Lifestyle

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law last July, has significantly curtailed access to healthcare and food assistance for millions of low-income Americans, with Black communities disproportionately affected. The legislation, which enacted trillions in cuts to Medicaid and food assistance budgets, has led to a 4.6 million decrease in Medicaid and CHIP enrollment and over 4 million fewer SNAP participants, intensifying existing systemic inequities.

To prevent food-borne illness during the Fourth of July holiday, people should use an internal thermometer to ensure meat is cooked to the correct temperature, refrigerate perishable items within one hour if the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and wash their hands after handling raw meat.

Extreme heat can be fatal, and those most vulnerable include low-income, Black, and Latino communities, as well as outdoor workers, with over 21,000 heat-related deaths in the US between 1999 and 2023, often due to lack of air conditioning and outdoor work.

New federal student loan limits could make it difficult for many graduate students, especially those from low-income households and minorities, to finance their education and pursue careers in healthcare.

Black midwives are providing holistic, community-based care to address the Black maternal health crisis, and Dr. Kaytura Felix is researching their efforts to provide restorative care to families and communities.

Dr. LeKesha Attuquayefio's ministry is inspired by her grandmother's example of prayer, and encompasses preaching, leadership development, YouTube, missions, mentoring women in ministry, and coaching pastors and ministry leaders.

Medicare will cover weight-loss drugs, including Wegovy, under a temporary pilot program launching July 1, allowing millions of enrollees to access the drugs at a discounted price.

Black men are disproportionately affected by microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which can lead to lower fertility rates, hormone disruption, and increased rates of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

"Pray" is an immersive production at Baltimore Center Stage that invites audiences to become part of the congregation and experience a Black church service that is different every night, exploring Black spirituality beyond denominational boundaries and honoring Black women and femmes.

Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell, founder of Atlanta's 2819 Church, recently appeared as a featured speaker at Forward Conference 2026, a massive annual gathering for evangelical youth and young adults, hosted by Jentezen Franklin, a trusted advisor of President Donald Trump.