Donald Trump

A large concrete dam holds back a blue reservoir surrounded by dry, exposed shoreline and forested hills, with a snow-capped mountain visible in the distance.

Environment

A contentious project to raise California’s Shasta Dam just got a funding boost from Trump

The Trump administration Tuesday announced $40 million for “planning and preconstruction activities associated with raising Shasta Dam.”

By Rachel Becker • March 18, 2026

A person wearing a colorful ascot and a flannel shirt on a city street, looking off to the side, with trees and buildings along a busy city street softly blurred in the background.

Justice

Teens walked out of school to protest ICE. Police are investigating the adults who helped them

High school students all over California walked out of class in protest over the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement. Police in two cities, conservative Clovis and liberal Los Angeles, issued warnings about potential arrests to adults who helped them.

By Nigel Duara • March 17, 2026

An aerial view shows rows of parked semi-trailers lined up at a freight loading yard while a red truck backs a trailer into a numbered loading dock.

Environment

California bets on an obscure tool to replace clean air authority Trump revoked

The rules would hold pollution magnets like warehouses, ports and railyards accountable for the trucks and ships they attract.

By Alejandra Reyes-Velarde • March 16, 2026

An offshore oil platform stands in the ocean near Santa Barbara as waves roll in the foreground and coastal mountains rise in the background during sunset light.

Environment

Citing Iran crisis, Trump orders Santa Barbara oil pipeline restart. California will fight it

The Trump administration ordered the restart of a Santa Barbara oil pipeline shut since the 2015 Refugio spill, invoking emergency powers under the Defense Production Act.

By Alejandro Lazo • March 13, 2026

A person in a dark suit gently adjusts a medal worn by an elderly military veteran seated beside them. The veteran wears a decorated dress uniform with multiple ribbons and a star-shaped medal on a blue ribbon around the neck, while other people stand nearby during the ceremony.

Politics

‘A Top Gun pilot like no other’: The story behind a 100-year-old veteran’s surprise Medal of Honor

Korean War pilot Royce Williams battled Russian jets in the longest historic dogfight, kept secret for half a century. At 100 years old, he earned the Medal of Honor.

By Deborah Brennan • March 12, 2026

A teacher walks across a classroom while students sit at their desks working on an assignment.

K-12 Education

California teachers ‘tread lightly’ for America’s 250th as they navigate competing narratives

California is strengthening civics education as America marks its 250th birthday. Teachers have to navigate a polarized political environment as they guide lessons on the Constitution.

By Carolyn Jones • March 11, 2026

A group of officials and staff walk down a roadway beside a high chain-link fence topped with razor wire outside a large facility, with parked cars and low hills in the background under bright afternoon sun.

Justice

San Diego County sues ICE after it blocked health inspection at detention center

San Diego County is suing the Trump administration for illegally blocking officials from inspecting ICE detention centers. There have been ‘alarming reports’ about unsafe conditions inside the centers.

By Wendy Fry • March 10, 2026

The top of a unidentifiable person's head as they stand in front of a voting booth. The person wears a black hat, red shirt and brown shorts.

Politics

Voter ID could be headed to the California ballot. Opponents plan to make it about Trump

A voter ID ballot initiative is gaining momentum in California as opponents aim to mount a campaign focused on President Donald Trump’s push for similar nationwide requirements.

By Nadia Lathan • March 10, 2026

Rows of while shipping containers sit idle while overlooking stacks of pink and red shipping containers nearby.

Economy

California, 23 other states sue Trump over new tariffs

The states argue that President Trump is incorrectly using a never-before-invoked law to put these tariffs in place.

By Levi Sumagaysay • March 5, 2026

Dr. Mathew Beare examines a patient's foot at a meeting area near the Kern River on March 16, 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Health

Trump’s Medicaid work mandate could kick thousands of homeless Californians off coverage

A majority of California’s roughly 180,000 people experiencing homelessness have health insurance through Medi-Cal. Providers predict that many will lose insurance under President Donald Trump’s upcoming work mandates even if they qualify for exemptions.

By Kristen Hwang • March 5, 2026