Donald Trump

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

A person stands at a podium in a classroom, speaking to students seated at desks with laptops. A projection screen is visible to the side, displaying presentation slides.

Education

California colleges lost millions in humanities purge. Their projects might not recover

Nineteen California campuses are still missing over $5.2 million in canceled humanities grants. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is issuing millions of dollars in new grants, many of which are in celebration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of America’s founding.

By Lylah Schmedel-Permanna • September 25, 2025

A storefront sign reads "ACT FAST BAIL BONDS" in white and red letters above a beige building with a tiled roof. An older beige car is parked in front of the entrance.

Commentary

Trump made a fact-free case against cashless bail with no authority to scrap it

President Trump is threatening to withhold federal funding unless states and local jurisdictions that have taken cash bail off the table reinstate it.

By Robert Greene • September 25, 2025

Close-up of a person’s face seen through a window, with reflections partially obscuring their features, showing a serious expression and direct gaze.

Education

How LA Unified is trying to protect immigrant families during Trump’s pervasive crackdown

LA Unified Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, himself formerly an immigrant without legal status, has been outspoken in his support of immigrant families.

By Carolyn Jones • September 25, 2025

Justice

California law forbids ICE from making arrests at courthouses. Officers are showing up anyway

A California law bans immigration enforcement at courthouses. ICE under the Trump administration is detaining people there, anyway, arguing it's a safe place to apprehend someone.

By Nigel Duara • September 23, 2025

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