california news

The article describes far-right Christian nationalist Joshua Haymes' recent statements defending slavery as "not inherently evil," connecting these views to Donald Trump's administration and its efforts to censor historical exhibits about slavery. According to the article, Trump has directed the National Park Service and Smithsonian Institution to remove exhibits that "disparage" America's founders by mentioning slavery, including removing historical images showing the physical effects of slavery. The article further links these actions to a broader movement of white Christian nationalism, citing examples of racist comments from young Republican groups and arguing this represents a coordinated effort to rewrite history and suppress truths about America's past. The author characterizes these efforts as part of a cultural counterrevolution against truth and equality.

The US government shutdown has led the Department of Agriculture to announce that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will cease distribution in November, affecting over 40 million Americans. The Trump administration has declined to use contingency funds for SNAP benefits, claiming these reserves must be preserved for emergencies like natural disasters. Democrats have strongly criticized this decision, arguing that significant funding remains available in the contingency reserve that could cover most November benefits. While some states have pledged to use their own funds to cover the shortfall, others like Massachusetts have indicated they lack sufficient resources, leading states to help SNAP recipients locate food pantries and alternative meal sources.

U.S. air traffic controllers, who must work without pay during the ongoing government shutdown, are increasingly seeking second jobs and calling in sick, according to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. The staff shortages have resulted in flight disruptions at multiple airports, including Los Angeles International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and potentially Dallas Fort-Worth. On Sunday alone, more than 3,000 flights were delayed, with Duffy reporting that 22 airport alerts due to worker shortages were issued on Saturday—one of the highest numbers since the shutdown began. The current shutdown entered its 26th day on Sunday, making it the second-longest in U.S. history, with potential for increased travel disruption ahead of Game 3 of the World Series and the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.

Michael Moore is advocating for his brother William Lollis, who is serving a 92-year sentence for a nonviolent criminal threat charge from 2013 in Fresno County. The case allegedly involved significant racial bias, including Lollis's defense attorney calling him a racist slur during their consultation, which Judge Houry A. Sanderson dismissed as sarcasm without consequence. Moore claims the proceedings were marred by judicial misconduct, including falsified records, denial of document access, and the improper addition of 40 illegal witness dissuasion counts. Lollis has already served 11 years, which is eight years beyond what his sentence would have been without the allegedly unwarranted additional charges. # Key Takeaways

Former US Vice-President Kamala Harris revealed in a BBC interview that she regrets not asking President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race due to concerns about his ability to handle a demanding campaign. In her book "107 Days," Harris questions whether Biden's decision to run should have been left to "an individual's ego" or "ambition," though she distinguished between his capacity to serve as president and his ability to endure a grueling campaign against Donald Trump. Harris explained she hesitated to speak up because she feared being perceived as acting in her own political self-interest, a dilemma that has become part of a broader conversation about whether those close to Biden should have challenged his decision to run for reelection.

In her first UK interview with the BBC, former US Vice-President Kamala Harris indicated she may run for president again, stating she is "possibly" considering another White House bid and that she is "not done" with public service. Harris defended her 2024 campaign against Donald Trump, attributing her loss primarily to the late timing of President Biden's withdrawal, while criticizing Trump as a "tyrant" who has weaponized government agencies as she predicted. She pointed to specific examples of Trump's authoritarian tendencies, including the suspension of comedian Jimmy Kimmel after Trump-appointed regulators threatened his broadcasters, and criticized American business leaders for "capitulating" to presidential demands. Throughout the interview, Harris expressed confidence that America will eventually elect a female president, suggesting it could be her, while dismissing polls that show her as an unlikely Democratic nominee for 2028.

Kevin Federline, Britney Spears' ex-husband, has released a memoir titled "You Thought You Knew" offering his perspective on their relationship, her mental health struggles, and the controversial conservatorship that controlled Spears' life for 13 years. The book directly contradicts many accounts from Spears' 2023 memoir "The Woman In Me," particularly regarding the necessity of her conservatorship, which Federline claims provided stability for their children while Spears characterized it as controlling and abusive. Spears has denounced Federline's book as "extremely hurtful and exhausting," while Federline insists he's publishing his account to ensure his children don't have to "explain who their father is" and to counter decades of media portrayal as a "bad boy" coasting on Spears' wealth. Both memoirs attempt to reframe the public narrative around their relationship and Spears' conservatorship battle, though they present dramatically different perspectives on the same events.

