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Rep. LaMonica McIver charged with assault after skirmish at ICE center, DOJ prosecutor says
Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver is being charged with assault after a skirmish with federal officers who arrested the Newark mayor outside an immigration detention center, New Jersey’s top federal prosecutor announced Monday.
Interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba on social media announced the charge of assaulting, impeding or interfering with law enforcement, but court papers providing details were not immediately released or publicly available online. Read more at www.thegrio.com.
Denzel Washington receives surprise honorary Palme d’Or at Cannes premiere for ‘Highest 2 Lowest’
Denzel Washington sandwiched a whirlwind trip to the Cannes Film Festival, in between Broadway performances, for the premiere of Spike Lee’s “Highest 2 Lowest” on Monday — and was rewarded with a surprise: an honorary Palme d’Or.
Cannes had flipped around some of its scheduling to accommodate Washington’s speedy France trip, which came on his lone off-day while performing “Othello” in New York. Cannes Film Festival chief Thierry Frémaux surprised Washington with the award before the Monday night premiere. Read more at www.thegrio.com.
Keisha Lance Bottoms announces run for Georgia governor: ‘We are in a fight against chaos’
After months of anticipation, Keisha Lance Bottoms, the former Atlanta mayor, has officially announced her run for governor of Georgia. Bottoms launched her gubernatorial campaign on Tuesday with the release of a video, aiming her political target directly at President Donald Trump and the Republican Party.
“Georgia families deserve far better than what Donald Trump and Republicans are giving us,” says Bottoms in the campaign video. “Most Georgians are right to wonder who’s looking out for us. Donald Trump is a disaster for our economy and our country, from his failure to address rising prices to giving an unelected billionaire the power to cut Medicare and Social Security.” Read more at www.thegrio.com.
Mayor: Moffitt still has a home in St. Petersburg
A three-year-old redevelopment proposal that would have brought a Moffitt Cancer Center to St. Petersburg is again noteworthy, as new plans for part of the site are moving forward.
However, Mayor Ken Welch is adamant that the city’s future still includes the renowned Tampa-based healthcare provider. He also highlighted overlooked discrepancies between the two proposals.
Welch said he has remained in contact with Moffitt’s chief executive and Beth Houghton, the local chairperson of its hospital board. City Development James Corbett has spoken with the institution’sleadership “within the past couple of weeks.” Read more at www.stpetecatalyst.com.
Target CEO admits a major mistake amid boycotts from customers
It is no secret that Target (TGT) has fallen down a rabbit hole of controversy over the past few years.
In 2023, the retail giant faced a massive boycott from consumers over its pride collection, which sparked backlash for containing items marketed toward children. Since then, Target’s diversity, equity, and inclusion policies have suffered criticism, and its sales have weakened for several financial quarters. Read more at www.thestreet.com.
FAMU National Alumni Association Endorses Its COO As Next President
As Florida A&M University closes in on selecting its next president, its National Alumni Association has voiced its preferred choice.
The results of its “Presidential Preference Survey” concluded that Donald Palm, FAMU’s chief operating officer, was the most popular candidate among alumni to lead the HBCU. The presidential search finalists appeared on campus this week to meet faculty and students and participate in interviews. Read more at www.blackenterprise.com.
Michelle Obama Reveals ‘Deal’ In Barack Marriage
Michelle Obama revealed a “deal” she has with her husband, Barack Obama, that “started very early” on in their marriage.
Newsweek reached out to Barack Obama’s representative via email for comment.
The Context
Democrat Barack Obama, 63, was the 44th President of the United States from 2009 until 2017. He and Michelle Obama, 61, got married on October 3, 1992, and they have two children together—daughters Malia Obama, 26, and Sasha Obama, 23. Read more at www.newsweek.com.
Partnership and Progress
DR. KANIKA TOMALIN | President and CEO of the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg
Spring is often a time of rebirth and new opportunities. At the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg, last month was no exception to that rule. We started April, which is National Minority Health Month, with Dr. Uché Blackstock, a Harvard-trained physician and best-selling author who works at the intersection of health and racism. She offered critical evidence and insights on race and health to more than 60 clinicians from across our region. I highly recommend her book Legacy to anyone looking to gain a deeper perspective on how healthcare and systemic racism intersect. Read more at www.theweeklchallenger.com.
