california news

Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed five significant bills into California law, most of which will take effect on January 1, 2026. These new laws address diverse issues including preventing insurance lapses during divorces, extending financial aid deadlines for students, requiring mental health training for teachers, allowing food trucks to sell beer, and expanding food options for CalFresh beneficiaries. The legislation aims to protect vulnerable Californians, support students facing application delays, address youth mental health concerns, boost small business opportunities, and provide more dignity and choice for food assistance recipients.

The California Senate Judiciary Committee recently approved Assembly Bill 7 with an 11-2 vote, legislation that would allow public and private colleges in California to offer admissions preferences to applicants who are descendants of enslaved people. Authored by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, the bill defines "descendant of slavery" with specific criteria related to individuals subjected to American chattel slavery before 1900 and is part of the California Legislative Black Caucus's "Road to Repair 2025" package. The California Association of Black Lawyers (CABL) showed strong support at the hearing, emphasizing that the bill focuses on lineage rather than race to better withstand legal scrutiny. Though opposed by some Republican senators and the Californians for Equal Rights Foundation, who argue it violates Proposition 209, supporters maintain AB 7 takes a lineage-based approach to address educational equity without conflicting with federal law.

In Arizona and across the nation, a younger generation of Democratic candidates is challenging older incumbents, arguing the party needs fresh leadership following election losses. In Arizona's special election, 25-year-old Deja Foxx is competing against several candidates, including Adelita Grijalva, daughter of deceased Rep. Raúl Grijalva, for his congressional seat. Similar generational challenges are emerging in Georgia, where 80-year-old Rep. David Scott faces multiple younger opponents concerned about his health and public presence. These younger candidates are employing social media strategies rather than traditional campaigning methods, believing they can better connect with voters and articulate Democratic solutions to economic struggles.

The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have signed a declaration of principles for a permanent ceasefire in eastern Congo, marking a significant step toward peace in a decades-long conflict that has killed millions. This Qatar-facilitated agreement, which builds upon a U.S.-brokered peace deal from June, establishes a framework for a final peace agreement to be signed by August 18. The conflict, which began after the 1994 Rwandan genocide, has been fueled by ethnic tensions and competition for the region's vast mineral resources valued at approximately $24 trillion. Despite the ceasefire declaration, both sides have already shown contradictory interpretations regarding the withdrawal of rebels from seized territories.

The National Urban League (NUL) has released its 49th annual "State of Black America" report titled "State of Emergency: Democracy, Civil Rights, and Progress Under Attack," which warns that democracy and civil rights are under significant threat. President Marc Morial declared that what began as fringe attacks on racial equity has evolved into national policy, creating a state of emergency for Black America. The report highlights multiple concerning developments including the weakening of the Voting Rights Act, the Supreme Court's elimination of race-conscious college admissions, voter suppression laws in multiple states, and the demonization of diversity initiatives. In response, the NUL is working with a coalition of civic, social justice, and civil rights leaders to defend democracy and promote equality through various advocacy tactics.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the 54-year-old actor known for his role as Theodore Huxtable on "The Cosby Show," has died in a drowning accident while vacationing with his family in Costa Rica. According to reports, Warner was swimming at Playa Grande near Cahuita when a current pulled him deeper into the ocean around 2:30 p.m. local time on Sunday. Despite rescue attempts by beachgoers, the Costa Rican Red Cross declared him dead. Throughout his career, Warner remained active in television with numerous credits, won a Grammy in 2015, and recently launched a podcast called "Not All Hood" that explored diverse Black experiences.

Martha Abraham, a candidate for San Diego City Council District 4, criticizes current Council Member Henry Foster for allegedly supporting the controversial Klauber Project despite community opposition. Abraham accuses Foster of orchestrating a deceptive performance during a council vote, claiming he appeared to oppose the project publicly while actually ensuring its approval through coordination with allies Vivian Moreno and Sean Elo-Rivera. She argues that Foster consistently prioritizes developer interests over community needs, citing his support for multiple development projects that she believes threaten green space and environmental health in District 4. Abraham presents herself as an alternative candidate who will genuinely represent community interests rather than developer profits.

