Kamala Harris Makes History as She Accepts Democratic Nomination for President
‘Deadpool’
and ‘Alien’ Top Charts Again as ‘Blink Twice’ Sees Quiet Opening
The Obamas Rock Democratic Convention
By Stacy M. Brown
Newswire Senior National Correspondent
On the second day of the Democratic National Convention, the Obamas took center stage and delivered electrifying speeches that reverberated through the United Center in Chicago. The convention, already energized by a capacity crowd in Milwaukee where Vice President Kamala Harris spoke during a rally, reached new heights as the former First Lady and former President rallied Democrats with their powerful words. Harris, who spoke to a packed arena in Milwaukee, had her speech live streamed into the United Center, effectively connecting the two cities in a show of Democratic unity and strength. Her presence set the tone for the evening, with her words filling both venues. Michelle Obama took the stage before her husband in Chicago, immediately captivating the audience. “Something wonderfully magical is in the air, isn’t it? I’m talking about the contagious power of hope,” she declared as the United Center enthusiastically rocked. “America, hope is making a comeback. Kamala Harris is one of the most qualified people to ever seek the office of president. And she is dignified.” Obama didn’t shy away from addressing the twiceimpeached and 34-times convicted felon and former President Donald Trump directly. “For years, Donald Trump did everything in his power to try to make people fear us,” she remarked. “His limited, narrow view of the world made him feel threatened by the existence of two hardworking and highly educated, successful people who happen to be Black. Who wants to tell him that job he’s seeking just might be one of those Black jobs?” she asked, eliciting raucous applause from the crowd.
She continued to dismantle Trump’s rhetoric, particularly his attempts to question the blackness of Harris and other Democrats. “No one has a monopoly on what it means to be an American, no one,” Obama declared, her words striking a chord with the audience.
Barack Obama then took the stage and immediately lifted the energy in the arena to a fever pitch. “I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling fired up,” he began, his voice booming across the United Center. “Even if I’m the only person stupid enough to speak right after Michelle Obama.” Obama then turned his focus to Harris, praising her as a leader who embodies the best of what America stands for. “This country has a chance to elect someone who’s spent her whole life trying to give people the same chances America gave her,” Obama said. “Someone who sees you and hears you and will get up every single day and fight for
you: the next president of the United States of America, Kamala Harris.” He also drew a sharp contrast between Harris’s vision for the country and the policies of Trump and his allies.
“For them, one group’s gain is another group’s loss. For them, freedom means that the powerful can do what they please, whether its firing workers trying to organize a union, poisoning our rivers, or avoiding paying taxes like everyone else has to do,” he said, highlighting the fundamental differences in their approaches to leadership.
Throughout the night, other prominent Democrats joined the Obamas in rallying the crowd. Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth delivered a searing critique of Trump’s attacks on reproductive rights. “I take it personally when a five-time draft-dodging coward like Donald Trump tries to take away my rights and freedoms in return—especially when it concerns my daughters,” Duckworth said.
Maryland Senate candidate Angela Alsobrooks reflected on her close relationship with Harris, emphasizing
the vice president’s dedication to justice and public safety.
“Kamala Harris knows how to keep criminals off the streets,” Alsobrooks said. “And come November, with our help, she’ll keep one out of the Oval Office,” a line that drew loud cheers from the Chicago crowd.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham contrasted Harris’s healthcare policies with Trump’s, criticizing the former president’s attempts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. “Donald Trump and JD Vance want to dismantle our healthcare system, repeal the Affordable Care Act, and eliminate protections for preexisting conditions. Either these guys don’t get it, or they don’t care,” Grisham said.
Barack Obama left the crowd with a final, resonant message: “If we work like we’ve never worked before, we will elect Kamala Harris as the next president and Tim Walz as the next vice president. And together, we too will build a country that is more secure, more just, more equal, and free.”
California for Kamala: At DNC, State Leaders Rally Around One of Their Own
Vice President Kamala Harris officially accepted the Democratic party’s nomination for President of the United States on Aug. 22, the fourth and final night of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago. Harris, a former California U.S. Senator and Attorney General, needed the votes of 1,976 Democratic delegates to secure the nomination but exceeded that mark with 4,567 nods.
If elected, Harris, an Oakland native, would become the first Black, first Asian, and first woman President.
“On behalf of the people, on behalf of every American regardless of party, race gender, or the language your grandmother speaks, on behalf of my mother and everyone who has ever set out on their own unlikely journey, on behalf of Americans like the people I grew with, people who work hard, chase their dreams and look out for one another, on behalf of everyone whose stories can only be written in the greatest nation on Earth, I accept your nominations to be President of the United States,” Harris told the DNC delegates, officials and guests gathered at the United Center in Chicago.
Among Democratic leaders on hand to witness Harris’s historic nomination were a number of California state officials, the Golden State’s DNC delegates, members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) and Gov. Gavin Newsom, who officially delivered California’s 482 delegate votes for Harris on the floor of the convention.
“Kamala Harris has always done the right thing -- a champion for voting rights, civil rights, LGBTQ rights, the rights for women and girls,” said Newsom, who was flanked by House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA11) and Congressmember Maxine Waters (D-CA-43).
Pelosi, whose district includes San Francisco where Harris served as District Attorney, endorsed the Vice President and thanked President Biden for his leadership and “vision for a fairer America.”
During her address on the first night of the convention, Waters mentioned Fannie Lou Hamer, the revered civil rights, voting rights and women’s right’s activist who spoke at the DNC in 1964.
“When the dust settles in November, Americans of all stripes have elected her President of the United States, I know (Harris) will be thinking about Fannie Lou Hamer who I happen to know is one of Kamala’s heroes,” Waters said.
Congressmember Barbara Lee (D-CA-12), who served as official timekeeper of the convention, said she was humbled to have a front row seat to history “as we nominate my friend and a child of the East Bay.”
Other California state leaders at the convention were state constitutional officers Malia Cohen, Controller; Shirley Weber, Secretary of State; and Tony Thurmond, Secretary of Public Instruction.
Thurmond spoke to California Black Media on the floor of the convention after Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a former teacher and high school football coach, accepted the Democratic Party’s vice-presidential nomination on Aug. 21.
“If you want to get something done, you want a teacher, you want an educator,” Thurmond told CBM, referring to Walz.
“Teachers have to do everything, they have to pull things together, they have to find resources and he talked
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In the Middle: Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood).
a “large scale prescription fraud ring.” Gaulden had been living in Utah on house arrest while awaiting his Louisiana trial. Since May 10, he’s been held without bond at the Weber County Jail, north of Salt Lake City, awaiting trial in the drug case. NBA YoungBoy, who also is known as YoungBoy Never Broke Again, has achieved four No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 and one Top-10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. His music includes “38 Baby,” “Outside Today” and Tyler, The Creator’s song, “Wusyaname,” on which he is featured with Ty Dolla $ign. That collaboration earned them a Grammy nomination in 2022 for Best Melodic Rap Performance.
Officials Clear Homeless Encampment at California State Beach
By JAIMIE DING and DAMIAN DOVARGANES Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Officials cleared a homeless encampment at a California state beach Thursday, a month after Gov. Gavin Newsom directed cities and state agencies to take urgent action against people sleeping in public spaces. Bright yellow trash trucks rolled onto the sands of Dockweiler State Beach, located
NNPA
Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. Photo by Max Elramsisy.
From left to right: Labor leader Delores Huerta, Attorney General Rob Bonta, Senator Toni Atkins (D- San Diego) and Assembly member Mia Bonta (D-Oakland). Photo by Max Elramsisy.
