Hey News-Changers! Jackie here with The Breakdown. Following up on our One Big Thing last week, here’s a quick update on the Ahmaud Arbery case. The man who shot the video of Arbery’s death is being investigated, and another video from 2017 has surfaced in which police attempt to tase Arbery after he refused them permission to search his vehicle.
This past week, another tragedy sparked public outcry when 26-year-old Breonna Taylor was shot to death by police in her own home. You can sign the petition demanding #JusticeForBre here.
Keep scrolling to read about AP testing in the era of COVID-19, what Guy Fieri is doing for out-of-work restaurant employees, and how California is supporting undocumented immigrants.
(Experiencing discrimination or even seeing it in the news can be challenging. Read our guide on coping with discrimination for self-care tips, and contact the Crisis Text Line at 741741 for 24/7 support.)
Let's Do This. Jackie, DoSomething
AP Testing Moves Online, and Technical Glitches Make For a Shaky Start The College Board is moving forward with Advanced Placement (AP) testing despite the coronavirus pandemic -- and so far, it isn’t off to a smooth start.
In order to comply with physical distancing guidelines, the College Board has reworked their tests into 45-minute online exams, compared to the usual 3-hour test administered in person.
As a result, AP students have been thrown for a loop in more ways than one. Remote learning has disrupted their preparation leading up to the exams, and unequal access to technology makes online testing difficult or impossible for some, particularly low-income students of color. Some students are taking these college-credit exams on smartphones or from McDonald's parking lots.
The College Board seems to be dealing with its own technical issues, as a flood of complaints followed last week’s exams. Some students say that they had issues submitting their answers or were shut out of the test altogether. In response, the College Board is providing students in future tests the option to email responses if they’re unable to submit them. Those who’ve already experienced the glitches will have to retake their tests.
Take Action: Digital learning has got a lot of students stressed out. Tell us how you manage your stress, and we’ll include it in a first-of-its-kind mental health guide for students, by students.
Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dimes: Guy Fieri Raises Over $20 Million for Restaurant Workers Impacted by COVID-19 Celebrity chef, National Barbecue Hall of Famer, and Mayor of Flavortown Guy Fieri is stepping up to help restaurant employees during the coronavirus pandemic.
In partnership with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, Fieri has helped create the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund. He sought donations from food industry giants like Pepsi, Coke, and UberEats through personal video invitations, and has raised $21.5 million so far.
The fund has awarded more than 40,000 grants to help restaurant staff get back on their feet after experiencing job loss or pay cuts due to the current health crisis.
The pandemic has had a devastating effect on the restaurant industry, forcing small businesses to close and leaving thousands of workers laid off. That’s why Fieri is encouraging everyone who can to show support for their local restaurants by “giv[ing] them some biz.”
Take Action: Share the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund and encourage others to donate.
California Becomes the First State to Offer COVID-19 Relief for Undocumented Immigrants In collaboration with 12 not-for-profit groups, California launched a state relief program to provide $75 million in assistance to undocumented immigrants.
Previously, undocumented immigrants did not qualify for relief provided under the CARES Act, and they also don’t have access to other social programs (like unemployment insurance or Medicare), despite the fact that they contribute billions of dollars to local, state, and federal taxes.
The initiative is awarding $500-$1000 grants to individuals and households on a first-come, first-served basis, and organizers expect to help about 150,000 people.
Amid the coronavirus pandemic, undocumented workers are among the most essential, as they support the country’s food supply in a big way -- from harvesting produce to operating food processing plants. An estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants work essential jobs, and as a result, they’re among the most vulnerable to coronavirus exposure.
Why aren’t more people talking about… how migrant kids aren’t being released from US custody despite having willing sponsors ready to take them in.
Meanwhile, in Sri Lanka… these newlyweds cancelled their party to help those in need instead.
My hero today is… Brittany Schiavone, who’s delivering baskets of presents and information to new parents of babies with Down syndrome.
Today in viral cuteness… a FedEx driver brings his dachshunds, Chorizo and Cocoa, along on his delivery route.
I’m obsessed with… this beautiful collage that my colleague Allie made for my birthday!
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