AARP urges a national aging plan as states adopt strategies to support older adults with health care, housing, caregiving, and financial security amid rising senior populations.
America needs a plan to help its older citizens—and soon
By Jo Ann Jenkins, CEO
Most Americans understand the importance of planning to secure their economic futures and advance directives to prepare for their health care as they age. But for too long, there has been no federal action plan to protect our nation’s growing older population.
By 2030, 1 in 5 Americans will be 65 or older. Yet many government policies and programs have not addressed the unique needs of the aging population.
Photo Courtesy of Jo Ann Jenkins, CEO
AARP has a plan to help change that.
The good news is that a growing number of states are developing and adopting comprehensive plans to support their aging population. AARP has been deeply involved in supporting those efforts. About half the states have implemented, developed or initiated multiyear strategies, commonly known as multisector plans for aging (MPAs). Although state MPAs vary in scope—and in their goals and target populations—they all encourage collaboration among governments, private entities and people.
Yet there is no comparable national plan. The federal government has recently taken steps toward developing such a strategy. The Older Americans Act reauthorization of 2020 set up an Interagency Coordinating Committee on Healthy Aging and Age-Friendly Communities (ICC). The committee issued a Strategic Framework for a National Plan on Aging in May.
Among other things, the report focused on age-friendly communities, housing, increased access to long-term support and better health care services, especially for people with low incomes. To get input from older Americans, the ICC holds listening sessions across the country. AARP helps organize these discussions, which kicked off in Washington, D.C., in May.
AARP wants to play a more critical role in this process. We recently released our own vision for a national plan on aging—part of our Aging Well in America Initiative.
AARP’s report emphasizes four goals that can help guide efforts to establish a national plan, along with the policies for implementing those goals.
Promote healthy living and access to affordable, high-quality health care.
Support family caregivers and affordable, high-quality longterm care with dignity, independence and security.
Provide ample opportunities to achieve financial security.
Create age-friendly, livable communities that enable people to age in place.
AARP will continue to work with states and expand our own initiatives that have helped make our communities more livable for older residents and have fostered better aging policies at the local and state level. We’re committed to the development of a national plan on aging that will enable all people to maintain good health, build financial resilience and remain in their homes and communities as they age.
With the population aging at a rate never seen in history, it’s time for policymakers, government officials and organizations involved in aging to seize the opportunity to address the needs of older Americans now and into the future.
U.S. measles cases have surpassed 700 in 2025, driven by outbreaks in Texas and other undervaccinated areas, with three deaths and CDC response efforts underway.
By Devi Shastri |AP Health Writer | April 14, 2025
The number of U.S. measles cases topped 700 as of last week, as Indiana joined the growing list of states with active outbreaks, Texas tallied dozens of new cases, and a third measles-related death was made public.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed in a televised Cabinet meeting Thursday that measles cases were plateauing nationally, but the virus continues to spread mostly in people who are unvaccinated, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention redeployed a team to west Texas.
The United States has more than double the number of measles cases it saw in all of 2024, and Texas is reporting the majority of them, with 541 as of last week’s updated count.
Texas’ cases include two unvaccinated elementary school-age children who died from measles-related illnesses near the epicenter of the outbreak in rural west Texas, which led Kennedy to visit the community this month. The third person who died was an adult in New Mexico who also was not vaccinated.
Other states with active outbreaks — defined as having three or more cases — include New Mexico, Indiana, Kansas, Ohio and Oklahoma.
The multistate outbreak confirms health experts’ fears that the virus will take hold in other U.S. communities with low vaccination rates and that the spread could stretch on for a year. The World Health Organization has said cases in Mexico are linked to the Texas outbreak.
Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that’s airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs. It is preventable through vaccines, and had been considered eliminated from the U.S. in 2000.
Here’s what else you need to know about measles in the U.S.
Photo Annie Rice Associated Press
Texas and New Mexico
Texas’ outbreak began in late January. State health officials said Friday that there were 36 new cases of measles since Tuesday, bringing the total to 541 across 22 counties — most of them in west Texas. A total of 56 Texans have been hospitalized throughout the outbreak.
Of the confirmed cases, state health officials estimated Friday that about 5% are actively infectious.
Sixty-five percent of Texas’ cases are in Gaines County, population 22,892, where the virus started spreading in a close-knit, undervaccinated Mennonite community. The county has logged 355 cases since late January — just over 1% of the county’s residents.
