L.A. Times - Politics

Paramount, Atty. Gen. Bonta ordered to meet for merger settlement talks

Meg James — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 18:21:55 GMT

Beginning Oct. 14, the two sides will try to reach a deal that will allow the massive merger to advance.

California voters deeply frustrated by length of November ballot, state and nation's direction

Seema Mehta — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Californians are deeply frustrated with the length of the November ballot, which includes 14 propositions, and gloomy about the direction of the state and the nation, according to a new Public Policy Institute of California poll.

Bass skips hearing on L.A. homelessness spending, calling probe politically motivated

Ana Ceballos, Doug Smith — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 21:45:18 GMT

Burchett's effort to force Bass to testify is the latest example of congressional Republican leaders trying to examine California's handling of regional issues and finances.

Mideast escalation risks an oil shock ahead of the midterms

Michael Wilner — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 21:09:44 GMT

The strikes put the Trump administration in a newly precarious position less than two months before the November midterms.

Ratings for the Sunday premiere of '60 Minutes' see steep drop from last year's opener

Stephen Battaglio — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 20:45:03 GMT

Despite a major promotional push, the program drew 7.9 million viewers, well below last season's average.

Fewer than half of Americans expect midterm elections to be 'free and fair,' poll finds

Kevin Rector — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 20:19:56 GMT

Fewer than half of Americans believe the upcoming midterm elections will be "free and fair," according to a new poll — a sharp decline from after the 2024 election.

ABC's 'American Idol' is leaving Los Angeles, in another blow to the industry

Meg James, Cerys Davies — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 19:53:29 GMT

The show's planned 25th season will be produced in Georgia.

Newsom signs first-in-nation standards for homes damaged by wildfire smoke

Nicole Nixon, Noah Haggerty — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 19:23:30 GMT

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed legislation to create new standards to test and remediate homes damaged by wildfire smoke, and to require insurance companies to pay for the associated costs.

Supreme Court halts Trump's proposed limits on mail ballots for this year's elections

David G. Savage, Kevin Rector — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 23:54:11 GMT

The justices turned down an emergency appeal from Trump's lawyers, who argued the government needed a new and untested system of unique bar codes to track millions of mailed ballots.

Newsom says he won't run for president if Harris does

Justine McDaniel — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 22:58:21 GMT

Newsom's effective yield to Harris diminishes the possibility of a 2028 showdown between two of California's most powerful political figures.

Democratic leaders panic and GOP divides as AI fears spread

Michael Wilner — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 22:26:40 GMT

Top executives from three of the country's leading AI companies issued exceptional calls for collaboration on a path forward that could "pace the frontier" of AI development.

Byron Sher, an uncomfortable politician who left an indelible mark on California's environment, dies at 98

Dan Morain — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 20:15:00 GMT

Byron Sher, a Stanford law professor-turned California legislator who wrote some of the state's most far-reaching environmental laws, died Saturday. He was 98.

California, others challenge Trump effort to deny green cards over past use of public aid

Kevin Rector — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 19:57:57 GMT

California and others filed lawsuits Monday challenging new Trump administration rules for denying green cards to applicants who have relied on public assistance.

After a Bari Weiss makeover, "60 Minutes" makes its Sunday debut

Stephen Battaglio — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 17:58:16 GMT

The venerable newsmagazine stuck to its usual formula and tone despite the upheaval behind the scenes.

Union power vs. MAGA politics in California's schools superintendent race

Kevin Rector, Howard Blume — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Democrat Richard Barrera and conservative Sonja Shaw clash in a high-stakes battle for California's state superintendent of public instruction post.

Jessica Tarlov shares lessons from being the liberal voice at Fox News in 'I Disagree'

Stephen Battaglio — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The Democrat that Fox News viewers love to hate offers advice for those uncomfortable political conversations.

Newsom brushes aside escalating federal probe into travel expenses as Trump retribution

Alene Tchekmedyian, Phil Willon — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 22:22:45 GMT

Gov. Gavin Newsom dismissed an escalating federal investigation of his administration, including the donations paying for his travel, saying it was retribution for his criticism of President Trump and his policies.

Will the economy motivate voters? This Central Valley swing district could be a test

Justine McDaniel — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The 22nd District is one of fewer than two dozen toss-up races nationwide that will likely determine which party controls the U.S. House in the second half of President Trump's term.

