Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, Holiday, New York City

by Keka Araújo

December 24, 2025

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Enters Final Weeks Of NYC Holiday Season; 2026 National Tour Announced

Beyond the stage, the organization remains dedicated to founder Alvin Ailey’s mission to “give dance back to the people."

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is entering the final two weeks of its annual holiday engagement at New York City Center, highlighted by special Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve programs.

The residency, which concludes Jan. 4, 2026, offers the public a final opportunity to view this season’s world premieres and the signature masterpiece Revelations before the legendary dance company begins its 2026 national tour.

The schedule for Wednesday, Dec. 24, features two distinct performances designed for holiday audiences. The 2 p.m. “Ailey Classics” matinee showcases a curated selection of founder Alvin Ailey’s repertory, concluding with the timeless Revelations. The 7:30 p.m. “All New” evening program focuses on the season’s latest additions, including The Holy Blues—a collaboration by Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, Samantha Figgins, and Chalvar Monteiro—and Medhi Walerski’s Blink of an Eye. The evening also includes Judith Jamison’s A Case of You and Fredrick Earl Mosley’s Embrace.

The engagement continues through the new year with nine remaining chances to see Revelations.

A New Year’s Eve matinee is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 31, at 2 p.m. To ring in 2026, the company will present an “All New” program on Jan. 1 at 7:30 p.m., featuring four world premieres: Maija García’s theatrical Jazz Island, Matthew Neenan’s Difference Between, Jamar Roberts’ Song of the Anchorite, and an encore of Mosley’s Embrace.

For families, the Saturday, Dec. 27 matinee will feature the season premiere of Associate Artistic Director Matthew Rushing’s Sacred Songs and Elisa Monte’s Treading.

Following the performance, audience members can participate in a question-and-answer session with the Ailey dancers.

Extending the Legacy Beyond the Stage

The New York City Center performances conclude Sunday, Jan. 4, with two programs showcasing the company’s grace. The 2 p.m. matinee includes Jazz Island and Alonzo King’s Following the Subtle Current Upstream, while the 7 p.m. finale offers a final look at Blink of an Eye and Roberts’ Song of the Anchorite.

Both programs will close with the grand finale of Revelations, a work that continues to anchor the company’s identity.

Beyond the stage, the organization remains dedicated to founder Alvin Ailey’s mission to “give dance back to the people” by making movement accessible to everyone, regardless of background or experience level.

Through the “Chance to Dance” initiative, first-time students at Ailey Extension can trade their performance ticket for two free classes at the Joan Weill Center for Dance. The curriculum covers a wide range of styles, from West African and Samba to the company’s signature Horton technique, as seen in its major works.

2026 National Tour and Birthday Honors

On Jan. 5, the celebration continues with a special workshop honoring what would have been Mr. Ailey’s 95th birthday.

Matthew Rushing will lead participants through contemporary movements inspired by Ailey’s most celebrated choreographies, exploring Ailey’s impact on both the dance world and American history. This session serves as the grand finale of a workshop series inviting fans to learn classic steps from current and former company members.

Following the New York residency, the company will embark on a 20-city national tour beginning Jan. 30, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

The tour will visit major cultural hubs, including Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles, before concluding in May 2026 with Mother’s Day weekend performances at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark.

Complete schedules and ticket information for the remaining New York performances are available at ailey.org.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 24, 2025

Love Match! Venus Williams Says ‘I Do’ Twice With Italy And Florida Weddings

Venus Williams stunned at her lavish Florida wedding to actor Andrea Preti, the pair’s second celebration in an international two-ceremony affair.

Venus Williams is officially a married woman after tying the knot with actor Andrea Preti in West Palm, Florida, following their first wedding ceremony in Italy.

The tennis star wowed in wedding photos that dominated social feeds over the weekend after marrying Preti on Dec. 19. Her equally decorated sister, Serena Williams, took to X on Dec. 23 to celebrate the occasion, sharing glamorous snapshots from the ceremony along with a heartfelt tribute to their sisterhood.

“My sister’s keeper. Venus, where do I even begin? From backyard courts to the world stage, you’ve always led with grace, strength, and heart,” Serena wrote. “Seeing you step into this next chapter so loved and radiant means everything to me. Forever proud to stand beside you.”

