California Today: Why the Migrant Child Crisis Is Roiling the California Governor Race
Today's top stories from California.
The New York Times
California Today
May 14, 2026, 6:31 a.m. Pacific time

Today’s Top Story

More California News

Will Her Daughter Be Safe at Pali High?

It’s a nightmare faced by families all around Los Angeles: After wildfire smoke blanketed homes, schools and offices with toxic chemicals, when is it OK to go back?

Elon Musk and Friends in the Den of Oakland’s Literary Lion

Ishmael Reed, provocateur and playwright, has a few words for the billionaires of Silicon Valley.

Trump Administration Will Withhold $1.3 Billion in Medicaid Payments to California

Vice President JD Vance said the state had not done enough to fight fraud in the public health insurance program.

Why U.S. Test Scores Are in a ‘Generation-Long Decline’

The drops go beyond the pandemic and cut across income, geographic and racial divides, new data shows.

Former California Governor Candidate Arrested in Los Angeles County

Stephen Cloobeck, a wealthy developer who dropped out of the governor’s race in November, was arrested on suspicion of witness tampering in a felony case involving his fiancée, a former Penthouse model.

Middleman Who Helped Supply Ketamine to Matthew Perry Is Sentenced to 2 Years

Erik Fleming, a licensed drug addiction counselor, had admitted to selling 51 vials of ketamine to the actor, including the dose that killed him.

Can Microdramas Save Hollywood?

Low-budget, vertical and short, microdramas have exploded into a billion-dollar U.S. market, and are becoming a lifeline for Hollywood’s creative force. We take a behind-the-scenes look on set and at the industry’s first red carpet award show.

Woman on the Verge of a Nervy Breakthrough

Niko Rubio, a bilingual songwriter from Southern California who has collaborated with Gwen Stefani, has found her voice.

Today's Recipe

Article Image

Ryan Liebe for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Barrett Washburne.

Roasted Cauliflower, Chickpeas and Dates 

By Nisha Vora

Filled StarFilled StarFilled StarFilled StarFilled Star

223

45 minutes

Makes 4 servings

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