california news

Oakland community leaders unveiled a new mural titled "Together, We Rise" at Chinatown's Wilma Chan Park on October 16, marking the beginning of United Against Hate week (October 19-25). Created by the street art crew Illuminaries, the nearly 40-foot mural features a dragon called the "Oakness Monster" rising from Lake Merritt, symbolizing unity and multicultural harmony as California continues to face rising hate crimes. The project represents a collaborative effort between state agencies and local organizations in response to increasing hate crimes, which rose by 2.7% statewide between 2023 and 2024 according to Attorney General Rob Bonta's office. The mural's unveiling coincides with ongoing state initiatives to combat hate crimes, including the California Vs. Hate hotline launched in 2023.

The 20th Annual Taste of Soul festival on Crenshaw Boulevard in Los Angeles attracted over 300,000 attendees on October 18, 2024, featuring nearly 400 vendors including more than 100 food booths. The day before the festival, the City of Los Angeles honored founder Danny J. Bakewell Sr. by naming the intersection of Crenshaw and Obama boulevards after him, recognizing his contributions as a civil rights leader, businessman, and community builder. Beyond food, the event included health screenings, nonprofit services, political outreach, and entertainment across three stages featuring artists like Cameo and Karen Clark Sheard. The festival has grown into one of South Los Angeles' most significant economic events for small businesses, with many vendors using it as a stepping stone toward full-time entrepreneurship while celebrating Black culture and community unity.

The "No Kings" rally on October 18 drew tens of thousands of protesters in Los Angeles and millions nationwide to oppose what organizers describe as growing authoritarianism in the Trump administration. The Los Angeles demonstration maintained a festive atmosphere with costumed participants, despite House Speaker Mike Johnson labeling it a "hate America rally." Organizers reported approximately 300 rallies across California, with an estimated 4.2-7 million participants nationwide according to a crowdsourced study. A key focus of the protests was support for Proposition 50, a ballot initiative that would temporarily redraw California's congressional districts to favor Democrats in response to alleged gerrymandering in Texas.

The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing arguments in Louisiana v. Callais, a case that could determine whether Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act remains constitutional and continues to protect against racial discrimination in voting. Simultaneously, North Carolina Republicans are proposing redistricting maps that would reduce minority voter influence while strengthening GOP control. Louisiana's legal team argues that the Constitution should be color-blind regarding voters, while voting rights advocates warn that overturning Section 2 protections could eliminate up to 19 congressional seats currently protected by the Voting Rights Act and significantly impact the Congressional Black Caucus. The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee has launched DemsOnRedistricting.com to fund efforts fighting against Republican gerrymandering in battleground states.

A new Brookings Institution report warns of potential job market instability that could exacerbate racial and economic disparities in the United States. While national unemployment remained steady between June 2024 and June 2025, Black unemployment rose by over half a percent, though the Washington D.C. region showed an unusual pattern where white unemployment increased faster than Black unemployment. The report highlights the Washington region as a possible harbinger of national trends, noting that over 46,000 people who had jobs in June 2024 were not working by mid-2025. Researchers Glencora Haskins and Tracy Hadden Loh emphasize the need for immediate action across sectors to address labor market stagnation and reduce disparities to prevent long-term economic and social damage.

Terra Industries, a Nigerian robotics startup founded in 2024 by Maxwell Maduka and Nathan Nwachuku, is developing AI-powered drones and autonomous security systems to protect Africa's critical infrastructure from attacks. The company operates Africa's largest drone factory outside Abuja, capable of producing 30,000 drones annually, and recently secured a $1.2 million contract to deploy surveillance systems at Nigerian hydroelectric plants. Terra's approach involves manufacturing most components in-house and partnering with local cloud platforms to maintain data sovereignty while offering solutions up to 55% cheaper than international competitors. The company has expanded to eight African countries and Canada, protecting an estimated $11 billion worth of assets including power plants, mines, and oil refineries.

Rising grocery prices are disproportionately impacting low-income Black Americans in San Diego, with food costs climbing dramatically compared to two decades ago. According to Dr. Sally Sadoff from UC San Diego, lower-income families now spend an increasing portion of their income on food, creating significant financial strain. The price surge is attributed to supply chain disruptions, stagnating wages, and high inflation rates, with economists noting that residents in food deserts are particularly affected. Data shows Black children are twice as likely to face hunger with 27% living in food-insecure households, which directly impacts their educational outcomes and future opportunities.

