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National Security Expert Warns U.S. Vulnerability Growing After Trump’s Iran Strikes

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — With approximately 40,000 U.S. troops in the region, Castleberry-Hernandez stressed that their safety is paramount. But she warned that domestic security is also at risk, recalling how past conflicts in the Middle East have sparked terror attacks on American soil, such as those in San Bernardino and Orlando.

Published

5 months ago

June 25, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

As global tensions spike following President Donald Trump’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and Tehran’s retaliation with missile launches at U.S. bases in Iraq and Qatar, national security and foreign policy expert Asha Castleberry-Hernandez warned that the United States is dangerously close to a full-blown war.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Black Press USA’s Let It Be Known, Castleberry-Hernandez, a former senior official in the Biden administration’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs and an Iraq War veteran, called the situation “deeply concerning,” especially given what she described as escalating international alignment behind Iran and widespread inexperience in key U.S. national security positions.

“My reaction was quite concerning with regards to potential escalatory behavior,” Castleberry-Hernandez said. “Many Americans were not supportive of strikes in Iran because they want to avoid an escalatory war or just U.S. involvement overall.”

Last week, B-52 bombers carried out airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites. The Department of Defense claims those sites were eradicated. In response, Iran launched missiles targeting U.S. military installations in Qatar and Iraq. While U.S. forces successfully intercepted the missiles, Castleberry-Hernandez cautioned that the conflict is intensifying quickly and diplomatically difficult to contain.

“If we had just stayed in the Iran nuclear deal, which President Obama started, this could have been avoided,” she said. “The Iran nuclear deal worked.”

She blamed the Trump administration for withdrawing from the agreement, which she said led to the loss of leverage with Iranian leadership. “We transitioned from diplomacy to defense,” she said, noting that Iran now has greater backing from nations like China, Russia, and North Korea.

Castleberry-Hernandez, author of the memoir, “Why National Security Matters,” noted that under the U.S. Constitution, the commander-in-chief has the latitude to conduct such airstrikes. But she questioned whether Trump’s actions—reportedly carried out without broad consultation with his national security team—violate the constitutional balance between the executive and legislative branches.

“This is why it matters who we put in the Oval Office,” she said. “You’re giving them access to trade policy, nuclear codes, and how they manage the troops.”

Castleberry-Hernandez said Vice President Kamala Harris’s previous warning that a Trump presidency could lead to war was not alarmist. She pointed to the growing signs of Iranian aggression even before Trump took office and said U.S. intelligence had long indicated that Iran was close to building a nuclear bomb.

“Now that Trump is in, he’s going to do anything he can to stop Iran from becoming a nuclear state. And this is what you’re seeing play out right now,” she said.

Asked how close the U.S. is to war, Castleberry-Hernandez said developments are moving by the hour. “President Trump is demanding a ceasefire, but let’s see if Iran will come to the table,” she said. “Iran knows the U.S. has an asymmetric operational advantage, and that may eventually bring them to negotiate.”

Castleberry-Hernandez rejected claims that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had manipulated Trump into the strikes but confirmed that Israeli intelligence strongly influenced the decision. “Israel had legitimate concerns and shared them. President Trump, lacking the political capital but influenced by Israel, decided to move forward,” she said.

With approximately 40,000 U.S. troops in the region, Castleberry-Hernandez stressed that their safety is paramount. But she warned that domestic security is also at risk, recalling how past conflicts in the Middle East have sparked terror attacks on American soil, such as those in San Bernardino and Orlando.

“We’ve already seen violence near the Israeli embassy and in Colorado. These conflicts fuel both anti-Semitism and Islamophobia here at home,” she said, adding that cities like New York have ramped up security in response.

She also warned of cyber threats and information warfare, especially with Iran’s close ties to Russia. “They’re very capable in conducting cyberattacks and manipulating online disinformation to destabilize us,” she said.

Castleberry-Hernandez raised concerns about the economic fallout, particularly in the oil and global markets. “Engaging Iran disrupts the global energy market. Gas prices and stock fluctuations could spike, especially if this conflict drags on.”