New York Attorney General Tish James is facing arraignment in Norfolk, Virginia on a bank fraud charge, which her supporters claim is politically motivated retaliation by the Trump administration. James will request dismissal of the case, citing allegations that Trump-appointed interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan improperly communicated about the indictment. The charges appear to be retribution for James' three-year investigation into the Trump Organization that resulted in a civil fraud lawsuit against Trump and his children. Black women's groups and advocacy organizations are rallying in support of James both in Norfolk and at a planned Sunday event in New York.

Public murals across America are preserving and celebrating Black history despite ongoing attempts to erase it from mainstream education and discourse. Cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, Los Angeles, Topeka, Birmingham, Jacksonville, and Washington D.C. feature powerful artistic works depicting Black historical figures, movements, and experiences. These murals, created by dedicated artists, serve as public reminders of Black contributions to American society and as forms of resistance against historical erasure. The artworks transcend decoration to become testimonials of Black resilience, achievement, and ongoing presence in American life, standing as defiant statements against efforts to silence or rewrite this essential history.

Russell Vought, Donald Trump's former budget director, has emerged as the power behind the White House according to a ProPublica investigation. As the principal author of Project 2025, Vought is implementing policies aimed at creating what he calls a "Christian nation" by consolidating control through the Office of Management and Budget. The investigation reveals he has blocked aid for disadvantaged communities, canceled education programs, and dismantled health and environmental protections while controlling federal spending. Vought's influence extends to replacing diversity initiatives with policies that many critics view as reinforcing racial hierarchies, with reports indicating he has already paused or canceled over $400 billion in funding for social programs.

President Trump faces growing opposition, with a recent AP-NORC Center Poll showing only 37% approval and approximately 7 million Americans participating in "No Kings Day 2.0" protests nationwide. The ongoing government shutdown has caused office closures, worker furloughs, and service reductions, while the administration has already terminated over 4,000 federal jobs. Republican leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson and Vice President JD Vance, have dismissed or mocked protesters, while President Trump shared a controversial AI video depicting himself wearing a crown and targeting demonstrators. A federal judge has temporarily halted additional worker terminations, ruling that the administration's targeting of "Democrat agencies" appears politically motivated and likely illegal.

The California Teachers Association (CTA) has endorsed Proposition 50, a redistricting initiative introduced by Governor Gavin Newsom, and is specifically targeting Black voters through legacy Black newspapers. CTA Secretary/Treasurer Erika Jones positions the initiative as a counter-response to concerning developments in states like Texas where education funding and voting rights face threats. Jones argues that federal dysfunction directly impacts California classrooms, potentially endangering $15 billion in federal assistance for education. Despite criticism from within Democratic circles about the ethics of using Prop. 50 as a political tool, the CTA is mobilizing educators and community members to support the initiative before the upcoming vote.

A recent sophisticated heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris resulted in the theft of eight priceless jewels that once belonged to Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie. The thieves, dressed in black and moving with precision, completed the robbery in less than seven minutes, leaving security unable to respond in time. Experts believe that while the thieves might be caught, the stolen jewels will likely never be recovered once they are melted down or cut. This incident joins a series of notable art thefts throughout history, including the infamous 1990 Gardner Museum heist in Boston and the temporary disappearance of the Mona Lisa in 1911.

The United States is implementing significant changes to Social Security that may disproportionately impact Black Americans and other vulnerable populations. Beginning with the retirement age rising to 67 for those born in 1960 or later, the reforms also include stricter disability qualification rules and the elimination of paper checks as of September 30. According to research, these modifications will likely exacerbate existing racial disparities in Social Security benefits, as Black retirees already receive approximately 19 percent less than white retirees due to systemic inequities in wages, workforce participation, and life expectancy. Critics argue these changes continue a historical pattern of discrimination within the Social Security system, which originally excluded predominantly Black agricultural and domestic workers.

MacKenzie Scott has established a distinctive approach to philanthropy by providing unrestricted donations to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other Black-operated organizations. Most recently, Morgan State University received $63 million, which President David Wilson indicated would support the university's transformation into a "fully smart campus" with expanded faculty and AI research capabilities. Scott also donated $70 million to UNCF in September 2025, following a previous $10 million gift in 2020, with her contributions coming at a critical time when Black institutions face severe underfunding and political pressure against diversity initiatives. Her philanthropy method stands apart from traditional approaches by offering substantial unrestricted funds without fanfare, reflecting her trust in marginalized communities and their institutions to determine their own priorities.

