by Kandiss Edwards

October 3, 2025

AI Has Entered The Fertility Space, Assists In IVF Insemination

Twenty babies have been born so far from trials that deploy AI-enabled robots.

Artificial intelligence robots are making babies during multiple in vitro fertilization clinical trials (IVF).

Twenty babies have been born so far from trials that deploy AI-enabled robots to perform parts of the IVF process. The Aura system, created by Conceivable Life Sciences, automates about 205 steps of IVF. The robot is trained to handle tasks traditionally done by embryologists. Another startup, Overture Life, has run similar AI-assisted systems in Latin America and Turkey. None are yet approved to operate in the United States, The Washington Post reported.

Chief medical officer of Conceivable, Alejandro Chávez-Badiola spoke about the possible edge AI can give an embryologist. While he believes some clinics have embryologists that have exceedingly good outcomes, others do not. Chavez-Badiola says AI is the way to “replicate the superstar every time.”

“Every IVF clinic has its ICSI superstar — the embryologist who gets the best results because they just have that special touch,” Chávez-Badiola told The Post.

Director of CCRM fertility clinics, Serena H. Chen, said the technology is promising yet there are still unseen issues, as is the nature of new technology.

“For any new system … that seems to solve a problem, you probably are taking on another set of problems that sometimes you don’t really understand,” said Chen.

One woman, Alin Quintana, joined a fertility clinic trial in Mexico City in June. Quintana has gone through years of medical complications, including a lost pregnancy and emergency fallopian tube surgery. The robotic system used in her treatment supports multiple steps in IVF automatically from egg preparation to embryo creation.

For Quintana and her husband robotic, IVF offered a chance that would have otherwise been out of reach. The treatment came without the financial burden that traditional IVF often carries. She is now approximately 17 weeks into her pregnancy.

Globally, one in six adults experience some level of infertility. Yet the cost and logistical barriers of conventional IVF, including lab fees, embryologist expertise, and specialized equipment make treatment inaccessible for many. The goal of AI robot assistance is to help lower cost and expand accessibility.

Long-term outcomes, regulatory oversight, and ethical concerns remain under evaluation. Trials so far suggest that robotic systems perform as well as standard human-led methods in multiple areas. The robotic systems are able to select usable sperm and viable embryos for fertilization and early growth. But questions remain about overall pregnancy health, scalability, cost effectiveness, and how to ensure equitable use of services.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 3, 2025

50 Cent Trolls Diddy With A ‘Letter’ To The Judge Before Sentencing

The G-Unit executive took his trolling to new heights

50 Cent’s campaign to troll his rival, Diddy, had the Queens recording artist posting a letter that he “allegedly” penned to the judge in Diddy’s case right before he sentences the former Bad Boy CEO.

In a social media post, the G-Unit executive took his trolling to new heights in his ongoing mission to make fun of Diddy’s current misfortune after he was found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Judge Arun Subramanian is slated to hand down the entertainment mogul’s fate Oct. 3 in a New York City courtroom as Diddy faces up to 20 years in prison.

Fifty posted a “letter” he wrote to convince the judge to keep Diddy jailed, as he opens his note stating that he and the “No Way Out” producer have had an “ongoing dispute” for 20 years.

“This is my letter to the judge on Diddy’s case. what I’m scared for my life! LOL • http://gunitbrands.com“

“I have had an ongoing dispute with Puffy for 20 years,” 50 wrote. “He is very dangerous. Multiple times I have feared for my life.”

https://twitter.com/50cent/status/1973832651569349097

The “Many Men” rapper goes on to state that the judge should consider “the safety” of the public when handing down his sentence, and that Diddy has not been in prison long enough to have been reformed, suggesting that he needs to spend more time incarcerated. He even takes a jab at one of his sons by stating that he is also dealing with allegations of rape, even adding that he said that the government raided the wrong house.

He ends the letter by insinuating that Diddy will return to his old ways by hiring male sex workers and depriving the public of baby oil, before promoting a documentary he says he’s working on about Diddy’s scandal.

“Anyway, Diddy’s only going to hire more male sex workers and keeping most of the baby oil from the general public. And babies need it! My Netflix doc on this scandalous subject is coming soon!”

