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.
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...
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.
www.usatoday.com
August 12, 2025 at 7:16 PM
"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...
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
Reposted by Deborah Berry
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
August 4, 2025 at 2:41 PM
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,
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 gains in Black women lawmakers
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.
bit.ly
July 31, 2025 at 8:25 PM
“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,
'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,
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.
www.usatoday.com
July 31, 2025 at 7:44 PM
'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,
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p..., @cawp-ru.bsky.social, @higherheights.bsky.social, @winwithblkwomen.bsky.social, @glyndacarr.bsky.social, @blackvotersmatterfund.org,
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
www.usatoday.com
July 15, 2025 at 10:51 PM
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...
Reposted by Deborah Berry
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...
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.
www.usatoday.com
July 15, 2025 at 1:45 PM
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...
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
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 ,
www.usatoday.com/story/news/n..., @usatoday.com, @repairers.bsky.social ,
www.usatoday.com
July 14, 2025 at 1:00 PM
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 ,
www.usatoday.com/story/news/n..., @usatoday.com, @repairers.bsky.social ,
'Journey to Freedom' brings students closer to Black history
www.usatoday.com/story/news/n..., @usatoday.com
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.
www.usatoday.com
June 25, 2025 at 2:00 PM
'Journey to Freedom' brings students closer to Black history
www.usatoday.com/story/news/n..., @usatoday.com
www.usatoday.com/story/news/n..., @usatoday.com
Reposted by Deborah Berry
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
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.
www.usatoday.com
June 13, 2025 at 1:40 PM
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
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p... via @usatoday.com
Reposted by Deborah Berry
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
www.usatoday.com
June 17, 2025 at 1:37 PM
NAACP won’t invite Trump to convention, breaking a 116-year tradition www.usatoday.com/story/news/p... via @usatoday.com
Reposted by Deborah Berry
“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:
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.
www.usatoday.com
June 22, 2025 at 12:59 AM
“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:
Read more here:
Reposted by Deborah Berry
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
June 22, 2025 at 7:59 PM
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.
Reposted by Deborah Berry
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
June 22, 2025 at 8:45 PM
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.
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.
www.usatoday.com
June 22, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Protests erupt calling for Trump, U.S. to stay out of war in Middle East www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
Reposted by Deborah Berry
A federal judge in New Jersey ordered ICE to release Columbia University grad student Mahmoud Khalil from a Louisiana immigration detention facility.
June 20, 2025 at 8:32 PM
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.
www.usatoday.com
June 20, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Black organizations, some founded in the 1800s, still exist. Are they still needed? www.usatoday.com/story/news/n..., @naturbanleague.bsky.social,
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
June 18, 2025 at 9:33 PM
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...
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.
www.usatoday.com
June 18, 2025 at 9:31 PM
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...
Reposted by Deborah Berry
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...
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.
www.usatoday.com
June 3, 2025 at 7:59 PM
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...
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
Reposted by Deborah Berry
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
June 9, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Authorities swept in with flash-bangs and tear gas grenades to disperse hundreds of protesters in Los Angeles.
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
www.usatoday.com
June 9, 2025 at 5:35 PM
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...
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.
www.usatoday.com
June 6, 2025 at 3:35 PM
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,
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 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.
www.usatoday.com
May 21, 2025 at 5:15 PM
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 www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
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
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.
www.usatoday.com
May 21, 2025 at 5:13 PM
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
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p..., @nativerights.bsky.social, @brennancenter.org, @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.
www.usatoday.com
May 13, 2025 at 2:55 PM
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,