Deborah Berry
@dberryjourno.bsky.social
Washington correspondent for USA TODAY covering civil rights, voting rights, politics. Class of 23 Nieman Fellow, @UofMaryland grad, @washpressclub bd president and Bed-Stuy native.
"D.C. has the right to govern itself. It doesn’t need this federal coup," said Derrick Johnson, president of the NAACP. @usatoday.com www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
'DC has a right to govern itself': Civil rights leaders denounce Trump's takeover move
Civil rights leaders say Trump, a longtime antagonist, is overreaching by taking over policing in the nation's capital.
usatoday.com
Join us in welcoming Ledyard King @ledyardking.bsky.social and Mabinty Quarshie @washingtonexaminer.bsky.social to the board of directors of the WPCF! Congratulations to our leadership, Deb Berry @dberryjourno.bsky.social Tia Mitchell @tiamitchell.com Jack Auresto @apnews.com
“In 2026, the work is to ensure that we are not losing ground and (that) there’s an infrastructure in place for Black women to run for reelection, for Black women to run for higher office and for more Black women to run,” @glyndacarr.bsky.social told @usatoday.com, @cawp-ru.bsky.social,
USA TODAY@usatoday.com · last yr.More Black women have been elected to state legislatures over the last decade, creating a pipeline to Congress and other offices, a new report found.
'When Black women run, they do win:' New report shows increase in Black women lawmakers www.usatoday.com/story/news/p..., @cawp-ru.bsky.social, @higherheights.bsky.social, @winwithblkwomen.bsky.social, @glyndacarr.bsky.social, @blackvotersmatterfund.org,
Kamala Harris leaves door open for potential 2028 presidential run
Former Vice President Kamala Harris won’t be running for California governor in 2026 – but is not ruling out another bid for the White House.
usatoday.com
Inspired to 'get in good trouble again:' Black lawmakers salute the legacy of John Lewis during the week of the 5th anniversary of his death. www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
Inspired to 'get in good trouble again:' Black lawmakers salute the legacy of John Lewis
The Congressional Black Caucus marked the 5th anniversary of Rep. John Lewis' death by vowing to continue to fight for voting rights and civil rights
usatoday.com
States told USA TODAY that after months of lobbying against the spending bill, they now have to figure out how their states are going to manage to live with it ‒ and how to help residents do the same. www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
'Catastrophe': States scramble after Trump's cuts to Medicaid, SNAP
States, already facing cuts to services by Trump administration, now trying to figure out how to fit Medicaid and SNAP cuts into their budgets.
usatoday.com
Faith leaders plan protests in the South over federal budget cuts. “What we will not do is stand down or bow down,’’ said Bishop William Barber. www.usatoday.com/story/news/n..., @usatoday.com, @repairers.bsky.social ,
usatoday.com
'Journey to Freedom' brings students closer to Black history www.usatoday.com/story/news/n..., @usatoday.com
'Journey to Freedom' brings students closer to Black history
A mentoring program for Black girls and young women takes participants on a 14-day tour to learn about Black history, the Underground Railroad.
usatoday.com
Governors aren't on the same page about bringing National Guard in for "No Kings" protests. They are weighing public safety, and if Trump will step in. www.usatoday.com/story/news/p... via @usatoday.com
Governors aren't on same page about using National Guard for 'No Kings' protests
Governors aren't on the same page about the National Guard for "No Kings" protests. They are weighing public safety, and if Trump will step in.
usatoday.com
NAACP won’t invite Trump to convention, breaking a 116-year tradition www.usatoday.com/story/news/p... via @usatoday.com
NAACP won’t invite Trump to convention, breaking a 116-year tradition
NAACP won’t invite Trump or Vance to convention, breaking a 116-year tradition
usatoday.com
“Even if they would kill me, I would still speak up for Palestine,” Mahmoud Khalil said in brief remarks at Newark’s airport. Read more here:
Activist Mahmoud Khalil speaks out after release from ICE custody
A federal district judge ordered Khalil's release after over three months in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody.
usatoday.com
Protests against U.S. military involvement in Iran were taking place in several cities Sunday, and are expected to continue throughout the week in communities across the country.
Protests erupt calling for Trump, U.S. to say out of war in Middle East
People protested against U.S. military involvement in Iran this weekend and plan to continue demonstrations later this week.
bit.ly
Iran's parliament has approved a measure endorsing the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a major oil transportation route, following U.S. airstrikes in Iran.
Iran approves closure of Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil and gas route
The Iranian parliament backed a move to close a major oil and gas route, after American airstrikes on its nuclear sites.
bit.ly
Protests erupt calling for Trump, U.S. to stay out of war in Middle East www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
Protests erupt calling for Trump, U.S. to say out of war in Middle East
People protested against U.S. military involvement in Iran this weekend and plan to continue demonstrations later this week.
usatoday.com
A federal judge in New Jersey ordered ICE to release Columbia University grad student Mahmoud Khalil from a Louisiana immigration detention facility.
Black organizations, some founded in the 1800s, still exist. Are they still needed? www.usatoday.com/story/news/n..., @naturbanleague.bsky.social,
Black organizations, some founded in the 1800s, still exist. Are they still needed?