National Cancer Survivors Day, June 2, cancer

by Ahsan Washington

October 3, 2025

7 Black Social Media Influencers Who Advocate For Breast Cancer Awareness

Social media has emerged as a vital resource for raising awareness

As Breast cancer diagnosis significantly impacts Black women with a mortality rate that is 38% higher than white women, according to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, social media has emerged as a vital resource for raising awareness, providing education, and fostering support.

Black influencers and advocates are working to destigmatize survivorship, promote earlier detection, and fund communities in need. Their activism demonstrates that storytelling, nonprofit efforts, and policy advocacy can lead to meaningful change. Here are 7 Black influencers leveraging their platforms to provide firsthand knowledge, share personal experiences, and be change agents for better breast health. Follow these influencers for resources and events during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and beyond.

Ericka Hart (@ihartericka)

Ericka Hart (@ihartericka), a Black, queer breast cancer survivor, educator, and model, shares candid truths about survivorship, sexuality, and representation. Hart utilizes platforms such as Instagram, public campaigns, and speaking engagements to highlight these frequently overlooked experiences. Hart’s activism began in 2014, following her diagnosis and remains strong today.

Suzette Simon (@strongblackboobs)

Suzette Simon, a comedian, a survivor, and advocate, created the hashtag #StrongBlackBoobs to combat stigma through personal narratives and photo campaigns. Simon’s journey started following a 2020 diagnosis, motivating her to step into advocacy. Simon’s initiatives have gained momentum on Instagram and have been highlighted in numerous media outlets, ensuring that Black women are recognized, heard, and supported in breast cancer communities.

Tiah Tomlin (@mybreastyearsahead)

Tiah Tomlin (@mybreastyearsahead) is a survivor and the founder of a sisterhood group for Black women battling cancer. She creates digital safe spaces for both survivors and supporters. Her advocacy started in the 2010s, following her own diagnosis. She strives to deliver culturally relevant support that is often lacking in conventional care. Tomlin is active on Instagram and participates in local community outreach.

Dr. Monique Gary (@drmoniquegary)

Dr. Monique Gary (@drmoniquegary), a breast surgical oncologist, researcher, and social media educator, merges medical expertise with culturally sensitive education. She disseminates this knowledge through Instagram, X, and health podcasts. Dr. Gary’s prominence as an online educator has grown over the past decade, and is motivated by her commitment to closing the trust gap between Black patients and the healthcare system.

Marissa Thomas (@forthebreastofus)

Marissa Thomas, a Black breast cancer survivor and founder of For the Breast of Us, elevates the stories of women of color affected by breast cancer. Through initiatives such as The Naked Truth Project, Thomas strives to highlight the experiences of women of color, break the silence, and cultivate community. Engaged for several years, Thomas has captured campaigns throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Lyndsay Levingston (SurviveHER™) (@surviveher)

Lyndsay Levingston, a multimedia personality, stage 2B triple-negative breast cancer survivor, and founder of SurviveHER™, shares her journey. She educates and advocates for the genetic literacy and survivorship of Black women through Instagram, the SurviveHER site, and media engagement. Levingston aims to normalize genetic testing, offer treatment information, and enhance outcomes for Black women.

Aisha Patterson (@aisha_patterson)

Aisha Patterson, a breast cancer survivor, patient advocate, and storyteller, shares her experiences navigating breast cancer and life on a farm. Her uplifting and encouraging message connects with others on Instagram and during speaking engagements. Aisha’s advocacy has been ongoing since her diagnosis, and she consistently inspires and supports those impacted by breast cancer.

by Sharelle B. McNair

October 3, 2025

Bad Bunny Super Bowl Announcement Prompts MAGA Threats From ICE Official

Bunny’s performance will be a first in the U.S. since he started protesting against ICE by failing to perform in any U.S. city during his upcoming tour due to concerns of raids.

The NFL’s announcement of having Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny perform at the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show has the MAGA world in an uproar, resulting in Department of Homeland Security adviser Corey Lewandowski launching threats to have U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents present.

During a segment of The Benny Show, Lewandowski boasted to host Benny Johnson that ICE has no limits when it comes to removing alleged illegal aliens, even during the Super Bowl. “There is nowhere that you can provide a safe haven to people in this country illegally. Not the Super Bowl and nowhere else,” he said.

