Category: World & Nation

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.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Trump Doubles Down on Racist Remarks, Advocates for White Immigration Only

Former President Donald Trump has reignited controversy with inflammatory remarks suggesting a preference for immigrants from predominantly white nations while denigrating those from Latin America, and primarily Black nations. At a private event, Trump reportedly joked about welcoming immigrants from “nice” countries like Denmark, Switzerland, and Norway, again demonstrating his racial bias in immigration policy.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

President Biden Unveils Sweeping Student Loan Relief Plans, Targeting Racial Disparities

President Joe Biden has announced comprehensive plans to provide substantial relief to borrowers, particularly those from marginalized communities disproportionately burdened by debt. The proposed measures, announced on Monday, April 8, would represent a significant step towards making higher education more accessible and equitable for millions of Americans.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

DC Mayor’s Fiscal Plan Raises Eyebrows Over Potential Harm to Black and Minority Youth

Mayor Muriel Bowser’s proposed budget and legislative initiatives could have significant implications for Black and minority residents, particularly Washington, D.C. youth. Some opine that it’s hurtful that an African American mayor in a District once heralded as “Chocolate City,” would launch such initiatives. Here’s a look at how these measures might affect them, along with potential solutions.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Millions Across North America Awed by Total Solar Eclipse Phenomenon

The eagerly anticipated celestial spectacle of a total solar eclipse finally descended upon North America after a seven-year hiatus, captivating millions of skywatchers on Monday. With its grand entrance at the Mexican beachside resort town of Mazatlan, the eclipse marked the beginning of a mesmerizing journey along the “path of totality,” stretching across various regions of the continent.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Solutions for Sandbranch & Deconstructing Environmental Racism

Last year, DW reported on the ongoing fight for clean water in Sandbranch. As the issue has been repeatedly dismissed or forgotten by both current District 3 County Commissioner John Wylie Price and Texan politicians at large, political newcomer and candidate Derek Avery is taking part in a new charge to secure funding for infrastructure for the historic freedman’s town. Likened to other Black communities across the country like Flint and Jackson, Sandbranch’s story is one of environmental racism in Dallas County.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Ramona Edelin, Influential Activist and Education Advocate, Dies at 78

 Once upon a time, Black Americans were simply known as colored people, or Negroes. That is until Ramona Edelin came along. The activist, renowned for her pivotal roles in advancing civil rights, education reform, and community empowerment, died at her D.C. residence last month at the age of 78. Her death, finally confirmed this week by Barnaby Towns, a communications strategist who collaborated with Dr. Edelin, was attributed to cancer.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

A Look Inside Dallas’s Proposed $1.25 Billion Bond Has the City Wondering, ‘Where is the Money, LaShondra?’

These Dallas streets have become notorious. But not for the summer day parties, life-threatening Deep Ellum nights or the random sighting of a front-facing scooter bike “gang” (because can it really be a gang if everyone’s knees are in front of them?). Instead, Dallas streets have become notorious for their condition, namely the countless gaping holes developed from sitting water, wear and tear and what we can only hope is the occasional trail ride function that has gone all the right ways.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Baltimore Bridge Catastrophe: A City’s Heartbreak and a Nation’s Alarm

In one of the ultimate nightmares, the Francis Scott Key Bridge, an iconic lifeline for Baltimore’s bustling metropolis, was ripped apart in a thunderous clash with a colossal container ship, unleashing chaos in and around Charm City and tragedy for at least seven families. The once-sturdy structure crumbled like paper beneath the vessel’s onslaught, sending vehicles plummeting into the icy depths of the Patapsco River below around 1:30 a.m. EST.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Former ‘Goon Squad’ Officers Sentenced for Violent Civil Rights Offenses in Mississippi

Former Mississippi Sheriff’s Deputy Hunter Elward received a 20-year prison sentence on Tuesday, March 19, for the torture of two Black men in 2023. Elward pleaded guilty in August to federal charges of discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy against rights, deprivation of rights under color of law, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and obstruction of justice related to the January 2023 incident.

African Americans
Stefi Mar

Black Families Beg Cops to Take Action When Loved Ones Go Missing

This story is part three of Chicago Missing Persons, a two-year investigation by City Bureau and Invisible Institute, two Chicago-based nonprofit journalism organizations, into how Chicago police handle missing person cases reveals the disproportionate impact on Black women and girls, how police have mistreated family members or delayed cases, and how poor police data is making the problem harder to solve.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

House Passes Bill Banning TikTok in the United States

The United States House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation to potentially ban TikTok, the viral video-sharing platform owned by a China-based company. The move highlights lawmakers’ growing concerns over the app’s possible threats to national security.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre Affirms Biden’s Vision Amidst GOP Opposition

President Biden strategically drove a wedge – if not a stake – through the heart of the MAGA-dominated Republican Party during his State of the Union address. While the president emphasized the escalating situation in Ukraine, aide for Palestinians and a ceasefire call, and civil and voting rights, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) visibly appeared to support Biden but appeared to catch himself when his expressions signaled a more full-throated validation.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Rep. James Clyburn Steps Down from House Leadership

Longtime South Carolina Democratic Rep. James Clyburn has announced his resignation from his House leadership position, effective immediately, while simultaneously committing to run for reelection. Clyburn, a staunch supporter of President Joe Biden, said he aims to focus on conveying the message of inclusivity and unity that defines the greatness of the United States.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Cincinnati Addresses Deep-Rooted Housing Inequities Through Landmark Settlement

Cincinnati officials have settled a federal lawsuit spanning four years, addressing allegations of racial bias in the city’s residential tax abatement program. The lawsuit, which accused Cincinnati of favoring white homeowners, shed light on enduring disparities in homeownership between Black and white residents. Advocates said the resolution, signed on Feb. 8, signifies a crucial step towards rectifying historical injustices and fostering a more equitable housing landscape.