By Maxim Elramsisy and Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media
Photo by Max Elramsisy
Kamala Harris Makes History as She Accepts Democratic Nomination for President
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA
Newswire Senior National Correspondent
On Thursday night, Vice President Kamala Harris formally accepted the Democratic nomination for president in a week filled with celebration, reflection, and a sense of history in the making. Following in the trailblazing footsteps of Shirley Chisholm, who ran for president 52 years ago, Harris became the first Black woman to receive a major political party’s nomination for president while speaking to a packed house at the United Center in Chicago. “America, the path that led me here in recent weeks was no doubt unexpected. But I’m no stranger to unlikely journeys,” Harris told the enthusiastic crowd, which greeted her with a standing ovation. She reflected on her late mother, Shyamala Harris, sharing a poignant story that resonated deeply. “My mother was 19 when she crossed the world alone, traveling from India to California with an unshakeable dream to be the scientist who would cure breast cancer. I miss her every day, especially now. And I know she’s looking down tonight and smiling.”
The final night of the Democratic National Convention served as both a celebration of Harris’s historic nomination and a pointed critique of the dangers posed by a potential second term for the twice impeached and 34 times convicted former President Donald Trump. Congressman Jason Crow delivered a stark warning about Trump’s Project 2025, outlining its potential to compromise national security, alienate allies, and dismantle critical benefits for veterans. “Real strength and security come from our people and our allies. Donald Trump’s Project 2025 would abandon our troops, our veterans, our
allies, and our principles,” Crow emphasized, urging voters to choose Harris as the leader who will stand by America’s service members. The evening also brought attention to the enduring scars of racial injustice as four members of the Central Park Five, introduced by Rev. Al Sharpton, took the stage to recount their wrongful convictions and the role Trump played in their suffering. “He spent $85,000 on a full-page ad in the New York Times calling for our execution. We were innocent kids. But we served a total of 41 years in prison,” said Korey Wise. Yusef Salaam, now a New York City council member, added, “45 wanted us unalive. That man thinks that hate is the animating force in America. It is not.” Sen. Elizabeth Warren also addressed the convention, delivering a scathing critique of Trump’s economic record and his disregard for the struggles of ordinary Americans. “Donald Trump, the felon, has no plan to lower costs for families. He doesn’t know how, and basically, he doesn’t really care,” Warren said, praising Harris for her efforts to combat price gouging and protect consumers during crises like the California wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic. “You know what I love best about Kamala Harris? Kamala Harris can’t be bought, and she can’t be bossed around,” Warren declared to cheers from the crowd.
Former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Marcia Fudge highlighted Harris’s lifelong commitment to housing rights, contrasting her leadership with Trump’s failed policies. “Kamala Harris has fought to protect homeowners and renters her entire career,” Fudge stated, urging voters to support a candidate who believes housing is a human right.
Day Three of Democratic
Rep. Elissa Slotkin, a Senate candidate in Michigan, added her voice, drawing on her extensive national security experience to warn against a second Trump term. “The choice in November is stark. America retreating from the world, or leading the world,” Slotkin said. The convention also featured a lineup of high-profile celebrities who voiced their support for the Harris-Walz ticket. Charlamagne Tha God, Dave Chappelle, and Tiffany Haddish attended, while actresses Eva Longoria and Kerry Washington delivered passionate speeches. Comedian D.L. Hughley added his voice to the call for unity and action. The night’s entertainment peaked with a performance by superstar Pink, who was joined onstage by her daughter, Willow, for the singer’s hit, “What About Us.”
Yet the night belonged to Harris, who closed the convention with a powerful call to action. “With this election, our nation has a precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism, and divisive battles of the past,” Harris proclaimed. “I know there are people of various political views watching tonight. And I want you to know I promise to be a president for all Americans. I will be a president who unites us around our highest aspirations. A president who leads—and listens.” As Harris left the stage for a standing ovation, it was clear that her nomination had energized the Democratic base and set the stage for a deeply consequential election. “We know what a second Trump term would look like. It’s all laid out in ‘Project 2025,’” she warned. “But the consequences of putting Donald Trump back in the White House are extremely serious.”
National Convention:
A Night of Passion, Patriotism, and Powerful Messages
By
Chicago, IL– Day three
evening with an equally moving tribute from
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superstar John Legend, who honored the late Prince with
“Let’s Go Crazy” and paid homage to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The night’s highlight was Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz, who took the stage to deliver a speech that resonated deeply with the packed arena. In addressing his largest audience, Walz framed the election as a battle for the true meaning of “freedom,” contrasting the Democratic vision with what he characterized as the Republican Party’s dangerous agenda.
“When Republicans use the word’ freedom,’ they mean that the government should be free to invade your doctor’s office, corporations free to pollute your air and water, and banks free to take advantage of customers,” Walz declared, drawing thunderous applause. “But when we Democrats talk about freedom, we mean the freedom to make your own health care decisions, your kids’ freedom to go to school without worrying about being shot.”
Walz drew on his life experiences as a teacher, football coach, veteran, and gun owner, vividly depicting his journey from a small town in Minnesota to the national
stage. His entrance, set to the tune of John Mellencamp’s
“Small Town,” was met with waves of applause as signs reading “Coach Walz” were distributed throughout the arena. Reflecting on his modest upbringing and the loss of his father at a young age, Walz spoke about relying on Social Security survivor benefits and the GI Bill, experiences that shaped his values and commitment to public service.
“Growing up in a small town like that, you learn how to take care of each other,” he said, emphasizing his grassroots approach to politics. He also highlighted his record as Minnesota’s governor, where Democrats have enacted significant reforms over the last two years, including gun safety laws, free school lunches, and paid family leave.
“Other states were banning books from their schools; we were banishing hunger from ours,” Walz remarked, drawing a clear line between his policies and those of Republican-led states. He also defended Minnesota’s stance on reproductive rights, noting that “in Minnesota, we respect our neighbors and the personal choices they make. Even if we wouldn’t make those same choices for ourselves, we’ve got a golden rule: Mind your own damn business.”
Walz did not shy away from addressing the rightwing Project 2025 plan, a central theme in the HarrisWalz campaign. He called the plan “weird,” “wrong,” and “dangerous,” warning of its potential harm to American communities. The night’s program, “A Fight for Our Freedoms,” showcased the Democratic Party’s commitment to defending personal liberties and promoting social justice.
Throughout the evening, the convention spotlighted issues such as abortion rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and immigration. The program featured powerful speeches from activists and Democratic leaders, including former President Bill Clinton, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Rising stars like Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also took the stage, highlighting the party’s diverse and dynamic future.
Oprah Winfrey delivered a speech that ignited the crowd, countering GOP vice-presidential nominee JD Vance’s controversial remarks about “childless cat ladies.” Winfrey passionately endorsed Harris, framing her as the candidate of “inclusion over retribution.” She vowed that under a Harris-Walz administration, “We won’t be set back, pushed back, bullied back; we’re not going back.”
Beyond the main event, Democratic Reps. Jasmine Crockett of Texas and Maxine Waters of California engaged with the Black Press’s “Let It Be Known,” where they reiterated their support for Harris and discussed future plans. Crockett praised Harris’s mentorship during her first year in Congress, while Waters boldly called for the expansion of the U.S. Supreme Court, citing concerns over Justice Clarence Thomas’s alleged corruption.
“Absolutely, I will call for the expansion of the Supreme Court, especially since Justice Clarence Thomas is so corrupt,” Waters stated, ending the night with a powerful call to action that encapsulated the Democrats’ commitment to reform and justice.
DNC, State Leaders Rally Around
built for
moment,” said
to several polls, the economy and goodpaying jobs are among the most important issues for voters this election year.
“In this election, one thing is clear: Workers are going to stand with candidates who have stood with us and will continue to stand with us,” said SIEU Local 221 President
Crystal Irving, who is a Los Angeles native.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who spoke the first night of the convention, praised Harris for creating the California Bureau of Children’s Justice when she was Attorney General.
Lateefah Simon, who is currently running to succeed Lee in a U.S. Congressional district that includes Oakland, spoke on the third night of the convention.
“I saw Kamala Harris holding the hands of sexual assault survivors,” said Simon, who worked for Harris for four years when she was District Attorney. “I saw scores of mothers who lost their babies to gun violence lining up day after day at the courthouse waiting to talk to Kamala because they knew that she would hear them.”