Nonprofits combating domestic violence and sexual assault have secured several legal victories against Trump administration restrictions on federal funding. Through multiple lawsuits, these organizations have successfully blocked new rules that would limit grants for groups working with LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants without legal status, and those supporting diversity initiatives or "gender ideology." Federal judges have issued preliminary injunctions preventing the enforcement of these restrictions on grants from the Justice Department, Health and Human Services, and Housing and Urban Development, finding that the administration's rules would force organizations to choose between abandoning core services or losing essential funding. Though the legal battles continue, these temporary wins allow service providers to maintain critical support for vulnerable victims while challenging what they view as ideologically motivated funding restrictions.

Dr. Mahesh Anantha exemplifies the critical role that immigrant doctors play in rural America's healthcare system, where one in four practicing physicians in the US are foreign-trained. The recent announcement of a significant H-1B visa fee increase to $100,000 caused widespread concern among the approximately 50,000 India-trained doctors in America, many of whom serve in underserved areas where American medical graduates are reluctant to work. While the US government has since clarified that the fee "does not apply to previously issued and currently valid H-1B visas" and suggested potential exemptions for physicians, medical organizations remain concerned about the impact on future doctor recruitment, especially in rural communities already facing physician shortages. The American Medical Association and over 50 other groups have warned that the fee hike could discourage hospitals from hiring H-1B doctors, potentially worsening the projected shortfall of 124,000 physicians by 2034.

TikTok creators are sharing budget meal tips as millions of Americans worry that the ongoing US government shutdown will interrupt their SNAP food benefits. The USDA has warned states that without additional funding, there may be "insufficient funds" to pay full benefits in November, impacting the approximately 40 million low-income Americans who rely on SNAP's average $6 per day per person benefit. The shutdown, which began in October, has prevented Congress from approving necessary spending, and while a $5 billion contingency fund exists, it would only cover about 60% of one month's benefits. Both Republicans and Democrats are blaming each other for the potential disruption to this essential program that helps people avoid choosing between rent and food.

SD Melanin hosted its first "Blacktoberfest" event at S&S Friendly Ranch, San Diego's oldest Black-owned ranch, creating an atmosphere that combined HBCU homecoming spirit with West Coast culture. Attendees dressed in Western attire, enjoyed interacting with wildlife, listened to DJ Speakerboxx, participated in line dancing classes led by D'Bora, and supported Black-owned businesses selling culturally significant items. Founder Loren Cobbs emphasized the organization's mission to create safe, high-caliber experiences where the Black community can freely exist regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The choice of venue highlighted the importance of Black economic community, with S&S Friendly Ranch having been established in 1980 by siblings Sim and Sarah Wallace to maintain local partnerships and promote agricultural education.

Young Black Americans are increasingly migrating to cities offering economic opportunities and supportive communities in what experts describe as a modern Great Migration shaped by political and cultural factors. According to Apartment List's 2025 Best Cities for Black Professionals report, Washington D.C., Atlanta, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas lead the nation for Black professional success based on employment, income, homeownership, and representation metrics. These cities offer strong employment rates, above-average median incomes, significant Black populations, and thriving Black-owned business communities. This migration pattern represents a strategic response to political headwinds, with young professionals prioritizing locations where they can build wealth and community while maintaining autonomy.

The article details the Trump administration's economic policies that are allegedly pushing America toward a cashless, crypto-driven society threatening financial freedom. It claims Trump's tariffs have caused market losses of nearly seven trillion dollars and increased consumer prices significantly, while his administration has established a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and allowed the creation of Erebor Bank for wealthy clients. The piece further alleges that the Department of Government Efficiency, formerly led by Elon Musk, compromised sensitive personal data of millions of Americans by uploading it to unsecured servers. Additionally, the article connects these developments to global trends toward digital IDs and cashless economies, warning that such systems could disproportionately harm Black Americans and the economically disadvantaged.

The article discusses a conflict involving Paris Jackson, who has filed a legal challenge against her father Michael Jackson's estate, characterizing the executors as secretive and arrogant despite their success in transforming her father's $500 million debt into billions in assets. The piece contrasts Paris Jackson's privileged position—having received over $65 million from the estate and purchasing multiple homes—with the original Jackson family's struggles coming from Gary, Indiana. The author frames this situation as symbolic of a broader pattern where Black creation and labor ultimately benefits white heirs, noting that Paris's actions represent "the performance of privilege" while the original Jackson family members remain on the sidelines. The article contextualizes this family drama within America's racial wealth gap, where the median Black household holds significantly less wealth than white households.