“We will find you. We will apprehend you. We will put you in a detention facility, and we will deport you. So know that that is a very real situation under this administration, which is completely contrary to how it used to be.”

CONFIRMED: ICE will be active and on-site at Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance.

Trump Advisor Corey Lewandowski warns: there’s no place ICE won’t go to remove criminal aliens from the US, even the Super Bowl:

"There is nowhere you can provide safe haven to people who are in… pic.twitter.com/kfKlGcuR7Q
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) October 1, 2025

The three-time Grammy winner has had MAGA supporters seemingly up in arms since the announcement was made Sept. 28. Bunny’s performance will be a first in the U.S., since he started protesting against ICE by failing to perform in any U.S. city during his upcoming tour due to concerns of raids.

“Latinos and Puerto Ricans of the United States could also travel here, or to any part of the world. But there was the issue of — like, f—ing ICE could be outside [my concert],” he said during an interview with i-D Magazine, according to The Hill.

“And it’s something that we were talking about and very concerned about.”

However, in his decision to perform at the game, scheduled to be played in Santa Clara, California, Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, said it’s not just about him. “What I’m feeling goes beyond myself. It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown … this is for my people, my culture and our history,” Bunny said in a statement.

Lewandowski went on to slam the NFL’s decision to host the performer, saying the league has “been so woke for so many years,” mentioning the controversy behind former quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who was seemingly blacklisted for kneeling during the national anthem in support of victims of police brutality. “They finally decided to make a comeback, they finally had people standing for our great national anthem, but remember these guys, Colin Kaepernick used to say, ‘well I wasn’t being chosen to play on the NFL team because I was kneeling,’ no, you sucked,” the former manager to President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign said.

The backlash resulted in massive responses on social media, with some pointing out that MAGA doesn’t realize that the performer is from Puerto Rico, an American territory. Others point out that the “illegal aliens” that agents are seeking more than likely won’t be present at the game due to the major expense.

”Yes, illegal aliens are typically so rich, they’ll spend thousands on one ticket to see Bad Bunny for 15 minutes. Kristi Noem’s boyfriend is even dumber than she is,” @kingcarol43 wrote.

Yes, illegal aliens are typically so rich, they'll spend thousands on one ticket to see Bad Bunny for 15 minutes.

Kristi Noem's boyfriend is even dumber than she is.
— CarolN (@KingCarol43) October 1, 2025

However, the performer doesn’t seem to be worried about threats and has never been. The music video for his song “NUEVAYoL” from his latest album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos, depicts a Trump-like voice speaking over a boom box, apologizing to immigrants.

“I made a mistake. I want to apologize to the immigrants of America. … This country is nothing without Mexicans, Dominicans, Puerto Ricans, Colombians, Venezuelans, Cubans.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 3, 2025

NABJ Meets With The Washington Post About Karen Attiah Termination

NABJ met with The Washington Post to address accountability concerns following the recent dismissal of Karen Attiah.

Accountability and the future of DEI at The Washington Post were the focus of a recent meeting between the National Association of Black Journalists and the legacy publication, following the firing of a Black opinion columnist and the departure of other Black staff members.

On Sept. 29, NABJ announced its meeting with leadership at The Washington Post to discuss concerns about the workplace environment for Black journalists amid recent firings and departures. Members of the organization urged the paper to stay committed to representation and diversity, given both the industry’s history and The Post’s legacy of supporting Black journalists.

“The absence of Black journalists doesn’t just harm us — it impoverishes the entire profession. When our voices are missing, stories go untold, perspectives go unchallenged, and the truth remains incomplete,” said NABJ President Errin Haines.

The meeting comes after the recent firing of Karen Attiah, The Post’s founding Global Opinions editor, who was dismissed last month over social media posts regarding Charlie Kirk’s death. NABJ leaders stressed that while Attiah’s case will take its own legal path, the organization’s broader concern is on the recent attacks on diversity, the First Amendment, and the presence of Black journalists.

“We are calling for accountability, transparency, and tangible action to ensure Black voices remain present in newsrooms. NABJ will continue to monitor progress closely,” the organization wrote in an Instagram announcement.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by nabjofficial (@nabjofficial)

During the meeting, The Washington Post’s Executive Editor Matt Murray assured NABJ that the paper is committed to maintaining staff diversity and expanding opportunities for journalists of color. While acknowledging the challenges of newsroom restructuring, Murray outlined ongoing initiatives, including a new two-year internship program to increase access for journalists of color, plans to engage with current Black staff, and efforts to enhance career development and retention of diverse employees.