My sister’s keeper. Venus, where do I even begin? From backyard courts to the world stage, you’ve always led with grace, strength, and heart. Seeing you step into this next chapter so loved and radiant means everything to me. Forever proud to stand beside you. 🫶🏾 pic.twitter.com/XJOBGvTDIb
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) December 23, 2025

The Florida nuptials capped off a week of festivities, from a bridal shower and yacht party to a romantic dinner at the Miami members’ club Sopra. In the end, Venus and Preti officially said “I do” in a courthouse ceremony on Dec. 19, with Venus wearing a stunning gown by Morilee New York.

“They always say weddings go so fast, and they do,” Venus told Vogue. “We started on Monday. Serena gave us this gift of a beautiful yacht, and she arranged all the food, everything. We had 10 to 12 of our closest family and friends who were in town on the boat, and we were singing, dancing, gossiping, and just enjoying each other.”

“For me, the courthouse ceremony was very unique, emotional, and deep,” Preti added of his Florida wedding with Venus. “It was the second-best day of my life.”

This is our royal wedding 🤍

Venus Williams and Andrea Preti officially tied the knot this last weekend. Congratulations to these two newlyweds 🥹

📸 by David Bastianoni for @voguemagazine and Vogue Weddings pic.twitter.com/20B2OAwli5
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) December 23, 2025

The pair first wed on Sept. 18 in Ischia, Italy. Venus explained that they had always dreamed of marrying there, but because she isn’t an Italian citizen, the paperwork would’ve taken about eight months. So, they decided to plan a second ceremony in the States.

The Florida celebration was organized by Jennifer Zabinski of JZ Events — the same planner behind Serena’s 2017 wedding to Alexis Ohanian. Preti entered the ceremony with his mother to the Jackson 5’s “I’ll Be There,” a tribute to the support she’s always shown Venus, Preti shared. Venus walked down the aisle to Irama’s “Ovunque Sarai,” a song she said reminds her of her grandmother, who passed during COVID.

After exchanging their handwritten vows, the couple exited to Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered,” then shared their first dance to “I Only Have Eyes for You” by The Flamingos. The evening wrapped with an after-party at Sophia’s Hobe Sound in Hobe Sound, Florida.

Their two ceremonies marked the culmination of a whirlwind romance that began in 2024, after the couple met at Milan Fashion Week at an event neither had originally planned to attend. Engagement buzz kicked off in February after Venus was spotted wearing a ring during a training session in Rome, and by July, she confirmed the engagement in a post-match interview.

“My fiancé is here, and he really encouraged me to keep playing,” she said at the time.

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 24, 2025

Do We Look Like Boo Boo The Fool? DOJ Says Epstein Letter Claiming Trump Had Love For ‘Young, Nubile Girls’ Isn’t Real

One social media user questioned how the department got caught up in the lie - if they were the ones investigating.

The battle between what’s real and fake continues after the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) claims an alleged letter from Jeffrey Epstein to disgraced former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar naming President Donald Trump is fake.

The alleged letter is part of over 29,000 documents released Dec. 23 by the DOJ and has gone viral on social media. In the letter, Epstein claims Trump “shares our love of young, nubile girls,” according to NBC News.

“Dear L.N., As you know by now, I have taken the ‘short route’ home,” the letter read, telling Nassar, “we shared one thing … our love and caring for young ladies and the hope they reach their full potential.”

“Life is unfair.”

But shortly after, the agency announced the letter wasn’t real after investigating its authenticity, pointing out several reasons for the conclusion, such as different handwriting and the letter being postmarked three days after Epstein’s death. The letter was also allegedly sent from Northern Virginia, when the late financier was jailed in New York.

The FBI has confirmed this alleged letter from Jeffrey Epstein to Larry Nassar is FAKE. The fake letter was received by the jail, and flagged for the FBI at the time. The FBI made this conclusion based on the following facts:

-The writing does not appear to match Jeffrey…
— U.S. Department of Justice (@TheJusticeDept) December 23, 2025

In a statement, the DOJ labeled the claims against Trump as “untrue and sensationalist.” “To be clear: the claims are unfounded and false, and if they had a shred of credibility, they certainly would have been weaponized against President Trump already,” the agency said.