The latest death in Texas was that of an 8-year-old child. Health officials in Texas said the child did not have underlying health conditions and died of “what the child’s doctor described as measles pulmonary failure.” A 6-year-old died of measles in Texas in late February.
New Mexico announced two new cases Friday, bringing the state’s total to 58. State health officials say the cases are linked to Texas’ outbreak based on genetic testing. Most are in Lea County, where two people have been hospitalized, two are in Eddy County and one is in Chaves County.
New Mexico reported its first measles-related death in an adult on March 6.
Kansas
Kansas has 32 cases in eight counties in the southwest part of the state, health officials announced Wednesday. Two of the counties, Finney and Ford, are new on the list and are major population centers in that part of the state. Haskell County has the most with eight cases, Stevens County has seven, Kiowa County has six, and the rest have five or fewer.
The state’s first reported case, identified in Stevens County on March 13, is linked to the Texas and New Mexico outbreaks based on genetic testing, a state health department spokesperson said. But health officials have not determined how the person was exposed.
Oklahoma
Cases in Oklahoma increased by two Friday to 12 total: nine confirmed and three probable cases. The first two probable cases were “associated” with the west Texas and New Mexico outbreaks, the state health department said.
A health department spokesperson said measles exposures were confirmed in Tulsa and Rogers counties, but wouldn’t say which counties had cases.
Ohio
The Ohio Department of Health confirmed 20 measles cases in the state as of Thursday: 11 in Ashtabula County near Cleveland, seven in Knox County and one each in Allen and Holmes counties.
Ohio is not including nonresidents in its count, a state health department spokesperson told the Associated Press. The Knox County outbreak in east-central Ohio has infected 14 people, according to a news release from the county health department, but seven of them do not live in Ohio. In 2022, a measles outbreak in central Ohio sickened 85.
The outbreak in Ashtabula County started with an unvaccinated adult who had interacted with someone who had traveled internationally.
Indiana
Indiana confirmed six connected cases of measles in Allen County in the northeast part of the state; four are unvaccinated minors and two are adults whose vaccination status is unknown.
The cases have no known link to other outbreaks, the Allen County Department of Health said Wednesday. The first case was confirmed April 7.
Elsewhere
Measles cases also have been reported in Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont and Washington.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines an outbreak as three or more related cases. The agency counted seven clusters that qualified as outbreaks in 2025 as of Friday.
In the U.S., cases and outbreaks are frequently traced to someone who caught the disease abroad. It can then spread, especially in communities with low vaccination rates. In 2019, the U.S. saw 1,274 cases. So far in 2025, the CDC’s count is 712.
Is a measles booster necessary?
The best way to avoid measles is to get the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The first shot is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old.
People at high risk for infection who got the shots many years ago may want to consider getting a booster if they live in an area with an outbreak, said Scott Weaver with the Global Virus Network, an international coalition. Those may include family members living with someone who has measles or those especially vulnerable to respiratory diseases because of underlying medical conditions.
Adults with “presumptive evidence of immunity” generally don’t need measles shots now, the CDC said. Criteria include written documentation of adequate vaccination earlier in life, lab confirmation of past infection or having been born before 1957, when most people were likely to be infected naturally.
A doctor can order a lab test called an MMR titer to check your levels of measles antibodies, but experts don’t always recommend it and health insurance plans may not cover it.
Getting another MMR shot is harmless if there are concerns about waning immunity, the CDC says.
People who have documentation of having received a live measles vaccine in the 1960s don’t need to be revaccinated, but people who were immunized before 1968 with an ineffective measles vaccine made from “killed” virus should be revaccinated with at least one dose, the agency said. That also includes people who don’t know which type they got.
What are the symptoms?
Measles first infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body, causing a high fever, runny nose, cough, red, watery eyes and a rash.
The rash generally appears three to five days after the first symptoms, beginning as flat red spots on the face and then spreading downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. When the rash appears, the fever may spike over 104 degrees, according to the CDC.
Most kids will recover from measles, but infection can lead to dangerous complications such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and death.
How can you treat measles?
There’s no specific treatment for measles, so doctors generally try to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications and keep patients comfortable.
Why do vaccination rates matter?
In communities with high vaccination rates — above 95% — diseases like measles have a harder time spreading through communities. This is called herd immunity.
But childhood vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the COVID-19 pandemic, and more parents are claiming religious or personal conscience waivers to exempt their kids from required shots.
