There is no question that District workers are struggling during this recession.  With unemployment at historical levels, more families are facing economic hardship and falling into poverty.  Although most jobs that have been lost during this recession have been by men, it is important to note that a significant percentage have also been lost by women.  A recent report by the U.S. Congress’ Joint Economic Committee found that from October 2009 to March 2010, women lost 22,000 jobs while men gained 260,000.  And, in March 2010, the unemployment rate for women with families was 11.3%, the highest rate in the past 25 years.  Women of color, in particular are struggling – 12% of Latino and 12.4% of African American women were unemployed in March 2010, compared to 7.3% of white women (link).

In today’s rundown: Faith community leaders want the District to put more money towards green jobs.  | Local student are less than proficient in reading at a critical point and it could affect their futures.  | Donations to charities are on the rise in the first part of 2010.

In today’s rundown: D.C. could become the first jurisdiction to take advantage of new Medicaid health-care savings.  |  Two Grantee Partners are featured in a story about child trafficking.  |  The National Capital region has the second strongest economy in the country.

In today’s rundown: How women and men think about retirement.  |  Dating violence on the rise at local colleges.  |  The dividing line between a healthy and not-so-healthy D.C.  |  A local middle school forms an all-girls robotics team with the help of some special mentors.

In today’s rundown: Asking local governments to keep social services in their budgets.  |  Local students try to solve the poverty problem.  |  More older women are returning to school.

In today’s rundown: A post-Mother’s Day wish for better education, training and jobs.  |  A new report on how working moms are handling the recession.  |  A look at who benefits most from pre-K.  |  Affordable housing renovations in the District.

In today’s rundown: D.C. Council members wear red capes and support progressive changes to the budget.  |  D.C.’s streetcars could be free in some parts of the city.  |  Local home prices could continue to decline through next year.

In today’s rundown: A study finds that more Latino families depend on credit cards.  |  More Americans are depending on government aid to keep from slipping into poverty.  |  The First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit ends next week.

In today’s rundown: The D.C. Council passes emergency legislation to help foster families.  |  Why do women still earn less than men?  |  Remembering Dorothy Height and her fight for equality.

In today’s rundown: Dorothy I. Height, a leader in the gender and civil rights movements, has died.  |  Today is Equal Pay Day.  |  The League of Women Voters withdraws its support from a bill that would give the District a vote in Congress.  |  Alexandria officials are worried the city is losing its racial and economic diversity.