National News

Students, teachers, lawmakers blast decision to end AP African American history classes

By Tammy Joyner A coalition of lawmakers, civil rights leaders, clergy, educators and students Wednesday called on the state’s education czar to rescind his decision to drop an advanced placement African American studies class from the state’s curriculum for the upcoming school year. “This decision is the latest attack in a long-running GOP assault on Georgia’s public education,” state Senate Minority Leader Gloria Butler, D-Stone Mountain, said at a news conference at the state Capitol, flanked by other legislators, teachers and students. “I urge the superintendent to reconsider his decision … and get to the table with these teachers and

Black voters feel excitement, hope and a lot of worry as Harris takes center stage in campaign

By Matt Brown Black voters, who helped power Joe Biden to the White House, expressed a mix of hope and worry Monday over his exit from the presidential race and the prospect of Vice President Kamala Harris becoming the Democratic nominee. A key Democratic constituency, Black voters were among Biden’s most steadfast supporters, even as calls for him to quit grew. But as much pride as many Black Americans feel about the possibility of Harris, who is of Black and Indian descent, becoming president, the upending of the race has some voters feeling scared. “I felt like we were doomed,” said Brianna

This is the first presidential election since 1976 without a Biden, Bush or Clinton on ticket.

By Renee Umsted Americans won’t see a candidate named Biden, Bush or Clinton on the ballot this November. The last time that happened was 1976 — America’s bicentennial. It was the same year that Hank Aaron hit his 755th and final home run. Romanian gymnast Nadia Camaneci scored a perfect 10 on the uneven bars at the Montreal Olympic Games. Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak founded Apple Computer, Inc. in California. The first commercial flights of the Concorde took passengers from London to Bahrain and from Paris to Rio de Janeiro. Here’s a look back at how the Bidens, Bushes

Secret Service says it’s appalled by DEI rhetoric against female agents after Trump rally shooting

By David Ingram and Curtis Bunn The U.S. Secret Service said Wednesday that it stood by its female agents and was appalled by some of the criticism they’ve received on conservative social media since Saturday’s attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. The Secret Service, in a statement to NBC News, said that the criticism from pundits and influencers was baseless. The agency also stood by its commitment to diversity in recruiting as helping, not hurting, the effectiveness of its protective teams. The statement follows a multiday campaign of derision by some conservatives who accused Kimberly Cheatle, the Secret Service director, of being unqualified and

Academics Fight for Access to Supercomputers

By Kathryn Palmer Academic researchers know that artificial intelligence (AI) technology has the potential to revolutionize the technical aspects of nearly every industry. And while they’re trained to apply such innovations in ethical, equitable ways, compared to profit-driven tech companies, they have limited access to the expensive, powerful technology required for AI research. That divide has scholars and other government-funded researchers concerned that the developments emerging from the AI Gold Rush could leave marginalized populations behind. For instance, a radiology technician could use a generative AI agent to read X-rays, in theory leading to more accurate diagnoses and better health outcomes. But

Black Internet Responds to Biden Dropping Out of Presidential Race, Endorsing Kamala Harris

By William Ketchum After months of discouraging polls and a disastrous debate performance, President Joe Biden announced Sunday afternoon the decision to abandon his reelection campaign against former president Donald Trump. “My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden wrote. “My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to

30 African American Historic Sites Receive $3 Million in Preservation Funding

The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, today announced $3 million in grant funding to protect and preserve 30 sites representing Black history. With more than $140 million raised since its founding in 2017, the Action Fund is the largest resource dedicated to the preservation of African American historic places. “The National Grant Program represents the Action Fund’s enduring commitment to telling the full American story – one that makes room for Black resilience, creativity, and achievement,” said Brent Leggs, Executive Director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund. “History is crucial to our nation’s understanding

CBS News president resigns after less than a year at the helm

By Corky Siemaszko Ingrid Ciprián-Matthews, who has been president of CBS News since August, announced her resignation Wednesday morning. Ciprián-Matthews gave notice just days after the network’s parent company, Paramount, agreed to merge with the production company Skydance Media. In an emailed memo to staffers, Ciprián-Matthews said she will be “transitioning to a new role” at CBS. “I have gladly agreed to stay on through the election as a senior editorial adviser to CBS News, given the historical significance of this election and the current political moment,” she wrote. “We all know our industry and company are going through a transformation and a

Harford County school board revives African American studies course

By William J. Ford The Harford County Board of Education voted unanimously early Tuesday to restore an Advanced Placement course on African American studies, just weeks after canceling the class over concerns it lacked “positive narratives” and perpetuated “a narrative of victimhood.” The vote followed at least 2 1/2 hours of public comment from about 60 speakers, most of whom urged the board to let the course continue. “It has bridged the gap between Black and white, left and right, or right and wrong by creating a safe space for open dialogue, discussion and communication,” said Hayven Rowson, 16, a

Milwaukee’s Black businesses left out from contracts as city hosts RNC, chamber says

By Lynn Washington Financial benefits from the $200 million boost expected for the economy of Milwaukee from the Republican Party’s presidential nominating convention are bypassing Black-owned businesses in Wisconsin’s largest city, alleges leadership with the Black chamber there. They argue Black businesses have been left out of contracts to provide services and/or goods during the Republican convention, which is set to begin Monday through Thursday next week in Milwaukee. Nikki Purvis, the president and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin, said she is “not aware” of local Black businesses that have received RNC convention related contracts.

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