Sumo wrestling legend Akebono Taro has passed away at age 54. Mr. Akebono was born in Hawaii and became the first foreign-born wrestler to earn the rank of grand champion in Japan.

A seventh school district in Northern California is the latest to adopt gender notification policies. More districts are voting to require schools to inform parents if their children identify as transgender, turning California into a battleground for parental rights versus state control in education.

Another school district will require schools to notify parents if their child wishes to identify as transgender. It joins a growing list of school boards voting to adopt such policies.

Angelenos have a pair of new and adorable wildlife neighbors.  Video footage caught two mountain lion kittens wandering the mountains of Southern California.

A loving mom and dressmaker helped realize her daughter’s dream wedding dress.  The result is a timeless, classic gown that wowed guests and groom alike.

Employees working at multiple In-N-Out Burger restaurants across the United States will be banned from wearing masks as of next month, according to an internal company memo shared online. The decision is part of new masking guidelines that “emphasize the importance of customer service and the ability to show our Associates’ smiles and other facial […]

A bill that would temporarily raise the tolls on Bay Area bridges, tackled its first Assembly hurdle and passed through its first committee hearing. Legislators say the bill provides much-needed transportation funding to prevent service cuts on public transportation.  

California state air regulators and truck and engine manufacturers struck a deal on state emissions rules that will give companies more flexibility to meet requirements. But 20 other states filed a lawsuit against the EPA for backing California’s future ban on heavy diesel vehicles. 

San Francisco officials are considering a proposal to add 200 more autonomous vehicles on city streets. But as the California Public Utilities Commission began to review the idea, a group of demonstrators oppose the idea of relying on AI-based transportation.

A 12-year-old Californian recently graduated college with a 4.0 GPA. The proud parents credit their daughter’s success to tenacity, homeschooling, and a ban on social media. 

Northern California’s city of East Palo Alto and some coastal communities are getting a new public transit service.  SamTrans introduced their new fleet of vans that will offer on-demand rides.  NTD heard more about the new service and hopped on a ride to give it a try.

SACRAMENTO—Nearly three dozen South Americans picked up in El Paso, Texas, and flown by private jet on two charter flights over the last week to California—at the request of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis—are being shielded from reporters by local religious and charity groups, with no sign of their whereabouts since they were dropped off at […]

Rideshare drivers are asking for more transparency in Uber and Lyft’s deactivation citations. Drivers say they want a fair chance at disputing such cases and for these companies to provide more information behind what triggers a citation.

The U.S.-Mexican border is wide open following the end of Title 42. Now, southwestern states, including California, are seeing new waves of people crossing the border on a daily basis. Some of them are reportedly coming in via an app called “CBP One.”  Brad Jones of The Epoch Times, NTD’s sister media, was the first […]

The City of Long Beach is celebrating National Bike Month as an annual tradition. Throughout the month of May, the city encouraged residents to get out and ride a bike through free community events.

Two drug tunnels were recently discovered near the U.S.–Mexico border across from San Diego. Investigators say one tunnel has already reached the United States, while the other is still under construction and about 45 feet shy of the border.

A charter school in Southern California is gaining attention for choosing to still keep its student vaccine mandate. Parents and community members rallied in front of the high school as the school board met in-person for the first time in 3 years.

From its golden coast to the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Redwood forests to the Mojave Desert, California is home to many natural wonders.  One iconic spot along the coast is among the list of “Most Beautiful” places around the world. Let’s take a look.

Tens of thousands of film writers are on their second day of strikes. Labor union representatives from the Writers Guild of America are calling the current labor dispute “an existential crisis.” Let’s take a look at what these writers are demanding.

As wildflowers grow and temperatures rise, so does the number of newborn kittens and pregnant mother cats. In Southern California, animal shelters call this time of year “kitten season.” NTD hears more from a local shelter on their rescue efforts and how to care for kittens.

Democratic lawmakers in California have proposed a bill that would allow violent criminals serving life or death sentences to petition for a review of their sentence after 20 years.  The proposed bill just passed the Senate Public Safety Committee, but many opposition groups say the move is taking away the justice given to those who […]

Many California officials are calling for changes to one of the state’s criminal justice reform laws. The plea comes amid growing concerns over the extreme rise in crime seen up and down the state.

A new California bill that would expand protections against deportations for illegal immigrants who are victims or witnesses of crime—including those with a criminal history and gang membership—is being supported by Los Angeles officials, including District Attorney George Gascón. Assembly Bill 1261, named the “Immigrant Rights Act,” was authored by Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles) in February, […]

Two assistant school district superintendents at a California school district accused of secretly socially transitioning the gender identities of students without informed parental consent have denied the allegations, and three school board members have requested an investigation. The controversy stems from a public records act request initiated by parental rights advocates that yielded hundreds of […]

While shopping for baby supplies at Target, a new mother became the recent victim of a social media prank. Following the prank, the mother of twins ended up being hospitalized after she fainted. 

