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California Policy and Politics Friday
Harris tells Colbert, in first interview out of office, that the U.S. system is ‘broken’ -- In her first interview since losing the election to President Trump and leaving office, former Vice President Kamala Harris told Stephen Colbert on “The Late Show” that her decision not to run for California governor was more “basic” than saving herself for a “different office” — which is to say, another run for president in 2028. Kevin Rector in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 08/01/25
Trump freezes $200 million in UCLA science and medical research funding, citing antisemitism -- The Trump administration froze the research funds to UCLA after Atty. Gen. Pam Bondi and the Justice Department said the school would pay a “heavy price” for its treatment of Jewish and Israeli students. UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk called the government’s action a loss for Americans who depend on the university’s life-saving research. Jaweed Kaleem in the Los Angeles Times$ Mikhail Zinshteyn Calmatters -- 08/01/25
Gavin Newsom floats November special election for his anti-Trump redistricting push -- The governor has vigorously embraced the party’s push to counter a GOP-friendly Texas gerrymander by buoying Democrats in blue states. Jeremy B. White Politico Taryn Luna in the Los Angeles Times$ Alexei Koseff Calmatters Nicole Nixon and Lia Russell in the Sacramento Bee$ -- 08/01/25
After fires and a tsunami, a push to force L.A. to finally analyze evacuation routes -- After an investigation by The Times found Los Angeles had failed to publicly comply with a 2019 law requiring it to analyze the capacity, safety and viability of its evacuation routes, Councilmember Traci Park filed a motion that would force the city to comply. Noah Haggerty in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 08/01/25
Thousands of DACA recipients in California to lose health insurance -- More than 2,300 Californians enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program will lose their health insurance next month due to a change in federal policy, state officials announced Thursday. Aidin Vaziri in the San Francisco Chronicle$ -- 08/01/25
S.F. judge blocks Trump plan to revoke legal status for immigrants from three countries -- President Donald Trump’s cancellation of legal protections for more than 61,000 immigrants from Honduras, Nicaragua and Nepal, most of whom have lived in the United States for more than 20 years, was blocked Thursday by a federal judge, who said it appears to be unjustified and racially motivated. Bob Egelko in the San Francisco Chronicle$ -- 08/01/25
Workplace
California workers paid to attend anti-union protest by major agribusiness, UFW says -- California’s flagship farmworker union has accused a major agribusiness of paying workers to participate in an anti-union protest last year — the latest twist in a bitter and high-profile unionization campaign at North America’s largest grapevine nursery. Melissa Montalvo in the Fresno Bee -- 08/01/25
Health Care
She had to fight for help with medical bills. A new California bill could make it easier -- A proposal advancing in the legislature would require California hospitals to pre-screen patients for charity care before sending out medical bills. Ana B. Ibarra Calmatters -- 08/01/25
Street
After ‘American Idol’ exec killing and other recent break-ins, Encino residents demand LAPD action -- Encino community leaders want increased security, including police drones, following the killing of a couple and several home invasions in their neighborhood. The LAPD has already responded by adding patrols. Dakota Smith in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 08/01/25
Entire bank heist crew was nabbed — except for him; then he went and blew up an ATM, prosecutors say -- He was the last man standing from a prolific bank heist crew that prosecutors say made off with millions during a string of robberies up and down the West Coast. Then he allegedly bombed an ATM in Contra Costa County. Nathan Solis in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 08/01/25
It would begin with a first date and end with him pinning, raping his victims -- A serial rapist who used dating apps to meet his victims was sentenced to 111 years to life in state prison on Thursday, according to a statement from the Ventura County district attorney’s office. Annie Goodykoontz in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 08/01/25
