Padilla Statement on DHS Funding Deal

 WASHINGTON, D.C. — (3/27/26) U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, released the following statement after the Senate passed funding for all elements of the Department of Homeland Security except for ICE and CBP border security operations: “For months, we’ve been clear: no blank checks for Trump’s lawless ICE…

Rialto Juneteenth Jam 2026 Returns to Ferguson Park Celebrating Culture, Community, and Freedom

Juneteenth Jam strengthens the village mentality within our community by creating a space where residents, business owners, nonprofit organizations, and leaders from all sectors, at every level, come together. We unite to foster a deeper understanding of humanity and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to our community,” said Davis. Rialto, CA — The City of Rialto…

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,…

Fiona Ma Calls For Major Electoral, Governmental Reforms

Will Push Proposal to Put Gov/LG on Same Ticket, Abolish Board of Equalization SACRAMENTO, CA — Lieutenant Governor candidate Fiona Ma today announced two proposals to improve the efficiency and accountability of California state government: abolishing the state Board of Equalization and the gubernatorial/lieutenant governor candidates run together on the same ticket.   Ma says the…

FTC Takes Action Against Match and OkCupid for Deceiving Users by Sharing Personal Data with Third Party

The Federal Trade Commission is taking action against OkCupid and its affiliate Match Group Americas over allegations OkCupid deceived users of its dating app by sharing their personal information, including photos and location information, with an unrelated third party, contrary to OkCupid’s privacy promises. As part of a settlement, OkCupid, operated by Dallas-based Humor Rainbow,…

Famous Amos Marks Six Years of Investing in Black Entrepreneurship with 2026 Ingredients for Success Initiative  

As economic headwinds push more Black professionals toward business ownership, Famous  Amos and U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. bolster commitment to entrepreneurs’ success.   [CHICAGO] March 31, 2026 – Ferrero North America has launched the sixth annual Famous Amos Ingredients for Success (IFS) Entrepreneurs Initiative, in partnership with U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC). Each year, IFS…

Commentary: Behind every SNAP application is a family just trying to survive 

By  LaMonika Jones For countless families, children, older adults, disabled persons and veterans experiencing food insecurity, meeting basic human needs is like running a race you will never finish. The help is there, but for far too many families there are too many obstacles keeping them from reaching the finish line. Accessing critical resources shouldn’t…

Funny Trip On Bus 96

Wanda Haynes-Certified Sommelier I finally decided to retire from years of hard work as an educational administrator, becoming a tour bus escort felt like a way to merge those skills with travel.  Well, after six months of passing out day old doughnuts, settling arguments over the free door prize, and searching for lost passengers in…

Opinion: Cutting Coverage of Diabetes and Weight Loss Meds Hits Black Californians Hardest 

Rhonda M. Smith | Special to California Black Media Partners    California has always been seen as the land of vitality — sunshine, beaches, and wellness culture. But beneath that image is a growing public health crisis we cannot afford to ignore.   Roughly 11 million adults in California — about 27% of Californians — are living…

Sen. Weber Pierson Bill Takes Aim at Early Math Gaps in California Classrooms

Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media   Senate Bill (SB) 1067, introduced in February by Sen. Akilah Weber-Pierson (D-San Diego), seeks to close California’s racial achievement gap in education by requiring universal screening and early identification of math difficulties for students in kindergarten through second grade. “California students are tested multiple times throughout their academic…

Smallwood-Cuevas Town Hall Warns ICE Risks Extend Beyond Immigrants

Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media    A Los Angeles town hall on immigration took on broader urgency as speakers warned that encounters with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are not limited to immigrants and can also affect African Americans, underscoring shared concerns across Black communities. The Black Migrant Town Hall, convened…

National Medical Association Hosts 2026 Colloquium on African American Health in Washington, D.C., Advancing Solutions for Health Equity

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 21, 2026) — The National Medical Association (NMA), the nation’s largest and oldest organization representing African American physicians and their patients, is convening leading clinicians, researchers, and health advocates for its 2026 National Colloquium on African American Health, taking place at The Morrow Hotel in Washington, D.C. The event started on Thursday…

Mysterious Respiratory Illness Barrels Through US, Without Vaccine or Cure

By Sunita Sohrabji Northern California and several states on the East Coast are experiencing a dramatic surge in human metapneumovirus. Antivirals are not yet available to fend off the illness. The US is experiencing a dramatic surge in human metapneumovirus — HMPV — a little-known respiratory illness, which currently has no vaccine or antiviral treatment….