The Valley’sNews Observer
at MacArthur Park Sparks Outrage Federal Show of Force
OGNSC StaffLOS ANGELES — July 7, 2025 — In an unexpected turn of events yesterday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), supported by approximately 90 California National Guard troops, descended on downtown L.A.’s MacArthur Park in a heavily armed operation that left the community shaken. Military-Style Sweep, No Confirmed Arrests Around 10:30 a.m., witnesses reported seeing a convoy of black tactical vehicles and armored vans moving down Wilshire Boulevard. Agents— some masked, others mounted on horses—flanked the park, forming a skirmish-style perimeter. A Department of Homeland Security helicopter also hovered overhead.Despite the overt display, journalists and bystanders observed no actual detentions. DHS declined to confirm any arrests, stating it did not comment on ongoing enforcement operations. Mayor Karen Bass noted that neither she nor the media saw anyone taken into custody, adding, “I don’t believe that anyone was detained… I think the goal is to spread fear”
Mayor Bass Confronts Agents Mayor Bass, alerted while en route to a press event, immediately rerouted to the scene. Dressed in a pale green suit, she arrived around 11 a.m. and personally challenged federal agents, demanding they depart. In a live exchange recorded on–scene, she pressed a senior Border Patrol chief over the phone, asking, “Can you leave ASAP?” Bass condemned the operation as “outrageous and un-American,” branding it a “political stunt” intended to instill fear and disrupt immigrant families. She expressed concern for children—one summer camp suffered an abrupt interruption as kids were funnelled indoors—and worried families in the park might be needlessly traumatized.
Community Leaders Voice Alarm City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, representing the Westlake district, warned that MacArthur Park—dubbed the “Ellis Island of the West Coast”—was targeted for its symbolic immigrant identity. “When you see what’s happening here… we are the canary in the coal mine,” Hernandez said, urging other cities to pay attention. Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson likened the scene to a staged video, suggesting federal agents were more concerned with optics
than enforcement: “It looked like a staging for a TikTok video.”
No Clear Justification
Federal spokespeople remain tight-lipped about the operation’s objective. DHS has offered no comment, and journalists observed that after roughly an hour, the convoy dispersed without reporting any arrests. Internal Army memos leaked to press described the effort as a “show of presence,” termed “Operation Excalibur,” aimed at demonstrating federal capacity to act in immigrant-heavy urban areas—even warning of possible MS-13 gang threats.
Broader Tensions and Legal Pushback
This incident comes amid heightened national tensions over sanctuary policies. Governor
Gavin Newsom condemned the operation as an abuse of federal might, while immigrant-rights advocates have filed lawsuits alleging constitutional violations
Local activists have also documented disrupted summer camps, health services, and vendor activity in the park. One immigrant mother told reporters she now plans to leave the country to avoid further enforcement encounters.
MacArthur Park’s significance as a gathering place for immigrant families now appears overshadowed by federal intervention. With no arrests confirmed, leaders say what was a quiet urban oasis has become a symbol of a political battle over immigration.
Black Caucus Challenges Target on Diversity
By Stacy M. Brown Black Press
USA Senior National Correspondent Target is grappling with worsening financial and reputational fallout as the national selective buying and public education program launched by the Black Press of America and other national and local leaders continues to erode the retailer’s sales and foot traffic. But a recent meeting that the retailer intended to keep quiet between CEO Brian Cornell and members of the Congressional Black Caucus Diversity Task Force was publicly reported after the Black Press discovered the session, and the CBC later put Target on blast.
“The Congressional Black Caucus met with the leadership of the Target Corporation on Capitol Hill to directly address deep concerns about the impact of the company’s unconscionable decision to end a number of its diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts,” CBC Chair Yvette Clarke stated. “Like many of the coalition leaders and partner organizations that have chosen to boycott their stores across the country, we found that the explanations offered by the leadership of the Target Corporation fell woefully short of what our communities deserve and of the values of inclusion that Target once touted,” Congresswoman emphasized. “Black consumers contribute overwhelmingly to our economy and the Target Corporation’s bottom line. Our communities deserve to shop at businesses that publicly share our values without sacrificing our dignity. It is no longer acceptable to deliver promises to our communities in private without also demonstrating those values publicly.”
Lauren Burke, Capitol Hill correspondent for Black Press of America, was present when
Target CEO Cornell and a contingent of Target officials arrived at the U.S. Capitol last month.
“It’s always helpful to have meetings like this and get some candid feedback and continue to evolve our thinking,” Cornell told Burke as he exited the meeting. And walked down a long hallway in the Cannon House Office Building. “We look forward to follow-up conversations,” he stated. When asked if the issue of the ongoing boycott was discussed, Cornell’s response was, “That was not a big area of focus — we’re focused on running a great business each and every day. Take care of our teams. Take care of the guests who shop with us and do the right things in our communities.”
A national public education campaign on Target, spearheaded by Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), the NNPA’s board of directors, and with other national African American leaders, has combined consumer education efforts with a call for selective buying.
The NNPA is a trade association that represents the more than 220 African American-owned newspapers and media companies known as the Black Press of America, the voice of 50 million African Americans across the nation. The coalition has requested that Target restore and expand its stated commitment to do business with local community-owned businesses inclusive of the Black Press of America, and to significantly increase investment in Blackowned businesses and media, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU, Black-owned Banks, national Black Church denominations, and grassroots and local organizations committed to improving the quality of life of all Americans, and
Black Judge in Steve Harvey’s 2005 Divorce Case Accused of Corruption, Conspiracy, and Abuse of Power
COLLIN COUNTY, TEXAS –– After more than a decade forced into silence, civil rights advocate Essie Berry, widow of beloved actor Fred “Rerun” Berry, is stepping forward with grave allegations of judicial misconduct and corruption against Judge Angela Tucker, the same judge who handled Steve Harvey’s 2005 divorce case (Case No. 199-15215905) in Collin County, Texas. Berry is also accusing Harvey’s attorneys, Bobbie Edmond and Rickey Anderson, of the same crimes. She also alleges that they bullied, harassed, and cyberstalked her. Berry alleges that Judge Angela Tucker actively participated in violating her civil rights and silencing her advocacy through improper legal actions and misuse of judicial authority. In 2017, Berry was lawfully appointed Power of Attorney (POA) by Mary Harvey, Steve Harvey’s ex-wife, to help pursue justice in the aftermath of the Harveys’ “con-job” divorce.
Soon after, Berry states she became the target of a coordinated campaign of intimidation, harassment, stalking, and legal retaliation. In 2018—while residing in California—Berry was served with a restraining order stemming from a sealed Texas case, despite the dispute originating from a 2005 divorce proceeding in Texas. She claims the order lacked proper jurisdiction, due process, and notice, violating her constitutional rights and setting a chilling precedent for whistleblowers and advocates.
Berry further alleges that attorneys Bobbie Edmond and Rickey Anderson conspired with Judge Tucker and others to shield Steve & Marjorie Harvey from public accountability by suppressing evidence, intimidating witnesses, and manipulating legal proceedings.
In an alarming escalation, Berry reports that 11 judges in McKinney, Texas, signed off on a warrant for Berry’s arrest, despite Berry being a California resident. Berry states the actions were an act of malicious intent meant to silence Berry’s voice, inflict emotional trauma, and place her under mental and emotional duress.