He was called 'MAGA's Man' in Latin America. Now he's charged with hiring hitmen to murder his girlfriend

Patrick J. McDonnell — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Fernando Cerimedo, a prominent Latin American right-wing digital strategist, was arrested in Bolivia for allegedly orchestrating the attempted murder of his pregnant mistress to prevent her from exposing his criminal conduct.

Commentary: Gavin Newsom is a lame duck. Can his presidential hopes still take flight?

Anita Chabria, Mark Z. Barabak — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Gavin Newsom leaves office in a few months, allowing him to devote all of his time to a 2028 presidential run. The question is whether he can sell a progressive agenda outside the comfortable confines of California.

Trespasser stopped on former Vice President Kamala Harris' Malibu property

Seema Mehta — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 21:10:33 GMT

A trespasser tried to enter former Vice President Kamala Harris' cliffside property in Malibu.

Lopez: Abandoned properties, fire hazards. Are L.A. mayor candidates part of the fix, or the problem?

Steve Lopez — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 16:34:54 GMT

Fires in Studio City and Larchmont followed years of unanswered complaints.

Union leader behind billionaire tax measure alleges 'smear' campaign against him

Seema Mehta, Nicole Nixon, Taryn Luna — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 02:52:51 GMT

Dave Regan claims he is the victim of a "smear" campaign orchestrated in part by wealthy Californians who are opposed to the billionaire tax measure he championed.

'Racist' Transformers-inspired DHS campaign sparks outrage over AI imagery

Andrea Castillo — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 20:54:25 GMT

The image, made to look like a movie poster for "Transformers," urged the man to self-deport. The agency later deleted it.

'It's going to be fine': Trump rebuffs rising alarm over AI dangers, sparking outcry

Michael Wilner — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 20:49:20 GMT

Alarm mounted throughout the summer as researchers at leading AI labs found the pace of development far outstripping their expectations.

Confusion over protected status leaves employers and Salvadoran immigrants scrambling

Itzel Luna, Andrea Castillo — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 22:29:25 GMT

Thousands of Salvadoran immigrants nationwide faced uncertainty after the federal government failed to decide by a Wednesday deadline whether to extend or terminate their longtime temporary protections against deportation.

California moves to rein in social media and AI chatbots to protect kids

Queenie Wong — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 21:16:26 GMT

Newsom signed a slew of new bills, including one that would bar certain online platforms from providing an 'addictive feature' to users under 16 years old.

L.A. County probes Farmers Insurance Company's handling of wildfire claims

Melody Petersen — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 19:49:02 GMT

Los Angeles County launched a probe into Farmers Insurance Company's handling of claims by policyholders impacted by last year's devastating Eaton and Palisades wildfires, after a growing number of residents complained of delays, denials and underpayments

Jimmy Kimmel interview with Senate candidate James Talarico won't air on ABC

Meg James — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 16:56:34 GMT

The comedian's Thursday interview with the Texas Democrat will play on YouTube rather than on television "out of consideration for our ... ABC affiliates in Texas who would have to deal with this nonsense," Kimmel said.

Questions swirl over Trump's pledge to give $5,000 payouts if GOP wins

Ana Ceballos, Michael Wilner — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 11:31:19 GMT

The promise would likely cost more than $1 trillion and require congressional approval, and would further exacerbate the country's nearly $1.8-trillion annual budget deficit and concerns about inflation.

25 years on, they haven't forgotten. How 9/11 changed these TV journalists' lives

Stephen Battaglio — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Five TV journalists who covered 9/11 — Bret Baier, Byron Pitts, Chris Jansing, NJ Burkett and Carson Daly — on what they saw and how it reshaped their careers.

With support from loggers and (some) environmentalists, Congress unites on major wildfire bill

Noah Haggerty — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Congress seems poised to pass the Fix Our Forests Act, which would expedite forest thinning work, test new firefighting tech and build up homes' wildfire armor.

Becerra backers with business in Sacramento spend tens of millions boosting his gubernatorial bid

Seema Mehta, Gabrielle LaMarr LeMee — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Companies and special interest groups with some of the diciest issues expected to land on California's next governor's desk are among the top financial backers of Democrat Xavier Becerra, the gubernatorial front-runner.

Arellano: Your patron saints for the 2026 election

Gustavo Arellano — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

This campaign season contains all sorts of scenarios screaming for holy intervention. We should pray extra hard to these saints for the next two months.