California’s first-of-its-kind bill to cap oil company profits and regulate the industry easily won approval in the state Senate on Thursday. Now, it moves to the Assembly for another round of considerations and debates. If passed by both chambers and signed by the governor, California would make history as the first state to implement a […]

Stargazers and astronomy lovers are in for a treat. For one night, on March 28, five planets will be visible at the same time in the night sky. Here’s how to locate the planets in the sky.

California state lawmakers and the governor still disagree over whether or not to impose a profit cap on oil companies. Now, after weeks of indecision, Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to let California’s Energy Commission decide on the issue.

A long-time San Jose resident received this year’s “citizen-of-the-year” award for volunteering and being a positive impact on the community. Local law enforcement also took a moment to thank locals for their help and support.

SACRAMENTO—Chanting “go home Nazis” and “trans rights are human rights,” more than 100 activists—some carrying Antifa insignia and wielding clubs—attacked journalists across the street from the state Capitol building on March 10. The transgender activists, carrying a black-and-red flag and signs with other Antifa insignia, staged a “Day of Rage” protest about an hour before […]

Lawmakers in California held a special public hearing on Tuesday to discuss the windfall tax. The tax in question would impose a special tax on oil companies within the state.

Electric vehicle maker Tesla is establishing its global engineering headquarters in California, CEO Elon Musk announced on Feb. 22. In a joint press conference with California governor Gavin Newsom, Musk said the new engineering headquarters will be at the former offices of Hewlett-Packard in Palo Alto. Musk called the move “a poetic transition from the company that founded […]

California Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) has recused herself from overseeing discussions from matters involving her husband, state Attorney General Rob Bonta, and the state Department of Justice’s budget after coming under intense scrutiny amid questions about a possible conflict of interest. She issued a statement on Feb. 19 removing herself as chair of a budget subcommittee […]

Two California lawmakers have introduced a bill that would end the use of K-9 police units in three specific situations. However, the bill received immediate backlash from multiple law enforcement officials and public safety groups. 

In a move hoping to tackle the state’s rising crime rates, California Assemblyman Juan Alanis (R-Modesto) has proposed a bill to repeal Proposition 47. Proposition 47, passed by voters in 2014 with nearly 60 percent of the vote, raised the felony threshold for theft in retail stores from $400 to $950, limited jail time for […]

The National Rifle Association is criticizing California Governor Gavin Newsom for his remarks on the second amendment. The remarks came shortly after the January 24th Monterey Park mass shooting.

The Oakland Police Chief has been placed on administrative leave. This comes just days after a new report found the police chief failed to discipline a sergeant following an internal investigation, but all this comes as the Oakland police department, like others across the state, struggle with increased staffing shortages.

Nine U.S. citizens have been arrested in London for allegedly smuggling large quantities of cannabis into the country. British officials announced that the drugs were found on a flight arriving from LAX.

California says it has the most ambitious set of climate goals in the world and has aggressive plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, the Legislative Analyst’s Office says the reductions are lacking a clear strategy.

California is faced with a $22.5 billion dollar budget shortfall. To combat this, he has slashed $6 billion from the state’s proposed climate budget.

As Californians get ready to turn the page on 2022, hundreds of new laws will go into effect starting Jan. 1. From increasing the minimum wage to legalizing jaywalking to shielding criminal records, the new laws will impact employment, health care, housing, public safety, and consumer protection. Here’s a look at what to expect in […]

JURUPA VALLEY, Calif.—A Southern California sheriff’s deputy was shot and killed Thursday by a man with a violent criminal history during a traffic stop and the suspect later died in a shootout on a freeway, authorities said. Isaiah Cordero, 32, had pulled over a pickup truck just before 2 p.m. in the city of Jurupa […]

Here’s a list of where you can watch fireworks in the greater Los Angeles area in Southern California.

SANTA MONICA, Calif.—A former mayor of Santa Monica, California, died after a small plane crash-landed and flipped upside down on a beach in the coastal California community, authorities said. Rex Minter was a passenger in the single-engine Cessna that took off from Santa Monica Airport about 3 p.m. Thursday en route to Malibu. The pilot […]

For over a decade, one Southern California family has had a labor of love decorating their home for the holidays. Their home lights up each night with an animated light show that is synced to music.

California’s South Bay Asian American community and newly elected officials gather together to celebrate election results. The new officials and community members thanked each other for all the work put into the 2022 election campaigns.

