California Today

A morning update for readers interested in California.

Why We Came to California, and Why We Stay
The best of our readers’ love letters to California.
By Soumya Karlamangla
What to Know About California’s Covid Surge
There are only a few states where Covid is spreading more.
By Soumya Karlamangla
The California Ties at the Top of the Presidential Ticket
Vice President Kamala Harris’s credentials are already well-known. But Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio has deep connections to the Golden State, too.
By Soumya Karlamangla
How You Helped Us Cover More Corners of California
During my time on the newsletter, I had a goal to report from all of the state’s 58 counties. Readers came through with plenty of ideas.
By Soumya Karlamangla
California Today Will Soon Have a Different Look
Our California-focused newsletter will feature a curated collection of New York Times articles about the state.
By Soumya Karlamangla
How Wildfires Get Their Names
There isn’t much science to it.
By Soumya Karlamangla
A Furious Start to California’s Fire Season
Some 207,000 acres have burned so far this year, more than five times the average.
By Soumya Karlamangla
An Update to Our California Reading List
Here are readers’ choices for some of the books published since 2000 that are most representative of the state.
By Soumya Karlamangla
What to Know About the World’s Largest Wildlife Crossing
An enormous overpass in Southern California is “more than just a bridge,” an official said.
By Soumya Karlamangla
Where the Heat Wave Broke Records in California
In many places, a scorching Independence Day led into an even hotter weekend.
By Soumya Karlamangla