The U.S. saw a rise in measles cases in 2024, including an outbreak in Chicago that sickened more than 60.
Shastri writes for the Associated Press. AP writer Laura Ungar contributed to this report.
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DeKalb CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson leads with visibility, innovation, and fiscal discipline, transforming public safety, community engagement, and governance across the county.
By Milton Kirby | April 14, 2025 | Decatur, GA
DeKalb County, Georgia CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson is redefining leadership with a high-visibility, hands-on approach that’s making a lasting impact on how residents live, work, and play. Since taking office, she’s been deeply engaged with the community, championing transparency, responsible governance, and innovation across every level of county operations.
A Leader in the Community
Whether moderating transformative conversations with civil rights icons or issuing critical policy decisions from her office, Cochran-Johnson has kept her “boots on the ground”—a phrase that now symbolizes her leadership style. Most recently, she led a thought-provoking fireside chat at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center, joined by civil rights legend Xernona Clayton, former Governor Roy Barnes, and Dr. Bernice A. King.
Photo Courtesy DeKalb CEO
The event, Trailblazers & Changemakers, explored legacy and moral leadership, giving residents insight into how truth, reconciliation, and civic responsibility must remain guiding principles. Cochran-Johnson used the platform to spotlight key voices and reaffirm her belief that lasting change comes from community collaboration—not just political power.
Transforming Public Safety
Among her top priorities has been making DeKalb County safer and smarter in the fight against crime. Under her administration, DeKalb celebrated the graduation of its first police academy class with renewed support. A $10 million investment increased officer salaries and benefits, significantly boosting recruitment and retention.
Her administration is preparing to launch the county’s first Real-Time Crime Center, designed to harness live surveillance footage, data analytics, and drone technology to reduce response times and deter crime.
“This is about leveraging technology to prevent and deter crime and quickly apprehend perpetrators,” Cochran-Johnson said. “The Real-Time Crime Center will be a game-changer for DeKalb County.”
Fiscal Discipline for the Future
In early April, Cochran-Johnson signed an Executive Order to pause new spending and hiring to safeguard against federal funding uncertainty. With DeKalb County relying on approximately $346 million in federal funds for critical services like senior care, homelessness response, and workforce development, the move signals a commitment to fiscal stewardship.
“This action is about being fiscally responsible and ensuring DeKalb County is in the best position possible should any portion of our federal or state funding be reduced or eliminated,” she explained. “We are not eliminating jobs or cutting services. We are planning to preserve them.”
The Executive Order also encourages departments to identify cost-saving strategies and reconsider funding for non-core events and initiatives, demonstrating proactive leadership in the face of possible budget constraints.
Investing in Employees and Residents
Cochran-Johnson has not overlooked the human element of governance. In a recent message to all county staff, she expressed heartfelt thanks:
“Your hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our community do not go unnoticed,” she said. “You make a difference in the lives of our residents, and for that, we are incredibly grateful.”
From sanitation workers and engineers to public health nurses and community planners, her message uplifted the workforce that forms the backbone of county operations.
Community Engagement and Public Participation
Beyond the halls of government, Cochran-Johnson has pushed for more inclusive community planning processes. A prime example is the Stone Mountain Trail Master Plan. The plan focuses on the trail segment between Avondale Estates and Stone Mountain Park, exploring how to optimize the area for both residents and visitors, this initiative invites residents to shape the development of one of the county’s most vital corridors.
CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson @ World Planning Day
Surveys and community events aim to ensure the plan reflects the needs of local users, not just developers or transit planners. Supported by the Atlanta Regional Commission, the project is a testament to the CEO’s belief that progress should always include public input.
A Vision for a Brighter DeKalb
From modernizing policing and tightening financial controls to expanding community voices and celebrating legacy leaders, Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has positioned herself as a transformative force in DeKalb County.
Her high visibility—on the streets, at public forums, and within the chambers of government—has kept constituents informed and inspired. CEO Cochran Johnson, on a daily basis, is becoming a living, breathing example of the phrase often attributed to Govindh Jayarman: ” Real leadership starts with presence and purpose.” Her boots are on the ground and kicking up a lot dust.
With each initiative, policy, and outreach, Cochran-Johnson and her team are helping build a safer, smarter, and more inclusive DeKalb—a place residents can be proud to call home.
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Douglas County will outline key achievements and 2025 development goals at its State of the County Address on April 16, hosted by the Council for Quality Growth.
