Category: Los Angeles

African Americans
Stefi Mar

Jordan Walker Leads Call for More Black Youth in Baseball

Shortly after Jordan Walker’s 12th and clinching blast of the Home Run Derby final against hometown hero Kyle Schwarber had landed among bitter fans at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, the St. Louis Cardinals right fielder spoke of the importance of his achievement.

Arts & Culture
Kathleen Untalan

Sixth Annual Afro Mujeres Fest Reclaims Heritage, Healing, and Culture in South Central LA

The all-women Afro-Brazilian percussion ensemble Bloco Obini—composed of local educators, nurses, activists, and healers—brought their drums into the center of the venue. Carrying the spirit of Ayan Agalu, the Yoruba spiritual archetype symbolizing the drum’s power to bring strength and unity, their polyrhythmic drumming drew attendees from across the grounds into an expansive dance circle.

Los Angeles
Kathleen Untalan

Dodgers Roll After All-Star Break

The Los Angeles Dodgers entered the All-Star break on a sour note after being swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Since the break, however, the defending National League powerhouse has quickly regained its form.

Los Angeles
Kathleen Untalan

Big Ten Media Days Open With Championship Expectations

CHICAGO — With the last three College Football Playoff national championships won by Big Ten schools, the conference opened its 2026 Football Media Days this week with plenty of confidence and even higher expectations.

Education
Stefi Mar

Commentary: Inglewood’s School District Return to Local Control Offers Lessons for California

Nearly 14 years after California intervened in the Inglewood Unified School District’s (IUSD) fiscal crisis, the district is closer than ever to regaining full local control. That achievement deserves recognition. It also gives California an opportunity to evaluate what its longest-running school receivership can teach about helping school districts recover from fiscal crisis.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

From Blueprint to Breakthrough: Tackling Affordable Housing in New York City

Finding an affordable place to live continues to be a challenge for many as widespread housing shortages persist across the U.S. Rising home prices and high interest rates have made homeownership inaccessible for a large portion of the population. Meanwhile, as rental demand increases, the number of renters facing affordability challenges is also growing.

African Americans
Stefi Mar

Surveillance Pricing Fight: State Senate Debates Bill Banning Retailers From Using AI to Set Prices Based on a Buyer’s Profile

Surveillance pricing—the algorithmic practice of using personal data to determine individualized costs for goods and services—is widespread in California, according to Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-San Diego). He warns that this system is actively impacting consumers across the state, and Black Californians could be specifically targeted.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

COMMENTARY: She Is Me — You Are Your First Love Story

There is something beautiful about women who love deeply. We are the women who answer late night phone calls, sit in hospital rooms, pray for our friends’ children, celebrate others while quietly carrying our own burdens, and somehow find a way to pour from cups that have been empty for quite some time.