“Nevertheless, out of our commitment to the law and transparency, the DOJ is releasing these documents with the legally required protections for Epstein’s victims.”

Epstein and Nassar have been accused and tried for the abuse of dozens of girls. Nassar was convicted of abusing gymnasts, including Olympic gold medal winners Simone Biles and Gabby Douglas, under the guise of giving them medical exams. Trump has been accused of sexual misconduct but never tried except for losing a sexual abuse and defamation lawsuit against journalist E. Jean Carroll in 2023.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche doubled down on the false validity and warned the public to “separate fact from fiction.” “Document production is just that. We produce documents, and sometimes this can result in releasing fake or false documents because they are simply in our possession, because the law requires this,” Blanche wrote on X.

“Case in point: the so-called Epstein Nassar letter is clearly FAKE – wrong handwriting, wrong return address, and postmarked three days after Epstein died. Fake videos of Epstein in his cell. Photos with no explanation. Sensational tales and lies by random people. These are not reality. We will continue to produce every document required by law. Let’s not let internet rumor engines outrun the facts.”

There has been lots of sensationalism and even outright lies these past few days about the “Epstein Files.” But let’s separate fact from fiction. Document production is just that. We produce documents, and sometimes this can result in releasing fake or false documents because…
— Todd Blanche (@DAGToddBlanche) December 23, 2025

However, the letter has been floating around for a few years. Associated Press first reported on the letter’s existence in June 2023 based on roughly 4,000 pages of documents related to Epstein’s suicide. But the contents of the letter remained unopened.

Social media users are side-eyeing how quickly the DOJ found the letter to be false just days after calling for an investigation into former President Bill Clinton to see if he was involved in any of Epstein’s crimes after pictures of the two together in the early 2000s were released to the public. “Sooooo, everything else is factual besides the parts of the files that reference the orange agent? BYE,” @_missmonroe wrote on IG.

Another user questioned how the department got caught up in the lie — if they were the ones investigating.

“The justice department is accusing the justice department of lying?” @otmbeatz317 asked.

Bank of America, employee, disabled client

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 24, 2025

Bank Of America Employee Accused Of Stealing Over $500K From Disabled Client, Could Face Life Sentence

Mario Martinez was arrested for alleged exploitation of a disabled adult to the tune of more than $514,000.

A former Bank of America employee, Mario Martinez, was arrested and faces several charges after a co-worker reported that he was stealing funds from a disabled woman in southwest Miami-Dade County.

According to the Miami Herald, the 40-year-old was accused of stealing over $500,000 from a woman with disabilities who had received a large inheritance. Martinez was charged with several felonies, and if found guilty of tampering with or harassing a witness, victim, or informant, he is facing life in prison. He is also accused of one count of exploitation of a disabled person in an amount over $50,000, one count of organized scheme to defraud $50,000 or more, one count of grand theft over $100,000, and one count of criminal use of personal identification information.

Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz and Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle announced the charges at a press conference.

“Today, Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz and Office of the State Attorney – Katherine Fernandez Rundle announced the arrest of Mario Martinez. This investigation was a collaboration between the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Organized Crime Bureau and the State Attorney’s Elderly and Vulnerable Adult Task Force.

“The case involves the exploitation of a disabled adult and more than $514,000 in financial losses. Protecting our most vulnerable residents remains a top priority, and those who abuse positions of trust will be held accountable.”

The unidentified 47-year-old woman has been with Bank of America for about 20 years. She suffers from a chronic condition where she is unable to walk and requires full-time care, according to an affidavit. Martinez learned from the woman that she had inherited a large amount of money and needed help managing her finances. He allegedly told her he was a financial adviser who could help her invest and manage her money. Martinez had known her since 2016; however, he was not a financial adviser.

He began funneling her inheritance funds into his own account from April 2024 to December 2024, and created a joint account in both their names without her permission. He did this after she lent Martinez $120,000 in early 2023 after he told her he had incurred a large debt.

She did not know what he was doing until she received a phone call in December 2024 from a bank investigator.

