Week 6 of Historic Federal Government Shutdown
Vol 61 No 5
Rise in Health Care Premium Prices Concerns Many District Residents, Leaders
Serving Our Community in the DMV
November 13 - 19, 2025
By James Wright and Keith Golden WI Staff Writer and WI Intern Despite a coalition of Republicans and moderate Democrats in the U.S. Senate joining forces to work to reopen the federal government after the longest shutdown in history, many Washingtonians are still uneasy about the upcoming cost of medical insurance and the gutting of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), popularly known as Obamacare. While senators voted 60-40 on a federal funding agreement, the political deal comes with concerns of rising health care premiums and the expectation that the Senate will review the ACA issue in December. There are District residents such as Mary Blackwell who 5 Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia of Illinois speaks at a rally to save the Affordable Care Act hope that Democratic senators consider people like her, who on Oct. 29. Despite federal leaders inching closer to reopening the government, many
Students, Education Officials Posit Ward 8 Advanced Technical Center as Engine of Career Growth
By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer Throughout most of his life, Jaylin Thompson has struggled to settle on a desired career path. However, it wasn’t until his late grandmother needed long-term care that he decided to pursue nursing and help those facing similar struggles. Earlier this year, Thompson told his story to State Superintendent Dr. Antoinette Mitchell during her visit to the District’s newest Advanced
Washingtonians are still uneasy about the cost of medical insurance and the gutting of
MEDICARE Page 22 the Affordable Care Act (ACA). (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)
CAREER GROWTH Page 26
Eight Democrats Break Ranks as Senate Moves to End Nation’s Longest Shutdown
Even in Death, Assata Shakur Stands as Example for Young Radicals
By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer
By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer
Recent Tributes, Reflections Highlight Shakur’s Legacy, Cuba-U.S. Relations
Progressive Democrats Push Back, Examining Next Steps For more than 40 days, the United States government has remained partially shuttered. Yet late Sunday night, a faint light appeared in Washington’s long corridor of dysfunction, opening the door for the Republican-majority House to likely 5 The first real steps toward reopening the vote to reopen the federal government on Nov. federal government are in motion after eight Senate 12. Democrats joined Republicans to advance a short-term Eight Senate Democrats joined Republicans spending measure. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)
Capture the Moment Page 45
SHUTDOWN Page 18
5 A student participates in a reading of “Assata: An Autobiography” (2001) at Trinity Washington University. People around the District are remembering Assata Olugbala Shakur, a Black Liberation Army veteran, who stood as a symbol of victory against U.S. imperialism until her death on Sept. 25 in Havana at the age of 78. (Courtesy Photo/ Dr. Kimberly Monroe, Instagram)
During the latter half of the 20th century, as U.S. liberal democracy tightened its hold on global political consciousness, Black Liberation Army veteran Assata Olugbala Shakur lived in Cuba as a fugitive and strong critic of the empire that continues to commit atrocities at home and abroad. Shakur would continue to stand as a symbol of victory against U.S. imperialism until her death
Celebrating 61 years. Your credible and trusted source for Black news and information.
SHAKUR Page 20