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Commentary: Who won and who lost in Thursday night's California gubernatorial debate? Our columnists weigh in May 15, 2026

Candidates pile on the Democratic front-runner, Xavier Becerra, including a white-paper wielding Katie Porter. But nothing happened that's likely to shake up the race as it careens toward the finish. Some inspiration would help.

Gustavo Arellano, Mark Z. Barabak, Anita Chabria

Concerns over federal funding for L.A. Olympics raised by state lawmakers May 15, 2026

As Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Olympics, state lawmakers are raising concerns that potential clashes with President Trump could cause chaos.

Katie King

Chabria: A former Becerra aide pleaded guilty in a fraud case. I still have questions May 15, 2026

Though Williamson's guilty plea may seem like an ending to the saga, it shouldn't be.

Anita Chabria

Suspect in Playa del Rey crash that killed toddler was already wanted in two DUIs, records show May 14, 2026

Court records show the suspect in the May 3 crash in Playa del Rey that killed a 1-year-old and his uncle had been arrested twice for DUI and had two outstanding arrest warrants.

Ruben Vives

Dodgers pitcher, horse racing jockeys linked to cockfighting in Puerto Rico May 14, 2026

All-Star closer Edwin Díaz and brothers Jose and Irad Ortiz were allegedly linked to illegal cockfighting in Puerto Rico through social media posts, according to reporting from USA Today.

Hannah Fry

What Newsom's proposed budget means for education in California May 14, 2026

Gov. Newsom announces record education funding and how he'd like to spend it — including rainy-day reserves and a massive boost to help students with disabilities.

Howard Blume, Jaweed Kaleem, Kate Sequeira

Steyer campaign staffer linked to video of rival Katie Porter berating staff May 14, 2026

A Tom Steyer staffer appears to have leaked the infamous video that showed former Rep. Katie Porter yelling at a staff member during a video call.

Nicole Nixon

Ten times worse than benzene — California updates its science on two chemicals in everyday air May 14, 2026

California health officials have released new scientific findings that suggest the health risks from exposure to two chemicals present in ambient air, acrolein and ethylene oxide, are worse than previously known.

Hayley Smith

SoCal man sold $80 million in cannabis products and didn't report it, state prosecutors say May 14, 2026

A man who operated unlicensed marijuana dispensaries across Southern California is facing dozens of felony charges for evading $7.1 million in taxes, according to state prosecutors.

Hannah Fry

House fire in Montebello leaves one dead, authorities start arson investigation May 14, 2026

One person is confirmed dead and two others critically injured in a house fire early Thursday in Montebello that police are now investigating for "suspicious circumstances."

Grace Toohey, Joseph Serna

For years, the entertainment industry sold the same story. If you didn’t make it by 22, you were late.If you didn’t live in Los Angeles,…

Commentary: Who won and who lost in Thursday night's California gubernatorial debate? Our columnists weigh in May 15, 2026

Gustavo Arellano, Mark Z. Barabak, Anita Chabria

Concerns over federal funding for L.A. Olympics raised by state lawmakers May 15, 2026

As Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Olympics, state lawmakers are raising concerns that potential clashes with President Trump could cause chaos.

Katie King

Chabria: A former Becerra aide pleaded guilty in a fraud case. I still have questions May 15, 2026

Though Williamson's guilty plea may seem like an ending to the saga, it shouldn't be.

Anita Chabria

Suspect in Playa del Rey crash that killed toddler was already wanted in two DUIs, records show May 14, 2026

Court records show the suspect in the May 3 crash in Playa del Rey that killed a 1-year-old and his uncle had been arrested twice for DUI and had two outstanding arrest warrants.

Ruben Vives

Dodgers pitcher, horse racing jockeys linked to cockfighting in Puerto Rico May 14, 2026

All-Star closer Edwin Díaz and brothers Jose and Irad Ortiz were allegedly linked to illegal cockfighting in Puerto Rico through social media posts, according to reporting from USA Today.

Hannah Fry

What Newsom's proposed budget means for education in California May 14, 2026

Gov. Newsom announces record education funding and how he'd like to spend it — including rainy-day reserves and a massive boost to help students with disabilities.

Howard Blume, Jaweed Kaleem, Kate Sequeira

Steyer campaign staffer linked to video of rival Katie Porter berating staff May 14, 2026

A Tom Steyer staffer appears to have leaked the infamous video that showed former Rep. Katie Porter yelling at a staff member during a video call.

Nicole Nixon

Ten times worse than benzene — California updates its science on two chemicals in everyday air May 14, 2026

Hayley Smith

SoCal man sold $80 million in cannabis products and didn't report it, state prosecutors say May 14, 2026

A man who operated unlicensed marijuana dispensaries across Southern California is facing dozens of felony charges for evading $7.1 million in taxes, according to state prosecutors.

Hannah Fry

House fire in Montebello leaves one dead, authorities start arson investigation May 14, 2026

One person is confirmed dead and two others critically injured in a house fire early Thursday in Montebello that police are now investigating for "suspicious circumstances."

Grace Toohey, Joseph Serna

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