OPINION: OUSD Kids Are Eager to Learn. Our Board Is Holding Them Back
Oakland Unified School District students are facing a literacy crisis, with fewer than one in three reading at grade level. Despite receiving significant per-pupil funding, the district is struggling with what county officials describe as a decision-making problem rather than a lack of revenue. Oakland Parents for Quality Education and the local NAACP are now sounding the alarm over fiscal instability, alleging that board leadership has failed to identify necessary budget cuts while ignoring warnings from school principals. To understand how these leadership decisions are impacting campus resources and student equity, read more.
Oakland Strong: Building Champions and Healthier Generations
Entrepreneur Mike Jenkins is revitalizing youth wellness in Oakland through Oakland Strong, a world-class strength-training facility in Jack London Square. After providing a decade of free training in Fruitvale, the program moved and rebranded while continuing to produce national and international weightlifting champions. Jenkins aims to counter community health challenges by teaching Olympic-style lifting and nutrition to children ages 8 to 18. As the program seeks new ways to sustain its free services, local partnerships are forming to support these elite young athletes. Read more.
COMMENTARY: Valarie Bachelor and Jennifer Brouhard are Excellent School Board Members and Deserve to Be Reelected
For the first time in 22 years, the Oakland Unified School District has successfully exited state control, marking a significant shift in local educational leadership. Board President Jennifer Brouhard and Vice President Valarie Bachelor are credited with stabilizing the district by averting teacher strikes, ensuring full classroom staffing, and prioritizing funding for student-centered programs like the Black Thriving Community Schools initiative. While the incumbents focus on preventing further school closures and improving student math and reading proficiency, wealthy opposition donors are funding a different vision for the district. Read more.
OUSD Receives State Review of District Finances; Outlines Progress Since January
The Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team has released a Fiscal Health Risk Analysis for the Oakland Unified School District, labeling the district at high risk for insolvency based on January data. Despite this designation, the Alameda County Office of Education recently noted that OUSD has produced a materially stronger budget submission than in previous years. Superintendent Dr. Denise Saddler stated that the district is actively working to balance its budget and address specific state findings to ensure long-term stability. Find out more about the district's recovery plan and the challenges facing other California schools by reading more.
IN MEMORIAM: United Farm Workers Union Icon Dolores Huerta, 96
Dolores Huerta, the legendary labor leader and co-founder of the United Farm Workers, has passed away at age 96 due to complications from cancer. A pioneering civil rights activist, Huerta was instrumental in securing collective bargaining rights for migrant workers and popularized the rallying cry "Si se puede." From her early days as a community organizer in Stockton to receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, her decades of advocacy transformed the American labor movement and inspired generations of activists to fight for social justice. Learn more about her life and legacy.

Muriel Bowser says Trump’s D.C. improvements should not come at the expense of residents
The mayor said redevelopment of East Potomac Park should accommodate runners, cyclists and other residents who already use the public
U.S. launches defensive strikes on Iranian targets as diplomatic talks continue
The military action comes amid an eight-month conflict, ongoing negotiations and pressure from U.S. allies to prevent a wider regional
Michael Jordan had two words for Gabby Williams after Valkyries championship: ‘Stay hungry’
After Williams powered Golden State to its first WNBA title and earned Finals MVP, Jordan sent the newly crowned champion
Suspect arrested in alleged arson of Mississippi police department involved in Kohen Wiley shooting
The fire occurred early Saturday morning, one day before what would have been Wiley’s second birthday. No injuries were reported.
‘Let’s talk about everything’: Cardi B addresses Mona Love and prior comments on colorism amid longstanding debate
The Bronx rapper continues to defend herself after a resurfaced 2024 back-and-forth with influencer Raymonte Scott became the basis for

Saunas, Cold Plunges, and the Allure of Hormesis
Where should we draw the line between hype and legitimate possibility?
Magnesium, Sleep, and Liebig’s Law
As you know, random influencers aren’t the only source of misinformation on social media.
Creatine and the Evolution of Hype
Imagine that you never exercise but get stronger anyway thanks to a supplement.
Cancer Testmaxxing
On September 23rd, an FDA panel recommended approval of the Galleri test, which detects signs of more than 50 cancers based on a single blood draw.

Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce Hosts CHCC Convention, Generating $3 Million in Economic Impact
The Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce recently hosted the 47th Annual California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Statewide Convention, drawing more than 1,000 attendees to the city. The event generated an estimated $3 million economic impact, providing a significant boost to local retailers, hotels, and small businesses. Developed in partnership with Visit Oakland, the convention featured innovative initiatives like the Oakland Mercadito to showcase regional entrepreneurs and recorded workshops to support long-term professional development for members across the state. Discover how this major event strengthened local partnerships and read more.

Andre Williams is challenging the Black political status quo — and asking who really represents us.
Andre Williams challenges political status quo as more Black Americans question traditional representation The outspoken Detroit political commentator is pushing a conversation about political independence, accountability and whether Black voters should reconsider where they place their political loyalty. DETROIT — For generations, Black Americans have been among the Democratic Party’s most dependable voting constituencies. But The post Andre Williams is challenging the Black political status quo — and asking who really represents us. appeared first on Rolling Out.

Today’s ‘Kennedy Curse’ Is Really Just RFK Jr. Let Me Explain
RFK Jr. has single-handedly taken his family’s legacy and name and played around in his ancestors' faces with it.
Haley Stevens, John Fetterman, And Why White Liberals Are More Dangerous Than MAGA
Haley Stevens and John Fetterman are reminders that the biggest threat to progressive politics isn't always the enemy across the aisle; sometimes it's the person sitting next to you.
Racist Police Texts, ICE Arrests And Police At The Polls: What North Carolina’s Black And Brown Voters Are Facing This Midterm
Historically, law enforcement officers have been used as instruments of voter suppression and racial terror against Black and brown communities.

Last night’s part 1 of the ‘Black Headline News One-Year Anniversary Update’ explains new direction

August 25, 2023
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Black Headline News is expanding to FAST channels this fall By Black Headline News https://vimeo.com/857769024 Last night, Black Headline News (BHN) founder, Julia Dudley Najieb, reviewed the big updates happening this year concerning the BHN channel and network on its one-year anniversary. BHN launched last year on August 24, 2022, with a focus on highlighting

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