Former President Trump recently made disparaging remarks about Somali refugees, calling them an “invasion” and claiming they are bringing crime and problems to the United States. These comments, made during a rally, have drawn widespread condemnation from politicians, advocacy groups, and community leaders.

This isn’t a new tactic for Trump. As NPR’s Mara Liasson points out, making derogatory and racist comments about entire groups of people has been a hallmark of his political career for the past decade. It’s a strategy that generates significant attention and,sadly,has proven effective in appealing to voters with nativist beliefs.

The timing of these remarks is especially sensitive, as Trump is expected to meet with leaders from several African nations, including somalia, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The mayors of Minneapolis and st. Paul, cities with large Somali-American populations, have strongly defended their communities. They’ve also expressed concern about reports of increased immigration enforcement targeting Somali residents, as reported by minnesota Public Radio’s Matt Sepic.

These comments and potential policy shifts raise serious questions about the future of refugee resettlement and the treatment of immigrant communities in the United States. They also underscore the ongoing challenges of combating xenophobia and promoting inclusivity.

## as COVID-19 Cases Rise, CDC Advisers Consider Updates to Vaccine Schedule

As COVID-19 cases begin to rise again, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) vaccine advisers are preparing to meet next week to discuss potential updates to the recommended vaccine schedule for children and adults. This comes as public health officials are urging people to stay up-to-date on their vaccinations, including boosters, to protect against the latest variants.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will review the current schedule and consider whether any changes are needed to reflect the evolving virus and the availability of updated vaccines. According to NPR, the committee will also address concerns about declining vaccination rates, which lead to hundreds of preventable deaths a year, NPR’s Pien Huang says.

When it comes to the vaccine schedule, the advisers plan to investigate whether vaccines are causing asthma, eczema, and other autoimmune diseases in children, new committee chair Dr.Kirk Milhoan told *The Washington Post*.However, every vaccine on the schedule has been vetted and is based on the age a child’s immune system can provide the best protection after receiving it, Dr. Sean O’Leary with the American Academy of Pediatrics says.

Feeling Down? A Social Media Detox Might Help

Have you ever sworn off social media for a week or two because you sensed it was dampening your mood? You could be on to somthing, and a new study backs up that feeling. Research published in JAMA Network Open found that young adults who took just a one-week break from social media showed enhancement in depression, anxiety and insomnia symptoms.

Here are a few tips to help you participate in a short social media detox:

* 📱 Remove apps from your phone’s home screen and disable notifications from social media apps.
* 📱 “Nighttime scrolling” can disrupt sleep.

living Better is a special series about what it takes to stay healthy in America.

The Haunting Echoes of abandoned Schools

For decades, rural America has been witnessing a quiet crisis: the closure of its schools.These weren’t schools that failed, but rather schools that were left behind – victims of dwindling populations, economic hardship, and shifting demographics. Now, a growing number of these buildings stand empty, monuments to a bygone era and potent symbols of a changing landscape.

The reasons for these closures are complex. As farming communities shrank and young people moved to urban centers for opportunities, school enrollment plummeted. Consolidating schools seemed like a logical solution – a way to save money and offer students more resources. But the consequences extend far beyond budget sheets.

These abandoned schools aren’t just empty buildings; they’re voids in the heart of communities.They represent lost opportunities for local connection, a decline in civic pride, and a tangible sense of loss. For generations, the schoolhouse served as a central gathering place – hosting town meetings, dances, and sporting events. Its closure often marks the beginning of a community’s unraveling.

What happens to these buildings after the final bell rings? some are repurposed – transformed into community centers,apartments,or even art studios. But many are left to decay, slowly succumbing to the elements. They become haunting reminders of what once was,their empty classrooms echoing with the ghosts of laughter and learning.

photographer Brian Powers has been documenting these abandoned schools across the Midwest, capturing their poignant beauty and the stories they hold. His work offers a powerful visual testament to the challenges facing rural America and the enduring impact of these closures.He notes the eerie stillness,the remnants of childhood left behind – textbooks,artwork,and forgotten toys – all frozen in time.

The fate of these empty schools is a question that demands attention. They are not simply relics of the past, but warnings about the future. Addressing the issues that led to their closure – economic inequality, lack of opportunity, and rural decline – is crucial to ensuring that other communities don’t suffer the same fate. The empty rooms stand as a stark reminder: a school’s closure is a community’s loss.