Martha Abraham, a Southeast San Diego activist, nurse, and small business owner, has announced her campaign for San Diego City Council District 4. After immigrating from East Africa in 1986, Abraham built a career in healthcare before opening a homecare agency for aging adults. Her campaign emerges from years of grassroots organizing, particularly her advocacy regarding housing developments in Emerald Hills and Encanto, where she helped lead efforts to repeal "Footnote 7," a zone change that allowed development without community input. Abraham pledges to focus on environmental justice, green infrastructure, addressing food and retail deserts, and improving healthcare access in a district she believes has been neglected.

of the News Article Former federal prosecutor Erika Evans resigned from her position as an assistant US attorney in Seattle due to changes at the Justice Department under President Trump's second term, including rollbacks of diversity initiatives. Evans, now running for Seattle city attorney, is part of a growing trend of ex-federal officials entering politics after being alienated by Trump administration policies. Democratic groups like Run for Something and Emerge are actively recruiting these former federal employees as candidates, with both organizations reporting significant increases in people expressing interest in running for office since the last election. This trend coincides with widespread job losses among federal workers as the Trump administration aims to shrink the federal workforce.

California's approximately 28,000 student teachers face significant financial challenges as they work unpaid while completing required credential programs costing between $20,000-$40,000. To address this issue, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi has introduced Assembly Bill 1128, which would establish the California Student Teacher Support Grant Program to compensate teacher candidates at the same rate as substitute teachers ($140/day). The bill has received unanimous support in the Assembly with a 79-0 vote and Governor Newsom has already allocated $100 million for the program in his 2025-26 budget, though analysts estimate the full program could cost up to $300 million annually. The California Teachers Association strongly supports this legislation, noting that unpaid student teaching disproportionately impacts educators of color and those from low-income backgrounds.

The California Senate Judiciary Committee has voted 11-1 to advance Assembly Bill 1263, introduced by Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson), which would expand restrictions on "ghost guns" - untraceable firearms without serial numbers often made from kits or 3D-printed components. The bill has now moved to the Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations for consideration. According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, nearly 71,000 alleged privately made ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement between 2016 and 2022. While supporters argue these restrictions are necessary for public safety and traceability, organizations like Gun Owners of America oppose the bill, claiming it violates Second Amendment rights and the right to privately build firearms.

The Trump Justice Department, through Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, has requested a one-day sentence for former Louisville police officer Brett Hankison who was convicted of violating Breonna Taylor's civil rights during a fatal 2020 "no knock" warrant raid. Taylor, a 26-year-old emergency room technician, was killed in her apartment by police who were searching for a drug dealer, making her death a pivotal case in the Black Lives Matter movement. Judge Rebecca Grady Jennings will consider this sentencing recommendation on July 21, which includes one day in prison, time served, and three years of supervised release. The case highlights a pattern where officers involved in the deaths of Black individuals rarely face significant punishment, despite Taylor's family receiving a $12 million settlement for her wrongful death.

of "When July 21, 2024, Arrived, Black Women Were Ready" On July 21, 2024, when President Biden announced he was withdrawing from the presidential race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, Black women leaders across the Democratic Party rapidly mobilized to secure her nomination. That evening, over 44,000 Black women joined a previously planned Win With Black Women Zoom call that transformed into a historic rally of support, raising $1.5 million for Harris' campaign in under two hours. Key Democratic strategists including Donna Brazile and Minyon Moore worked behind the scenes making calls to lock down delegate support, while organizer Jotaka Eaddy and others coordinated the massive virtual gathering that ultimately expanded to hundreds of thousands of participants across various platforms. This unprecedented coordination by Black women leaders demonstrated their political influence and organizing power within the Democratic Party during a crucial moment of transition.

The Senior Care Action Network (SCAN) Foundation hosted a dinner event at Scott's Seafood and Grill on July 10, 2025, featuring keynote speakers and panelists who addressed healthcare disparities affecting marginalized communities, particularly elderly Black individuals. Dr. Stacey Gambrell Hunt emphasized the critical importance of self-advocacy in medical settings, highlighting how Black Americans make up 13% of the population but only 6% of physicians, leading to underrepresentation and inadequate healthcare. The event brought together diverse attendees to learn about SCAN's mission to amplify marginalized voices, fund elder healthcare programs, support equity-centered policies, and strengthen health and aging infrastructure. Panelist Donna Hillard shared her personal experience of having to translate for her Korean mother at age 7, further illustrating the need for better representation and advocacy in healthcare settings.

Donald Trump has filed a $10 billion lawsuit against Dow Jones and Rupert Murdoch over a Wall Street Journal article claiming he sent a "bawdy" birthday note to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003. Trump denies writing the note, which allegedly contained inappropriate content and was framed by a hand-drawn outline of a naked woman. The lawsuit comes amid broader controversy surrounding the Epstein case, with the US Justice Department now requesting the unsealing of grand jury materials related to Epstein's 2019 sex trafficking case. Trump's handling of the Epstein files has created tension even among his supporters, with some congressional representatives from both parties pushing for greater transparency.

