L.A. Times - Politics

State attorney general to oversee Kaiser's medical arbitration system under new law

Melody Petersen — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 21:53:15 GMT

The California attorney general will help oversee healthcare giant Kaiser Permanente's medical arbitration system to ensure it operates fairly under legislation Gov. Gavin Newsom signed. Patients have complained the system favors Kaiser.

Senate is set to vote on a sweeping college sports bill. Here's what it would do

Christopher Buchanan — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 19:37:01 GMT

The bipartisan Protect Student College Sports Act would give the NCAA more power to govern national rules and regulations in college sports.

California donors have funded both sides of Democrats' primary battles

Ben Wieder, Gabrielle LaMarr LeMee — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

In divisive races such as the Democratic primaries for U.S. Senate in Michigan and Minnesota, California donors have given large amounts to both progressive and moderate candidates.

More than $200 million spent fighting and supporting billionaire tax measure, and more to come

Seema Mehta, Gabrielle LaMarr LeMee — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Donors pour more than $200 million into supporting and opposing the billionaire tax measures on the ballot, with more to come in the weeks before the Nov. 3 election.

Newsom signs bills aimed at protecting LGBTQ people, citing Trump administration attacks

Melody Petersen — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 17:35:06 GMT

Newsom signs bills aimed at protecting LGBTQ people, citing recent rollbacks and attacks from the Trump administration.

Newsom signs bills aimed at expanding reproductive healthcare in California

Ian James — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Gov. Newsom signs bills focusing on reproductive healthcare in California. Some of the bills focus on increasing access to abortion.

Trump supercharged ICE. Now battleground candidates are scrambling for a message

Andrea Castillo — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Republican and Democratic congressional candidates are wrestling with how to talk about immigration. They consistently call for a strong U.S.-Mexico border but then diverge, with some calling for ICE to be abolished while others support President Trump's immigration crackdown.

Barabak: War games and draft lawsuits: Democrats work to Trump-proof November election

Mark Z. Barabak — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Stepping in for a complacent Congress, Democratic attorneys general are ready to fight efforts to undermine or overturn the Nov. 3 election. "We need to stay vigilant," says Colorado's Phil Weiser.

Poll shows Roy holds lead in L.A. city attorney race — but most voters still undecided

Sonja Sharp — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

A new poll found that California Deputy Atty. Gen. Marissa Roy has a 10-point lead over her opponent, Deputy Dist. Atty. John McKinney, in the race for L.A. city attorney, but more than two-thirds of likely voters remain undecided.

L.A. voting rights groups mobilize to counter possible November election disruption

Doug Smith — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

L.A. voting rights groups rally to recruit poll watchers, launch protection programs, and counter potential election disruption in the November vote.

Commentary: Call it propaganda or a PSA, Trump's latest ad blitz is paid for by you

Lorraine Ali — Sat, 26 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Criticism spills over on strategically timed ads paid for by the U.S. government touting the alleged achievements of President Donald Trump.

For third time, Supreme Court rejects Missouri's bid for another GOP-leaning House district

David G. Savage — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 22:30:36 GMT

The GOP wanted to redraw a district in Kansas City that had elected a Black Democrat. Six of the state's eight congressional districts favor Republicans.

A grand display for Xi reveals the limits of Trump's summitry

Michael Wilner, Ana Ceballos — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 21:04:47 GMT

The summit's stark lack of substance surprised even the closest China watchers.

Supreme Court upholds Trump's expanded citizenship data checks, stoking fears of voter purges

David G. Savage — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 16:11:22 GMT

The Trump administration says Social Security data may help spot noncitizens who are registered to vote.

Lopez: Here's why so many L.A. voters are undecided in mayor's race

Steve Lopez — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

We need both candidates to be bolder, more creative, more convincing, and to tell us things we haven't heard before.

Tax the rich? California voters are divided, according to new poll

Seema Mehta — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

September LA Times/Berkeley poll on statewide propositions

Trump's trade war with Canada adds a challenge in Senate races

Justine McDaniel — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The dispute stands to heighten voters' economic worries and add to the GOP's political challenge in dead-heat races, analysts say.

Can Democrats flip the House? Here's the latest in key races

Christopher Buchanan — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Democrats need a net gain of four seats to take control of the House. Here are five races to watch before the Nov. 3 elections.

Arellano: Heads up, Latino men: The future of democracy hangs on your vote

Gustavo Arellano — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

When Trump descended that damned escalator, I knew this racist excuse for a leader would nevertheless appeal to many Latino men.

