Tennessee Sues US Department of Education Over Hispanic Student Funding
A civil rights lawsuit filed on June 11 in federal court for the Eastern District of Tennessee claims that a program providing federal money to colleges and universities if Hispanic students make up at least 25 percent of the student body is unconstitutional.
The lawsuit was brought by the state of Tennessee and Students for Fair Admissions, a group whose lawsuit led the U.S. Supreme Court in 2023 to
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Axios
23 minutes ago
- Axios
Padilla episode triggers five-alarm fire for Democrats
Democrats spooked by President Trump's state-sanctioned shows of force have shifted into five-alarm fire mode, warning he's pushing American democracy to the brink. Why it matters: They're pointing to what happened yesterday to Alex Padilla, California's senior senator, as a crossing-the-Rubicon moment. Driving the news: The jarring scene of Padilla, a Democrat, being forcefully removed from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's press conference after interrupting it — and then being dragged to the ground and handcuffed — felt like kerosene on the nation's political fire. To Trump's most loyal allies, Padilla's actions were merely an exercise in political theater. Back in D.C., House Speaker Mike Johnson was among the Republicans blaming Padilla, saying that "at a minimum," the senator should be censured. To Democrats, the episode crystallized fears about Trump's willingness to crush dissent, and shatter democratic norms and institutions. "This is the stuff of dictatorships. It is actually happening," said Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii). A few Republicans were just as alarmed. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), who's repeatedly proved her independent streak, told reporters the incident was "shocking at every level. It's not the America I know." Padilla wasn't arrested, but the fallout from the incident promises to endure as Congress continues to wrestle with Trump's giant tax and spending bill. Zoom in: To fully understand the alarm that's gripping Democrats over the Padilla incident, consider two factors: 1. It took place in a mostly Democratic city where Trump's immigration agents are using military-style tactics to conduct raids and make arrests in mostly Hispanic communities and workplaces. Padilla is one of the nation's highest-ranking Hispanic public officials, and is the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee's immigration panel. 2. Trump's over-the-top-enforcement seems to be about more than immigration. When Padilla interrupted Noem during her press conference to try to ask a question, the DHS secretary had just said that her agents were in Los Angeles "to liberate this city from the socialist and the burdensome leadership that this governor and this mayor have placed on this country."
Miami Herald
an hour ago
- Miami Herald
In Trump's America, Wilton Manors Pride learns who its real allies are
Backstage at Georgie's Alibi Monkey Bar, a popular LGBTQ club in Wilton Manors, Jacob Smith carefully removed his gravity-defying, bejeweled blonde wig and light pink costume. The 29-year-old dabbed sweat from his forehead and tried to catch his breath after lip syncing to the Black Eyed Peas. He moved to South Florida from Iowa six months ago and is still getting used to the heat. Smith, also known as drag queen Barbie D., quit his corporate job, packed up his wig business and drove 23 hours straight down to South Florida where — unlike in Iowa — the local LGBTQ community is 'so alive and fearless and proud.' But while Smith has been chasing his dreams performing at local bars and selling custom-made wigs, he said President Donald Trump's policies and 'anti-woke' agenda have really taken a toll on him, his business and his community. 'It's sort of like a deer in headlights,' Smith said backstage as the crowd cheered for a performer in the bar. 'It feels like there's this immovable force coming towards us as a community.' In Wilton Manors, a small city near Fort Lauderdale known as South Florida's gay neighborhood, LGBTQ community members say Pride Month feels different this year under Trump's second administration. Many describe an underlying sense of fear for what may come next, especially as LGBTQ non-profits and institutions are at risk of losing funding, both from the government and from corporations who have walked back diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. And this is coming from a community that already dealt with an onslaught from Gov. Ron DeSantis over the past three years. In Florida, the LGBTQ community has faced lawsuits over drag shows and the so-called 'don't say gay' policies in public schools. The governor faced backlash on Thursday when his statement on the anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting did not mention LGBTQ and Hispanic communities, despite the fact that the shooter targeted the gay nightclub during 'Latin Night.' Pride Month, which commemorates the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City, is typically marked by parties, festivals, parades and drag shows. But this year, as Wilton Manors prepares for its 25th annual Pride parade and festival on Saturday, organizers and community members say the celebration has taken on a whole new meaning. 'I'm really hearing from the community how much more significant these celebrations are,' said Jameer Baptiste, the Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival president. 