By Edward Henderson
especially those from underserved communities. According to Target’s latest earnings report, net sales for the first quarter of 2025 fell 2.8 percent to $23.85 billion compared to the same period last year. Comparable store sales dropped 3.8 percent, and in-store foot traffic slid 5.7 percent.
Shares of Target have also struggled under the pressure. The company’s stock traded around $103.85 early Wednesday afternoon, down significantly from roughly $145 before the controversy escalated. Analysts note that Target has lost more than $12 billion in market value since the beginning of the year. “We will continue to inform and to mobilize Black consumers in every state in the United States,” Chavis said. “Target today has a profound opportunity to respond with respect and restorative commitment.”
Maggots Seen on Body at Wake, Family Sues Funeral Home
CHESAPEAKE, VIRGINIA –– The family of Torreon Williams, 24, has filed a $5 million lawsuit against a funeral home in Chesapeake, Virginia, after they discovered maggots in his casket during an open viewing back in 2022. They claim the funeral home neglected his body, causing severe emotional trauma.
Williams died in a car crash in May 2022. Just days later, his family gathered for a wake at Snellings Funeral Home in Chesapeake. But instead of a peaceful goodbye, they were shocked to see his face covered with maggots crawling out of his nose and mouth.
According to the Daily Mail, the lawsuit claims maggots were seen in Williams’ nose, mouth, and across his face. His mother, Tabitha Worrell, was reportedly so distraught that her screams echoed through the room. A funeral home staff member allegedly told her not to “make a scene.”
The lawsuit accuses the funeral home of gross negligence, stating that maggots had been present “for a significant period of time” and were ignored before the service. At one point, one employee allegedly told the family, “Flies got to him.”
Worrell and other relatives are suing Snellings Funeral Home and its parent company, Hollomon-Brown Funeral Homes, for $5 million. The family says the experience caused lasting trauma, including depression, anxiety, and night terrors. Williams’ body, according to the suit, was not embalmed or prepared properly, leading to what attorneys called a “grotesque” presentation. The family believes the funeral home tried to downplay the condition of the body. In a statement, Hollomon-Brown CEO Casey Jones offered condolences but declined to comment further, citing the ongoing litigation. The case is set to be heard in Chesapeake Circuit Court on July 28.
Immigration Raids Los Angeles (Photo Credit: Associated Press)
Target Retail Store. Target Sells Home Goods, Clothing
Electronics. San Diego, California, USA, August 16th, 2020
(Photo by Thomas De Wever)
Steve Harvey and Judge Angela Tucker
‘Free America Weekend’ Ignites 50-State Wave of Protests Against Trump on July 4
and quickly gained momentum across social media platforms such as Instagram and Reddit. Organizers say the Fourth of July is a fitting moment to highlight what they see as threats to American democracy, pointing to Trump’s executive orders targeting immigrants, efforts to dismantle federal agencies, and the broader influence of Project 2025, a conservative policy blueprint criticized for seeking
“There is no real independence to celebrate under this administration,” the Women’s March declared in its call to action for July 4. “This is our chance to stand together and reclaim the meaning of freedom.” More than 170 events are planned across the country, ranging from rallies at state capitals to block parties, dance protests, banner drops, and
community art projects. In New York, protests are scheduled both at the state Capitol in Albany and at New York City Hall. Other major gatherings will take place at the California and Texas State Capitols and in cities including Philadelphia, Tampa, and The Women’s March website encouraged participants to host neighborhood events and create spaces where people “who aren’t going to come to a protest can still dream about freedom with hot dogs and veggie burgers.” Organizers said the combination of celebration and dissent reflects their conviction that resisting Trump’s policies and building community go hand in hand.In addition to “No Kings Day,” activists have staged numerous demonstrations over the past year condemning
what they describe as systemic attacks on civil liberties and democratic norms. Free America Weekend is intended to unify those efforts into a single, coordinated show of resistance. While organizers have emphasized nonviolence, some local groups have reported receiving threats and harassment online. In Illinois, protest leaders said they secured permits to rally at the Capitol grounds to help ensure participants’ safety after threats from pro-Trump groups. “This movement is about more than just one day,” organizers wrote online. “It’s about standing firm in our beliefs and seeing it through, no matter the challenges we may
Talent Over Tokenism: Black Mayors Slash Crime
By Stacy M. Brown Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent
While cable news pundits and national newspapers often fixate on urban dysfunction, Black mayors across America are delivering measurable, record-breaking progress in public safety—and getting almost no credit for it. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin have overseen some of the steepest reductions in violent crime their cities have experienced in decades. But they are far from alone. From New York to Los Angeles to Chicago, Black mayors are proving that talent, vision, and a relentless focus on evidence-based policy—not tokenism—are transforming communities. Yet their achievements have largely been ignored by mainstream media outlets that rarely look past sensational headlines.
Baltimore, long branded one of America’s most dangerous cities, released midyear crime data showing a 22% drop in homicides compared to the same period last year. Nonfatal shootings are down 19%, and juvenile homicide victims have declined by an astonishing 71%. Police are solving more crimes, with a homicide clearance rate of 64% and a nonfatal shooting clearance rate 20 percentage points above the department’s 10-year average. “These historic lows are the result of a comprehensive, evidence-based public safety strategy that we have
implemented in partnership with residents,” Mayor Scott said. “But our work is far from over—68 lives lost to violence is 68 too many.”
The progress didn’t happen by chance. Under Scott’s leadership, the Baltimore Police Department has combined targeted enforcement with offers of help. Commissioner Richard Worley described how the Group Violence Reduction Strategy works: “We go out and give them a letter and basically say, ‘Listen, we know you were doing the shooting. We want you to put the guns down, or we will take you and your entire drug operation off the street. But here are the services—job training, education, relocation.’” Meanwhile, in Birmingham, Mayor Woodfin has led an aggressive, community-driven approach that’s paid off. The city’s homicide rate has fallen 52% compared to last year, and the clearance rate for homicides has surged to 79%, a level rarely seen in major cities. “The Birmingham Police Department is extremely aggressive in what they’re doing and how they’re taking a different approach in policing our community,” Woodfin said. He credited a blend of new technology, such as the Real Time Crime Center, and grassroots cooperation. “When you share information, it doesn’t allow the criminal element to be emboldened and hide behind fear of people,” Woodfin explained. “Those who are killing people are not just walking our streets.”
Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett said the city’s street outreach teams are also preventing retaliatory shootings before they happen. “We are really, really hammering at it,” Pickett told the City Council. “I am very appreciative of all the men and women in the Birmingham Police Department who are leading our fight.”
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While total violent crime in Birmingham has edged up slightly, the plunge in homicides shows that sustained focus and coordination can work—even if major media don’t bother to cover it. State and federal partners in Maryland have also acknowledged Baltimore’s progress. “Baltimore City released a midyear report showing the fewest homicides ever recorded at this point in a single year,” Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s office said in a statement. Across the country, other Black mayors are driving similar results.
In New York City, Mayor Eric Adams has presided over a 24% drop in shootings and a 14% decline in murders so far in 2025, the fewest shooting incidents recorded in more than a decade. Robberies and burglaries are also down, with NYPD data showing consistent reductions across nearly every major crime category. On the West Coast, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass saw homicides fall 14% in 2024 and gang-related killings drop nearly 45% in areas targeted by community safety programs. Overall violent crime declined by 3%, and property crimes like burglary and auto theft dropped by thousands of incidents compared to the prior year.
In Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson has overseen a 22% decrease in murders and a 31% drop in shootings through early 2025, reaching the city’s lowest homicide totals in over a decade. Officials credit community-based outreach and investments in neighborhood violence prevention. And in Atlanta, Mayor Andre Dickens announced that violent crime was down nearly 16% in 2024, with homicides decreasing and property crime dropping as well. The city has invested in hiring more officers while expanding the At-Promise Centers that connect youth with educational and
mental health resources.
In both large and mid-sized cities, the results are undeniable: fewer families burying loved ones, more cases solved, and more residents willing to engage with police. But to hear much of the national narrative, you’d never know it. As several social media users have pointed out, in Baltimore, Birmingham, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta, Black leadership is not a box to check or a headline to boast about. It’s what drives real, life-saving change—whether the national media notices or not. “While we acknowledge the historic lows we are experiencing, we must simultaneously acknowledge that there is much more work to do,” Scott stated. “And our success makes me commit even further to doing it.”
Trump Set to Sign Largest Cut to Medicaid
By Lauren Burke By a vote of 218 to 214, the GOP-controlled U.S. House passed President Trump’s massive budget and spending bill that will add $3.5 trillion to the national debt, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). The bill also represents the biggest cut in Medicare in history and is a threat to the health care coverage of over 15 million people. The spending in Trump’s signature legislation also opens the door to a second era of over-incarceration in the U.S. With $175 billion allocated in spending for immigration enforcement, the money for more police officers eclipsed the 2026 budget for the U.S. Marines, which is $57 billion. Almost all of the policy focus from the Trump Administration has focused on deporting immigrants of color from Mexico and Haiti.
The vote occurred as members were pressed to complete their work before the arbitrary deadline of the July 4 holiday set by President Trump. It also occurred after Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries took the House floor for over 8 hours in protest. Leader Jeffries broke the record in the U.S. House for the longest floor speech in history on the House floor. The Senate passed the bill days before and was tied at 50-50, with Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski saying that, “my hope is that the House
is gonna look at this and recognize that we’re not there yet.” There were no changes made to the Senate bill by the House. A series of overnight phone calls to Republicans voting against, not changes, was what won over enough Republicans to pass the legislation, even though it adds trillions to the debt. The Trump spending bill also cuts money to Pell grants.
“The Big Ugly Bill steals food out of the hands of starving children, steals medicine from the cabinets of cancer patients, and equips ICE with more funding and more weapons of war than the United States Marine Corps. Is there any question of who those agents will be going to war for, or who they will be going to war against? Beyond these sadistic provisions, Republicans just voted nearly unanimously to close urban and rural hospitals, cripple the child tax credit, and to top it all off, add $3.3 trillion to the ticking time bomb that is the federal deficit – all from a party that embarrassingly pretends to stand for fiscal responsibility and lowering costs,” wrote Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Yvette Clarke (D-NY) in a statement on July 3.
“The Congressional Budget Office predicts that 17 million people will lose their health insurance, including over 322,000 Virginians. It will make
college less affordable. Three million people will lose access to food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). And up to 16 million students could lose access to free school meals. The Republican bill does all of this to fund tax breaks for millionaires, billionaires, and corporations,” wrote Education and Workforce Committee ranking member Rep. Bobby Scott (DVA) in a statement. The bill’s passage has prompted Democrats to start thinking about 2026 and the next election cycle. With the margins of victory in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate being so narrow, many are convinced that the balance of power and the question of millions being able to enjoy health care come down to only several thousand votes in congressional elections. But currently, Republicans controlled by the MAGA movement control all three branches of government. That reality was never made more stark and more clear than the last seven days of activity in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate.
homeowners on how they can fireproof their homes.
“You are responsible for keeping your property safe,” Berkeley’s website reminds residents.
“The first 5 feet around your home is the most important area to clear of vegetation and combustible materials since it is closest to buildings, structures, and decks,” the messaging on the website goes on. “In the Ember-Resistant Zone, dead vegetation creates the highest risk for ignition, but even living vegetation can pose a threat in Ignition Zone 0, especially for properties in the hills.”
CAL FIRE has also provided prevention information on their website regarding “fire smart landscaping.”
When the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection met in Sacramento from June 16 to 18, implementation of Zone Zero was high on different agendas for meeting attendees. However, the board has said it is still in the “pre-rulemaking phase.” In addition to Zone 0 for homes, the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection has defined
Zone 1 and Zone 2, covering up to 100 feet around structures that would require “varying levels of vegetation management.”
The board says its goal is to have these regulations in place by the end of 2025.
U.S. Rep Laura Friedman (D-CA-30), who authored the “zone 0” measure while she served in the state Assembly, hailed the governor’s action but has also expressed concerns about the delay in enforcing the rules.
“It’s past time we get these commonsense rules written and shared with the public. Not only will they help protect homes from wildfires, but they will help lower costs for homeowners and renters by lowering insurance rates,” said Friedman in a release. The regulations will likely prohibit combustible materials such as wooden fences, mulch, and flammable vegetation within this zone. Exceptions may include certain non-combustible items and well-maintained mature trees. Once finalized, the rules will apply immediately
Governor Moore Attends a Press Conference with Mayor Brandon Scott on Public Safety in Baltimore by Pat Siebert at 100 Holliday St, Baltimore, MD 2120 (Wikimedia Commons / Photo by Maryland GovPics)
Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries
Sean “Diddy” Combs Convicted on Federal Mann Act Counts,
Jessica Hyatt
Cleared of Racketeering and Sex Trafficking
By Stacy M. Brown Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent
Sean “Diddy” Combs was convicted Wednesday of transporting two women across state lines for sex but acquitted of running a criminal enterprise and two counts of sex trafficking. The split verdict capped a weeks-long federal trial that exposed the hip-hop mogul’s private life to public scrutiny and left him facing prison time for felony convictions. Jurors in U.S. District Court in Manhattan returned the following decisions after several days of deliberation:Count 1: Not guilty of racketeering conspiracy.
Count 2: Not guilty of sex trafficking of former girlfriend Casandra Ventura.
Count 3: Guilty of Mann Act transportation of Ventura.
Count 4: Not guilty of sex trafficking of another former girlfriend, identified as “Jane.”
Count 5: Guilty of Mann Act transportation of “Jane.”
Combs, who had spent decades cultivating a brand defined by luxury and influence, sat impassively as the foreperson read the verdicts in a quiet courtroom. His mother, several of his children, and other family members were present to hear the outcome. The defense secured three acquittals,
including the most serious charge of racketeering conspiracy, which carried the possibility of life in prison. Jurors also declined to convict Combs of sex trafficking either woman.Prosecutors alleged that Combs used his businesses and employees to arrange hotels, flights, and drugs for what witnesses described as “freak-off” encounters. They argued that his staff helped maintain control over the women through manipulation and intimidation. Defense attorneys countered that while Combs’ personal relationships were unconventional, they were consensual, and that the government had overreached by attempting to portray them as part of an organized criminal enterprise.The two guilty verdicts on Mann Act violations are serious felony convictions, each punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled. Combs’ attorneys have now asked for bail because he’s no longer charged with racketeering. As Combs stood to leave, he turned to his family, blew a kiss, and said quietly, “I love you all.” One of his lawyers told reporters outside court, “Mr. Combs appreciates that the jury looked closely at the evidence. While we are disappointed in the convictions, we are grateful for the acquittals and will continue to fight at sentencing.”
