• Women

by Stacy Jackson

August 21, 2024

Democratic Candidate Angela Alsobrooks Fights To Solidify Historic Win In Bid For Maryland Senate Seat

The Democratic candidate is fighting to become the first Black woman to represent Maryland in the senate and to change policy in Congress.

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Prince George’s County executive Angela Alsobrooks, who addressed the nation on Tuesday night from the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, is looking toward a historic win in November if she is elected to represent the state of Maryland in the Senate.

As she fights to become the first Black woman senator of Maryland, Alsobrooks faces Republican candidate and former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan for the seat of retiring Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin. According to NBC News, the race predicts a possible reshaping of the Senate, which comprises a thin majority of Democrats. Polling data has reflected the edge Alsobrooks has in the race, even though it’s not as much as the typical leading Democratic candidate.

“People like me, stories like mine, don’t usually make it to the United States Senate,” the Democrat said on Tuesday as she told the DNC crowd she’s the legacy of her grandmother whose dream was to work in government. Alsobrooks shared that her inspiration stems from women like her grandmother and those like Vice President Kamala Harris, who envision a better future and make it a reality.

Not only does Alsobrooks look forward to potentially making history, but she’s also committed to using her platform to shape policy in Congress with plans to endorse a $15-per-hour minimum wage, healthcare for all, gun manufacturer accountability, and abortion access. “We are looking at a time that is like a time we’ve never seen before,” she said. “This election will help us decide the kind of future we want for our children and grandchildren and what kind of state and country we will build for them.”

As Alsobrooks and Hogan go head-to-head, their campaigns have presented opposing visions for the state. “Larry Hogan continues to mislead and misrepresent,” the Alsobrooks campaign stated in response to a July statement from Hogan.

She is the first woman and youngest elected state’s attorney in Prince George’s County, boasting a drop in crime under her tenure and the establishment of a first-of-its-kind investigation and prosecution unit to hold police and officials accountable for misconduct. The core of her work has included improving employment and economic opportunities, youth investment and education, healthcare access, and mental health and addiction treatment. Throughout her campaign for Maryland’s senate seat, she has addressed rally crowds on a range of issues, including the protection of the environment and women’s reproductive rights.

Alsobrooks has received support from VP Harris, who endorsed her, and President Joe Biden, who has previously referred to the 53-year-old Democrat as a “soon-to-be senator.” Additionally, Alsobrooks’s campaign has seen a $2.6 million investment from Women Vote, the PAC, and Higher Heights for America PAC support.

RELATED CONTENT: 5 DEMOCRATIC HOUSE MEMBERS ENDORSE ANGELA ALSOBROOKS AMID RACIAL SLUR

• News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 21, 2024

EEOC Cancels One-Day Furlough, Will Use Savings To Stay Open

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission called off its one-day furlough thanks to company savings.

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The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has called off its one-day furlough thanks to company savings that will help keep the agency open.

On Aug. 20, the EEOC announced that the company had saved enough money to avoid having to furlough employees for one day, Federal News Network reports. The change comes a few weeks after a July 30 announcement informed staffers that a furlough was possible due to budget constraints.

A flat budget for fiscal 2024, combined with a 5.2% pay raise and increased overall operating costs, was said to have caused the agency’s financial bind. But after making some changes and adjustments, through a combination of “aggressive financial management, limiting travel, rent credits and a hiring freeze,” the agency now says it was able to make up the difference.

“Through the combined efforts of the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, EEOC’s senior leaders, and EEOC employees, the agency has accrued sufficient savings to eliminate the need for a furlough on Aug. 30,” Charlotte Burrows, chairwoman of the EEOC, said in a statement. “I am grateful to EEOC employees for their patience during this process and their continued dedication to protecting the civil rights of America’s workers.”

The canceled furlough follows the $455 million the EEOC received from Congress for the 2024 fiscal year after requesting $481 million. The agency warned it wouldn’t have enough to cover its payroll costs, which total around $1.3 million daily. Concerns were that the agency wouldn’t have enough money to make it through 2024.

EEOC workers are represented by the American Federation of Government Employees, which blamed Congress for the budget constraints.

“EEOC has been underfunded and understaffed for decades –- and now, with Congress freezing the agency’s budget at last year’s level, we are seeing the unfortunate result,” Council 216 President Rachel Shonfield wrote last month after the furlough was announced.

Government cutbacks were at the center of the issue. The EEOC requested $488.2 million for 2025, but House lawmakers reduced the budget to $420 million, $35 million less than the 2024 budget and $68 million below the requested budget. The Senate approved the White House’s request of $488 million for the EEOC’s 2025 budget.

The EEOC says that if it had been forced to furlough for one day, the move would have affected 2,300 employees.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 21, 2024

Russell Simmons Wants Black People To Remember What He Has Done For The Community

The DefJam founder also reiterates that moving to Bali had nothing to do with avoiding prosecution.

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DefJam Founder and legendary manager Russell Simmons recently took to social media to remind Black people of his contributions to the Black community. He feels he has been “demonized,” and it’s unfair to do so when he has been involved in movements to help people throughout the years. Simmons also doesn’t want the people who visit him to be criticized when they see him posting photos with them on social media.

Simmons made a video that was captured by the Instagram account livebitez, speaking to Black people and letting them know how he has been an advocate for others. He brought attention to his efforts to get thousands of Black men out of jail, along with helping the factory farming industry. He brings up being involved with not only women’s rights but gay rights as well.

“Black people, did you forget that I got 10,000 Black men out of jail? And that I changed the factory farming industry forever. And that I registered more of you to vote than probably anybody you know. And I worked for Black Lives Matter and every movement that’s helped our people, all the women’s rights and even gay rights. Movements that I did so much work for to let them demonize me in such a way that my friends cannot visit me without you attacking them.”

He then had words for people supporting former President Donald Trump, who is again running for the highest office this election season.

“But yet you stand by Donald Trump. Knock it off.”

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Watch Live Bitez (@livebitez)

In a second clip, he discusses the accusations against him and notes that he has not been arrested or spoken to by law enforcement. This is in response to people who feel he moved to Bali to avoid alleged criminal charges.

“Still, to date, I have never spoken to a policeman about anything. I have never spoken to a judge, civil or criminal, about anything. From what I can tell Joe Biden, Bill Clinton, and President Trump all have more credible claims against them than I do.”

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Watch Live Bitez (@livebitez)

He also states that he will be in New York as further proof that he is not hiding from authorities.

“I’ll be in New York next week. This idea that I’m hiding is stupid. I call the paparazzi on myself every time I’m there.”

RELATED CONTENT: Judge Orders Russell Simmons To Pay Kimora Lee Simmons More Than $100,000