California

Before SoCal woman, husband found dead, she may have been scammed by a fake Tom Selleck

Andrew J. Campa — Thu, 21 May 2026 02:58:07 GMT

A Coachella Valley woman slain along with her husband last week may have been scammed by a person claiming to be actor Tom Selleck, according to media reports.

Mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt hosts South L.A. block party on Bass' old turf

Sandra McDonald — Thu, 21 May 2026 02:41:41 GMT

Mayoral hopeful Spencer Pratt campaigned Wednesday in a South Los Angeles neighborhood that Mayor Karen Bass represented when she was in Congress.

7 nabbed in crackdown as home burglaries surge in the Valley

Clara Harter — Wed, 20 May 2026 23:51:42 GMT

Seven people have been charged in connection with a surge in residential burglaries in the San Fernando Valley carried out by "brazen, calculated and predatory" crews of thieves, authorities said.

AI-written books at Barnes & Noble? CEO clarifies statement that stirred calls for boycott

Emily St. Martin — Wed, 20 May 2026 23:30:53 GMT

After Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt said the store would stock AI-written books as long as they were labeled as such, calls to boycott the retailer circulated online. Now the bookseller is clarifying his stance.

Fires ring Southern California and it's only May. What's going on?

Alex Wigglesworth — Wed, 20 May 2026 22:28:02 GMT

Multiple fires broke out over 48 hours in Southern California this week. What does that say about our fires this year?

Mayoral candidate Raman unveils rebuilding plan for Pacific Palisades

Noah Haggerty — Wed, 20 May 2026 20:30:03 GMT

Raman is weighing in on an issue that has defined her two rivals: Pratt, whose home burned in the Palisades fire, and Bass, whose handling of the disaster has become a liability.

4-year-old found dead in vehicle in Valley Village

Ruben Vives, Libor Jany — Wed, 20 May 2026 20:08:56 GMT

The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the death of a 4-year-old girl who was apparently left inside a hot vehicle in Valley Village.

California doctor ran nation's 'largest Botox fraud scheme,' filing $45 million in claims for lush lifestyle

Grace Toohey — Wed, 20 May 2026 19:26:37 GMT

Prosecutors allege the Glendale-based doctor submitted more than $45 million in fraudulent Medicare claims for Botox injections, using the payments to fund a lavish lifestyle.

Containment grows on Sandy fire, other SoCal blazes. But shifting winds pose challenge

Summer Lin, Clara Harter — Wed, 20 May 2026 18:03:33 GMT

The Sandy fire, one of several wildfires burning in Southern California this week, was 15% contained Wednesday morning.

Santa Monica Pier area among the dirtiest beaches again in new Beach Report Card

Karen Garcia — Wed, 20 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Environmental nonprofit Heal the Bay and the city of Santa Monica are teaming up to investigate and find solutions for the pier's poor water quality.

Trump signals support for Pratt in L.A. mayoral election: 'I'd like to see him do well'

Noah Goldberg — Wed, 20 May 2026 15:22:32 GMT

Trump didn't make a formal endorsement, but his comments were the first the president has made publicly on the L.A. mayor's race.

Social media, manifesto of San Diego mosque shooters rooted in white nationalism

Richard Winton, Paige St. John — Wed, 20 May 2026 15:08:06 GMT

The Times reviewed social media accounts believed to be used by one of the San Diego Islamic Center shooters that idolized school shootings, white nationalism and neo-Nazi terrorism and were flush with memes from the online far-right extremist community. Here is what we found.

Immigrant rights advocates rally for more state healthcare funding, criticize Newsom

Katie King — Wed, 20 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Human rights advocates on Tuesday rallied outside the California Capitol to push back on Gov. Gavin Newsom's proposed budget plan to reduce state-sponsored healthcare coverage for undocumented immigrants.

How a SoCal native became one of NASA's most valuable assets

Noah Haggerty — Wed, 20 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Victor Glover, who grew up in the Inland Empire, is now the only pilot to have flown NASA's Orion capsule.