Pinellas County Sheriffs Office Now Hiring Director – Human Resources
Nature of Work
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is seeking to fill the vacancy of Human Resources Director.
Under the direction of the Chief Deputy, the Director of Human Resources provides strategic leadership in managing personnel programs for a dynamic agency of 2,800 active members. This role requires independent judgement and initiative to oversee recruitment, benefits administration, classification, compensation, compliance, and workforce development. The position plays a key part in supporting the agency’s mission through effective interpretation and implementation of laws, policies, and goals. Visit www.governmentjobs.com for more information.
St. Pete native & star producer leading protests to block MAGA takeover of FAMU; 3 ways to support
FAMU alumnus Will Packer speaks to students and faculty during an event about his recently published book "Who Better Than You?" at the Charles Winterwood theatre on campus on March 27, 2025. Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU Office of Communications
Florida A&M University (FAMU) alumnus and Emmy nominated Hollywood producer Will Packer has issued a call to action to block the selection of Marva Johnson as the next FAMU president.
In a 2.5-minute video clip that garnered hundreds of thousands of views this week, Packer characterized Johnson’s bid for the job as part of an attempt by MAGA to takeover leadership at several historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
Packer also challenged Johnson’s lack of experience, describing her as “solidly and objectively unqualified” for the role, with “zero” work history in higher education administration.
He emphasized that his pushback is not just about Jones being a staunch Republican. “Everyone has a right to their own political affiliation,” said Packer. “But what we cannot allow is a hostile takeover by someone who is aligned with a party that has loudly and proudly espoused ideologies that attack diversity [and] equitable economics.”
Johnson is one of four finalists in a selection process that could wrap this week.
Packer’s comments intensified the debate surrounding Johnson’s candidacy, which has already faced backlash from students, alumni, and faculty.
3 Ways to Answer Packer’s Call to Action
In response to the controversy, Packer’s video called for collective action, and urged his followers and FAMU alumni and friends to support the protests in three ways:
One, sign your name to the student-led FAMU Deserves Better Petition on Color of Change, which has so far drawn more than 10,000 signatures
Two, email the 11 members of the FAMU Board of Trustees urging them not to select Marva Johnson (see names and emails below):
- Chair Kristin Harper (CEO, Driven to Succeed) Kristin@DriventoSucceedLLC.com
- Dr. Jamal A. Brown (President, Florida A&M University Faculty Senate and Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences) jamal.brown@famu.edu
- John Crossman (Founder and President, CrossMarc Services) jcrossman@crossmarcservices.com
- Natlie G. Figgers (Founder, Law Office of Natlie G. Figgers) natlie@figgerslaw.com
- Emery A. Gainey (Former Chief Deputy, Commander of the Uniform Patrol Division, and Homeland Security Commander) emery.gainey@outlook.com
- Vice Chair Deveron Gibbons, J.D. (Consultant and Retired SVP, Amscot Financial) deveron.gibbons@revenuebasedfinancecoalition.com
- Kelvin Lawson (National Client Service Director, Acosta Sales and Marketing) kelvin.lawson@famu.edu
- Belvin Perry, Jr. (Attorney, Morgan & Morgan and former Chief Judge, 9th Judicial Circuit) belvin.perry@famu.edu
- Craig Reed (Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer, Thermo Fisher Scientific) craig.reed@famu.edu
- Nicole Washington (Principal, Washington Education Strategies) nicole@wesgroup.com
- Michael White (Co-Founder and President, Business Development, Indelible Management Solutions) mwhite@indelible-solutions.com
Three, join Faith Leaders, FAMU stakeholders and Will Packer for a Community Rally on May 14, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at Will Packer Amphitheater, Florida A&M University (FAMU) Campus. Click here to learn more about the rally.
Act now. The university’s Board of Trustees is set to hold public forums with all four presidential finalists from May 12 to 15, with a final decision pending. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders continue to advocate for a leader who embodies FAMU’s mission to “support and empower our scholars.”