Also
Inside Wallis Annenberg’s final days: Opioid stupor, abuse claims and a bitter family feud -- In the final weeks of philanthropist Wallis Annenberg’s life, her family and closest friends were consumed by a fierce power struggle over her medical care, court records show. Matt Hamilton in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 08/01/25
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U.S. to Raise Tariffs on Scores of Nations -- President Trump signed an executive order Thursday night significantly raising tariffs on virtually every U.S. trading partner. The rate increases are set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Aug. 7. Chelsey Dulaney and Sam Goldfarb in the Wall Street Journal$ River Akira Davis and Lydia DePillis in the New York Times$ -- 08/01/25
Trump says sharper tariffs to take effect in a week; 35% for Canada starts Friday -- Canada’s steeper tariff will be effective immediately, but Mexico gets a 90-day reprieve from higher rates. David J. Lynch and Rachel Lerman in the Washington Post$ -- 08/01/25
Trump’s tariffs get frosty reception at federal appeals court -- During a lengthy oral argument, judges were skeptical that Trump had the power to use an emergency law to enact the tariffs. Kyle Cheney and Doug Palmer Politico Jess Bravin and Louise Radnofsky in the Wall Street Journal$ -- 08/01/25
Why Ford’s Made-in-America Strategy Hurts It in Trump’s Trade War -- There is an irony in Detroit right now: The automaker most reliant on U.S. manufacturing is among the hardest hit by tariffs. Sharon Terlep in the Wall Street Journal$ -- 08/01/25
In a Country Trump Says Nobody’s Heard Of, Tariffs Bring Chaos -- resident Trump promised Africa that trade would replace aid when he dismantled America’s foreign-assistance programs soon after taking office this year. But here in one of the world’s poorest countries, his administration is slashing both. Alexandra Wexler, Gulshan Khan in the Wall Street Journal$ -- 08/01/25
Trump’s Vow to Be ‘President of Peace’ Falls Short in Ukraine and Gaza -- President Trump touts himself as a peacemaker, citing averted wars and saying he deserves a Nobel Peace Prize. Trump’s efforts to end the wars in Ukraine and Gaza face challenges, despite successes in de-escalating other conflicts. Experts note Trump’s approach is ad hoc, focused on cease-fires rather than addressing the root causes of conflicts. Michael R. Gordon and Robbie Gramer in the Wall Street Journal$ -- 08/01/25
Trump’s political operation has stockpiled a massive amount of cash ahead of the midterms -- The president can’t run again, but he can put his war chest to use next year. Jessica Piper Politico Theodore Schleifer in the New York Times$ -- 08/01/25
Smithsonian Removes Reference to Trump’s Impeachments, but Says It Will Return -- President Trump’s impeachments were mentioned in an exhibit on the American presidency that museum officials said was outdated. A Smithsonian spokeswoman said a future exhibit would include “all impeachments.” Graham Bowley in the New York Times$ -- 08/01/25
We fact-checked the Trump administration’s climate report -- Scientists say the report cherry-picks key data and misrepresents the state of climate research. Shannon Osaka, Anusha Mathur, Evan Halper and Jake Spring in the Washington Post$ Maxine Joselow and Brad Plumer in the New York Times$ -- 08/01/25
How an 18th-century law enabled internment – and may do so again -- Descendants of Japanese internees warn that Trump’s revival of the Alien Enemies Act could open the door to new abuses. Claire Wang The Guardian -- 08/01/25
Biden warns of ‘dark days’ under Trump -- Former President Joe Biden expressed alarm Thursday about attacks on the rule of law and threats to civil rights under President Donald Trump in some of his most pointed criticism about the new administration since leaving office. Shia Kapos Politico Cy Neff The Guardian -- 08/01/25
California Policy and Politics Thursday
California’s economy is already getting hit by immigration raids -- Even as mass street arrests appear to have slowed, economists warn that continued disruptions could hobble many businesses that rely on immigrant labor. Suhauna Hussain and Md Fazlur Rahman in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 07/31/25
