Volume 1 Issue 14 - August 11th, 2025

What's the Buzz?

Grab the fam and gather 'round the kitchen table! It's time to go over what this week is going to look like. Here's what's happening across our communities this week:

On the Home Front - National News & Your Family's Well-being

Oh my goodness, there sure is a lot happening! It's like trying to keep all the plates spinning at once, isn't it? Let's take a look at what's making headlines that's particularly relevant to us as families.

It looks like a big focus this week is on health and finances, which always hits home for parents.

• Health Insurance Costs: There's some news about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace, with a new analysis showing that premiums for 2026 are looking to go up by a median of 18% nationwide. That's more than double the increase from last year, which is a lot to think about when you're budgeting for the family. Also, some young adults are finding it stressful to figure out health insurance when they turn 26.

• Health and Social Media: A new poll is out that's looking into how we get our health information and advice from social media. It's something to keep in mind, especially with our kids, as we all know how much time they spend online.

• Grocery Prices: It seems like a lot of us are feeling the pinch at the grocery store. A new poll found that many American families are citing grocery prices as a major source of stress. It's a constant struggle to make sure we're feeding our families well without breaking the bank.

• Public Safety: There's been a lot of national attention on crime and public safety. President Trump has been talking about crime in Washington, D.C., and has announced he will be placing the D.C. police under federal control and deploying the National Guard. This has raised some legal questions about presidential power. Also, a tragic house fire in Maryland killed four children and two adults, which is just heartbreaking.

• Disasters and Emergencies: We've also had some rough weather with flooding hitting the Midwest, and Milwaukee, in particular, had its second wettest day ever. Out west, a growing wildfire in Colorado has forced a prison to be evacuated.

It's a lot to take in, I know. But staying informed helps us make good choices for our families. It's a good reminder to talk to our kids about what they're seeing and hearing, and to make sure we're getting our information from places we can trust.

I thought crime rates in Washington, DC was the lowest they have been in 30 years. Why is the President concerned and how do the local citizens feel about the issue?

That's such an important point, and it's a good thing you're paying attention to the details. You're absolutely right that the crime data for D.C. shows that violent crime has been on a downward trend. According to police data, violent crime in Washington, D.C. has fallen sharply since 2023, and it was at a 30-year low when President Trump took office. As of this year, violent crime is down 26% compared to the same time last year, and homicides are down by 12%.

So, why the concern from the President? Well, despite those numbers, the President has been focusing on specific, high-profile incidents. He's described the city's crime as "out of control" and has talked about "savagery" and "filth". He's also specifically pointed to crimes committed by young people, saying that they are "randomly attacking, mugging, maiming, and shooting innocent citizens". He has said he wants to change the law to prosecute minors as young as 14 as adults. These comments seem to be based on particular events, like the assault on a former government official during an attempted carjacking.

As for how the local citizens feel, it's a mix of different views. The D.C. mayor and other local leaders have pushed back against the President's claims, saying that violent crime is actually down. The mayor believes that federal intervention isn't the best way to handle things and has said that the city would be better served if the federal government provided more funding for prosecutors and filled vacant court positions. There are also reports that a majority of D.C. residents are "extremely" or "very" concerned about the federal takeover of the city.

However, some parents and residents have expressed that they feel a sense of relief at the idea of a federal takeover. They are concerned about things like carjackings and attacks on the metro, and they feel that city leaders have been "paralyzed". They want a city where they can feel safe raising their children.

It's a really complex situation, and it just goes to show how different people can see the same situation in very different ways. It’s a good example of why it's so important to look at all the facts and hear from everyone involved. 

At the same point, just know that the Hive Social Garden views this a significant overstep of presidential powers and advises our community to do what you can to stay the hell out of Washington, DC. Untrained and unprofessional individuals will be cosplaying as "law enforcement" with their trigger happy tendencies and fascist ideology. 

If you do find yourself in the District, do what you can to remain in the Southeast near Anacostia, and while you're there, show We Act Radio some love as they bring you the story from the ground.

How can families stay safe and sane with federal intervention, especially those in marginalized and criminalized communities?

That's a very thoughtful question, and it gets to the heart of what's on a lot of parents' minds. When there's a big change like federal intervention, especially in communities that have a complex history with law enforcement, it can create a lot of stress and uncertainty for families. It's so important to have strategies to stay safe and to maintain our mental and emotional well-being.

Here are a few things that come to mind, based on some of the resources I was able to find:

• Connect with Your Community: Your community is your biggest strength. Look for local organizations, non-profits, or even faith-based groups that are working to support families. These places often have programs for things like job training, counseling, and violence prevention. Having a strong network can help you feel less isolated and more prepared to face challenges. In some places, community-based violence reduction councils or neighborhood safety departments are being created to help foster social connectedness and address safety concerns in a human-centered way.

• Know Your Rights: It's really important for families to understand their rights when it comes to interactions with law enforcement. Knowing what to do and what to say can help everyone feel a little more secure. There are legal aid societies and community groups that often offer workshops or resources on this topic.

• Seek Out Support Systems: Don't be afraid to lean on support systems. There are a lot of programs out there designed to help families. For example, some programs provide counseling, case management, and access to resources like food and housing assistance. There are even mobile crisis response teams that are separate from the police and can respond to calls about mental distress or homelessness. These programs are often trauma-informed and focus on de-escalation and peer support.

• Focus on Mental Health: This kind of stress can really take a toll on everyone, especially our kids. It's important to talk about feelings and create a safe space at home. Some mothers with low income, for example, have found creative ways to cope with stress, like crying in the shower, to keep from becoming overwhelmed and to be a source of stability for their children. It's a good reminder that prioritizing our own well-being is crucial so we can be there for our families. Looking into local mental health resources or programs that offer therapy and counseling can be a great help.