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK ––
Meet Jessica
Hyatt, the highest-rated African American female chess player ever and the youngest African-American woman to earn the National Master title. At just 19, she’s already rewriting chess history and inspiring a new generation of young Black girls.
Jessica’s journey began in Brooklyn, New York City, where she was introduced to chess through Chess in the Schools, a nonprofit that teaches the game to students in underserved communities. Her
rating keeps rising, and her chess skills have earned her over $40,000 in college scholarships, according to Duchess International Magazine.
As a teenager, she was already beating older, more experienced opponents. In 2019, she took home the New York State Scholastic Championship title. By 2023, she became the KCF All-Girls Nationals Champion and a five-time member of the USA National Youth Team. That same year, at the World Youth Chess Championship, she held a draw
against top-seeded Liya Kurmangaliyeva despite being rated 1818. Jessica has also made headlines by defeating grandmasters. In 2021, she beat Grandmaster Michael Rohde, and followed up in 2022 by taking down chess prodigy Grandmaster Abhimanyu Mishra, joining a very small group of AfricanAmerican women to ever beat a grandmaster. In 2024, she was ranked the No. 1 18-year-old girl in the U.S. In June, she showcased her talent
at a simultaneous exhibition hosted by the Detroit Institute of Arts and won every game. Two months later, she became the youngest African American woman to earn the National Master title, just one month after Shama Yisrael became the first. But Jessica’s mission extends beyond personal wins. She wants to mentor girls of color and open doors in a game where Black women are still underrepresented. She aims to prove what’s possible when talent meets opportunity.
Former MLB Player Gets an Annual $1.2M Check
Even Though He Hasn’t Played in 24 Years
the deal, he’s made almost $30 million more — without playing a single game.
A six-time All-Star, Bonilla ended his career with a .279 batting average, 287 home runs, and 1,173 RBIs.
“People say, ‘Oh, that’s Bobby Bo,’” Bonilla told Local 12 News. “Oh my goodness. He is part of one of the greatest contracts in sports. I love what he did.’ And that kind of brings a smile to my face.”
Sean P. Diddy in 2013 (Wikimedia Commons / Photo by Cannes Lions Learnings)
Sugar and Cream Cancel Coffee’s Health Perks
By Stacy M. Brown Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent
Drinking coffee may help you live longer— but only if it’s black. A new long-term study analyzing the coffee habits of more than 46,000 U.S. adults found that coffee drinkers had a lower risk of dying from any cause, but only when the coffee was consumed without significant amounts of added sugar or saturated fat. Researchers from Tufts University published the findings in the journal Nutritional Epidemiology, drawing on two decades of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which was linked to National Death Index records. The study tracked adults 20 years and older from 1999 to 2018 and examined not only how much coffee they drank but also what they put in it.
Participants who drank 1 to 3 cups of coffee per day saw up to a 17% lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to non-coffee drinkers. But those benefits disappeared for people who regularly added cream, sweeteners, or other high-fat, high-sugar ingredients to their coffee. Over the median 9 to 11-year followup period, researchers documented more than 7,000 deaths among participants, including 1,176 from cancer and 1,089 from cardiovascular disease. When broken down further, the data showed that drinking black coffee or coffee with minimal sugar
and saturated fat was associated with a 14% lower risk of death. “The health benefits of coffee might be attributable to its bioactive compounds, but our results suggest that the addition of sugar and saturated fat may reduce the mortality benefits,”
said Dr. Fang Fang Zhang, senior author of the
study and a professor at Tufts University. The study defined “low” sugar as less than 2.5 grams and “low” saturated fat as less than 1 gram per 8-ounce cup. Most coffee drinkers in the study exceeded those thresholds. On average, each cup contained 3.24 grams of added sugar and
0.52 grams of saturated fat. Researchers employed Cox proportional hazards models to investigate the relationship between coffee consumption and mortality. The strongest associations were observed among those drinking between 1 to 3 cups of coffee daily, primarily when consumed black. The study’s authors stated that the findings support previous research indicating that compounds naturally found in coffee, such as polyphenols and chlorogenic acids, may offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. However, they cautioned that these benefits may be negated by the addition of sugary syrups and high-fat creamers, which contribute empty calories and may increase health risks over time.
Also, a separate Harvard study tracking nearly 48,000 women over three decades found that those who drank at least one cup of coffee daily were more likely to reach age 70 in good health—free of major chronic diseases and cognitive decline—compared to non-coffee drinkers. Researchers concluded that regular coffee consumption was associated with what they termed “healthy aging” in women. “Given how common coffee drinking is in the U.S., it’s important for people to know that how they take their coffee can make a difference,” Zhang said.
A “New Direction”: West Coast Black News Publisher, Dr. John Warren, Elected Board Chair of NNPA
Tanu Henry | California Black Media
Dr. John Warren of the San Diego Voice & Viewpoint made his mark at the 2025 National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) annual convention in Savannah, Georgia when he became the third person from the West Coast to lead the 85-year-old organization, whose members are mostly from the East Coast, South and Midwest.
Warren says he has been preparing for the job for more than 20 years.
NNPA members elected Warren at the conference held from June 26 to June 28.
In his new leadership role, Warren plans to bring a “new direction” to the Washington, D.C.based organization that represents more than 230 African American-owned newspapers and media companies across the United States.
“Now, I won’t telegraph all my plans,” Warren joked when California Black Media (CBM) asked him to share his vision for the organization founded in 1940 as the National Negro Publishers Association.
“I will say this: I will push to reinvigorate the NNPA, starting with each region,” said Warren, who is also an attorney, ordained minister, U.S. Army veteran and college professor. He has also served as a Washington, D.C. Board of Education member and U.S. congressional aide.
“I will bring people back -- people who have
pulled away over the years,” Warren continued.
“There is a whole new board of directors elected with me. We will organize major training sessions before we begin our work, taking a close look at the organization’s priorities and operations, everything -- budget, finance, programs, etc.”
Warren said there is a perception that the NNPA has been “a closed and selective network” serving the needs of only some members. He promises to change that, taking steps to “open the organization to all members.”
At the awards ceremony on June 27, the Sacramento Observer, received the conference’s top honor, the highest overall score across all awards categories with a cumulative total of 154 points.
The Observer earned first-place awards in Education Reporting, Business Reporting, Original Photography, Youth and Children Coverage, and Facebook Campaigns. It also ranked among the top three in several other areas, including Environment; Social and Criminal Justice; and Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle.
“Simply put: It feels really good to be honored in that way,” Larry Lee, publisher of the Sacramento Observer, told CBM. “Our team works really hard to present news and information in a thoughtful and compelling way. Everyone in our newsroom strives for excellence. They are the winners -- the people who take the time to create every story, every headline, every photo, every caption, every layout.”
Lee added, “I always tell our team that we don’t do what we do for awards, but it is always nice to be honored, to be recognized for our hard work.”
