Category: World & Nation

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Dr. Tshaka Cunningham Carves a Path for African Americans in Science

Dr. Tshaka Cunningham, a pioneering molecular biologist, has made an extraordinary journey from the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, D.C. to the cutting edge of precision medicine and genomics. Returning to his roots for an interview on the PBS show “The Chavis Chronicles,” Cunningham shared insights into his career, the importance of diversity in science, and his commitment to advancing genomics for the betterment of all communities.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Kamala Harris Makes History as She Accepts Democratic Nomination for President

On Thursday night, Vice President Kamala Harris formally accepted the Democratic nomination for president in a week filled with celebration, reflection, and a sense of history in the making. Following in the trailblazing footsteps of Shirley Chisholm, who ran for president 52 years ago, Harris became the first Black woman to receive a major political party’s nomination for president while speaking to a packed house at the United Center in Chicago.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Day Three of Democratic National Convention: A Night of Passion, Patriotism, and Powerful Messages

Day three of the Democratic National Convention continued the fervor that has electrified the Windy City all week. Following a stirring performance of his hit song “Higher Ground,” Motown legend Stevie Wonder captivated the audience at the United Center in a spectacle of energy and emotion. The momentum carried through the evening with an equally moving tribute from superstar John Legend, who honored the late Prince with “Let’s Go Crazy” and paid homage to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

President Biden Designates Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument to Commemorate Civil Rights History

On the 116th anniversary of the Springfield Race Riot, President Joe Biden signed a proclamation establishing the Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument in Springfield, Illinois. The new monument will preserve 1.57 acres of federal land and highlight a significant but painful moment in American history, when a white mob attacked the Black community in Springfield, leading to the lynching of two Black men and widespread destruction of homes and businesses.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Leak Cover-Up Exposes Mainstream Media’s’ Cozy Relationship with Trump Campaign

In a revealing and disturbing revelation, it appears that the mainstream media—once seen as the last line of defense against political corruption—may be bending to the will of Donald Trump. Multiple prominent news outlets, including Politico, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, have reportedly been handed confidential material from within the Trump campaign, including a detailed vetting report on JD Vance, Trump’s vice-presidential pick. Yet, instead of reporting on the contents, these outlets have chosen to keep the information under wraps.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Inflation Cools to Below 3%, Paving the Way for Potential Fed Rate Cuts

Inflation in the United States showed promising signs of easing in July, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) falling below 3% for the first time in over three years. The unexpected slowdown in price hikes could lead the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates as early as next month, potentially easing borrowing costs and providing a boost to economic growth.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Biden Administration Secures Historic Victory in Medicare Drug Price Negotiations, Projected to Save Billions

In a move hailed as a significant win for seniors, the Biden administration announced it has successfully negotiated substantial price reductions for 10 of Medicare’s most expensive and widely used prescription drugs. The result of intense negotiations with pharmaceutical giants, the move is expected to deliver billions in savings for both U.S. taxpayers and millions of older Americans who rely on these medications to manage chronic and life-threatening conditions.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Chicago Becomes a Fortress as Democratic National Convention Begins Amid Heightened Security

Chicago has transformed into one of the most fortified locations in the world this summer as the Windy City plays host to the Democratic National Convention (DNC). With the influx of thousands of delegates, media personnel, and political dignitaries, the city has seen unprecedented security measures involving the Secret Service and state and local police, turning downtown Chicago into a near-impenetrable fortress.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

White House Initiative Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Diverse 2024 HBCU Cohort

The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) has announced the 2024 cohort of HBCU Scholars, marking the 10th anniversary of this transformative program. This year, 110 students from 77 HBCUs across the nation and around the world have been selected for their exceptional academic achievements, leadership potential, and dedication to their communities.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Federal Judge Dismisses Trump’s Claims of Political Targeting by Biden Administration

Shutting down the destructive rhetoric of the 34-times convicted and twice-impeached former President Donald Trump’s legal defense, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan ruled that the GOP presidential nominee presented “no meaningful evidence” of political targeting by the Biden administration. Chutkan dismissed Trump’s allegations that the White House or the Justice Department pursued him out of political animus or his refusal to accept the 2020 election results as “baseless.”

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

White House Unveils New Policies to Transform Child Welfare

The White House announced a series of new policies today aimed at preventing family separation and creating opportunities for families and youth during a convening that brought together policymakers from federal, state, local, and tribal governments, along with leaders from philanthropy, child welfare, and family support organizations, and individuals with personal experiences in the child welfare system. The event focused on encouraging innovation, building partnerships, and sharing best practices.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Biden and Harris Celebrate Return of Americans Freed from Russia in Historic Prisoner Swap

Late Thursday night, August 1, President Biden and Vice President Harris welcomed home Americans freed from Russia in a historic prisoner swap. The White House emphasized Biden and Harris’ commitment to reuniting every wrongfully detained or held hostage American with their families, showcasing a significant diplomatic achievement.

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.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

New Book by Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. and Stacy M. Brown Explores 500-Year Legacy of Transatlantic Slave Trade

Select Books Inc. is thrilled to announce the forthcoming release of a groundbreaking book, The Transatlantic Slave Trade: Overcoming the 500-Year Legacy, scheduled for publication on October 8, 2024. Co-authored by National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. and NNPA Senior National Correspondent and Let It Be Known News host Stacy M. Brown, this book provides a deep dive into the enduring impact of the transatlantic slave trade from 1500 to 2024.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Senators Demand Special Counsel to Investigate Justice Clarence Thomas Over Undisclosed Gifts and Financial Omissions

In an unprecedented attempt to uphold judicial integrity, Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) have urged Attorney General Merrick Garland to appoint a Special Counsel to investigate Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas for potential violations of ethics, false statements, and tax laws. The request follows recent revelations by the Justice and his wealthy benefactors of undisclosed gifts and financial omissions.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Senators Demand Special Counsel to Investigate Justice Clarence Thomas Over Undisclosed Gifts and Financial Omissions

In an unprecedented attempt to uphold judicial integrity, Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) have urged Attorney General Merrick Garland to appoint a Special Counsel to investigate Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas for potential violations of ethics, false statements, and tax laws. The request follows recent revelations by the Justice and his wealthy benefactors of undisclosed gifts and financial omissions.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Misplaced Priorities: Press Corps Attacks Jean-Pierre, Ignores Trump’s Alarming Record

 In an era where critical issues often are overlooked, the mainstream media’s priorities remain deeply troubling at best, or at worst, very partisan. While the nation faces urgent matters like the implementation of Project 2025, significant Supreme Court rulings, and the global rise of right-wing movements, the media remains fixated on baseless health rumors about President Joe Biden. Meanwhile, it conveniently ignores Donald Trump’s incoherent speeches, convictions for 34 felonies, sexual assault, and massive business fraud, along with his clear authoritarian aspirations and lack of White House transparency during his term.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Governor’s Affirm Biden as the Democratic Nominee

After the June 27 presidential debate, viewers grew concerned with President Joe Biden’s ability to fulfill his duties as commander-in-chief for a second term. In response, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY), Wes Moore (D-MD), and Tim Walz (D-MI) met at the White House on July 3 to discuss Biden’s future as the Democratic nominee. Afterward, the group of three pledged their unwavering support to Biden.