California Today: Federal Judges Uphold California’s New Congressional Maps

January 15, 2026, 6:31 a.m. Pacific time

Today’s Top Story

Gabriela Bhaskar/The New York Times

Federal Judges Uphold California’s New Congressional Maps

A panel in Los Angeles sided with Gov. Gavin Newsom in a decision that will help Democrats counter Republican gerrymandering in Texas. Republicans are expected to appeal.

Where Did All the American-Born Roofers Go?

The real story of how immigrant labor came to define the construction industry.

Newsom Says California Will Not Extradite Abortion Provider to Louisiana

The case, escalating the interstate battle over abortion, is the second time Louisiana has criminally charged out-of-state doctors with sending abortion pills to Louisiana residents.

Venezuelan Immigrants Urge Appeals Court to Restore Deportation Protections

The Trump administration has ended Temporary Protected Status for about 600,000 Venezuelan immigrants, part of a broader effort to curb avenues for immigrants to remain in the United States.

The Lakers Have Revealed Their Blueprint. Now, They Have to Commit to It

The Los Angeles Lakers have spent much of the season thus far searching for the best version of themselves. There’s been highs and lows. Moments of showing what they’re capable of. And lingering questions of whether they can sustain it.

Trump Administration to Halt Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries

Federal officials said the move was meant to discourage immigration by people whom they deemed likely to rely on public benefits.

How One Company Is Pushing a Private Takeover of Flood Insurance

For half a century, a federal program has covered most at-risk properties. Now, a private company is pitching a plan to shrink the government’s role.

Chinese Universities Surge in Global Rankings as U.S. Schools Slip

Harvard still dominates, though it fell to No. 3 on a list measuring academic output. Other American universities are falling farther behind their global peers.

Times Opinion in L.A.

On Jan. 20, join New York Times Opinion columnists Jamelle Bouie and Ross Douthat in Los Angeles at the Aratani Theatre for a conversation about the first year of President Trump’s second term, hosted by Kathleen Kingsbury, the editor of Times Opinion. You can buy tickets here.