NABJ leaders welcomed The Post’s openness to future collaboration but noted they will closely monitor progress, with follow-up expected in the coming months.

“This is a tense moment in history for journalists nationwide. How we advocate for Black journalists today will be felt for years to come,” said Washington Association of Black Journalists (WABJ) President Phil Lewis, who joined Haines and Coleman in Tuesday’s meeting. “WABJ is thankful for the leadership of President Haines, who made it clear to Post leadership that tangible action steps are necessary.”

Attiah announced her plans to take legal action against The Post in the wake of her firing.

“It’s more sort of about this chilling precedent that it sets for journalists, for educators, for researchers, for anyone who writes on gender and violence,” Attiah said. “If they think it’s going to stop with me just because I was a Black woman saying this, it never stops with just Black people.”

WNBA, 2024 Season, Basketball, DICK BARNETT, BIG3

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 3, 2025

WNBA Signs 11-Year Agreement To Broadcast Games On USA Network

The deal starts with the 2026 season

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) announced an 11-year agreement with USA Network that will begin with the 2026 season.

The league, along with VERSANT, will have its basketball games broadcast on the network, including at least 50 games during the regular season and portions of the playoffs and WNBA Finals in select years.

“Partnering with VERSANT and USA Network marks another significant milestone for the WNBA’s continued growth,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert in a written statement. “As demand for women’s basketball continues to rise, partnerships like this expand the visibility and accessibility of our game. By establishing a weekly primetime destination for fans, this agreement will showcase the excitement of the WNBA to more households than ever before and further elevate the incredible athletes in this league.”

The league will primarily feature WNBA Wednesday night doubleheaders as part of the deal. Each game being broadcast on USA Network will include pre-game and post-game programming, including commentary from studio analysts.

“We’re incredibly proud to expand our multi-year partnership with the WNBA,” said Matt Hong, President of Sports, VERSANT. “USA Network will be a destination for WNBA viewers all season long, as we showcase the star power across the league in our marquee Wednesday night doubleheaders and build toward the intensity of the WNBA Playoffs and WNBA Finals.”

More details about analysts, programming, and scheduling will be forthcoming.

The news comes as the teams for this year’s WNBA Finals were set, with the returning champions from last year, the Las Vegas Aces, will be defending their title against the Phoenix Mercury. The first game will be played at the Aces’ home arena, the Michelob ULTRA Arena, with a starting time of 8 p.m. ET. The Aces had a 4-1 record versus the Mercury, with Las Vegas winning the last three contests between the teams.

The games are being televised on ESPN and ABC.

Game 1: Aces at Mercury on October 3, 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Game 2: Aces at Mercury on October 5, 3 p.m. ET on ABC.
Game 3: Mercury at Aces on October 8, 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Game 4: Aces at Mercury on October 10, 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Game 5: Aces at Mercury on October 12, 3 p.m. ET on ABC (if necessary).
Game 6: Aces at Mercury on October 15, 8 p.m. ET on ESPN (if necessary).
Game 7: Mercury at Aces on October 17, 8 p.m. ET on ESPN (if necessary).

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 3, 2025

Private Investigator Brianne Joseph Lands Netflix Series Marking 15 Years Of Owning Detective Agency

With over 15 years of investigative experience, Joseph has built a reputation as one of the most trusted investigators in the nation.

Breaking stereotypes in a male-dominated industry and redefining what it means to be a private investigator, Brianne Joseph, owner of the six-figure detective agency Sly Fox Investigations, is stepping into the global spotlight with her role in Netflix’s successful new series Love Con Revenge. The show launched in early September 2025 and has since maintained a No. 2 and No. 3 status for the top TV shows nationally every week.

With over 15 years of investigative experience, Joseph has built a reputation as one of the most trusted investigators in the nation. Her agency, Sly Fox Investigations, is the only investigative firm in Louisiana to be formally honored by the Louisiana State Senate for excellence—a distinction that underscores her commitment to truth, integrity, and results.

As one of the few Black female private investigators to reach this level of success, Joseph brings a fresh, powerful voice to an industry often portrayed through a narrow lens.