After Harris’s acceptance speech, Congressmember Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37) said, “Tonight, my
friend and mentor Kamala Harris made history. She will make history yet again when she wins in November.” Two days after returning home to California, Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) said she was “inspired” by her experience serving as a delegate. Praising Harris’s record, Mckinnor posted
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. Photo by Max Elramsisy.
Vice President Kamala Harris
Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National
of the Democratic National Convention continued the fervor that has electrified the Windy City all week. Following a stirring performance of his hit song “Higher Ground,” Motown legend Stevie Wonder captivated the audience at the United Center in a spectacle of energy and emotion. The momentum carried through the
Senator Laphonza Butler (D-California). Photo by Max Elramsisy.
BLINK TWICE LOSES SIGHT
OF ITS SMARTEST IDEAS
Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut is stylish, but underbaked.
“Blink twice if I’m in danger.”
It’s a joke on Frida’s (Naomi Ackie) part, but when she says it to Rich (Kyle MacLachlan), the psychiatrist to Channing Tatum’s enigmatic tech billionaire Slater King, he blinks. Strangely, when they meet next, on the private island where Slater has spirited Frida away after she crashed his gala, Rich doesn’t seem to remember her. It’s one of the many curious moments that comprise the build-up to the twisted revelation of Zoë Kravitz’s darkly stylish psychological thriller, Blink Twice. The film was formerly known as Pussy Island, which would have been far too cheeky a title for such a surprisingly dark film. Rather, Blink Twice is an unnerving social satire that attempts to get to the root of “cancel culture” — and kind of succeeds.
Blink Twice follows Frida, a cocktail waitress who desperately needs a vacation. When she and her best friend Jess (Alia Shawkat) crash the gala celebrating Slater’s comeback, she meets him and they hit it off. Frida and Slater (who’s facing some troubling allegations) flirt the whole night, and, on a whim, he asks her to join him on a trip to his private island. At first, it seems like paradise. Each meal is catered
by Slater’s friend Cody (Simon Rex), a professional chef. Days are spent lounging by the pool; nights in a narcoticaddled haze. But gradually, Frida starts to notice something amiss. The staff smile creepily. There are whole stretches of the night she doesn’t remember. And she keeps finding dirt under her fingernails. All these oddities are easy to brush off until one day, Jess goes missing. And for some reason, no one but Frida remembers she was ever there.
With Kravitz’s directorial debut, she demonstrates a remarkable tonal confidence and strong sense of style, but there’s one glaring flaw at the center of Blink Twice, one that evaded me for as long as the film’s central mystery evades Frida. Blink Twice is playing at being an eat-therich social satire without a real idea of what that means. All the hallmarks are there: the oversaturated colors, the mundane microaggressions that cut like a knife, the intense close-ups, the darkly comic tone. But Blink Twice’s satire ultimately feels hollow because Kravitz, by her very her upbringing, is unsuited to making a truly authentic eatthe-rich movie. Kravitz and screenwriter E.T. Feigenbaum’s script borrows from greater social satires before it, but fails to come to a more complex resolution than men are evil. A fair point to make, but not one that needs to be withheld
‘Deadpool’
and
By KAITLYN HUAMANI Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP) — In a sleepy summer weekend at the box office, holdovers reigned supreme as newcomers landed without a splash.
“Deadpool & Wolverine” reclaimed first place at the North American box office in its fifth weekend with $18.3 million. Its cumulative international earnings now sit at over $1.2 billion.
The Walt Disney Co., which owns 20th Century Studios, claimed the top two spots on the charts for the second weekend in a row with “Alien: Romulus” following close behind the foul-mouthed superhero movie. The latest installment in the 45-year-old franchise brought in $16.2 million in its second weekend after a promising opening. Disney’s “Inside Out 2” also remained on the charts, raking in $2.1 million domestically in its 11th weekend. Its global earnings are now over $1.6 billion.
as long Blink Twice does.
Much of Blink Twice is spent setting up its uncanny premise, before it spends the rest of its runtime building up to an explosive third act. Kravitz has fun creating this bizarro island paradise. The women arrive to find private rooms filled with clothes sized perfectly for them and special perfume. The cocktails are bottomless. The food is delicious. The men are a little intense, but fun. But Kravitz’s hand is too light when it comes to showing why everything is a little off — the hedonistic montages come off more as glossy advertisements than uncanny images of a false paradise. The only thing that communicates something is off are Slater’s silent, smiling employees. But as the film builds to its twist, Kravtiz’s inability to do more with this nameless, wordless staff — who in a better director’s hands, might have played into the film’s whole “eat-the-rich” message — only reveals the hypocrisy at the center of Blink Twice’s satire.
It’s a shame, because the performances are all fantastic.
Naomi Ackie anchors the movie as the intrepid Frida, who makes for a compelling Final Girl in the vein of Ready of Not’s Samara Weaving. Adria Arjona is another fun standout as Sarah, another girl brought on this trip whose
icy demeanor gives way to a fierce survivor’s instinct. It’s when Frida and Sarah finally pair up that Blink Twice gets its mojo — they’re an intensely watchable duo that could have helped us through the film’s shaggy middle part. The rest of the ensemble plays little more than archetypes, though Christian Slater, Simon Rex, and Haley Joel Osment have fun with it, even if they aren’t offered much to do. But Tatum is the scene-stealer as Slater, a seemingly zen rich guy who’s into holistic healing and therapy, while hiding darker impulses. Seeing Tatum play against type is one of the joys of Blink Twice, even if it Kravitz never takes full advantage of his performance.
Blink Twice is a movie clearly made in the shadow of Jordan Peele’s Get Out, but in trying to capitalize on the ultra-luxe vision of recent eat-the-rich hits like Saltburn, it comes across as tonally confused — even a little tonedeaf. It’s frustrating because it’s clear that Kravitz wants to make an important movie. But without a clear message at its core, Blink Twice is only a hollow imitation of the social satires its aping. Blink Twice opens in theaters August 23.
“This is an incredible turnaround for Disney, who almost fell off the radar, shockingly enough, last year and over the course of the pandemic,” said Paul Dergarabedian, the senior media analyst for Comscore. “They got a couple of billion-dollar films out so far and ‘Moana 2’ is still up on the way. This is a huge comeback year for Disney – no question about it.” Romantic drama “It Ends With Us,” another repeat chart-topper, landed in third place for the second consecutive weekend with $11.9 million. The Sony movie starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, who also directed, has made $242.6 million to date globally. It cost only $25 million to produce. The new releases were victim to the crowded movie marketplace, resulting in what Dergarabedian called “box office déjà vu,” with the familiar films dominating and making it harder for the new releases to find their footing. Dergarabedian says the upcoming Labor Day holiday will likely benefit the newer titles as word-of-mouth spreads and more people head to theaters during the long weekend.
and the billionaire. The film’s budget has been reported at $20 million.
Reviews have been mixed, with audiences giving the film a B- CinemaScore, but the film has been deemed Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with a 79% score.
Rounding out the top five was “The Forge,” a faithfocused coming-of-age movie about a young man finding his way through Christianity. The film opened with $6.6 million and received an A+ CinemaScore from audiences. It was released by Affirm Films, Sony’s faith-based banner.
Another new release, “The Crow,” was beat out by “Twisters” and “Coraline” in the rankings. “Twisters” entered its sixth week with $6.2 million in domestic earnings and “Coraline,” which was re-released for its 15th anniversary last week, brought in an additional $5.1 million in its second weekend.
To complete the “tale of the holdovers,” as Dergarabedian put it, “Despicable Me 4” and “Inside Out 2” closed out the top 10
“Blink Twice,” directed by Zoë Kravitz and starring her life partner Channing Tatum, saw a modest opening, taking in $7.3 million and claiming fourth place on the charts. The Amazon MGM Studios psychological thriller follows Tatum as tech magnate Slater King, who whisks two women away to his private island. While it may seem like a picture-perfect vacation at first, much more sinister events unfold as the visitors learn the truth about the island
Lionsgate’s “The Crow,” an R-rated adaptation of the acclaimed graphic novel and a remake of the 1994 film of the same name, opened with $4.6 million. The studio also floundered in August with the release of “Borderlands,” an adaptation of the video game, which made $15.2 million over three weekends compared to its reported $120 million budget.