By Milton Kirby | Douglasville, GA | April 14, 2025
Douglas County is set to highlight its recent achievements and future development goals during the highly anticipated 2025 State of Douglas County Address, scheduled for Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 11:30 AM at the Douglasville Conference Center. The annual event, presented by Amazon, is hosted by the Council for Quality Growth in partnership with the Douglas County Chamber and Douglas County Government.
Courtesy Ramona Jackson Jones
More than 300 guests, including business leaders, local officials, residents, and regional partners, will attend this year’s luncheon. The event will feature a keynote address by Chairwoman Dr. Romona Jackson Jones, who leads the Douglas County Board of Commissioners. Her remarks will reflect on the county’s accomplishments over the past year and provide an outlook for 2025, covering infrastructure, job growth, and capital investments.
“This event is a critical touchpoint between the business community and local government,” said Michael E. Paris, President and CEO of the Council for Quality Growth. “Douglas County is clearly on the move—with major developments, new jobs, and a vision that supports a thriving metro Atlanta.”
In addition to Chairwoman Jones’ address, the program will feature updates and insights from key community and regional leaders:
Yvette Jones, Chief Communications Officer, Douglas County
Sara Ray, President & CEO, Douglas County Chamber
Trevor Quander, Chair, Douglas County Chamber and Area Manager at Georgia Power
Danny Johnson, Director of the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District
Terreta Rodgers, Head of Community Affairs for the Atlanta Region at Amazon
The State of Douglas County Address is one of 10 “State of” events produced annually by the Council for Quality Growth across metro Atlanta. These gatherings bring together county chairs, agency leaders, and local stakeholders to present strategic updates tailored to the business community.
Now in its 40th year, the Council serves as a proactive voice in metro Atlanta’s development, addressing key issues like infrastructure, land use, and economic planning. It regularly partners with municipal and county governments to advocate for balanced and responsible growth throughout the region.
Sponsorships and tickets for the April 16 event are still available at www.councilforqualitygrowth.org. Press members are welcome to attend with prior registration by contacting Kathryn Jones at kj@councilforqualitygrowth.org.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:15 PM
Location: Douglasville Conference Center, 6700 Church Street, Douglasville, GA 30134
For more information on the Council’s upcoming 2025 signature events, including the full State of the County/Agency series, visit their 2025 Programs Calendar.
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DeKalb’s “State of Animals” returns May 16, highlighting progress in shelter expansion, pet support, and humane care. Register at michellelongspears.com/SODA
DeKalb Leaders to Highlight Animal Welfare Progress at “State of DeKalb Animals” Addressvv
By Milton Kirby | DeKalb County, GA | April 15, 2025
DeKalb County Commissioner Michelle Long Spears is set to host the second annual “State of DeKalb Animals” address on Friday, May 16, 2025, spotlighting significant strides in the county’s efforts to improve animal welfare.
The event will be held at the newly renovated Emory Conference Center Hotel in the Lullwater Ballroom at 1615 Clifton Road NE in Decatur. Doors open at 10:30 a.m., and lunch will be provided to attendees.
Photo by Milton Kirby
Spearheaded by the Save Our DeKalb Animals Initiative, the address will feature multiple speakers sharing progress updates and community impact stories aligned with the DeKalb County Animal Services Advisory Board’s Plan for a Better Tomorrow. That plan, developed to reshape the county’s approach to animal care, includes five key goals:
Expanding shelter space
Improving staffing and employee benefits for shelter and animal enforcement teams
Offering direct support to residents and their pets
Reducing homeless pet populations
Shortening the stay for court-held animals
Commissioner Spears said the annual event aims to keep the public informed and involved in the county’s mission to protect animals and strengthen the community’s pet care infrastructure.
“This isn’t just about animal shelters—it’s about people, pets, and creating a more compassionate DeKalb,” Spears said.
Public registration for the event opens April 11. More details are available at www.michellelongspears.com/SODA, by calling 404-371-2863, or texting 470-722-1654.
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Over 500,000 Latin American migrants face an April 24 deadline to self-deport after CHNV parole protections end under new Trump administration policy.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | April 6, 2025
More than 500,000 Latin American immigrants in the United States are facing a fast-approaching deadline that could change their lives forever. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted a notice on March 25 announcing that protections for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela will end on April 24.
The order affects those who entered the U.S. legally under the CHNV parole program. This Biden-era initiative allowed migrants from crisis-hit countries to come to the U.S. with government approval—the program aimed to reduce unlawful border crossings by offering an organized and legal path to entry.
