California Today: Trump Administration Tells States It Aims to ‘Reimagine’ Jobless Benefits

February 25, 2026, 6:31 a.m. Pacific time

Today’s Top Story

Tierney L. Cross/The New York Times

Trump Administration Tells States It Aims to ‘Reimagine’ Jobless Benefits

Federal officials are subjecting some states to higher scrutiny in an antifraud campaign, as the president rails against California and states led by Democrats.

Justice Department Sues University of California Over Antisemitism

The Trump administration accused the university’s Los Angeles campus of not doing enough to curb antisemitism, months after the government tried to cut research money and demanded more than $1 billion.

Judge Axes Exxon’s Defamation Suit Against Environmentalists

But the case against the California attorney general, prompted by his lawsuit over Exxon’s plastic recycling program, can proceed in Texas federal court.

Catholic Clergy Call for ‘Human Dignity’ in Immigration Enforcement

Eighteen bishops and archbishops from border areas issued a strongly worded statement hours before President Trump’s State of the Union address.

15 States Sue H.H.S. Over Revisions to Vaccine Schedule

Federal health officials have pared back the number of shots recommended for children. The states, led by Democrats, say the changes were not based on science.

They Met in an E.R. and Were Married at the Super Bowl

The wedding of Eleisa Aparicio and Thomas Wolter was seen by millions, but in their first interview, the newlyweds share the story of how they got to Santa Clara, Calif., with Bad Bunny signing as their witness.

Gathering Force in the Art Market: Female Collectors

With women now controlling more than one-third of global wealth, they are spending more on art than men do, data shows, and influencing what museums acquire.

A Kitchen Nook Shows Off the Objects a Designer Loves

Nathan Turner has filled a space in his house in Ojai, Calif, where he can display the pieces he has collected over the decades.

Daniel Susac Hopes to Turn Rule 5 Opportunity into a Dream Debut with Giants

Former San Francisco Giants catcher Andrew Susac was pretty sure that his younger brother, Daniel, would get scooped up by a club in the Rule 5 draft last December. Daniel Susac is in camp with the Giants hoping to win a job backing up a different Gold Glove catcher.