With homes still charred lots, Palisades fire survivors find solace in temple reopening

Rachel Kraus — Wed, 20 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Kehillat Israel, closed since the Palisades fire, reopened last week, welcoming its congregation, which includes 230 families who lost their homes and an additional 250 families who were displaced.

L.A.'s democratic socialists look to boost their clout in City Hall

Sandra McDonald — Wed, 20 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

This year's elections could lead to six DSA-backed candidates on the L.A. City Council — and a socialist-backed city attorney. What would that mean for the city's future?

Screens would be banned until 2nd grade under draft LAUSD plan

Howard Blume — Wed, 20 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The L.A. school board got its first look Tuesday at a draft policy that limits student screen time — and that will affect how teachers manage instruction.

Fire tearing through Santa Rosa Island reaches critically endangered trees

Clara Harter — Wed, 20 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

A massive wildfire has burned through nearly one-third of Santa Rosa Island, including reaching a grove of critically endangered Torrey pine trees. But there is reason for hope.

'I see it in my nightmares.' Mom of boys killed in Westlake crosswalk testifies in civil case

Richard Winton — Wed, 20 May 2026 02:08:53 GMT

A tearful Nancy Iskander told jurors that she was crossing a road when she saw her two older sons disappear as a white speeding Mercedes plowed through the crosswalk.

Two inmates plotted a jailhouse beating. A guard helped them 'handle it'

Ruben Vives — Wed, 20 May 2026 01:32:42 GMT

A Santa Clara County correctional officer will spend 45 days in jail after helping two inmates carry out an attack against another inmate, then conspiring with them to cover it up.

Bain fire injures 4 in Riverside County; civilian drones interfere with firefighting aircraft

Clara Harter — Wed, 20 May 2026 00:53:46 GMT

The Bain fire ignited in the Jurupa Valley on Tuesday, prompting evacuation orders and injuring four people. The blaze grew to 900 acres by 5 p.m., and firefighting aircraft were briefly grounded due to civilian drones spotted flying in the area.

Girl, 12, was hit in the head at school. That wasn't what caused her death, M.E. says

Clara Harter — Tue, 19 May 2026 23:52:50 GMT

Khimberly, 12, died days after she was hit in the head with a water bottle during an alleged bullying incident at school. The L.A. County medical examiner determined that her death was caused by an underlying medical condition.

In deal with business leaders, $30 minimum wage for L.A. hotel and airport workers will be delayed

Melissa Gomez — Tue, 19 May 2026 23:28:29 GMT

The minimum wage will still increase to $25 in July and continue in increments until reaching $30 in January 2030.

California, other states sue over new Trump limits on loans for nurses, PAs, therapists

Kevin Rector — Tue, 19 May 2026 21:54:08 GMT

California and other Democratic-led states are suing the Trump administration over new limits on federal borrowing by students in healthcare fields.

Report finds no failures in Altadena fire evacuations. Critics decry lack of accountability

Grace Toohey, Jenny Jarvie — Tue, 19 May 2026 20:57:50 GMT

A report by a consultant looked into L.A. County firefighting commanders' decision-making during the Eaton fire and concluded evacuation alerts were handled properly, even as residents say they were left in the dark.

Burglary suspect trapped in a wall is rescued after Salinas cops on coffee break hear his cries for help

Summer Lin — Tue, 19 May 2026 20:24:56 GMT

A man fell off a movie theater roof in Salinas into a wall space and was trapped there for 10 hours before being rescued, according to authorities.

Influencer, lawyer and surf coach charged in plot to kill L.A. boy band member

James Queally — Tue, 19 May 2026 19:32:54 GMT

A Miami attorney, his influencer daughter and a Hawaiian surf instructor were charged Tuesday in a plot to kill singer Jack Avery over a custody dispute.

Hilton and Becerra lead in a tightening race in final weeks of California governor's campaign, poll shows

Seema Mehta — Tue, 19 May 2026 18:03:38 GMT

Despite handwringing among Democrats about being shut out of the governor's race, a new poll by the state party suggests the two candidates most likely to emerge after the June primary are Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra.

