california news

The article examines the Transatlantic Slave Trade as a foundational element of American history whose legacy continues to impact society today. It highlights current political tensions around how slavery is taught and remembered, with concerns about attempts to sanitize this history. The piece explores the cultural, religious, and demographic impacts of forced African migration, which created distinct African American communities and influenced American culture. Additionally, it details how European powers organized and profited from the slave trade, which economically transformed port cities across Europe and the Americas while funding the development of industries, institutions, and the arts that continue to shape modern society.

President Donald Trump has taken the unprecedented step of firing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, claiming mortgage fraud allegations as justification, though she has not been charged with any wrongdoing. Cook has refused to resign, stating the president lacks the legal authority to remove her from her position, which she has held since being appointed by President Biden in 2022 as the first Black woman on the Fed's board. This conflict creates uncharted territory for the Federal Reserve, with legal experts questioning whether Trump has sufficient "for cause" grounds to terminate a Fed governor. The situation has already impacted financial markets, with the dollar index dropping and stock futures declining following Trump's announcement.

Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook, the first Black woman in this role, is suing President Trump after he attempted to fire her, claiming mortgage fraud allegations as cause. Trump's unprecedented move against the independent Federal Reserve comes amid his increasing pressure to lower interest rates. Cook, whose research focuses on race, inequality, and economics, has stated she will not resign and will continue her duties on the seven-member board where she has served since 2022. Cook's academic background includes pioneering work on how racial violence affected Black innovation, and she has been an advocate for increasing diversity in the economics profession.

Keith Lambert and millions of Americans are navigating extreme heat waves with temperatures exceeding 90°F, which disproportionately impacts people of color and low-income residents. Environmental justice advocates link this inequality to discriminatory housing policies like redlining, which has resulted in fewer green spaces and higher temperatures in minority neighborhoods. Extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S., killing an average of 350 New Yorkers annually, yet receives less attention than other natural disasters. To combat rising temperatures, organizations are implementing solutions such as expanding tree canopies, creating community green spaces, redesigning bus stops, and developing data tools that highlight climate disparities faced by vulnerable communities.

of "School for Husbands" Initiative in Senegal In Senegal, a United Nations-backed "school for husbands" program trains respected male community members to promote gender equality and women's health within their communities. The initiative, which began in 2011 and now operates over 20 schools with more than 300 trained men, addresses the cultural context where men typically make major household decisions, including those related to women's healthcare. Community leaders like Imam Ibrahima Diane use their influence to encourage men to support their wives with household duties, advocate for hospital births, and improve access to reproductive health services. The program has shown success in changing male attitudes, contributing to declining maternal and infant mortality rates, though Senegal still faces challenges in meeting global health targets.

The Trump White House has launched a public attack against the Smithsonian Institution, publishing an article that condemns the museum's educational content about slavery, racism, and inequality in America. The administration specifically criticized the National Museum of African American History and Culture for explaining how America has privileged whiteness, dismissing such scholarship as "anti-American propaganda." This confrontation represents part of a broader effort to rewrite American history by minimizing the significance of slavery, Jim Crow segregation, redlining, and other forms of systemic racism that have shaped the nation. The White House's criticism extends to multiple Smithsonian exhibits that document the realities of oppression in American history, including art addressing the Middle Passage and programs highlighting discriminatory housing and immigration policies.

President Trump hosted a working lunch with the leaders of five African nations (Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Senegal, and Gabon) at the White House to discuss commercial opportunities and deepen diplomatic ties. Notably absent were Africa's major economies like South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Ethiopia, which have connections to BRICS, a group including America's adversaries Russia and China. The meeting focused on potential investments and development of natural resources, with African leaders praising Trump and highlighting their mineral wealth, while analysts describe this as part of Trump's strategy to counter Chinese and Russian influence in Africa through a more transactional approach to foreign relations rather than traditional aid.

California Legislative Democrats, with the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) support, have passed legislation that would allow voters to adopt temporary Congressional maps favorable to Democrats through Proposition 50, the "Election Rigging Response Act." This measure, appearing on a special November 4 ballot, aims to counter partisan redistricting efforts in Texas by potentially adding five additional Democratic U.S. House seats. CLBC chair Senator Akilah Weber Pierson described the action as defending fair representation, while other Black lawmakers emphasized this as a response to protect California communities from harmful federal policies. If approved by voters, the redrawn Congressional district maps would be used for elections from 2026 through 2030, before returning mapping authority to the Citizens Redistricting Commission in 2031.