Rep. Young Kim joins other GOP candidates in tight races distancing themselves from Trump

Nicole Nixon, Michael Wilner — Wed, 9 Sep 2026 22:19:34 GMT

Orange County Rep. Young Kim has removed several references to President Trump from her campaign website as she tries to broaden her appeal to voters in a race against fellow Republican Rep. Ken Calvert.

California, other states warn Supreme Court of 'chaos' if it lets USPS mail ballot rules stand

Kevin Rector — Wed, 9 Sep 2026 20:54:36 GMT

A federal judge has already halted the plan nationwide, but the Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to revive it, arguing the federal government would be seriously harmed by voter fraud if it does not.

Commentary: 'Help Wanted/Leave Now!' How U.S. immigration policy remains maddeningly consistently inconsistent

Patt Morrison — Wed, 9 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

A new exhibition at the California Museum in Sacramento, 'Help Wanted/Leave Now!' focuses on the country's 'revolving door' of programs and practices toward immigrants.

Newsom's defamation case against Fox News scheduled for trial in 2028

Nicole Nixon — Wed, 9 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Gov. Gavin Newsom's defamation case against Fox News is scheduled to go to trial in early 2028, when the California Democrat could be in the midst of a presidential bid.

'Our border is closed': Inside Trump's push for zero migrants — and the tunnels defying it

Steve Fisher — Wed, 9 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border are at historical lows, but the Trump administration continues to push officials in Mexico — including U.S. officials stationed there — to tighten the border even further.

Hilton proposes eliminating DMV, slashing vehicle registration fee if elected governor

Seema Mehta — Wed, 9 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Republican candidate Steve Hilton is vowing to abolish California's DMV and cap annual vehicle registration at $73, reviving memories of Arnold Schwarzenegger's fee reduction.

Salvadorans anxiously await news on whether TPS protections will end

Andrea Castillo, Itzel Luna — Wed, 9 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The Department of Homeland Security has not yet announced whether it will end or extend Temporary Protected Status for some 170,000 Salvadorans, including 36,000 in California.

Canada's tariffs go into effect, spotlighting soured relations with U.S.

Michael Wilner, Ana Ceballos, Annika Duneja — Tue, 8 Sep 2026 22:19:28 GMT

Ottawa's latest measures are a response to tariffs imposed by President Trump last month on Canadian exports.

Gov. Gavin Newsom's former chief of staff seeks to delay sentencing because of health issues

Dakota Smith — Tue, 8 Sep 2026 17:11:43 GMT

Dana Williamson, Newsom's onetime chief of staff, is seeking to delay her sentencing date for political corruption because of health issues, according to documents.

Is the news stressing you out? MS NOW partners with Calm

Stephen Battaglio — Tue, 8 Sep 2026 13:49:54 GMT

The cable channel is offering meditation exercises on its new digital platform that launches Wednesday.

Becerra, Hilton to debate in governor's race days before voters receive mail-in ballots

Seema Mehta — Tue, 8 Sep 2026 13:01:00 GMT

Days before California voters receive their mail-in ballots, gubernatorial candidates Xavier Becerra, a Democrat, and Steve Hilton, a Republican, will debate in a nationally televised face-off.

Becerra once pushed for the death penalty, but says he would extend a moratorium if elected governor

Nicole Nixon — Tue, 8 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

California's next governor will decide whether to continue a moratorium on executions. Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton hold very different views on the death penalty.

As Trump locks in oil deal, Venezuelans ask: What happened to elections?

Ana Ceballos, Mery Mogollón — Mon, 7 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Some Venezuelans fear President Trump's oil deal with the Venezuelan government will entrench what's becoming a dictatorship.

Trump's economic record is working against him in the midterms

Michael Wilner, Ana Ceballos — Mon, 7 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The president, who won reelection based on a promise to turn the economy around, now faces a reckoning in midterms centered largely on his economic record.

Backlash over data centers hits California, and the midterms

Justine McDaniel — Sun, 6 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Widespread anxiety over environmental risks and rising costs have turned the rapid expansion of AI data centers into a focal point in midterm elections nationwide.

U.S. is running low on advanced defensive missiles — and it could take years to recover

Doyle McManus — Sun, 6 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

As the U.S. burns through key Patriot and THAAD interceptors, experts warn it could take years to rebuild defenses against potential conflicts with China or Russia.

