Latest news with #ForwardTogether
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Kentucky Democrats hear they should focus on everyday issues
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin, left, and Kentucky Democratic Party Chair Colmon Elridge talk to reporters in Owensboro where the party is gathered this weekend for its annual convention. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley) OWENSBORO — Kentucky Democrats brought a national leader to their statewide dinner Friday evening — but the party wants to focus on 'everyday issues.' At a sold-out event in the Ohio River town of Owensboro, the Democrats' keynote speaker was Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin. But first Gov. Andy Beshear spoke, laying out a case against Republican President Donald Trump and his 'big beautiful bill.' 'The best way to push back against Trump is to show that when Democrats win, we stay focused on the issues that matter most to our people,' the governor told the crowd. 'And then do something the Republican Party has shown it can't — we govern well.' Democrats from across the commonwealth were receptive to the message, cheering the governor on and giving him standing ovations. The party's Forward Together Dinner, which sold 475 tickets, preceded the Kentucky Democratic Party state convention when party faithful decide who will lead the executive committees for the next year. Friday's dinner was the largest Kentucky Democratic Party dinner since 2012. The enthusiasm follows setbacks for Democrats in recent years; the party has lost ground in the state legislature and statewide offices. A couple weeks ahead of the convention, Sen. Robin Webb, a longtime Democrat from Eastern Kentucky, joined the Republican Party. She said the party's dismissiveness of rural issues led her to make that decision. Much of the Democratic speakers' comments throughout the night focused on the party's need to re-focus on small town America. Beshear told reporters ahead of his remarks that political parties need to compete everywhere. Kentucky has no elections in 2025, but a slew of races next year — including U.S. Senate, congressional seats and legislative seats. 'I want to see as many candidates as possible, but I'm also always going to be honest with candidates that sign up to run,' he said. He then recalled sitting with his father, former Gov. Steve Beshear, after election losses and said he knows what that disappointment 'feels like.' 'So as long as people have reasonable expectations and know what they are getting into, know that oftentimes flipping a seat can take one, two or three elections, I want to be as encouraging as I can, but I'm a human being, and I always want to make sure we're talking about how tough races can be,' Beshear said. 'But, yes, I want to see Democratic candidates in as many races as possible.' Beshear will be the chair of the Democratic Governors Association next year, putting him in a place to rally Democratic support for midterm elections nationally. He's also being eyed as a possible contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential primary. For this year, he said he is optimistic about Democrats' chances in the New Jersey and Virginia governor races. He added that 'we're going to have some really exciting possibilities next year in places that people aren't expecting right now.' Martin told Kentucky Democrats that the Democratic National Committee (DNC) under his leadership is focusing on getting 'the DNC out of D.C.' He led the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party and has a history as a labor and union organizer. 'When we organize everywhere, we can win anywhere,' Martin told the crowd. 'That means we don't give up on red states. That means we don't give up on rural counties. We take our message everywhere.' He expanded on that strategy with reporters afterwards. He said he doesn't believe that 'red states' or 'blue states' stay that way over time. 'This new DNC has to invest everywhere so we can build not just to win this moment but to win the future,' Martin said. Kentucky Democratic Party Chairman Colmon Elridge told reporters state parties are excited about more dollar investments from the party's national committee and that may help Democrats build back their grassroots campaigns. 'I feel really great about our potential for 2026. I believe we're going to contest a heck of a lot of races that we did not contest in the last election,' Elridge said. 'And of course our goal in '26 and beyond is to contest every race.' Cherlynn Stevenson, the former chair of the state House Democratic Caucus, said ahead of the dinner that Democrats need to focus on 'everyday issues,' including how Kentuckians are impacted by federal policies under the Trump administration. One big policy Democrats at all levels have been pushing back against is Trump's budget reconciliation bill that includes cuts to Medicaid. She is seeking election in the 6th Congressional District, held by Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Barr who is now running for U.S. Senate. 'If our people aren't fed, and they're not healthy, then our children can't learn and our workers can't produce when they go to work everyday,' Stevenson said. 'So, we've got to get back to the meat and potatoes of what it means to take care of everyday Kentuckians and not kowtow to billionaires and succumb to the chaos that's coming down from Washington.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Yahoo
Neighbors, organizations petition St. Pete to invest more to prevent youth gun violence