Naomi Ackie and Adria Arjona are a fantastic duo that the film should’ve utilized sooner.
As Harris Makes History, Trump Campaigns to Be Gaslighter-in-Chief
By Joe W. Bowers Jr.
California Black Media
With the Democratic National Convention in Chicago now concluded and Vice President Kamala Harris officially nominated as the party’s candidate for President, former President Donald Trump has wasted no time reverting to his usual playbook, peddling division and negativity. Rather than campaigning on the critical issues facing the country, Trump is trolling anyone he perceives is making fun of him or questioning his competence. In front of his supporters, he openly mocked his advisers who urged him to focus on policy.
Gaslighting, a tactic designed to make people question their reality, has been a constant feature of Trump’s political career. Whether downplaying the severity of COVID-19, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the 2020 election, or distorting his administration’s achievements, Trump has skillfully used this approach to manipulate public perception in his favor.
While Democrats celebrated Harris’s historic nomination and urged the nation to turn the page on Trump, he was in swing states launching personal attacks and spreading misinformation, reinforcing his image as an “unserious”, “weird”, and backward-looking candidate out of touch with American values. His appearances were filled with off-the-cuff remarks, unhinged tirades, and humiliating blunders. He ridiculed President Joe Biden’s appearance, labeled former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi “crazy,” called Harris “lazy” and “stupid,” and described former President Obama as “nasty.” Trump’s gaslighting of Harris goes even deeper, questioning her background and identity, implying that Democrats might not fully understand “where she came from” or her “ideology.” This tactic which he’s used against other prominent Black leaders, including Obama and women of color in Congress, is designed to paint Harris as an outsider, despite her Oakland roots, her experience being bused to public school, and graduating from Howard University, a historically Black college. His deliberate mispronunciation of her name, a blatant sign of his racism and disrespect, aims to marginalize her as “other.” On Trump’s list of jabs at Harris is making fun of her laugh, calling it a “cackle.” He ridiculously claimed that he’s “better looking” than her —not realizing he was implying he’s also better looking than his wife, Melania, since he had remarked that Harris’s Time Magazine cover
resembled her. Trump has tried to label Harris as “Lyin’ Kamala” and brand her a “communist,” calling her “Comrade Kamala”, even suggesting that “Kamala” sounds like “communist” -a childish play on words that he finds clever. Ironically, when Trump calls Harris “stupid,” he’s absurdly trying to demean someone whose parents both
earned PhDs, who holds an advanced degree, and is a member of the California State Bar, having passed one of the most challenging exams in the country. Meanwhile, Trump, who lacks an advanced degree, has gone to great lengths to keep his academic records secret, even threatening legal action to prevent their release. By throwing this derogatory label at Harris, Trump is once again projecting
his own insecurities onto others, conveniently forgetting that his Secretary of State reportedly called him a “moron.” As Trump campaigns, it’s clear he thinks focusing on division and negativity and not offering constructive solutions is the way to win the election. There’s no message of unity or progress—just a constant barrage of grievances and complaints about the state of the country and how he’s being treated.
The barrage of personal attacks Trump’s been launching is part of a broader pattern in his strategy, which hinges on the “Big Lie” -- the baseless claim that the 2020 election was stolen from him. Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, Trump’s repeated falsehoods have deeply influenced many Republicans, damaging their trust in democratic institutions.
As Harris steps into her role as the Democratic nominee, her campaign offers a hopeful vision for the future and bold solutions to national challenges, standing in stark contrast to Trump’s backward approach. For Black Californians, and all voters, the challenge is to assess each candidates’ rhetoric, evaluate the information, and make a choice based on the facts.
At their convention, Democrats highlighted Project 2025, the controversial plan from the conservative Heritage Foundation detailing policies Trump is expected to adopt if elected. They exposed its extreme agenda, threatening civil rights, environmental protections, and social programs such as access to reproductive rights. In response, Trump is denying any connection to the MAGA manifesto mostly written by people from his administration, telling Fox News, “I have nothing to do with Project 2025,” and Newsmax, “I have no idea what it is.” As the 2024 election approaches, it’s important to critically evaluate the information presented, recognizing Trump’s tactics for what they are: an attempt to distort reality and undermine Harris’s candidacy, which embodies progress, diversity, and inclusion. Trump’s gaslighting underscores his persistent disregard for the truth and his readiness to exploit fear and prejudice to stay relevant, raising questions about what national leadership role he’s really after.
While “Gaslighter-in-Chief” may aptly describe the position Trump is campaigning for, and although he is seeking another higher office, it’s essential for the future of the America that he
Leading Democratic Women Excoriate Trump During Fiery DNC Speeches
By Stacy M. Brown
CHICAGO — At the Democratic National Convention, a cadre of leading Democratic women took the stage, unleashing a barrage of critiques against Donald Trump and J.D. Vance, framed by the Republicans’ notorious record on women’s issues. The stark differences in vision and values of the twice-impeached and 34-times convicted former president, his vice presidential nominee, and Vice President Kamala Harris and her surrogates were on full display in Chicago.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton opened with a searing take on Trump’s legal woes. “Donald Trump fell asleep at his own trial,” Clinton recounted to an amused crowd. “When he woke up, he’d made his own kind of history — the first person to run for president with 34 felony convictions.” The statement sparked a wave of laughter and wild applause, leading to chants of “Lock him up!” echoing the irony of Trump’s previous attacks on her.
“We have him on the run now,” Clinton declared. “But no matter what the polls say, we can’t give up.”
Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas highlighted the divergent paths of Harris and Trump. “One candidate worked at McDonald’s while she was in college at an HBCU. The other was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and helped his daddy in the family business: Housing discrimination,” Crockett said, sparking
boisterous applause from the audience. She continued, “She became a career prosecutor, while he became a career criminal, with 34 felonies, two impeachments, and one porn star to prove it.” Reflecting on her early days in Congress, Crockett shared a personal testimony about Harris’ influence. “When I first got to Congress, I wasn’t sure I made the right decision,” she admitted. “That chaos caucus couldn’t elect a speaker, and the Oversight Committee was unhinged.”
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York also critically panned Trump’s priorities. “We know Trump would sell this country for a dollar if it meant lining his own pockets and greasing palms of his Wall Street friends,” Ocasio-Cortez asserted. Her speech vividly championed Harris as a beacon for working Americans. “To love this country is to fight for its people — all people, working people, everyday Americans like bartenders and factory workers and fast-food cashiers who punch a clock and are on their feet all day in some of the toughest jobs out there.”
Ocasio-Cortez then stirred the thousands of delegates with a forward-looking promise: “America, when we knock on our neighbor’s door, organize our communities, and elect Kamala Harris to the presidency on November 5, we will send a loud message that the people of this nation will not go back. We choose a new path and open the door to a new day: one that is for the people and by the people.”
California’s Historic Partnership to Save Journalism Creates
By Regina Wilson
California Black Media
Last week, California arrived at a turning point in the decades-long quest to find a solution to the news crisis in our state.
Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) brokered a deal that promises to change the future of news in our state. This isn’t just another plan -- it’s a unique collaboration that brings together the State of California, news publishers and tech companies, to give our newsrooms the financial support they desperately need.
It also includes the launching of a new National AI Accelerator to explore how artificial intelligence can help journalism thrive in today’s digital world. This partnership couldn’t come at a more critical time. Local journalism is on life support across our state. Across the country, news outlets are shrinking or shutting down at an alarming rate, leaving communities without vital information. A recent study from Northwestern University found that two and a half newspapers in the U.S. close every week. Since 2005, we’ve lost two-thirds of our newspaper journalists. In California alone, over 100 newspapers have disappeared in the last decade.