Last Sunday at Shelley White Little League Baseball Field in Southcrest park, community volunteers including children participated in a beautification project that involved planting flowers around the field's perimeter and removing graffiti from storage facilities. Organized by Dwayne Hill and his team, the "White's Legacy Rose Bush planting and pruning community beautification event" provided volunteers with food and refreshments as compensation for their efforts. The project not only improved the historic location but also taught young participants about community service and giving back, with volunteers like Philliys Swanigan noting the educational value for children. Middle school student Richard Thomas and his sister Nyoah expressed their enjoyment in helping others through this community service initiative.

The "NO KINGS" March in San Diego on October 18th gathered an estimated 82,289 residents in a peaceful protest supporting democracy and opposing Donald Trump's perceived authoritarian threats. Organized by various civil advocacy groups including the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council and Activist San Diego, the demonstration continued a nationwide series of pro-democracy gatherings that have been occurring throughout the year. While Black participation appeared limited at the downtown event, those who attended emphasized the importance of solidarity across different communities in the current political climate. Some African American participants expressed concerns about division within San Diego's Black community and reflected on the city's changing political landscape over the decades.

At Lincoln High School's Homecoming on October 17, 2025, Senior King David Christopher Dunn was crowned Homecoming King, continuing a family legacy that began when his grandmother, Penelope "Penny" Howell, was elected Sophomore Attendant in 1974. This intergenerational achievement held special significance for both King David, who maintains a 4.1 GPA and plans to pursue a business degree like his grandmother who earned an MBA, and for Penny, who watched proudly from the stands as her grandson received this honor 51 years after her own court recognition. Both family members expressed deep emotion about this shared experience, with David noting it strengthened his connection to both his grandmother and the school. The coronation represented not just a title but a meaningful continuation of family tradition across generations at Lincoln High School.

The U.S. Navy was established on October 13, 1775, when the Continental Congress authorized America's first naval force, predating the Declaration of Independence by 101 days. Initially created to defend against approaching British naval forces during the American Revolution, the Continental Navy quickly expanded with purchased ships and appointed leadership including Commander in Chief Esek Hopkins and lieutenants like John Paul Jones. Though temporarily disbanded after the Revolution, the Navy was later reestablished through the Naval Act of 1794 and has evolved from its humble beginnings into today's global maritime force while maintaining its core mission of safeguarding America's interests across the seas. On its 249th birthday, the article celebrates the Navy's unique operational domain and its historical legacy of innovation, courage, and perseverance.

A US appeals court has ruled that President Donald Trump can deploy National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, overturning a previous judge's order that had blocked the deployment during a legal challenge. However, deployment remains uncertain because a second court order prohibiting Trump from sending any troops to Oregon is still in effect. The Justice Department argued troops are needed to address protests at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility, with the appeals court calling Trump's 60-day deployment plan a "measured response." The ruling has drawn criticism from Oregon officials including Governor Tina Kotek and Attorney General Dan Rayfield, who expressed concern about presidential power over state forces.

Former NFL running back Doug Martin, 36, died while in police custody after an alleged home break-in and struggle with Oakland police officers on Saturday. Martin, nicknamed "Muscle Hamster," spent most of his seven-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he made a significant impact, including a record-setting rookie season in 2012. His family announced his passing with the cause of death listed as "unconfirmed," while the Oakland Police Department stated he became unresponsive during detention and later died at a hospital. The Buccaneers organization expressed deep sadness at Martin's "sudden and unexpected passing," highlighting his Pro Bowl selections and lasting impact on their franchise.

Janai Nelson, President of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, presented arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court to preserve Section 2 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act in the Louisiana v Callais case. At issue is whether creating a second majority-Black congressional district in Louisiana constitutes unconstitutional racial gerrymandering, with opponents claiming it violates the 14th and 15th Amendments. Civil rights experts, including Spencer Overton and Mary Frances Berry, observed that Nelson faced significant challenges from six justices while defending a doctrine that "has been working for 40 years." The Supreme Court's decision, expected in early 2024, could significantly impact representation for Black and Hispanic communities in the 2026 midterm elections.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed "Wakiesha's Law" (Assembly Bill 1269) on October 13, requiring jails to promptly notify families when incarcerated individuals are seriously hospitalized or die in custody. The legislation, authored by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, was created in response to the case of Wakiesha Wilson, whose family wasn't notified of her death for four days after she was found unresponsive in her cell at the Los Angeles Police Department detention center in 2016. The law aims to increase transparency and accountability in a system where in-custody deaths have risen significantly, with LAPD reporting a 400% increase in such deaths from 2022 to 2023. Despite opposition from the California State Sheriffs' Association, which claimed the bill leaves "many open questions," the legislation passed to provide families with what supporters describe as "basic decency and respect."