Photos: Strong winds fuel Sandy fire in Simi Valley

Robert Gauthier, Eric Thayer, Kayla Bartkowski — Tue, 19 May 2026 16:40:06 GMT

The Sandy fire started in windy conditions and spread into part of a Simi Valley neighborhood at the foot of a brush-covered hillside.

Tennis great Billie Jean King graduates from Cal State L.A. 65 years after enrolling

Steve Henson — Tue, 19 May 2026 16:26:16 GMT

Billie Jean King, 82, received her bachelor's degree in history from the same school she attended more than 60 years ago and also gave a commencement speech.

Man dies after car plunges 500 feet off Highway 1 cliff onto beach

Summer Lin — Tue, 19 May 2026 15:10:48 GMT

A man died after his car fell nearly 500 feet off a Highway 1 cliff near Santa Cruz on Monday, according to authorities.

Security guard's 'heroic' actions saved others in San Diego mosque attack, officials say

Hannah Fry, Karen Garcia — Tue, 19 May 2026 14:35:55 GMT

The Islamic Center of San Diego is mourning three people killed in Monday's attack, including a security guard praised by police for his actions.

Crews continue aggressive fight against Sandy fire, other SoCal blazes

Terry Castleman, Karen Garcia, Alex Wigglesworth — Tue, 19 May 2026 14:14:32 GMT

A wind-driven fire that broke out in Ventura County Monday morning stalled overnight, allowing some residents to return home.

California's Joshua trees are disappearing. There's hope these fungi can help them

Alex Wigglesworth — Tue, 19 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

The Joshua tree has been featured in poetry and music and represented a burning bush in the latest episode of "Euphoria." A small group of scientists hope the key to unlocking its long-term survival is buried in the sand.

City Council progressives snub Raman, endorse Bass in L.A. mayor's race

Noah Goldberg — Tue, 19 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The endorsements by Hernandez, Jurado and Soto-Martínez are aimed at denting left-wing support for Nithya Raman, who polls show is battling Spencer Pratt for a runoff spot against Mayor Bass.

Billionaire Tom Steyer's $192.4-million self-funded California gubernatorial bid shatters records

Seema Mehta — Tue, 19 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Billionaire Tom Steyer shatters spending record in California governor's race -- and may be the first successful self-funder

Arellano: Spencer Pratt's Make L.A. Great Again acolytes and their dark vision of the city

Gustavo Arellano — Tue, 19 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Pratt's loudest fans loathe modern-day L.A., and that should chill all other Angelenos. These haters would be his primary constituents and populate his brain trust if he wins.

Forced treatment and jail: Spencer Pratt's pledges to end homelessness stir up mayor's race

Andrew Khouri, Doug Smith — Tue, 19 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt wants to use arrests and mandatory drug and addiction treatment to clear the streets, but some expert said he would face huge legal, financial and practical hurdles in doing so.

Top LAUSD academic chiefs leaving as test scores rise and FBI raid sidelines Carvalho

Howard Blume — Tue, 19 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The challenge for LAUSD is continuing progress that has won acclaim, despite the absence of Supt. Alberto Carvalho and his top two academic administrators.

For the first time, a warm winter just wiped out SoCal's little-known cherry harvest

Ian James — Tue, 19 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

May is usually cherry-picking season in parts of Southern California. But Leona Valley orchards has announced there are none to pick because it's been so warm.

San Diego Islamic Center suspects were self-radicalized, left manifesto behind, officials say

Hannah Fry, Richard Winton, Salvador Hernandez, Clara Harter — Tue, 19 May 2026 05:30:25 GMT

Two people ages 17 and 18 opened fire at the center Monday morning, police said. They were found minutes later dead of self-inflicted gunshot wounds, according to authorities.