With Trump officials pushing to end diversity efforts, civil rights leaders and experts explain why Black organizations were created and still exist.
usatoday.com
It's been 10 years since the Charleston church massacre. I joined Taylor Wilson on The Excerpt to discuss how some family members have worked to honor memories of their loved ones. Our conversation begins at seven minutes in. art19.com/shows/5-thin...
Assassination suspect arrested after fatal attack on Minnesota lawmakers
A suspect has been arrested in the fatal shooting of Minnesota lawmakers over the weekend. Iranian missiles struck Tel Aviv and Haifa before dawn on Monday. 'No Kings' organizers say protests drew l...
art19.com
It's been 10 years since the shooting of nine churchgoers at Mother Emanuel in Charleston. Families and others reflect on the decade since and talked about whether they forgive the shooter. "Forgiveness is between him and God,'' Melvin Graham told me. www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
'Forgiveness is between him and God:' Families reflect on decade since Charleston church massacre
It's been 10 years since a White supremacist gunned down Black churchgoers in Charleston. The families hope commemoration events spark action.
usatoday.com
Social Security officials have tweaked what they want some employees to prioritize 900,000 complicated cases that must be completed by hand. Employees warn that thousands of Americans could see delays or even stopped checks in the meantime www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
Social security employees warn of delays: What the new priorities means for your benefits
Social Security employees fear that adding complicated unpaid pension claims to their priority list will push routine needs to the back burner.
usatoday.com
Authorities swept in with flash-bangs and tear gas grenades to disperse hundreds of protesters in Los Angeles.
'Now things are destabilized': Gov. Newsom blames Trump for unruly protests: Live updates
Authorities swept in with flash-bangs and tear gas grenades to disperse hundreds of protesters in Los Angeles.
bit.ly
Pride month could be a balm, says bishop Trump blasted over LGBTQ sermon. "I pray that it is a really joyful, inspiring gathering where people feel safe, where they feel seen, where they feel supported,'' Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde told @usatoday.com. www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
Pride month could be a balm, says bishop Trump blasted over LGBTQ sermon
Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, who urged Donald Trump to have mercy on LGBTQ communities and others, said Pride Month is a time to feel seen and supported
usatoday.com
Librarians, teachers and others plan Teach Truth Day of Action to fight book bans and preserve history www.usatoday.com/story/news/p..., @neatoday.bsky.social, @teachingchange.bsky.social,
Librarians, teachers and others plan day of action to fight book bans and preserve history
As GOP lawmakers push to ban some books and restrict history lessons, groups across the country plan a day of actions to counter the efforts.
usatoday.com
With @sarahdwire.bsky.social: 'No member is safe': Democrats rally for Rep. LaMonica McIver accused of assault www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
'No member is safe': Democrats rally for Rep. LaMonica McIver accused of assault
Democrats rallied behind N.J. Rep. who the Justice Department said assaulted an official at an immigration center. She disputes charge.
usatoday.com
Advocates say the GOP's SAVE Act includes 'poison pills' for some Native American voters www.usatoday.com/story/news/p..., @nativerights.bsky.social, @brennancenter.org, @usatoday.com
How the GOP's SAVE Act includes 'poison pills' for some voters
The push by House Republicans and the Trump administration to require voters to show proof of citizenship could imperil Native American votes.
usatoday.com
ICYMI @usatoday.com wrote about Trump's executive order on #civilrights weeks ago: Trump’s new order could unravel years of protections against discrimination, activists say www.usatoday.com/story/news/p..., @nwlc.org,
Trump’s new order could unravel years of protections against discrimination, activists say
The landmark 1964 Civil Rights Act aimed to prevent workplace discrimination. Trump says it promotes bias and will stop enforcing it.
usatoday.com
Had a chance to talk with Taylor Wilson of the Excerpt about my USA TODAY story on reacts to President Trump calling out the National African American History and Culture Museum in a recent executive order. Starts at 9:20. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
The Excerpt
Daily News Podcast · Updated Daily · USA TODAY’s daily news podcast, The Excerpt (formerly 5 Things), brings you a curated mix of the most important headlines seven mornings a week. We also deliver sp...
podcasts.apple.com
Trump's cuts are putting local libraries in peril. I discuss on today's episode of The Excerpt from @usatoday.com art19.com/shows/5-thin...
Trump defends tariffs amid market mayhem
What's next for the market response to tariffs? USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Aysha Bagchi discusses why Trump's moves to punish law firms are causing alarm. The Justice Department has ...
art19.com
The Trump administration admitted it mistakenly deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia but said it had no authority to return him from El Salvador.
Supreme Court puts hold on order that deported Maryland man must be returned to US
The Trump administration admitted it mistakenly deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia but said it had no authority to return him from El Salvador.
bit.ly
Trump, GOP vow to fix DC. Residents want to run their own city -and for Congress to make it a state. www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
Trump, GOP vow to fix DC. Residents would prefer to run their city themselves.
Trump wants the city cleaned up. Congress is holding $1 billion in DC taxes in limbo. Residents just want a say.
usatoday.com
