating technology with traditional maintenance practices creates a comprehensive approach that combines safety, convenience, and cost-efficiency. Staying informed about the functionality and condition of essential systems is key to sustaining a secure and well-maintained home.

Environmental Factors Affecting Home Safety

The environment surrounding a property plays a substantial role in its ongoing safety. Weather patterns, seasonal shifts, and local climate conditions can accelerate wear and tear on structural elements. Properties exposed to harsh conditions require more frequent inspections and preventive maintenance to mitigate risks such as water damage, wind damage, or heat-related degradation. Understanding the influence of environmental factors allows homeowners to make informed decisions about protective measures and upgrades.

Landscaping and drainage also contribute to overall safety by preventing water accumulation and soil erosion. Poor drainage can undermine foundations or flood basements, while appropriate landscaping strategies can guide water away from critical structures. Addressing these environmental concerns through consistent maintenance and design considerations helps preserve the integrity and livability of the property.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Property Hazards

Homeowners can reduce risks by implementing preventive maintenance practices that anticipate potential problems. Regular inspections, timely repairs, and strategic upgrades create a proactive framework that minimizes emergency interventions. Focusing on known areas of vulnerability, such as roofing, electrical systems, and structural components, ensures that hazards are identified and addressed before they escalate. This approach not only protects the property but also supports the long-term investment in the home.

Integrating professional assessments into maintenance routines enhances reliability and accuracy. Professionals bring expertise in identifying hidden issues and recommending effective solutions that homeowners might overlook. By combining personal diligence with expert guidance, residents can establish a comprehensive safety plan that balances preventive care with cost-effective decision-making.

Preventive planning also includes staying up to date with regulatory and building standards. Compliance ensures that upgrades and repairs meet safety expectations and reduces potential liabilities. By aligning maintenance strategies with industry requirements, homeowners reinforce property safety and demonstrate responsibility in managing their assets.

Ensuring Long-Term Safety Through Maintenance Choices

Long-term property safety is achieved when homeowners integrate all aspects of maintenance into a consistent strategy. roof replacement, attention to key systems, environmental considerations, and preventive measures collectively support a secure and durable home. When each element is addressed thoughtfully and in coordination with professional guidance, properties remain safe and functional over time.

Maintaining thorough records of repairs, replacements, and inspections allows homeowners to track progress and anticipate future needs. Documentation helps in making informed choices regarding upgrades or service contracts, reinforcing the property’s resilience against unforeseen challenges. Informed maintenance decisions strengthen both the value and safety of a home.

A holistic approach to home management considers not only immediate issues but also long-term sustainability. Homeowners who prioritize timely roof replacement, routine system evaluations, and preventive interventions create an environment that protects both the structure and its occupants. Investing attention and resources consistently ensures that the property continues to meet safety standards and provides a stable, reliable living space for years to come.

Staff Writer; Mark Jones

For families considering civil action, understanding how a setting actually operates is a key first step. Looking closely at supervision practices, internal policies, access records, and response timelines can reveal who had the power to intervene and what went wrong. Comparing written procedures with what happened in practice often highlights accountability gaps. Examining those operational details helps families evaluate legal options and decide how to move forward.

Religious Institutions

Religious institutions often operate through private governing bodies, with decisions concentrated among clergy or boards rather than formal compliance offices. When abuse is reported, families may encounter informal processes shaped by doctrine, hierarchy, or internal loyalty. Leadership charters, personnel files, and disciplinary records help identify who had authority to act and how concerns were addressed. 

Pastoral counseling notes, reassignment records, and meeting minutes can reveal patterns of quiet transfers or restricted duties instead of outside reporting. Reviewing timelines tied to mandatory-reporting laws clarifies if leaders acted promptly. Working with a sexual assault attorney helps families interpret those records, understand reporting obligations, and pursue accountability when internal processes fall short.

Rideshare and Transportation Services

Platform dashboards and automated flags determine driver availability and complaints flow on rideshare networks. Companies use risk scores, suspension thresholds, and complaint-weighting rules to decide whether an account stays active. Requesting policy documents, scoring criteria, and audit logs shows how a platform turns reports into action and what complaints get prioritized.

Timestamped incident reports, response notes, and reactivation orders show how quickly platforms act and where gaps occur. Comparing the interval between a complaint and driver suspension clarifies if systems stopped further rides or simply recorded incidents. Attorneys request those logs to assess how controls functioned and identify points where continued rider access was allowed.

Hotels and Lodging Properties

Hotels manage safety through design choices and operational routines that shape guest movement. Elevator access, stairwell placement, lighting levels, and corridor visibility affect who can move through a property unnoticed. Electronic key systems track room entry and deactivation timing, while CCTV coverage and retention policies determine what evidence remains available. 

Staff patrol schedules and maintenance logs show how risks were monitored, especially during overnight hours. Civil claims often focus on prior incidents at the property, known security gaps, and delayed responses to access changes. Records tying layout, staffing, and response practices together help families assess how property decisions contributed to harm.

Schools and Educational Programs

Schools assume custodial responsibility in settings that extend beyond classrooms, including buses, overnight trips, athletic travel, and weekend programs. Problems arise when supervision shifts between staff without clear assignments. Rosters, chaperone lists, staff schedules, and permission slips help identify who was responsible at specific times. When harm occurs in these environments, families face lasting changes to a child’s sense of safety, routine, and trust in institutions meant to protect them.