The Los Angeles Sentinel also received three honors at the NNPA Awards for Religion Section coverage (first place); Community Service Reporting (second place); and Video Campaign (third place).
Both Warren and Lee emphasized the “critical” need for the Black Press to continue covering and centering Black stories and engaging Black audiences in the historic tradition of the Black press. Freedom’s Journal, America’s first African American newspaper, was published in New York City almost 200 years ago in 1827.
“We inform and educate our readers. That’s what we do. That’s what I’ve always done. We are always teaching when we write stories,” said Warren, who first started working for the Black Press at 17. He is now 79.
Lee says he has confidence in Warren’s leadership.
“He is forward-thinking, smart, strategic and courageous,” said Lee. “He has tremendous knowledge on policy issues -- and hopefully his experience and insights can help position the NNPA in a way that continues to empower the Black Press.”
For Warren, focusing on helping to steer NNPA members as they continue to transition from print to digital is paramount. Although, he
reminds them, “print is not dead.”
“We have to figure out ways to bring more resources and dollars to our sector -- by innovation, with public policy. How can we help ourselves to be more sustainable as we continue to do the important work that we do?”
Disney Dreamers
Dr. John E. Warren, publisher San Diego Voice and Viewpoint
Disney Dreamers Academy Students
California Capitol News You Might Have Missed Political Playback
Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media Black Caucus Chair
Weber-Pierson’s Reparations Bills Move
Forward Amid Criticisms From Advocates
On July 1, the Assembly Judiciary Committee voted to pass two reparative justice bills authored by Sen. Akilah Weber-Pierson (D-San Diego): Senate Bill (SB) 437 and SB 518.
SB 518 and SB 437 were each approved by a 9-3 vote. The bills now advance to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations for review. The bills are part of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) Road to Repair 2025 Priority Bill Package.
“This is a critical responsibility and much-needed delayed step towards addressing enduring harms of slavery and systemic racism right here in California,” Weber-Pierson.
SB 437 addresses the process of determining eligibility for reparations for the descendants of enslaved people in the United States and the decades of discrimination that followed it. It also directs the California State University (CSU) to develop a researchbacked methodology for validating lineage and descent.
Designed to implement recommendations from the California Reparations Task Force establishes the Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery within the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Chris Lodgson, lead organizer for the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC) who testified in front of the committee, shared his displeasure with both bills.
CJEC is a California-based grassroots organization focused on achieving lineage-based reparations for African Americans.
“Both bills propose competing processes for genealogical verification, one through the DOJ and the other through the CSU,” Lodgson said. “So, which is it? This overlap only guarantees delay, bureaucracy, and confusion.”
During the hearing for the bill, a contentious debate about the rationale for using CSU and the process for determining lineage ensued but it didn’t appear to rattle Weber-Pierson.
“This bill (SB 518) established the infrastructure needed to move from recommendations to real implementation, ensuring that California leads with both accountability and action,” Weber-Pierson said.
Pres. Trump Signs “Big Beautiful Bill” Into Law; Gov. Newsom Newsom Calls Spending Bill “Betrayal” of California Families
Speaking at the White House, President Donald Trump signed his “Big Beautiful” spending plan into law on the Fourth of July.
“Our country has had so much to celebrate this Independence Day as we enter our 249th year, America is winning, winning, winning like never before,” said Trump before putting his signature on the legislation.
“It is the most popular bill ever signed in the history of our country,” according to Trump, predicting that the American economy will be a “rocket ship.”
“It includes the largest tax cut in American history. The largest spending cut -- $1.7 trillion – and yet you won’t even notice it. It’s just waste, fraud and abuse.” Gov. Gavin Newsom sharply criticized the Republican-led tax and spending law, calling it a “tragedy for the American people.”
“This bill is a tragedy for the American people, and a complete moral failure” said Newsom in a statement on July 3. “With this measure, Donald J. Trump’s legacy is now forever cemented: he has created a more unequal, more indebted, and more dangerous America. Shame on him.”
The bill would cut $28.4 billion from federal Medicaid support to California, putting health coverage at risk for millions and threatening the financial stability of hospitals and health clinics statewide. Newsom’s office estimates that 686,000 California jobs could be lost due to the rollback of clean energy tax credits.
The Governor also warned the bill would hit middleclass families by raising childcare costs, limiting access to financial aid for college, and cutting food assistance for 3 million Americans. More than 17 million people nationwide could lose health coverage by 2034 as a result of Medicaid and premium subsidy cuts.
“This measure cements Trump’s legacy,” said Newsom. “He has created a more unequal, more indebted, and more dangerous America.”
“Wrong Decision”: Former Sen. Bradford Questions Court Ruling Allowing Colleges to Pay Athletes Directly
Former California State Sen. Steven Bradford is speaking out against a recent federal court ruling that permits colleges to pay student-athletes directly, calling it a “wrong decision” that could have long-term consequences for college sports and education.
Last month, U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken approved a landmark settlement in House v. NCAA, authorizing colleges nationwide to begin sharing revenue from their athletic programs with student athletes starting July 1. The ruling includes nearly $2.8 billion in retroactive payments to Division I athletes who competed between 2016 and the present. Going forward, schools will be able to distribute direct payments to athletes, with annual caps reaching approximately $20.5 million by the 2025–26 academic year.
Although hailed by some as a major step forward for athlete compensation, Bradford -- who co-authored California’s historic Senate Bill (SB) 206, the first law in the nation to allow college athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL) -- voiced strong
On July 1, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two landmark bills authored by
construction of affordable housing in California. CBM
reservations.
“When Sen. Nancy Skinner and I introduced SB 206, our goal was to empower student athletes to negotiate directly with sponsors, endorsers, and companies – not to shift financial control to the colleges themselves,” Bradford told California Black Media (CBM).
“This ruling hands colleges too much power,” he continued. “It allows them to dangle carrots – to manipulate these athletes’ decisions about their education, future, and finances.”
Before the ruling, college athletes could only earn income through third-party NIL deals. These arrangements, often facilitated by donor-funded collectives, enabled top players to receive compensation without direct school involvement.
Under the new settlement, those payments must now be routed through official school channels, and endorsement deals involving boosters will be subject to review for legitimacy.
NCAA President Charlie Baker said the agreement brings clarity to athlete compensation and allows schools to regain control over the process. However, major questions remain unresolved -- chief among them whether student athletes should be considered employees and given the right to unionize.
Bradford argued that positioning schools as the gatekeepers of athlete pay not only alters the educational environment but also deepens inequalities between institutions.
“Before, a local athlete could stay in their community, attend a nearby university, and still earn compensation,” he said. “Now, big-name schools with deeper pockets can lure them away with financial incentives. Why stay close to home when you can go with the highest bidder?”
Bradford warned that the new system risks undermining fairness and educational integrity in college sports.
“This makes student athletes more beholden to their universities than ever before,” he said.
Gov. Newsom’s 4th of July
Message Shines Light on America’s Fight for Equality and Opportunity
In his proclamation declaring July 4, 2025, Independence Day in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom centered his message on equality, freedom and opportunity, reminding Californians that they have a stake in the fight to keep the dream of America alive.
The Governor said, since the founding of the country, “Americans have fought and died to safeguard the promise of our democracy and all its ideals.”
