In the last four months, 2.6 million jobs have disappeared from the American economy. About half the people who held those jobs also lost their health insurance. But a job loss doesn't have to mean a loss of insurance coverage, too. A provision in the recently passed economic stimulus bill makes health insurance significantly more affordable for the involuntarily unemployed. The federal government will now subsidize premiums for insurance plans purchased under the terms of a law called "COBRA." . . .

In light of the $9 billion deficit, it appears that no state funded program will be spared. Among those that will suffer the greatest loss will be our children.
While the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Programs (ECEAP) are often applauded for its high quality kindergarten readiness component, it is also a comprehensive care program that provides families access to other community resources and services. . . .

Two people are released from prison. One of them is from a well-to-do family, which immediately sets him up in a job with a six-figure salary. On Election Day, he watches eagerly to see if the candidates he voted for are elected.
The other person isn't so fortunate. He had little money when he was convicted, and the best job he can land is low-paying. He can't pay off all of the fines associated with his sentence. On Election Day, he is just a spectator. He's been prohibited from voting. . . .

In light of the $9 billion deficit, it appears that no state-funded program will be spared. Among those that will suffer the greatest loss will be our children.
While the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Programs (ECEAP) are often applauded for its high quality kindergarten readiness component, it is also a comprehensive care program that provides families access to other community resources and services.
The battle is shaping up to be human services or early learning . . .

With so many bikes now on the roads, fees will help fund badly needed bicycle projects. Improving bikeways will ease congestion, reduce friction between cyclists and drivers, and encourage cycling by making it easier and more efficient. Who can argue with that? . . .

The Feb. 5 announcement by President Barack Obama of the White House Office of Faith Based Initiative and Neighborhood Partnerships offers potential hope for real change, especially for the Black Church.
Despite President Obama's incredible national and global popularity, Black Church leaders may do well to ask a critical question. Will President Obama's Faith Based Office seek to silence outspoken Black Church leaders through the enticement of social service grants? . . .

"Walking-tour" podcasts that guide listeners through these neighborhoods' seemingly mundane street corners, swing sets, and benches, and communicate the rich, emotional history that make up our surroundings.... So please take a moment to think about your experiences in and around these neighborhoods and try to think of your happiest memories, your saddest memories, funny memories, and any other momentous occasions . . .

. . . But after she signed the papers, she realized – too late — she had been tricked. Her punishment ... was an 11-percent interest rate, $350 more a month than she should have paid. Mrs. Weaver is like hundreds of thousands of people, disproportionately African American, who had decent credit, owned their homes and were tricked into a predatory loan. . . .

A general consensus is that it was a deadly mix of panic, rage, and frustration that caused Lovelle Mixon to snap. His shocking murderous rampage left four Oakland police officers dead and a city and police agencies in deep soul search about what went so terribly wrong. Though Mixon's killing spree is a horrible aberration, his plight as an unemployed, ex-felon isn't. There are tens of thousands like him on America's streets. . . .

. . . Washington state lawmakers in 2008 established targets for how many miles you can drive each year. It's called VMT – Vehicle Miles Traveled. Aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the legislation calls for cutting the number of miles we drive 18 percent by 2020, 30 percent by 2035 and 50 percent by 2050. This session, lawmakers are proposing to have regional transportation planning organizations figure out how to reach the VMT targets. . . .