“Whenever we learn of potential wrongdoing, we promptly investigate, fully cooperate with regulators and law enforcement, and work with the client to compensate them for any harm caused by an employee,” Bank of America spokesperson Bill Halldin said in a written statement.

An investigation was started on Jan. 16, 2025, by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office. On that day, Martinez left a gift basket on the woman’s doorstep to persuade her not to report his actions to the police, Rundle said.

Martinez was arrested Dec. 23 and is being held without bond at the Miami-Dade Turner Guilford Knight Correction Center.

Student Loan, credit score, Laptop, stress, FICO Credit Score, bank account

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 24, 2025

Trump Administration To Begin Wage Garnishment On Defaulted Student Loan Borrowers In January

Under U.S. Law, the government can take up to 15% of a defaulted loan borrower's after-tax income for wage garnishment.

Student loan borrowers beware: if your loans have defaulted, you may see slightly smaller paychecks next year.

The Trump administration expects to garnish wages from defaulted student loan borrowers beginning in January. This move could impact millions of borrowers as the federal government intends to collect on these payments through the controversial method. It has not been in practice since before the COVID-19 pandemic, when the practice was paused.

A spokesperson from the U.S. Department of Education confirmed the update to CNBC. Starting Jan. 7, approximately 1,000 defaulted borrowers will receive notices of their incoming wage garnishment. As the weeks pile on, the number of borrowers subject to this payment seizure will increase.

According to the Department of Labor, wage garnishment is a legal process by which the government can withhold a portion of an employee’s wages to pay certain debts. Often, the move typically went toward child support payments. However, the Trump administration has since authorized its usage for student loans.

With over 5 million student loan borrowers in default and with millions more expected, many are at risk of losing a significant chunk of their paycheck. The news outlet reported that the government can withhold up to 15% of a borrower’s after-tax income. They can also take this payment from various sources, including tax refunds, disability benefits, and even Social Security checks.

So long as borrowers earn at least 30 times the federal minimum wage per week, totaling around $217, the process remains legal. However, this could result in borrowers feeling cash-strapped as the new year gets underway.

The impact of the incoming wage garnishment on the economy also remains a concern. With limited access to relief and job layoffs still prevalent, the payment seizure may affect even more individuals among the over 42 million Americans with student loans.

In the meantime, those with defaulted loans can still try to prevent wage garnishment by finding loan rehabilitation programs. Borrowers can also formally object to the notice and potentially refute the garnishment with a loan hearing.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 24, 2025

Ghana’s Move To Pivot From ‘Detty December’ To Heritage Tourism

One Ghana official is speaking out about the country's association with Detty December.

One Ghana official has taken issue with the “Detty December” association, not wanting the country to be known for the party label.

“Detty December” has become the go-to term for the end-of-year party season across multiple African countries, particularly Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana. However, a government official has deemed its affiliation with the label as not something to take pride in.

In fact, Ghana’s officer of diaspora affairs called its alignment with “Detty December” uncomfortable.

“On a personal level I don’t want the word ‘detty’ to be associated with anything Ghana… that’s something I’m not very comfortable with,” shared the officer, Kofi Okyere-Darko.

The name’s origins itself, however, are not the most honorable. According to the BBC, the term “Detty” is technically West African Pidgin for “dirty.” However, with more colloquial context, the word symbolizes “unrestricted fun” as one enters the new year.

The association, albeit controversial in Okyere-Darko’s eyes, does come with benefits to Ghana’s economy. Over 125,000 visitors flock to the coastal nation each year, offering an influx of tourism to the West African region.

While Ghana does not officially claim “Detty December,” it still indulges in the tourism boost. Instead, it would like the movement called “December in Ghana.” However, not many have adopted the more formal title for the winter celebrations.

“The young people somehow prefer ‘Detty December’, but officially, that’s not the name,” added the officer.

Despite the popular influence of the “Detty December” experience, the Ghana official is still promoting his “D-I-G” alternative. While he continues to change the narrative, the flocking of Diasporans to Africa remains strong with the promise of culturally infused celebration until the sun rises.