A dozen Democrats sue ICE for preventing detention center oversight visits -- A dozen Democratic House members — including four from California — sued the Trump administration Wednesday after lawmakers were repeatedly denied access to immigrant detention facilities where they sought to conduct oversight visits. Andrea Castillo in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 07/31/25
‘It’s a miracle’: A Pomona father reunites with his family after weeks in ICE detention -- Jose Luis Zavala made an early morning arrival, to a family who greeted him with open arms, and joyful tears. Ryan Carter in the Orange County Register$ -- 07/31/25
With Kamala Harris out, the governor’s race is wide open. ‘Welcome to the thunderdome’ -- Ten significant candidates already have declared their intention to run in next June’s primary, in hopes of securing one of two spots in a November runoff election. At least two or three other well-known politicians may soon join the fray. James Rainey in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 07/31/25
'A Democrat bloodbath': With Kamala Harris out of CA governor's race, an intraparty battle begins -- Five ways Harris’ move is upending the contest. Blake Jones and Dustin Gardiner Politico -- 07/31/25
‘She had reasonable doubt:’ Why Kamala Harris isn't running for governor -- Six months ago, Kamala Harris took a break from packing up the vice president’s residence to attend a quiet meeting on Capitol Hill with a group of Black congresswomen. She had advice for them on how to steel themselves for a second Trump administration. Melanie Mason Politico -- 07/31/25
The California Governor’s Race Was in Limbo. Now It’s Wide Open -- Until she decided not to run, former Vice President Kamala Harris had loomed over the race as a likely favorite. Now, a host of hopefuls are jockeying for advantage. Laurel Rosenhall and Shawn Hubler in the New York Times$ -- 07/31/25
Barabak: By scrapping bid for California governor, Harris boosts White House prospects — if she runs -- It would have been difficult, if not impossible, for Harris to be elected governor without ruling out a 2028 run for president. If she seeks the White House, she’d be the Democrats’ shaky front-runner. Mark Z. Barabak in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 07/31/25
What Kamala Harris’s Decision Not to Run for Governor Means for 2028 -- The ambitious governors, senators and former Biden administration officials who are already traveling the country, taping podcasts and building infrastructure for national campaigns have been aiming to put Ms. Harris and former President Joseph R. Biden Jr. in their collective rearview mirror. Shane Goldmacher and Reid J. Epstein in the New York Times$ -- 07/31/25
Hoeven: Kamala Harris isn’t the only one who should drop out of the California governor’s race -- California can’t afford to treat the governorship as a mere launching pad for higher office. That’s why it would have been a mistake for Harris to run. Emily Hoeven in the San Francisco Chronicle$ -- 07/31/25
Nancy Pelosi appears to endorse a candidate for California governor after Kamala Harris bows out -- Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi appeared to endorse Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis for governor Wednesday during a CNN interview, hours after former Vice President Kamala Harris announced she wouldn’t run for governor next year. Joe Garofoli in the San Francisco Chronicle$ -- 07/31/25
Ohman: Katie Porter is going to be California’s next governor -- Now that Kamala Harris has made it official that she’s sitting 2026 out, Porter has suddenly vaulted to the front of the pack — with a few asterisks. Jack Ohman in the San Francisco Chronicle$ -- 07/31/25
Kamala Harris will release ‘107 Days,’ a behind-the-scenes look at her historic presidential run -- Simon & Schuster CEO Jonathan Karp declined to offer any specifics on what Harris will write about, including her thoughts on questions about President Joe Biden’s fitness for office, but said Harris “addresses everything we would want her to address.” Hillel Italie Associated Press -- 07/31/25
Newsom signs order on men and boys ‘suffering in silence,’ as he eyes elections past and future -- Gov. Gavin Newsom called Wednesday for California to better address the “alarming rise in suicides and disconnection among California’s young men and boys” through a sprawling executive order outlining how the state will try “to improve mental health outcomes, reduce stigma, and expand access education, work, and mentorship opportunities” for them. Joe Garofoli in the San Francisco Chronicle$ -- 07/31/25