The best way I can think of to describe what it felt like in Uvalde, Texas, after a mass shooting killed 19 elementary school children is that it was hard to breathe. The grief and sadness were suffocating.

I went there to report on the shooting and saw people walking around town with facial expressions ranging from anger,worry,shock and consoling to blank faces with a faraway stare.

I have tried not to think about May 24, 2022. But CBS News reporter Steve Hartman’s 35-minute Netflix short film documentary All the Empty Rooms brought me back there – as great journalism can do. The film follows Hartman and photographer Lou Bopp as they travel across the U.S. memorializing the untouched bedrooms of kids killed in mass shootings. Uvalde was one of the places they went to.

There, they met up with the Cazares family, who lost 9-year-old Jacklyn. I remember standing near them during a vigil at the Uvalde County Indoor Arena. I would not have been able to imagine it back then, but now Steve says there is room for fond laughter when they think of and remember her. I know it still has to be mostly painful for them, but it was nice to see and hear that they have been able to find a way to bring the memories of Jacklyn’s joyfulness back into their lives. All the Empty Rooms is hard to watch, but I’m glad I did. Maybe you’ll be glad you did too. Listen to my conversation with Hartman here.

3 things to know before you go

starting a Podcast: A Complete Guide

Podcasting has exploded in popularity, offering a unique way to connect with audiences and share your voice. But where do you begin? this guide provides a clear, actionable roadmap to launch your own accomplished podcast.

1. Concept & Planning

Before you touch a microphone, define your podcast’s core. What’s it about? Who is your target audience? A focused concept is crucial. Don’t try to be everything to everyone. Niche down! A podcast about “movies” is broad; a podcast about “classic sci-fi films from the 1950s” is specific and attracts a dedicated audience.

Format Matters: Consider your podcast’s structure. Will it be interview-based, solo commentary, a narrative story, or a roundtable discussion? Each format requires different preparation and skills.

Name & Branding: Choose a memorable, relevant podcast name. Check if the name and related domain names are available. Design cover art that’s visually appealing and represents your podcast’s theme. Your cover art is often the first impression, so make it count.

2. Equipment Essentials

You don’t need a professional studio to start, but quality audio is non-negotiable. Here’s a breakdown of essential equipment:

• Microphone: A USB microphone is a great starting point. Popular options include the Blue Yeti, Rode NT-USB+, and Audio-Technica AT2020USB+.
• Headphones: Closed-back headphones prevent audio bleed into the microphone.
• Recording Software: Audacity (free), GarageBand (free for mac users), and Adobe Audition (paid) are popular choices.
• Pop Filter & Shock Mount: these accessories minimize unwanted noises like plosives (“p” and “b” sounds) and vibrations.

3. Recording & Editing

Find a Quiet Space: Minimize background noise. A closet with clothes can act as a makeshift sound booth.

Record with Intention: Speak clearly and at a consistent volume. Don’t be afraid to pause and re-record sections. It’s easier to fix mistakes during recording than in post-production.

Editing is Key: Remove awkward pauses, stumbles, and background noise. Add an intro and outro with music. Level the audio to ensure consistent volume throughout the episode. Learn basic editing techniques – it significantly improves the listening experience.

4. Hosting & Distribution

You need a podcast hosting service to store your audio files and generate an RSS feed. Popular options include:

• Buzzsprout: User-amiable and offers excellent analytics.
• Libsyn: A reliable and established hosting provider.
• Anchor: (Now part of Spotify) Free hosting with limited features.

Once you have an RSS feed, submit your podcast to major directories:

• Apple Podcasts: The largest podcast directory.
• Spotify: Increasingly popular for podcast listening.
• Google Podcasts: Available on Android devices.
• Amazon Music/Audible: Expanding podcast platform.

5. Promotion & Growth

Launching is just the beginning. Promote your podcast to reach your target audience:

• Social Media: Share episodes and engage with listeners.
• Website/Blog: Create a website for your podcast with show notes and transcripts.
• Guest Appearances: Be a guest on other podcasts in your niche.
• Cross-promotion: Collaborate with other podcasters.
• Email List: Collect email addresses to notify listeners of new episodes.

Key Takeaways

• Niche Down: Focus on a specific topic to attract a dedicated audience.
• Audio Quality Matters: Invest in a decent microphone and learn basic editing.
• Consistency is Crucial: release episodes on a regular schedule.
• Promote, Promote, Promote: Don’t rely on directories alone – actively market your podcast.
• Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments and feedback.

Published: 2025/12/04 12:45:26