Barabak: Integrity on the ballot: Election deniers target secretary of state races in key states

Mark Z. Barabak — Sun, 6 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Trump's attempts to undermine democracy has elevated the importance of election oversight. Election deniers are on the ballot in Arizona, Nevada and Wisconsin and could cause mischief in 2028.

Trump administration is 'playing shadow games' with top SoCal prosecutor, public defenders say

Brittny Mejia — Sat, 5 Sep 2026 18:22:45 GMT

Public defenders in L.A. renew efforts to oust top Trump prosecutor Bill Essayli following a major 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling.

Trumpism's shadow looms over German election as far right eyes historic power

Erik Kirschbaum — Sat, 5 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Leaders of an extremist, far-right party in Germany have quietly borrowed pages from President Trump's playbook to cast doubt on the integrity of absentee voting — alleging without evidence that residents of nursing homes have had their ballots manipulated and calling for an end to postal voting.

'60 Minutes' opens its new season under Bari Weiss with the L.A. Rams

Stephen Battaglio — Sat, 5 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Jon Wertheim's Rams profile leads the Sept. 13 season premiere of "60 Minutes" — the first since Bari Weiss' purge of the CBS News newsmagazine.

Low-income patients at UCLA Health scramble to find new doctors as contract ends

Melody Petersen — Sat, 5 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Thousands of low-income patients, some desperately ill, are scrambling to find new doctors as they lose access to UCLA Health physicians after an eight-year Medi-Cal contract was not renewed.

Judge again halts Postal Service mail ballot plan as Trump administration seeks Supreme Court relief

Kevin Rector — Fri, 4 Sep 2026 22:58:11 GMT

A federal judge again Friday blocked the U.S. Postal Service from enacting President Trump's sweeping new mail ballot rules for the November election.

FCC asks court to reject ABC's 1st Amendment claims

Meg James — Fri, 4 Sep 2026 19:02:34 GMT

The FCC is arguing Disney's lawsuit is a wrong-headed attempt to short-circuit the agency's review process after ABC was deficient in its earlier responses.

Norah O'Donnell returns to 'CBS Mornings' as co-host

Stephen Battaglio — Thu, 3 Sep 2026 19:32:57 GMT

O'Donnell rejoins Gayle King and Nate Burleson at the table of the struggling morning program.

Commentary: The bigoted rhetoric against Muslim American politicians is backfiring. Next up: Abdul El-Sayed

Lorraine Ali — Thu, 3 Sep 2026 19:22:11 GMT

The bigoted rhetoric against Muslim American politicians is backfiring

Fox News cuts ties with Maria Bartiromo, weeks after she vanished from her own shows

Stephen Battaglio — Thu, 3 Sep 2026 17:43:33 GMT

Bartiromo, who hosted "Sunday Morning Futures" and "Mornings with Maria," has been off the air since Aug. 9.

Trump targets private school tax-exempt status over race-based aid. California takes notice

Howard Blume, Jaweed Kaleem, Collin Binkley — Thu, 3 Sep 2026 16:39:11 GMT

The Treasury Department proposed the change Thursday. If finalized, the rule would take effect after May 2027, aiming to end race-based student policies or programs.

Gloria Steinem, charismatic feminist and co-founder of Ms. Magazine, dies at 92

Steve Chawkins, Sonja Sharp — Thu, 3 Sep 2026 11:26:18 GMT

Gloria Steinem, who urged women to pursue self-affirmation, political power and equality both in the workplace and at home, has died.

Convicted Trump Media-linked fraudster funded pro-Trump film in hopes of pardon, lawsuit says

Ben Wieder — Thu, 3 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Michael Shvartsman provided funding for the documentary 'The Man You Don't Know' and attended its Mar-a-Lago premiere in hopes of winning a pardon, according to a lawsuit by an L.A. studio alleging threats and extortion.

Trump backs a federal film tax credit. What that could mean for Hollywood

Samantha Masunaga — Thu, 3 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

After President Trump threw his support behind an effort for a national film tax credit, Hollywood is hopeful that a lifeline could finally be on its way.

Tribes could co-manage ancestral forests under bill heading to Newsom's desk

Lila Seidman — Wed, 2 Sep 2026 17:28:45 GMT

Assembly Bill 2494 aims to pivot state demonstration forests away from commercial logging toward ecotourism and Indigenous stewardship. It now heads to Newsom's desk.