Three veteran officers from the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department were killed in an explosion at the Biscailuz Center Academy Training facility in East Los Angeles on Friday morning. The blast occurred in the parking lot of the facility's special enforcement bureau, marking the department's largest loss of life in a single incident since its founding in 1857. All three deceased officers were assigned to the sheriff department's arson explosives detail and had served between 19 to 33 years. Multiple agencies including the FBI and ATF are investigating the explosion, which Sheriff Robert Luna described as "an isolated incident."

The Trump administration has significantly cut funding and staff dedicated to combating human trafficking, including a major reduction at the State Department's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP) last Friday. These cuts have affected multiple federal agencies despite human trafficking being historically championed as a Republican priority, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Attorney General Pam Bondi both having advocated strongly for anti-trafficking efforts. The administration's pullback has surprised many advocates who expected bipartisan support would protect these initiatives, especially given the prominence of anti-trafficking work during Trump's first term. The cuts come amid controversy surrounding the handling of Jeffrey Epstein investigations and have affected the office responsible for producing a critical annual global assessment of human trafficking prevention work.

William Lacy Clay Sr., a civil rights leader and founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, has died at 94. In 1968, he made history as Missouri's first Black congressman, serving 32 years in the U.S. House where he championed labor rights, education, and social justice initiatives. During his tenure, Clay pushed landmark legislation including Hatch Act reforms and the Family and Medical Leave Act, while also co-sponsoring H.R. 40 for reparations studies in his final term. After his retirement in 2001, his son William Lacy Clay Jr. continued his legacy by representing Missouri's 1st District until 2021.

The National Urban League has declared a "state of emergency" for democracy and civil rights in the United States in its 49th annual State of Black America report. Titled "State of Emergency: Democracy, Civil Rights, and Progress Under Attack," the report warns of a coordinated campaign to reverse decades of progress for Black Americans through voter suppression, dismantling of civil rights protections, and attacks on diversity initiatives. The report details specific threats including the rollback of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, transformation of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, digital extremism against progressive candidates, and organized opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. In response, the National Urban League has launched multiple initiatives including legal challenges, advocacy campaigns, and community organizing efforts to defend civil rights and democratic principles.

A global study of 4,213 adults across 34 populations has determined that increased calorie consumption, rather than decreased energy expenditure, is the primary driver of obesity in economically developed societies. The research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that increased energy intake was approximately ten times more influential than declining energy expenditure in causing the modern obesity crisis. Among African Americans, obesity affects nearly 48 percent of adults, with higher rates among women (56.6%) than men (37.1%), attributed to disparities in housing, income, education, and access to healthy food and safe physical activity spaces. The study also found a positive association between ultra-processed food consumption and body fat percentage, highlighting the public health challenge of regulating food environments while acknowledging the continued importance of physical activity for overall health.

A nurse scientist's research reveals the severe mental health impacts of incarceration on Black men in Philadelphia. The study, published in Social Science & Medicine, interviewed 29 formerly incarcerated Black men who described experiencing trauma, racism, and violence while incarcerated, with effects lasting long after release. Many participants reported struggling with PTSD, depression, hypervigilance, and feeling "institutionalized" even years after returning to society. These mental health challenges are compounded by barriers to employment, family reconnection difficulties, and returning to under-resourced neighborhoods, highlighting the need for trauma-informed support services.

A Trump-appointed federal judge has blocked a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) rule that would have removed medical debt from approximately 15 million Americans' credit reports. Judge Sean Jordan ruled in favor of credit reporting industry groups, finding that the CFPB exceeded its authority under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The blocked rule, issued in January under the Biden administration, aimed to prevent medical debt from negatively impacting credit scores, recognizing that such debt often results from billing errors, insurance disputes, or unavoidable emergencies. This decision particularly affects Black Americans, who disproportionately carry medical debt, with nearly 20 million U.S. adults owing an estimated $220 billion in total medical debt.