Gavin Newsom signs Sacramento Democrat’s controversial sex solicitation bill -- Under the new law, adults who attempt to purchase sex with someone who is 16 or 17 years old will be charged with a felony, unless the defendant is within three years of the victim’s age. The law also reestablishes the crime of loitering with the intent to purchase sex, which the California Legislature struck from the books in 2022. Kate Wolffe in the Sacramento Bee$ Sandra McDonald in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 07/31/25
Workplace
Crews and filmmakers built Hollywood. What happens to them as AI’s reach expands? -- AI is reshaping roles across Hollywood, from makeup and editing to storyboarding and production design, raising urgent questions about authorship, labor and creative control. Josh Rottenberg in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 07/31/25
S.F.’s top-paid employee made $850K. Here’s what every city worker gets paid -- In San Francisco, a small group of police officers and sheriff’s deputies earn more than most city executives, with some making more than $750,000 in total compensation a year, largely due to enormous overtime earnings that doubled, and sometimes even tripled, their wages. Nami Sumida in the San Francisco Chronicle$ -- 07/31/25
Warner Bros. to layoff 52 people in Motion Picture Group -- The job cuts, which will affect marketing, distribution, production, strategy, operations and theater ventures, are part of a larger restructuring at Warner Bros. Discovery that began earlier in the year. Kaitlyn Huamani in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 07/31/25
Caltrans employees accused of throwing wild party with a stripper while on the clock -- Twelve California Department of Transportation employees are facing disciplinary action following allegations that they attended a wild retirement party for a co-worker that involved heavy drinking and a hired stripper during work hours. Clara Harter in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 07/31/25
Some Workers Miss Out on ‘No Tax on Overtime’ -- President Trump’s popular policy will cut taxes on overtime pay for millions of workers, but the deduction excludes airline and railroad employees, among other groups. Richard Rubin in the Wall Street Journal$ -- 07/31/25
The federal government is paying more than 154,000 people not to work -- Early resignation offers and other programs have reduced the workforce, but critics say the moves are also wasting money. Meryl Kornfield, Hannah Natanson and Laura Meckler in the Washington Post$ -- 07/31/25
CTE
Mass shooter’s grudge against NFL: ‘Football gave me CTE’ Are youth athletes at risk? -- After killing four and taking his own life, Shane Tamura — a former varsity player at two Los Angeles-area high schools — left behind a three-page suicide note, authorities say, alleging he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Karen Garcia and Jenny Jarvie in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 07/31/25
Medicaid
What do Medicaid changes mean for the care of disabled people in Southern California? -- Trump's tax bill affects funding for in-home and community support services, disability rights advocates said, and programs could be greatly reduced or cut entirely. Victoria Ivie and Alexandra Crosnoe in the Orange County Register$ -- 07/31/25
Housing
After outcry, L.A. restricts duplexes in Pacific Palisades -- The move follows an executive order issued Wednesday by Gov. Gavin Newsom that allows exemptions for the Palisades and other areas devastated by January’s Palisades and Eaton fires from Senate Bill 9. Liam Dillon in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 07/31/25
HSR
California high-speed rail has a plan to build to Gilroy, Palmdale simultaneously with Central Valley segment -- CEO pushes for over $1 billion in yearly state funds to connect to population centers in the Bay Area and Southern California. Kate Talerico in the San Jose Mercury$ -- 07/31/25
Education
UCSD gets regents’ OK for ambitious growth plans that could make it one of West Coast’s biggest schools -- Rich Leib, a San Diego businessman who sits on the Board of Regents, is among those who strongly supports UCSD's desire to push enrollment higher. Gary Robbins in the San Diego Union Tribune$ -- 07/31/25
