Politics

A person wearing glasses, a red blazer, and a blue blouse stands at a podium, speaking into a microphone in front of a crowd during a press event.

Justice

California bill would let abuse victims use trauma as legal defense for violent crime

For the fourth year in a row, California lawmakers are weighing whether to give violent criminals the legal right to cite abuse in their legal defense.

By Ryan Sabalow • July 27, 2026

An artist paints a towering black-and-white mural of two overlapping faces while standing on a lift, with the unfinished artwork stretching several stories up the side of a building.

Economy

Public funding cuts, lost grants, stagnant wages: How economic woes are dimming a vibrant art scene

With world-renowned cultural campuses, San Diego is one of the country’s top 100 arts communities, but can it hold its position amid shrinking arts investment and rising costs?

By Deborah Brennan • July 24, 2026

A large video screen displays a person speaking remotely during a public meeting while three board members sit beneath the screen at a dais with laptops and microphones.

Environment

Newsom appointed a close ally to this state board. Environmental groups say he has a conflict of interest

Environmental groups want Board of Environmental Safety member Rhys Williams to resign over ties to a lobbying firm — the latest Newsom aide to land a plum state board seat.

By Alejandra Reyes-Velarde and Jeanne Kuang • July 24, 2026

People sitting in front of a tables sort through crates of mail-in ballots inside a room at a voting processing building.

Politics

California sues Trump over emergency funding rules that pressure states on elections

The Trump administration wants to link emergency preparedness grants for states to its preferences on immigration enforcement and the administration of elections.

By Lynn La • July 23, 2026

A grizzly bear and its cub stand in the middle of a grass field surrounded by brush.

Politics

They’re on our flag, but do long-gone grizzly bears belong in modern California?

Democrats are advancing a bill over objections from rural residents, ranchers and Republicans that would study whether California should bring back grizzly bears.

By Ryan Sabalow • July 23, 2026

Gov. Gavin Newsom wears a blue suit jacket and white shirt while standing indoors, with warm lights and wood-paneled walls blurred in the background.

Politics

Newsom’s populist act: Oppose state billionaire tax, embrace federal one

With proposals to tax the rich, Gavin Newsom is playing to a 2028 national audience anxious about artificial intelligence. As governor, he’s walked a fine line on taxes for years.

By Jeanne Kuang • July 22, 2026

A view of people walking on a sidewalk in a busy downtown area of a city street. In the foreground are the backs of two people walking just out of focus.

Politics

Gavin Newsom’s return-to-office rules are stricter than many states, including Texas

California state workers must report to the office four days a week under an executive order from Gov. Gavin Newsom. Other states allow more remote work.

By Lynn La • July 20, 2026

A person in a dark suit and red tie speaks into a microphone while holding a sheet of paper, standing on a legislative floor. Several seated individuals in business attire appear blurred in the foreground, while decorative columns and architectural details frame the chamber behind the speaker.

Politics

Most California lawmakers never buck their party. These few do

In California’s Legislature, voting against your party is exceedingly rare, but there are a few mavericks who do it anyway.

By Ryan Sabalow • July 20, 2026

A side-by-side split image showing a person on the left in a light blue shirt speaking with people while gesturing, standing in front of a white-and-blue banner. The person on the right is wearing a blue suit and tie while speaking at a podium in front of the US Capitol building.

Politics

These California Republicans have one advantage in the race for Congress: Money

A clear primary field and a favorable U.S. Supreme Court ruling could help these California Republicans eke out wins in the state’s remaining swing districts.

By Maya C. Miller • July 16, 2026

A lawmaker speaks at a microphone while holding papers on the floor of the California State Capitol.

Politics

Californians may get a new way to sue big companies. Some Democrats are nervous

Californians may soon have another way to sue big companies. That makes some Democrats nervous, but several didn’t vote.

By Ryan Sabalow • July 15, 2026