Now, those migrants must choose between leaving voluntarily or risking arrest and forced removal. Officials have urged migrants to self-register using a federal smartphone app and make arrangements to depart the country. If they fail to do so, DHS says they could be located, detained, and deported
“This is a warning,” CBS News immigration reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez said. “The government is telling people to register their plans to leave or face removal.”
The move has sparked outrage across immigrant communities, especially in South Florida, where thousands of CHNV recipients have built new lives. These individuals arrived legally, were vetted, and were given temporary work permits. Many now have jobs, children in school, and deep ties to their communities.
Advocates say the sudden change is cruel, especially for families who fled violence, economic collapse, and political unrest. Returning home could mean facing persecution or extreme poverty. For many, leaving the U.S. isn’t just an inconvenience — it’s a risk to their lives.
Local organizations have stepped up to help. In Miami, Catholic Legal Services has become a center for assistance, offering legal support, counseling, and help navigating the complex rules.
Community leaders are calling on the federal government to reconsider. They argue that the policy change is unfair and harmful to the economy. Immigrants from these countries play a vital role in many industries, including healthcare, construction, and hospitality.
Many saw the CHNV program, launched under President Biden, as a smart response to the rising number of migrants at the southern border. Offering legal pathways for people fleeing crisis zones reduced illegal crossings and allowed for background checks and U.S.-based sponsors.
532,000 people entered the U.S. through CHNV before the program was paused following President Trump’s return to office.
In February, CBS News reported that the Trump administration planned to cancel their legal status. That plan is now in effect, with work permits and protections set to expire by April 24.
Migrants who fail to apply for asylum, a green card, or another immigration status may be among the first targeted for deportation. DHS has said it will prioritize enforcement against those who have not tried to regularize their stay.
DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin defended the decision, saying CHNV participants were “loosely vetted” and claiming the program hurt American workers.
“The termination of the CHNV parole programs is a return to common-sense policies,” McLaughlin said. “It’s about public safety and putting America First.”
But immigrant advocates strongly disagree.
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) condemned the policy as reckless and harmful. AILA President Kelli Stump said the CHNV program was a “breakthrough moment” in immigration policy.
“It created an orderly way to help people in desperate situations,” Stump said. “They had sponsors, were authorized to work, and were contributing to the economy. Now, the rug is being pulled out from under them in a political stunt to increase deportation numbers.”
AILA’s Executive Director Benjamin Johnson said ending the program will backfire.
“This is not just inhumane — it’s bad policy,” Johnson said. “It will increase the number of undocumented immigrants and remove people who are filling critical jobs. At a time when many industries are struggling to find workers, this decision hurts everyone.”
The Trump administration has also taken steps to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians and Venezuelans and has paused all pending immigration benefit applications for CHNV recipients. Officials cite concerns about fraud and incomplete vetting, although supporters of the program say those claims are exaggerated and politically motivated.
Critics argue that ending the CHNV program won’t stop people from fleeing their home countries. Instead, it will push more migrants into dangerous, irregular crossings at the border. The Biden administration had viewed CHNV as a safer, more humane solution.
With the April 24 deadline fast approaching, families across the U.S. face impossible decisions. Should they leave the country they’ve come to call home — a country where many of their children were born, where they have jobs and lives — or stay and risk detention?
For many, the answer is unclear.
The coming weeks will bring fear, confusion, and hard choices for thousands of families. For them, April 24 is not just a date on the calendar. It is a deadline that could reshape their lives forever.
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The Fighting Words Poetry Contest invites K–12 students worldwide to respond to global issues through poetry. Cash prizes, publication, and impact await.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | April 6, 2025
The Pulitzer Center is proud to announce the Eighth Annual Fighting Words Poetry Contest! This contest allows students to respond to the world around them through poetry.
Poetry can help us understand current events by turning facts into feelings and headlines into human stories. It connects global issues to our personal experiences, helping us see how we are all linked. The Fighting Words Poetry Contest invites students to use poetry to explore important topics and raise their voices. Through creative writing, students can reflect on what’s happening in the world and share how these events affect their lives and communities.
Fighting Words Contest
Who Can Enter:
The contest is open to all students in grades K–12 worldwide. Students can write in any language. Bilingual or multilingual poems are welcome! Judges will be fluent in English and Spanish.
