California Today: 5 Takeaways From the Last Televised California Governor Debate
Today's top stories from California.
The New York Times
California Today
May 7, 2026, 6:31 a.m. Pacific time

Today’s Top Story

More California News

Polls in California Reflect a Chaotic Governor’s Race

Four candidates have emerged as leaders in the primary election to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Federal Agents and Los Angeles Police Arrest 18 in Drug Raid

Federal and local officers raided businesses on Wednesday. Last summer, immigration tensions flared between federal and local officials at the same park.

Elon Musk’s Confidante Is Cast as His Inside Source at OpenAI

Shivon Zilis worked closely with Elon Musk while she was on OpenAI’s board. Her ties to the world’s richest man were detailed in a landmark trial on Wednesday.

U.S.C. Will Infuse A.I. Across University With $200 Million Donation

The University of Southern California wants to integrate artificial intelligence into fields like health care and the arts. Other universities are also using donations to focus more on A.I.

Luka Dončić Unlikely to Return During Lakers’ Second-Round Series Against Thunder

The Lakers' star said Wednesday that doctors initially projected an eight-week timeline for his recovery.

How a Hollywood Tough Guy Found Liberation in Fishnets

What does it take to play Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Show” on Broadway? Luke Evans transforms in five-inch heels and an endless supply of glitter.

The Comedian With the Job ‘a Million Girls Would Kill For’

Caleb Hearon is circling the mainstream with a role in “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” but does his podcast-friendly personality translate into Hollywood stardom?

Help! We Got to the Gate in the Nick of Time, but Missed Our Flight.

A California couple rushed through Heathrow to catch their connecting flight, arriving with minutes to spare. But British Airways had already given away their seats.

Ezra Klein Moderates California Gubernatorial Candidate Forum

Despite years of passing pro-housing legislation, California remains one of the least affordable states for housing. Later this week, Times Opinion columnist Ezra Klein will ask the top Democratic candidates for governor how they plan to make progress on one of the biggest issues facing the state. Tune into the livestream on Friday, May 8, at 4:15 p.m. Pacific time at this link.

Today's Recipe

Article Image

Andrew Bui for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Barrett Washburne.

Warm Cherry Skillet Cake

By Kayla Hoang

Filled StarFilled StarFilled StarFilled StarUnfilled Star

24

55 minutes

Makes 8 servings

Take a break, play a game

Wordle

Wordle →

Connections

Connections →

Strands

Strands →

Spelling Bee

Spelling Bee →

Crossword

Crossword →

Mini

Mini →

Get notified about extreme weather before it happens with custom alerts for places in the U.S. you choose.

Sign up for Your Places: Extreme Weather.

Get notified about extreme weather before it happens with custom alerts for places in the U.S. you choose.

Get it in your inbox