We’ve got five stories you probably missed this week, because we know you’re busy, but you want to stay on top of the news.
Check in with us Sunday at url-media.com for our liveblog of this year’s Academy Awards ceremony — and don’t forget to come back each week to get the five stories you probably missed.
- Internal Revenue Service stimulus payments to nearly a million Americans could be especially beneficial to Black Americans, Brandon Tensley writes for Capital B. The IRS said in December that it had $2.4 billion to distribute in the first part of the year. Eligible taxpayers could receive up to $1,400. Get the 411 on the payments at Capital B.
- Muslim communities began the celebration of Ramadan on Friday. Epicenter NYC wrote about how non-Muslims can be respectful of Muslim family and friends, especially those who are fasting, during this time. It’s most important to be mindful and accommodating where you can, of course. Learn more at Epicenter NYC.
- Delivery workers find themselves at the center of debates about congestion and e-bikes in New York City, writes palabra. Advocates say people should instead be thinking about the dangers these workers, most of whom are people of color and immigrants, face as they go about their daily tasks. Get more at palabra.
- A major teachers union is suing the Trump administration over its efforts to eliminate or minimize the use of diversity principles in schools. The ban would withhold federal funds from schools that don’t fall in line. The lawsuit from the American Federation of Teachers said the new policy would harm students. Read more at AsAm News.
- Our partners at Baltimore Beat have a story about “Nickel Boys,” which is nominated in the best picture and best adapted screenplay categories at the Academy Awards. Ahead of the ceremony, learn more about this piece that asks a harrowing question: “How are you supposed to function in a system that doesn’t want you to exist?” Read more at Baltimore Beat.
And more …
We’ve been running a video series on movies to watch during Black History Month. Have you seen these films?