Dorsey Nunn's new memoir, "What Kind of Bird Can't Fly," chronicles his journey from being incarcerated at age 19 through his transformation into an advocate for justice reform. The book details his experiences in prison, including the realization that his entire Little League team except one white player had been incarcerated, and explores themes of systemic racism in the criminal justice system. Nunn describes his radicalization during his decade in prison, his struggles with anger and sobriety after release, and his ongoing fight against what he views as modern slavery in the prison system. Through personal anecdotes about reconnecting with family and finding moments of grace, Nunn's memoir ultimately delivers a message about human dignity and the possibility of redemption.

Four San Diego High School athletes—Jewel Parker, Shanti Glenn, Seniaah Simms, and Gianna Woodson—delivered standout performances at the Ballislife All-American Camp 2K25, competing against elite talent from California and beyond. Three of the players earned Top 20 honors, with Seniaah Simms additionally receiving the Hustle Award for the 2028 class. All four advanced to the Queen of the Court finals while participating in various camp activities including skill development stations, competitive matchups, and leadership training. The camp provided the athletes with valuable exposure through live-streamed games and highlight coverage, while also offering opportunities to challenge themselves against top competition.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, California-Hawaii State Conference (CA/HI NAACP) is urging the California Legislature to pass two reparations bills authored by Senator Akilah Weber Pierson. The bills, SB 518 and SB 437, are currently in the Assembly Appropriations Committee's "Suspense File" for further financial review. SB 518 proposes establishing an agency to implement state-level reparations for eligible descendants of enslaved individuals, while SB 437 authorizes California State University to use genealogical records to determine eligibility for reparations initiatives. Both bills are part of the California Legislative Black Caucus's "Road to Repair 2025 Priority Bill Package" and follow recommendations from the California Reparations Task Force.

Assemblymember James C. Ramos is criticizing the University of California for failing to repatriate thousands of Native American remains and sacred artifacts despite federal and state legal requirements. UC officials will face lawmakers in a joint hearing on August 26 at the Capitol Annex Building, where legislators will demand clear timelines for compliance and may consider stricter oversight measures. Three audits since 2019, including one from April, have found UC campuses consistently missing deadlines under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and its California counterpart. The audit revealed that UC still holds remains of thousands of individuals and hundreds of thousands of cultural items, with some campuses failing to properly utilize NAGPRA funds intended for tribal repatriation efforts.

Laurent Saint-Cyr, a wealthy businessman from Haiti's private sector, has been appointed as head of Haiti's transitional presidential council amid a severe security crisis where gangs control 90% of Port-au-Prince neighborhoods. During his swearing-in ceremony, Saint-Cyr emphasized the need for action rather than speeches while powerful gang leader Jimmy "Barbecue" Chérizier threatened to overthrow the government. The transitional leadership faces significant challenges including endemic gang violence, widespread sexual assault, and limited resources for the UN-backed security mission, which has only 991 personnel instead of the planned 2,500 and just 14% of needed funding. Violence has displaced more than 1.3 million people in Haiti since President Jovenel Moïse's assassination in July 2021, with at least 1,520 people killed between April and June.

Donald Trump's declaration of "liberation day in D.C." and threats to take over policing in other Black-led cities directly contradict Justice Department data showing significant crime reductions in these areas. Washington D.C. has reached a 30-year low in violent crime with a 35% overall reduction, while cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, Baltimore, and Oakland have all reported substantial decreases in homicides and other violent crimes. Black mayors attribute these successes to community-based violence prevention programs, youth employment initiatives, and public health approaches to crime reduction. The African American Mayors Association has noted that Trump's targeting appears focused on Black mayors or those perceived as Democrats, aligning with Project 2025's agenda to consolidate federal power at the expense of local autonomy.

Natasha Rothwell, Emmy nominee for HBO's "The White Lotus," recently shared with CNN how she managed her finances before achieving success in entertainment. She revealed carrying a $40,000 check written to herself for years while struggling financially in New York, visualizing the day she could pay off her student loans. Rothwell eventually did pay off her loans with her first significant entertainment industry paycheck, describing the emotional moment as powerful and validating her belief in the law of attraction. Her performance as resort wellness employee Belinda in "The White Lotus" has earned her an Emmy nomination for outstanding supporting actress in a drama series, contributing to the show's 23 nominations this year.

