Features
Florida attorney general ‘disgusted’ with arrests, pandemic-related unemployment fraud
Despite Florida ending its federal unemployment insurance in June, cases of fraud continue to be a concern in the state.
‘I am very hurt that he had to lose his life this way’: 13-year-old boy’s mother urges new legislation after Washington Middle School shooting
After a bullying incident resulted in 13-year-old Bennie Hargrove getting shot and killed by a classmate, the Bennie Hargrove Gun Safety Act is being presented to the New Mexico legislation.
New Jersey family ‘proud to be seven-millionth visitor’ at Wind Cave National Park
A family’s vacation took an exciting turn after they decided to visit South Dakota’s Wind Cave National Park on their first trip out west. Someone in the family of six was the park’s seven-millionth visitor.
Gridley resident accuses city council of ‘abuse’ in increasing electricity rates
Four Gridley residents filed a lawsuit Feb. 26 against the city and the city council over what they allege is an unconstitutional rise in electricity rates. The plaintiffs believe city council members are primarily behind the up charge.
Parent backs action against Highland Park school board for ‘absurd’ mask rules
After Texas Gov. Greg Abbott lifted the statewide mask mandate in March, returning the state to 100% operation, some parents have expressed frustrations with the Highland Park Independent School District (HPISD) for keeping masks as a classroom requirement.
‘A real win’ announced for Austin as Amtrak trains return to their daily long-distance routes
Amtrak’s Eagle route will land back in Austin full-time in May after scaling back operations in response to COVID-19. The $1.7 billion in relief funding means daily travel rather than just three days a week.
‘Beloved’ New York hotel union worker Marie Bichotte dies at 82, after over 30 years of service
Marie Bichotte, a Haitian immigrant, beloved New York hotel room attendant and long-time union member, passed away on March 19. She will be remembered by family, friends and coworkers for her smile, tenacity and kindness.
Mayor Breed vows to keep the San Francisco API community safe with new public safety programs
In response to the recent attacks on Asian Americans, Mayor London Breed of San Fransico announced a collaboration with local community programs to ensure the safety of the Asian Pacific Islander (API) communities on Wednesday.
Dabrowski: ‘We’ve been arguing’ it’s time for the governor to ‘give up his executive power’ related to COVID-19
As COVID-19 cases drop and vaccines become more readily available, Gov. J.B. Pritzker faces criticisms for not loosening state restrictions after a year to allow for economic recovery.
Bennett: ‘We need to take steps to protect the public’ in video backing Reimagine Illinois
Illinois state Republicans are supporting the introduction of Reimagine Illinois.
With 2,300 files related to the LaSalle COVID outbreak, Rezin wants ‘to find out what exactly did happen’
Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) said on March 19 that she received more than 2,300 documents about the LaSalle Veterans’ Home COVID-19 outbreak in November. The outbreak infected 90% of the residents and killed 34.
Miami Mayor Suarez: no student will get ‘left behind’ with introduction of Miami Connected
On March 16, Mayor Francis Suarez announced the introduction of Miami Connected, a collaborative program between Achieve Miami and The Foundation of Miami to bring at-home internet access to students in need and their families.
Baton Rouge appeals court repeals class-action status on public defender lawsuit
A Baton Rouge appeals court overturned a 2017 lawsuit’s class-action status involving allegations that public defenders in Louisiana do not offer low-income individuals a fair path to justice due to the lack of resources.
COVID-19 Seattle podcast’s final episode talks about vaccine coming to the ‘neighborhood’
COVID-19 Seattle’s podcast hosts, KIRO radio voice Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo, conclude their year-long segment of discussion on a damaging pandemic on the mad dash’s fitting note about getting vaccinated.
Debate over COVID-19 relief spending plan leaves Whitmer at odds with Republican lawmakers
Michigan is divided over hot-topic COVID-19 issues after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer vetoed bills pertaining to small business relief and her own authority over COVID-19 restrictions, if cases begin to rise again, according to reporting by Bridge Michigan.
New Mexico company strengthens its ranks with new hirings
Thornburg Investment Management welcomed two new members to its institutional distribution team to help manage its 4.7 billion in assets as of Feb. 28.
COVID-19 Seattle podcast’s final episode talks about vaccine coming to the ‘neighborhood’
COVID-19 Seattle’s podcast hosts, KIRO radio voice Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo, conclude their year-long segment of discussion on a damaging pandemic on the mad dash’s fitting note about getting vaccinated.
Pedroza named MTC’s newest chair
For Alfredo Pedroza, the past nine years of his career have been about his dedication and devotion to his native area of Napa County, and now, all Bay Area residents.
North Texas colleges and universities implement modern education practices in response to COVID-19
COVID-19 has been a learning curve for Texas colleges and universities. Over the duration of the coronavirus, higher education institutions have had to adjust how they implement education and career services.
They’re more than dogs, they’re superheroes
“I think it’s good the community understands because they need to appreciate the job the dog does,” Evans said. “Even though the disability community is a large community, up against the rest of the world, it’s very small.”- Desiree “Cherie” Evans
Profiles
I’m running across America for you: A student’s pledge to do something big for those impacted by cancer
“I just think overall the experience is going to be something that’s going to stick with me forever, probably. I just think that that whole experience is going to be very worthwhile.” – Haley Kenyon
An athlete with cerebral palsy hopes his athletic journey will encourage others with CP to try sports – SPJ Region 3 Mark of Excellence Finalist
BRAMPTON, ONTARIO—- In his backyard, you can find Ryan Bennett training for his passion. Catchy pop music plays in the background while a family member’s dog spectates excitingly as Bennett practices shot put and discus throws for his next competition.
Events
Deaf panel gives Flagler College community a look into the Deaf world
“Learning a language opens the door to how people think. The first step [to being an ally] is learning the language.” – Kim Nichols
Alexus Barnhart 