She also confirmed reports that multiple Republican lawmakers purchased “war stocks” just hours before the strikes. “I’m pretty sure those that were trading were fully aware of what was going to happen,” she said.

As questions swirl about Trump’s decision-making and reports suggest that many national security officials were shut out of the process, Castleberry-Hernandez said her book was meant to educate Americans about why qualified leadership is essential.

“I wrote ‘Why National Security Matters’ because I saw a growing rejection of global engagement,” she said. “But we’re more interconnected than ever—through cyber threats, pandemics, and climate change.”

She criticized the current administration’s staffing of key security posts with inexperienced personnel, including a 22-year-old former grocery clerk now reportedly working in Homeland Security.

“It’s already playing out. These inexperienced officials are more prone to rubber-stamp Trump’s decisions. Compared to his first administration, this is far more dangerous,” she said.

Asked if the U.S. is more vulnerable than ever, Castleberry-Hernandez replied, “We are. Not just because of inexperience, but because the world has learned how not to work with us anymore. Our troops, our economy, our national security institutions—everything is at risk.”

She called on the American people to act. “We don’t have the House or Senate to provide real checks. It has to come from the people—mobilize and engage with your elected officials. The American people can make a difference working together right now,” she said.

Stacy M. Brown

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LIHEAP Funds Released After Weeks of Delay as States and the District Rush to Protect Households from the Cold

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — The federal government has released $3.6 billion in home heating assistance after a delay that left states preparing for the start of winter without the program’s annual funding.

Published

6 days ago

December 1, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

The federal government has released $3.6 billion in home heating assistance after a delay that left states preparing for the start of winter without the program’s annual funding. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP, helps eligible households pay heating and cooling bills. The release follows a shutdown that stretched 43 days and pushed agencies across the country to warn families of possible disruptions.

State officials in Minnesota, Kansas, New York, and Pennsylvania had already issued alerts that the delay could slow the processing of applications or force families to wait until December for help. In Pennsylvania, more than 300,000 households depend on the program each year. Minnesota officials noted that older adults, young children, and people with disabilities face the highest risk as temperatures fall.

The delay also raised concerns among advocates who track household debt tied to rising utility costs. National Energy Assistance Directors Association Executive Director Mark Wolfe said the funds were “essential and long overdue” and added that high arrearages and increased energy prices have strained families seeking help.

Some states faced additional pressure when other services were affected by the shutdown. According to data reviewed by national energy advocates, roughly 68 percent of LIHEAP households also receive nutrition assistance, and the freeze in multiple programs increased the financial burden on low-income residents. Wolfe said families were placed in “an even more precarious situation than usual” as the shutdown stretched into November.

In Maryland, lawmakers urged the Trump administration to release funds after the state recorded its first cold-related death of the season. The Maryland Department of Health reported that a man in his 30s was found outdoors in Frederick County when temperatures dropped. Last winter, the state documented 75 cold-related deaths, the highest number in five years. Rep Kweisi Mfume joined more than 100 House members calling for immediate federal action and said LIHEAP “is not a luxury” for the 100,000 Maryland households that rely on it. He added that seniors and veterans would be placed at risk if the program remained stalled.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore used $10.1 million in state funds to keep benefits moving, but noted that states cannot routinely replace federal dollars. His administration said families that rely on medical equipment requiring electricity are particularly vulnerable.

The District of Columbia has already mapped out its FY26 LIHEAP structure in documents filed with the federal government. The District’s plan shows that heating assistance, cooling assistance, weatherization, and year-round crisis assistance operate from October 1 through September 30. The District allocates 50 percent of its LIHEAP funds to heating assistance, 10 percent to cooling, 13 percent to year-round crisis assistance, 15 percent to weatherization, and 10 percent to administrative costs. Two percent is used for services that help residents reduce energy needs, including education on reading utility bills and identifying energy waste.

