California Today: How California Became a New Center of Political Corruption

Today's top stories from California.

August 29, 2024, 9:31 a.m. Eastern time Good morning. Here are the top stories from across California and the region, selected for you by Times editors. Today's Top Story Mario Tama/Getty Images How California Became a New Center of Political Corruption Across the state, local politicians engaged in what authorities called an "extraordinary" wave of corruption, unable to resist favors and bribes from land developers. Read more More California News Can China Tech Find a Home in Silicon Valley? Entrepreneurs and venture capitalists are setting up firms across the Pacific, only to find that any investment with Chinese ties is a hard sell. Homeless Shelters That Prioritize 'the Three Ps' — Especially Privacy Prefabricated modular campuses in Northern California are offering comforts that may help keep people off the streets — with pets, possessions and private space in mind. A Father's Search for a Son Who Didn't Want to Be Found Bob Garrison was determined to rescue his son from the streets. The path was more difficult than he had imagined. California Legislature Approves Bill Proposing Sweeping A.I. Restrictions Gov. Gavin Newsom must now decide whether to sign into law the fiercely debated legislation. How Wildfire Smoke Threatens Health As wildfires grow more frequent and more intense, scientists are studying how their smoke might harm our health. Far From Presidential Battlegrounds, Blue States Could Decide Congress New York and California have become unlikely focal points in the fight for control of the House, as Democrats toil to appeal to wary voters in districts won by President Biden. In Los Angeles, an Artist's Studio for a Blind Potter Every client is unique, but Don Katz truly broke the mold. House G.O.P. Releases Jan. 6 Videos of Pelosi, Seeking to Shift Blame From Trump In recordings shot for a documentary, the House speaker at the time raged about the attack on the Capitol and said she took responsibility for not pushing the police to prepare better for violence by Trump supporters. Local Conditions Look up the heat index in your area using The Times's heat tracker. See active fires using The Times's wildfire tracker. Today's Recipe Julia Gartland for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Samantha Seneviratne. Zucchini-Peach Salad With Creamy Lime Dressing By Ham El-Waylly 35 minutes Makes 4 servings Play a Game The Mini Crossword Solve this bite-sized puzzle in just a few minutes. Spelling Bee How many words can you make with 7 letters? Wordle Guess the 5-letter word with 6 chances. See all our games 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 Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for California Today from The New York Times. To stop receiving California Today, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018