California Today: A California County Eyes a New Hire: Tina Peters, the Election Denier
Today's top stories from California.
The New York Times
California Today
August 18, 2026, 6:32 a.m. Pacific time

Today’s Top Story

More California News

AIPAC Targets Progressive Democrat in Race to Replace Swalwell

Two Democrats are in a runoff to replace Eric Swalwell, who resigned from Congress in April. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee is spending heavily against a progressive candidate.

‘Like Totally’: The San Fernando Valley Celebrates Itself on 818 Day

The Valley is often ignored in Los Angeles discussions, and residents once tried to secede from the city. But on one day each year, the region gets its recognition.

Nation’s Largest Reservoirs Are Drying Up, Threatening Life in the Southwest

Levels in Lakes Mead and Powell have not been so low since 1957, underscoring a water crisis that plagues seven states that rely on the Colorado River.

Appeals Court Rejects Trump’s Strategy of Picking U.S. Attorneys

It was the second federal appellate decision to take issue with the administration’s custom of leaving interim prosecutors in place to lead U.S. attorney’s offices to circumvent congressional approval.

Paramount Asks States to Shoulder Costs of Delaying Warner Bros. Deal

Paramount’s $111 billion deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery has been postponed until the conclusion of a trial, a delay the studio says could cost it millions of dollars.

States Seek $200 Billion From Meta Over Child Social Media Addiction Claims

California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey are taking the social media giant to trial in the first bellwether federal case over child harm.

Silicon Valley Executives Are Tech Fans. Just Not for Their Own Kids.

At home, moderation and restraint are the rule for tech parents. Boredom is exalted. Maybe they’re onto something.

Jeanie Buss Contests Vote to Sell Lakers Stake, Calls Family Strategy ‘Breach of Trust’

Jeanie Buss’s lawyers responded to reports of her family sharing its remaining stake in the Lakers.

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Today's Recipe

Article Image

Andrew Bui for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Liberty Fennell.

Walnut-Ricotta Pesto Pasta

By Cybelle Tondu

Filled StarFilled StarFilled StarFilled StarUnfilled Star

8

25 minutes

Makes 4 servings

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