According to a TMZ report, former President Donald Trump is allegedly considering commuting Sean "Diddy" Combs' 50-month federal prison sentence after just one year served, though the White House denies this claim. This potential commutation fits a documented pattern examined by a House Judiciary Committee report led by Representative Jamie Raskin, which found Trump has granted nearly 1,600 pardons or commutations representing over $1.3 billion in forgiven restitution. Critics and watchdog groups characterize Trump's clemency practices as a "pay-to-pardon" system where connections, loyalty, and financial contributions appear to influence decisions rather than justice considerations or acceptance of responsibility.

A recent survey reveals that over two-thirds of San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) students face food and/or housing insecurity, mirroring similar challenges across California community colleges. The 2025 Real College Survey found that 44% of SDCCD students were food insecure, 59% experienced housing insecurity, and 23% identified as homeless. In response, SDCCD's four colleges—San Diego City College, San Diego Mesa College, San Diego Miramar College, and San Diego College of Continuing Education—have implemented various resources including food pantries, clothing services, emergency grants, and transportation assistance. Additionally, City College is constructing an affordable student housing complex with 800 beds expected to open in fall 2028.

The article criticizes what it views as authoritarian tendencies in the Trump administration and Speaker Mike Johnson's refusal to swear in a duly elected congressional representative from Arizona for over three weeks. The author draws parallels between biblical resistance (Joshua at Jericho) and current political opposition to Trump's policies. The piece calls for prayer, marching, and voting to counter perceived constitutional violations, specifically referencing Johnson's blocking of a representative who would likely sign the Discharge Petition regarding Epstein documents. The article concludes by urging political action, including supporting Democrats against healthcare cuts and voting for California's Proposition 50.

California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber discussed voting accessibility during a recent American Community Media news briefing, highlighting her family's personal voting history and the challenges minority voters have historically faced. Weber emphasized California's efforts to make voting accessible for its diverse population, noting that over 2.5 million votes had already been cast for the November 4 special election on Proposition 50. The proposition would allow the State Legislature to redraw Congressional districts until 2030, bypassing California's independent citizens-redistricting commission, potentially countering Texas' redistricting that favors Republicans. Weber detailed the multiple voting options available to Californians, including mail-in ballots, secure ballot boxes, and same-day registration, while highlighting the state's Voter Bill of Rights which includes ballots in multiple languages and extremely low instances of voter fraud.

Carlitos Ricardo Parias, a TikTok creator who documents immigration enforcement, was shot in the elbow during an attempted arrest by federal agents in Los Angeles. The incident occurred when Parias allegedly rammed law enforcement vehicles while trying to evade capture, resulting in officers firing at him and a US marshal being injured by a ricocheting bullet. Both Parias and the marshal sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were hospitalized. Parias, a Mexican national who was previously recognized by a city councilman for keeping the community informed about ICE activities, has been charged with assaulting a federal officer, though his court appearance has been postponed.

The Fix Our Forests Act (FOFA) is bipartisan Senate legislation designed to address the escalating crisis of catastrophic wildfires in U.S. forests, which has been worsened by fire suppression practices and climate change. The bill aims to restore forest health, enhance resilience, and protect communities by streamlining environmental reviews for fuel-reduction projects and strengthening community wildfire defense programs. FOFA promotes collaboration among federal, state, and tribal entities for a unified approach to wildfire prevention and response, and has already passed the House of Representatives. The letter writer urges California Senators Schiff and Padilla to support this legislation, characterizing it as vital common-sense reform that would allow proactive treatment of fire-prone lands.

San Diego County's Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act program is demonstrating growing success as it reaches its two-year anniversary. The voluntary treatment program for adults with untreated schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders has expanded from 71 CARE agreements in its first year to 149 agreements currently, with a total of 23 participants graduating, including 11 in a recent single-day celebration. The program enables participants to actively create their own recovery plans for mental health treatment and housing support through collaboration between County Behavioral Health Services, the Public Defender's Office, Superior Court, and other partners. Recent graduates celebrated their commitment and personal success in a courtroom ceremony marking their achievement.

A Politico investigation has uncovered thousands of leaked messages from a private Telegram group of Young Republican officials across multiple states containing antisemitic, racist, and violent content. The participants, who included state chairs, campaign strategists, and individuals with Trump administration connections, joked about gas chambers, used racial slurs against Black people, and celebrated Hitler while coordinating their plan to control the Young Republican National Federation. Sociologist Joe Feagin noted that Trump's political rise has created a "liberating atmosphere" for expressing bigoted views. This revelation comes amid reports of systemic racism within Trump's administration, including the removal of Black officials, dismantling of civil rights protections, and targeting of diversity programs.