This year’s festivities have already begun to take shape. Each day across the countries brings new events from festivals to concerts, often featuring major stars like Busta Rhymes and local artists like Samini. However, natives have expressed some pushback regarding what the month’s growing popularity has brought to the country. Price gouging and overcrowding have become a more prevalent issue.

Meanwhile, Black diasporans have already visited Ghana, even outside the holiday party spree. The country’s “Year of the Return” initiative also encourages them to reclaim their ancestral roots no matter the season.

Alongside this push to return to one’s heritage, the “Detty December” movement is expanding its impact as well. Many organizers want to include more than just nightlife, offering networking events and cultural immersion to make the trip more than a traditional “turn up.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 24, 2025

Big Sean Tapped As Detroit Pistons’ Creative Director Of Global Experience

The rapper will assist in the team's push for creativity, cultural connection, and global fan growth.

The Detroit Pistons have announced that hometown recording artist and hero Big Sean is officially the franchise’s creative director of Global Experience.

The organization stated that, in his new role, he will assist in the team’s push for creativity, cultural connection, and global fan growth. To celebrate World Basketball Day (Dec. 21), the team also announced a new initiative with the rapper, ‘Creatives Across Continents.’ This is a first-of-its-kind global creative initiative for designers, artists, and cultural tastemakers to produce original work inspired by Detroit Basketball.

“It’s been an honor to serve the Pistons community, and stepping into this expanded role as Creative Director of Global Experience allows me to do it on an even bigger scale,” said Big Sean in a written statement. Detroit has always been rich with talent and culture, and my mission is to keep opening doors and hiring our city’s creatives to shine alongside one of the most iconic franchises in sports. I’m grateful to the Pistons for trusting me to help define what the culture of Detroit Basketball really means.”

Big Sean took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to also announce the news to his nearly 12 million followers.

Been building with the @DetroitPistons for the last few years and it’s been a dream from winning an Emmy together to designing city edition jerseys worn in game, and other pieces of incredible merch, while also linking local designers and creative with the Pistons to collaborate… pic.twitter.com/vR3250cxgJ
— Sean Don (@BigSean) December 22, 2025

In this role, Big Sean will work closely with the team on community engagement and global fan development efforts. He will do so by leveraging his platform to introduce Detroit Basketball to new audiences worldwide.

“Big Sean’s influence reaches far beyond music — he’s a global creative visionary who already brings Detroit wherever he goes,” said Detroit Pistons EVP, Chief Marketing Officer Alicia Jeffreys. “As Creative Director of Global Experience, he brings authenticity, reach, and imagination to the Pistons brand. ‘Creatives Across Continents’ is the next step in introducing Detroit Basketball to the world, and we couldn’t imagine a better partner to lead that vision.”

Meghan Markle, Archewell Foundation, Prince Harry

by Kandiss Edwards

December 24, 2025

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Gut Archewell Operations Amid Staggering Revenue Loss

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex describe the decision as part of efforts to preserve and expand their philanthropy.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle say staff reductions are “inevitable” as their charitable organization undergoes restructuring.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex describe the decision as part of efforts to preserve and expand their philanthropy. In a statement, the couple announced that the Archewell Foundation, launched in 2020, is being rebranded as Archewell Philanthropies. The new model uses a fiscal sponsor to streamline administration and support long-term global outreach, People reported.

A spokesperson said the shift will allow the organization to focus on mission strategy and partnerships while leaving compliance and financial administration to another nonprofit entity.

While the couple said they are not closing the organization, Page Six reported that three employees of the charity’s staff have been let go as part of the restructuring and cost-saving measures. A spokesperson acknowledged that some staff losses, especially in junior administrative roles, were “inevitable” as part of the transition.

“We will not be discussing these personnel details further,” the spokesperson said in a statement to People, adding that the organization remains committed to its mission and is honored to have worked with its former team members.

The restructuring reflects serious concerns about the foundation’s funding and sustainability amid years of alleged financial imbalance, with donations failing to keep pace with expenses. Some staff departures followed reports that Archewell’s expenses exceeded revenue in recent years. The lack of funds led the charity to consider models such as a fiscal sponsor or partnership with another organization to manage costs.