He also reminded Californians that America has not always guaranteed freedom and opportunity to all – and that it has taken sacrifice and determination to achieve the freedoms we celebrate on the Fourth of July.
“The struggles and triumphs of generations of Americans have continued our progress toward this goal, and the work is far from over,” he said. “Relentless attacks across the country, from the highest levels, try to weaken and erase our fundamental rights and freedoms, threatening to undo decades of hard-won progress we’ve made as a nation.
Newsom promised that California will never “back down from the fight to protect freedom.”
“We will protect the rights of all who call this country home, and we will never again allow this country and its people to be subject to a king or autocrat,” he said.
During the holiday weekend, the South Carolina Democratic Party (SCDP) announced that Newsom will be joining Palmetto State party leaders on July 8 and July 9 for a tour of parts of rural South Carolina.
“Governor Newsom leads the largest economy in America and the fourth largest in the world, and he’s coming to meet folks in towns that have been hollowed out by decades of Republican control,” said SCDP Chair Christale Spain in a statement.
“This is about building partnerships, uplifting communities, and showing rural voters that they aren’t forgotten,” Spain added.
“We Won’t
Stand
for It”:
Tony Thurmond Blasts Trump Admin for Cutting $811 Million in Education Funds for California
California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, flanked by education leaders in the state, held a news conference on July 1 to push back on federal government budget cuts to California totaling about $811 million.
Announcing that California and other states are suing the federal government for the education cuts, Thurmond called the cuts an “illegal action.”
“We won’t stand for it,” said Thurmond. “It will not happen on our watch.”
“The dollars the President and his administration have threatened to take back have already been approved by Congress,” continued Thurmond, who said he was speaking on behalf of the nearly six million students enrolled in California’s public schools and tens of millions more around the United States.
“The president cannot illegally withhold resources from students just as we are approaching the new year just because they do not align with his personal preferences -or to settle some political score,” said Thurmond.
Thurmond was joined on stage by the California School Boards Association (CSBA), the California Federation of Teachers (CFT), the California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO), SEIU Local 99 (Education Workers United) and the California County Superintendents (CCS).
Thurmond said the cuts will affect students in all communities and impact after-school and teacher training programs as well as technological support and hiring.
“On behalf of 5,500 school board members, the California School Boards Association urges the federal government to immediately release the billions of dollars in education funding that they promised to our schools in California,” said Patrick O’Donnell, Chief of Government Relations at CSBA. “Honor your commitment to students, to educators, to school board members, to administrators.”
Cal DOJ: Black Californians Disproportionately Impacted by Police Use of Force; 20% of Officers Involved Injured
Black Californians remain disproportionately impacted by police use of force, according to new data released by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) in its 2024 criminal justice statistical reports.
The “Use of Force Incident Reporting 2024” report revealed that while Black residents make up just 5.7% of the state’s population, they accounted for 19.4% of civilians involved in use-of-force incidents that resulted in serious injury or death, or the discharge of a firearm.
In contrast, Hispanic individuals represented 50.2% of such incidents, and White individuals accounted for 25.8%. Whites account for 34.7% of the state’s population and Latinos make up 40.3%
“Transparency is key for understanding, preventing, and combatting crimes in our communities. While crime rates have declined over the past year, public safety in our communities remains priorities one, two, and three. I encourage local partners and law enforcement to review this data and recommit to taking action,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta during a press conference held on July 1.
“The statistics reported today in the California Department of Justice’s annual crime reports are a critical part of understanding where we are, regulating our response, and ensuring policymakers and law enforcement have the tools they need to make informed decisions that keep millions of Californians safe,” he added.
In total, 581 incidents in 2024 involved serious bodily injury or death, or the discharge of a firearm by either a peace officer or civilian. The data shows 592 civilians, and 1,215 officers were involved in these incidents. While none of the officers died, 20% were
injured.
Bonta emphasized that transparency remains essential in addressing public safety concerns.
“Understanding where we stand is key to making California safer and more equitable,” said Bonta. He urged law enforcement and community leaders to use the data to inform action and reforms.
The findings are part of a broader release of five annual reports, including statistics on crime, homicides, juvenile justice, and gun-related offenses. The DOJ has been working to improve data collection through the California Incident-Based Reporting System (CIBRS), aimed at providing more comprehensive insights into criminal justice trends.
Bonta encouraged the public to engage with the data to hold systems accountable and support informed policymaking.
The report also included data on “crime guns” and “juvenile justice.”
A Big Win for Newsom on Housing: Gov Pushes Lawmakers to Loosen CEQA Restrictions
Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law a housing reform package that scales back California’s landmark environmental law, a move he says is critical to easing the state’s housing shortage and homelessness crisis.
The two-bill package – containing Assembly Bill (AB) 609, authored by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland), and AB 306 authored by Assemblymember Nick Schultz (D-Burbank) --reforms the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Until now, CEQA required environmental reviews for new development. Newsom and housing advocates say the law has delayed projects for years through costly lawsuits and reviews.
“We have too much demand chasing too little supply,” Newsom said June 30 in Sacramento. “This was too urgent, too important, to allow the process to unfold as it has for the last generation.”
According to the Governor’s office, the new law will speed up housing project approvals in dense urban areas and streamline reviews in an effort to lower construction costs and increase supply.
Gov. Newsom also signed Senate Bill 131, authored by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), along with budget trailer bill AB 130 --two measures that advance further reforms to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Supporters say the changes will help reduce costs for families.
Home prices in California remain among the highest in the nation, with the median price for a singlefamily home in San Jose surpassing $2 million last year.
“With AB 130, we’re taking a major step toward building desperately needed homes faster, fairer, and with more certainty,” Wicks said. “This is what our workingclass families deserve and how we move California’s housing goals from promise to reality.”
Environmental groups, including the Sierra Club, opposed the legislation. Jakob Evans, a senior policy strategist with Sierra Club California, said the bills “will have destructive consequences for environmental justice communities and endangered species across California.”
With about 18 months left in office, Newsom is pushing to leave a legacy of progress on housing. When first elected, Newsom pledged to build millions of homes. That goal remains out of reach.
Planning expert Bill Fulton said it’s unclear how much development the law will actually unlock. “I think the increase will be incremental rather than a boom,” he said.
Republicans criticized Newsom for acting too late. “The governor has done very little. Now he wants to take credit for our work,” said Assembly GOP leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City). The housing overhaul comes as the state scales back other programs, including a health care expansion for undocumented immigrants, to close a $12 billion budget gap. Newsom framed the move as a test of trust in government. “It’s about the reputation of the state of California,” he said.
Asm. Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) aimed at streamlining the
photo by Antonio Ray Harvey
Celebrating the Rich Legacy of Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
Written By Friends
Kelsey Plum Named to Fourth WNBA All-Star Game
is once again among the WNBA’s
The Southern California native was named a 2025 WNBA All-Star this week, marking her fourth selection to the league’s annual showcase. Plum, a seven-year veteran and one of the most dynamic guards in the game, continues to build on an already stellar résumé. She currently ranks fourth in the league in scoring with 20.1 points per game, while also sitting seventh in both assists (5.6 per game) and free-throw percentage (90.6%).
Historic Company Plum is on track to make history once again. She is one of just five players in WNBA history to average at least 20 points and five assists in a
Clippers Add John Collins, Brook Lopez in Busy Offseason Moves
expressed excitement about what both players bring to the roster.
