Barbara Rodriguez
@bcrodriguez.bsky.social
Reporter at The 19th. 📲 DM for email / Signal
Reposted by Barbara Rodriguez
@19thnews.org is here to help our readers navigate complex times with clarity and context. As our newsroom makes plans for 2026, tell us what information you need most.
survey.alchemer.com/s3/8565522/7...
survey.alchemer.com/s3/8565522/7...
2025 Annual Survey
survey.alchemer.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:38 PM
@19thnews.org is here to help our readers navigate complex times with clarity and context. As our newsroom makes plans for 2026, tell us what information you need most.
survey.alchemer.com/s3/8565522/7...
survey.alchemer.com/s3/8565522/7...
So many moving parts with SNAP benefits right now so I wanted to slow things down and remind folks that food insecurity is here, and so is the mom guilt. My latest for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/11/snap...
The fight over SNAP benefits continues — and so does the mom guilt
The worry over long-term access to food collides with the reality that children and their families face detrimental health effects when they experience food insecurity.
19thnews.org
November 7, 2025 at 7:27 PM
So many moving parts with SNAP benefits right now so I wanted to slow things down and remind folks that food insecurity is here, and so is the mom guilt. My latest for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/11/snap...
I wrote about low wages in statehouses back in 2021 for @19thnews.org. The piece begins with the story of a state lawmaker who decided not to run again because she estimated her health insurance premiums cost more than her pay in the legislature. 19thnews.org/2021/11/stat...
November 7, 2025 at 4:15 PM
I wrote about low wages in statehouses back in 2021 for @19thnews.org. The piece begins with the story of a state lawmaker who decided not to run again because she estimated her health insurance premiums cost more than her pay in the legislature. 19thnews.org/2021/11/stat...
Reposted by Barbara Rodriguez
Zohran Mamdani will be New York’s youngest mayor in over a century and the city’s first Muslim and first South Asian mayor. He has twice defeated Andrew Cuomo, who resigned as governor in the face of sexual harassment allegations. https://bit.ly/47pa8LH
Zohran Mamdani, who ran on universal child care, elected New York City mayor
Mamdani defeated Andrew Cuomo, who resigned as governor in 2021 in the face of sexual misconduct allegations.
19thnews.org
November 5, 2025 at 2:11 AM
Zohran Mamdani will be New York’s youngest mayor in over a century and the city’s first Muslim and first South Asian mayor. He has twice defeated Andrew Cuomo, who resigned as governor in the face of sexual harassment allegations. https://bit.ly/47pa8LH
A hunger cliff is days away. Women, children and food banks will feel it first. 19thnews.org/2025/10/food...
A hunger cliff is days away. Women, children and food banks will feel it first.
Food banks will face logistical and financial challenges in providing the resources currently offered by the SNAP and WIC programs that are set to lose funding.
19thnews.org
October 30, 2025 at 2:45 PM
A hunger cliff is days away. Women, children and food banks will feel it first. 19thnews.org/2025/10/food...
First ladies made history in the East Wing. It was razed for Trump’s ballroom. Latest from @errinhaines.bsky.social and @amandabecker.bsky.social for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/10/east...
First ladies made history in the East Wing. It was razed for Trump’s ballroom.
The East Wing is home to the Office of the First Lady and has played a key role in women’s visibility in the White House.
19thnews.org
October 22, 2025 at 9:34 PM
First ladies made history in the East Wing. It was razed for Trump’s ballroom. Latest from @errinhaines.bsky.social and @amandabecker.bsky.social for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/10/east...
Setting aside that our post has been labeled adult content because of … a bare belly photo?? ... @slooterman.bsky.social and I dug deep into the history of blaming moms for their kids’ autism for @19thnews.org and how some moms see echos of that dark history in MAHA: 19thnews.org/2025/10/refr...
This isn't the first time moms have been blamed for their kids' autism
One of the earliest theories of autism is centered on “refrigerator mothers.” Echoes of it can be found in plans to Make America Healthy Again.
