california news

California's 2026 gubernatorial race features a crowded Democratic field vying to replace term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom. Prominent candidates include Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, Secretary of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, former Representative Katie Porter, and several other high-profile Democrats. The race comes amid heightened tensions between California and the Trump administration, with Trump frequently criticizing the state's Democratic leadership and threatening federal funding cuts. California's gubernatorial contest is one of 36 governorship races occurring in 2026, with the state maintaining its position as a Democratic stronghold where Republicans haven't held the governor's office since Arnold Schwarzenegger's term ended in 2011.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris released a statement on July 30 announcing her decision not to run for Governor of California after months of reflection. Harris expressed her commitment to public service and her history of working within the system as a prosecutor, Attorney General, Senator, and Vice President. While acknowledging her love for California, she indicated she will pursue public service outside of elected office, suggesting she plans to find new methods to advance her values rather than following traditional political paths. Harris stated she will focus on supporting Democratic candidates and engaging with Americans, with more details about her future plans to be shared in coming months.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris has announced she will not run for California governor in 2026 after giving the decision "serious thought" and "deep reflection." Harris stated her leadership will not be in elected office for now, though she plans to remain politically active by helping elect Democrats and will share more about her future plans in the coming months. Her decision leaves open the possibility of a 2028 presidential run while creating space in a crowded Democratic gubernatorial primary that already includes numerous high-profile candidates such as Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and former Rep. Katie Porter. Harris, who began her political career as San Francisco's district attorney and made history as the first female, Black, and South Asian Vice President, has largely stayed out of politics since her 2024 presidential election loss, only occasionally commenting on issues like immigration enforcement in Los Angeles.

Sean "Diddy" Combs has filed a new motion seeking release from federal custody before his October 3 sentencing, following his conviction on Mann Act violations despite acquittal on sex trafficking and racketeering charges. His attorneys argue that his nearly year-long detention represents an unprecedented application of a 114-year-old law originally intended to combat human trafficking and forced prostitution. They contend Combs is being unfairly punished for consensual sexual activities within a swinger lifestyle, not for coercion or profiteering. The legal team has offered a $50 million bond secured by Combs' Miami home, along with travel restrictions and electronic monitoring, while also citing the dangerous conditions at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center as further justification for his release.

City of Hope International Church recently hosted its annual "Pack the City with Hope Back-to-School Giveaway and Community Resource Fair," serving over 100 students and families from the greater San Diego area. The event provided backpacks, school supplies, personal care items, dental kits, and other resources to help students start the school year confidently, with 50 students receiving new headphones and 75 girls receiving feminine hygiene kits. Associated Barber College offered free haircuts, while various partners including Visionary Dental, Super Dentists, Dr. Chan DDS, Lincoln High School Alumni Association, and church members contributed to the event's success. Remaining supplies will be donated to Lincoln High School and Porter Elementary School, extending the event's impact beyond the church grounds.

The Africa Migration Report Poetry Anthology Series is seeking submissions of poems and short prose pieces exploring African migration experiences for a new anthology. This multi-volume initiative aims to collect works examining the historical and contemporary patterns of African and African diasporic migration, including motivations like education, employment, climate change, and conflict. Submissions must be 40 lines or less for poetry or 100 words maximum for prose, with each contributor allowed to submit up to three pieces. The series was inspired by the Africa Migration Report's 2nd Edition and is organized by Forced Migration and The Arts in collaboration with CivicLeicester and Regularise.

The Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (San Diego Alphas) attended the fraternity's 98th General Convention in Philadelphia where they received multiple recognitions. The chapter was honored as the second-highest fundraiser for March of Dimes, raising $13,896, and received recognition for traveling the farthest distance to attend. Additionally, Brother Don Long was inducted into the Western Region Hall of Fame, making the San Diego chapter the only one in Alpha's 119-year history to have two members receive this distinction. While maintaining their national presence, the San Diego Alphas continue their local focus with their upcoming Holiday Scholarship Ball to fund educational programming, having awarded $23,000 in scholarships to high school seniors in 2025.

A recent AP-NORC poll reveals that 60% of Americans use AI for information searches, with higher usage (74%) among adults under 30. The survey shows significant generational differences in AI adoption, with younger adults more likely to use AI for brainstorming and work tasks. While AI has become common for information searches, fewer Americans employ it for work tasks (40%), email writing, image creation, or shopping. The poll highlights both the current limitations of AI adoption and signals potential for increased future usage as younger generations continue embracing the technology across various aspects of life.

Hulk Hogan's recent death at age 71 has evoked deeply divided reactions among wrestling fans, especially in the Black community. While many celebrate Hogan's iconic status and undeniable influence in popularizing professional wrestling, others cannot separate his legacy from his documented racist comments, including slurs captured on recordings in 2007. Black wrestling enthusiasts like Kazeem Famuyide, who hosts "The Ringer Wrestling Show," express complex feelings about Hogan—acknowledging his childhood hero status while criticizing his apparent lack of genuine remorse for racist statements. The contradictory responses to Hogan's death reflect broader tensions about race within both wrestling culture and American society as a whole.

