Category: World & Nation

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

HUD Awards $31.7 Million to Support Fair Housing Organizations Nationwide

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded $31.7 million in grants to 75 fair housing organizations across the country as part of its FY 2024 budget, providing crucial support to initiatives aimed at eliminating housing discrimination. Among the recipients are two Washington, D.C.-based organizations, the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) and the Equal Rights Center, each receiving over $400,000.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Biden-Harris Administration Pushes Forward with Unprecedented Education Reforms Despite Conservative Opposition

The Biden-Harris administration is continuing its relentless pursuit to transform America’s public education system, despite repeated attempts by conservative Republicans and controversial rulings from the U.S. Supreme Court to block key initiatives like student debt cancellation. On Wednesday, Sept. 4, the White House released a comprehensive fact sheet outlining the administration’s bold actions to ensure that every student in the country has access to the resources they need to succeed.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

The Justice System’s Stunning Betrayal of Chrystul Kizer

The opening words on a fundraiser page started four years ago remains harrowing: “Hello, I am the mother of, Chrystul Kizer, who was a minor at the time of her incarceration and is currently facing charges in Kenosha, WI, because she defended herself from a known sex trafficker,” Devore Taylor wrote. The page, which has raised more than $67,000 to date, a Facebook page urging authorities to “Free Chrystul,” and a Wisconsin law that seemed to side with Kizer wasn’t enough to stop a judge from sentencing the now 24-year-old to more than a decade in prison for killing the man who allegedly sex trafficked her.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

LeBron James Family Foundation Inspires a Blueprint for Community Empowerment

In a visit to PBS-TV’s The Chavis Chronicles in Washington, D.C., Gloria James and family members of NBA superstar LeBron James highlighted the extraordinary impact of the LeBron James Family Foundation (LJFF) and its ongoing mission to uplift and empower communities. The foundation’s efforts, which began in Akron, Ohio, where LeBron was raised, have become a national model for athletes, entertainers, and politicians alike.

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.