Coverage for smoke damage, money for protecting homes passed to help wildfire victims

Nicole Nixon, Noah Haggerty — Tue, 1 Sep 2026 23:35:58 GMT

California lawmakers passed laws that would ensure insurance companies provide better coverage for smoke-damaged homes and financing for upgrades protecting residences from future fire damage.

Judge dismisses Justice Department lawsuit challenging California transgender sports policies

Kevin Rector — Tue, 1 Sep 2026 23:20:47 GMT

A federal judge threw out a U.S. Justice Department lawsuit challenging California school policies that allow transgender athletes to compete in girls' sports.

California lawmakers kill wildfire bill after utility complaints

Melody Petersen, Dakota Smith — Tue, 1 Sep 2026 21:59:58 GMT

Legislation that would have helped wildfire victims receive compensation more quickly, but that utilities said didn't do enough to reduce their financial risks, died in Sacramento after the Assembly declined to vote on it.

Jewish artists defend Mark Ruffalo amid Paramount's allegations of antisemitism

Meg James — Tue, 1 Sep 2026 18:07:29 GMT

An open letter invokes 'the very essence of Jewish ethical duty' to call out connections between the Israel-Gaza war and Hollywood's mega-merger.

State lawmakers pass bills targeting industrial operators after Boyle Heights fire

Dakota Smith — Tue, 1 Sep 2026 16:32:53 GMT

Some Republican legislators question the sweeping scope of the bills.

Whistleblower says USPS defied court to push 'untested' portal for Trump mail voting order

Kevin Rector — Tue, 1 Sep 2026 14:14:28 GMT

The effort is part of the implementation of President Trump's executive order limiting mail voting and has been temporarily halted by a federal judge. The ruling is being appealed by the administration and the directive may ultimately end up back before the U.S. Supreme Court.

California lawmakers OK restrictions on hiring former ICE agents, ban electric-shock gloves

Nicole Nixon — Tue, 1 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

California lawmakers voted Monday to ban federal immigration agents from being hired for many local and state government jobs and to outlaw electric-shock gloves.

Reining in Big Tech: How California lawmakers plan to regulate AI and social media

Queenie Wong, Dakota Smith — Tue, 1 Sep 2026 00:57:01 GMT

California lawmakers advance bills targeting addictive social media, artificial intelligence in the workplace and voracious data centers amid mounting public anxiety over technology's harms.

L.A. County sues State Farm over its handling of wildfire claims

Melody Petersen — Tue, 1 Sep 2026 00:15:25 GMT

L.A. County announced Monday that it had filed a lawsuit against State Farm General after hundreds of victims of last year's devastating wildfires complained that their policy claims had been delayed, denied or underpaid.

Trump calls for federal tax incentives to revive U.S. film industry

Ana Ceballos — Tue, 1 Sep 2026 00:03:27 GMT

President Trump on Monday urged Congress to approve federal tax incentives aimed at reviving American film and television productions.

State lawmakers back environmental carve-out for new San Diego stadium

Dakota Smith — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 23:58:21 GMT

California lawmakers voted to fast-track a San Diego stadium and housing project by helping it avoid lawsuits over its environmental impacts.

Citing California as a problem state, Trump administration shuts down 110 trucking schools

Andrea Castillo — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 22:35:38 GMT

Federal officials said the targeted schools were connected to more than 5,000 drivers who had failed English proficiency tests.

Supreme Court, in 5-4 vote, clears way for Trump's new ballroom

David G. Savage, Michael Wilner — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 20:12:17 GMT

Trump's White House ballroom will be built with mostly private funds and without approval of Congress.

Trump calls on FCC to punish 'Meet the Press' moderator Kristen Welker

Stephen Battaglio — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 17:19:54 GMT

Welker said the president had "mixed" results with his candidate endorsements. He didn't like that.

Solar power for renters would get easier with two bills now on the governor's desk

Blanca Begert, Ian James — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 16:48:16 GMT

Renters could get access to solar panels if the governor signs two bills just passed by the Legislature.

Lawmakers send bills to Newsom shoring up ballot security, transparency for paid political posts

Nicole Nixon — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 04:25:17 GMT

California lawmakers on Sunday approved bills aimed at preventing interference in this fall's midterm elections and requiring more transparency from social media influencers who are paid by political campaigns.

California lawmakers vote to change childhood sex abuse law

Dakota Smith — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 03:08:50 GMT

The 2019 law resulted in billions of dollars in payouts from local governments.

