Civics 12/23

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

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A View From the Ground

News and information about politics, government, civic participation and engagement from URL Media's network of Black and Brown publishers.

This week, let’s talk about Trump’s education policy, the visa rule affecting cross-border sports, teacher diversity and more. And as always, we’re bringing you the latest updates at url-media.com.

Credit: Epicenter NYC

NYC's community press fights for life

NYC's ethnic and community media outlets are sounding the alarm as Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani prepares to take office. Fifty-one news organizations serving immigrant communities in 14 languages just dropped an open letter calling out years of neglect and broken promises.

Here's the idea: Local Law 83 was supposed to guarantee that half of city ad dollars go to community media instead of massive mainstream outlets. The law initially redirected $72 million over five years to smaller publishers who actually serve working-class neighborhoods. But under Mayor Adams, that funding collapsed by 84%, leaving just $7.2 million last year.

These outlets aren't just asking for money. They're the literal lifeline connecting immigrant communities to city services, benefits, and accurate information. Without them, entire neighborhoods get left in the dark about housing programs, childcare options, and other resources. Now they're demanding Mamdani walk the walk on his campaign promises to prioritize working families.

Keep reading at URL Media.

Source: India Currents / IC / Canva

H-1B visas, Florida vs. a Muslim group, a Vietnamese American breaks a barrier and more stories from the URL Media network

New program targets visa employers: The Department of Labor just launched Project Firewall, a major crackdown on companies using H-1B visas. Think surprise workplace visits, intense audits, and multiple federal agencies sharing intel on potential violations. Tech companies and staffing firms are in the crosshairs, with investigators checking if actual job conditions match what was promised in visa applications. Employers who mess up could face serious fines and lose their ability to hire foreign workers. If you're on an H-1B or work somewhere that sponsors them, things are about to get really strict. Keep reading at India Currents.

Florida’s governor labels Muslim group “terrorist”: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis just declared CAIR, America's largest Muslim civil rights org, a "foreign terrorist organization" even though only the federal government has that power. Texas Governor Greg Abbott did the same thing last month. CAIR is suing immediately, calling it unconstitutional, but the damage is already happening. Muslim Americans who rely on CAIR for legal help against discrimination are suddenly cut off. Legal experts warn this sets a wild precedent where any governor could label advocacy groups they don't like as terrorists. Today it's a Muslim rights org, tomorrow it could be anyone fighting for communities of color or immigrants. Keep reading at AsAm News.

Indian Country jail crisis worsens: Seven people died in tribal jails last year, and the numbers reveal a crisis nobody's talking about. Indian Country jail populations jumped 20% since 2020 while correctional officer staffing dropped 20%, creating dangerous conditions. Inmates attempted suicide 76 times in just one year, and the suicide rate is double that of state jails. Most people locked up (66%) are there for nonviolent offenses, but they're staying twice as long as a decade ago. Low staffing means Native inmates lose access to cultural practices and spiritual support that could literally save lives. This is a public health emergency hiding in plain sight. Keep reading at Native News Online.

Vietnamese American breaks an Ohio political barrier: Ben Nguyen just became Ohio's youngest elected official and the state's first South Vietnamese American to hold office at only 18. The Miami University freshman won a school board seat in the district he literally just graduated from, running on a platform opposing tax increases. His grandfather arrived after the Fall of Saigon with $2 in his pocket, and now Nguyen's juggling college classes while representing 101,000 people. He's the only conservative on the board and says Gen Z isn't waiting for permission anymore. This is what young people taking power actually looks like. Keep reading at AsAm News.