Donald Trump

Politics

Trump’s divisive role in California politics is on display as GOP prepares election endorsements

California Republicans meet in San Diego for their annual convention where they’ll consider who to back in the governor’s race and work on plans to maintain and expand their legislative presence.

By

Nadia Lathan

and

Maya C. Miller

• April 10, 2026

Two people wearing white hard hats and sunglasses stand on a dry, open worksite with sparse vegetation. One person gestures and points into the distance while speaking, as the other looks on. A wooden fence, trees, and parked vehicles are visible in the background.

Environment

Trump energy chief attacks California oil and gas policies in Long Beach

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright visited a Long Beach oil site to pressure Gov. Newsom over state regulations he says are driving up energy costs for Californians.

By

Alejandra Reyes-Velarde

and

Alejandro Lazo

• April 9, 2026

A person with short dark hair and facial hair stands outdoors, looking off into the distance with a focused expression. They wear a plaid shirt, a green bandana around their neck, and a beaded necklace, with sunglasses resting on their head. The background shows a softly blurred street scene with vehicles and buildings.

Justice

Why prosecutors dropped charges against Fresno man who escorted students to ICE protest

California police paid close attention to adults who helped students during an ICE protest and brought charges against a Fresno man under an anti-truancy law.

By

Nigel Duara

• April 8, 2026

The tails of two airplanes that sit idle on the tarmac of an airport. Another plane can be seen taking off in the distance.

Environment

California wants to fund green jet fuel — by raiding your road repair budget

The proposal could be funded with transportation money typically reserved to fix local streets and roads.

By

Alejandro Lazo

• April 8, 2026

A person in a dark suit and light blue tie stands outdoors among a crowd, facing the camera with a serious expression. Behind them, an American flag waves near a construction crane, with trees and a bright blue sky in the background.

Commentary

Trump endorsing Hilton may help keep California governorship in Democratic hands

If ex-TV commentator Steve Hilton pulls far ahead of Sheriff Chad Bianco, it cuts the chances for a 1-2 GOP outcome — likely the only way California can get a Republican governor.

By

Dan Walters

• April 6, 2026

A close-up view of a person's right index finger pointing to writing on a small stack of redacted papers.

Commentary

California shouldn’t price the public out of public records. Democracy is at stake

A bill letting governments charge for public documents would let them base the cost on the time it takes to review and redact the information. It doesn't limit them.

By David Snyder • April 6, 2026

A row of semi trucks and refrigerated trailers are parked side by side in a dusty lot under a clear blue sky, with long shadows stretching across the pavement.

Economy

Immigrant truck drivers were supposed to get their licenses back. Why California’s DMV is stalling

Thousands of immigrant truck drivers in California lost their licenses earlier this year as a result of a Trump administration order, and many more drivers will face the same fate soon. Lawsuits are seeking to restore the licenses, but they may take months or years to resolve.

By

Adam Echelman

• April 6, 2026

A group of law enforcement officers in full riot gear stands in front of a crowd at night, illuminated by bright vehicle headlights behind them. The officers wear camouflage uniforms, helmets with visors, gas masks, and carry batons.

Justice

Federal judge: Continued Border Patrol sweeps in California violated court order

A federal judge rules that the Border Patrol again broke the rules in California immigration sweeps, saying agents acted "without considering or complying with law Congress enacted."

By

Wendy Fry

and

Sergio Olmos

• April 2, 2026