The article details the perilous journeys of Ethiopian migrants attempting to reach Saudi Arabia through Yemen, highlighting the recent tragedy of a capsized boat that killed approximately 140 people, including 19-year-old Nigus Yosef. It chronicles the devastating impact on families left behind, including parents grieving lost children and others forced to pay ransoms to kidnappers after their loved ones are captured in Yemen. Despite government warnings against illegal migration, Ethiopian youth continue to flee due to high unemployment and regional instability following the Tigray war, with migration scholar Girmachew Adugna noting that legal migration pathways remain inaccessible to most young people, driving them toward dangerous irregular routes.

President Trump has deployed federal law enforcement and National Guard troops to Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., while threatening similar action in predominantly Black Democratic cities, ostensibly to fight crime. Critics view these deployments as political provocation and racial intimidation, sparking debate about their legality and placing Black officers and soldiers in a difficult position. The article examines historical instances where Black police and military personnel have responded to questionable federal deployments to their communities, highlighting that federal officers and soldiers can legally refuse unlawful orders. Though rare, there have been notable cases of Black military dissent during racial tensions, including the "Fort Hood 43" incident in 1968 when Black soldiers refused deployment for riot control in Chicago.

The Menendez brothers, who were convicted of murdering their parents in 1989 and sentenced to life without parole in 1996, were recently denied parole despite becoming eligible following a resentencing hearing in May 2025. Both Erik (54) and Lyle (57) were rejected by separate parole boards in August, with officials citing public safety concerns, the brutal nature of their crimes, and ongoing behavioral issues despite their expressed remorse. Their case has received renewed public attention following Netflix's 2024 drama series "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story," which prompted debate about their claims of parental abuse and divided public opinion on whether they deserve clemency. The brothers can apply for parole again in three years, while California Governor Gavin Newsom is separately considering a clemency request.

The Hunters Point Biomonitoring Program is establishing a Community MedicoLegal Defense Fund for Environmental Justice to continue providing toxic exposure screening services to residents and workers near the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard federal Superfund site in San Francisco. Launched in 2019 as the nation's first community-based human biomonitoring program, it offers screening for up to 35 toxicants including radioactive and cancer-causing heavy metals. The program can no longer provide free services due to overwhelming demand for testing, toxicological referrals, and legal assistance as federal and state lawsuits progress and a major class action lawsuit approaches trial in 2026. The organization is now seeking community financial support through a GoFundMe campaign to continue its environmental justice work.

In an escalating political battle over redistricting, lawmakers in California and Texas are redrawing congressional maps to gain partisan advantage in the U.S. House of Representatives. Texas Republicans initiated the conflict by passing a measure to create five new Republican-leaning congressional seats mid-decade, prompting California Democrats to counter with their own redistricting plan designed to neutralize Texas' move. This unusual mid-decade gerrymandering effort could spread to other states before the 2024 midterm elections, with several Democratic and Republican-controlled states considering similar actions. The outcome of this redistricting battle could significantly impact the balance of power in the House, where Democrats need just three more seats to gain control.

of News Article Lyle Menendez, 57, was denied parole one day after his brother Erik received a similar rejection, marking a significant setback in their quest for freedom after serving over three decades for killing their parents in 1989. During the 10-hour hearing, the parole board cited concerns about Lyle's continued risk to society, including his persistent unauthorized cell phone use in prison as recently as March 2023, despite his educational achievements and positive contributions to prison life. The brothers claimed the killings were in self-defense after years of abuse, while prosecutors portrayed them as greedy and entitled murderers who meticulously planned the crime and later spent $700,000 of their inheritance. Following this denial, Lyle can request another parole hearing in three years, potentially reduced to 18 months with good behavior, while both brothers pursue additional legal avenues including clemency from California Governor Gavin Newsom and a request for a new trial.

US teenager Brianna LeDoux's Nigerian-made prom dress, which went viral on TikTok with over 1.1 million views, exemplifies a growing trend of American students commissioning custom African-designed prom attire. This phenomenon has created a booming business connecting African fashion designers with American youth, with Nigerian and Ghanaian designers fulfilling thousands of orders during the 2024 prom season. The garments, priced between $600-$1,000, are significantly more affordable than US-made custom dresses while allowing wearers to make cultural statements about their identity. Despite logistical challenges and new 15% US tariffs on Nigerian imports, African designers are adapting their business models to meet continued demand.

