California Congressman Eric Swalwell has suspended his campaign for governor following multiple allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. The San Francisco Chronicle and CNN reported that a former staffer accused Swalwell of sexual assault after a night of drinking, and three other women alleged he sent unsolicited nude photos and explicit messages. Swalwell, who had been considered a leading Democratic contender, denied the assault allegations but acknowledged past "mistakes in judgment." The scandal prompted a swift collapse of his campaign, with key supporters including Nancy Pelosi and Hakeem Jeffries withdrawing their endorsements. The House Ethics Committee has opened an investigation into the allegations. Swalwell later announced he would resign from Congress, citing the need to avoid distraction for his constituents. The Democratic field, already competitive, is now in disarray, with Tom Steyer and Katie Porter seen as potential beneficiaries of Swalwell's exit.
Facing projected federal funding cuts to Medi-Cal and a growing structural budget deficit, California Democrats are pushing proposals to tax corporations and billionaires. Lawmakers argue that such measures could backfill lost federal health funding and support social services. However, budget experts caution that while politically popular, these tax hikes would not address the state's underlying fiscal challenges and could backfire by driving away businesses and wealthy residents. The debate highlights the tension between progressive policy goals and fiscal sustainability.
The California Republican Party failed to endorse a candidate for governor at its recent convention, demonstrating the limits of former President Trump's influence in the state. Trump had publicly backed conservative commentator Steve Hilton, but the party deadlocked between two candidates, leaving the field open. This lack of a unified front reflects the party's struggle to balance Trump-aligned conservatives with candidates who can win in swing districts. The disarray contrasts with the Democrats' scramble to reorganize after the collapse of the Swalwell campaign.
CalMatters has been awarded second place for the Collier Prize for State Government Accountability, a prestigious national honor recognizing the best professional reporting on state government. The award underscores the organization's role in producing high-impact journalism on California's most critical issues.
A state initiative to bring Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to California children has come under fire for mismanagement. Lawmakers allocated millions, but the state library and a California nonprofit are now under scrutiny for how they spent the funds. The controversy has raised questions about oversight of state-funded programs.
A study has found that approximately one in five gray whales entering San Francisco Bay are dying. The high mortality rate is a significant concern for marine biologists and environmentalists, highlighting potential threats to the species' health and migration patterns.
A magnitude 5.7 earthquake in Nevada was felt across parts of California, including the Bay Area. The tremor, centered near Carson City, caused minor damage in Nevada and prompted aftershock warnings. The event serves as a reminder of the region's seismic vulnerability.
After a three-year closure due to environmental concerns, commercial salmon fishing is set to resume along the California coast. The decision by state fisheries officials is a welcome development for the fishing industry and coastal communities, signaling a potential recovery in salmon populations.
An LAPD officer was not charged for a crash that severely injured two elderly brothers. However, the city of Los Angeles settled a civil lawsuit with the victims, agreeing to pay $18 million. The case illustrates how civil courts can provide recourse when the criminal justice system does not result in prosecution.
Three contractors have been cited for safety violations following the death of a worker constructing a major ICE detention camp. The incident has drawn attention to the working conditions and safety protocols on such projects.
The Bob Baker Marionette Theater, a beloved Los Angeles institution, is purchasing its Highland Park building. The move ensures the theater's future and protects it from the pressures of high LA rents. The purchase is a significant victory for the arts community.
The Los Angeles Unified School District narrowly averted a massive teacher strike with a last-minute labor agreement. The deal, reached just hours before the planned walkout, prevents a shutdown of classes for hundreds of thousands of students. The negotiations had been ongoing for weeks, with the threat of a strike looming.
The project to build a people mover at Los Angeles International Airport has been delayed by a dispute between the city and the contractor. The disagreement over reliability testing and project management threatens to push back the system's opening.
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival kicked off its 2026 edition with major performances. K-pop pioneers BigBang and Karol G made history with their sets, while other acts like Nine Inch Noize and The xx delivered standout performances. The festival also drew high-profile fans, including a 73-year-old YouTube sensation.
President Trump's criticism of Pope Leo XIV intensified over the weekend, culminating in a now-deleted AI-generated image that depicted Trump as a Christ-like figure healing a man in a hospital. The post sparked widespread backlash, including from some of Trump's conservative Christian supporters. The Pope, in response to Trump's earlier criticism of his stance on the Iran war, stated he would continue to speak out against conflict. The feud has significant implications for the Catholic vote in California.
Fears that the IRS could share tax data with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have turned tax season into a "gamble" for undocumented immigrants. The uncertainty is causing anxiety and may deter some from filing taxes, despite the fact that tax filing is often necessary for accessing certain benefits and proving residency.
A 20-year-old man from Texas, Daniel Moreno-Gama, was arrested after allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail at the San Francisco home of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Authorities say Moreno-Gama, who opposes artificial intelligence, was carrying an anti-AI manifesto. The incident underscores the growing backlash against the AI industry and its leaders. Altman later addressed the attack, sharing a photo of his family in hopes of deterring future acts.