::THE SLICE REPORT WITH MONA AUSTIN

buzzz worthy. . . Today, President Obama  announced great gains in education at Benjamin Banneker Academic High School in Washington, D.C. Obama told students America’s high school graduation rate has reached a  record new high of 83.2 percent,  highlighting the progress in education his administration has made over his two terms in office. In his second visit to the school since 2011, POTUS was joined by current Sec. of Education John King, former Education Secretary Arne Duncan, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Colin Powell and Alma Powell. Obama told the students they -- both girls and boys -- must learn more computer science as Internet technology has forced future job seekers to compete on a global scale. "We realized that in today’s world, when you all have a computer in your pocket in those phones, then you need to learn not just how to use a phone, you need to learn computer science.  So we’re working with privat...

buzzz worthy. . . Seven years ago today the history and trajectory of American politics changed forever with the inauguration of President Barack Obama​.  People from all walks of life packed the National Mall on that blisteringly cold 20th day of January in 2009 to serve as eyewitness to what many thought was impossible.  Obama, the son of a White mother and African father officially became the leader of the free world a day after the national celebration of slain Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday, symbolizing the fulfillment of Dr. King's dream for racial justice. After taking a victory stroll down Pennsylania Ave. With his wife Michelle, Obama laid his hand on the loaner Bible from the family of  MLK Bible which the First Lady held and pledged to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."  In pursuit of this obligation, opposition to his authority has grayed the very hairs on Obama's head. "In the words...

buzzz worthy. . . On Tuesday night at 9 PM/EST President Obama will walk into the chamber of the U.S.Congress to deliver his final State of the Union Address.  The Presdient is exected to highlight the successes of his two terms in office and encourage America to build on the change and progress that has already been made. Watch the SOTU live her eon The Slice.

buzzz worthy. . . "MAC AND CHEESE" WITH A SIDE OF "EYE": At the annual turkey pardoning ceremony on Wednesday at the White House, President Obama spared a pair of 48 pound turkeys from landing on the dinner table. Technically Cheese won the pardon by online votes. Mac, however, will join Cheese on a Virginia farm for the rest of their lives.The Obama girls participated in the pardoning, but appeared to be unenthused, with Sasha giving the grateful birds the side-eye. Sasha and Malia have been involved in the traditional event for years, but this time they didn't want to pet the turkey when their father asked. Perhaps the teens have outgrown the excitement. "It's a little puzzling why I do this every year," said Pres. Obama."But I will say that I enjoy it, because with all the tough stuff that swirls around in this office, it's nice once in a while just to say to say 'Happy Thanksgiving,'" he said. "And...