Assemblymember Wicks, along with the state and other key players, have come up with a pragmatic way to address this crisis. They’ve created an agreement to revive local journalism in California by using tech industry and public resources -- without raising taxes on Californians. Over the next five years, more than $250 million in public and private funding will go to California’s newsrooms, especially small, local, and community-focused
outlets. The plan is to invest $100 million in the first year to get things started. This money will help hire hundreds of new journalists, strengthen existing newsrooms, and rebuild a strong press corps across our state. This isn’t just about saving what’s left. It’s about creating a future where journalism can be strengthened enough to resume its critical roles as interpreter of current events; watchdog of developments in business and public policy; and reliable source of news and information.
At the center of this initiative is the News Transformation Fund that will be managed by the UC Berkeley School of Journalism. This fund will provide financial support to California-based journalism, with help from both the tech sector and the state. The focus is on helping news organizations fill the gaps in local news deserts, serve underrepresented communities, and prioritize California coverage. Small, independent publishers -- the ones closest to their communities and most in need.
As the Executive Director of California Black Media, I can’t stress enough how important this initiative is for ethnic and community media outlets. We’ve always been the trusted voices for historically underrepresented communities, providing news and information that larger outlets often overlook or under-explore. But many of our outlets are struggling to survive, often relying on just a few dedicated people to keep going.
This new partnership recognizes the crucial role of ethnic media in California’s diverse landscape. It offers immediate and much-needed help, allowing our newsrooms to adapt to a changing media world, embrace new technologies, and continue our important work.
For many of us, this funding could mean the difference between staying open and closing down. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s support for this initiative, along with his backing of AB 1511, authored by Assemblymember Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles), demonstrates the administration’s strong commitment to local and underrepresented media. AB 1511 seeks to increase the state’s investment in marketing, advertising, and outreach dollars directed specifically to our local community news providers. It’s important to note that this partnership is just the beginning. As Assemblymember Wicks said, this effort is about laying the foundation for a free and vibrant press in California. The National AI Accelerator will provide even more resources to explore how AI can help solve some of the toughest challenges facing journalism and society. This isn’t just about money. It’s about reaffirming the essential role that journalism plays in our democracy. It’s about making sure all Californians have access to reliable and trustworthy news, no matter where they live or what language they speak. It’s about empowering local news outlets to keep telling the stories that matter most to their communities. As we move forward, I encourage all stakeholders -- publishers, journalists, community leaders, and policymakers -- to come together and make the most of this opportunity. The future of California’s media landscape is at a crossroads, and with the right support, we can ensure it is incrementally funded to become more diverse, dynamic, and democratic.
Vice President Kamala Harris and First Gentlemen Doug Emhoff at the DNC in Chicago. Photo by Max Elramsisy.
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Regina Wilson, Executive Director, CBM
UCSF Favors Pricey Doctoral Program for Nurse-Midwives Amid Maternal Care Crisis
By Ronnie Cohen
One of California’s two programs for training nursemidwives has stopped admitting students while it revamps its curriculum to offer only doctoral degrees, a move that’s drawn howls of protest from alumni, health policy experts, and faculty who accuse the University of California of putting profits above public health needs.
UC-San Francisco’s renowned nursing school will graduate its final class of certified nurse-midwives next spring. Then the university will cancel its two-year master’s program in nurse-midwifery, along with other nursing disciplines, in favor of a three-year doctor of nursing practice, or DNP, degree. The change will pause UCSF’s nearly five decades-long training of nurse-midwives until at least 2025 and will more than double the cost to students.
State Assembly member Mia Bonta, who chairs the health committee, said she was “disheartened” to learn that UCSF was eliminating its master’s nurse-midwifery program and feared the additional time and costs to get a doctorate would deter potential applicants. “Instead of adding hurdles, we need to be building and expanding a pipeline of culturally and racially concordant providers to support improved birth outcomes, especially for Black and
Latina
birthing people,” she said in an email.
The switch to doctoral education is part of a national movement to require all advanced-practice registered nurses, including nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners, to earn doctoral degrees, Kristen Bole, a UCSF spokesperson, said in response to written questions. The doctoral training will feature additional classes in leadership and quality improvement.
But the movement, which dates to 2004, has not caught on the way the American Association of Colleges of Nursing envisioned when it called for doctorate-level education to be required for entry-level advanced nursing practice by 2015. That deadline came and went. Now, an acute need for maternal health practitioners has some universities moving in the other direction.
This year, Rutgers University reinstated the nursemidwifery master’s training it had eliminated in 2016.
The University of Alabama-Birmingham also restarted its master’s in nurse-midwifery program in 2022 after a 25year hiatus. In addition, George Washington University in Washington, D.C., Loyola University in New Orleans, and the University of Nevada-Las Vagas added master’s training in nurse-midwifery.
UCSF estimates tuition and fees will cost $152,000 for a three-year doctoral degree in midwifery, compared with $65,000 for a two-year master’s. Studies show that 71% of nursing master’s students and 74% of nursing doctoral students rely on student loans, and nurses with doctorates earn negligibly or no more than nurses with master’s degrees.
Kim Q. Dau, who ran UCSF’s nurse-midwifery program for a decade, resigned in June because she was uncomfortable with the elimination of the master’s in favor of a doctoral requirement, she said, which is at odds with the state’s workforce needs and unnecessary for clinical practice.
“They’ll be equally prepared clinically but at more expense to the student and with a greater time investment,” she said.
Nurse-midwives are registered nurses with graduate degrees in nurse-midwifery. Licensed in all 50 states, they work mostly in hospitals and can perform abortions and prescribe medications, though they are also trained in managing labor pain with showers, massage, and other
natural means. Certified midwives and certified professional midwives, by contrast, study maternity care outside of nursing schools, attend births outside of hospitals, and are licensed only in some states.
The California Nurse-Midwives Association also criticized UCSF’s program change, which comes amid a national maternal mortality crisis, a serious shortage of obstetric providers, and a growing reliance on midwives. According to the 2022 “White House Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis” report, the U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate of any developed nation and needs thousands more midwives and other women’s health providers to bridge the swelling gap.
Ginger Breedlove, founder and CEO of Grow Midwives, a national consulting firm, likened UCSF’s switch from master’s to doctoral training to “an earthquake.”
“Why are we delaying the entry of essential-care providers by making them go to an additional year of school, which adds nothing to their clinical preparedness or safety to serve the community?” asked Breedlove, a past president of the American College of Nurse-Midwives. “Why they have chosen this during one of the worst workforce shortages combined with the worst maternal health crisis we have had in 50 years is beyond my imagination.”
A 2020 report published in Nursing Outlook failed to find that advanced-practice registered nurses with doctorates were more clinically proficient than those with master’s degrees. “Unfortunately, to date, the data are sparse,” it concluded.
The American College of Nurse-Midwives also denounced the doctoral requirement, as have trade associations for neonatal nurse practitioners and neonatal nurses, citing “the lack of scientific evidence that … doctoral-level education is beneficial to patients, practitioners, or society.”
There is no evidence that doctoral-level nursemidwives will provide better care, Breedlove said.
“This is profit over purpose,” she added.
Bole disputed Breedlove’s accusation of a profit motive. Asked for reasons for the change, she offered broad statements: “The decision to upgrade our program was made to ensure that our graduates are prepared for the challenges they will face in the evolving health care landscape.”
Like Breedlove, Liz Donnelly, vice chair of the health policy committee for the California Nurse-Midwives Association, worries that UCSF’s switch to a doctoral degree will exacerbate the twin crises of maternal mortality and a shrinking obstetrics workforce across California and the nation. On average, 10 to 12 nurse-midwives graduated from the UCSF master’s program each year over the past decade, Bole said. California’s remaining master’s program in nurse-midwifery is at California State University in Fullerton, south of Los Angeles, and it graduated eight nurse-midwives last year and 11 this year. More than half of rural counties in the U.S. lacked obstetric care in 2018, according to a Government Accountability Office report. In some parts of California, expectant mothers must drive two hours for care, said Bethany Sasaki, who runs Midtown Nurse Midwives, a Sacramento birth center. It has had to stop accepting new clients because it cannot find midwives. Donnelly predicted the closure of UCSF’s midwifery program will significantly reduce the number of nursemidwives entering the workforce and will inhibit people with fewer resources from attending the program. “Specifically, I think it’s going to reduce folks of color, people from rural communities, people from poor communities,” she said.