Assemblymember Tina McKinnor's bill (AB 62), which aims to help victims of racially motivated eminent domain recover lost property, received unanimous approval from the Senate Judiciary Committee with bipartisan support. The bill establishes a process for reviewing claims of racially motivated property seizures through an agency's Office of Legal Affairs, which would then certify claimants' rights to original property, comparable assets, or monetary compensation. AB 62 follows in the spirit of SB 796, which facilitated the return of Bruce's Beach to descendants of the Black couple whose property was seized in 1924. Now headed to the Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations, the bill is part of the California Legislative Black Caucus's "Road to Repair" legislative package seeking justice for marginalized communities.

President Trump signed the controversial "Big Beautiful Bill" (H.R.1) on July 4, which cuts social program funding and expands tax breaks for the wealthy. San Diego County officials have expressed alarm about the bill's impact on residents dependent on federally funded safety net programs, potentially losing up to $286 million yearly in program support. The legislation will significantly affect food assistance with approximately 96,000 people expected to lose CalFresh benefits due to expanded work requirements, while healthcare changes will eventually impact hundreds of thousands of Medi-Cal recipients through stricter eligibility rules. Additionally, the bill proposes a 44% decrease in HUD's budget, severely affecting affordable housing initiatives, rental assistance, and homelessness reduction programs in San Diego.

The Upward Bound Summer Academy at San Diego State University recently concluded with a Research Projects Defense Presentation Symposium where low-income, first-generation high school students showcased their research on community issues. During the six-week program, students lived on campus, attended lectures, received stipends, and conducted independent research on topics including mental health, homelessness, immigration policy, and climate change. Participants from ten high schools across three school districts were guided by instructors from SDSU's Institute for Transformative Education (ITE), which has been running federally funded TRIO programs since 1983. The symposium highlighted the students' college-level research capabilities while emphasizing the importance of continued funding for such programs that serve historically underserved communities.

A federal judge, Sheryl H. Lipman, has scheduled sentencing for five former Memphis police officers convicted in Tyre Nichols' 2023 beating death to occur in December 2023, following an unexpected recusal by the previous judge Mark Norris. The sentencing dates could change depending on rulings on several sealed motions, including a request for a new trial for three of the officers. The case stems from a January 2023 incident where the five Black officers violently beat Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, during a traffic stop near his home, with some officers later found guilty of federal charges including obstruction of justice and civil rights violations. The beating, which was captured on video and resulted in Nichols' death, sparked nationwide protests and prompted scrutiny of police practices in Memphis.

Archaeologists at William & Mary have discovered an intact foundation and artifact-filled cellar from a 1700s building that once housed the Williamsburg Bray School, the nation's oldest surviving schoolhouse for Black children. The school educated hundreds of mostly enslaved students in the 1760s before later serving as a private residence and eventually becoming part of William & Mary's campus, where it was used as dormitory housing for some of the first female college students in America. After historians identified the structure in 2020 using tree ring dating, it was relocated to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation for restoration while archaeologists continue excavating the original site. The cellar has yielded various artifacts spanning centuries, including slate pencil fragments, jewelry, handmade ceramics associated with enslaved communities, and items from its later use as Methodist women's housing.

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Kenneth Harris, a 38-year-old retired veteran, relocated from Atlanta to Nairobi, Kenya two years ago seeking a place where his dark skin is a mark of shared heritage rather than suspicion. He is part of a growing wave of African Americans moving to Kenya to connect with their ancestral roots, attracted by the tropical climate and welcoming community. In Nairobi, Harris runs an Airbnb business and enjoys a luxurious lifestyle in an upmarket neighborhood, describing Kenya as his "new home." This trend reflects a broader movement of African Americans seeking better quality of life abroad, with businesses like Adilah Relocation Services helping facilitate these transitions.

Vice President Kamala Harris's potential gubernatorial run in California is creating tension among the state's Democrats. While some representatives like Ro Khanna and Mike Levin support her candidacy, others express concerns that her run could negatively impact vulnerable Democrats in swing districts as the party tries to retake the House. Harris is carefully deliberating her options, which include running for governor, creating political organizations, or preparing for a potential 2028 presidential bid. The decision is complicated by mixed polling data, redistricting concerns, and questions about whether being governor aligns with her political ambitions after serving as Vice President.

Two young men incarcerated at East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility have graduated from Southwestern College with associate's degrees and have been accepted to four-year universities. Their achievement was celebrated with family members, San Diego County Chief Probation Officer Tamika Nelson, and Probation staff in attendance at both the graduation ceremony and a private dinner afterward at the detention facility. Both graduates are participants in the Youth Development Academy Fire Program, with one earning a degree in communication and the other in sociology. Their success demonstrates how educational opportunities and structured programs can help justice-involved youth change their life trajectories and highlights the San Diego County Probation Department's commitment to rehabilitation.

A 27-year-old gunman from Las Vegas, Shane Tamura, attacked a Manhattan skyscraper on Monday evening, killing four people including NYPD officer Didarul Islam before taking his own life. Tamura entered the Park Avenue building that houses the NFL and major companies like Blackstone and KPMG, opening fire in the lobby before continuing his rampage on the 33rd floor. Police found multiple magazine rounds and a revolver in the suspect's Nevada-registered vehicle, and a note referencing mental illness possibly related to CTE was discovered at the scene. The attack temporarily halted parts of Midtown Manhattan as police worked for hours to clear the building floor by floor.

