Author: Anna Wilkes

Although a person can live independently of others, being part of a community can be extremely beneficial. According to the Mental Health Foundation, communities provide you with a sense of belonging and safety. It can also prevent the feeling of loneliness from getting to you. All these can help improve your physical and mental well-being. Some communities are always in the news, but strength doesn’t show up as a headline in most of them. It appears in quieter forms, a neighbor who checks in, someone who cooks an extra meal, or a stranger who helps fix something. These small gestures,…

President Donald Trump has extended the federal hiring freeze through October 15, continuing his administration’s drive to reduce the size and cost of the federal government. The extension, which comes after a series of earlier freezes since January, is aimed at locking in budget savings achieved through workforce reductions, early retirements, and the elimination of vacant roles. By targeting non-essential civilian positions, the administration says it is streamlining operations while still protecting critical functions tied to national security, public safety, and immigration enforcement. The new order reinforces that no vacant civilian positions within federal agencies may be filled, and no…

As ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas teeter at a critical juncture, former President Donald Trump has stepped into a leading diplomatic role, pressing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a truce in Gaza amid ongoing indirect negotiations in Doha. The high-stakes diplomacy comes as the Trump administration pursues a broader strategy to reshape Gaza’s future governance and reassert U.S. influence in the Middle East. A Ceasefire Deal on the Table The current deal, brokered with U.S. support, would bring a temporary 60-day halt to hostilities between Israel and Hamas. In exchange, ten Israeli hostages believed to be…

When hardship strikes, the strength of a community often determines how well its members recover. It plays a vital role not only in the physical but also in the mental well-being of the members. A Psychology Today article states that a community can help you feel connected to others. It can also give a sense of being a part of something larger than yourself. This sense of belonging is essential for your mental well-being. In Gullah-Geechee communities, this support is evident in strong family bonds, neighbors stepping up to help, and elders offering valuable wisdom. Crisis, whether it stems from…

Talking openly about whatever is ailing you is essential to finding help. But what can you do if those who are supposed to help you ignore, trivialize, or dismiss your concerns? For many women with physical or mental health issues, seeking and receiving help remains a challenge. Having adequate funds to receive treatment does not solve the problems created by your health team’s cavalier or patronizing attitude. Most often, the problems that get the hushing treatment pertain to chronic pain, reproductive health, and mental illness. Sadly, these are also conditions that make daily life daunting and render everything less enjoyable.…

The United States is home to many vibrant cultures, and among the most unique is that of the Gullah-Geechee people. This remarkable American culture stretches back to the seventeenth century, deeply rooted in the experiences of captive Africans brought to the southern United States. Over time, however, these communities developed a distinctive new language and reshaped their African traditions by incorporating elements of the Southeastern environment. But like many cultural traditions, Gullah-Geechee heritage faces real challenges today. Development pressure, rising property costs, and the natural passing of elder generations threaten to weaken these deep-rooted customs. Amidst all this, the Gullah-Geechee…

Ten individuals have been arrested following a violent, coordinated ambush on the Prairieland Detention Facility in Alvarado, Texas, on the night of July 4. Federal authorities describe the attack as a deliberate assault on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel and property, resulting in serious federal charges, including multiple counts of attempted murder of federal officers and firearm-related offenses. According to Nancy Larson, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, the attack began around 10:37 p.m. when a group of suspects—clad in black, tactical military-style clothing—approached the facility. The group launched fireworks toward the building in an apparent effort…

Most people attend protests with peaceful intentions of standing up for a cause and adding their voice to a movement. However, even the best-organized demonstrations can unravel in moments. A tense encounter, a sudden push from the crowd, or an overreaction by authorities, and suddenly you’re in a situation that veers into the “mostly peaceful” territory. In the recent ICE protests in L.A., several individuals have suffered injuries in the chaos. According to some advocacy groups, there have been at least 31 attacks on journalists, 27 of which were due to actions from law enforcement. No one plans to be…

President Donald Trump announced plans to visit flood-stricken Central Texas on Friday, following last week’s catastrophic flash floods that have left at least 104 people dead, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in recent Texas history. The president confirmed the visit during a briefing with reporters on Monday evening, describing the floods as a “terrible event.” He previously stated on Sunday that while he wished to visit sooner, he had postponed his trip out of respect for rescue and recovery efforts, noting, “I didn’t want to be in their way.” What Happened: A Rapid and Deadly Deluge The…

In a post-pandemic world, it is easy to blame microbes for the worst illnesses that affect millions of people simultaneously. Undoubtedly, the risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and more potent viruses is legitimate. However, community health also depends on other factors, like access to healthcare services, ethnicity, and cultural practices. The WHO explains that people of African descent and other ethnic minorities may routinely face racial discrimination. These behaviors can make them more vulnerable to health risks and also affect their access to treatment. Similarly, the prevalence of alternative healing in certain cultures may limit whether people seek pharmacological care. At…