19thnews.org
October 6, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Setting aside that our post has been labeled adult content because of … a bare belly photo?? ... @slooterman.bsky.social and I dug deep into the history of blaming moms for their kids’ autism for @19thnews.org and how some moms see echos of that dark history in MAHA: 19thnews.org/2025/10/refr...
President Trump wants to revamp the childhood vaccine schedule, a move that would place an extra burden on working mothers — who often shoulder the responsibilities of scheduling doctor's visits and follow-up care within a household. My latest for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/09/chil...
Trump’s vision for childhood vaccines could hurt working moms the most
“Intentionally or not, Trump is adding weight to this burden that women are already carrying as family health managers."
19thnews.org
September 30, 2025 at 2:16 PM
President Trump wants to revamp the childhood vaccine schedule, a move that would place an extra burden on working mothers — who often shoulder the responsibilities of scheduling doctor's visits and follow-up care within a household. My latest for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/09/chil...
Trump to pregnant people: “Don’t take Tylenol. There’s no downside.” But acetaminophen is one of the few drugs that pregnant people can safely use to relieve pain or fever — conditions that, if left untreated, can increase risk of birth defects and premature delivery. 19thnews.org/2025/09/rfk-...
Linking Tylenol to autism could harm pregnant people’s health, doctors warn
Acetaminophen is one of the few drugs that pregnant people can safely use to relieve pain or fever — conditions that, if left untreated, can increase the risk of birth defects and premature delivery.
19thnews.org
September 23, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Trump to pregnant people: “Don’t take Tylenol. There’s no downside.” But acetaminophen is one of the few drugs that pregnant people can safely use to relieve pain or fever — conditions that, if left untreated, can increase risk of birth defects and premature delivery. 19thnews.org/2025/09/rfk-...
The federal government’s reported plans to link pregnant people’s use of acetaminophen — the pain-relief drug sold under the brand name Tylenol — as a cause of autism could worsen their health and stigmatize one of the few treatments pregnant people have for reducing pain and fever, doctors warn.
Linking Tylenol to autism could harm pregnant people’s health, doctors warn
Acetaminophen is one of the few drugs that pregnant people can safely use to relieve pain or fever — conditions that, if left untreated, can increase the risk of birth defects and premature delivery.
19thnews.org
September 22, 2025 at 5:06 PM
The federal government’s reported plans to link pregnant people’s use of acetaminophen — the pain-relief drug sold under the brand name Tylenol — as a cause of autism could worsen their health and stigmatize one of the few treatments pregnant people have for reducing pain and fever, doctors warn.
A vaccine panel just tabled a vote that would have delayed universal use of the Hepatitis B vaccine for newborns. For now, nothing has changed on use of the vaccine, which is safe and credited with saving lives. But how did we get here? My latest for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/09/hepa...
How the newborn hepatitis B vaccine landed in MAHA’s crosshairs
A panel handpicked by RFK Jr. just tabled a vote to delay use of the hep B vaccine at birth. The debate shows how these early decisions on behalf of a newborn can be used as a litmus test of fitness f...
19thnews.org
September 19, 2025 at 2:51 PM
A vaccine panel just tabled a vote that would have delayed universal use of the Hepatitis B vaccine for newborns. For now, nothing has changed on use of the vaccine, which is safe and credited with saving lives. But how did we get here? My latest for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/09/hepa...
The new MAHA report recommends that the United States increase its breastfeeding rates. But the report makes no mention of a federal paid parental leave program that experts in breastfeeding / caregiving say could make a difference. My latest for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/09/gove...
The government wants more people to breastfeed. Experts say paid parental leave could help.
Researchers have been examining ways to increase breastfeeding rates for years. They warn it will take structural reform and funding.
19thnews.org
September 15, 2025 at 2:01 PM
The new MAHA report recommends that the United States increase its breastfeeding rates. But the report makes no mention of a federal paid parental leave program that experts in breastfeeding / caregiving say could make a difference. My latest for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/09/gove...