Federal agents raid homes of Ventura County immigration activists

Salvador Hernandez — Tue, 19 May 2026 02:32:24 GMT

Federal agents searched the homes of immigrant rights activists in an early morning raid that activists allege was retaliatory and part of an ongoing harassment campaign for their work patrolling and monitoring immigration operations in Ventura County.

Mark Fuhrman, LAPD detective known for O.J. Simpson trial, dies at 74

Gavin J. Quinton, Libor Jany — Tue, 19 May 2026 00:56:37 GMT

Mark Fuhrman, the lead case detective known for his investigation of the 1994 murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman, died on May 12, authorities in Kootenai County, Idaho, confirmed.

Francesco Caballero is determined to keep his family circus legacy afloat

Andrea Flores — Tue, 19 May 2026 00:22:12 GMT

As part of a five-generation circus family, 13-year-old Francesco Caballero dreams of competing worldwide. But first, he'll have to get through his school talent show.

Largest fire ever recorded on Santa Rosa Island endangers 'gem of California coast'

Alex Wigglesworth — Mon, 18 May 2026 22:22:57 GMT

A wildfire sparked by the flare of a shipwrecked mariner has burned around one-fourth of Santa Rosa Island and marks what officials called the largest blaze recorded on the island in modern history.

A gray wolf has entered Sequoia National Park for the first time in a century

Lila Seidman — Mon, 18 May 2026 19:40:49 GMT

BEY03F is the first wolf known to venture into Sequoia National Park in more than a century — after making similarly historic visits to Los Angeles and Inyo counties.

5 dead, including teen gunmen, at San Diego Islamic Center; hate motive probed

Salvador Hernandez, Suhauna Hussain, Richard Winton, Hannah Fry — Mon, 18 May 2026 19:35:20 GMT

Police in San Diego swarmed a local Islamic center after reports of an active shooter. Five people were killed, including two suspected gunmen.

Homeless people on Skid Row were paid to register to vote, feds charge

Rebecca Ellis — Mon, 18 May 2026 18:41:19 GMT

Federal prosecutors in Los Angeles announced a case Monday against a woman suspected of paying people to sign voter registration forms.

Sandy fire spreads, prompting evacuation warnings in L.A. County

Terry Castleman, Karen Garcia — Mon, 18 May 2026 18:13:00 GMT

A brush fire in Simi Valley has moved toward the communities that straddle the Ventura and Los Angeles county border.

Artists, community come together to welcome World Cup to Inglewood with murals and more

Chuck Schilken — Mon, 18 May 2026 17:19:56 GMT

Several Los Angeles-based artists have been taking part in public events to create artwork celebrating community and welcoming the World Cup to Inglewood.

Commentary: Spencer Pratt, like Donald Trump, is a product of the reality TV industrial complex

Lorraine Ali — Mon, 18 May 2026 17:08:10 GMT

Spencer Pratt, like President Trump before him, is a political product of the reality-TV industrial complex. And like Trump in 2016, he has no experience in public office.

Santa Monica kidnapping suspect arrested after police shooting

Summer Lin — Mon, 18 May 2026 16:23:47 GMT

A kidnapping suspect was arrested Monday morning after a chase with police that ended with gunfire, according to Santa Monica police.

19 Legionella bacteria infections linked to Kaiser Bay Area hospital

Rong-Gong Lin II — Mon, 18 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The 19 infections were linked to Kaiser's medical center in Santa Clara. Most of those who fell sick are recovering at home, Kaiser said in a statement last week.

AI has invaded the L.A. mayor's race. Some fear it's just the beginning

Jenny Jarvie — Mon, 18 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Some see fan-generated election campaign videos as a harbinger of how artificial intelligence could reshape political messaging across the country.

Tech leaders funding Matt Mahan's campaign for California governor say it's not about tech

Kevin Rector — Mon, 18 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

San José Mayor Matt Mahan's campaign for governor has been bankrolled by tech titans. Critics say he will cater to their interests as governor, but several of his backers said their support for him has nothing to do with tech policy.

