California Today: What to Know About the California Primary Election
Today's top stories from California.
The New York Times
California Today
May 5, 2026, 6:31 a.m. Pacific time

Today’s Top Story

More California News

Man Accused of Starting Palisades Fire Admired Luigi Mangione, Prosecutors Say

The Los Angeles suspect was lonely and angry and felt “enslaved” by rich people, prosecutors say. After being romantically spurned, they say, he went into the mountains and lit a fire.

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Settle Their Legal Dispute

Ms. Lively had accused Mr. Baldoni of waging a smear campaign against her after she complained of harassment when making a film together. He had denied her accusation.

Britney Spears Pleads Guilty to Reckless Driving After D.U.I. Charge

As part of a plea deal, the pop star will serve 12 months probation, complete a three-month substance abuse program and pay a modest fine.

Anthropic and Wall Street Giants Join Forces to Create New A.I. Firm

Blackstone and Goldman Sachs are among the investors in the new firm, which will help integrate Anthropic’s A.I. model Claude into their systems.

Democrats Add 8 Candidates to House Battlefield Program for Midterms

The party’s congressional campaign arm is promoting more contenders to take down at-risk Republicans — and is taking sides in some competitive primaries, including California’s 22nd Congressional District.

Why an Artist Known for Grand Installations Loves Miniature Figurines

Lauren Halsey’s porcelain Black statuettes, collected over two decades, depict people singing in church, playing in the park and other scenes of everyday life.

Doris Fisher, Co-Founder of the Gap, Dies at 94

The company she started in 1969 with her husband, Don, grew from a single store selling jeans and records to a $16 billion brand that remade the apparel industry.

Giants’ Trevor McDonald, a Spot Starter for Now, Sets a Staff-Wide Example vs. Padres

Trevor McDonald’s place on the roster is probably transient. The Giants have to hope that his example will be a little more permanent.

Today's Recipe

Three protein shakes in clear glasses, with striped straws sticking out.

Christopher Simpson for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.

Protein Shake

By Ali Slagle

Filled StarFilled StarFilled StarFilled StarUnfilled Star

193

10 minutes

Makes 1 servings

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