California Today: California Man Sentenced to 4 Years for Covert Work on China’s Behalf

February 11, 2026, 6:31 a.m. Pacific time

Today’s Top Story

Philip Cheung for The New York Times

California Man Sentenced to 4 Years for Covert Work on China’s Behalf

The man, Mike Sun, corresponded with Chinese government officials, monitored the visit of Taiwan’s president to California and backed the election of a city council member, according to court documents.

Can Artists Help Shape American Cities Again?

Artists have played a vital role in defining the American city only to be forced out when rents rise. A novel approach in San Francisco seeks to break the cycle.

ICE Hired Thousands While the Rest of the Immigration System Shrank

With more ICE agents and fewer judges and asylum officers, the balance of the federal immigration apparatus has shifted.

Where A-Listers and Newcomers Shine Equally

At the Oscar nominees’ luncheon, Timothée Chalamet, Teyana Taylor and Jacob Elordi mingled with documentarians and behind-the-scenes professionals.

What to Know About Every Hitter in Dodgers Spring Camp

To observe the needle the Dodgers aim to thread between the present and future, look no further than their clubhouse at Camelback Ranch this spring.

Mike Tirico Went From the Super Bowl to the Olympics on Two Cups of Coffee

As the veteran NBC sportscaster worked the Super Bowl on Sunday, he had his bags ready to go. Soon after the final whistle, a private jet whisked him to Italy.

Top Labor Regulator Dismisses Complaint Against SpaceX

The National Labor Relations Board, having accused the company of unfair retaliation in 2024, now says it has no jurisdiction over Elon Musk’s space company.

A Sitting Room Where Every Object Tells a Story

Olive Ateliers co-founders Ben and Kendall Knox cranked up the charm in their Venice Beach bungalow.

In ‘Soul Power,’ a Fresh Look at the League That Helped Launch Dr. J

Executive produced by Julius Erving, a new docuseries tells the story of the A.B.A., birthplace of the 3-pointer, slam-dunk contest and a lot of style.