L.A.'s 100 most problematic rental properties spotlighted in new city database

Jack Flemming — Mon, 18 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

A new dashboard released by City Controller Kenneth Mejia shows the 100 L.A. properties with the most housing violation complaints.

As crowds build at Yosemite, visitors worry the high season will be a disaster

Jack Dolan — Mon, 18 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Parking lots filled up fast — the lot at Curry Village was full by 8 a.m. — and cars were stashed in every unmarked flat spot their owners thought they could get away with.

Santa Rosa Island fire burns more than 10,000 acres, threatening rare plants and animals

Jack Flemming — Mon, 18 May 2026 04:51:03 GMT

A human-caused fire spread to more than 10,000 acres on Sunday night, destroying two structures and forcing the evacuation of 11 people.

Pedro Pascal goes undercover for 'Star Wars' surprise at Disneyland

Jack Flemming — Mon, 18 May 2026 00:50:39 GMT

Pedro Pascal surprised fans with an undercover appearance as "The Mandalorian" at Disneyland on Saturday.

Bittersweet Pride: Joy at the Long Beach parade, outrage over canceled festival

Brittny Mejia — Sun, 17 May 2026 21:47:40 GMT

Hundreds celebrated at the Long Beach Pride parade, but the weekend was overshadowed by the abrupt, last-minute cancellation of the popular decades-old festival.

Feds say they thwarted alleged terror plot targeting L.A. Jewish institution

Katie King — Sun, 17 May 2026 21:07:27 GMT

Federal authorities say they have disrupted a multi-city terror plot that included an L.A. Jewish center, arresting an Iraqi national with alleged ties to Kata'ib Hizballah.

Tustin police arrest man accused of fatally shooting ex-girlfriend before fleeing to Mexico

Brittny Mejia — Sun, 17 May 2026 21:07:19 GMT

Tustin police arrested 47-year-old Juan Marquez after he allegedly shot his ex-girlfriend, a mother of three, and fled across the U.S.-Mexico border.

3 dead in Oakland after speeding driver crashes into crowd, juvenile driver hospitalized

Katie King — Sun, 17 May 2026 16:36:54 GMT

The crash before midnight Saturday left three dead, and several other bystanders injured, according to an Oakland Fire Department official.

L.A. mayoral candidates vie for the crucial Latino vote. Bass has an edge over Pratt and Raman

Melissa Gomez — Sun, 17 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Latinos make up about 37% of the L.A. electorate. Mayoral candidates are putting out ads in Spanish, rallying endorsements and canvassing Latino neighborhoods.

Barabak: Californians on a confounding race for governor: 'I haven't ... a clue who I'm going to vote for'

Mark Z. Barabak — Sun, 17 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Becerra and Hilton have emerged as the candidates to beat. But dozens of interviews across the San Gabriel Valley, a prime campaign battleground, find many voters still undecided. And discouraged.

Should a high-voltage power line run through California's largest state park? Critics are furious

Hayley Smith — Sun, 17 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The proposed 140-mile, 500-kilovolt Golden Pacific Powerlink from San Diego Gas & Electric would cut through California's largest state park, Anza-Borrego.

L.A. County health officials confirm fifth measles case this year

Caroline Petrow-Cohen — Sun, 17 May 2026 03:39:34 GMT

Officials have confirmed a measles case in a Los Angeles County resident who recently traveled internationally.

Woman killed in Santa Monica after crawling under Metro bus

Caroline Petrow-Cohen — Sun, 17 May 2026 02:32:57 GMT

Investigators said a woman was pronounced dead at the scene after she moved under a Metro bus before it pulled away.

Photos: Red Bull Soapbox Derby Racing

Genaro Molina — Sun, 17 May 2026 02:24:22 GMT

What do a bowl of cereal, a dish of ramen, a hamburger, a taco truck and hot dogs have in common?

Mayoral hopeful Spencer Pratt heads to the Valley, wooing voters in his rival's district

David Zahniser — Sun, 17 May 2026 01:07:25 GMT

Pratt declined interview requests and did not give a speech, opting instead to talk to voters one by one in Sherman Oaks.

