California News

Newsom casts California as a beacon for progress in final State of the State
Newsom touted a 9% reduction in unsheltered homelessness, cheaper insulin and increased clean energy use in California as among his accomplishments, in a speech delivered with an eye toward higher office.

After devastating fires, L.A. made one part of rebuilding easy. There's much more to do
While few victims of last year's fires are back in their homes, that's not unusual following natural disasters; permitting changes appear to be helping.
Ben Christopher | Jan 7, 2026, 6:36 PM UTC

California voters approve Prop. 50, redrawing congressional maps to favor Democrats
California voters overwhelmingly approved the governor's ballot measure on Tuesday, endorsing newly drawn maps that favor Democrats.
California Latinos take pride in casting ballots in person. ICE at polls could deter that
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has repeatedly warned, without evidence, that immigration agents could show up at polling sites the way they did at the launch for Proposition 50. Community members and local leaders say those fears are real.
Trump's DOJ is sending election monitors to California with voting on Prop. 50 underway
It's common to see election observers at voting stations, but generally less so for them to come from the federal government. Some from the Trump administration will be on the ground in several California counties next month.

Supreme Court allows immigration agents to resume 'roving patrols' in LA, siding with Trump
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.

This rural hospital almost closed. Emergency state funding is keeping it open, but for how long?
The closure of rural hospitals is a looming problem across all of California. Two Inland Empire lawmakers are urging state officials to take action to save a hospital in Blythe.
Deborah Brennan | Sep 4, 2025, 2:15 AM UTC

Trump broke the law by sending National Guard to L.A., federal judge rules
A 19th Century law called the Posse Comitatus Act defines what the military can do on U.S. soil. President Trump broke that law by sending the National Guard to L.A., a federal judge rules.

Back to the future: Will this California prison become a luxury hotel again?
As the Norco prison prepares for a closing date in 2026, city leaders hope to overcome a number of hurdles to bring back its luxurious past.

Kounalakis becomes latest Democrat to drop run for governor
Kounalakis was trailing in polling and fundraising in a crowded field of Democrats seeking to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom when he is termed out next year.
Alexei Koseff | Aug 11, 2025, 6:14 PM UTC