San Francisco has significantly reduced visible homelessness through aggressive enforcement measures that began after a 2023 Supreme Court ruling allowed cities to criminalize rough sleeping. Under former Mayor London Breed and continued by current Mayor Daniel Lurie, the city has dramatically increased arrests and citations for illegal lodging while simultaneously investing $846 million in homelessness programs for fiscal year 2024-2025. While tent encampments have decreased from 319 in July 2024 to 165 in June, overall homelessness has actually increased by 7% since 2022, with at least 8,300 people experiencing homelessness. This approach, which President Trump is now implementing in Washington DC, has garnered support from many residents but faces criticism from advocates who argue criminalization merely displaces people without addressing root causes.

The Smithsonian's exhibition "The Shape of Power: Stories of Race and American Sculpture" has become a focal point of controversy after being criticized in a Trump executive order for its examination of how sculpture has reinforced racist ideologies. The exhibition, which displays 82 sculptures dating from 1792 to 2023, aims to encourage transparent dialogue about race and racism through art history. In response to the criticism, the Smithsonian has begun reviewing content across its museums, raising concerns about potential limitations on candid discussions of American history. The exhibition features works like "The Wounded Scout, a Friend in the Swamp" and "The Dying Tecumseh," prompting viewers to consider how these sculptures shaped racial narratives despite their seemingly progressive messages.

The Trump administration has suspended Biden-era regulations requiring insurers to disclose restrictions on mental health claims and has cut funding to the agency enforcing mental health parity laws. These actions coincide with alarming health trends, including a surge in drug deaths among seniors and significant racial disparities in premature deaths. The Employee Benefits Security Administration is experiencing substantial workforce reductions, with investigative staff already cut by nearly 40% in some regions, leaving families struggling to receive coverage for mental health treatment. While some local initiatives like CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield's behavioral health grants demonstrate positive impacts, they cannot replace the national oversight being dismantled as part of a broader trend of unwinding Biden-era healthcare protections.

Recent research presented at the U.S. Black Chambers Annual Conference reveals strong consumer support for clearly identified Black-owned businesses across demographic groups. April Jeffries from Ipsos and Ron Busby Jr. from ByBlack shared findings from a 4,500-participant study showing positive responses to a "Certified for Future Generations Prosperity" seal, particularly in health and beauty, clothing, and fresh food categories. The research identified Houston, Dallas, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Oakland, and Washington, D.C. as markets with strongest support, suggesting certification could provide Black-owned businesses with a competitive advantage. ByBlack's certification process, requiring businesses to be at least 51% Black-owned, U.S.-headquartered, and operational for at least two years, offers the verification consumers seek when making purchasing decisions.

The FBI conducted searches of former national security adviser John Bolton's home and office as part of an investigation reportedly related to classified information handling. Bolton, who has been a vocal critic of President Trump since leaving his administration in 2019, previously authored a memoir that the Trump administration claimed contained classified information. While FBI officials have provided limited details about the investigation, Vice President JD Vance confirmed it relates partly to classified documents but denied it was politically motivated. No charges have been filed against Bolton, who has not yet commented on the searches.

Erik and Lyle Menendez, who have spent decades in prison for killing their parents in 1989, were denied parole after separate hearings in California this week. Both brothers' parole denials were primarily based on their behavior in prison, including rule violations such as unauthorized mobile phone use, rather than the original crimes. Despite claiming self-defense based on alleged abuse by their father, the parole commissioners cited concerns about anti-social personality traits and institutional misconduct that suggested they might break rules in society. Family members spoke in support of the brothers during the hearings, with many expressing forgiveness and willingness to help with their reintegration.

San Diego's use of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) has sparked concerns about potential data sharing with federal immigration authorities, despite California law SB 34 prohibiting such sharing. The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) has recently come under scrutiny after a Privacy Advisory Board report revealed compliance issues, including unauthorized access to ALPR data by outside agencies and data sharing with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. While SDPD insists they have no intention of aiding federal immigration enforcement, community members in predominantly Hispanic and immigrant neighborhoods worry about increased surveillance, especially given the current administration's aggressive deportation measures. Critics also question the $12 million, five-year surveillance contract with private companies Ubicquia Inc. and Flock Safety, arguing the funds could better serve community needs.

The Henry Ford museum near Detroit is showcasing important Civil Rights artifacts, including Rosa Parks' bus and a desk used by Martin Luther King Jr. for planning voting rights marches. Curator Amber Mitchell explains that such exhibits help tell collective stories about American society, particularly for those who didn't experience these historical events firsthand. However, the Trump administration's rules could potentially restrict public access to similar artifacts at federal sites by prohibiting content considered "divisive" that acknowledges the significant impact of racism in American history.