'Throughout the years, you notice that people are here to celebrate and have fun, and the message that was once the prominent understanding of why [Pride] started gets lost in the fun and celebration of it all. But this year, you're hearing that this is more than just a celebration. This is a moment of solidarity and a show of unity to the public.' Serving the community despite setbacks More than 50,000 people are expected at the Wilton Manors Pride block party, filling six Wilton Manor city blocks with vendors, food and entertainment from 3 to 11 p.m. on Saturday. At 8 p.m., the Glow Night Parade will feature glow-in-the-dark floats and vehicles lighting up the streets. The festivities, which cost $1 million, are funded by a number of sponsors, like the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and Absolut. But this year, Baptiste said, the event lost about a third of its typical corporate sponsors. The lack of support is significant, he said, especially when the security bill alone is six figures. Trump signed an executive order the day after he was sworn into office that rescinded the federal government's DEI policies and encouraged the private sector to do the same. LGBTQ advocates say the Trump administration's anti-DEI stance has deterred some corporations and brands from recognizing Pride month. 'To see corporations that once were excited to be part of our experience and our celebration are no longer part of that does leave a bitter taste in the mouth,' Baptiste said. Corporate support at Pride events has been a hot button issue in years past, with some community members arguing against the commercialization of Pride given its origins as a protest. Others warned that corporate support of LGBTQ rights may be superficial and purely for financial gain. 'Some of those individuals feel validated now,' Baptiste said. 'Was it a good thing that [corporations] are coming in or are they just coming in for the rainbow dollars? You're actually seeing that play out in front of your eyes,' Baptiste said. 'Because of what's going on, there are some corporations that are like, 'No, our commitment to the LGBT community is solid, regardless what may come out of it.' And then there's other ones that are like, 'We can't take the risk.'' SunServe, a Wilton Manors LGBTQ non-profit that offers free mental health and social services, is in the same boat, said CEO Tony Lima. Traditional corporate support for the organization dropped by 40 percent this year. And if the president's sweeping 'big beautiful bill' comes to fruition, SunServe will 'lose our housing focus completely,' Lima said. About 1,000 South Floridians benefit from SunServe's housing services. Now, Lima said he and his team have to get creative to ensure its services for the 4,000 clients SunServe aids each year. Need for the group's mental health services increased 'exponentially' in the last six months because of anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and political policies, Lima said. 'What in the past has been political rhetoric is becoming real life, palpable attacks on our community,' Lima said. 'There's 100 people walking with us or on our [Pride] float that are really interested in not only celebrating Pride, but also showing that we're here and we're not going anywhere. We're not scurrying away because this administration doesn't have a tolerance for us.' Other local LGBTQ cultural institutions and non-profits have had to lean in on community support as corporate funding dries up. Earlier this year, the Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library in Fort Lauderdale was abandoned by its usual corporate sponsors leading up to its fundraising gala on March 1. The museum had also lost state funding when Gov. Ron DeSantis cut all arts and culture grants last year and support from federally-funded foundations. After news reports of the museum's woes, individual donors sold out tickets to the gala. 'Lots of organizations are hurting for money, but they're still going to come out big for Pride,' said Robert Kesten, the Stonewall Museum executive director. 'I think that people are very excited about Pride, but people are tentative. There's so much uncertainty.' Kesten said his main concern this Pride Month is 'preserving our democracy' to safeguard the rights of all marginalized groups. He's heard a lot of talk among the LGBTQ community about next year's midterm elections and serious concerns over the safety of transgender people, especially transgender women of color. 'You're only as safe as your weakest link,' he said. Parties and protests On the first Sunday of every month at Georgie's Alibi a new party encourages South Florida's transgender community to leave their problems at the door — at least for a couple hours. 'When we leave this club, when we leave this show, we're all going to worry about if you can get your documents updated, if you can access your hormones, if you'll still be able to do this, do that,' said Ariesela Diaz, a transgender woman, Miami drag performer and producer of Transtasy, a monthly drag show featuring transgender performers. 'But for right now, for these two hours, we're going to enjoy each other's company and be a family.' Diaz, 25, said her life is a testament to the power of community in hard times. Born and raised in Miami, Diaz started doing drag when she was 21 and living with her grandmother. But after her grandmother's death, she couldn't afford rent and became homeless. She performed in drag to survive, eventually moving into a spare room with friends she considers her chosen family. With hard work and community support, Diaz and her drag sister were able to get their own apartment and car. Now, Diaz is producing two regular shows: Doll Linkup in at Villain Theater in Little Haiti every Friday and Transtasy, the first show of its kind in Wilton Manors. Both shows have been a success, she said. Even when Transtasy falls on the first of the month when rent is due, supporters still show up to party. The drag shows have also been an opportunity for transgender folks to find nonprofits and resources may they need, Diaz said. The Transtasy and Doll Link Up performers often text each other information on everything from free food to clothing. 