Christopher Alam

The Bay Area Archivist Saving Afghanistan’s Musical Legacy

Every night after his day job, Omid J. scours the internet looking to acquire the remaining vestiges of Afghanistan’s musical past.

BART is the Bay Area’s Backbone. Can it Stay Standing? 

While BART’s future remains uncertain, a confluence of factors is spurring hopes that it may now finally be turning the corner.

It’s a Tough Job Market. These College Grads Are Optimistic.

Despite grim data, young grads at San Francisco State University say they remain undaunted as they prepare to enter the job market.

On Immigration, Europe and the US Are Increasingly Aligned

Despite rifts over US tariffs and war in Iran, experts say anti-immigrant policies are hardening on both sides of the Atlantic.

Trump Promised to Liberate Iran. Then the Bombs Fell.

Far from welcoming US intervention, many Iranians are simply mourning the violence, says Prof. Minoo Moallem, adding any transition must be led by Iranians.

After Khamenei, the Hopes of Iran’s Largest Diaspora are Fractured

Southern California's Persian community is the largest outside of Iran, with an estimated population of around 700,000.

SFUSD Strike Day 3: Students Stand With Teachers as Talks Continue

San Francisco teachers strike enters day three as Everett Middle School students join picket lines, highlighting classroom shortages, immigrant student fears, and ongoing negotiations.
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SFUSD Strike: ‘When One of Us Needs Something, We All Need Something’

SFUSD educators strike over pay, healthcare, and special-education funding, drawing community support while negotiations with the district continue.

Bay Area Protestors Join Criticism of Palantir Over ICE Contract

The progressive grassroots organization Our Revolution protested at Palantir’s Palo Alto office on February 5th over its contracts with ICE.

What Federal Rescheduling Means for the Cannabis Industry

Entrepreneur Ali Jamalian of Sunset Connect says it is too soon to tell how Pres. Trump's executive order reclassifying cannabis will impact the industry.

New Report Details Dozens of Federal Immigration Agents with Violent Records

A new report identifies 29 current or former ICE and CBP agents with documented convictions, arrests, or credible allegations of sexual crimes. 

Court Win Brings Relief for TPS Holders, Though Uncertainty Remains

Jhony Silva has lived in the US under TPS for 30 years. While a Dec. ruling blocked the Trump Admin from terminating the program, his future is uncertain.

‘I Haven’t Felt This Venezuelan in a Long Time’

For ACoM Associate Editor Pilar Marrero, the U.S. assault on Venezuela marks the first sign of change and, possibly, hope for the country in decades.

As Murder Trial Starts, Mural for Killed ‘Grandpa’ Vicha to Come Down

San Francisco’s Historic Preservation Committee decided not to grant historic landmark status to a mural commemorating ‘Grandpa’ Vicha Ratanapakdee.

San Francisco Hospital Workers Demand Safety at Vigil for Murdered Colleague

San Francisco hospital workers say their concerns about lack of safety protocols and inadequate staffing are going unheard.

Fawzia Mirza on Mentoring a New Generation of Muslim Filmmakers 

Filmmaker Fawzia Mirza reflects on how grants and fellowships empower Muslim artists to tell authentic, universal stories that challenge stereotypes and center joy.

Bay Area Groups Escalate Arms Embargo Demands at Port of Oakland

Several organizations and local labor unions have joined in calls for an end to shipments of cargo bound for Israel from the port of Oakland.

‘In the Trenches’ With Rizpah Bellard, Fresno’s Lone Black Female Rancher

As the only Black female rancher in Fresno, and possibly all of California, Rizpah Bellard says her identity shows others what's possible.

ICE Arrests Prominent British Journalist and Vocal Critic of Israel

Hamdi was speaking at an event for CAIR, which described his arrest as another attack on Americans' right to free speech.

Local Curfews, Trump Tariffs: Arab Grocers in San Francisco Band Together to Weather the Storm

Many are turning to a group purchasing model honed over years of experience in fights for labor and economic justice.

‘A Big Blow’ — Dept. of Ed Cuts Funding for Minority Serving Institutions

On September 10th, the U.S Education Department announced the end of $350 million in discretionary funding for MSI grant programs.

How One Women-Led Bay Area Group is Helping Push a Middle Eastern Cultural Renaissance

Mother Armenia produces parties, curates art exhibitions, hosts a radio show, and fund raises for humanitarian efforts in Palestine, Lebanon, and Armenia.

San Francisco Protestors Slam Mayor for Tepid Response to ICE Raids

Critics say the mayor and SFPD are policing protestors while protecting federal immigration agents in a city that celebrates its sanctuary status.

Fear Grows for U.S. Iranians Over Travel Ban, ICE Raids, and War With Israel

Over 130 Iranians have been arrested or detained by ICE in the three weeks since Israel launched its 12-day war with Iran on June 13.

Veterans Condemn Military Deployment in L.A. ICE Raids

President Trump’s deployment of federal troops to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in L.A. has sparked outcry from many veterans nationwide.

Homeless Sweeps, ICE Raids and the Erosion of Due Process

In police sweeps of homeless encampments and the militarized crackdown on immigrants, the rights of already-marginalized groups are being stripped bare.

‘I Am Not Just an Immigrant. I Am a Human Being’ — Dreamer Speaks Out About ICE Detention

19-year-old Ximena Arias-Cristobal is among the 2.5 million Dreamers in the US whose lives are being upended by the Trump Administration's mass deportation campaign.

Pro-Palestine Students Dig in Despite Government, University Crackdowns

Activists say pressure from the government and university administrators is driving more students to join in the protests.

California Civil Rights Department Launches Program to Combat Discrimination in Businesses

The “Welcome In” program is one of several initiatives created in direct response to reported increases in hate and discrimination in California.

Majority of Americans Say Japanese Internment Was ‘Shameful’

A YouGov poll finds most Americans disapprove of the country's wartime internment of Japanese though remain divided on the question of reparations.
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Forget the Pundits. “Professor” Jiang’s Forecasts Are Going Viral

Chinese educator "Professor" Jiang is rapidly rising across YouTube, where long-form podcast interviews are fueling interest in geopolitical forecasts and global instability.

California Gubernatorial Race Series: Interview with Antonio Villaraigosa

Live Mon | This session offers reporters a direct opportunity to question gubernatorial candidate Antonio Villaraigosa on key statewide issues. 

Dismantling DACA ‘Piece by Piece’

DACA recipients remain in a state of limbo as the Trump administration delays renewals, putting hundreds of thousands at risk of losing their jobs and being deported.
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Tony Thurmond Stakes Out Progressive Flank of California Gubernatorial Race

Tony Thurmond, seeking the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, laid out an expansive progressive platform in a briefing with community media reporters.