Breaking News

Coronavirus/COVID-19

No Preview
COVID-19LocalNews

L.A. County Launches ‘WiFi Finder’ to Reduce Digital Divide During COVID-19

Betti Halsell Contributing WriterMay 15, 2020

The L.A. County acknowledged the critical necessity for internet to be widely available across Los Angeles. Schools and other academic programs are only accessible online due to the COVID-19 outbreak. According to American Community Survey Data for L.A. County, approximately 210,000 children have a computer. However, they do not have access to a broadband, nearly 300,000 students do not have internet access.The L.A. Board of Supervisors announced the WiFi Finder; a tool co-created by the 2-1-1 and LA County, equips L.A. County residents with a “one-stop approach to getting access.”

BHERC ‘Operation Love’ Aids Union Rescue Mission During COVID-19
COVID-19LocalNews (Entertainment)Religion

BHERC ‘Operation Love’ Aids Union Rescue Mission During COVID-19

Sentinel News ServiceApril 22, 2020

The Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center (BHERC) continued its “Operation Love” outreach April 19, with a drive to collect toilet paper for the Union Rescue Mission (URM). Located on skid row in downtown L.A., URM works directly with homeless individuals through its life-transforming ministry focused on the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. BHERC is a nonprofit, public benefit organization designed to advocate, educate, research, develop, and preserve the history and future of Black images in film and television. The “Operation Love” effort was planned to meet a dire, essential, and practical need during the COVID-19 pandemic. BHERC

True Zion Missionary Baptist Church and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Help COVID-19 Patients
COVID-19LocalReligion

True Zion Missionary Baptist Church and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Help COVID-19 Patients

Sentinel News ServiceApril 17, 2020

True Zion Baptist Church and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity (Western Province), in partnership with BestBuy, are donating hundreds of phone chargers to two local hospitals to provide a way for patients to stay in contact with friends and family. The distributions are set for Monday, April 20, at 10 a.m., at Centinela Hospital Medical Center, 555 E. Hardy St., in Inglewood. At 12 p.m., chargers will be contributed to Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital, 1680 E. 120th St., in Los Angeles. Explaining how the donation came about, the Rev. Doug Nelson, pastor of True Zion Missionary Baptist Church and

COVID-19 Claims Lives of Local and National Faith Leaders
Religion

COVID-19 Claims Lives of Local and National Faith Leaders

Cora Jackson-Fossett, Religion EditorApril 15, 2020

The devastating impact of coronavirus pandemic transcends all boundaries and the faith community is no exception.  Since the end of March, several religious leaders in Los Angeles and across the nation have passed away due to COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. Among the victims in the L.A. area is Bishop Anthony Pigee, Sr., the 49-year-old founder and senior pastor of Life of Faith Community Center, who died April 8, of complications from coronavirus. Known throughout the U.S. for his powerful preaching, Pigee was also lauded by his family and colleagues for his charitable and generous spirit towards others

Parable Amid the Pandemic – Being Resurrection!
Religion

Parable Amid the Pandemic – Being Resurrection!

Pastor Kelvin Sauls, Contributing EditorApril 15, 2020

The swiftness, severity and scale of the Coronavirus pandemic has challenged humanity to hit both the pause and reset buttons. Accompanied by fatality and anxiety, uncertainty and vulnerability, humanity had no choice but to enter a painful season of evaluation and adaptation. Moreover, whether we like it or not, a major shift has us heading towards a new normal. Nevertheless, as people of faith, we must decide how f.e.a.r. will impact our spirituality and agency: forget everything and run or face everything and rise. The purpose and power of resurrection is to reset and rise!! The commemoration of resurrection is

Public Order “Stay at Home” has been extended; L.A. Officials share new requirements that follow the extension
COVID-19HealthLocal

Public Order “Stay at Home” has been extended; L.A. Officials share new requirements that follow the extension

Betti Halsell, Contributing WriterApril 10, 2020

Another update within testing for COVID-19, 1,000 random L.A. residents will be tested with a serologic or an antibody test. This test does not detect the actual virus, it detects the triggered antibodies surrounding the virus. It will be able to detect current or past infections. This will be able to determine who may have had the virus in the past, but never revealed any symptoms. The random testing will be going on for the next few months. The last update was the use of cloth coverings, wearing some type of covering while being outside was highly stressed. It is recommended that the cloth covers be made of cotton. Before putting on your face, it is suggested to wash your hands. Children that are two and under should not use cloth face coverings and parents should monitor available coverings for young children. The new updates behind the Stay at Home order assist L.A. County Officials prepare for the recovery stages of COVID-19.

L.A. County Fire Chief Daryl L. Osby Hosts Coronavirus Q&A on Instagram Live
COVID-19HealthLocalNewsSafety

L.A. County Fire Chief Daryl L. Osby Hosts Coronavirus Q&A on Instagram Live

Brittany K. Jackson, Contributing WriterApril 9, 2020

During that chat, he also formally announced the launch of a new program that will allow first responders in L.A. County to virtually correspond with healthcare providers and receive real-time advice on how a patient with mild symptoms of COVID-19 can treat at home. Referred to as the Telemedicine Program, the video-conferencing tool is being used to minimize exposure and alleviate the volume of responses to those with mild symptoms while providing at-home solutions for care and recovery.

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.