“I never set out to be on television,” Joseph says. “I set out to serve my clients and uncover the truth. However, I believe my authenticity truly shines in this show. The producers loved who I was in real life, and they wanted to showcase that. I’m very proud of this show, my agency, and the millions of people we can potentially assist on this global platform.”

Brianne’s expertise takes center stage on Netflix in Love Con Revenge. Joseph lends her skills and perspective to real-life cases involving betrayal, heartbreak, and uncovering the truth behind romance fraud and deception.

“For me, building Sly Fox Investigations wasn’t just about business—it was about proving what’s possible when you stay relentless,” Joseph explains. “My agency provides surveillance for insurance fraud, infidelity, child custody, process service, and research.”

With international visibility through Netflix and a proven track record of investigative excellence, Joseph is cementing her place as both a trailblazer in the investigative field and an inspiration for women and minority entrepreneurs everywhere.

Joseph’s rise reflects a larger story: of representation, resilience, and rewriting the rules of success. From the Senate floor to the Netflix screen, her work embodies the message that grit and excellence will always win.

For press inquiries, contact (225) 305-7468 or slyfoxoffice@gmail.com

This story was first reported by Blacknews.com

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 3, 2025

Seth Curry Joins Brother Stephen On Golden State Warriors

The Currys are the third set of brothers to play on the same team for the upcoming NBA season

LeBron James may have his son, Bronny, as a teammate, but Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry now has his brother, Seth Curry, as his teammate!

The Golden State Warriors announced that the team signed Seth, the younger brother of Stephen, to a deal. This will be the first time the siblings will play on the same team at the same time. During the 2013-14 season, Seth was a member of the team’s G League squad, the Santa Cruz Warriors, where he averaged 19.7 points and 5.8 assists. He was an undrafted free agent out of Duke University.

https://twitter.com/warriors/status/1973797982429692411

As the preseason begins, the Currys will be the third set of brothers to be teammates entering the 2025-26 season. Giannis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks and Franz and Moritz Wagner of the Orlando Magic are the other sets of brothers competing on the same team. If Seth is still on the roster on opening day, Stephen and Seth will become the 23rd different brother combination to have played on the same team in the same season, according to Elias Sports Bureau.

Last season, the 35-year-old Seth played for the Charlotte Hornets, where he appeared in 68 games (starting 14 of them), while averaging 6.5 points and 1.7 rebounds in 15.6 minutes per game. He shot a league-high 45.6% from 3-point range (83-of-182).

During his 11-year NBA career, he has suited up for the likes of the Hornets, the Dallas Mavericks, the Brooklyn Nets, the Philadelphia 76ers, the Portland Trail Blazers, the Sacramento Kings, the Phoenix Suns, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Memphis Grizzlies. Playing in 550 games, he has averaged 10.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 22.5 minutes per game. His playoff averages (while playing with the Nets, 76ers, Mavericks, and Trail Blazers) were 11.6 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 26.1 minutes over 41 games.

by Mary Spiller

October 3, 2025

Goldman Sachs Foundation Chief Warns Of Strain On Philanthropy Under Trump Policies

Asahi Pompey, president of the Goldman Sachs Foundation, warns that cuts to philanthropic funding under President Trump's policies could disproportionately harm women and girls, leaving fewer resources for equity-focused initiatives worldwide.

The leader of Goldman Sachs’ philanthropic arm says charitable organizations are under increasing pressure as the political climate reshapes support for diversity and inclusion efforts.

“It’s a tough time,” said Asahi Pompey, global head of corporate engagement and president of the Goldman Sachs Foundation, during Bloomberg’s “Women, Money & Power” summit in London. “And anyone who says otherwise is just not seeing the reality on the ground.”

Pompey, who joined Goldman’s management committee in 2020, has guided the firm’s philanthropic and community-focused initiatives, including 10,000 Small Businesses, 10,000 Women, One Million Black Women, and Community TeamWorks.

She explained that her team has been forced to adjust some programs to align with the shifting environment for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts following President Donald Trump’s election.

While the adaptations are ongoing, Pompey warned of broader ripple effects. “A lot of the philanthropic funding disproportionately go to women and girls around the world,” she said. “And so to the extent that those dollars continue to be cut, there will be fewer women and girls around the world with money or power.”

