News Wrap: California seeks to rename César Chavez Day following sexual abuse revelation

PBS NewsHour
March 19, 2026
3 min read

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California is moving to rename César Chavez Day, the state holiday honoring the late labor leader, after allegations surfaced that he sexually assaulted women and girls. Chavez, a prominent 20th-century farmworkers' rights activist, has long been celebrated in California and other states with a holiday bearing his name. The renaming effort reflects a broader reckoning with historical figures whose legacies face scrutiny over misconduct allegations. The news comes amid other developments Thursday, including warnings that small U.S. airports may close if the partial government shutdown persists, and a lawsuit by Democratic-led states challenging the Trump administration's repeal of a scientific finding tied to climate change policy.

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