Xavier Becerra now has the momentum in California’s governor race, with liberals rallying around him as the Democratic field begins to narrow. As Becerra rises and Tom Steyer fades, the fear of a two-Republican outcome from the jungle primary suddenly looks far less likely.

I was wrong to support Eric Swalwell. The allegations, the collapse of support, and his decision to suspend his campaign all point to the same conclusion: whatever promise he may once have had as a candidate is gone, and in my view his resignation from Congress should be next.

California remains an easy political target, but the attacks on its supposed collapse are often exaggerated and driven more by propaganda than reality. The state still offers an exceptional mix of economic power, innovation, culture, climate, and quality of life that critics routinely ignore.

The Dodgers are clearly the team to beat in 2026, with a roster strong enough to justify an unusually short preseason World Series price and the look of a potential three-peat champion. The bigger question is who can truly challenge them, with the Mariners, Yankees, Tigers, Phillies, and Mets all entering the season as possible contenders — but still looking like they are chasing Los Angeles.

Los Angeles is too vast, layered, and neighborhood-driven to be understood on a quick tourist trip, which is why visitors often leave with a shallow version of the city. But for those who live there, LA offers unmatched diversity, deep native pride, creative energy, exceptional food, and a sense of possibility that makes it one of the great places in America to call home.

USC faces a tough NCAA tournament path as a No. 9 seed headed to Columbia for a first-round matchup with Clemson, but behind freshman star Jazzy Davidson and defensive standout Kennedy Smith, the Trojans have enough young talent to make noise now while building toward an even bigger future with JuJu Watkins expected back next season.

UCLA has built a historically great women’s basketball team at 31-1, loaded with size, skill, experience, and first-round WNBA talent, but the one problem standing in the way of a title is an even more talented UConn team in what feels like an inevitable No. 1 vs. No. 2 championship showdown.