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Mackenzie Cole Attends Prestigious Journalism Conference in Washington, D.C. – Excelsior Citizen

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Mackenzie Cole Attends Prestigious Journalism Conference in Washington, D.C. – Excelsior Citizen


Excelsior Springs, MO (July 7, 2024) — Mackenzie Cole, a dedicated student reporter and daughter of Jason and Courtney Cole, the founders of the Excelsior Citizen, embarked on an exciting journey early Sunday morning to attend the esteemed Washington Journalism and Media Conference at George Mason University.

Selected as a National Youth Correspondent, Mackenzie is representing Excelsior Springs, joining a distinguished group of approximately 250 students from across the United States for an immersive week-long program focusing on journalism and media. The conference, held from July 7 to July 12, offers young aspiring journalists hands-on experiential learning through decision-making simulations and interactions with renowned media professionals.

Expressing her excitement, Mackenzie stated, “This is an amazing opportunity, and I feel really honored to have been chosen to attend this program. I can’t wait to share what we’re doing with the Excelsior Citizen and learn as much as I can.”

Mackenzie was invited to participate based on her academic accomplishments and demonstrated excellence in journalism and media studies. As part of the program, she will participate in practical learning experiences designed to challenge her to solve problems and “explore the creative, practical, and ethical tensions in journalism.” The conference’s comprehensive curriculum is enhanced by sessions with prominent media leaders, including journalists, CEOs of major media outlets, researchers, and successful recent college graduates.

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Previous speakers at the conference have included notable figures such as Hoda Kotb from NBC, Brian Lamb from C-SPAN, Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Carol Guzy, and Susan Goldberg from National Geographic. The program is renowned for providing aspiring journalists with unparalleled access to elite practitioners and a state-of-the-art learning environment at George Mason University.

The Washington Journalism and Media Conference inspires and prepares young leaders for successful careers in the rapidly transforming field of journalism. Mackenzie’s participation is not only making the crew here at the Excelsior Citizen extremely proud, but she’s also helping to blaze a trail for the future of digital journalism. We’re looking forward to discovering what she learns during her experience and how it will help us better serve our community of Excelsior Springs.



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Washington, D.C

DC leaders considering transit options for new RFK Stadium

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DC leaders considering transit options for new RFK Stadium


The Commanders are set to build a new stadium in D.C., and the debate over how fans will get to and from games is happening right now. On Wednesday, city leaders will join Metro and the Washington Commanders to talk stadium transit.



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Washington, D.C

D.C. Police Chief manipulated crime data; new House Oversight report

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D.C. Police Chief manipulated crime data; new House Oversight report


A new report from the House Oversight Committee alleges former D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith pressured officers to manipulate crime data. The committee released the report on Sunday, less than a week after Smith announced she was stepping down.

You’re lulling people into this false sense of security. They might go places they wouldn’t ordinarily go. They might do things they wouldn’t ordinarily do,” said Betsy Brantner Smith, spokesperson for the National Police Association.

Included in the report were transcribed interviews with the commanders of all seven D.C. patrol districts and the former commander currently on suspended leave. One was asked, “Over the last few years, has there been any internal pressure to simply bring down crime statistics?” Their response, “Yes, I mean extremethere’s always been pressure to keep crime down, but the focus on statistics… has come in with this current administration.”

Every single person who lives, works, or visits the District of Columbia deserves a safe city, yet it’s now clear the American people were deliberately kept in the dark about the true crime rates in our nation’s capital,” House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer (R-KY) said in a statement.

“They are going to have to regain the public trust. Again, this is a huge integrity issue,” Brantner Smith said.

Among the reports findings, Smith’s alleged pressured campaign against staff led to inaccurate crime data. Smith punished or removed officers for reporting accurate crime numbers. Smith fostered a toxic culture and President Trump’s federal law enforcement surge in D.C. is working.

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While Smith has not yet publicly responded to the report, she’s previously denied allegations of manipulating crime data, saying the investigation did not play a factor into her decision to step down at the end of the year.

My decision was not factored into anything with respect to, other than the fact that it’s time. I’ve had 28 years in law enforcement. I’ve had some time to think with my family,” Smith said earlier this month.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser also released a statement Monday, writing in part that “the interim report betrays its bias from the outset, admitting that it was rushed to release.”

According to crime stats from the Metropolitan Police Department, since the federal law enforcement surge started in August, total violent crime is down 26%. Homicides are down 12% and carjackings 37%.



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National Menorah Lighting in DC dedicated to Bondi Beach victims

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National Menorah Lighting in DC dedicated to Bondi Beach victims


The first candle lit on the National Menorah near the White House in Washington, D.C., marked the first night of Hanukkah — and solemnly honored victims of the Bondi Beach shooting.

The National Menorah Lighting was held Sunday night, hours after gunmen opened fire on a crowd celebrating the beginning of Hanukkah at Australia’s iconic Bondi Beach. Fifteen people were killed, including a 10-year-old girl, a rabbi and a Holocaust survivor, and over three dozen others were being treated at hospitals.

Authorities in Australia said it was a terrorist attack targeting Jewish people.

Organizers behind the National Menorah Lighting said the news from Australia, along with the bitter cold, forced them to consider whether or not to hold the annual event.

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After consulting with local law enforcement, National Menorah Lighting organizers decided to hold the event and honor the victims.

Several D.C.-area police departments issued statements confirming there are no known threats to local communities, but are monitoring just in case.

Montgomery County Executive Mark Elrich condemned the attack and said community safety is a priority.

“Acts of antisemitism, especially those meant to intimidate families and communities during moments of gathering and celebration, must be called out clearly and condemned without hesitation,” Elrich said. “I have heard directly from members of Montgomery County’s Jewish community who are shaken and concerned, and I want them to know that their safety is a priority.”

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