Prizes:
1st Place: $300 and publication on the Pulitzer Center website
2nd Place: $200 and publication
3rd Place: $100 and publication
Finalists: $75 and publication
Deadline:
All entries are due by Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 11:59 PM EDT.
How to Enter:
Go to the Pulitzer Center website. Choose a story from the “Suggested Stories” tab. Write a poem of any style or length. Your poem must include lines from the story you chose. Start your poem with an epigraph that says:
With lines from “STORY TITLE” by JOURNALIST NAME, a Pulitzer Center reporting project.
Upload your poem as a text file using the entry form. You may also upload an optional audio or video of yourself performing the poem.
Important:
You must include a teacher contact with your entry. This person will help with communication if your poem is selected. You may list a guardian if you are homeschooled or not in school.
Judging:
The poems evaluation criteria will be:
Writing quality – Is the poem well-crafted and emotional?
Use of Pulitzer Center story – Are the quoted lines used effectively? Does the poem respond to the story’s themes?
Perspective and respect – Is the poem thoughtful and respectful of its subject?
Barack Obama candidly reflected on marriage struggles with Michelle, revealing efforts to reconnect after years of imbalance during his presidency and ongoing public life.
By Jacob Stolworthy | The Independent | April 6, 2025
Barack Obama has shared a candid revelation about his marriage to Michelle Obama. The former US president opened up about the state of his relationship to Michelle while “speaking publicly” for “the first time in a while” during a talk at Hamilton College on Thursday (3 April).
While Barack, 63, shared his negative views on Trump’s presidency, and rebuked his tariff announcement, he also admitted that he has been in what he called “a deep deficit with my wife”. In the past, Barack has hinted that his presidency affected his marriage to Michelle, 61, stating: “It sure helps to be out of the White House.”
The Daily Beast now reports that Obama told Steven Tepper, the president of Hamilton College, that he has been actively trying to spend more time with Michelle, to whom he has been married for 32 years, as life increasingly gets in the way.
“I’ve been trying to dig myself out of that hole by doing occasionally fun things,” he candidly told Tepper. Michelle previously opened up about her marriage during an interview with Revolt TV, in which she said of the effort her and her husband put in: “There are times I’m 70, he’s 30. There are times he’s 60, I’m 40.” She also said “there were 10 years” where she “couldn’t stand” Barack but added: “I would take 10 bad years over 30. It’s just how you look at it.”
According to Michelle, the issue stemmed from a realization that the couple’s marriage wasn’t “even” at the time, as she noted that she was taking care of the children and her husband was embarking on his political career.
Barack had two terms as US president, which lasted from 2009 to 2017.
“That’s when all the measuring starts,” she continued, while acknowledging that couples often “turn that ire on each other”.
According to Page Six, a source who once worked with the couple said of the rumours their marriage was struggling: They don’t pretend that they have this Camelot relationship. They’re not trying to present that they’re this magical couple.”
While rumors surfaced that the pair were headed for divorce, due to Barack attending high-profile Washington DC events by himself, another insider said this was merely due to the fact Michelle had no interest in going to the US capital.
In December 2022, Michelle said that, for a marriage to work, even in times of struggle or disagreement, you’ve “got to know your person” and “like” who they are. “I mean, you could be mad at him, but do you still look at him and go: ‘I’m not happy with you, but I respect you. I don’t agree with you, but you’re still a kind, smart person,’” she said, before noting “feelings are going to change over time,” and that that is when couples need to put work into their relationships”.
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Morehouse School of Medicine honors Calvin Smyre’s 51-year public service by dedicating the Calvin Smyre Education Conference Center during its 50th anniversary.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | April 3, 2025
The longest-serving member of the Georgia House of Representatives, Calvin Smyre, received a lasting tribute to his decades of public service on Thursday, as Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) dedicated a new education building in his name.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Calvin Smyre Education Conference Center (CSECC) was led by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. The event marked a highlight in MSM’s 50th anniversary celebration at the Georgia State Capitol and symbolized the institution’s ongoing commitment to health equity and diversity.
Photo by Milton Kirby Calvin Smyre
Smyre, a former state representative elected in 1974 and a key figure in Georgia politics, has long championed MSM since its inception. In his remarks, he recalled helping secure the institution’s initial $1 million in state funding, emphasizing the power of partnerships between government and education.