The move toward a fiscal sponsor operating model is intended to give the organization “more flexibility and less administrative weight,” and to allow the couple and their family to remain actively involved in guiding its priorities without handling day-to-day compliance and financial management, according to the Duke and Duchess’s spokesperson.

The rebrand and staffing changes come as Archewell marks its fifth anniversary, and the couple emphasized their long-term commitment to global philanthropic work that reflects their family’s values and goals, including community service and partnerships with other charitable efforts.

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr., Acquitted , Daughter Abuse Claims

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 24, 2025

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. Cleared of Abusing Daughter, Calls Allegations Politically Driven

Small Sr. and his wife have denied the allegations.

The mayor of Atlantic City, New Jersey, Marty Small Sr., has denied allegations of abusing his teenage daughter, saying that there were “political forces” against him and his wife.

Small, Atlantic City’s mayor since 2019, was acquitted on charges of aggravated assault, terroristic threats, and endangering the welfare of a child on Dec. 18. His wife, La’Quetta Small, also received the latter charge. Her case is ongoing.

The mayor called the case a trial against the city. He and his wife adamantly denied any wrongdoing against their daughter. His trial lasted over a week.

“The entire Atlantic City was on trial, and this is a win for everyone,” Small told ABC6 after the hearing. He also promised to take care of issues at home.

“My daughter’s lost right now, but like I said, when we win this case, we’re gonna get things back on track as the man of the house,” Small said. “If I can be the man of the city, I can be the man of the house, and I’m gonna get my daughter back in check.”

Prosecutors alleged that Small and his wife verbally and physically abused their daughter multiple times between December 2023 and January 2024. They claim Small hit the teenager with a broom until she passed out. La’Quetta Small, on the other hand, allegedly punched and dragged the girl, leaving her with several bruises.

“During one incident, on Jan. 13, 2024, Marty Small, Sr. is alleged to have hit his daughter multiple times in the head with a broom causing her to lose consciousness,” prosecutors wrote in a statement. “Another incident on Jan. 3, 2024, alleged that Marty Small, Sr., during an argument with his daughter, continuously threatened to hurt her by ‘earth slamming’ her down the stairs, grabbing her head and throwing her to the ground, and smacking the weave out of her head.”

An arrest affidavit did note the girl’s reported confessions of faking the abuse claims over the senior Smalls prohibiting her from going out with friends. Despite this, she sent photographic evidence of her reported injuries to her boyfriend, who later sent them to authorities. The girl reportedly said she did not feel safe at home.

by Kandiss Edwards

December 24, 2025

The DOJ Fails To Release $90M Allocated To Help Trafficking Victims

Congress had earmarked the money for programs assisting survivors of sex and labor trafficking.

The U.S. Department of Justice has failed to distribute nearly $90 million appropriated by Congress for more than 100 organizations that provide support to survivors of human trafficking.

The funding, which Congress had earmarked for programs assisting survivors of sex and labor trafficking, was not spent by the Justice Department, The Guardian reports. Many organizations that expected those resources say the cutbacks have forced them to reduce services or close operations. The loss of support jeopardizes counseling, emergency housing, and legal services for those who have escaped exploitation.

“The Justice Department can remain focused on two critical priorities at the same time: support victims of human trafficking and prosecute criminals who exploit children and ensure the efficient use of taxpayer dollars,” a DOJ spokesperson told the outlet.

Senators from both parties expressed outrage, saying the department should be held accountable. Dick Durbin (D-IL) said the pattern of withholding appropriated funds raises serious concerns about the federal government’s commitment to combating trafficking and supporting survivors.

Kristina Rose, who previously led the department’s Office for Victims of Crime under President Joe Biden told The Guardian, that the failure to spend the money “is extremely irresponsible, and maybe even immoral,” as it hinders efforts to protect those most vulnerable.

As of now the lack of funds means thousands of survivors will go without critical federal assistance. Some organizations said the cuts have already resulted in layoffs and the suspension of outreach programsThe Life Link and Reformed Church of Highland Park (NJ) Affordable Housing Corporation told the outlet its has not been able to perform services at the same capacity. Employees have been laid off; victims have been turned away.

The DOJ told the The Guardian the allocated funds will be distributed to organizations though no clear timeline has been revealed.