I saw a lot of headlines about Florida getting rid of all its vaccine mandates for schoolchildren. So @nadrakn.bsky.social and I wanted to add a little context and clarity about what that means and what might happen next. Our latest for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/09/flor...
Florida officials say they want to eliminate school vaccine mandates. It won’t be that simple.
Many of the reversals will require action from lawmakers. Public health experts and educators warn that dropped mandates could worsen disease outbreaks and add to a teacher shortage
19thnews.org
September 4, 2025 at 6:37 PM
I saw a lot of headlines about Florida getting rid of all its vaccine mandates for schoolchildren. So @nadrakn.bsky.social and I wanted to add a little context and clarity about what that means and what might happen next. Our latest for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/09/flor...
If you’re looking for a better understanding of Let’s Move, Michelle Obama, RFK Jr. and MAHA, may I suggest a piece I wrote for @19thnews.org? 19thnews.org/2025/08/mich...
September 2, 2025 at 5:38 PM
If you’re looking for a better understanding of Let’s Move, Michelle Obama, RFK Jr. and MAHA, may I suggest a piece I wrote for @19thnews.org? 19thnews.org/2025/08/mich...
Can you get a COVID-19 vaccine this fall? The announcement last week that RFK Jr. and his HHS administration had essentially new guidelines for the shot made me try to answer that question. And well, it’s complicated. My latest for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/09/new-...
The new COVID vaccine rules leave parents with more questions than answers
Eligibility for postpartum people has changed, and while children can still access shots, questions about the cost and availability are still unclear.
19thnews.org
September 2, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Can you get a COVID-19 vaccine this fall? The announcement last week that RFK Jr. and his HHS administration had essentially new guidelines for the shot made me try to answer that question. And well, it’s complicated. My latest for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/09/new-...
Reposted by Barbara Rodriguez
Trump’s power grab in the nation’s capital, and his threat to expand his militarized takeover to other Democratic-led cities, is setting up a high-stakes showdown over the country’s democracy that pits him prominently against a familiar political foe: Black women. 19thnews.org/2025/08/blac...
Cities led by Black women are the first targets of Trump's political power grab
“This is in many ways a political warning, a political message, to say to these Black women and other Black mayors and other women of color mayors, ‘Your leadership can be challenged, too.’”
19thnews.org
August 22, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Trump’s power grab in the nation’s capital, and his threat to expand his militarized takeover to other Democratic-led cities, is setting up a high-stakes showdown over the country’s democracy that pits him prominently against a familiar political foe: Black women. 19thnews.org/2025/08/blac...
There’s a lot going on right now, but I’m excited that @19thnews.org has launched a new three-year strategic plan. It has a renewed commitment to our core: gender and its many intersections — with race, ethnicity, class, disability. Learn more here: 19thnews.org/strategic-pl...
The 19th's Strategic Plan
As we move from our founding phase into one focused on long-term sustainability and service, we’re excited to share what’s next: a three-year plan that will guide The 19th through this next chapter.
19thnews.org
August 18, 2025 at 2:19 PM
There’s a lot going on right now, but I’m excited that @19thnews.org has launched a new three-year strategic plan. It has a renewed commitment to our core: gender and its many intersections — with race, ethnicity, class, disability. Learn more here: 19thnews.org/strategic-pl...
Before MAHA and the Trump administration's focus on childhood obesity and fitness … there was Michelle Obama. My latest for @19thnews.org looks at the legacy of the first lady’s work on children’s health: 19thnews.org/2025/08/mich...
Before Trump’s efforts to make kids healthier, there was Michelle Obama
The first lady’s “Let’s Move!” initiative to improve school nutrition and exercise drew some criticism from the right — which has been much more muted as the Trump administration promotes MAHA messagi...
19thnews.org
August 13, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Before MAHA and the Trump administration's focus on childhood obesity and fitness … there was Michelle Obama. My latest for @19thnews.org looks at the legacy of the first lady’s work on children’s health: 19thnews.org/2025/08/mich...
