California Today: Thousands Allowed Back Home as Threat of California Chemical Blast Eases
Today's top stories from California.
The New York Times
California Today
May 26, 2026, 6:31 a.m. Pacific time

Today’s Top Story

More California News

Celebrity Assistants Exist to Indulge Their Bosses, but When Does Duty Cross a Line?

Matthew Perry’s assistant injected the ketamine that killed his employer. His sentencing has some in the demanding profession considering the power dynamics involved.

To Understand Pope Leo’s Efforts on A.I., Look at the Man Shaking His Hand

The co-founder of a prominent A.I. company was nearby as the pope implored A.I. leaders to slow down and consider the technology’s possible perils.

What I Learned About Loss While Skateboarding at Costco

We’re all going to die. But first — just one more trick.

Confusion and Worry After Abrupt Change to Green Card Process

Immigrants and their advocates and lawyers are trying to interpret a new Trump administration rule that requires people to be in their native country to apply for a green card.

Biden Won’t Endorse Becerra, or Anyone Else, in California Governor Race

Former President Joseph R. Biden Jr. is not planning to endorse his health and human services secretary, Xavier Becerra, or any other candidates in the race.

The Theater Chain Asking Moviegoers to Use Their Phones

Known for its strict no-phones policy, the Alamo Drafthouse has instituted mobile ordering for its in-seat meals, upsetting some of its biggest fans.

Main Takeaways From Pope Leo’s Encyclical on A.I.

In his letter, the first American pontiff called for putting care for humans at the heart of technological change.

Artificial Intelligence Floods Court Dockets with Home-Brewed Lawsuits

For years, courts have welcomed cases brought by self-represented litigants. Now those plaintiffs have A.I., and their filings are consuming more and more bandwidth.

Today's Recipe

Article Image

Andrew Bui for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Kaitlin Wayne.

Microwave Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake

By Carolina Gelen

Filled StarFilled StarFilled StarFilled StarFilled Star

27

10 minutes

Makes 2 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

If you received this newsletter from someone else, subscribe here.

Need help? Review our