California Today: California Schools Must Restrict Phones Under New Law Signed by Newsom

Today's top stories from California.

September 24, 2024, 9:59 a.m. Eastern time Good morning. Here are the top stories from across California and the region, selected for you by Times editors. Today's Top Story Lea Suzuki/San Francisco Chronicle, via Associated Press California Schools Must Restrict Phones Under New Law Signed by Newsom Calls for crackdowns have mounted with reports of cyberbullying and studies indicating that smartphones are harmful to children's mental health. Read more Extreme Weather in Bakersfield Moderate risk of extreme weather today, including unhealthy heat. View detailed forecast TODAY TODAY Unhealthy heat Moderate risk More California News California Bans All Plastic Bags After Its First Effort Backfired The state led the nation in 2014 by banning single-use plastic bags, but a loophole actually led to more plastic waste. Rethinking 'Checks and Balances' for the A.I. Age A project at Stanford points to the need for institutional innovation, especially in government, to increase the odds that A.I. enhances democracy. California Sues Exxon Over Plastics Pollution and Recycling 'Myth' The lawsuit, seeking 'multiple billions of dollars,' opens a new front in the legal battles with oil and gas companies over climate and environmental issues. The Long, Strange Saga of Kamala Harris and Kimberly Guilfoyle More than two decades ago, the future vice president and the future conservative firebrand were rising legal stars in San Francisco. Then Ms. Guilfoyle accused Ms. Harris of trying to deny her a job. Harris Cracked Down on Violent Offenders; Showed Leniency on Less Serious Crime Her record as a prosecutor navigating both paths has left her open to criticism that she either betrayed liberal ideals or prioritized them over law and order. Newsom Signs Bill That Adds Protections for Children on Social Media The California legislation comes amid growing concerns about the impact of cellphones and social media on adolescents' mental health. Cat Missing in Yellowstone Returns Home to California After an 800-Mile Trek The owners of Rayne Beau, the 2-year-old Siamese cat, have no idea how their cat made it back, but call his return a "miracle." $3.4 Million Homes in California A modernist house in Los Angeles, a hillside retreat in San Clemente and a three-bedroom home in San Mateo. Local Conditions Look up the heat index in your area using The Times's heat tracker. See active fires using The Times's wildfire tracker. Today's Recipe Armando Rafael for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Cyd Raftus McDowell. Chicken au Poivre By Kay Chun 45 minutes Makes 4 servings Play a Game The Mini Crossword Solve this bite-sized puzzle in just a few minutes. Spelling Bee How many words can you make with 7 letters? Wordle Guess the 5-letter word with 6 chances. See all our games Sign up for Your Places: Extreme Weather. Get notified about extreme weather before it happens with custom alerts for places in the U.S. you choose. Get it in your inbox Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for California Today from The New York Times. To stop receiving California Today, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018