UCSF’s change will also likely undercut efforts to train providers from diverse backgrounds.
Natasha, a 37-year-old Afro-Puerto Rican mother of two, has spent a decade preparing to train as a nursemidwife so she could help women like herself through pregnancy and childbirth. She asked to be identified only by her first name out of fear of reducing her chances of graduate school admission. The UCSF program’s pause, plus the added time and expense to get a doctoral degree, has muddied her career path.
“The master’s was just the perfect program,” said Natasha, who lives in the Bay Area and cannot travel to the other end of the state to attend CSU-Fullerton. “I’m frustrated, and I feel deflated. I now have to find another career path.”\
Early Literacy is an Educational Priority
In 2023, the Oregon legislature launched the Early Literacy Success Initiative to help all students learn to read, as only 46% of students read proficiently by the end of grade 3. To support the initiative, the Children’s Institute (CI) partnered with the Regional Educational Laboratory Northwest (REL Northwest) to compile accessible, evidence-based resources to support this effort and strengthen literacy practices for young children. Why early literacy matters
Why focus on birth to grade 3? Early experiences shape the foundation for all future learning, with critical brain development occurring before age five. When young children develop strong language skills early on, they are better equipped to engage in learning and succeed academically. Children who fail to achieve reading proficiency by grade 3 are four times more likely to drop out of high school. Thus, early literacy is an educational priority and an equity issue, as it can help mitigate the effects of poverty and systemic inequities.
Evidence-based early literacy resources REL Northwest compiled vetted resources to support early literacy from ages 0–3 and preschool to grade 3. For children ages 0–3, these resources include interactive reading apps, early literacy games, and parent-child reading guides. Educators and parents can integrate these strategies into home visiting programs, early intervention services, and community-based programs. For older children in preschool and elementary school settings, the resources include guided reading materials, phonics-based learning tools, and literacy assessment guides. For example, How Parents and Families Support Oral Language and Vocabulary provides research-based strategies, example texts, and real-life vignettes that parents and families can use to develop oral language skills in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, including those from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Another resource, A Kindergarten Teacher’s Guide to Supporting Family Involvement in Foundational Reading Skills, helps teachers support families in practicing foundational reading skills at home as a companion to the recommendations for classroom instruction. These resources address the unique needs and challenges faced by students, including students from low-income families, English learner students, and students with disabilities.
Children’s Institute published these resources on a custom web page designed for families, caregivers, practitioners, and policymakers to access and use practices linked to improving student outcomes. The resources are presented in a user-friendly format with clear instructions and explanations.
Policy context and future directions
The shift toward identifying literacy skills on the zeroto-grade-3 continuum reflects a growing recognition of the importance of early childhood education. This approach
Tens
aligns with national trends and funding opportunities, emphasizing the need for comprehensive early literacy strategies. By thinking beyond the traditional PreK–3 continuum, Oregon is positioning itself as a leader in early childhood education reform.
The infusion of state funding into early literacy initiatives, particularly the Early Literacy Success Initiative, opens new possibilities. By leveraging this funding, educators and policymakers can adopt and integrate these tools and strategies into their existing frameworks, ensuring that every child in Oregon can develop strong literacy skills
Early
from the earliest age. By creating a more equitable education system that empowers all children to reach their full potential, this initiative aims to improve early literacy and foster a sense of shared responsibility and commitment to the future of our children and our communities. Lessons learned can or should inform efforts throughout the country and inspire action on early literacy. The role of REL Northwest and Children’s Institute REL Northwest plays a crucial role in building the capacity of education stakeholders across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington and helping state and district leaders use data and evidence for informed decision-
Thousands
making. REL Northwest conducts applied research and provides training and technical support to state and local education agencies and community organization partners in the region.
Children’s Institute, a nonprofit organization, focuses on improving the lives of children from prenatal to fifth grade in Oregon, especially those facing systemic barriers like poverty, racial inequities, disabilities, or rural areas. CI’s work focuses on shaping state early childhood policy related to early learning and healthy development and working with schools and districts to strengthen teaching practices in preschool through fifth grade with its Early School Success initiative. They collaborate with various stakeholders, including families, educators, regional leaders, policymakers, and health organizations, to ensure a comprehensive approach to early childhood education.
Black Californians Retain Health Coverage After
beyond the redetermination process helped to keep health insurance accessible for state residents.
According to a survey conducted last fall on behalf of Covered California by NORC and Slosar Research, 82% of people in the Medi-Cal renewal processes were covered through employer- insurance; were already enrolled with Covered California, or returned to Medi-Cal.
Soni stated that the main obstacle that prevents people without health insurance from selecting
end of the federal continuous coverage requirement put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Covered California automatically enrolled individuals in one of its low-cost health plans with insurers such as Aetna Health, Anthem Blue Cross of California, Health Net, Molina Health Plan, or Valley Health Plan if they lost Medi-Cal coverage and qualified for Covered California.
Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman said people who received health insurance through Covered California didn’t experience a gap in coverage.
“We are proud of these results so far, and the Medi-Cal to Covered California program is now a mainstay in our effort to keep Californians covered with comprehensive, affordable health insurance,” she said in a statement. Soni said continuing the automatic enrollment
(fStop/Getty Images)
Preschool students at the Preschool Promise program at the Center for African Immigrants and Refugees in Portland, Oregon.
Young reader at the Multnomah County Lending Library at
Boyles Elementary in Portland, Oregon.
Dr. Herb Turner Founder, President and Principal Scientist Analytica Inc
Dr. Marina Merrill Director of Research & Strategy Children’s Institute
California Capitol News You Might Have Missed Political Playback:
By Bo Tefu California Black Media Republicans and Democrats
Spar Over Bill That Would Allow Some Life Sentences to be Overturned
California Senate and Assembly Republicans are rallying against Senate Bill (SB) 94, legislation that would allow people sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole to petition the court for a lighter sentence.
The bill authored by Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose), would enable the court to resentence people imprisoned without the possibility of parole if the individual has served a minimum of 25 years and if their offense occurred before June 5, 1990.
According to SB 94, only individuals convicted under “special circumstance murder” would be eligible to petition for a new sentence. The proposed law would not apply to individuals that committed murder in an egregious manner such as torture, poison, lying in wait, rape by instrument, mayhem, and other offenses, according to Cortese.
Republican Senators released an extensive analysis of the bill outlining how it undermines public safety and arguing that the early release of violent criminals is “an affront to victims, their families and people concerned about crime rates statewide.”
At a press conference on Aug. 22, Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego), joined other GOP lawmakers in denouncing the bill, asserting that freedom is a right reserved for law-abiding citizens.
“When violent murderers brutally take a life, they lose their right to freedom,” said Jones.
“Now, radical Democrat politicians want to bring these violent offenders back into our communities. Releasing heinous murderers after promising justice to the victims’ families is not just disrespectful, it’s dangerous,” he said.
Pushing back on the criticisms from across the aisle, Cortese put out on statement stating that Republicans are spreading misinformation about the bill. Cortese reiterated that the bill would not release people from prison, rather it would send people to judicial court, State Parole Board, and the Governor. .
“At each level, public safety is paramount, by utilizing the four-tiered process we are ensuring that only those who have rehabilitated pursuant to a Judicial Court, the Parole Board, and our Governor have the potential to be released. All three must agree. Only those having already served a minimum of 25 years may request a hearing,” said Cortese.
“I would encourage everyone to read the bill and read our proposed amendments,” Cortese added.
Google’s New Deal with California Lawmakers and Publishers Will Fund Newsrooms, Explore AI
Gov. Gavin Newsom, California lawmakers and some newspaper publishers last week finalized a $172 million deal with tech giant Google to support local news outlets and artificial intelligence innovation.
