Bonta and Weber Pierson Lead on State Health Policy as Disparities Persist 

Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media    Nearly 6 in 10 Californians delayed or skipped medical care in the past year because of cost, and 4 in 10 reported their conditions worsened as a result — trends that disproportionately affect communities already facing disparities, including Black Californians.  Black Californians have the shortest life…

The Trump administration is quietly seeking unprecedented access to medical records for millions of federal workers and retirees, and their families.

By Amanda Seitz and Maia Rosenfeld A brief notice from the Office of Personnel Management could dramatically change which personally identifiable medical information the agency obtains, giving it the power to see prescriptions employees had filled or what treatment they sought from doctors. The regulation would require 65 insurance companies that cover more than 8…

Black Women in Rural Areas Grapple with Stark Decline in Obstetric Care

By Ashleigh Fields, Special to the AFRO Black women in rural areas are facing the brunt of declining medical services, including access to obstetric care as new policies threaten clinic and hospital closures. Under the current White House administration’s summer spending package, federal reimbursement for services covered through Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act severely…

California’s next governor to face tough choices for education as state budget tightens

John Fensterwald “This story was originally published by EdSource.  Top Takeaways A new governor with an agenda of new programs could find a chilly reception from districts. A continuing decline in statewide enrollment will erode districts’ ability to cover operating expenses and increase staff pay. Ideas for financial relief include increasing money for special education,…

“I Want to Write a New California Story”: Eric Swalwell Makes His Case for California Governor

Edward Henderson| California Black Media    Editor’s Note: This California Black Media Q&A series with California’s gubernatorial candidates is intended to inform voters about where the candidates for governor stand on key issues. The opinions, assertions, and claims expressed are those of the candidates and have not been independently verified; they may or may not…

The Drama

Dwight Brown at DwightBrownInk.com. (**1/2) You wouldn’t wish this wedding day on anybody. But there they are. Two lovers who should be in bliss are trapped in their own turmoil.  Norwegian writer/director Kristoffer Borgli has built a solid reputation for dark comedy (Sick of Myself). It’s an avenue he treads again, somewhat. Only this time…

Sheriff’s Office in Northern CA Sought Agreement With ICE, in Violation of State Law

By Madison Holcomb Last year, the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office attempted to enter into an agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that would have given officers immigration enforcement authority. The process was paused last May, and it’s unclear where things stand now.  Documents recently obtained by Shasta Scout show the sheriff’s office was seeking…

Wine and Cheese Pairing

Wanda Haynes-Certified Sommelier This wine and cheese pairing article is based on listings from several recent food and government websites. Top three cheeses consumed by Americans are:  ● Mozzarella  ● Cheddar ● Processed cheese  With this in mind let’s do some wine pairing and create leisure moments in our lives. We all know that Americans…

Commentary: Our Vote Is Not a Blank Check–What Black Women Are Really Saying About the Governor’s Race 

Kellie Todd Griffin | Special to California Black Media Partners  Every election cycle, the conversation starts the same way. Campaigns announce their outreach. Candidates say our name. They show up at our churches, our sorority events, our community gatherings.  And then, too often, they govern like they forgot we existed. That pattern is why the…

“It’s Bigger Than One Person”: Black Caucus Members Support Bill Renaming César Chávez Day to Farm Workers Day

Antonio‌ ‌Ray‌ ‌Harvey‌ ‌|‌ ‌California‌ ‌Black‌ ‌Media Last week, members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), through their voices and votes, supported Assembly Bill (AB) 2156, which proposed renaming César Chávez Day to Farm Workers Day.  Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law on March 26, allowing it to take effect immediately before…

Civil Rights Giant, Legal Expert Kristen Clarke Joins NAACP as General Counsel

communications@naacpnet.org   WASHINGTON — The NAACP today announced that Kristen Clarke, one of the nation’s most respected civil rights attorneys and legal advocates, has been appointed General Counsel of the Association. The move comes as the Trump Administration works to erode democratic institutions and dismantle civil rights protections. To meet the moment, the NAACP is…

The Ontario Museum of History & Art presents its inaugural Youth Art Month exhibition, a collaboration with Mariposa Elementary School 

The Ontario Museum of History & Art presents its inaugural Youth Art Month exhibition, on view through May 17, 2026. The exhibition showcases outstanding artwork by students from Mariposa Elementary, inspired by the national Youth Art Month theme, “The World Needs Art,” and celebrates how art education and creative expression shape vibrant communities.  The 2026…

Grief, Advocacy, and Education: A Counselor Reflects on Black Maternal Health

By Jennifer Porter Gore | Word-In-Black | San Diego Voice and Viewpoint SAN DIEGO VOICE & VIEWPOINT — Last month healthcare leaders, birth workers, and community members gathered to honor the legacy of Charleston native Dr. Janell Green Smith, a nurse-midwife and doctor of nursing practice who died in January from childbirth complications. She had…

After Deep Federal Cuts, California Lawmakers Push for Full Restoration of Medi-Cal Benefits 

By Bo Tofu, California Black Media | L.A. Focus California’s public health programs could lose billions of dollars due to recent federal budget cuts, state health officials told lawmakers during a joint committee hearing on March 10. The hearing, held at the State Capitol, focused on the impacts of reductions to programs such as Medi-Cal,…