American consumers are facing significant financial strain as prices have risen approximately 26% since the COVID-19 pandemic began, making many everyday purchases and experiences increasingly unaffordable. Hotel rooms, rental cars, groceries, and dining out have all seen dramatic price increases, with hotel rates up 24% over the past decade and restaurant prices soaring 49.3% in the same period. The Times of London reports that this persistent inflation, which began accelerating in 2021, has impacted Americans across all income brackets, forcing difficult spending decisions. Some companies have been accused of exploiting the situation by passing along rising costs to consumers while seeking increased profit margins.

President Trump announced to Texas Republicans that the GOP will attempt a mid-decade redistricting in Texas to create five new Republican congressional seats, with the state legislature scheduled to consider this unusual move next week. Republicans currently hold strong majorities in both chambers of the Texas legislature despite Texas being a majority-minority state, with the last congressional maps drawn in 2021. Democratic representatives, including Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, have expressed strong opposition to this redistricting effort, arguing it intentionally dilutes minority voices. Crockett highlighted that Texas has historically been found by courts to be intentionally discriminatory in its redistricting efforts, noting that despite the state's growth being 95% people of color, previous redistricting provided zero new seats for communities of color.

The Trump Administration is now targeting George Mason University President Greg Washington, following their pressure on University of Virginia's president to resign. The Department of Education launched an investigation on July 10 alleging Title VI violations of the Civil Rights Act, specifically criticizing GMU's Task Force on Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence. While conservative groups like the Jefferson Council have demanded Washington's resignation, he has received support from GMU professors, and the Virginia NAACP condemned the investigation as "a blatant attempt to intimidate those who champion diversity." GMU has responded by affirming its commitment to comply with federal mandates and non-discrimination policies.

The recent immigration raids across Southern California have caused widespread disruption and fear, particularly following an incident where Jaime Alanis died after falling while hiding from agents at a cannabis farm. These intensified immigration operations, which began in June, prompted President Trump to deploy National Guard and Marines to ensure deportations continued despite growing protests. The enforcement actions have dramatically altered daily life in the region, with an estimated 1.4 million undocumented immigrants afraid to leave their homes, businesses closing, and community events being canceled. While administration officials highlight criminals captured during these operations, many non-criminal immigrants with established lives in the U.S. have also been detained, leading to accusations that the government is conducting a "program of terror" against California residents.

Senator Susan Collins, a longstanding Republican representing Maine since 1997, is expected to seek a sixth term in 2026 though she hasn't formally announced her candidacy. Despite Maine's Democratic leanings at the presidential level, Collins has historically been difficult to unseat, as demonstrated by her decisive victory over Democrat Sara Gideon in 2020 despite Gideon's substantial campaign funding. The 2026 race remains uncertain as potential candidates like term-limited Democratic Governor Janet Mills consider challenging Collins, while Democrats David Costello and Jordan Wood have already entered the primary. This Maine Senate race is crucial for Democrats who need to flip four GOP-held seats to regain control of the Senate, which Republicans currently hold with a three-seat majority.

The article examines how the January 6, 2021 Capitol insurrection has evolved into a cultural industry spanning documentaries, books, games, and theatrical performances. It specifically highlights "Fight for America!" - an interactive London theater experience where audiences reenact the insurrection by choosing sides and even voting whether to "hang" Vice President Pence. The piece details how this and other forms of January 6 entertainment commodify the attack, with creators claiming they promote reflection on democracy while critics question whether such works memorialize or trivialize a traumatic national event. The article notes that a Washington D.C. production of "Fight for America!" is planned for January 2026, coinciding with Trump's return to power and his clemency for most insurrection defendants.

Jeanne Denise Coleman (1948-2025) was a beloved educator, athlete, and community figure who passed away peacefully in North Carolina after a rich and impactful life. Born in Gary, Indiana, and later relocating to San Diego, she built a distinguished career with the San Diego City School District as a teacher and coach while also working for 41 years at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. Known for her generous heart, humor, and commitment to helping others, Jeanne earned both bachelor's and master's degrees and was affectionately called "JJ," "Jay," and "Mama C" by those who knew her. She is survived by her daughter Kimberly, son Kevane, and numerous friends and relatives who cherished her motto: "You'd better do what you can while you can."

Benjamin Eugene Brockman II passed away at age 42 in San Diego, California on June 24, 2025. Born in Los Angeles on April 16, 1983, he was the only child of Benjamin E. and Wanda M. Brockman and a member of Calvary Baptist Church. Benjamin had many passions including music, art, knitting, movies, cooking with his grandmother, and his dog, bringing warmth and joy to those around him. He leaves behind his parents, godmother Jewel McDowell, several aunts, and numerous cousins and friends who will cherish his memory.