Clippers Land Collins in Three-Team Deal
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) runs the bases after hitting a walk-off home run against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Clayton Kershaw Joins All-Stars
By Earl Heath
Contributing Sports Writer
Kershaw is heading to his 11th All-Star Game, thanks to Commissioner Rob Manfred. Notably, Kershaw is the oldest player in this year’s All-Star lineup. And the first to receive the honor from Manfred since 2022. For the unversed, the Legend Pick is a way for the commissioner to tip his cap to players who might not make the roster based on current performance but have had legendary careers worth celebrating. Someone who broke the streak of no “legend picks” for the All-Star game since 2022. To give you a bit of context: In 2022, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred last picked Albert Pujols and Miguel
Cabrera as legend picks for the All-Star Game.
While most pitchers think about retirement at 37, this one is punching tickets at a historic pace. He has become only the 20th pitcher in MLB history to reach the 3,000-strikeout mark. That’s Clayton Kershaw for you! Yes, he is joining Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Freddie Freeman for the 2025 All-Star Game in Atlanta.
Will Smith, the Dodgers’ catcher, has been named to the National League All-Star team as a starter for the 2025 MLB All-Star Game. This will be his third consecutive All-Star selection. He joins teammates Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani as NL starters.
In a deal involving the Utah Jazz and Miami Heat, the Clippers received Collins from Utah, while sending guard Norman Powell to Miami and a 2027 second-round pick to the Jazz.
“This was an opportunity to address a position and a skill set that we felt needed reinforcement,” said Frank. “John is a power forward in his prime with great athleticism who can also play small-ball five. He scores at all three levels, excels in space and transition, and helps us win possessions with his
rebounding. We’re excited to add him to the group.” Collins, 27, appeared in 40 games for Utah last season, averaging 19.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 30.5 minutes per game. He was remarkably efficient, shooting 52.7% from the field, 39.9% from three-point range, and 84.8% from the free-throw line. He was the only NBA player last season to hit at least 52% from the field, 39% from deep, and 84% from the line while averaging 30+ minutes per game.
Thank You, Norman Powell
As part of the trade, the Clippers part ways with Norman Powell, a key contributor over the past three-and-a-half seasons.
“Norm has been a vital part of our organization,” said Frank. “He’s an incredible scorer — efficient, prolific, and relentless. His work ethic set the tone, and he was a big reason we won 50 games last season. We’re going to miss him.”
Lopez Comes Home
In a separate move, the Clippers signed 37-yearold center Brook Lopez, a North Hollywood native. The 7-foot-1 veteran brings shot-blocking, floor spacing, and championship pedigree to a frontcourt looking to improve on both ends of the court.
“Brook is an elite rim protector and range shooter who brings a different dimension to our team,” said Frank. “He’s also a former champion and a genuine pro.” Lopez averaged 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game for Milwaukee last season, ranking fourth in the league in blocks. He shot 50.9% from the field and 37.3% from beyond the arc, marking his third straight season with at least 100 three-pointers and 100 blocks — the most such seasons in NBA history.
The former NBA All-Star and two-time AllDefensive Team selection helped lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a championship in 2021 and holds career averages of 15.9 points and 1.9 blocks over 1,105 games with the Nets, Lakers, and Bucks.
Kershaw’s 3,000th Strikeout Shines in Dodgers’ Tough Week
By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer
It was a rocky week for the Los Angeles Dodgers, but amid the struggles, Clayton Kershaw delivered a historic moment.
The 37-year-old ace recorded his 3,000th career strikeout against the Chicago White Sox, becoming just the 20th pitcher in Major League Baseball history to reach the milestone. In the sixth inning, Kershaw froze Vinny Capra with an 85-mph slider on the black for the third strike — a signature moment in a Hall of Fame career.
The Dodgers edged out the White Sox 5-4 in that game. Kershaw now joins a short list of active pitchers with 3,000 strikeouts, alongside Justin Verlander (42) and Max Scherzer (40).
Offensive Woes and a Sweep by Houston
Despite the milestone, the Dodgers are in the middle of a rough stretch. They dropped five straight games (as of press time), averaging fewer than two runs per game. That skid included a threegame sweep by the Houston Astros, during which the Dodgers managed just six total runs.
Injuries to key bats like Max Muncy and Teoscar Hernández have exposed the team’s vulnerability at the plate. Ohtani Goes Deep — Again
One of the few bright spots during this stretch was Shohei Ohtani. In Milwaukee, facing flame-
throwing rookie Jacob Misiorowski, Ohtani crushed an 88-mph curveball 431 feet for his 31st home run of the season. The solo shot came on an 0-2 count and set a new franchise record for home runs before the All-Star break. Ohtani surpassed Cody Bellinger’s previous mark of 30, set during his 2019 MVP season. The two-way superstar has played in 91 of the Dodgers’ 93 games so far and is on pace for 54 home runs — matching his 2024 total, which broke Shawn Green’s single-season record of 49 set in 2001. Pitching Carousel Continues Injuries and inconsistency have also taken a toll on the pitching staff. With the recent call-up of right-hander Alexis Díaz, the Dodgers have now used 35 different pitchers this season — including two infielders who’ve combined for more than 10 innings in mop-up duty. The constant rotation reflects the challenges of a long season, as well as the team’s scramble to plug gaps in the bullpen and rotation. Kershaw’s Return
veteran continues to lead by example.
Clayton Kershaw chronicles 3000th strikeout against the Chicago White SoxCourtesy
Kelsey Plum Selected 2025 All-Star by WNBA Coaches
Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson (2) holds back guard Kelsey Plum (10) after tempers flared in the second half against the Chicago Sky at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)
By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer
Kelsey Plum
elite.
LA Clippers Sign Brook Lopez
By Earl Heath
Contributing Sports Writer The LA Clippers are making major moves this offseason. The team acquired forward John Collins
Traveling Through the African Diaspora in Los Angeles
By Ricky Richardson Contributing Writer
(Los Angeles, CA) It is no wonder that Los Angeles is a melting pot of various cultures. If I were a betting man, with someone else’s money, I would venture to say that the global community is represented in the City of Angels. I had the pleasure of taking a trip through the African diaspora on Sunday, June 29, 2025.
The first stop of my journey was a voyage to South Park in South Los Angeles for the annual Fest Afrik. Fest Afrik is an annual celebration of African culture and heritage that was held from 11:00 AM- 5:00 PM at the South Park Recreation Center.
The festival aims to showcase the vibrant cultures of the African continent and their significant impact on California and the United States. Fest Afrik featured a DJ set by DJ JIJI Sweet, live performances by Arsalon and The Mafé Ensemble followed by a fashion show featuring clothing designed by Kimie. Fest Afrik also featured dance performances, art, food, and interactive workshops.
The festivities continued with remarks by elected officials and special guests. The afternoon shifted into high gear with performances by the UCLA Dance Team, Queennak, B-Hold Da General, and The Drum Circle.
The festival enriched the cultural experience of attendees and also served as a bridge, connecting people and cultures in a celebration of diversity and unity.
I had to rush to catch an international flight further into Los Angeles. Thanks to my reliable rideshare partner, METRO, I was able to make it to Leimert Park Village, the cultural hub of the African American community.
