To better meet the needs of patrons of the Long Beach Public Library (LBPL) who may be experiencing homelessness, mental illness or have substance use challenges, LBPL is partnering with the Department of Health and Human Services to explore models of integrating social work into its existing services. With support from the Health Department’s Trauma ...

Sheila Head has been an entrepreneur in Oakland for 36 years. “I love what I do,” said the hairstylist and owner of Head Designs. But while her business was relatively healthy, Head’s body was not. “I only would go (to the doctor) when I absolutely had to go,” Head said. “Then Covered California came around, ...

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent Democratic Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) has introduced the 100 percent Clean Economy Act of 2019. The legislation sets a nationwide goal of achieving a 100 percent clean energy economy by 2050, defined as net-zero climate pollution across all sectors of the United States’ economy. The bill contains more ...

By Seth Ashley Associate Professor of Journalism and Media Studies, Boise State University When it comes to news literacy, schools often emphasize fact-checking and hoax-spotting. But as I argue in my new book, schools must go deeper with how they teach the subject if they want to help students thrive in a democratic society. As a ...

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent Chairwoman Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.) led a delegation of Congressional Black Caucus members to the U.S.-Mexico border on Friday in San Ysidro, California, where they said they witnessed first-hand the deplorable treatment and plight of Black immigrants. Bass, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (D-NY), ...

By Charlene Crowell For most people who either work, receive retirement or other fixed benefits, it seems that your money always goes a lot quicker than it comes. While some economists marvel at Wall Street’s brisk trading and declare that the economy is better than ever, not everyone has been included.  On Main Street America, ...

By Khalil Abdullah Within the African American community, the conversation about the upcoming 2020 census ranges from ‘why bother’ to ‘we’re all in.’  Let’s speak to the ‘why bother’ question. FAQ: Why should I bother with Census 2020? I filled out the census form the last time and I didn’t see any improvements in my neighborhood ...

By Dianne Anderson Advocates and leaders came together last week to brainstorm longstanding problems in the Black community, and hear a panel discussion that delved deeper into what Black leadership means. For years, Dr. Alex Norman has compiled mounds of research across health, welfare, jobs, education, and the social justice system. He said the outlook ...

By Charlene Crowell As a candidate, President Donald Trump promised if elected that deregulation of the federal government would be an administration priority. Soon after taking the oath of office, he issued an executive order requiring that all departments and agencies to eliminate two existing regulations for every one new regulation proposed. In some cases, ...

By Dianne Anderson Ask what Markel Cooper is doing lately, and he usually answers like any identical twin would — in the plural. “We’re working on our credential at this point,” he said. “We’re going to be teaching physical education, and we plan on getting our masters. We’ll probably get into athletic directing, then starting ...