James Ward
VerifiedArticles by James Ward
California governor race pits Steve Hilton against Xavier Becerra
California is preparing for one of its most consequential elections as voters choose the successor to Gov. Gavin Newsom when his term ends. Given the state's economic influence and national political profile, the race is drawing attention nationwide. Candidates Steve Hilton (R) and Xavier Becerra (D) are positioning themselves around some of California's biggest challenges, from housing affordability and homelessness to public safety, immigration, and climate policy.
Why California power bills keep rising, and how to cut costs now
Oct. 21, 2026, 9:15 a.m. PT California homeowners are reeling from soaring electricity bills, paying nearly double the national average. Rates from major utilities, including PG&E, Southern California Edison, and SDG&E, have climbed dramatically as companies invest billions in wildfire prevention, grid upgrades, and California's clean energy transition. While those costs are largely beyond consumers' control, experts say consumers can soften the impact.
Why California power bills keep rising, and how to cut costs now
Oct. 21, 2026, 9:15 a.m. PT California homeowners are reeling from soaring electricity bills, paying nearly double the national average. Rates from major utilities, including PG&E, Southern California Edison, and SDG&E, have climbed dramatically as companies invest billions in wildfire prevention, grid upgrades, and California's clean energy transition. While those costs are largely beyond consumers' control, experts say consumers can soften the impact.
Bird flu found in Sacramento County flock; new cases reported
Bird Flu detected in waterway after an employee of Daybreak Foods in Jefferson County improperly discharged thousands of gallons of wastewater during bird flu response. Bird flu has returned to California backyard flocks, with state officials confirming a new case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Sacramento County and additional detections in wild birds. As migratory birds move through the state, health and agriculture officials are urging poultry owners to take extra precautions.
California job market gains strength as fall hiring picks up
Oct. 16, 2026, 11:28 a.m. PT California's job market is strengthening as employers begin fall hiring ahead of the busy holiday season. New data point to growing demand in healthcare, construction, logistics, and select technology roles, while businesses continue to compete for workers with higher starting pay. Job seekers may also find remote and hybrid opportunities, though those openings have become more competitive than during the pandemic-era hiring boom.
Could California voters lose ballots over unproven DOJ claims?
Updated Oct. 15, 2026, 8:05 a.m. PT California election officials were given 48 hours to review a federal list of voters the U.S. Department of Justice says may be noncitizens and take steps to ensure ineligible voters' ballots aren't counted. The demand, issued just weeks before the midterm election, raises questions about how the list was compiled, who it could affect, and what voters can do to ensure their ballot counts.
How to watch Dodgers vs. Brewers NLCS Game 3 tonight
The Los Angeles Dodgers face a difficult Game 3 against the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Championship Series on Wednesday, Oct. 14. They must rally from a 0-2 deficit as they chase a World Series three-peat. Game 1 saw the Dodgers fall 2-1 after Brewers second baseman Brice Turang homered off Tarik Skubal, giving the Milwaukee an early advantage in the best-of-seven series.
California wine glut creates new bargains for shoppers
Oct. 13, 2026, 9:57 a.m. PT As California wineries face a lingering wine surplus, bargain hunters are finding premium bottles at surprisingly low prices at retailers like Costco, Aldi, and Kroger. What looks like a luxury wine at a discount may reflect excess inventory flooding the market, creating rare opportunities for careful shoppers. But how can shoppers tell whether a bottle is truly a bargain?
Six Flags closes Magic Mountain's Goliath after fatal Georgia incident
A deadly roller coaster incident at a Georgia amusement park has prompted Six Flags to temporarily shut down multiple rides across North America, including one of the signature coasters at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia. The closures come after a man was killed Monday at Six Flags Over Georgia near Atlanta when he was reportedly ejected from the Goliath roller coaster.
