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Category: State & Local Politics

African Americans
Stefi Mar

Homelessness Surges, Disproportionately Affecting Black and Latino Communities

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has released its 2023 Annual Homeless Assessment Report, revealing a distressing 12% surge in homelessness since 2022. The report, encompassing the Housing Inventory Count, paints a bleak picture of the current state of homelessness, with a staggering 653,104 individuals experiencing homelessness on a single night in January 2023—the highest since the national reporting on the Point-in-Time count began in 2007.

Stefi Mar January 10, 2024
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Controller Malia Cohen: Despite $68 Billion Deficit, California Has Enough Cash to Pay Bills

Over the next few months, Californians will spend time processing the details of Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2024-2025 spending plan, which he is expected to present to the Legislature on Jan. 10 in Sacramento. However, reports of the state’s whopping $68 billion budget deficit — as projected by the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) — have foreshadowed the Governor’s announcement with uncertainty.

Stefi Mar January 9, 2024
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Feds Pump Over $6 Billion Into Two New California High-Speed Rail Projects

Last week, the Biden administration announced $6 billion in funding for two separate high-speed rail projects that will whisk passengers from Southern to Northern California — and from Los Angeles County to Las Vegas — on electric trains traveling 200 mph or faster.

Stefi Mar December 12, 2023
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Sen. Laphonza Butler Vows Unwavering Support for the Black Press and Black Communities

As the first openly LGBTQ person to represent California in the Senate, Butler’s appointment marks a historic moment. Additionally, she’s the second Black woman to represent California in the Senate, following Vice President Kamala Harris. Her appointment represents a significant milestone, and her unwavering commitment to the Black Press and the communities she serves is poised to bring about positive change for years to come.

Stefi Mar October 18, 2023