American Community Media

12/11/2025

Healthcare costs will skyrocket in 2026, as millions of consumers face a 100% increase in their monthly premiums.

Healthcare costs will skyrocket in 2026, as millions of consumers face a 100% increase in their monthly premiums.

12/11/2025

The celebrated q***r Muslim filmmaker says no more than even Muslim artists need to come forward to authentically tell their stories.

The celebrated q***r Muslim filmmaker says no more than even Muslim artists need to come forward to authentically tell their stories.

12/09/2025

ACoM News Briefing | Amid National Health Cutbacks, California Preserves Full Maternal Coverage

See More: https://americancommunitymedia.org/media-briefings/amid-national-health-cutbacks-california-preserves-full-maternal-coverage/

While health programs across the U.S. face sweeping cuts, California is moving in the opposite direction—expanding maternal and reproductive-health access. The briefing highlights how Medi-Cal and Family PACT ensure full pregnancy and 12-month postpartum coverage, including midwife and doula care, regardless of immigration status. Speakers examine what this means for healthy births, equity, and the future of maternal care.



Thank You Guest Speakers:
Raquel Saunders, MS, Section Chief, Medi-Cal Benefits & Legislation, DHCS
Sarah Gilbert, Chief, Office of Family Planning, DHCS
Eva Goodfriend-Reaño, Certified Nurse Midwife & Midwifery Clinical Chief, Alameda Health System

California expands maternal and reproductive health access through Medi-Cal and Family PACT, offering pregnancy, postpartum, midwife, doula, and family planning services to families — including undocumented households — even amid federal cuts.

12/08/2025

After three weeks of testimony, the trial of for the 2016 murder of Marcus Polk has now reached the jury instructions phase. California Black Media

After three weeks of testimony, the trial of Kevin Epps for the 2016 murder of Marcus Polk has now reached the jury instructions phase.

12/05/2025

The defense in the murder trial presented just one witness, Dr. Judy Melinek, a forensic pathologist whose testimony appeared to challenge the prosecution's assertion about the trajectory of the bullet that killed Marcus Polk. California Black Media

The defense in the trial of Kevin Epps for the 2016 killing of Marcus Polk relied on a sole witness, forensic pathologist Dr. Judy Melinek.

12/04/2025

Kevin Epps, 57, is facing first-degree murder charges in the 2016 shooting death of Polk, then 49, a troubled transient and chronic m**hamphetamine user with a long history of criminal infractions and parole violations. Since November 10th, the long-awaited trial has been playing out in San Francisco’s Superior Court, as the prosecution has presented a procession of law enforcement officers, expert witnesses, and Polk’s family members.
California Black Media

Kevin Epps, 57, is facing first-degree murder charges in the 2016 shooting death of Marcus Polk, then 49, a troubled transient and chronic m**h user.

12/04/2025

ACoM News Briefing Recap | Are We Now Cutting Healthcare to the Bone?

See More: https://americancommunitymedia.org/media-briefings/are-we-now-cutting-healthcare-to-the-bone/

A new media briefing examines the growing impact of federal and state budget pressures on healthcare access. Speakers break down how cuts, coverage rollbacks, and policy shifts are shaping patient care, provider capacity, and long-term health equity — and what advocates need to watch in the months ahead.



Thank You Guest Speakers:
Tomas Bednar, Senior Vice President & Counsel, Healthsperien LLC
Amber Christ, Managing Director for Health Advocacy, Justice in Aging
Sophia Tripoli, Senior Director, Health Policy, Families USA

Speakers unpack the massive changes in health care costs for 2026 and beyond, and offer perspective on creating a more equitable and affordable healthcare structure.

12/03/2025

Francisco Lozano has become a bridge between the Santa Maria-Bonita school district along California's Central Coast and the area's large community. Tu Tiempo Digital Contigo

Francisco Lozano has become a bridge between the Santa Maria-Bonita school district along California's Central Coast and the area's large Mixtec community.

12/03/2025

DHS says more than 1.6 million immigrants have self deported since the start of the year, a figure belied by the actual numbers that show many are in fact choosing to stay, despite the increasingly hostile environment. ́Estamos

Contrary to DHS assertions that 1.6 million immigrants have self-deported, many are in fact choosing to stay even as they move deeper into the shadows.

12/02/2025

ACoM News Briefing Recap: Who Cares? - Often Invisible, but Central to Our Lives
See More: https://americancommunitymedia.org/media-briefings/who-cares-caregivers-often-invisible-but-central-to-our-lives/
A new media briefing explores how millions of provide unpaid care for older adults and people with disabilities—yet many do not see themselves as “caregivers.” Speakers discuss why this gap in identity leads families to miss out on crucial services, how is expanding caregiver support through state programs, and what this means for health equity, aging policy, and community well-being.

Thank You Guest Speakers:
Susan DeMarois, Director, California Department of Aging
Dr. Donna Benton, Director, USC Family Caregiver Support Center (FCSC) & Angeles Caregiver Resource Center (LACRC)
Paul Dunaway, Director, Adult & Aging Division, Sonoma County; California Association of Area Agencies on Aging (C4A)

California relies on family and informal caregivers, yet many don’t recognize their role. This Nov. 19 briefing explores caregiving, available resources, and how to better support older adults and people with disabilities.

12/01/2025

Daniel Maher wanted to see the bodycam footage of his own arrest. Redding Police refused, until FAC intervened.

11/26/2025

The Trump Administration's changes to the visa program make more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, says journalist and labor organizer David Bacon.

Changes to the H-2A farmworker visa by the Trump Administration create more openings for exploitation and abuse.