Latest news with #communityprograms
Washington Post
25-05-2025
- Washington Post
The Digital Equity Act tried to close the digital divide. Trump calls it racist and acts to end it
PORTLAND, Ore. — One program distributes laptops in rural Iowa. Another helped people get back online after Hurricane Helene washed away computers and phones in western North Carolina. Programs in Oregon and rural Alabama teach older people, including some who have never touched a computer, how to navigate in an increasingly digital world.
CBS News
13-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Steve Martingano sworn in as RTD's new police chief, brings nearly 3 decades of experience to force
A new RTD police chief has now been sworn in. Steve Martingano brings over three decades of policing experience to the department, which he will use to lead it. RTD General Manager and CEO Debra Johnson says Martingano is perfect for the position. He takes policing seriously and fits the role perfectly in their national search, she said. Martingano worked with Arvada police and Denver police before making his way to RTD. In 2015, he was hired by the RTD Transit Police Division as a transit police commander, and in 2017, he earned a promotion to the position of deputy chief of police. CBS Under his leadership, he has implemented a variety of community-based programs. Martingano started the first mental health co-responder unit in public transportation, which has been recognized nationally as a model to assist those in need, and he added a homeless outreach unit. Recently, in partnership with local colleges, he started a police cadet program to hire college students who want to enter a career in law enforcement to receive credits toward their degree. Martingano implemented sector policing for the RTD Police Department to distribute resources within the over 2,300 square miles that comprise RTD's jurisdiction. He also expanded the police department from five officers in 2015 to over 80 police officers in 2024, and anticipates growth to over 130 officers by the end of 2025. This expansion has produced the creation of units related to emergency management, crime data analysis, hiring and retention, investigations, professional standards, evidence, and property divisions. Martingano has also helped bring down calls for service by at least 50%, crime-related incidents at Denver Union Station by 60%, and drug usage by around 75%, in 2025, according to RTD. In Martingano's speech at his swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, he said he wants to start his new role by having his officers build better trust in the community. He says this is pivotal for creating a safe transportation hub when riders use the bus and rail systems. His plan is to keep helping anyone experiencing homelessness and mental health issues. Martingano says everyone should be able to use this service, and it's their job to always keep it safe. "It is your space, your commute, and your peace of mind, so it is our job to protect it," he said.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Goodwill gala showcases Hope in Bloom in Finger Lakes
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Friday, the Goodwill of the Finger Lakes hosted their 2025 Goodwill Gala. This year's theme was 'Hope in Bloom.' Emceed by News 8's Adam Chodak, the event helped celebrate the impact Goodwill's community-based programs have had throughout Rochester and the Finger Lakes. The organization's biggest fundraiser of the year helped to raise money for programs such as 211 Lifeline, Goodwill Vision for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Goodwill Learning Academy, and the Good Neighbor Program. 'We can't do it without our Goodwill shoppers and donors every day of the week, but tonight is such a special night to really understand all the hope, that comes from our community programs, but just everyone in this room is phenomenal. We're really grateful,' Goodwill Finger Lakes President and CEO Jennifer Lake said. For more on how you can give back, visit the organization's website here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