California has made several significant policy changes in recent weeks, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing multiple bills and launching new initiatives. Assemblymember Isaac Bryan's AB 247 will raise incarcerated firefighters' pay from $5 per day to at least federal minimum wage, recognizing their dangerous work battling wildfires. California also joined a 14-state Governors Public Health Alliance to strengthen science-based health policy and combat political interference. Additionally, the state's universal financial aid application policy has increased college enrollment among Black, Latino, and low-income students, while the new CalRx program will offer affordable state-branded insulin starting in 2026. California is also enhancing emergency preparedness with a new regional facility in Southern California.

The Supreme Court is poised to potentially weaken the landmark 1965 Voting Rights Act in an upcoming Louisiana redistricting case to be argued Wednesday, signaling a possible reversal of its 2023 decision that preserved race-based remedies. The Court has expanded the legal question to directly address whether VRA remedies tied to race might violate constitutional equal protection guarantees. This case centers on a dispute over Louisiana's congressional districts and whether a second majority-Black district should be created in a state where approximately one-third of residents are African American. The outcome could significantly impact future congressional and legislative redistricting nationwide, continuing a pattern of the Roberts Court limiting civil rights-era remedies.

The ongoing federal government shutdown has created a vacuum of official economic data, as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics can no longer publish its monthly employment report. Private firms including ADP, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, and Carlyle have stepped in with their own analyses, collectively indicating job losses and a cooling labor market. ADP reported 32,000 private-sector jobs lost in September, with the heaviest losses in manufacturing, construction, and professional services, particularly affecting the Midwest region. Adding to the crisis, a memo from the Office of Management and Budget suggests that furloughed federal workers may not receive back pay once the shutdown ends, contradicting the 2019 Government Employee Fair Treatment Act and creating further hardship for the approximately 49,000 District residents who are federally employed.

The Biden administration's 2021 policy restricting ICE from detaining pregnant, postpartum, or nursing immigrants except in extreme circumstances appears to be routinely disregarded under the Trump administration, according to multiple lawsuits and advocate reports. Congress recently allowed a requirement to lapse that mandated biannual reporting on how many such immigrants are being detained, making it impossible to quantify the exact numbers. Medical professionals have raised serious concerns about detention conditions for pregnant immigrants, including inadequate nutrition, inconsistent medical care, and psychological stress that can threaten pregnancy outcomes. Multiple cases documented in the article detail disturbing situations including a U.S. citizen detained while nine months pregnant, a woman who miscarried in custody, and a nursing mother separated from her infant.

During a US Marine Corps 250th birthday celebration attended by Vice President JD Vance in California, artillery shrapnel prematurely detonated overhead and struck two vehicles that were part of Vance's protective detail. The incident sparked political tension between California Governor Gavin Newsom, who had closed a section of Interstate 5 due to safety concerns, and the White House, which initially disputed these safety concerns before learning about the mishap. No injuries were reported, and the Marine Corps canceled further munitions firing while launching an investigation into the 155-millimeter shell incident. During the event, which the Marines described as the largest demonstration in a decade in the continental US, Vance delivered remarks about his Marine service, criticized diversity initiatives in the military, and blamed Democrats for the ongoing government shutdown.

The "No Kings" demonstrations across the US drew millions of protesters opposing President Trump's policies and expansion of presidential authority, exceeding turnout expectations with peaceful gatherings in major cities and smaller towns. Democrats, liberals, and some anti-Trump Republicans rallied together despite having little formal power in national politics. The White House responded dismissively, with Trump posting AI-generated videos mocking protesters. While the demonstrations suggest potential for Democratic resurgence, the party faces internal divisions over opposition strategy during the ongoing government shutdown, which is entering its fourth week with significant impacts on federal workers and services.

Rising TikTok music star D4vd (David Anthony Burke) found himself at the center of a disturbing investigation after the severely decomposed body of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was discovered in the front trunk of his Tesla on September 8, 2024. The teenager, who had been reported missing multiple times since February 2024, was found with a tattoo matching one on the singer's finger, raising questions about their relationship. Despite the grim discovery, Los Angeles police have not named any suspects or determined the cause of death, while D4vd has remained silent on the matter except through a spokesperson who stated he is "fully cooperating with authorities." The case has effectively halted the 20-year-old singer's meteoric rise to fame, with his tour canceled, brand partnerships dropped, and music promotion suspended as investigators continue their work.

Sir David Attenborough, at 99 years old, has become the oldest Daytime Emmy winner for his work on Netflix's "Secret Lives of Orangutans," breaking the previous record held by Dick Van Dyke. The documentary, which follows orangutans in Sumatra, Indonesia, won two additional Emmy awards for music and directing. Attenborough was not present at the 52nd annual Daytime Emmys held in Pasadena, California. With a career spanning more than 70 years, Attenborough has created numerous award-winning natural history programs and has over 40 animal and plant species named after him.