A lower court’s ruling striking down San Diego’s mandate requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for students will remain in effect after a California appeals court slapped down an appeal Nov. 22 lodged by the second-largest local school district in the state. San Diego’s school district decided earlier this year to delay the mandate until at least mid-2023. […]

During a press conference on Sept. 14, California Gov. Gavin Newsom agreed to debate with Republican state Sen. Brian Dahle.

A bill that seeks to prevent “faithless electors” among California’s electoral college members during presidential elections has passed unanimously in both houses of the state legislature and now awaits Governor Gavin Newsom’s final decision. A faithless elector is someone who does not vote for the candidate they had pledged to vote for as a member […]

A county in California is being sued for programs that allegedly discriminate against qualified contractors based on their race. Prosecutors say that these programs are unconstitutional and against the law.

California officials closed down a state prison last September, and another one might soon follow. The prison closure has been met with legal battles but the new state budget is planning to force the shutdown.

California’s governor has a new message for Florida’s residents: “Come to California.” The message aired in a new advertisement that the California governor paid for to run over the July 4th weekend.

A new dashboard from the California Attorney General’s office has leaked the personal information of thousands of gun owners. The leak came less than a day after launching the dashboard, and some people are already considering lawsuits.

Prices are increasing throughout the state. One city council member blames California policies for the rise in housing costs. Let’s hear more on why he believes building more is actually hurting affordability.

Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón recently defended his policies during a discussion on previous criminal cases. He attributed the public’s criticisms to misinformation.

The Executive Director of a California nonprofit was attacked on Twitter for her comment on the state’s recent reparations report for African Americans. NTD spoke with her to hear more about the situation.

Parts of California got a bit of relief from a sweltering heat wave that welcomed in summer. An out-of-character monsoonal thunderstorm hit the southern part of the state.

Summer is here, and the state’s gas tax is set to rise at the beginning of July. With no gas tax relief in sight, state lawmakers have a new initiative: investigate alleged gas price gouging.

Republican lawmakers gathered on the steps of California’s Capitol building to demand concrete actions on relieving pain at the pump. Their call comes on the 100th day since politicians, including the governor, promised relief.

Despite having the most gun laws in the nation, California lawmakers are fast-tracking a total of six more gun-related bills through legislation. The bills come in response to several shootings in the United States.

For decades, lawmakers and farmers have fought in court over how much water can be taken out of California’s rivers and streams. But now, some state lawmakers have a new idea: use taxpayer money to buy out farmers. Here’s more on the proposal.  

Over the weekend, security cameras caught men slashing car tires in San Francisco, this comes amid rising crime rates in the city.

The Los Angeles Sheriff pledged to make local public transportation and coastal beaches safer this week. He plans to increase patrol presence and enforcement amid a rise in crime in the county’s hot spots.

California’s fire season is not just about fighting wildfires in the mountains. Cities and counties across the state are reporting a growing number of fires related to homeless encampments.

California’s average gas prices are over a dollar higher than the nation average. But the much-promised relief is still nowhere to be seen.

Several major California school districts are shrinking. As administrators search for a solution, more students and teachers are leaving the school districts. NTD spoke to one professor who believes the current education system needs a fundamental change, with a return to teaching morals and the country’s founding principles.

State lawmakers have blocked a bill that would have ended oil and gas drilling off the coast of California later this decade. Despite opposition from officials and environmental groups, the rigs will continue producing crude oil.

Local residents in Los Angeles’s Antelope Valley have been expressing concern of water theft and criminal activity. In response, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department set out to crack down on illegal marijuana farms—also known as “grows.”

Gas prices continue to climb with no sign of gas tax relief any time soon. Average prices have now hit a record high in California.

An unassuming boba tea shop in San Francisco’s Tenderloin District is suspected to be a front for an international fencing operation. Car burglars allegedly sell stolen goods before the property is shipped off to countries as far as Vietnam and China.

A Southern California senator wrote a bill intended to act as a blueprint to provide abortions throughout the state. During the meeting, while the bill heard no public support, one person spoke up, stating that funding should instead be focused on rearing children.

California lawmakers are still pushing for new COVID-19 vaccine laws. State legislators advanced a bill that would allow minors to get any vaccine without parental consent.

No matter what county you live in, when it comes down to how laws are enforced, that’s the choice of the district attorney. But as it turns out, there’s a little bit more to it than just that. NTD spoke to a former deputy prosecutor about how much public and media perceptions influence criminal prosecutions.

The race for a South Bay district attorney seat is heating up. The heat is partially from a “tripping” incident that was recently caught on video. Now the debate has shifted to whether the incident was accidental or deliberate. NTD spoke with one of the candidates involved.