The Brief Days after a 13-year-old was shot and killed in St. Pete, the community has reignited concerns about youth gun violence. As St. Pete officials begin shaping the city's upcoming budget, residents and community advocates are urging leaders to take stronger action to protect the city's youth. At a recent budget meeting, dozens of residents spoke out, demanding the city allocate more resources toward preventing youth violence. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Over the weekend, police said a 13-year-old boy was shot and killed by his friend while the two were reportedly playing with a gun inside a car. The shooting death reignited community concerns about the growing epidemic of youth gun violence in the city. As St. Pete officials begin shaping the city's upcoming budget, residents and community advocates are urging leaders to take stronger action to protect the city's youth. RELATED:Teen arrested for murder after shooting 13-year-old while victim was recording: SPPD Big picture view While hurricane recovery is a major priority right now, many residents are focused on the damage done to the community hit by gun violence. At a recent budget meeting, dozens of residents spoke out, demanding the city allocate more resources toward preventing youth violence. "I heard from the public a desperate plea to save our youth," said City Councilman Corey Givens Jr. Local perspective Amelia Zimmerman, a local library worker, shared heartbreaking stories from her own experience. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube "Last summer, one of our library kids — just 11 years old — was murdered by another child," she said. "And just last month, there was another child with a gun inside the library during a fight. It was terrifying. I'm scared for these kids." Residents said the violence has taken a toll on their mental and emotional well-being. "I'm tired," said Jay James, a St. Petersburg resident. "I'm tired of waking up or getting phone calls in the middle of the night telling me another baby has been killed. What are y'all doing about it?" Dig deeper The organization, Dream Defenders, is actively petitioning city leaders with a campaign called "Save Our Streets." The campaign calls for targeted investment in Childs Park — a neighborhood hit hard by youth violence — including funding for youth programs and the creation of "community navigator" positions to connect families with available resources. READ: Former New College of Florida employee accused of exposing himself to women in Sarasota mall dressing rooms Givens, who grew up in Childs Park, said too many kids who need help aren't being reached. "There are so many programs out there, but, unfortunately, the programs aren't reaching the kids who need them most," he said. "We have to be more intentional." Last year, St. Pete dedicated $1 million to a youth crime prevention initiative called "Forward Together." Givens believes the city can and should do more — including funding three community navigator positions, which would cost an estimated $150,000. "We are dealing with a storm that has been plaguing our community for far too long — the storm of gun violence," Givens said. "If we don't reach these kids now, they will become our problems in adulthood." As the city finalizes its budget, residents hope their calls for action will not only be heard — but met with meaningful change. The Source The information in this story was gathered by FOX 13's Genevieve Curtis. WATCH FOX 13 NEWS: STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app:Apple |Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
New Britain honors outstanding women in the community
NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (WTNH) — The New Britain Legislative Delegation held an event Monday night to recognize outstanding women in their community. 3 dogs dead after apartment fire on Broad Street in New Britain The event, titled 'Women's History Month: Moving Forward Together,' honored five local women for their leadership and the impact they've had on the community. 'I think when I am willing to roll up my sleeves and get involved and other people see that and get involved also,' Anna Suski-Lenczewski, an honoree, said. 'It's baby steps and it's my small portion, but I think the fact that I can sometimes I can pull people together to get these things done.' Members with the delegation hope this inspires others in the community to get involved. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Wichita's HumanKind Ministries gets $1 million for homelessness initiative
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – HumanKind Ministries has received a significant financial boost in its mission to combat homelessness in Wichita. The Mabee Foundation granted $1 million to support HumanKind's $5.1 million Forward Together campaign, which requires an additional $1.6 million in gifts and pledges by December 2025 to unlock the full amount. The funds will be used for renovations of six buildings on HumanKind's campus, including Villa Courts, Villa Central, Villa North, and The Studios, which offer 155 affordable housing units for those experiencing homelessness or poverty in Wichita. Kansans without power due to blizzard 'Housing is the key component that successfully transitions individuals from homelessness to a safe, sustainable lifestyle,' Cindy Claycomb, Board Chair of HumanKind, said in a news release. 'The Mabee Foundation recognized that HumanKind's existing campus of affordable, accessible housing provides a unique opportunity to make homelessness a rare and non-recurring instance in our community. That is why they offered to provide the final $1 million of our campaign goal – provided we can raise another $1.6 million by the end of this year.' Scott Eilert from the campaign committee highlighted the importance of the Mabee Foundation grant, saying in the release, 'The initial $2.5 million in donations allows us to apply for the grant. We're now close to securing the final $1.6 million needed to meet the challenge. Together, these funds will enhance our facilities' energy efficiency and improve both interior and exterior features for residents.' The renovations will improve HumanKind's housing facilities near the new Multi-Agency Center (MAC), which will centralize services and resources to aid individuals transitioning out of homelessness. 'Between the wraparound services soon to be offered at the MAC and the multiple types of housing offered by HumanKind, we can offer the most vulnerable among us a way to find stability and self-sufficiency,' Dawn Shepler, HumanKind President and CEO, said in the release. 'It's an exciting time for HumanKind, and we hope the community will be generous in helping us make this a reality.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Celebrate Women's History Month with Shreve Memorial Library