A conservative California upbringing paved Natalie Harp's way to Trump

Ana Ceballos, Hannah Fry — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The presidential aide spent much of her early life in Southern California, where she was home-schooled and attended a mega-church on Sundays, her brother said.

Barabak: Don't look now, but suddenly the U.S. Senate is in play

Mark Z. Barabak — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The four-seat gain Democrats need to win control once seemed all but out of reach. Odds are looking up, though the party still faces a tough path, with toss-up races in a half dozen (mostly red) states.

California lawmakers reach deal in high-stakes fight over regulating data centers

Dakota Smith, Blanca Begert — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 21:25:27 GMT

After weeks of intense negotiation, state lawmakers on Friday reached a compromise on legislation to regulate energy use by California's growing data center industry, action triggered by community anger over the facilities and fears of high utility bills in some communities.

Facing protests, Newsom drops most of plan limiting utility wildfire liabilities

Melody Petersen — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 19:56:32 GMT

In a late-night deal with lawmakers, Gov. Gavin Newsom agreed to drop his push for legislation that would have shifted more of the cost of utility-sparked wildfires to property insurers, which could have sharply raised premiums across the state.

Arellano: Racist 'Magic Deportation Bus' isn't the way for Trump to keep Latino voters

Gustavo Arellano — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

If the GOP wants any chance of holding on to Congress in the midterms and winning other key races, they need to get down on their hands and knees and beg Latinos for forgiveness,

Trump administration considering trading Yosemite land to private developer

Kevin Rector — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 21:26:33 GMT

The Trump administration is considering trading a parcel of Yosemite National Park to a private commercial developer to connect a proposed development on adjacent land to an interior park road, according to administration officials, members of Congress and documents reviewed by The Times.

California lawmakers crack down on AI used in public comment

Hayley Smith — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 19:00:14 GMT

Senate Bill 1159 will make it easier for public agencies to protect themselves from the rising use of artificial intelligence for civic engagement.

'We won.' 'Winding down.' 'Close to over.' Six months of Trump on the Iran war

Christopher Buchanan — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Over the six months of war with Iran, President Trump consistently attempted to shape the conflict's narrative through shifting and often contradictory statements. His comments have swung wildly from predicting imminent peace to threatening total obliteration of the Islamic Republic.

Two of California's top law enforcement leaders trade barbs over state election integrity

Kevin Rector — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Bill Essayli, the top federal prosecutor in Los Angeles, and California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta have engaged in a public and personal online spat this week.

California lawmakers reach deal to adjust childhood sex abuse law — but rebuff damage caps

Rebecca Ellis, Dakota Smith — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 02:20:34 GMT

State legislators said Thursday that they plan to make "modest" changes to a controversial law that extended the statute of limitations for lawsuits over sexual abuse, resulting in billions of dollars in payouts from local governments.

State lawmakers pass bills to punish unethical lawyers, limit hedge funds that influence cases

Rebecca Ellis — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 21:01:55 GMT

Legislators advanced bills, backed by California's powerful trial lawyer trade group, aimed at policing the state's legal industry, which has been bruised by 'a wave of inappropriate attorney conduct' highlighted by The Times.

California Legislature passes bill to track use of 'forever chemicals' by farms

Dakota Smith — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 20:41:32 GMT

Studies show that exposure to certain levels of PFAS may lead to decreased fertility and developmental delays in children and increase the risk of cancer.

Insurance executives warn that Newsom plan to shift utility wildfire liability would raise premiums

Melody Petersen — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:45:55 GMT

Insurance company executives warned Gov. Gavin Newsom in a letter Wednesday that his plan to shift utility wildfire liability to property insurers would raise premiums.

California moves to outlaw disposable vapes, a toxic trash plague from beaches to battery fires

Susanne Rust — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:09:56 GMT

Lawmakers passed legislation Wednesday that would ban disposable vape cartridges, a scourge to waste haulers and facilities.

California moves to outlaw child marriage with bill headed to Newsom's desk

James Queally — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 23:06:38 GMT

A bill that would make it illegal to issue marriage licenses to anyone under the age of 18 in California is now headed to Gov. Gavin Newsom for final approval, likely ending a decade-long fight to outlaw the practice.

California, other states sue again to block new Postal Service rules for mail ballots

Kevin Rector — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 16:37:47 GMT

California and a coalition of other Democratic-led states sued again to block the U.S. Postal Service from implementing new nationwide rules for mail ballots.