There is a sense of "panic and pessimism" among non-profit leaders in the US right now, says Goldman Sachs' Asahi Pompey #BBGWomenMoneyPower https://t.co/D71n0UVSBN pic.twitter.com/KMF8OMM2gh
— Bloomberg (@business) October 1, 2025

“Women, Money & Power” is a Bloomberg event that brings together some of the most influential women in global finance. It’s designed to explore how women are shaping the future of investing, banking, asset management, and making leadership decisions in the finance sector.

Beyond her philanthropic leadership, Pompey chairs Goldman’s Urban Investment Group (UIG), which plays a central role in the firm’s community development financing. Through the program, UIG has committed more than $20 billion in loans and investment capital to projects across the United States, particularly under the Community Reinvestment Act.

Pompey also serves on Goldman’s Management Committee and the Global Inclusion and Diversity Committee, while acting as a global sponsor of the Women’s Network. Her remarks highlight the uncertain future facing charitable initiatives as political shifts reshape the landscape for organizations focused on equity and access.

Congresswoman Maxine Waters , National Council Of Negro Women , s 90 Years, Gala

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 3, 2025

Maxine Waters Tells Reporter ‘Quit It’ When Pressed On Migrant Healthcare

Maxine Waters pushed back against a pro-MAGA reporter pressing her on migrant healthcare.

Congresswoman Maxine Waters told a conservative reporter to “quit it” after being pressed on whether Democrats are pushing a government shutdown to demand healthcare for “illegal aliens.”

Pro-MAGA LindellTV reporter Alison Steinberg has been sharing clips of her heated Sept. 30 exchange with Rep. Maxine Waters on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. Steinberg pressed Waters on whether Democrats would risk a government shutdown to prioritize healthcare for undocumented immigrants.

Picking up on the partisan framing, Waters pushed back and clarified that Democrats’ stance is about ensuring healthcare for “everybody.”

“Excuse me. Stop it right there,” she told the reporters. “We’re not prioritizing. What we’re saying simply is that we want to keep the government open and we want to work with the Republicans and have a bipartisan agreement to keep this government open, and healthcare is at the top of our agenda.”

WATCH: Maxine Waters Snaps When Asked About Healthcare for Illegal Aliens

When confronted outside the Capitol, Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) was asked if Democrats are willing to shut down the U.S. government to prioritize healthcare for illegal immigrants.

“Quit it. Stop it. This… pic.twitter.com/St7BbBW8wH
— LindellTV (@RealLindellTV) September 30, 2025

When Steinberg pressed Waters again, asking her, “But are Democrats demanding healthcare for illegal aliens?” Waters replied, “Democrats are demanding healthcare for everybody. We want to save lives. We want to make sure that healthcare is available to those who would die [without] having the help of their government.”

The latest government shutdown, the first since Trump’s initial term, stems from a budget standoff between Republicans and Democrats over healthcare funding. Democrats are pushing to extend expiring tax credits that lower insurance costs for millions of Americans, reverse Trump-era Medicaid cuts affecting elderly, disabled, and low-income people, and prevent spending reductions to federal health agencies.

Trump and other Republicans accuse Democrats of attempting to provide taxpayer-funded healthcare to undocumented immigrants. In reality, federal law bars them from eligibility, with exceptions for roughly 1.4 million people considered “lawfully present” in the U.S.—including DACA recipients who arrived as children, individuals with Temporary Protected Status, and refugees or asylum seekers still in the legal process. Republicans are now pushing to block this group from accessing Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

The GOP currently holds control of both chambers of Congress, but in the Senate, they lack the 60 votes required to pass the spending bill, giving Democrats leverage in negotiations and leading to the shutdown. Steinberg’s questioning appeared aimed at framing Democrats as pushing the shutdown to secure healthcare for migrants.

“So you’re good with the government shutdown even if it means giving healthcare to people who aren’t Americans?” Steinberg asked again.

“That’s what you’re pushing on,” Waters shot back. “What you’re trying to do is you’re standing here and you’re trying to make me say that somehow we are going to put non-citizens over Americans. Quit it! Stop it! This is the kind of journalism we don’t need.”

The California congresswoman went on to accuse Steinberg of being “divisive” and creating “controversy.”

“You’re not going to get it from me!” Waters said. “We want to save healthcare for all people.”