This deal, the first of its kind in the nation, aims to invest in local journalism statewide over the next five years. However, the initiative is different from a bill proposed by two legislators, news publishers and media employee unions requiring tech giants Google and Meta to split a percentage of ad revenue generated from news stories with publishers and media outlets. Under this new deal, Google will commit $55 million over five years into a new fund administered by the University of California, Berkeley to distribute to local newsrooms. In this partnership, the State is expected to provide $70 over five years toward this initiative. Google also has to pay a lump sum of $10 million annually toward existing grant programs that fund local newsrooms.
The State Legislature and the governor will have to approve the state funds each year. Google has agreed to invest an additional $12.5 million each year in an artificial intelligence program. However, labor advocates are concerned about the threat of job losses as a result of AI being used in newsrooms.
Julie Makinen, board chairperson of the California News Publishers Association, acknowledged that the deal is a sign of progress.
“This is a first step toward what we hope will become a comprehensive program to sustain local news in the long term, and we will push to see it grow in future years,” said Makinen.
However, the deal is “not what we had hoped for when set out, but it is a start and it will begin to provide some help to newsrooms across the state,” she said.
Regina Brown Wilson, Executive Director of California Black Media, said the deal is a commendable first step that beats the alternative: litigation, legislation or Google walking from the deal altogether or getting nothing.
“This kind of public-private partnership is unprecedented. California is leading the way by investing in protecting the press and sustaining quality journalism in our state,” said Brown Wilson. “This fund will help news outlets adapt to a changing landscape and provide some relief. This is especially true for ethnic and community media journalists who have strong connections to their communities.”
Although the state partnered with media outlets and publishers to secure the multi-year deal, unions advocating for media workers argued that the news companies and
lawmakers were settling for too little.
Sen. Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg) proposed a bill earlier this year that aimed to hold tech companies accountable for money they made off news articles. But big tech companies pushed back on bills that tried to force them to share profits with media companies.
McGuire continues to back efforts that require tech companies to pay media outlets to help save jobs in the news industry. He argued that this new deal, “lacks sufficient funding for newspapers and local media, and doesn’t fully address the inequities facing the industry.”
At DNC, Mayor Karen Bass Talks About V.P.
Harris’s “Commitment to Children”
On the opening night of the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 19 in Chicago, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass commended Vice President Kamala Harris, describing her as a role model who fights to protect children.
During her speech, Bass recalled working together with Harris on youth homelessness and fixing the child welfare system over a decade ago when she served as the head of the California Assembly and Harris was a state prosecutor.
“Our bond was forged years ago, by a shared commitment to children,” said Bass, honoring their 20 years of friendship.
“A belief that it is everybody’s responsibility to care for every child, no matter where they come from or no matter who their parents are,” she said.
A well-known advocate for children, Bass created the Bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth and worked closely with Harris. The Vice President worked closely with Bass to help young people in the juvenile justice system when she served as the California Attorney General.
Bass spoke highly of Harris’ dedication as a public servant and advocate for young people.
As a leader Harris, “feels the importance of this work in her bones. When Kamala meets a young person, you can
feel her passion. You can feel her heart. And you can feel her fearlessness,” said Bass.
“That is what defines a commitment to children: being willing to fight fiercely for every child. And trust me, Kamala has done that her entire life,” she added.
Both Democrats made history in their current leadership roles when Harris became the first female vice president of the United States and Bass became the first woman mayor of L.A. in 2022. Harris swore Bass into that role, an act both women agree sent a powerful message to young girls that they too can become leaders.
Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Kamala Harris: Govern From the Center
Democratic House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-11) urged Vice President Kamala Harris to govern “from the center,” stating that the presidential nominee will take the party to new heights. Pelosi challenged the Democratic Party to lead their campaign with messaging that is “bold, progressive and not menacing.”
Pelosi stated that although what works in Michigan may not work in San Francisco, winning should remain everyone’s focus.
Similar to Harris, Pelosi was the first woman to serve in her role as House Speaker, ascending to the highestranking female politician in the country before Harris becoming the first female Vice President.
“You have to be able to take a punch, you have to be able to throw a punch … for the children,” Pelosi said in support of Harris becoming the first woman vice president and working her way to making history for the second time as the Democrats presidential nominee.
In her speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 20, the former Speaker thanked President Joe Biden for his leadership.
“I wanted very much to protect his legacy,” Pelosi said regarding Biden’s decision to step down as the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee.
“A great sacrifice was made here,” she said.
Pelosi emphasized that her priority is to win the White House in November as well as the House and Senate.
Black Caucus Opposes New Retail Theft Law Leaving Democrats Divided
Members of California’s Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) last week rallied against Proposition 36 in Sacramento on Aug. 20, arguing that, if approved, the law would disproportionally impact Black and Brown communities statewide.
Prop 36 aims to increase penalties for retail theft, upgrading charges for some criminal offenses from misdemeanors to felonies. Black caucus members who have been vocal in their opposition of the legislation include Assemblymembers Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), Isaac Bryan (D Ladera Heights), Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), and Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood).
Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) was also among a coalition of Democratic leaders rallying against the bill on Aug. 20 at the State Capitol. Other Democratic lawmakers attending the press conference included Assemblymembers Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) and Alex Lee (D-San Jose). Bryan challenged fellow Democrats to advocate for laws that aim to alleviate poverty and crime calling Prop 36 a bipartisan failure.
“We are not going back. For decades, communities have been calling for us to invest in safe solutions that address the root causes of poverty and desperation. Prop. 36 is a return to the bipartisan failures of the 1980s and 90s. We can and must do better,” Bryan said in a statement.
He condemned the law stating that “every dollar we spend criminalizing poverty is a dollar we could’ve better spent ending it.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized the ballot measure, stating that Prop 36 would be costly for the state and potentially lead to the overcrowding of state prisons.
California Gun Law Blocked by Supreme Court Ruling
On Aug. 21, a federal judge barred California from allowing residents to seek concealed-carry licenses, squashing State lawmakers’ plans to restrict carrying guns in public. The State Legislature tried to pass a new law in response to a 2022 United States Supreme Court ruling that blocked states’ limits on carrying concealed weapons. The ruling stated that government restrictions related to gun laws must be “consistent with this nation’s historical tradition of firearms regulation,” referencing laws that date back to the formative years of the nation. As a response, California enacted a law that banned carrying guns in schools, parks, libraries, and other “sensitive places.” However, the courts also blocked this restriction and set new requirements for licenses to possess firearms in public. Another restriction to ban out-of-state residents from applying for concealed-carry licenses was recently blocked by a federal judge. The judge argued that the restriction failed to meet the Supreme Court’s historical test.
State Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office argued that California’s resident requirement reinforced the state’s purpose of allowing only “law-abiding citizens” to carry guns.However, gun advocates, such as the Second Amendment Foundation, support the court’s ruling. The organization partnered with similar groups including the Gun Owners of America and the California Rifle & Pistol Association to challenge state laws and restrictions on gun ownership.
Alan Gottlieb, founder and executive vice president of the Second Amendment Foundation said, “Americans do not leave their Second Amendment right to bear arms at the California border.”
Although Bonta could appeal the court ruling, the state is yet to respond to the federal judge’s decision. Lawmakers supporting gun restrictions continue to back his in efforts to bolster public safety.
Gov. Newsom Rejects Plans to Expand Air-Quality Monitoring in Refineries
On Aug. 19, Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill aiming to expand the State’s air-quality monitoring system to include more refineries.
Newsom cited concerns regarding local control and high implementation costs.
State Sen. Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) authored Senate Bill (SB) 674, legislation that required real-time air monitoring of nearby petroleum refineries to keep track of sites producing biofuel and other pollutants. The bill would have required communities close to refineries such as Chevron Refinery in Richmond, to get notifications when pollutants were dangerously high, requiring local governments and state agencies to address the poor conditions.
