california news

The California Department of Public Health announced that the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will continue operating during the federal government shutdown using existing funds. The program, which provides healthy food, nutrition education, and healthcare referrals to approximately 988,000 low-to-moderate income California residents monthly, remains open and is still serving and enrolling eligible families. Following the October 1 shutdown caused by a budget impasse in Washington, the Congressional Black Caucus blamed Republicans and former President Trump for the funding lapse. Both Democrats and Republicans have warned that a prolonged shutdown could deplete critical resources, potentially causing millions of families to lose essential benefits.

Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed Assembly Bill 288, authored by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, which strengthens labor protections in California by allowing workers to bring cases to the state's Public Employment Relations Board when the federal National Labor Relations Board fails to act. The new law establishes a PERB Enforcement Fund supported by civil penalties collected from employers who violate labor laws, ensuring resources for enforcement. Labor leaders have praised this legislation as the most significant labor law reform in nearly a century, with California Federation of Labor Unions President Lorena Gonzalez noting it frees workers from relying on what they consider a failing federal agency. The bill is positioned as a direct response to perceived weakening of worker protections at the federal level.

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deploying National Guard troops from Texas and California to Portland, Oregon. Judge Karin Immergut ruled there was insufficient evidence that recent protests necessitated federalized troops and expressed concerns that this deployment might circumvent her earlier decision denying Oregon's National Guard deployment. The administration is also attempting to send National Guard troops to Chicago, which Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has strongly opposed, calling it "Trump's invasion." This conflict represents ongoing tension between the Trump administration and Democrat-led cities regarding immigration enforcement, protests, and federal authority over state sovereignty.

The term "woke," which originated in African American communities as a call for awareness about racial injustice, has evolved dramatically in American discourse. Beginning with Marcus Garvey in 1923 and resurfacing in the 2014 Black Lives Matter movement, the expression initially signified enlightenment about racism and injustice. In recent years, the term has become politically polarizing, with Republicans like President Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth condemning "woke" culture in institutions, while some progressives attempt to reclaim its original meaning of empathy and awareness. The evolution reflects America's ongoing struggle with discussions about race, identity, and history, as the term transformed from cultural slang to a political battleground.

Sean "Diddy" Combs is facing sentencing for two federal prostitution-related charges, potentially receiving up to 10 years in prison per count after being convicted of transporting former girlfriends to participate in drug-fueled sexual encounters called "Freak Offs." While a jury acquitted him of more serious racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges that carried a possible life sentence, prosecutors are seeking over 11 years imprisonment, arguing Combs showed no remorse and abused girlfriends and employees for years. Combs' defense team is requesting a sentence of no more than 14 months (essentially time served), and he submitted a letter expressing remorse for violent behavior while pleading for mercy ahead of Judge Subramanian's decision. His family is expected to attend the sentencing hearing where both sides will present their recommendations, and at least one former employee has been granted permission to speak at the proceedings.

Karen Attiah, the only Black female opinion writer at The Washington Post, was fired after posting on Bluesky about violent white men following Charlie Kirk's killing, which the newspaper claimed violated its social media policy. Attiah, who spent 11 years at the Post, contends she was simply doing her job as a journalist by offering honest reflections on violence in America. Her termination has sparked concerns among media professionals and advocacy organizations about journalistic freedom and diversity, with groups like the National Association of Black Journalists warning about the erosion of Black voices in media. The controversy occurs amid dozens of firings across various professions stemming from comments about Kirk's assassination, igniting broader debates about First Amendment rights.

of News Article Dr. Ian Roberts, the superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools since 2023, was detained by immigration authorities who claim he is in the country illegally and faces weapon possession charges. Following his arrest, the school board placed Roberts on paid administrative leave after determining he was unable to perform his duties. This situation has shocked the Des Moines community, spurring protests outside the federal courthouse with supporters describing Roberts as a respected educator who has made significant contributions to the district. The Department of Homeland Security states Roberts entered the US on a student visa in 1999, while the school district maintains they were unaware of any final removal order issued by a judge in 2024.