I had my passport stamped just in time to
catch the Leimert Park Day of the Ancestors: Festival of Masks. This is an annual celebration of our ancestors and an invocation for the SouthCentral Los Angeles community. The festival was held on the People’s Street, from 12:00 PM to 5:30 PM.
Enlightenment Center Members, (Photo
Founded in 2010, by artists Najite Agindotan and Ben Caldwell in collaboration with LA Commons. The Festival of Masks featured a Libation ceremony, procession, music, and dance performances. This year’s theme “Sesa Wo Suban (Change and Transformation), invites reflection and celebration of African diaspora cultures.
The Festival of Masks featured thoroughly entertaining performances by S.H.I.N.E. Muwasi, Rhythms of the Village, Pan African Arkestra, Eagle Wings of Enlightenment Center members, Dwight Trible, Inspiration House Poetry Choir, Jimetta Rose and The Voices of Creation, Grupo Emikeké, and closed with Chris Powe.
The Day of the Ancestors: Festival of Masks honored were Nzingha Camara, Alonzo Davis, Shri Natha Devi Premananda (Mataji), Peter J. Harris, R.O.S.E. (Reclaiming Our Sisters Everywhere), Felipe García Villamil, and Dena Ancestors.
I had a nice leisurely stroll to my destination.
My voyage consisted of an imaginary trip to the Caribbean for “LA Carnival on the Shaw” which was backed by popular demand, for their year. This year’s celebration honored Juneteenth and celebrated Caribbean American Heritage Month. The parade featured drummers and participants from Jamaica, Bahamas, Trinidad and Tabogo, Nigeria, Senegal to name a few.
Music, masquerades, and multicultural merriment paraded south along Crenshaw Boulevard, on Sunday, June 29, 2025, from 6:00 PM-9:00 PM.
The roster of carnival masqueraders included Danza Azteca, LA Success Orchestra, Peace Players Youth Drummers, the spectacular group Ajudisgua, Ko’s Korean Drum and Dance, Samba in Motion, and iconic 100 Drums, featuring international master drummers from the Leimert Park drum community.
This vivacious gathering of costumed revelers, entrepreneurs, artisans, and musicians spread peace, love, and positive vibes along ‘The Shaw.’ Since 1998 Los Angeles Carnival has brought together a multigenerational mix of Caribbean immigrants and friends and pioneered the longestrunning Caribbean carnival in Southern California. Rooted in festival and carnival arts of the region, the event celebrates Caribbean heritage and integrates the hopes, values, and creativity of Los Angeles itself. Its mission is to bring innovation to Caribbean cultural practices; and to share the experience with a diverse cross-section of communities in Los Angeles and beyond. I was able to breeze through Customs to return to my home port. I have many fond memories of my engaging, educational, empowering, and entertaining journey through the African diaspora in Los Angeles. Keep your passports and visas handy, you never know when an opportunity presents itself for you to travel throughout the diaspora on any given weekend in the City of Angels.
Exciting News: Lineup for the 6th Annual Leimert Park Jazz Festival
By Ricky Richardson
Contributing Writer
(Los Angeles) Summer is in full swing. This is also associated with warmer weather and many outdoor festivals. The cultural landscape of Los Angeles invites you to get out to enjoy the various events throughout out the city.
The global jazz community is anxious in a healthy way. Locally, jazz aficionados and music lovers are excited that festival season is finally heated up.
Diane Robertson, Founder and Executive Producer of the Leimert Park Jazz Festival in association with The World Stage present the 6th Annual Leimert Park Jazz Festival, Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 12:30 PM-8:30 PM.
Baldwin Hill Crenshaw Plaza (rooftop parking deck)
3650 W. Martin Luther King Jr, Blvd. Los Angeles, CA. 90008
Leimert Park Jazz Festival is one of the premiere summertime events in Los Angeles, serving culturally diverse and family-friendly community. The festival celebrates the cultural heritage of the historic South Los Angeles neighborhood of Leimert Park. Guest will enjoy a stellar lineup of artists this year.
Make sure that you are sitting while reading this post. Headlining this year is legendary jazz vocalist, NEA Jazz Festival Master, Memphis Music Hall of Fame Inductee, ASCAP Champion, Doris Duke Artist, Multiple Grammy ®winner, Tony ®winner, and more, Dee Dee Bridgewater, bringing her acclaimed project We Exist! to the stage with her first performance in South Los Angeles in decades!
Described as a “Young Mallet Master” by
Jazz Times, Sasha Berliner is an award-winning vibraphonist and composer based in Los Angeles. Sasha Berliner leads her own quintet and is also a faculty member at University of California Irvine and a frequent lecturing guest of California Institute for the Arts.
Virtuosic, soulful and electric-Dayren Santamaria, a Cuban born violinist, leads her ensemble Made in Cuba in a high-energy fusion of jazz, timba, rumba, and classical influences. A classically trained musician raised in Havana’s rhythms, Dayren delivers a vibrant, danceable performance that brings the island’s soul to South LA.
The Melanin Horns is a dynamic brass collective known for genre blending collaborations and bold infectious horn arrangements. The Melanin Horns are Tatiana Tate (trumpet), Randal Fisher (sax) and
Fabio Santana (trombone).
Founded in the creative spirit of the historic World Stage Performance Gallery. The World Stage Big Band is a powerful ensemble featuring some of the finest musicians in Los Angeles. The band embodies a tradition of excellence, a creative legacy, and a spirit of innovation.
Led by elder, activist, and cultural keeper Renee “Mama Nene” Fisher, S.H.I.N.E. Mawusi brings transformative power of West African drumming and song. With their commanding presence, sacred rhythm, and affirming energy, this all-women collective opens hearts and grounds us in ancestral strength and collective joy. They will be joined by one of Los Angeles’s most beloved voices, poet V. Kali, widely regarded as the bedrock of The Anansi Writer’s Workshop at The World Stage.
Internationally known radio broadcaster Rhonda Hamilton brings her warmth and expertise to the Leimert Park Jazz Festival as co-host for the first time. Jose Rizo a trailblazing jazz broadcaster, producer, and bandleader returns for his third year as co-host.
The beauty of the layout at the Baldwin Hill Crenshaw Plaza is there is ample parking. Depending on how you roll…Uber/LFYT has a drop off and pick up near the festival. Metro K-Line’s Martin Luther King Jr Station is at the mall and Metro bus lines #40, #102, #105 and #210 has stops within walking distance of the festival. How’s that for convenience. Some festival goers have the luxury of walking to the festival or riding a bicycle, e-bike, scooter or skateboard to the festival.
Visit https://www.leimertparkjazzfestival.org for more information about the lineup, ticketing as well as important know before you go important information. Sign up for the newsletter to get updates and news about the festival sent directly to your inbox. I can’t think of a better way to enjoy an unforgettable afternoon while listening to America’s number one art form, JAZZ! with likeminded jazz enthusiasts. Enjoy free and Pay-What-You-Wish General Admission or elevate your experience with VIP tickets. Either way, you will enjoy a beautiful
Arsalon, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)
Eagle Wings of
by Ricky Richardson)
Jimetta Rose and Voices of Creation, Karen Mack- LA Commons and Gina M. Fields, emcee, and (Photo by Ricky Richardson)
International Drummers of Leimert Park Village, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)