• Get Involved and Advocate: If you're able, consider getting involved in local efforts to shape policy. Some programs support families in getting involved in policymaking by creating support groups or councils where parents can work with professionals to make sure their voices are heard. This can be a powerful way to advocate for your family's needs and create a safer, more equitable community for everyone.

It's a tough situation, and it's completely normal to feel concerned. The most important thing is to remember that you're not alone and that there are resources and people who want to help.

Things in the House

The House of Representatives is scheduled for a "State Work Period" from August 4th to September 1st. This means that Representatives are in their districts for about a month. This is a great time to connect with your Representatives while they are not having to deal with life in Washington, DC, so if you have something on your mind, now would be a perfect opportunity to get in touch!

What is the Senate doing this week?

It looks like the Senate is in a period of summer recess right now, so there's not a lot of legislative work happening on the Senate floor this week.

Around the World - Global Events with Potential Impact

It seems like the biggest global force impacting American families today is technology and globalization. The internet and personal computers have completely changed our society and our homes.

Here are a few ways this is happening:

• The way we work: The rise of technology and globalization has changed traditional labor practices, including the lines between work and leisure time. Getting even a low-level job increasingly requires a good understanding of digital technology.

• Family connections: On the one hand, technology has allowed families who are spread out across the globe to stay connected through things like video calls and social media. On the other hand, it has introduced new challenges, like the risk of cyberbullying, violent video games, and other content that parents have to help their kids navigate.

• Financial security: While technology offers opportunities, it also brings new threats to our financial security. Things like automated decision systems in banks can make families more vulnerable to things like surveillance and discrimination.

• Digital divide: There's a big gap in how much access families have to technology. Poorer families often struggle to get computers and internet access, which puts them at a disadvantage both at home and in the job market. Even in some cities, up to half of families don't have broadband services at home.

It's clear that these global shifts are changing the very structure of American families, from how we work to how we communicate and even how we raise our kids. It's a lot to keep up with, but staying informed is the first step to making sure our families are thriving in this ever-changing world.

Things to Keep on Our Family Radar This Week

It's a busy time of year for a lot of families, and with the Senate being in recess, it's a good reminder that we should be focused on our own communities and what we can do to stay prepared.

One big thing to keep an eye on this week is the weather, especially with all the summer storms and heatwaves we've been seeing. It's a good idea to have a plan for what to do on a rainy day or when it's just too hot to play outside. Some ideas include:

• Indoor fun: Things like building a blanket fort and having a movie marathon, or doing some simple science experiments like a baking soda volcano.

• Creative activities: You could have a themed craft time, bake some cookies together, or even have a family board game night.

• Exploring your local area: This is a great time to visit museums, especially if you're in the D.C. area where there are a ton of options, some of which are free. It's also a great way to stay cool on a hot day.

For more serious weather, it's really important to have a family emergency plan. This should include a kit with food and water for at least 72 hours, and a plan for how to get in touch if you get separated. Making sure you have a way to receive weather alerts, like a NOAA Weather Radio or the Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone, is also a good idea.

It's all about being prepared and making sure we can still have fun and make memories, no matter what's going on outside.

Jess C's Mom's Two Cents

My two cents for this week is to be kind to yourself. Being a parent in this day and age is a constant balancing act. You're trying to keep up with the news, manage the household, and navigate all the big changes happening in the world, from technology to our communities. It's a lot.

So, take a moment to breathe. Don't be afraid to ask for help, whether it's from a friend, a neighbor, or a family-focused organization like The Hive Social Garden. Remember that you're doing your best, and that's more than enough.

Find a small moment this week just for you. Maybe it's enjoying a cup of coffee while it's still hot, or reading a chapter of a book, or just sitting in a quiet room for five minutes. Those small moments of peace can help you recharge so you can be the wonderful, loving parent you already are. That's my two cents, for what it's worth.

Upcoming Events for The Hive Social Garden

• The Mysterious Bea-nedict Society - First Monday of Each Month at 1400 EST in the Hive - Join us on September 1st for mentorship and coaching

• Sowing Circles - Second Thursday of Each Month at 8 pm EST in the Hive - Join us on August 14th for Show and Tell what you are working on in your garden. Whether crafting or planting, we love to share our creations!

• Femme in STEM - Fourth Thursday of Each Month at 1400 EST in the Hive - Join us on August 28th!

• The Honey Bea Coven - Third Wednesday of Each Month at 1700 EST (Link will be emailed) - Join us on August 20th

• Byte-Sized Adventures - Planned adventures in time and space, exploring quantum intelligence, social engineering, and sustainable globalization... To come play with us, you have to find us first

• Virtual Summer Camp is in full swing!! - The goal is to fund our Mobile Innovation Center while educating the public on how to secure their private information and intellectual property, share their experiences in non-judgmental environments, and build a more sustainable and equitable future for all. All of this is part of our larger goal of helping work towards the United Nations Sustainability Goals for Agenda 2030. We have a big surprise coming for Labor Day so get ready!!!

Additional Services Available to Members of the Hive Social Garden (Let me know if you'd like to get started with these):

• Family Album - Organize your pictures and share securely with family!! Also order photo gifts.

• PrivacyBee - Cleaning up your digital footprint and protecting you against spam, doxing, fraud, scams, extortion, identity theft, and cyber bullies!!

• Monarch Money - Budgeting and Savings!! Protecting your bottom line from subscriptions that you no longer use, are of no use to you, and are difficult to cancel because you have to make 47 calls to cancel.

• Communitique - On Communitique, you can find new or well-maintained clothes in your fit and style for free, and easily pick them up in your area.

Stay safe and have a fantastic week, everyone!