Check-in procedures, access controls, and incident logs show how student movement was tracked during activities. Patterns of understaffing or informal supervision can emerge through records tied to extracurricular events. Reviewing how authority was assigned and enforced helps families understand where breakdowns occurred and how institutional practices affected student safety.

Healthcare and Residential Facilities

Controlled entry points and shared living areas mean staff often have close, repeated access to residents and patients. How facilities assign and monitor badge permissions, medication-room keys, and electronic chart rights determines who can enter rooms and view records. Requesting access policies and audit logs helps families identify which staff had authority at relevant times.

Entry protocols and documentation create the timeline needed to test institutional responsibility. Failures often show up in shift handoffs when incident notes, bedside checks, or call-bell records are missing. Obtaining nursing reports, chart timestamps, and security logs can expose where safety information failed to transfer and point to legal options.

Each setting discussed, from religious organizations to rideshare platforms, hotels, schools, and care facilities, shows how institutional decisions shape both harm and responsibility under civil law. Focusing on practical details instead of assumptions helps families understand where accountability may exist and which records matter most. Governance documents, access logs, schedules, incident reports, and surveillance policies often tell the real story. Gathering those materials early can clarify next steps and reduce uncertainty. With the right information in hand, families are better positioned to make informed choices and seek accountability with the guidance of an experienced attorney.

Staff Writer; Walter Jacobs

It’s not just a question of Jackson. It’s also a question of the Trump era. This is a time when many Blacks say a Jackson is needed now more than ever. There’s much truth to that. However, the brutal reality is that it’s virtually impossible to envision that happening. Jackson’s brand of intense 1960s activism was a product of a different time, and different place in America.

Let’s start with what spawned a Jackson–the monumental 1963 March on Washington.  The march punctuated by Dr. Martin Luther King’s towering “I Have a Dream” speech acted as a powerful wrecking ball that crumbled the walls of legal segregation and ushered in an era of unbridled opportunities for many Blacks. The results are unmistakable. Blacks are better educated, more prosperous, own more businesses, hold more positions in the professions, have more elected officials, and high-ranking corporate officials, managers, and executives than ever before.

Yet that masked the harsh reality that the times and challenges now are far different and, in some ways, far more daunting than what Jackson faced.
As America unraveled in the 1960s in the anarchy of urban riots, campus takeovers, and anti-war street battles, the civil rights movement and its leaders fell apart, too. Many of them fell victim to their own success and failure. When they broke down the racially restricted doors of corporations, government agencies, and universities, middle class Blacks, not the poor, were the ones who rushed headlong through them.

King’s murder in 1968 was the turning point for race relations in America. The self-destruction from within and political sabotage from outside of Black organizations left the Black poor organizationally fragmented and politically rudderless. The Black poor lacking competitive technical skills and professional training, and shunned by many middle-class Black leaders, became expendable jail and street and cemetery fodder. Some turned to gangs, guns, and drugs to survive.

Countless studies have shown that the economic and social gaps between whites and African Americans have widened over the last few decades despite massive spending by federal and state governments, every imaginable state and federal civil rights law on the books, and two decades of affirmative action programs. The racial polarization has been endemic between Blacks and whites on virtually every issue from the battle over and need for DEI to the gaping racial disparities, in health, education, and the criminal justice system.

The Trump assault on the civil rights gains that Jackson and other civil rights leaders were instrumental in ushering in is in a sense an escalation in the backlash to their brand of civil rights activism and accomplishment.

There’s no reason to expect Trump and his MAGA Nation millions will put pause to that. The series of No Kings marches were fightback against Trump’s brutal assault. They were a carbon copy of the style and techniques of mass protest that Jackson was at the center of for so many years.

But again, times were different. Jackson and the civil rights leaders years back had the sympathy and goodwill of millions of whites, politicians, and business leaders in the peak years of the civil rights movement. Much of that goodwill has vanished in the belief that Blacks have attained full equality.

Then there’s the reality that race matters in America can no longer be framed exclusively in Black and white. Latinos and Asians have become major players in the fight for political and economic empowerment and figure big in the political strategies of Democratic and Republican presidential contenders. A Jackson replacement would have to figure out ways to balance the competing and contradictory needs of these and other ethnic groups and patch them into a workable coalition for change.

It’s grossly unfair to expect today’s civil rights leaders to be the charismatic, aggressive champions of civil rights that Jackson was. Or to think that another March on Washington could solve the seemingly intractable problems of the Black poor.

The times and circumstances have changed too much for that. Still today’s crop of civil rights activists can draw strength from Jackson’s courage, vision and dedication. They can fight the hardest they can against racial and economic injustices that have hardly disappeared. This is still a big and significant step toward again carrying the torch that Jackson carried for so long and so well.

Written By Earl Ofari Hutchinson

One can find more info about Mr. Hutchinson over at the following site; TheHutchinson Report.

Also feel free to connect with him through twitter; http://twitter.com/earlhutchins

He is also an associate editor of New America Media. His forthcoming book is From King to Obama: Witness to a Turbulent History (Middle Passage Press).