Donald Trump

Protesters hold signs during a demonstration, including one that reads “Kill the Cuts, Save Science” in bold white and yellow letters, and another that says “I’d rather be in lab but the NIH cut my funding.”

Education

Federal judge orders 500 health science grants at UCLA restored, rebuffing Trump’s suspensions

UCLA and University of California leaders are fighting Trump’s demands for a $1.2 billion settlement over a litany of accusations, including that the campus permits antisemitism.

By Mikhail Zinshteyn • September 22, 2025

Two people in a classroom-like setting, one sitting at a table working on a laptop with papers and books around, while the other stands nearby, looking upward with hands clasped.

Higher Education

California faces steepest cuts as Trump ends diversity grants. How one college is faring

As the U.S. Department of Education cuts back on grants to colleges and universities that serve Latino, Asian, Black and Native American students, California will lose millions — including money that will soon get sent to other institutions in swing states and states that voted for Trump in 2024.

By Adam Echelman • September 22, 2025

A person stands at a podium labeled “Safe Schools. Safe Communities.” with a colorful mural in the background and several people standing behind.

Justice

Newsom signs laws to resist Trump’s immigration crackdown, including ban on masks for ICE agents

Gov. Newsom signed laws meant to protect immigrants during President Trump's extensive deportation program. Some of the measures raise constitutional questions and likely will be challenged.

By Cayla Mihalovich and Jeanne Kuang • September 20, 2025

Groups of students walk through a plaza in front of a main building on the University Of California Los Angeles campus.

Higher Education

Billions of dollars in California research grants now hang in the balance at an obscure federal court

The Court of Federal Claims was a little-known court until the U.S. Supreme Court said that universities need to file suit there, and not in traditional district courts, to try to have their research grant funding restored. The Trump administration has terminated billions of dollars in science grants.

By Mikhail Zinshteyn • September 19, 2025

A person, wearing a black suit with a stripped-pattern tie, stands in front of a podium with a red sign on the front that says, "elections rigging response act" during a press conference. A crowd of attendees, many holding signs, can be seen standing in the background.

Commentary

‘These are not normal times’: Why Alex Padilla changed his tune on nonpartisan redistricting

Sen. Alex Padilla says "there's too much at stake" for Democrats to remain idle in a political arms race between red and blue states. Meanwhile, he plans to introduce legislation that would establish independent redistricting commissions in every state.

By Jim Newton • September 18, 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

As RFK pushes MAHA, federal cuts shut down California health and nutrition programs

Whether federal cuts are legal is still undecided. But local health departments have closed clinics, stopped programs, cut immunization appointments, and laid off workers anyway.

By Kristen Hwang • September 15, 2025

A person, wearing a green hijab and blouse with a long black skirt, uses a bucket and a ring device to release bubbles to a group of children playing nearby.

Education

Judge pauses Trump policy cutting off schools, shelters to certain immigrants

A U.S. district judge issued a preliminary injunction, temporarily pausing a series of federal policies aimed at restricting certain immigrants’ access to public benefits and programs.

By Adam Echelman • September 10, 2025

A person wearing a navy blue suit, white dress shirt, and dark tie speaks passionately at a press conference, gesturing forward with one hand. The background features surfboard-shaped artwork in muted colors and part of a white wall with decorative molding.

Commentary

Gavin Newsom’s snark attacks on Trump boost his national standing — at least for now

Polling and other political tests show Newsom as the unofficial Democratic frontrunner, three years before voters will elect the next president.

By Dan Walters • September 10, 2025

A tactical officer in camouflage grabs a person in a white T-shirt and gray cap, pressing them against a black pickup truck during a law enforcement raid. Several other officers in tactical gear and masks surround the scene, some carrying paintball-style weapons. In the background, a crowd of onlookers gathers on the sidewalk, some recording the event with their phones. The raid takes place on a busy commercial street lined with shops and palm trees.

Justice

Supreme Court allows immigration agents to resume ‘roving patrols’ in LA, siding with Trump

The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.

By Wendy Fry and Sergio Olmos • September 8, 2025

A line of California National Guard members in full riot gear stands shoulder to shoulder, holding transparent shields labeled “CALIFORNIA NATIONAL GUARD.” They wear helmets with face shields and camouflage uniforms. The photo is taken at face level, with tall downtown buildings visible in the background on a sunny day.

Justice

Trump broke the law by sending National Guard to L.A., federal judge rules

A 19th Century law called the Posse Comitatus Act defines what the military can do on U.S. soil. President Trump broke that law by sending the National Guard to L.A., a federal judge rules.

By Mikhail Zinshteyn • September 2, 2025