Breaking News

Coronavirus pandemic

L.A. Public Officials Explain The “Room-Key” initiative and what it means for the Homeless population during COVID-19 Pandemic
COVID-19News

L.A. Public Officials Explain The “Room-Key” initiative and what it means for the Homeless population during COVID-19 Pandemic

Bettie HalsellApril 9, 2020

  Wednesday, April 8. The L.A. Emergency Operations Center provided the latest updates surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic. All county departments and partner agencies are looking for innovative ways to serve the Los Angeles community during this time of uncertainty. Los Angeles county officials go into detail on what measures are being taken on behalf of those that are higher risk and most vulnerable, which include L.A. natives exposed to the elements daily without shelter and senior citizens.      There are 250 available testing kits at this site. On Friday, April 3. California State Governor Gavin Newsom announced the “Room-Key” Initiative. The plan is to assist with creating shelters to families that are experiencing homelessness,

Black Americans Pick Alternative Hairstyles in light of Social Distancing
COVID-19FashionLifestyleNational

Black Americans Pick Alternative Hairstyles in light of Social Distancing

Maya Richard-Craven, Special to the SentinelApril 9, 2020

Social distancing has made hair care incredibly difficult. The worst thing for Black hair is lack of moisture. Running low on supplies while having to stay in a confined space causes my hair to transform into a large frizz ball like in the short film “Hair Love.” Now that beauty shops and hair care stores are closed, my hair has become a bunch of frizzy puffs.

L.A. County Officials Face Concerns of Hospital Availability as L.A. Prepares for Surge in Positive COVID-19 Cases
COVID-19HealthLocal

L.A. County Officials Face Concerns of Hospital Availability as L.A. Prepares for Surge in Positive COVID-19 Cases

April 6, 2020

Monday, April 6. L.A. County officials provided an update surrounding the COVID-19 Pandemic. Chairwoman of the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors, Kathryn Barger ensured that the county is “working around the clock” to increase coronavirus testing capacity; they are looking to make more testing sites available. Although testing is still primarily for those in high-risk categories; Supervisor Barger recapped last week’s progression. There are two new testing sites in Antelope Valley and one at the Glendale Memorial Hospital. As of April 6. The California Governor announced the state has already secured “up to 4,613 additional beds at alternate care sites

District Attorney Jackie Lacey Responds to Judicial Council’s Decision to Set Zero Bail Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
District Attorney News

District Attorney Jackie Lacey Responds to Judicial Council’s Decision to Set Zero Bail Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Sentinel News ServiceApril 6, 2020

“I applaud the Chief Justice and the Judicial Council for adopting a statewide zero bail for people charged with most misdemeanors and low-level felonies,” District Attorney Lacey said. “In Los Angeles County, we implemented a zero-bail measure last week that allows us to further reduce the number of people in county jails and courthouses. I appreciate the collaboration among criminal justice leaders in Los Angeles County that has resulted in the rapid deployment of new and innovative approaches as we work to try to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community.”

L.A. Schools Are Closed for the Rest of The Academic School Year, Corona Virus Sheds Light on the Digital Divide
COVID-19EducationHealthLocalNews (Family)

L.A. Schools Are Closed for the Rest of The Academic School Year, Corona Virus Sheds Light on the Digital Divide

Betti Halsell, Contributing WriterApril 2, 2020

Thursday, April 2. The L.A. County Office of Education disclosed emergency protocols that are taking place within the Los Angeles school system. Based on the recommendation from the California State Governor, academic curriculum will remain virtually achievable for the remainder of the school year. The L.A. Office County of Education shared how this will affect the 80 school districts that are in the Los Angeles region. The Emergency Operation Center recognized the stress that will contribute to parents and care givers who are now responsible for facilitating a virtual hub of education for their child. Director of Public Health shared the most recent data surrounding COVID-19.

No Preview
COVID-19Health

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: FDA Provides Updated Guidance to Address the Urgent Need for Blood During the Pandemic

Peter Marks M.D., PhD., Director - Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER)April 2, 2020

Based on recently completed studies and epidemiologic data, the FDA has concluded that current policies regarding certain donor eligibility criteria can be modified without compromising the safety of the blood supply. Therefore, the FDA is revising recommendations in several guidances regarding blood donor eligibility. These changes are being put forth for immediate implementation and are expected to remain in place after the COVID-19 pandemic ends, with any appropriate changes based on comments we receive and our experience implementing the guidances. At this time, the alternatives to certain donor eligibility requirements being provided generally will apply only for the duration of the declared pandemic.

Bridgewater ready to be a starting QB again in Carolina
Football

Bridgewater ready to be a starting QB again in Carolina

AP Wire ServiceApril 2, 2020

Teddy Bridgewater can’t throw passes yet with his new Carolina Panthers teammates. He can’t even meet them because of the coronavirus pandemic. But the Panthers’ new $63 million quarterback is trying to get to know the tendencies of guys such as Christian McCaffrey, D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel by simulating playing with them on Madden video games. 

There Could Be More Income Tax Return Cash on the Table for You
COVID-19Economy

There Could Be More Income Tax Return Cash on the Table for You

Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black MediaApril 2, 2020

For people who have not yet filed their tax returns, the United States Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced March 21 that they are moving the 2019 income tax filing due date from April 15 to July 15 this year, a three-month extension.

L.A. Officials Apply Pressure to Participate in 2020 Census, Due to Heavy Under Count in 2010
COVID-19FamilyLifestyleLocalNews (Family)

L.A. Officials Apply Pressure to Participate in 2020 Census, Due to Heavy Under Count in 2010

Betti Halsell, Contributing WriterApril 1, 2020

The U.S. Census only takes ten minutes of your time, it can lead to ten years of resources in the community. The funding we receive supports medical services, childcare centers, parks, head-start programs, and affordable housing. During this time of crisis, it is crucial to get an accurate count in order to get the proper federal support that the L.A. County needs. The information is confidential and will be used privately by the government for statistics. The cities’ infrastructure is very dependent on the numbers calculated by the census. School lunches, highway plans, and first responder occupations rely heavily on the results from the L.A. Census count. You can participate online at: 2020census.gov