Reposted by Barbara Rodriguez
Today is the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. As voting rights lose ground, The 19th spoke with four advocates working to preserve the path to the ballot for the most marginalized voters.
The Voting Rights Act turns 60 — but its promise is still under threat
As voting rights lose ground, the 19th spoke with four of the advocates working to preserve the path to the ballot for the most marginalized voters.
19thnews.org
August 6, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Today is the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. As voting rights lose ground, The 19th spoke with four advocates working to preserve the path to the ballot for the most marginalized voters.
Who’s running for office? Amid a rise in threats of political violence and harassment, parents with young kids are increasingly weighing the risks. 19thnews.org/2025/08/pare...
The threat of political violence is keeping parents out of elected office
Persistent harassment and threats of violence may be impacting who decides to become an elected official or candidate — especially for parents of young children.
19thnews.org
August 6, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Who’s running for office? Amid a rise in threats of political violence and harassment, parents with young kids are increasingly weighing the risks. 19thnews.org/2025/08/pare...
A few Republican lawmakers have tried to frame the Medicaid cuts as targeting men. The data tells a different story. 19thnews.org/2025/05/medi...
July 3, 2025 at 3:48 PM
A few Republican lawmakers have tried to frame the Medicaid cuts as targeting men. The data tells a different story. 19thnews.org/2025/05/medi...
Reposted by Barbara Rodriguez
In May, The 19th wrote about Ruano’s fight to remain in the country despite a pending order of deportation.
Last month her fight against deportation, fueled by her Milwaukee community, ended under orders from ICE.
Last month her fight against deportation, fueled by her Milwaukee community, ended under orders from ICE.
‘Adiós, Milwaukee’: A family uprooted, a hole left behind
Yessenia Ruano's long fight against deportation, fueled by her Milwaukee community, ended last month under orders from ICE.
19thnews.org
July 1, 2025 at 1:57 PM
In May, The 19th wrote about Ruano’s fight to remain in the country despite a pending order of deportation.
Last month her fight against deportation, fueled by her Milwaukee community, ended under orders from ICE.
Last month her fight against deportation, fueled by her Milwaukee community, ended under orders from ICE.
As a key vaccine panel (made up now of members picked by RFK Jr.) meets for the first time this morning, a new poll shows support for routine childhood vaccines is widely supported across political party lines. My latest for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/06/vacc...
Vaccine support isn’t as controversial as it seems
A new poll shows support is shared across political party lines — and comes as Health and Human Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. could reshape the future of vaccines.
19thnews.org
June 25, 2025 at 1:38 PM
As a key vaccine panel (made up now of members picked by RFK Jr.) meets for the first time this morning, a new poll shows support for routine childhood vaccines is widely supported across political party lines. My latest for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/06/vacc...
Reposted by Barbara Rodriguez
There is a lot going on right now with vaccine policy in America. Here's how doctors are responding, and what they want parents to know about their efforts to stick with evidence-based science. My latest for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/06/rfk-...
How doctors are preparing for RFK Jr.’s shifts on vaccine policy
After Kennedy gutted a key vaccine advisory panel, physicians are figuring out how they can share guidance to keep patients healthy.
19thnews.org
June 20, 2025 at 5:06 PM
There is a lot going on right now with vaccine policy in America. Here's how doctors are responding, and what they want parents to know about their efforts to stick with evidence-based science. My latest for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/06/rfk-...
There is a lot going on right now with vaccine policy in America. Here's how doctors are responding, and what they want parents to know about their efforts to stick with evidence-based science. My latest for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/06/rfk-...
How doctors are preparing for RFK Jr.’s shifts on vaccine policy
After Kennedy gutted a key vaccine advisory panel, physicians are figuring out how they can share guidance to keep patients healthy.
19thnews.org
June 20, 2025 at 5:06 PM
There is a lot going on right now with vaccine policy in America. Here's how doctors are responding, and what they want parents to know about their efforts to stick with evidence-based science. My latest for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/06/rfk-...