Donald Trump

Law enforcement officials— dressed in camouflage riot gear and holding clear shields with the "California National Guard" on them — stand guard in front of a building as protesters stand nearby holding signs and flags.

Politics

Federal judge rebukes Trump administration attempt to deploy Guard units from California, Texas to Oregon

In an extraordinary Sunday night hearing, federal District Judge Karin Immergut temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deploying federalized troops from any state to Oregon.

By Mikhail Zinshteyn • October 5, 2025

A bronze statue of a Trojan warrior stands on a stone pedestal in front of a brick university building, with ivy climbing up the walls and arched windows in the background.

Politics

Newsom threatens to cut USC funding if it complies with Trump demands

After the president sent a letter offering “substantial” federal grants if USC complies with conservative demands, Newsom threatened to withdraw lucrative state funding

By Jeanne Kuang • October 2, 2025

A wide view of white buildings behind a gray wired fence on a clear day.

Justice

California gave counties power to inspect ICE detention centers. They’re not using it

In the four counties where Immigration and Customs Enforcement has detention facilities, only one county health department conducts the kind of inspections that were explicitly allowed under a 2024 California law.

By Wendy Fry and Jeanne Kuang • October 2, 2025

A worker in a cleanroom suit, mask, and gloves scans a reel of electronic components with a barcode scanner in a semiconductor manufacturing facility filled with machines and monitors.

Economy

H-1B visa fees, tariffs, a stake in Intel? How Silicon Valley has fared under Trump

President Trump’s policies have affected Nvidia, AMD and the rest of the tech industry differently. Some experts are worried about the effects on innovation.

By Levi Sumagaysay • October 2, 2025

A person in glasses holds a dark blue sign that reads "KILL THE CUTS SAVE LIVES" in white and yellow letters during a protest. Other protesters holding similar signs and a blurred banner are visible in the background.

Higher Education

UCLA reclaims hundreds of research grants that Trump cut off over alleged antisemitism

A federal judge sided with UCLA in ordering the Trump administration to restore hundreds of health and science research grants. Even more funding is at stake going forward for UC campuses.

By Mikhail Zinshteyn • September 30, 2025

This image captures a close-up moment of the rally. The speaker at the podium is gesturing emphatically with arms outstretched, underscoring the intensity of the speech. The podium sign reads “Election Rigging Response Act,” and the California state flag is prominently displayed behind, reinforcing the political context. Supporters in the background hold signs with slogans such as “Defend Democracy.” The photo conveys a sense of urgency, leadership, and collective mobilization around protecting election integrity.

Commentary

California’s most glaring issues have little to do with Trump

California has long struggled with homelessness, poverty, unemployment, high living costs, a housing shortage, and water and education issues.

By Dan Walters • September 30, 2025

A group of people hold signs that read “KILL THE CUTS SAVE LIVES” during a daytime protest. Some participants wear masks and sunglasses while standing closely together in a crowded outdoor setting.

Commentary

California needs to take a bolder stand for universities targeted by the White House

A federal lawsuit by the UC Regents would help fill gaps created by recent Supreme Court rulings. It would also provide legal and symbolic support to researchers who have been mostly fighting on their own.

By Blake Emerson • September 29, 2025

Silhouettes of Joshua trees stand tall against a golden-orange sunset, with the sun partially hidden behind a ridge of mountains, sending rays of light through the clouds.

Politics

What a government shutdown means for Californians, from Social Security to national parks

Social Security and Medicare benefits will keep flowing in a government shutdown, but federal employees will be working without pay and delays likely will occur across many services.

By Rachel Becker, Kristen Hwang, Alejandro Lazo, Cayla Mihalovich and Jeanne Kuang • September 29, 2025

A man in a dark suit and blue tie speaks into several microphones held up by reporters outside a federal courthouse, with the building sign reading "Edward J. Schwartz Federal" visible behind him.

Justice

Sen. Alex Padilla visits San Diego immigration court: ‘This should not be a trap’

Sen. Alex Padilla observed immigration court in San Diego this week in order to get a better understand of the issues that people face in proceedings.

By Deborah Brennan • September 27, 2025

A person in a dark blue suit and tie sits in a white chair with arms outstretched, palms facing upward, while speaking at an event. The blurred backdrop behind them displays the words “Clinton Global Initiative” in white text.

Commentary

Newsom’s climate warrior image is backsliding, environmental groups say

Gov. Gavin Newsom said he's the opposite of President Donald Trump when it comes to climate change. But a letter by 40 groups says Newsom is abandoning key environmental policies.

By Dan Walters • September 26, 2025