During a government shutdown affecting thousands of unpaid workers, U.S. lawmakers from both parties are locked in a stalemate with no resolution in sight. Democrats refuse to support the Republican spending plan without renewing expiring healthcare subsidies they claim many working families need, while Republicans insist Democrats should pass a short-term bill first before discussing subsidies. The article presents diverse perspectives from six American voters across different states, revealing varied opinions on which party bears responsibility, the justification for the standoff, and the impact on everyday citizens. Though opinions differ on political strategy, several interviewees express concern about the shutdown's effects on federal employees, low-income families, and the broader economy.

Ian Roberts, the superintendent of Iowa's largest school district with 30,000 students, was placed on paid administrative leave following his arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials who claim he is in the country illegally. The Des Moines school board voted unanimously for this action during a special meeting, with board president Jackie Norris stating they were unaware of any citizenship or immigration issues regarding Roberts. According to ICE, Roberts entered the U.S. on a student visa in 1999, lacks work authorization, and is subject to a final removal order issued in 2024. Background checks conducted before Roberts' hiring in 2023 did not reveal any citizenship issues, despite his signed affirmation of U.S. citizenship on district documents and administrator license applications.

President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed military leaders at Quantico, proposing controversial changes to military roles and culture. Trump suggested using dangerous American cities as military training grounds and characterized domestic unrest as an "invasion from within," while Hegseth announced the end of "woke" policies including a return to "male-level" physical fitness standards. The hastily called meeting focused heavily on culture war issues rather than global security concerns, with Hegseth telling military leaders who disagreed with his approach to resign. This approach has raised concerns about politicizing the military and potentially violating the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts military involvement in domestic law enforcement.

A significant fire erupted at Chevron's El Segundo refinery near Los Angeles when a jet fuel production unit exploded Thursday evening, creating visible flames and smoke. Firefighters have successfully contained the blaze, with no injuries reported among refinery personnel and contractors. City officials have confirmed there are no current evacuation orders or public threats, while the cause of the explosion remains under investigation. The refinery, Chevron's second-largest in the US, normally produces 285,000 barrels of crude oil daily and supplies 20% of motor vehicle fuels and 40% of jet fuel consumed in southern California.

Balin Miller, a 23-year-old Alaskan climbing influencer, died after falling from El Capitan in Yosemite National Park while being live-streamed on TikTok. According to his brother, Miller had completed climbing the 2,400-foot "Sea of Dreams" route and was hauling equipment when he likely rappelled off the end of his rope. Miller was an accomplished alpinist known for impressive achievements, including the first solo ascent of Mount McKinley's Slovak Direct and completing Reality Bath, a difficult ice climb unrepeated for 37 years. The National Park Service has stated they are investigating the incident, which occurred on the first day of the federal government shutdown when parks remained open with limited operations.

The U.S. government shutdown has sparked a heated dispute with the Trump administration accusing Democrats of demanding healthcare for illegal immigrants, which Democrats firmly deny as false. The core of the disagreement centers on Democratic proposals to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies and reverse restrictions to Medicaid that would affect lawfully present immigrants, not undocumented ones. Republicans claim these changes would benefit illegal immigrants, while Democrats and healthcare experts clarify that undocumented immigrants remain ineligible for federal healthcare programs under existing law. The debate has intensified as Senate Democrats rejected a Republican funding proposal due to concerns over healthcare provisions that would impact millions of Americans.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign memoir "107 Days" has achieved remarkable success, selling 350,000 copies across all formats in its first week according to publisher Simon & Schuster. The book chronicles Harris's unexpected 107-day presidential campaign that began after President Biden withdrew following a poor debate performance against Donald Trump in June 2024. Despite internal Democratic Party criticism of the book's content, public interest remains strong as evidenced by robust sales and well-attended author appearances. Simon & Schuster has already ordered a fifth printing that will bring total hardcover copies to 500,000, positioning the memoir to potentially become a historic bestseller, though still far behind Michelle Obama's "Becoming" which sold over 8 million copies globally.