The world's largest wildlife crossing and five others are coming to Southern California

Caroline Petrow-Cohen — Sun, 17 May 2026 00:40:23 GMT

While construction continues on the world's largest wildlife crossing in Agoura Hills, planning is underway for five more crossings in the Mojave Desert and over I-15.

Train car found with 6 dead migrants inside came from Long Beach, officials say

Salvador Hernandez — Sat, 16 May 2026 21:32:06 GMT

Six migrants were found dead inside a train car in Laredo, Texas, Sunday, and officials say the train originated from Long Beach.

California man facing federal charges in international turtle trafficking plot

Greg Braxton — Sat, 16 May 2026 18:01:29 GMT

Federal authorities charged a Daly City man in an international trafficking plot to smuggle nearly 300 poached loggerhead musk turtles from Florida to Taiwan.

2026 USC commencement ceremonies in Photos

Jason Armond, Genaro Molina — Sat, 16 May 2026 16:26:01 GMT

Los Angeles Philharmonic music director Gustavo Dudamel delivers the keynote address at USC's 143rd commencement ceremony.

Lopez: L.A.'s cracked sidewalks are a symptom of a bigger breakdown. Does new plan offer real hope?

Steve Lopez — Sat, 16 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Sidewalks and streets could get long-awaited upgrades, but don't hold your breath.

The gray wolf's improbable California comeback continues as population hits modern record number

Clara Harter — Sat, 16 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

After being hunted to extinction a century ago, gray wolves are continuing their remarkable comeback story in California, with state wildlife officials reporting a modern record number of the apex predators in 2025.

Long Beach cancels Pride Festival the day before event starts, citing lack of permit

Clara Harter — Sat, 16 May 2026 03:01:56 GMT

The day before the annual Long Beach Pride Festival was set to kick off, the city announced that the event had instead been canceled — pointing blame at the organizer for failing to provide required safety information in time.

School resource officer accused of excessive force on student, authorities investigate

Karen Garcia — Fri, 15 May 2026 19:46:05 GMT

A Riverside County deputy has been reassigned pending an investigation into a use-of-force incident involving a female student near Vista del Lago High School.

Three poisoned by mushrooms foraged in California wine country amid 'unprecedented' outbreak

Alex Wigglesworth — Fri, 15 May 2026 19:26:15 GMT

Three people were recently hospitalized after eating poisonous wild mushrooms foraged in California wine country amid an unprecedented outbreak of illness and deaths linked to the practice statewide, according to Napa County health officials.

The Steyer campaign pays influencers. Their posts don't always make that clear

Ben Wieder — Fri, 15 May 2026 17:33:26 GMT

Tom Steyer's campaign appears to have relied on paid influencers more than any candidate for governor, according to the most recent campaign finance filings.

Conditions at immigrant detention centers in California have worsened under Trump, report says

Andrea Castillo — Fri, 15 May 2026 17:15:25 GMT

California enacted a law during the first Trump administration requiring state oversight of immigrant detention facilities. This is the fifth report released by the California Department of Justice since 2019.

Tustin police search for shooter who killed a 42-year-old woman

Grace Toohey — Fri, 15 May 2026 16:39:19 GMT

A woman was found fatally shot Thursday evening in Tustin. Witnesses reported seeing a man fleeing the scene, according to the Tustin Police Department.

Winds to whip Southern California, boosting risk of fires and dangerous seas

Alex Wigglesworth — Fri, 15 May 2026 16:34:28 GMT

Southern California is in for some windy weather over the weekend, which could bring brief periods of elevated wildfire risk to some areas.

Altadena's latest roadblock to rebuilding: Sewage

Grace Toohey — Fri, 15 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Hundreds of Altadena residents worry that they may be on the hook for a share of the estimated $70 million needed to build sewer lines in neighborhoods that rely on septic tanks.