French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron have filed a defamation lawsuit against conservative commentator Candace Owens for repeatedly claiming that Brigitte was born a man named Jean-Michel Trogneux (who is actually her brother). Despite the lawsuit, Owens has doubled down on her false claims, even releasing an eight-part podcast series called "Becoming Brigitte" after the Macrons requested a retraction. This case represents a broader trend of gender-focused conspiracy theories targeting prominent women in politics and culture, including Michelle Obama and Kamala Harris, which experts attribute to these women's influence, perceived left-leaning politics, and breaking of traditional gender stereotypes.

Congressman David Scott of Georgia has introduced the Black Farmers and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers Increased Market Share Act of 2025 to protect Black farmers amid the Trump administration's elimination of DEI protections at the USDA. The legislation, co-sponsored by Congressman Jonathan Jackson, aims to expand market access and enforce civil rights protections for historically marginalized farmers whose numbers have declined from 14% to less than 2% of all U.S. farmers in less than a century. The bill establishes grant programs, tax credits, procurement priorities, and a Civil Rights Ombudsperson while the USDA simultaneously announced it will no longer use the term "socially disadvantaged" in response to Trump's executive orders eliminating DEI programs. Critics argue this policy reversal disproportionately harms Black farmers and represents a step backward in addressing the USDA's history of discrimination.

A major coalition of Black faith organizations, led by leaders from the National Baptist Convention USA, Church of God in Christ, National Baptist Convention of America, and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), has announced a strategic partnership to address systemic disparities affecting African American communities nationwide. The collaboration unites two historically influential institutions in Black America—the Black Church and Black Media—to create a unified approach to longstanding inequities in healthcare, education, criminal justice, economic opportunity, and access to capital. This partnership aims to replace fragmented responses with a consolidated voice grounded in shared values, spiritual conviction, and cultural empowerment. The coalition has established five core initiatives and is inviting various stakeholders to join their movement for unity, justice, and progress.

Bill Cosby appeared on the Black Press of America's "Let It Be Known" to share his thoughts on the death of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who played Theo Huxtable on "The Cosby Show" and reportedly drowned at age 54. During the interview, Cosby recounted emotional conversations with Warner's mother Pamela and fellow cast member Phylicia Rashad following the news. He revealed that the character of Theo was based on his real-life son Ennis, and praised Warner's intelligence, efficiency, and love of life while reflecting on the cultural significance of "The Cosby Show" in portraying Black professionals and family structure. Cosby emphasized the importance of celebrating Warner's life and legacy rather than responding with anger, while also acknowledging civil rights leaders and expressing his longstanding support for the Black Press.

The news article presents a statement from Patrick Rodenbush, spokesperson for President Obama, addressing unspecified claims made by the current White House. Rodenbush calls these allegations "outrageous," "bizarre," and "ridiculous," characterizing them as a diversion tactic. The statement defends previous findings that Russia attempted to influence the 2016 presidential election without successfully manipulating votes. Rodenbush notes that a 2020 bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee report, led by then-Chairman Marco Rubio, confirmed these conclusions.

Prince's iconic 1987 concert film "Sign O' The Times" is being re-released in IMAX theaters globally, with special opening night screenings at AMC theaters on August 28, followed by a wider release on August 29. The film has been remastered using IMAX's proprietary technology to deliver superior sound quality and visuals, showcasing Prince at the height of his creative power performing memorable tracks like "If I Was Your Girlfriend," "U Got The Look," and the socially relevant title track. Attendees of the opening night screenings will receive exclusive collectible concert-style tickets, giving fans both new and old an opportunity to experience Prince's extraordinary musicianship, stagecraft, and artistic vision in an immersive format.

The recently signed "Big Ugly" legislation will cause health insurance premiums to increase significantly in 2026, with a projected median spike of 15% nationwide according to KFF and the Peterson Center on Healthcare. A key factor driving this increase is the termination of enhanced premium tax credits that currently help over 24 million Americans afford health coverage, resulting in individual premium payments rising by more than 75% on average for subsidy recipients. Additionally, Trump's tariffs on imported goods including pharmaceuticals are compelling insurers to increase premiums beyond medical inflation rates. The impact will disproportionately affect low-income Americans, with insurers warning that as healthier individuals leave the market due to affordability issues, the remaining risk pool will become sicker and more expensive to cover.

Kellie Todd Griffin presents a powerful critique of California's systemic inequalities affecting Black communities despite the state's progressive reputation. She highlights the extensive documentation in California's Reparations Report that details generations of discrimination in housing, policing, education, and healthcare affecting Black Californians. Griffin emphasizes stark statistics showing Black Californians face disproportionate rates of poverty, homelessness, unemployment, and healthcare disparities, including that Black women earn just $0.61 for every dollar earned by white men. She calls for immediate policy changes and substantive investment rather than platitudes, urging Californians to listen to Black voices demanding accountability and justice.