Hannah Einbinder, Susan Sarandon arrested at protest against Netanyahu

Andrea Flores — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:37:59 GMT

Hannah Einbinder and Susan Sarandon were arrested after protesting the arrival of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the United Nations in New York City. Cynthia Nixon, Elliot Page, Indya Moore, Mary Beth Barone, Caleb Hearon and Sarah Sherman were also at the demonstration.

Xi, in lavish Trump summit, urges 'human control' over AI

Michael Wilner, Ana Ceballos — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 21:42:59 GMT

Xi Jinping, president of China, issued a call from the White House on Thursday that artificial intelligence remain "under human control" as the world's two superpowers race for technological supremacy.

Commentary: A decade after the leaked 'Access Hollywood' tape, Billy Bush joins Fox News. What took so long?

Lorraine Ali — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 19:14:06 GMT

Billy Bush joins other right-leaning personalities who've rebuilt their careers at Fox following scandals elsewhere.

Ballot seizure by Riverside County sheriff was 'unlawful,' California Supreme Court rules

Sonja Sharp — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 17:55:37 GMT

The state's high court issued a ruling Thursday on whether Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco had the authority to seize more than half a million ballots in what the former Republican candidate for governor claimed was an investigation into voter fraud.

CNN, MS NOW and Politico return to White House after judge lifts Trump's press ban

Stephen Battaglio — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 13:03:42 GMT

Federal court judge calls the ban unconstitutional and rejects the White House argument that the action was done in the name of national security.

Calmes: Trump's lost his star power, at home and abroad

Jackie Calmes — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 10:04:00 GMT

His appearance at the U.N. only underscored how far he has retreated from global leadership.

Raman's polling lead puts pressure on Bass to win undecided voters – and go negative

Noah Goldberg, David Zahniser — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The mayor's camp dismissed the Berkeley IGS/L.A. Times poll as an outlier, but one Bass insider said the survey 'put a pit in stomachs.'

High cost of living tops voter concerns, Becerra remains front-runner in governor's race, new poll shows

Nicole Nixon — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

As Californians prepare to elect a new governor in November, the top concern they want the new leader to prioritize is reducing the state's entrenched high cost of living, according to a new poll.

If 'Melania' movie left you wanting more, first lady reveals new docuseries is on the way

Deborah Day — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 00:09:54 GMT

First Lady Melania Trump says an upcoming docuseries about her will be very different from Amazon's 'Melania' documentary released in January.

Billy Bush joins Fox News Media as a contributor

Stephen Battaglio — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:01:52 GMT

Bush, a former host of "Access Hollywood" and "Extra," will offer commentary across the network's platforms.

Sons, mothers of people killed by ICE agents demand answers: 'We still have so many questions'

Andrea Castillo — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 01:19:21 GMT

The forum, led by Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Long Beach), included the mothers of Renee Good and Ruben Ray Martinez, and the woman who filmed Alex Pretti's death.

California deal on Paramount-Warner Bros. merger spurs frustration, questions about political pressure

Kevin Rector, Meg James, Taryn Luna — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 01:10:41 GMT

Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta's agreement clearing the $111-billion merger followed intense pressure from state leaders including Gov. Gavin Newsom and dissent among fellow Democratic state attorneys general.

An editorial board will oversee CNN and CBS News. What does that mean?

Stephen Battaglio, Meg James — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 22:26:04 GMT

Paramount's settlement to clear the path for its Warner Bros. Discovery merger adds a new wrinkle for news divisions.

Trump, addressing U.N., threatens to 'annihilate' Iran if war continues

Michael Wilner, Ana Ceballos — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 15:30:34 GMT

The president's remarks at the United Nations come more than six months into a war that has grown increasingly unpopular at home.

Chabria: A 'fight worth fighting': Paramount settlement is less than desired, more than nothing

Anita Chabria — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 23:26:02 GMT

The company has to keep open and running both the Paramount and Warner Bros. lots — maybe one of the most visible wins for the city.

As world leaders converge on U.S., Trump seeks to demonstrate control

Ana Ceballos — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 22:28:51 GMT

The president's actions stand to color the backdrop of a week that will feature meetings with world leaders at the U.N. and a state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Can Democrats flip the Senate? Here's the latest in key races

Christopher Buchanan — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 18:14:54 GMT

Democrats need to gain at least four seats, and not lose any, to retake control of the Senate. Here are five races to watch in the final weeks before Nov. 3.

