California Today: The Home Insurance Crisis Is Getting Even More Expensive

May 16, 2025, 6:31 a.m. Pacific time

Good morning. Here are the top stories from across California.

Today’s Top Story

Philip Cheung for The New York Times

The Home Insurance Crisis Is Getting Even More Expensive

In California, a home insurance rate increase by State Farm is yet another sign of growing crisis driven by climate change.

She Vanished for 3 Weeks in the Sierra. Then the Phone Rang: ‘Dad, I’m Alive.’

A search for Tiffany Slaton, 28, covered roughly 600 square miles of mountainous terrain in California. She was found at a cabin, where she waited out a blizzard.

U.S. Unveils Sweeping A.I. Project in Abu Dhabi

President Trump signed deals to create a 10-mile campus that would transform the United Arab Emirates into an A.I. powerhouse

Movie Tariffs Could Open a Pandora’s Box

Hollywood offers a service, and services are what really drive the U.S. economy. President Trump’s proposed tax could set off a second, and more damaging, trade war.

A Pussy Riot Artist Is Back in Prison (This Time, by Design)

Nadya Tolokonnikova previews her stamina-testing performance in a mock prison cell at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles.

4 Takeaways From the Citizenship Case (That Was Really About Injunctions)

The question before the justices was whether a single district court judge has the power to block a policy across the country.

Smokey Robinson Faces Criminal Investigation After Assault Allegations

The Motown legend, who was accused in a lawsuit earlier this month of sexually assaulting four former housekeepers, is being investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

How Much Does It Cost to See Beyoncé? It Depends.

Some fans who paid top dollar for the star’s Cowboy Carter Tour are feeling miffed as prices drop. Other procrastinators are reaping the benefits.

Those National Park Accounts Aren’t Real. But They’re Spicy.

TikTok accounts dedicated to Yellowstone, Joshua Tree and other parks have drawn a lot of attention by leaning in on sex appeal.

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Today's Recipe

A baking dish filled with strawberry-topped cake is photographed from overhead. To the edge of the bowl there’s a missing serving, which sits in a small bowl just to the bottom left of the frame.

Andrew Purcell for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Carrie Purcell.

Strawberry Spoon Cake

By Jerrelle Guy

11,642

30 minutes, plus cooling

Makes 4 servings

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