'A bit like poker,' California's wet winter brings La Niña/El Niño confusion

A judge in California has expressed skepticism regarding the Trump administration's justification for maintaining control over national guard troops deployed in Los Angeles amid ongoing protests related to immigration raids. The federal government had federalized the state's national guard in June, deploying approximately 4,000 troops despite opposition from Governor Gavin Newsom, who deemed the move unprecedented and illegal, prompting a lawsuit from the state.

A mass shooting occurred at a children's birthday party in Stockton, California, resulting in four fatalities, including three children, and injuring at least ten others. The incident took place shortly before 6 p.m. local time, when armed men entered a banquet hall where families were gathered to celebrate. Community members fear that the shooting will be dismissed as gang violence without addressing the underlying issues, such as online feuds and social tensions.

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation is considering loosening restrictions on highly toxic anticoagulant rodenticides, despite evidence that these substances are harming wildlife, including endangered species. This move follows a state report highlighting the unintended consequences of these poisons on the ecosystem.

California state agencies are intensifying their oversight of field conditions to protect underage farmworkers following an investigation that revealed significant enforcement failures regarding child labor violations.

The Trump administration has announced plans to increase water allocations to farmers in California's Central Valley, aiming to enhance agricultural productivity in this vital region. This decision comes amid ongoing discussions about water management in the state.

California's secretary of state's website has been found linked to pornographic advertisements, raising concerns about the integrity and security of state resources. This issue highlights vulnerabilities in the management of official online platforms.

The Trump administration has announced a plan to increase water pumping from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to Central Valley farmlands, despite objections from California officials who argue that this could jeopardize water availability for millions of residents.

A California animal welfare activist was sentenced to 90 days in jail after taking four chickens from a Perdue Farms poultry plant, following her conviction on charges including felony conspiracy and trespassing. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding animal rights activism and agricultural practices in the state.