By Jonathan Shorman. Originally published in The Kansas City Star.

Read the original article on KMOV. From downtown shootings to children caught in the crossfire of gun violence, the City of St. Louis is focusing new efforts to tackle crime before it begins. “I think this is an exciting opportunity, I’m excited to be able to do this,” said Wilford Pinkney. “Looking at non-law enforcement … Continued

MacKenzie Scott, the billionaire philanthropist, novelist, and ex-wife of Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, gave the Fresno Unified School District a $20 million donation, the district announced Wednesday at a news conference. Read more at: Fresno Bee The money will be used for FUSD’s new Foundation for Fresno Unified Schools. TOP VIDEOS × Fresno Superintendent Bob Nelson … Continued

Today, Nashville and Davidson County Mayor John Cooper announced the following new hires who will serve in his administration, helping to advance his Agenda for Neighborhoods and Families. “I’m thrilled to welcome these five outstanding professionals to our office – all of whom are already doing great work on behalf of Nashville residents,” said Mayor Cooper.“ … Continued

Original story published in StLouis-Mo.gov. ST. LOUIS – Today, Mayor Tishaura O. Jones will sign Board Bill 65, a public safety bill to establish the Office of Violence Prevention and dedicate nearly $13.6 million American Rescue Plan funding to community violence prevention and youth programs. Mayor Jones emphasized her commitment to create the new office in … Continued

Story originally published in NextCity. When FUSE Executive Fellow Dr. Dwayne Campbell left his home to go on a ride-along with Durham Police Officer Douglas Beckett earlier this year, he gave his wife and son a special goodbye. “It was a reality that I might not get home,” Campbell says. Speaking as a Black social scientist working … Continued

Story originally published in NewsChannel5 – Nashville. Nashville Mayor John Cooper’s office will partner with FUSE — a national nonprofit dedicated to helping local communities improve education and advance racial equity — to create a database of out-of-school local services, which will be available for families across every neighborhood. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Through efforts of the … Continued

Original story published in NextCity. The night of March 3, 2020, Nashville may never forget. At least 10 tornadoes touched down in parts of Tennessee late in the evening and early into the morning, covering about 175 miles and taking 25 lives in Middle Tennessee, according to local news station Fox 17. While tornadoes are common … Continued

The county rolled out a vaccine partner program this month which asks nonprofits or faith-based groups to host vaccine clinics and promote them to the community they serve. In return, the county will pay $50 for every person that gets a COVID-19 vaccine first dose, up to $5,000. Story originally published on KXAN.com. AUSTIN (KXAN) … Continued

Story originally published on Main Street Nashville. A total of $267 million in direct relief is coming to the Metro government from the American Rescue Plan, approved by Congress in March. Metro has until Dec. 31, 2024, to spend or allocate the funds. Metro Nashville Public Schools will receive a further $277 million, and $45 … Continued