Melody Kloepfer

1 month ago | spectrumnews1.com | Evan Koslof |Melody Kloepfer

WASHINGTON — World Pride kicks off this weekend in the nation’s capital. Washington was selected as the host city before Donald Trump was elected president. Now some organizers and advocates say some of his policies, especially his opposition to transgender rights, are casting a shadow over the celebration. Some attendees are skipping World Pride entirely.

2 months ago | spectrumlocalnews.com | Melody Kloepfer |Charlotte Scott

President Donald Trump says his administration is cutting billions of dollars in wasteful government spending, but officials at the United Nations Population Fund, the U.N.'s sexual and reproductive health agency, are sounding the alarm after losing all U.S. government funding. "The U.S. has always been the leader in addressing the needs of women in humanitarian settings, ensuring they were protected from sexual violence," said Sarah Craven, the director of UNFPA's Washington, D.C., office.

Feb 28, 2025 | spectrumnews1.com | Melody Kloepfer |Cassandra Semyon

It’s Oscar weekend, Hollywood’s time to shine. But behind the glitz and glamour, there’s a darker reality: Hollywood is losing some of its luster. “People are desperate because so much production has left Los Angeles,” said Rep. Laura Friedman, D-Calif. “So they’re looking for a lifeline.

Feb 21, 2025 | spectrumlocalnews.com | Cassandra Semyon |Melody Kloepfer

The Congressional Black Caucus, established in 1971, was founded to support laws that ensure Black Americans have equal rights and opportunity. Its new chairwoman, New York Rep. Yvette Clarke, says those goals very much match her own. “Throughout my sort of public service career, it has been my vision to do everything that I can as a legislator to open up pathways and corridors for the advancement of Black people in America,” Clarke told Spectrum NewsWhat You Need To KnowRep.

Feb 3, 2025 | spectrumnews1.com | Melody Kloepfer |Cassandra Semyon

After campaigining on routing diversity initiatives from the federal government, President Donald Trump made clear his stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion during his inaugural address, proclaiming “we will forge a society that is color blind and merit based.” But, as Americans work to understand the impact of the end of diversity intiatives, experts like Anuradha Hebbar, the president of SHRM'S CEO Action for Inclusion and Diversity, insist that institutions promoting diversity and...