The District’s plan lists a minimum LIHEAP benefit of $200 and a maximum of $1,800 for both heating and cooling assistance. Crisis benefits are provided separately and may reach up to $500 when needed to resolve an emergency. The plan states that a household is considered in crisis if it has been disconnected from energy service, if heating oil is at 5 percent or less of capacity, or if the household has at least $200 owed after the regular benefit is applied.

The District’s filing notes that LIHEAP staff conduct outreach through community meetings, senior housing sites, Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, social media, posters, and mass mailings. The plan confirms that LIHEAP applicants can apply in person, by mail, by email, or through a mobile-friendly online application and that physically disabled residents may request in-home visits.

As agencies nationwide begin distributing the newly released funds, states continue working through large volumes of applications. Wolfe said LIHEAP administrators “have been notified that the award letters have gone out and the states can begin to draw down the funds.”

Stacy M. Brown

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Seven Steps to Help Your Child Build Meaningful Connections

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Swinging side by side with a friend on the playground. Sharing chalk over bright, colorful sidewalk drawings. Hiding behind a tree during a spirited game of hide-and-seek. These simple moments between children may seem small, but they matter more than we think

Published

6 days ago

December 1, 2025

Oakland Post

By Niyoka McCoy, Ed.D., Chief Learning Officer, Stride/K12

Swinging side by side with a friend on the playground. Sharing chalk over bright, colorful sidewalk drawings. Hiding behind a tree during a spirited game of hide-and-seek. These simple moments between children may seem small, but they matter more than we think: They lay the foundation for some of life’s most important skills.

Through everyday play, young children begin learning essential social and emotional skills like sharing, resolving conflicts, showing empathy, and managing their emotions. These social skills help shape emotional growth and set kids up for long-term success. Socialization in early childhood isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential for development.

Yet today, many young children who haven’t yet started school aren’t getting enough consistent, meaningful interaction with peers. Research shows that there’s a decline in active free play and peer socialization when compared to previous generations.

There are many reasons for this. Children who are home with a parent during the day may spend most of their time with adults, limiting opportunities for peer play. Those in daycare or preschool may have restricted free play, and large classrooms can reduce supervision and social coaching. Some children live in rural areas, are homebound due to illness, have full schedules, or rely on screens to fill their playtime. And for some families, finding other families with young children to connect with isn’t easy.

While these challenges can feel significant, opportunities for connection still exist in every community. Families can take simple steps to help children build friendships, create a sense of belonging, and strengthen social skills. Here are some ideas to get started:

Storytime sessions at libraries or local bookstores
Community offerings such as parent-child workshops, art, music, gymnastics, swimming, or sports programs
Weekly events at children’s museums, which may include art projects, music workshops, or science experiments
Outdoor exploration, where kids can play with peers
Local parenting groups that organize playdates and group activities
Volunteer opportunities where children can participate, such as pet adoption events or packing meals at a food bank
Classes for kids at local businesses, including hardware, grocery, or craft stores

Some of these community activities are free or low-cost and give kids the chance to build friendships and practice social skills. Parents can also model positive social behavior by interacting with other parents and encouraging their children to play with their peers.

These may seem like small moments of connection, but they can have a powerful impact. Every time your child shares a toy, plays make-believe with peers, or races a friend down the slide, they’re not just playing—they’re learning the skills that build confidence, empathy, and lasting friendships. And it’s good for you, too. Creating intentional opportunities for play also helps you strengthen your own network of parents who can support one another as your children grow together.

Oakland Post

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Seven Steps to Help Your Child Build Meaningful Connections

Published

6 days ago

December 1, 2025

Oakland Post

By Niyoka McCoy, Ed.D., Chief Learning Officer, Stride/K12

Storytime sessions at libraries or local bookstores
Community offerings such as parent-child workshops, art, music, gymnastics, swimming, or sports programs
Weekly events at children’s museums, which may include art projects, music workshops, or science experiments
Outdoor exploration, where kids can play with peers
Local parenting groups that organize playdates and group activities
Volunteer opportunities where children can participate, such as pet adoption events or packing meals at a food bank
Classes for kids at local businesses, including hardware, grocery, or craft stores