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff apologized after facing significant backlash for suggesting President Trump should deploy National Guard troops to San Francisco ahead of the company's Dreamforce conference. The controversy led to cancelled appearances at the conference by San Francisco's mayor and other notable figures, with venture capitalist Ron Conway resigning from the Salesforce Foundation board. Benioff's apology came amid broader context of the Trump administration's controversial National Guard deployments to Democratic-led cities, including ongoing legal battles over a proposed deployment in Chicago. The incident has damaged Benioff's standing with Democratic politicians and contrasts with his history of civic engagement in San Francisco.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has dramatically increased arrests of undocumented immigrants, with a 1,100 percent rise in noncriminal immigrant detentions since 2017, targeting approximately 3,800 individuals weekly by June 2025. Despite political rhetoric claiming undocumented immigrants burden American taxpayers, data from the Cato Institute shows these immigrants contributed $96.7 billion in taxes in 2022 alone, including $25.7 billion to Social Security they cannot access, while paying a higher effective state and local tax rate (8.9%) than the top 1% of U.S. earners. The 2025 tax and budget law has further restricted benefits, stripping health coverage from 1.4 million lawfully present immigrants, including refugees and asylees, despite fact-checking by NBC News and NPR confirming undocumented immigrants do not qualify for Medicaid or Affordable Care Act tax credits. Research indicates less than 6% of immigrants detained by ICE had violent convictions, with over 70% of those arrested in Los Angeles having no criminal record whatsoever.

of "Head Start Awareness Month" Article Head Start, a federal program with local implementation, has served communities and families across America for six decades by providing adaptable early childhood education services that reflect local cultures and priorities while maintaining national quality standards. The program offers comprehensive support through engaging learning environments, health and nutrition services, early intervention for children with special needs, and two-generation approaches that empower parents alongside their children's development. Head Start's flexibility is demonstrated through diverse implementations like Mandarin language programs in Oregon, farm-based classrooms in Ohio, remote services for Alaska Native communities, and specialized programs for military families, visually impaired children, and formerly homeless families. Through strong community partnerships, Head Start maximizes limited federal funding to create programs tailored to local needs while ensuring all children receive the foundation needed for kindergarten readiness.

Donald Trump's recent claim about "beautiful Black women" begging him to visit Chicago is being criticized as a deceptive tactic that masks his administration's harmful policies toward Black women. Reports indicate that Black women, who make up approximately 12 percent of the federal workforce, have been disproportionately affected by Trump's purge of government employees, with hundreds of thousands losing their jobs. Prominent Black female officials like New York Attorney General Letitia James, Federal Reserve Board member Lisa Cook, and Georgia prosecutor Fani Willis have faced retaliation, slander, and threats after challenging Trump. Critics, including Representative Ayanna Pressley, argue that these policies deliberately target Black women and threaten to erase the Black middle class.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has officially stopped recommending COVID-19 vaccines for all Americans, adopting recommendations from a new advisory group appointed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This represents a significant shift from previous guidance that recommended annual COVID-19 boosters for everyone aged 6 months and older. Instead, the CDC now states that Americans should make their own vaccination decisions, preferably in consultation with healthcare providers. This policy change was announced on October 6 and endorsed by Jim O'Neill, the acting CDC director, who framed it as restoring "informed consent" - a characterization that some doctors have disputed.

The 2025 MacArthur Fellows include five Black recipients among the 22 awarded the prestigious $800,000 "genius grant" from the MacArthur Foundation. These Black fellows are pushing boundaries across diverse fields, including film directing (Garrett Bradley), archaeology (Kristina Douglass), photography and public art (Tonika Lewis Johnson), music (Craig Taborn), and chemical engineering (William Tarpeh). Each recipient is making significant contributions in their respective fields, from documenting racial segregation and exploring climate adaptation to transforming wastewater into resources and reimagining musical expressions through various genres and instruments.

Pensana has abandoned plans to build a rare earths refinery in East Yorkshire, choosing instead to pursue investment in the United States. The company, which has developed a rare earths mine in Angola set to deliver materials by 2027, cited China's artificially low rare earth prices as making UK refining economically unfeasible without substantial government support. The £5 million contribution offered by the previous UK government was deemed insufficient compared to the half-billion dollars in investment and soft loans provided by the US government for a similar facility in California. The scrapped Saltend project would have given the UK a strategic foothold in the rare earths industry for producing magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and robotics.