A group of bipartisan state lawmakers are now pushing for a year-long suspension of the state’s gas tax. The push comes as an impending summer gas tax increase is just around the corner.

April 24 to 30 is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, that’s brought California’s early release program to the center of debate. NTD spoke to the Sacramento district attorney to hear more about the cause of the rise in violent crime.

Southern California held its 14th Annual Orange County Crime-Victims Rally. Elected officials and families gathered to honor both victims and survivors of crime.

Police have found a 3-month-old boy who was kidnapped from his San Jose home on Monday. On Tuesday morning Police say they have three suspects in custody.

A state lawmaker introduced a bill last month repealing California’s sanctuary state laws, but the bill was voted down earlier this week. NTD spoke to assemblyman Kevin Kiley about sanctuary state laws and why he introduced the bill in this special report.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villaneuva decided to host his own press conference to discuss the county’s Board of Supervisors’ proposed budget. He said the current budget is limiting his department’s ability to hire and uphold public safety.

More than 1,000 people gathered on the steps of the California State Capitol to speak out against a controversial bill—often labeled the “infanticide bill.” Some lawmakers say the bill would decriminalize pregnancy loss after birth. But rallygoers say the current wording could legalize the killing of newborn babies.

Los Angeles is reporting an uptick in both citywide and countywide crime. Local police are planning to increase patrols in Venice Beach in anticipation of more tourists in the area during the summer. But local residents say the rising crime is due to the homeless population.

California law enforcement officials announced the takedown of a street gang in Fresno County. Authorities say suspected gang members are tied to a number of drive-by shootings, murders, and human-trafficking cases. Most significantly—the team said they prevented several other large-scale gang shootings, similar to the Sacramento shooting.

San Jose Police concluded a long-term, multi-jurisdictional investigation involving a prolific robbery crew. The suspects allegedly targeted multiple jewelry stores throughout the Bay Area.

On the west coast—the Los Angeles Sheriff blames so-called “woke” city leaders for the unsafe conditions on the city’s public transit. As a consequence, he said he will pull his department’s contract to patrol parts of the public transit lines.

Los Angeles is reporting a rise in a very specific type of robbery: follow-home robberies. Police say the rising crime might be gang-related.

One neighborhood in Southern California’s Santa Monica city will not be receiving postal service from the USPS until further notice. But even local police aren’t fully in the loop on the situation.

California state lawmakers are proposing a bill that decriminalizes pregnancy loss. But opponents of the bill say the new laws could legalize infanticide.

The Los Angeles Unified School District hired over 2,000 new teachers this school year. But nearly three-quarters of the teachers hired were not fully credentialed. The new report comes amid a teacher shortage in the district.

Gun control is again the center of attention in California. One Bay Area city adopted a gun ownership fee earlier this year. But the city is now being sued for what some civic groups are calling an “illegal tax.”

Monarch butterflies have seen a decline in their population in recent years, a southern California city is now setting up a new garden to change that. The goal is to give the black and orange butterflies new places to make more fluttering families.

The California State University system is making a major change to its admissions process. Students applying to state universities are no longer required to take standardized tests. NTD has all the changes parents and students alike will need to watch out for.

Gas prices continue to climb daily, but lawmakers can’t seem to agree on a solution. Earlier this week, California state lawmakers voted down a bill that aimed to suspend the 51-cent per gallon gas tax. But now, a group of lawmakers says they have a better proposal—a gas rebate.

For weeks California’s Santa Clara had been the only Bay Area county still with an indoor mask mandate. But now county health officials say it is dropping the indoor masking rule.

A new bill seeks to establish a “Bill of Rights” for California’s furry companions. NTD spoke with some dog owners to hear more about the needs of their four-legged friends.

Scientists at the NASA Ames campus in California work day and night to understand the secrets and mysteries of space. But there is one head-scratching question even rocket scientists struggle to solve: where did the wild turkeys come from?

In January, San Francisco opened a new Linkage Center. The facility is meant to offer services to people struggling with drug addictions. But a group of mothers are worried the center may be fueling the city’s drug crisis. NTD spoke to the group to hear more about what might be taking place in the facility.

In recent years, teenagers have become the target of online drug dealers selling counterfeit pills made of fentanyl. A Southern California family lost their child to fentanyl poisoning, but are now dedicated to helping save others.

The California Superior Court of San Francisco ruled that Google’s employee confidentiality agreements are too broad and violate state labor laws. The ruling resolves a long-standing lawsuit that described the tech giant’s confidentiality policies as illegal.

For people drowning in student loan debt, the repayment process can be lengthy and filled with unexpected changes. Last month, President Joe Biden extended the loan repayment pause. And now, Navient, one of the nation’s largest student loan servicer companies, has agreed to pay billions in student debt cancellation.