Newsom stated that although the bill had good intentions, the state had no funding to reimburse the refineries for implementing the required systems. The proposed bill obligated refineries to cover the costs of implementing the air monitoring systems, paying various fees over multiple years. However, State officials were unable to secure funding that could help expand programs that monitor air quality in all the refineries. Oscar Espino-Padron, a senior attorney at Earthjustice, confirmed that two air quality districts in the Bay Area and South Coast Air Quality Management District supported SB 674. Espino-Padron argued that the air quality districts would be “empowered to implement measures and to exercise their discretion to tailor this monitoring program based on when it’s appropriate in their jurisdictions.”
“It’s really a setback, not only for air quality but also for community safety,” he said.
According to SB 674, a report by the American Lung Association indicated that all 19 refineries in California are located in counties that received failing grades for particulate matter pollution. Environmental groups argued that communities are being deprived of data and information that could help them take proper and timely precautions as well as protect their families from pollution caused by the refineries.
Asthma is a significant public health issue, particularly among Medi-Cal members.
Black Californians are five times more likely to visit the emergency department and four times more likely to be hospitalized for asthma than White Californians, and more than 2 million Latinos in the state live with asthma. Medi-Cal offers new services to help members manage and reduce asthma triggers where they often experience them most, in their own home. Asthma Remediation as Part of Community Supports Asthma Remediation is one of the 14 optional Community Supports Medi-Cal managed care plans can offer. Community Supports are new and improved services to help Medi-Cal members get well-rounded, whole person care that goes beyond the doctor’s office or hospital. This program provides home modifications and interventions to manage asthma symptoms, reduce emergency room visits, and improve the quality of life for eligible members. Transform Your Home to Manage Asthma Medi-Cal’s Asthma Remediation service covers essential modifications to ensure your home is a safe haven, including: Allergen-impermeable mattress and pillow covers to block dust mites.
High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtered vacuums to effectively remove allergens. Integrated Pest Management services to eliminate pests that can trigger asthma. De-humidifiers to control moisture levels and prevent mold growth. Mechanical air filters to keep indoor air clean.
Asthma-friendly cleaning products and supplies that contain minimal chemical irritants.
Minor mold removal and remediation services to ensure mold-free living spaces.
Other moisture-controlling interventions to maintain a dry and healthy environment.
Ventilation improvements to enhance air circulation.
Other medically appropriate and cost-effective interventions identified by your health care provider. How to Access Asthma Remediation Services
To qualify for these services, members must meet certain criteria: Eligibility Criteria: The member must have poorly controlled asthma, indicated by recent emergency department visits, hospitalizations, frequent urgent care visits, or a score of 19 or lower on the Asthma Control Test.
Home Evaluation: An assessment of the member’s home must be conducted through the Asthma Preventive Services benefit to determine needs and the suitability of any requested remediation(s).
Health Provider’s Order: A licensed health care provider must request the necessary remediations based on member needs.
Members can reach out to their managed care health plan or speak with their doctor to find out more information about available Asthma Remediation services. Comprehensive Support and Education Asthma Remediation goes beyond home modifications. The program also empowers members with knowledge, providing information about how to identify and mitigate environmental triggers commonly found in and around homes, including allergens and irritants. Members will learn how to: Use dust-proof mattresses and pillow covers.
Properly use HEPA vacuums and asthma-friendly cleaning products.
Implement moisture control measures and improve ventilation.
Conduct minor home repairs, such as sealing cracks to prevent pest entry.
Financial and Coverage Details
Medi-Cal covers the costs of asthma remediations up to a lifetime maximum of $7,500 per member. This amount can be increased if significant changes in condition require additional modifications to ensure the member’s health, well-being, and safety, or to help the member achieve greater independence at home and avoid institutionalization or hospitalization. All interventions must adhere to state and local building codes and must be performed by licensed contractors to ensure quality and safety.
Enhancing the Member’s Quality of Life
Medi-Cal’s Asthma Remediation services are designed to supplement and enhance the care members already receive, providing comprehensive support to address the root causes of asthma triggers in the home.
With robust support, education, and financial coverage, Medi-Cal helps ensure that members receive the necessary modifications to live healthier lives.
Get Started Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with poorly controlled asthma, don’t wait to act. Contact your health care provider to discuss your eligibility for Medi-Cal Asthma Remediation services and start your
toward a safer, healthier home.
Mayor Karen Bass city of Los Angeles
Leadership STEAM Academy Kickoff Featuring Dr. Me
By Jason Land Jr.
Contributing Writer
On the morning of August 24, 2024, the Bakersfield Chapter of Links Incorporated launched its inaugural class in the STEAM Academy for the new school year. The cafeteria of Emerson Middle School on 801 4th Street roared with excitement as eager students gathered, ready to engage in a day of learning and excellence. It brought together academy students from 4th through 8th grade to take the journey up the steps of learning and discovery regarding the structure of the human body and its functions.
The morning was the start of what promised to be an exciting and enlightening day, beginning with a warm welcome by Bakersfield Chapter of the Links President Zadie Hurd. She introduced special guests for the event: Dr. Janice Ray, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Dawnessa Crawford, nursing student attending Marsha Fuerst School of Nursing. Their presence was indicative of the determined commitment the Links have in making sure each participant goes through a meaningful and memorable experience.
After the introduction, Program Director Odella Johnson took to the podium to expound more on the STEAM Academy. She explained the essence of the program in enlightening and empowering the new leaders of the future, much more in the context of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
A fun, symbolic induction ceremony led off the day, with students coming in to processional music dressed in white lab coats— a message to them that if Dr. Janice Ray could make it into the medical field and achieve greatness, so could they. It was more about donning the mindset of possibility and ambition than about simply wearing a lab coat.
Dr. Janice Ray captivated the young scholars with a brilliant, interactive, and engaging presentation on organs of the human body and their very vital role in keeping us healthy. She did not deliver a mere lecture but encouraged the students to ask questions and reflect critically on this information. This interactive way gave birth to the urge to know more and to delve deep into the subject.
Dr. Ray also introduced the students to the different types of medical doctors and surgeons, explaining their various specialties and their distinct importances in healthcare. When she posed questions based on what she presented, students could not hold their excitement and hence were faster in contributing in giving their knowledge about doctors and physicians.
To emphasize her lecture, the students took a quiz at the end of the presentation by Dr. Ray. At that moment, their confidence level skyrocketed due to their excitement in how much they had really learned. Students were therefore rewarded money and several other prizes, making the day more motivational and amusing.
The day’s educational journey didn’t merely stop with the human body. Shirley Gordon, also an esteemed member of the Bakersfield Chapter of the Links, spoke in detail about the history of Historically Black Colleges and Universities with the students. An alumna of Hampton University herself, Shirley shared what it’s like to possess
some of the distinctive qualities found in an HBCU education.
She shared the top five reasons to apply to an HBCU: a strong sense of community, rigorous academics, cultural connection, homecoming experiences, and legacy. Shirley emphasized highly respected institutions, which entailed
but were not limited to Howard University in Washington, D.C., and Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA. She highlighted the significance HBCUs played in providing a quality education and a supportive environment for students of all backgrounds. The students left with a deep understanding of HBCUs and the opportunities they afford.
After the presentations, students were dismissed to classrooms so they could experience the “Dr. Me!” workshop. Here, the students were taken through various interactive games and activities where they skillfully reinforced what was learned throughout the day. One of the highlights entailed a quiz where students identified where the organs are located within the human body. The workshops were burning with excitement as students engaged in friendly competitions for prizes and awards.
Through group activities, students worked together to match human organs with the correct places in the body, thus strengthening the concepts they had of human anatomy. Links member Debbie Derry Strong, retired nurse of Bakersfield College, and nursing student Dawnessa Crawford, provided guidance and support to the scholars concerning the different human organs and their functions.
The day concluded with dismissal to lunch back in
the cafeteria, everyone joyful after their workshop sessions. The students left not only with increased knowledge of the human body and its systems but also with the feeling of accomplishment and excitement for the future that awaited. The Links STEAM Academy class experience was more than just a day of learning, but an invigorating experience in the STEAM fields to make their dreams possible. These young scholars head into this school year armed with knowledge, confidence, and a firm belief that they, too, can make a difference in the world.