Six Flags closes Magic Mountain's Goliath after fatal Georgia incident
A deadly roller coaster incident at a Georgia amusement park has prompted Six Flags to temporarily shut down multiple rides across North America, including one of the signature coasters at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia. The closures come after a man was killed Monday at Six Flags Over Georgia near Atlanta when he was reportedly ejected from the Goliath roller coaster.
Six Flags closes Magic Mountain's Goliath after fatal Georgia incident
Oct. 13, 2026, 11:06 a.m. ET A deadly roller coaster incident at a Georgia amusement park has prompted Six Flags to temporarily shut down multiple rides across North America, including one of the signature coasters at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia. The closures come after a man was killed Monday at Six Flags Over Georgia near Atlanta when he was reportedly ejected from the Goliath roller coaster.
How to watch Dodgers vs. Brewers NLCS: TV, streaming, radio
The Los Angeles Dodgers are four wins away from another National League pennant and a chance to make history. The two-time defending World Series champions will face the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2026 National League Championship Series beginning Sunday, Oct. 11. The matchup pits MLB's two winningest teams from the regular season against one another, with Milwaukee earning home-field advantage after finishing with 103 wins and the Dodgers close behind with more than 100 victories.
Hurricane Rachel may weaken, but California flooding threats could grow
A powerful Pacific storm is drawing increasing attention from forecasters after the National Hurricane Center on Wednesday expanded the forecast cone for Hurricane Rachel into California. While the system is expected to weaken before reaching the state this weekend, meteorologists warn it could still bring several hazards typically associated with tropical systems, including heavy rain, gusty winds, dangerous surf, and localized flooding.
Looking to buya home in California? Central Valley offers lower prices
California's housing market is showing signs of cooling, with inventory climbing to more than 154,000 listings statewide and homes taking longer to sell. But despite higher mortgage rates and affordability challenges, prices remain near record highs across many coastal communities. That affordability gap is drawing attention to the Central Valley.
Trump sparks outrage for suggesting Iran could 'take out' US cities
A comment by President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Nebraska on Monday sparked immediate backlash from California leaders after he suggested Iran could "take out" a U.S. city with a nuclear weapon, and mentioned San Diego and Los Angeles. kAm$A62<:?8 2E 2 >:5E6C>\6=64E:@? C2==J :? vC2?5 xD=2?5[ }63C2D<2[ %CF>A 2C8F65 p>6C:42?D D9@F=5 2446AE E96 64@?@>:4 :>A24E[ >@DE ?@E23=J 9:896C 82D@=:?6 AC:46D[ C6DF=E:?8 7C@> E96 xC2?
Trump sparks outrage for suggesting Iran could 'take out' US cities
The White House has denied that President Donald Trump suggested Iran should “take out” the major US cities of Los Angeles and San Diego. Speaking at a recent rally in Nebraska, the president suggested that high oil prices due to the war with Iran were a “small price to pay” for stopping Ira…
Trump sparks outrage for suggesting Iran could 'take out' US cities
"It's a small price to pay for keeping the world safe, keeping our country safe," Trump said. "They can take out a city. Let 'em take out Los Angeles, let 'em take out San Diego. This is a very small price to pay."
Trump sparks outrage for suggesting Iran could 'take out' US cities
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Trump sparks outrage for suggesting Iran could 'take out' US cities
"It's a small price to pay for keeping the world safe, keeping our country safe," Trump said. "They can take out a city. Let 'em take out Los Angeles, let 'em take out San Diego. This is a very small price to pay."
Trump sparks outrage for suggesting Iran could 'take out' US cities
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Trump sparks outrage for suggesting Iran could 'take out' US cities
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Trump sparks outrage for suggesting Iran could 'take out' US cities
A comment by President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Nebraska on Monday sparked immediate backlash from California leaders after he suggested Iran could "take out" a U.S. city with a nuclear weapon, and mentioned San Diego and Los Angeles. Speaking at a midterm-election rally in Grand Island, Nebraska, Trump argued Americans should accept the economic impact, most notably higher gasoline prices, resulting from the Iran war.
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