California Today: In L.A. Mayor’s Race, Karen Bass Faces Vocal Rivals and a ‘Disgruntled Electorate’

May 8, 2026, 6:31 a.m. Pacific time

Today’s Top Story

Gabriela Bhaskar/The New York Times

In L.A. Mayor’s Race, Karen Bass Faces Vocal Rivals and a ‘Disgruntled Electorate’

The mayor of Los Angeles is running for a second term, as a former ally and a reality TV star tap into widespread voter angst.

Polls in California Reflect a Chaotic Governor’s Race

Four candidates have emerged as leaders in the primary election to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom.

5 Takeaways From the California Governor Debate

Candidates debated housing and insurance policy in the first half, then furiously attacked one another at the end.

A.I. Populism Is Here. And No One Is Ready.

Silicon Valley oligarchs worried about the risks their technology posed to the world. They forgot about people.

After a Fire, a Director Finds a Lifeline in ‘Remarkably Bright Creatures’

Olivia Newman lost her home in the 2025 California wildfires. Telling the story of a woman who connects with an octopus after a major loss proved a balm.

Tony Leung Doesn’t Want a Challenge. He Wants a Director He Can Trust.

The star often refuses roles unless he clicks with the filmmaker. That’s how he came to work with Wong Kar-wai, Hou Hsiao-Hsien and now Ildiko Enyedi.

After 43 Years, an Unproduced Larry David Script Surfaces Online

“Prognosis: Negative” was too dark for its time, but its title became a running “Seinfeld” joke and its premise set the table for “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”

JJ Redick Rips Officiating After Game 2 Loss: ‘LeBron Has Worst Whistle of Any Star Player’

The Lakers left Oklahoma City frustrated by more than a 2-0 deficit.

‘Billie Eilish — Hit Me Hard and Soft’ Review: 3-D Is What She Was Made For

The pop superstar teamed up with James Cameron to create a concert movie that, playing with shiny camera technology, reinvigorates the concert experience.

Tune in Today: Ezra Klein Moderates Forum for California Gubernatorial Candidates

California is one of the country’s least affordable states for housing, despite years of legislators passing bills to reduce red tape and build more. The Times Opinion columnist Ezra Klein is asking Xavier Becerra, Matt Mahan, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer and Antonio Villaraigosa, the top Democratic candidates for governor, how they plan to make progress on the issue. Watch the livestream today at 4:15 p.m. Pacific time here.