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — This March, Shreve Memorial Library is celebrating Women's History Month and the 2025 theme of 'Moving Forward Together.' According to a press release, the Women's History Month theme celebrates women, both past and present, who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership, inspiring generations. Throughout the month, patrons of all ages are encouraged to visit the library to be inspired by guest lectures, special programs, group discussions, and various arts and craft workshops highlighting Women's History Month. Several Shreve Memorial Library branches will welcome inspirational and motivating guest speakers to expound upon the theme of 'Moving Forward Together' in celebration of Women's History Month. On Tuesday, March 4 at 1:00 p.m., the West Shreveport Branch, located at 4380 Pines Road, will welcome AJ Dunn, Executive Director of the Northwest Louisiana YWCA, for a special presentation highlighting the pivotal role women play in shaping society, fighting for equality, and advocating for community. In Gilliam, First Lady of Shreveport, Elizabeth Arcenaux, will inspire and motivate library patrons during a Women's Day program on Thursday, March 6 at 3:00 p.m. at the Gilliam Branch, located at 12797 Main Street. LSUS Professor of History, Dr. Cheryl White, will lead a Women's History Month lecture on Mary Bennett Cane, Shreveport's Founding Mother, on Saturday, March 8 at 2:00 p.m. at the Hamilton/South Caddo Branch, located at 2111 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop. The North Caddo and Atkins Branches of Shreve Memorial Library will host empowerment workshops on Saturday, March 8 in celebration of Women's History Month. At 10:00 a.m., the North Caddo Branch, located at 615 N. Pine Street in Vivian, will host a Women's Day program, inviting patrons to celebrate the incredible journey of women through history while exploring practical self-care activities, meditation and more. At 1:00 p.m., the Atkins Branch will host an empowerment workshop designed to encourage women to support women through business. Attendees will learn more about women-owned businesses, perfecting a resume, and creating materials to promote a business at the workshop held at the Atkins Branch, located at 3704 Greenwood Road. Writing competition, celebrate Women's History Month On Monday, March 24, the West Shreveport Branch will host a special program entitled, 'Herstory Happy Hour: Mocktails & Movement.' The program for adults will feature a selection of handcrafted alcohol-free beverages inspired by remarkable women in history. Attendees will also receive a mocktail recipe booklet to take home. The program will begin at 4:30 p.m. at the West Shreveport Branch. Library patrons will also be able to share their own personal experiences and pay homage to the inspirational women in their lives during Women's History Month discussions at several Shreve Memorial Library branches. Each Tuesday in March, library patrons at the Rodessa Branch, located at 10093 Main Street in Rodessa, are invited to share stories of how healing traditions are passed down from women in their families and the community. The Rodessa Branch is open from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and library patrons are invited to stop by at any time to join the discussion. Patrons can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while discussing Women's History Month at both the Oil City and the Higginbotham-Bryson Branches. On Thursday, March 13, the Oil City Branch, located at 102 Allen Street in Oil City, will host a 'Crafting to a Tea' program and discussion of the Oil City Homemakers Club at 2:00 p.m. Similarly, the Higginbotham-Bryson Branch will host a 'Women's History Month Coffee and Conversation' session on Friday, March 28 at 10:00 a.m. at the branch located at 9359 Greenwood Road in Greenwood. On Thursday, March 20, adults at the Hollywood/Union Avenue Branch, 2105 Hollywood Avenue, can express their gratitude to the women in their personal and professional lives by writing notes of thanks and encouragement at 1:00 p.m. At the Cedar Grove-Line Avenue Branch, 8303 Line Avenue, teens can test their knowledge of Women's History Month through an interactive trivia game on Tuesday, March 25 at 5:00 p.m. Movie screenings highlighting the lives, work and accomplishments of prominent women in history will take place at the Wallette, Cedar Grove-Line Avenue, David Raines and Hamilton/South Caddo Branches. Each movie screening will be followed by a discussion of the film presented. Movie screenings are scheduled as follows: Monday, March 10 at 10:00 a.m. at Cedar Grove-Line Avenue Branch Thursday, March 13 at 10:00 a.m. at Wallette Branch, 363 Hearne Avenue Thursday, March 20 at 10:30 a.m. at David Raines Branch, 2855 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive Tuesday, March 25 at 5:30 p.m. at Hamilton/South Caddo Branch Officials say in addition to these programs, library patrons can participate in a number of arts and crafts workshops inspired by notable women throughout history. Patrons can make Women's History Month posters at the Cedar Grove-Line Avenue Branch on Friday, March 7 at 10:00 a.m. or relax with coloring templates on Tuesday, March 11 at 10:00 a.m. At the Broadmoor Branch, patrons can make collage clipboards on Monday, March 10 at 4:30 p.m. at the branch, located at 1212 Captain Shreve Drive. Library patrons can also make doilies at the Belcher-Wyche Branch, 409 Charles Street in Belcher, on Friday, March 14 at 3:00 p.m. or Women's History Month tote bags at the Hosston Branch, 15478 US Highway 71 in Hosston, on Thursday, March 20 at 2:00 p.m. Those interested in expressing themselves through painting can participate in a special arts program at the Mooretown Branch, 4360 Hollywood Avenue, on Monday, March 24 at 4:00 p.m. or complete a Georgia O'Keeffe inspired work of art at the North Shreveport Branch, 4844 North Market Street, on Thursday, March 27 at 10:00 a.m. All supplies will be provided. Registration may be required. All programs are free and open to the public. For more information on these and other Shreve Memorial Library programs, please visit the website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
