Donald Trump

Politics

Newsom casts California as a foil to the Trump agenda in his final State of the State

Newsom touted a 9% reduction in unsheltered homelessness, but lawmakers were restrained in their responses to him claiming success on the issue.

By Jeanne Kuang • January 8, 2026

California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at a podium indoors, pointing outward with one hand while standing behind a microphone. A presentation screen and gray wall are visible behind him as he addresses an audience.

Housing

Gavin Newsom joins Trump in blaming big investors for housing crisis

Gov. Gavin Newsom will propose regulating corporate landlords during his State of the State address Thursday, his office said. It’s a pivot toward populism for the governor.

By Ben Christopher and Jeanne Kuang • January 7, 2026

Two people pose closely outdoors, one standing behind with arms wrapped around the other’s shoulders. Both look toward the camera with relaxed expressions, sunlight filtering through trees in the background, creating a soft, shallow-focus portrait.

Justice

He spent 7 weeks in ICE detention. Why his case shows new legal obstacles for immigrants

An immigration judge granted Idris Demirtas' release from detention, but that wasn't enough to reunite him with his wife in San Diego.

By Wendy Fry • January 7, 2026

Gov. Gavin Newsom sits at a table surrounded by three lawmakers behind him as he signs several documents.

Politics

Newsom’s 2025: Wildfire crisis, budget cuts and bombastic opposition to Trump

Gavin Newsom's year: LA fires, budget cuts, Trump battles and a Prop 50 win. What's next for California's governor in his final year?

By Jeanne Kuang • December 31, 2025

A wide view of several semi-trucks exiting a port after picking up shipping containers.

Economy

Year in review: Trump drives uncertain economy

A variety of decisions and statements from President Donald Trump created a great deal of economic uncertainty, especially in California.

By Levi Sumagaysay • December 29, 2025

A group of law enforcement officers in full riot gear stands in formation at night, illuminated by bright vehicle headlights behind them. The officers wear camouflage uniforms, helmets with visors, gas masks, and carry batons. A police vehicle is partially visible in the background.

Justice

Trump’s immigration crackdown upended life in California. It continues as the new year begins

President Trump focused on California first as his administration rolled out its crackdown on unauthorized immigration, sending the National Guard to Los Angeles and carrying out high profile raids throughout the state.

By Wendy Fry • December 29, 2025

A close-up view of a child receiving a vaccine shot in their arm with their sleeve rolled up. Both the nurse and the child are wearing face masks and sitting near a table inside a make-shift clinic.

Health

Federal cuts and reversals upend California health care in 2025

California health care was hit hard in 2025: more than three million may lose Medicaid, Covered California subsidies at risk, and the state froze enrollment for undocumented residents amid budget cuts.

By Ana B. Ibarra • December 26, 2025

A wide-view of a classroom as students sit in round tables and raise their hands in the air.

K-12 Education

California K-12 schools brace for another year of uncertainty: 2025 in review

California schools are likely to face continuing threats of funding cuts and more uncertainty.

By Carolyn Jones • December 25, 2025

Students walk across a walkway near a tree in front of a geometric-shaped building on a college campus on a cloudy day.

Higher Education

A year of cuts and court orders for California’s colleges and universities: 2025 in review

In their approach to higher education, Trump and Newsom shared one thing in common this year: reducing funding for colleges and universities. The federal government pulled back research funds while the state, facing a deficit, imposed austerity measures on the UC and Cal State University systems.

By Adam Echelman • December 25, 2025

Mist drifts through a wide valley surrounded by dark, rugged mountain cliffs, with a tall, rounded granite peak rising in the distance under a hazy sky.

Commentary

Protecting California’s public lands from oil and gas drilling is defending public health

Federal plans for oil drilling along a million acres in California would change healthful, wild spaces into sources of pollution and illness.

By Ashley McClure, M.D. • December 23, 2025