How to Unlock Closing Cost Help and Build Black Homeownership in Tampa Bay
In April 2025, Power Broker Magazine reported new Census data confirming that St. Petersburg’s Black population has now declined by approximately 12 percent since 2018. This marks five consecutive years of population loss, even as early Census estimates suggest modest Black population growth in surrounding Pinellas County over the same period. Rising housing costs (and the up-front cash required to close) remain major factors pushing families out of the city.
At the same time, tens of millions of dollars in local, state, and nonprofit assistance sit unused each year. Many eligible buyers don’t know where to look or assume the process is too complicated. But closing cost assistance programs are one of the most powerful and underutilized tools to support Black homeownership and help keep generational wealth rooted in Tampa Bay.
Here are four programs every first-time buyer should know.
1. Florida Hometown Heroes (FHH)
What it is: A statewide program offering up to 5% of the mortgage amount (up to $35,000) toward down payment and closing costs. It’s open to any full-time Florida-based employee earning 150% or less of the area median income (AMI).
Why it matters: In 2024, Florida legislators replenished FHH with $100 million. The last round of funds ran out in less than six months. Apply early and work with a lender approved by Florida Housing Finance Corp.
2. Pinellas County Purchase Assistance
What it is: Up to $75,000 in deferred-payment loans for first-time buyers earning under 80% AMI, fully forgiven after 30 years of occupancy. Funds cover closing costs and down payments.
Pro tip: Buyers purchasing in St. Petersburg may also qualify for the city’s Purchase Assistance Program. That adds up to another $60,000 in forgivable assistance, potentially $75,000 if proposed funding increases are approved. Combined, these programs can eliminate the need for any up-front cash in certain price ranges.
3. City of Tampa Dare to Own the Dream
What it is: A 0% interest, deferred second mortgage of up to $50,000 for first-time buyers earning up to 140% AMI. The loan is repayable if the home is sold, refinanced, or no longer owner-occupied.
Why it matters: These funds can be used for resale or new construction, offering flexibility in a tight inventory market.
4. Tampa CRA Down Payment Assistance (Introduced in 2025)
What it is: A zero-interest, deferred second mortgage of up to $50,000 for first-time buyers purchasing within one of Tampa’s Community Redevelopment Areas (CRAs), such as East Tampa, West Tampa, Ybor City, and the Downtown Core. Assistance is tiered by income: $50,000 for households earning up to 80% of the area median income (AMI), $40,000 for those up to 120% AMI, and $30,000 up to 140% AMI. The loan is fully forgiven after 20 years of continuous owner occupancy.
Why it matters: Tampa’s CRA districts include some of the city’s most historically Black neighborhoods. This program reinvests public funds directly into those communities. When combined with the City of Tampa’s Dare to Own the Dream program, eligible buyers may access nearly $90,000 in total support, which can be enough to eliminate nearly all up-front costs in many cases.
3 Myths That Stop Qualified Buyers
“I need a perfect credit score.”
Not true. Most programs accept scores as low as 620, though Florida Hometown Heroes specifically requires 640 or higher.
“Assistance will delay my closing.”
When working with an experienced lender, layered programs typically add just a few extra business days.
“Income limits are too strict.”
Many programs now go up to 140 to 150% of AMI. That’s about $135,000 for a family of four in Tampa Bay.
How to Get Started
Pull a free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com and clear up any errors early.
Meet with a HUD-approved counselor. Many agencies will help with paperwork and budget planning at no cost.
Ask your lender for a “TBD underwrite.” This gives you full loan approval before house shopping.
Watch the calendar. Many programs renew funding on July 1 with the new fiscal year. Early applicants often have the best shot.
The Bottom Line
Homeownership remains one of the most reliable paths to long-term financial security. Closing cost assistance helps level the playing field and open that door for more families.
With Tampa Bay’s median home price nearing $420,000, securing $15,000 to $50,000 in support can mean the difference between renting and owning. More importantly, it helps families stay in the communities they’ve helped shape and continue building wealth where their roots already run deep.
Author Bio:
Jordan Vreeland is the founder of 14 Days to Close, a Tampa-based mortgage company helping families navigate the financing process with speed, clarity, and confidence. He’s worked with hundreds of local buyers and is passionate about making homeownership more accessible across Tampa Bay.