Donald Trump

A busy outdoor scene on a college campus shows people walking and biking along a tree-lined path. In the foreground, a cyclist with a backpack rides a bicycle with turquoise wheels. Other individuals walk in various directions, some carrying bags or wearing masks. Large potted plants and lush greenery frame the setting, with more students visible in the background.

Higher Education

How the Trump administration’s vow to revoke Chinese student visas could hurt California

Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s announcement of the intent to revoke Chinese student visas could affect more than 50,000 at California universities and colleges — and prove particularly costly to UC and Cal State campuses already facing budget cuts.

By Adam Echelman • May 29, 2025

Large white dock cranes rest unused along the edge of a large body of water at a port.

Economy

Trump trade war has already had huge effect on California ports

California jobs and revenue on and off the ports are feeling the effects of Trump’s tariffs.

By Levi Sumagaysay • May 28, 2025

A close-up of an electric vehicle plugged into an EVgo fast charging station in a parking lot. The charging cable connects to the front side of a dark green Rivian truck, with signage for Ultium and EVgo visible in the background.

Environment

US Senate blocks California’s electric car mandate in historic vote

Today's decision could upend California’s phaseout of gas-powered cars and diesel trucks and its decades-long battle against air pollution. California plans to file suit, claiming an unlawful use of an act allowing Congress to review some regulations enacted by the previous administration.

By Alejandro Lazo and Alejandra Reyes-Velarde • May 22, 2025

A person, with short brunette hair and wearing a white lab coat, leans against a table while looking straight into the camera. Lab equipment can be seen in the background.

Higher Education

Another casualty of Trump research cuts? California students who want to be scientists

At least 24 University of California and California State University campuses lost training grants that provided their students with annual stipends of approximately $12,000 or more.

By Mikhail Zinshteyn • May 22, 2025

A person wearing a navy suit stands behind a lectern during a press event. The California state seal, state flag and the American flag can be seen behind them.

Commentary

Gavin Newsom’s off-the-mark budget numbers undermine his credibility again

Wrong revenue projections a few years ago led California to overspend, creating structural deficits. Now underestimated Medi-Cal costs are blowing holes in the latest proposed budget.

By Dan Walters • May 22, 2025

The Port of Los Angeles on Oct. 2, 2021. Photo by Ted Soqui, Sipa USA via AP Photo

Commentary

Los Angeles has a Donald Trump problem. It’s making the city’s bad budget even worse

As Los Angeles confronts a major budget deficit, President Donald Trump's economic policies and abrupt actions are making it even harder to dig out of the hole.

By Jim Newton • May 21, 2025

A group of people stand in front of the Pomona Courthouse South holding protest signs that read “Liberen a Jesus Domingo Ros,” “Free the Pomona Jornaleros,” and “Free the Pomona 15!” They are advocating for the release of detained individuals connected to a recent raid.

Justice

Trump’s attempt to speed deportations in California hits another roadblock in court

Unauthorized immigrants can be deported quickly if they're detained near the border. The Trump administration wants to expand expedited removal inland.

By Wendy Fry, Mohamed Al Elew and Sergio Olmos • May 20, 2025

A small group of people stand facing each other in pairs of two as they participate in an interactive conversational exercise in an outdoor area of a college campus.

College Beat

Immigrants learn English for free at California colleges. Under Trump, some are skipping class

California's ESL courses gained 30,000 students over the past six years. As the Trump administration revokes student visas and escalates immigration raids, that growth is at risk.

By Delilah Brumer • May 20, 2025

Four people stand in a small elevated television set with cameras and light as they make final adjustments before a broadcasted awards show.

Politics

Faced with budget woes, Gavin Newsom wants more tax credits for Hollywood

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s latest budget proposal lays out deep cuts to public universities and health care. It also seeks to more than double the tax credits for Hollywood studios — an expansion moving smoothly through the state Legislature.

By Yue Stella Yu • May 16, 2025

California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at a podium during a press conference, with a monitor beside him displaying the words “TRUMP SLUMP” in bold white letters on a black background. Behind him are the U.S. and California state flags, and the podium bears the seal of the Governor of the State of California.

Commentary

Newsom blames California’s worsening state budget outlook on Trump’s tariffs

Gavin Newsom pinned California's gloomy financial picture on a "Trump slump," blaming the president's tariffs during the rollout of a revised state budget proposal.

By Dan Walters • May 14, 2025