Michelle Mastro is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront ... Born and raised in California, Michelle studied English literature at UCLA, but she now calls greater Indianapolis home.

THE BUZZ: The brother of California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas allegedly stirred up drama at the Democratic National Convention in August, name-dropping his powerful sibling to secure prime ...

Cliff Schecter is the President of Libertas LLC, a public relations and political strategy firm. He is the author of the 2008 bestselling book The Real McCain, a syndicated columnist, and co-owner ...

Sandwiched between the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and the Civil War in 1861, the California Gold Rush is considered by many historians to be the most significant event of the first half of the ...

Anna Schecter is the senior coordinating producer for CBS News and Stations' Crime and Public Safety Unit, based in New York. She leads a team of journalists in covering crime and public safety ...

For the first time ever, two Black women have been elected to serve simultaneously in the U.S. Senate The Latest A funeral has been held for Tito Jackson at the same Southern California cemetery ...

LOS ANGELES — While the Golden State's Democratic leanings in the presidential contest are well known, California is home to several swing districts that make the state critical this year in ...

Northern California residents were treated to another rare display of the northern lights in the night sky on Thursday. A strong ejection of solar material from the sun earlier this week caused a ...

Week 7 is nearly complete, and the midway point of the NFL season is drawing nearer. Odds are your fantasy team is in the middle of the pack. You're likely a 4-3 or 3-4 team just on the edge of ...

Cast your vote below to have a say in next year's list, and if you're looking for lodging, see the Best Hotels in the USA. You may also want to consider travel insurance to protect your vacation ...

Explore a destination in California to see the top hotels and top things to do, as well as photos and tips from U.S. News Travel. All California Travel Guides If you make a purchase from our site ...