After public outcry, Orange County halts herbicide spraying in creeks

Ian James — Fri, 15 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Orange County officials announced they will 'pause' spraying herbicides in creeks across the county. The decision came after a social media campaign by residents.

Trump administration readying a plan to impose Colorado River water cuts on western states

Ian James — Fri, 15 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The White House has told western states it's working on a 10-year plan for the overtapped Colorado River that will allow for reassessing cutbacks every two years.

L.A.'s ultra-urban rivers wash tons of trash out to sea. There's a plan to change that before the Olympics

Lila Seidman — Fri, 15 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

'Trash interceptors' will be installed in the L.A. and San Gabriel rivers to stop tons of plastic from reaching the ocean before the 2028 Olympics.

Top takeaways from final governor's debate: Knives out for Becerra

Seema Mehta, Nicole Nixon, Kevin Rector — Fri, 15 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Candidates running to replace termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom repeatedly attacked surging Democrat Xavier Becerra during a testy debate in a remarkably unsettled contest less than three weeks before the June 2 primary.

Commentary: Who won and who lost in Thursday night's California gubernatorial debate? Our columnists weigh in

Gustavo Arellano, Mark Z. Barabak, Anita Chabria — Fri, 15 May 2026 03:00:54 GMT

Candidates pile on the Democratic front-runner, Xavier Becerra, including a white-paper wielding Katie Porter. But nothing happened that's likely to shake up the race as it careens toward the finish. Some inspiration would help.

Concerns over federal funding for L.A. Olympics raised by state lawmakers

Katie King — Fri, 15 May 2026 00:10:12 GMT

As Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Olympics, state lawmakers are raising concerns that potential clashes with President Trump could cause chaos.

Chabria: A former Becerra aide pleaded guilty in a fraud case. I still have questions

Anita Chabria — Fri, 15 May 2026 00:03:41 GMT

Though Williamson's guilty plea may seem like an ending to the saga, it shouldn't be.

Suspect in Playa del Rey crash that killed toddler was already wanted in two DUIs, records show

Ruben Vives — Thu, 14 May 2026 23:57:43 GMT

Court records show the suspect in the May 3 crash in Playa del Rey that killed a 1-year-old and his uncle had been arrested twice for DUI and had two outstanding arrest warrants.

Dodgers pitcher, horse racing jockeys linked to cockfighting in Puerto Rico

Hannah Fry — Thu, 14 May 2026 22:44:38 GMT

All-Star closer Edwin Díaz and brothers Jose and Irad Ortiz were allegedly linked to illegal cockfighting in Puerto Rico through social media posts, according to reporting from USA Today.

What Newsom's proposed budget means for education in California

Howard Blume, Jaweed Kaleem, Kate Sequeira — Thu, 14 May 2026 22:13:32 GMT

Gov. Newsom announces record education funding and how he'd like to spend it — including rainy-day reserves and a massive boost to help students with disabilities.

Steyer campaign staffer linked to video of rival Katie Porter berating staff

Nicole Nixon — Thu, 14 May 2026 20:06:31 GMT

A Tom Steyer staffer appears to have leaked the infamous video that showed former Rep. Katie Porter yelling at a staff member during a video call.

Two chemicals in everyday California air may pose 'unacceptable' cancer risk, findings suggest

Hayley Smith — Thu, 14 May 2026 20:00:55 GMT

California health officials have released new scientific findings that suggest the health risks from exposure to two chemicals present in ambient air, acrolein and ethylene oxide, are worse than previously known.

SoCal man sold $80 million in cannabis products and didn't report it, state prosecutors say

Hannah Fry — Thu, 14 May 2026 18:41:33 GMT

A man who operated unlicensed marijuana dispensaries across Southern California is facing dozens of felony charges for evading $7.1 million in taxes, according to state prosecutors.

House fire in Montebello leaves one dead, authorities start arson investigation

Grace Toohey, Joseph Serna — Thu, 14 May 2026 18:31:20 GMT

One person is confirmed dead and two others critically injured in a house fire early Thursday in Montebello that police are now investigating for "suspicious circumstances."