Joaquín Castro Probes Sex Abuse Allegations, the Ben Carson Whistleblower, and Harvard Honors Solange

Presidential son-in-law and advisor-on-everything Jared Kushner has had his security clearance downgraded. The move will prevent him from viewing many of the sensitive documents to which he once had unfettered access. White House Communications Director Hope Hicks told the House Intelligence Committee on Tuesday that she was instructed by the White House to not answer post-election questions, including her time in the West Wing. She also said that working for Donald Trump sometimes requires her to tell “white lies.” Speaking of white lies, the father of one of the Parkland students doctored emails he forwarded to Fox News to push a claim that CNN told his son what to say at a town hall on gun control. Turns out that was fake news. In some real news, Dick’s Sporting Goods will stop selling assault rifles and raise the age of gun purchases to 21. And a poll shows that Florida voters are not happy with Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), as his approval ratings hit an all-time low. But two groups still give him two thumbs up: white men and Republicans. Westworld star Evan Rachel Wood testified Tuesday before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations and shared her own story of being abused. And this morning, Donald Trump’s self- congratulatory Twitter feed is buzzing with claims about immigration and the border wall and antagonizing his AG Jeff Sessions. In contrast, former First Lady Michelle Obama yesterday told an audience that she chooses to use Twitter like an adult. In Chicago, a progressive candidate running for Congress released a campaign photo featuring him sitting in front of an American flag with a smoldering joint in his hand. Okay. Today’s Beat is a smoker. Let’s roll. We’re kicking off Wednesday with this...

  • Former President Barack Obama touts Presidential Center to South Side community.
  • CBC members press Treasury on program to protect Black and Latino families.
  • SCOTUS delivers blow to immigrants.
  • Congressman Joaquín Castro (D-TX) wants answers from DHS about abuse allegations at an immigration detention center.
  • Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA) intros legislation on universal broadband access.
  • Harvard honors Solange.
  • WH names Johnny C. Taylor Jr. as Chairman of the President's Board of Advisors on HBCUs.
  • NBC BLK names new Managing Editor. Read to the bottom.
  • Defense Department Tech Liaison Steps Down.
  • Former HUD official says she was fired for whistleblowing on redecoration costs for Secretary Carson’s office.
  • Mexican American Judge that Trump disparaged rules in the administration’s favor on border wall.
  • Dems move to reverse FCC ruling on net neutrality.
  • Longtime Capitol Hill aide leaves for the private sector.
  • Meet the new COO at LULAC.
  • Congressman Elijah Cummings (D-MD) wants answers on Paul Manafort.
  • Black GOPers host awards ceremony and address racist remarks made about former RNC Chair Michael Steele.
  • Former National Security Advisor Susan Rice joins advocacy group to counter admin’s “reckless” foreign policy.
  • Congressman Joaquín Castro (D-TX) endorses gay Latina for TX Governor.
  • Jezebel has a new Social Issues Reporter.
  • Indian American wins Dem primary in AZ special election.
  • NM congressional bid appears to be over, and all because of an "ñ."
  • Eric Holder is looking for you! See jobs below. And don't forget to visit our jobs board for all the latest postings from organizations that want you. Apply and help diversify!
Brenda Arredondo