A recent article in the Houston Defender outlines ten beneficial habits people can incorporate into their daily routines to improve overall wellbeing and success. The habits range from simple morning practices like making your bed to organizational strategies such as creating goal-oriented to-do lists, as well as health-focused behaviors including eating more leafy greens and increasing physical movement throughout the day. Additional recommendations include reading regularly, improving posture, setting clear boundaries, curating social media consumption, and prioritizing adequate sleep. The article emphasizes that conscious choices can lead to automatic habits that significantly impact one's quality of life.

Multiple Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have recently faced a wave of bomb threats, with Morgan State University and Towson University being the latest targets on Tuesday. Despite all threats being confirmed as hoaxes by law enforcement, each incident is treated as credible until thoroughly investigated. According to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), more than 75 HBCUs have experienced similar threats since 2022, disrupting classes across 18 states and DC, with HBCUs being targeted at higher rates than other higher education institutions. The Congressional Black Caucus has requested the Justice Department and FBI conduct a full investigation into these incidents of intimidation against Black educational communities.

of African Leaders at the UN General Assembly African leaders addressed the United Nations General Assembly on global issues including climate change, inequality, and international conflicts like the Gaza situation, but gave minimal attention to significant African conflicts. Despite wars in Sudan and Congo having killed thousands and created humanitarian crises, these conflicts received little substantive attention in African leaders' speeches. Analysts note this reflects limitations in African institutions and a reluctance to prioritize African issues on the global stage. Meanwhile, external powers including the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt are leading peace negotiations for these African conflicts, highlighting the limited leverage of African institutions in regional conflict resolution.

William L. Gibbs, Jr., a Navy veteran who served as an aircraft mechanic from 1975 to 1981, passed away on August 29, 2025, at age 67 after battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Born in San Francisco in 1957 and a graduate of Escondido High School, Bill was known for his remarkable ability to create and maintain lifelong friendships. He is survived by his wife Venus, his mother Betty, his brother Dr. John Gibbs, and his sisters Juanita and Tina Gibbs, while his son William N. Gibbs preceded him in death in 2005. Bill's family suggests planting a tree as a memorial to honor his enduring spirit and the connections he fostered throughout his life.

Joseph Jesse Boroquez, Jr., born on September 7, 2003, in San Diego, California, passed away on September 11, 2025. During his life, he was known for his journey toward Christianity, joyful personality, and strong friendships. Joseph was a father to two children, Ezekiel and Kayleah, whom he deeply loved. He is survived by numerous family members including his parents, eleven siblings, and his grandfather, while being preceded in death by his grandmother and four aunts.

Carl Wesley Coleman (1942-2025) was a Navy veteran who served in Japan and Vietnam before receiving an honorable discharge in 1965 and moving his family to San Diego. Following military service, he worked at Solar Turbines for 38 years as a Quality Control Inspector, retiring in 2003, and later worked as a Primerica insurance representative. Coleman was deeply involved in his community, serving at Bayview Church, promoting education through his own academic achievements, and helping establish the Jacob Center's Market Creek Square. His life was characterized by family devotion, community leadership, educational pursuits, and various sporting activities before he passed away on August 25, 2025, survived by his wife Dorothy, four children, siblings, grandchildren, and other relatives.

Josephine Randolph, born in 1937 in Memphis, Tennessee, lived a full life of 88 years before passing away on September 16, 2025, in California surrounded by family. She was married to Theodore Randolph for 70 years, raising eight children together plus welcoming a stepdaughter. Beyond being a devoted mother and wife who maintained an immaculate home, she worked as a housekeeper, volunteered at polling stations, and was employed at Popeye's, where her biscuits became renowned. For 24 years, she served as an ordained mother at Zion Temple Apostolic Church in Gary, Indiana, where she participated in the choir and kitchen service.

Johnnie Cochran, born October 2, 1937, in Shreveport, Louisiana, was a celebrated attorney known for defending O.J. Simpson and fighting for civil rights causes, including freeing wrongfully imprisoned Geronimo Pratt. Thurgood Marshall, a pioneering civil rights lawyer who won 29 of 32 Supreme Court cases including the landmark Brown v. Board of Education, became the first Black Supreme Court Justice on October 2, 1967. August Wilson, one of America's greatest playwrights who created the ten-play American Century Cycle documenting African-American life throughout the 20th century, won two Pulitzer Prizes before passing away on October 2, 2005, after which Broadway's Virginia Theatre was renamed in his honor.