California has the nation’s widest disparity in this educational metric -- San Jose and San Francisco rank among the top ten U.S. metro areas for the highest percentage of adults 25 and older with a bachelor’s degree—4th and 8th, respectively. At the same time, four other California metros are among the five least college-educated nationwide. Julie Zhu in the San Francisco Chronicle$ -- 07/31/25
Also
Lopez: She left college to conquer tennis. At 81, Billie Jean King is back, chasing a degree -- Billie Jean King’s resume is missing one thing — a college degree — so, at 81, she’s back in the school where she started: Cal State L.A. Steve Lopez in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 07/31/25
Russia’s 8.8 earthquake was one of the biggest ever. Could California see a quake that strong? -- The short answer is no, scientists say. Fault size is a factor in the maximum magnitude of an earthquake. The longest fault in California is the San Andreas, which runs 800 miles along the coast. But even the San Andreas maxes out around 8.3 magnitude, the U.S. Geological Survey says. Kate Galbraith, Tara Duggan in the San Francisco Chronicle$ -- 07/31/25
Why one of the biggest earthquakes ever recorded caused so little damage -- Dangerous waves that rose more than 10 feet never materialized outside of Russia, and even there, officials had no reports of deaths, and damage appeared to be limited. Rong-Gong Lin II and Clara Harter in the Los Angeles Times$ -- 07/31/25
Elon Musk's Tesla hits a speed bump in its California ‘Robotaxi’ rollout: Permits --As the tech CEO promises a Robotaxi launch in California, Tesla employees have been presenting a far more limited plan to key state regulators. Christine Mui Politico -- 07/31/25
Researchers across country warn of uptick in deadly flu complication affecting young children -- A study spearheaded by researchers at Stanford Medicine reports a substantial increase in cases of acute necrotizing encephalopathy, a flu complication that causes severe brain swelling among children ages 1 to 10. Andrew Zeng in the San Jose Mercury$ -- 07/31/25
How the U.S. lost its lead in electric vehicles and other clean energy inventions -- China dominates the global market for technology like electric vehicles, batteries and solar panels, which were all invented in the United States. Shannon Osaka and Naema Ahmed in the Washington Post$ -- 07/31/25
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Shoppers are stressed, but some brands are raising prices anyway -- Procter & Gamble — the maker of Dawn dish soap, Charmin toilet paper, Crest toothpaste and Tide detergent — said Tuesday it would raise prices on about a quarter of its products starting in August in part because of the $1 billion tariff hit it expects annually. Jaclyn Peiser in the Washington Post$ -- 07/31/25
New Texas congressional map will create 5 districts Trump carried by double digits -- Texas Republicans unveiled a new congressional map on Wednesday that would provide their party with five new red-leaning districts, a plan that — if enacted — could provide a boost to the party as it tries to cling to control of the House. Andrew Howard and Liz Crampton Politico -- 07/31/25
Trump Sees Emergencies Everywhere. Judges Are Considering Whether to Rein Him In -- In a latest test, an appeals court is set to weigh the president’s claim that economic emergencies allow him to impose sweeping tariffs unilaterally. Jess Bravin in the Wall Street Journal$ -- 07/31/25
Trump Announces Health Care Records System for Consumers -- The administration is working with tech companies to make sharing information with various providers easier. Experts raised concerns about privacy and security. Zolan Kanno-Youngs and Reed Abelson in the New York Times$ -- 07/31/25
Trump’s newborn savings accounts a ‘back door for privatizing Social Security,’ Bessent says -- The “Trump accounts” were set up in the GOP’s new tax and spending law, the One Big Beautiful Bill. Jacob Bogage in the Washington Post$ Alan Rappeport and Andrew Duehren in the New York Times$ -- 07/31/25
The shockingly shrunken footprint of a former president -- Joe Biden is staffed by only one or two aides. He holes up for hours at a time in Delaware working on his memoir with a new ghostwriter, while undergoing treatment for an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Welcome to life after the White House. Adam Wren Politico -- 07/31/25