'You never know what girl needs what,' Diaz said. 'What I've learned is the importance of trans visibility. We share our stories to create understanding,' Diaz said. 'Dolls can do anything. We're not going anywhere. Sharing my experiences and my struggles and my wins with everybody has really gotten me into new spaces I've never been before.' Sin Silva, the Alibi show producer, said that while LGBTQ community members feel frustrated with the Trump administration, Wilton Manors Pride is an opportunity to uplift each other. 'With us queer people, we are always going to fight. We're always going to push and shove and make sure that we are celebrating each other and who we are,' Silva said. 'And we should always be doing that, with or without Trump, we need to be strong together and taking care of each other.' Standing backstage at Georgie's Alibi, finally catching his breath after performing as Barbie D., Smith agreed. 'Don't forget why we have Pride, because the previous generation before us fought for this, and it wasn't pretty,' he said. 'We have to be ready to do that at any moment. That moment may be now.' Smith won't be able to make it to the festival in Wilton Manors, though. He'll be at an anti-Trump protest instead. If you go What: Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival When: 3 p.m. - 11 p.m. June 14. Parade starts at 8 p.m. Tickets: $13 at door. $10 for pre-sale available online at Info:
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Yahoo
‘Slap in the face.' Nephew of General Cavazos upset over army base's name change back to Fort Hood
KILLEEN, Texas (KXAN) — Two years ago, an Army post in Killeen, Texas, was redesignated to honor General Richard Edward Cavazos, a native Texan, war hero and Medal of Honor recipient. Past coverage: Fort Hood becomes Fort Cavazos The post was one of nine U.S. Army installations redesignated in 2023 based on the Naming Commission's recommendations to remove the names, symbols, displays, monuments and paraphernalia that honor or commemorate the Confederate States of America, according to the U.S. Army's website. Now, it's one of several of those whose names are being restored back to their previous names. President Donald Trump announced the move at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on Tuesday. The same day, the U.S. Army issued a release stating that it would 'take all necessary actions to change the names of seven Army installations in honor of heroic Soldiers who served in conflicts ranging from the Civil War to the Battle of Mogadishu.' RELATED | Army restores the names of seven bases that lost their Confederate-linked names under Biden Fort Cavazos was initially named Fort Hood after Confederate Gen. John Bell Hood. The base will again be renamed, back to Fort Hood, but with a different namesake: World War I Col. Robert B. Hood. According to the Army, Col. Hood received the Distinguished Service Cross for his 'extraordinary heroism' during WWI during an 'intense shelling' near Thiaucourt, France. Texas Public Radio reported earlier this week that Trump announced plans to restore the names of seven Army bases that were changed in 2023. TPR noted that it would be illegal under federal law to rename a military base once again after John Bell Hood, but it is not illegal to name it after Col. Robert B. Hood. 'It's a slap in the face,' a family member said Thursday. Albert Ochoa, an Austin resident and retired teacher, is a nephew of Gen. Cavazos. He said he and several of his family members are upset about Trump's call to rename the post once again. Ochoa said he and the general 'go way back.' He explained that Cavazos was raised by his mother on King Ranch, and Ochoa grew up having a personal relationship with the general. Ochoa called Cavazos a 'family man, through and through,' and described him as a dedicated soldier. 'He was a great man, really, a soldier's soldier,' Ochoa said. 'So, you know, I can't tell you enough about how he dedicated his life to the army and to be disrespected like this goes beyond anything I can think of.' Ochoa said that when the base was redesignated as Fort Cavazos, it was a celebration for him and his family. He said more than 100 relatives of Cavazos went to the redesignation ceremony. 'It was an affirmation of his career and the dedication he had to this country and the Army,' he said. 'You got to understand discrimination was still very big, and he was Hispanic… but he went on to become the first Hispanic four-star general [and was] quoted in Schwarzkopf books.' Ochoa said he was 'dumbfounded' when his son sent him an article about the base being named back to Fort Hood. 'To me, it's a slap in the face to the Army and all the veterans who served before. Trump… doesn't know a thing about war, strategy, tactics, the Army, armed forces, period.' He's not just upset about the renaming of the Killeen post, either. Ochoa mentioned the other posts affected by the decision and said, 'in effect, he's saying that the Confederacy was OK.' Ochoa said regardless of the name change, he wants people to remember what the base stood for and its stance as one of the major bases in the country. 'Changing the name is not going to change what it was about or what it did for this country,' Ochoa said. 'A name change isn't going to make that much of a difference. You know, it's disrespectful. We don't, we don't agree with it, but, you know, it's a slap in the face to all Army veterans that have ever served there… But it'll continue, regardless of how it's treated.' KXAN also reached out to Fort Cavazos to ask for commentary on its name change back to Fort Hood. We will update this story if we receive a response. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