The article warns that America is experiencing internal destruction similar to Rome's downfall. It points to concerning actions including the Secretary of Defense's meeting with military leaders, Trump's comments about deploying military to cities, the government shutdown over budget disagreements, and the undermining of federal agencies. The author argues these developments are part of a deliberate plan to dismantle American democracy from within. As a response, the article urges readers to pray, register voters during protests, support redistricting proposals like California's Proposition 50, and actively vote to regain Democratic control of the House of Representatives.

The US government has shut down due to a standoff between MAGA Republicans and Democrats over healthcare funding, specifically regarding Medicaid and Affordable Care Act subsidies. Approximately 750,000 federal employees are being furloughed daily, with many facing potential permanent layoffs as directed by the Office of Management and Budget. Without extending enhanced tax credits, nearly 24 million Americans could see their health insurance premiums double or triple, with low and moderate-income households facing devastating financial consequences, according to KFF research. The shutdown is also impacting multiple federal agencies including the Department of Health and Human Services, CDC, NIH, and FDA, while economists warn that each week of shutdown will reduce GDP by 0.15 percentage points.

In response to historic federal funding cuts affecting critical services in San Diego County, local philanthropic organizations have launched "United for San Diego," a collaborative relief effort. The Prebys Foundation, Price Philanthropies, San Diego Foundation, and the Price family have collectively pledged $70 million to help maintain access to food, housing, and healthcare for vulnerable residents. This initiative comes as over 400,000 San Diegans risk losing healthcare access and 100,000 face food assistance cuts due to approximately $300 million in federal funding reductions. Community leaders from grassroots organizations have expressed hope that this unprecedented philanthropic collaboration will effectively support smaller, trusted organizations already serving those in need.

Donald Trump has deployed California National Guard troops to Los Angeles against Governor Newsom's wishes, citing a rebellion statute despite no actual rebellion occurring. This action has been widely condemned by California officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who argue Trump is manufacturing a crisis for political gain. The deployment violates the spirit of the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act, which generally prohibits military forces from enforcing civilian laws. Trump's actions, alongside a controversial gathering of military leaders at Quantico where he referred to the Pentagon as the "Department of War," have raised significant concerns about the misuse of military power against American citizens exercising their rights.

California Senate Bill 694, authored by Senator Bob Archuleta, aims to protect veterans from predatory "Claim Sharks" who charge excessive fees for VA benefit claims assistance. The legislation, expected for a full Senate vote in January 2026, prohibits unaccredited individuals and nonprofits from charging for services that accredited professionals provide within regulated fee limits. Having received unanimous bipartisan support in committee votes, the bill would empower California's Attorney General to prosecute violators who take advantage of vulnerable veterans. While supported by several California legislators including members of the Legislative Black Caucus, the bill faces opposition from some veterans groups such as Vets Know the Facts and the Black Veterans Empowerment Council.

California lawmakers have passed five significant education bills that now await Governor Gavin Newsom's signature before the October 13 deadline. These bills address various aspects of education including inclusive history curriculum about African Americans' contributions, streamlining college admissions through direct admission to CSU campuses, banning ultra-processed foods in schools, extending substitute teacher service periods, and updating reading instruction to address literacy gaps. The measures, which include Senator Laura Richardson's SB 510 (already signed by the Governor on August 28) and four other bills awaiting approval, aim to improve educational outcomes and address inequities in California's education system.

Sean "Diddy" Combs faces sentencing after his July conviction on prostitution-related charges under the Mann Act for arranging paid sexual encounters between his girlfriends and male sex workers. Prosecutors have requested at least 11 years and 3 months imprisonment, citing his serious crimes and the traumatic impact on his victims, including former girlfriends who testified about being forced to participate in drug-fueled sexual events that Combs often filmed. Despite his defense attorneys requesting no more than 14 months imprisonment and claiming he has changed during his detention, prosecutors characterized Combs as "unrepentant" and attempting to shift blame to his victims. Combs has remained jailed since his conviction, with sentencing scheduled for Friday.