“This building is a permanent reminder of what vision, leadership, and dedication can achieve,” said Smyre, who also serves as Trustee Emeritus for the medical school and sits on several philanthropic and educational boards, including the Fort Valley State College Foundation and Piedmont HealthCare in Columbus.
Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, President and CEO of MSM, served as emcee for the celebration. “Health equity is not a political term,” she said. “It’s about giving people what they need, when they need it, and in the amount they need to reach their best health outcomes.”
The CSECC, located on MSM’s campus at 720 Westview Drive SW, features an auditorium, conference and event rooms, study areas, and state-of-the-art technology to support the school’s growing academic and community initiatives. The building is designed to be multifunctional, with spaces that can transition from lecture halls to fine dining areas and networking hubs.
Arthur R. Collins, Chairman of MSM’s Board of Trustees, reflected on Smyre’s legacy: “We are not just honoring a legacy, we are not just honoring a life, we are not just honoring his spirit, —we are investing in what comes next.”
The day’s events were a part of MSM’s broader 50th anniversary celebration. Founded to diversify Georgia’s healthcare workforce, MSM remains one of the nation’s only historically Black medical schools. Since becoming independent in 1981, the school has graduated over 3,300 students, nearly 60% of whom continue to serve in Georgia.
Photo by Milton Kirby Andre Dickens
With the support of lawmakers like Smyre, the school plans to expand its graduating class to 225 students in the coming years. Morehouse School of Medicine Dean Joseph Tyndall and several state legislators also praised MSM’s enduring impact during the ceremony.
As the nation debates diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, MSM leaders say the school’s mission remains unwavering. “Trust is the foundation of the patient-provider relationship,” said Montgomery Rice. “And diversity in healthcare strengthens that trust.”
For Calvin Smyre, the new center stands not only as a personal honor but as a beacon for future generations. His life’s work—from the Georgia House floor to the boardrooms of educational institutions—continues to shape Georgia’s legacy of leadership, service, and social justice.
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Join Emory experts at the 28th Brain Health Forum on April 29, 2025, to learn about memory loss, dementia, and healthy aging strategies.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | April 2, 2025
Community members interested in brain health and aging are invited to attend the 28th Brain Health Forum, hosted by the Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Emory University.https://alzheimers.emory.edu/
The in-person event will take place on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, and will feature leading experts from Emory discussing the latest research on memory loss and dementia. Topics will include risk factors for cognitive decline, how to promote healthy aging, and why dementia research matters more than ever.
Organizers say the forum offers practical advice for staying mentally sharp and preventing disease. Attendees will also learn how lifestyle choices can impact long-term brain health.
“This forum is a great chance for people to hear directly from top researchers and get easy-to-follow tips on aging well,” said a spokesperson for the center.
The event is run by the Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Emory. Each year, their team brings top doctors and researchers to speak. They explain brain science in ways that are easy to understand.
You’ll hear the latest news on memory loss and dementia. You’ll learn what puts people at risk. You’ll also get tips on how to stay sharp as you age.
There’s a good reason this forum matters now more than ever. Each year in the U.S., about 514,000 new cases of dementia are diagnosed in adults aged 65 and older. That number is expected to double by the year 2060.
As of 2024, about 6.9 million older Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is the most common kind of dementia. It slowly damages memory, thinking, and behavior.
Photo by Milton Kirby
Dementia affects not only the person who has it, but also their families. People often need care for many years. That’s why learning about it now is so important.
The forum will also talk about how brain health affects different groups. Research shows that Black Americans are more likely to get dementia than white Americans.
Doctors think there are several reasons for this. One reason is health problems that are more common in Black communities. These include high blood pressure and diabetes. Both can raise the risk of dementia.
Other reasons include fewer resources. Many Black Americans face barriers in education, income, and access to good healthcare. These lifelong challenges can increase dementia risk.
There is also a problem with diagnosis. Black adults are less likely to be diagnosed correctly or early. That means they may not get the help they need in time.
At the forum, speakers will talk about how to fix these problems. They’ll share steps people can take to protect their memory and thinking skills. They’ll also talk about how lifestyle choices—like exercise, sleep, and healthy food—can help your brain.
The forum will give clear advice you can use right away. Whether you’re a caregiver, a senior, or just someone who wants to learn, there’s something for everyone.
You’ll leave with new knowledge and practical tools. You’ll also learn why research is key to finding better treatments and maybe even a cure.
Brain health is for everyone. And the more you know, the more you can do to protect it.
Don’t miss this free event. Sign up today and take the first step in caring for your brain.