Newsom signs bills to regulate data center industry, criticizes Trump for inaction

Blanca Begert, Dakota Smith, Ian James — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 16:31:03 GMT

California's growing data center industry will have more oversight after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed seven bills to regulate the industry's electricity costs and track water consumption.

Paramount, attorneys general settle lawsuit, clearing a path for Warner Bros. merger

Meg James, Samantha Masunaga — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:33:09 GMT

With the agreement, California Atty. General Rob Bonta and his coalition plan to withdraw historic lawsuit that aimed to derail the $111-billion deal.

CNN, MS NOW and Politico file court challenge to Trump's press ban

Stephen Battaglio — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 11:17:47 GMT

CNN, MS NOW and Politico will challenge the constitutionality of President Trump's order to ban the news organizations from the White House.

Despite court wins, California election war with Trump rages on

Kevin Rector — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

L.A. County says it has received federal grand jury subpoenas demanding voter registration information on dozens of individuals the Trump administration suspects may not be U.S. citizens.

Opposition grows to Paramount-Warner Bros. merger settlement as deal enters critical week

Meg James — Sun, 20 Sep 2026 21:30:19 GMT

Critics of the $111-billion Paramount acquisition of Warner Bros. urged California Atty. Gen. Bonta and other state attorneys general to disregard pressure to reach a settlement.

California Republicans walk a tightrope as Trump jumps into midterms campaigning

Ana Ceballos, Justine McDaniel — Sun, 20 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

California Republicans running in the state's most competitive House races are appearing to keep some measure of public distance from Trump ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

Barabak: The worst, most vile candidate in Texas isn't who you might think

Mark Z. Barabak — Sun, 20 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The bigoted Bo French is running for railroad commissioner. His racist social media post drew scathing condemnation, though not from Gov. Greg Abbott or the ethically bankrupt Senate nominee Ken Paxton.

Newsom signs bills to shield California elections from Trump interference, increase transparency

Nicole Nixon — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 18:40:38 GMT

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation to boost security for California elections, an effort to guard against potential Trump administration interference in the Nov. 3 midterm election.

Lopez: We don't need AI to threaten the future of humanity. We've got Trump's climate policies

Steve Lopez — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Trump's ambitious assault on the planet is fueling climate activism.

Paramount-California settlement talks accelerate, moving Warner Bros. merger closer to the finish line

Meg James — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 00:26:16 GMT

A resolution would allow David Ellison's $111-billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery to finalize

Trump says he's banning CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House

Stephen Battaglio — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 20:34:01 GMT

Trump called the three outlets "FAKE NEWS" and said he may ban other outlets as well.

Newsom creates panel on AI safety regulation, suggests possible 'kill switch'

Dakota Smith, Queenie Wong — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:04:51 GMT

Gov. Gavin Newsom has ordered the formation of a panel to come up with safety regulations for the state's AI companies, including the development of a possible 'kill switch' for programs that go rogue.

California health clinics accuse influential union and its leader of racketeering in civil lawsuit

Taryn Luna — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:39:56 GMT

The California Primary Care Assn. filed a lawsuit in federal court Friday accusing SEIU United Healthcare Workers West and its president, Dave Regan, of advancing and then offering to call off a punitive ballot measure in exchange for unionizing 25,000 industry workers.

Governor's race heats up as Becerra meets fire victims, Hilton blames Dems for high cost of living

Nicole Nixon, Seema Mehta — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 22:48:50 GMT

Candidates for California governor, Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton, promoted their plans to address the state's high cost of living and continue rebuilding after the deadly 2025 wildfires that burned thousands of Los Angeles County homes.

AI crisis heightens the stakes of Xi's visit to Washington

Michael Wilner, Nilesh Christopher — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 17:15:35 GMT

Ahead of the meeting, rhetoric from Washington and Beijing has underscored only deepening acrimony and distrust over their rush to dominate the technological frontier.

Calmes: Trump loves to throw around taxpayers' money

Jackie Calmes — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Even without his reckless promise to buy off every American adult with $5,000, he was on track to break his first-term record for adding to the unsustainable U.S. debt.

The U.S. freed political prisoners in Nicaragua. Now Trump is trying to deport them.

Kate Linthicum, Ismael López — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Journalists, human rights advocates and dissidents who were persecuted in Nicaragua and sought safety in the U.S. are increasingly being targeted for deportation.

California GOP official apologizes for saying dead people voted. But he hasn't stopped sleuthing

Iris Kwok — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Marin County Republicans' chairman took to a county meeting to retract his earlier accusations of election fraud.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.