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Category: National

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Authorities Heighten Security Measures for Trump Inauguration and Electoral Certification

As Washington, D.C., prepares for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration and the certification of electoral votes, officials have designated these events as “national special security events”—the highest level of security classification. In a show of heightened vigilance following the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, officials are implementing extensive protective measures and fortifying protocols to safeguard the peaceful transfer of power.

Stefi Mar November 19, 2024
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Marcellus Williams’ Death: Political Execution of a Black Man Carried Out by the Supreme Court

In a damning display of justice gone wrong, Marcellus Williams, a Missouri death row inmate, was executed, despite overwhelming evidence suggesting his innocence. His death by lethal injection has sparked outrage, with the blame falling squarely on the shoulders of former President Donald Trump, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Missouri Governor Mike Parson, and the conservative U.S. Supreme Court justices who refused to halt the execution.

Stefi Mar October 1, 2024
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Is Your Child Going to Kindergarten a Year From Now?: Make the Move Together

Congratulations, your child is going to kindergarten a year from now! Making the transition to kindergarten is a big event for every child and family. You and your child may feel excited and proud about the next big step. You both may also experience some worry about the unknown and wonder how it will be at a new school.

Stefi Mar October 1, 2024
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

National Crime Plummets, Defying Perception of a Crime Wave

The latest FBI data on Monday, September 23, 2024, revealed a significant drop in national crime rates from 2022 to 2023, contradicting widespread public perception of a crime wave. According to the FBI’s annual “Summary of Crime in the Nation,” violent crime fell by 3%, while property crime decreased by 2.4%.

Stefi Mar October 1, 2024
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

CBCF Conference Demands Action to Close Racial Wealth Gap and Transform Black Economic Future

This year’s Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s (CBCF) Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) has served as a rallying cry for dismantling the systemic barriers that have long obstructed Black economic advancement. Centered around the theme “From Vision to Victory: Amplifying Black Voices,” the event brought together lawmakers, activists, and leaders to confront the policies that have perpetuated the racial wealth gap—a gap that has cost the U.S. over $16 trillion in GDP over the last two decades.

Stefi Mar September 17, 2024
Features
Stefi Mar

Early Literacy is an Educational Priority

In 2023, the Oregon legislature launched the Early Literacy Success Initiative to help all students learn to read, as only 46% of students read proficiently by the end of grade 3. To support the initiative, the Children’s Institute (CI) partnered with the Regional Educational Laboratory Northwest (REL Northwest) to compile accessible, evidence-based resources to support this effort and strengthen literacy practices for young children.

Stefi Mar August 27, 2024
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

ACLU Launches Major Voter Education Campaign on Abortion Rights

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), in collaboration with the ACLU Voter Education Fund and ACLU of Wisconsin, has announced a new seven-figure voter education campaign. The initiative aims to inform voters about candidates’ positions on abortion rights in the upcoming 2024 U.S. Senate race and state legislative races across Wisconsin.

Stefi Mar August 6, 2024
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Project FREEDOM Unveiled to Combat Controversial Project 2025

A group of well-known Black Democratic leaders unveiled Project FREEDOM, a fresh strategy to combat Project 2025, a contentious 922-page plan to reform the federal government put forth by a conservative Washington think tank and other political allies.

Stefi Mar July 30, 2024
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

IRS Announces Permanent Expansion of Direct File for 2025 Tax Season

The Internal Revenue Service announced that its Direct File program will become a permanent option for federal tax returns starting in the 2025 tax season. Biden-Harris administration officials said the move follows a successful pilot program and positive feedback from a broad range of stakeholders.

Stefi Mar June 5, 2024
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Improving Child Welfare to Help Kids Heal and Thrive in Early Education Years

As I recently walked the grounds of the U.S. Capitol, each step carried the weight of purpose and possibility. I was nervous about meeting with members of Congress, who hold the power to act on issues that affect my family and many others. I worried: What if I stumbled over my words? What if I failed to convey the sense of urgency and the depth of my passion for family reunification?

Stefi Mar May 14, 2024
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

U.S. Department of Education Acts to Ease FAFSA Woes Amidst Rising Concerns

With escalating concerns surrounding the tumultuous rollout of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the U.S. Department of Education has announced an initiative to provide much-needed support to students and families navigating the complex financial aid landscape.

Stefi Mar May 7, 2024
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

AFL-CIO Report Exposes Deepening Racial Disparities in Workplace Safety

 The AFL-CIO, a coalition representing 12.5 million workers across various unions, has released its 33rd annual report, “Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect,” uncovering troubling racial disparities in workplace safety. The report’s findings, based on the most recent data available, underscore the urgent need for policymakers, regulatory bodies, and employers to confront the disproportionate rates of fatalities, injuries, and illnesses faced by workers of color.

Stefi Mar April 30, 2024
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Federal Government Providing Nearly $80 million to Combat Violent Crime in U.S.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland has announced a multifaceted strategy to bolster law enforcement and community-based initiatives to combat violent crime in America. Speaking at a conference for federal grantees in Chicago, Garland highlighted the need to double down on recent progress and stem the tide of violence gripping many American cities.

Stefi Mar April 9, 2024