Donald Trump

A semi-truck carrying crops drives down the street during an early morning illuminated by the soft orange light of the sunrise.

Economy

Up to 61,000 truck drivers in California could soon lose their licenses. Here’s why

The Trump administration is cracking down on immigrants who drive trucks in California, creating new regulations and threatening to withhold millions in federal highway funding over alleged violations by the state’s DMV. Newsom says those allegations are a lie.

By Adam Echelman • November 20, 2025

Painted letters and numbers on the asphalt of a school as the feet and shadows of young children can be seen in the background.

Commentary

California’s early intervention for youngsters with special needs is a lifeline — hanging by a thread

Federal cuts to Medicaid will mean fewer slots, longer waits and fewer therapists at Early Start, a program for children and babies with special needs.

By Kelly Keck • November 17, 2025

People hold up various signs at a rally. One person holds a white sign that reads "I'd rather be in lab but the NIH cut my funding."

Higher Education

‘Unlawful coercion’: Trump can’t withhold funds or demand payment from UC, federal judge rules

The judge has previously sided with UC scholars several times since June in halting Trump’s termination of science and health research funding. The latest ruling is arguably the most sweeping yet.

By Mikhail Zinshteyn • November 14, 2025

A close-up view of the dashboard of an electric vehicle truck that displays a 75 percent battery indicator in neon green letters.

Environment

If Trump’s EPA abandons climate policy, could California take over on greenhouse gases?

Legal experts, including a former federal official and UCLA professor, say California could go it alone if the federal government stops regulating greenhouse gases. One reason to try is to protect the state’s clean-car economy.

By Alejandro Lazo • November 7, 2025

Politics

Gavin Newsom ‘light years ahead’ in 2028 Democratic field after Prop. 50 win

Gov. Gavin Newsom has been looking for a way to win national attention. Proposition 50 puts him “light-years ahead.”

By Jeanne Kuang • November 6, 2025

A person, wearing a black and white strip blouse, leans down as they stand in front in front of a row of blue voting booths while they cast their ballot.

Commentary

Prop. 50 passage sets off a chain of political and legal maneuvers

Potential challenges in the courts and in Washington may affect whether Prop 50 influences the 2026 political races.

By Dan Walters • November 5, 2025

California Governor Gavin Newsom stands on a stage holding a microphone while he speaks in front of a giant American flag next to a “Yes on 50” sign to his right.

Commentary

Prop 50 is likely a stepping stone for Newsom’s nascent presidential campaign

Gov. Gavin Newsom told an NBC reporter he's not ready to talk about a presidential run, even though a Prop. 50 win could burnish his national image.

By Dan Walters • November 4, 2025

Various political buttons displayed on a round wooden tray. The photo focuses on one button that reads "Vote Yes on 50" and shows a bear holding the state of California.

Politics

California Democrats made Prop. 50 about Trump. Polls show it worked

While lopsided polling and fundraising have given the Yes on 50 campaign an undeniable advantage, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s team is taking nothing for granted as Election Day arrives.

By Maya C. Miller • November 3, 2025

A person wearing a blue suit stands in front of two American flags while as they look straight off into the distance during a press conference.

Politics

Gavin Newsom cited 3 main reasons in his vetoes this year. Trump was one

Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed 123 bills this year, citing fiscal restraint — and Donald Trump.

By Ryan Sabalow • October 24, 2025

A heavily armed officer in tactical gear confronts protesters holding signs during a demonstration, with one sign reading “No ICE or troops in the Bay!” and others calling for community protection. A burst of light cuts across the tense scene as onlookers record with their phones.

Justice

Trump calls off expected immigration show-of-force in San Francisco

President Trump name-dropped Bay Area tech executives when he called off an immigration enforcement surge in San Francisco. Gov. Newsom was prepared to sue over a potential National Guard deployment.

By Carolyn Jones • October 23, 2025