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Nigel Duara

Justice Reporter

Nigel Duara joined CalMatters in 2020 as a Los Angeles-based reporter covering poverty and inequality issues for our California Divide collaboration. Previously, he served as a national and climate correspondent on the HBO show VICE News Tonight. Before that, he was the border correspondent at the Los Angeles Times based in Phoenix, deployed to stories across the country. He is a longtime contributor to Portland Monthly magazine and graduated from the University of Missouri School of Journalism. Other languages spoken: Spanish (intermediate); Mandarin (beginner)

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Latest Stories

Justice

Court blocks ammunition background checks in new blow to California’s gun control framework

California voters in 2016 passed a ballot initiative championed by Gov. Gavin Newsom that in part required background checks for ammunition purchases. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals found that provision violates the 2nd Amendment.

By Nigel Duara • July 24, 2025

Justice

Can a county fire a sheriff behind closed doors? Advocacy group threatens to sue for access

The First Amendment Coalition is urging San Mateo County to open to the public its deliberations on removing embattled Sheriff Christina Corpus.

By Nigel Duara • July 18, 2025

Justice

Worksite immigration raids are supposed to free up jobs for citizens. Here’s what really happens

Research shows worksite immigration raids can depress local economies as people stay home and stop spending money. So far, they aren't known to free up jobs for citizens.

By Nigel Duara and Jeanne Kuang • July 8, 2025

Justice

California prison union strikes $600 million contract with Newsom that includes furloughs

Some of the perks in a new contract for California prison guards are delayed as Gov. Gavin Newsom seeks concessions from public employee unions to manage the state's deficit.

By Nigel Duara • June 17, 2025

Politics

‘Outrageous’: California Democrats react to FBI agents handcuffing Sen. Alex Padilla

Alex Padilla is the first Latino to represent California in the U.S. Senate. FBI agents handcuffed him after he interrupted a press conference on immigration enforcement in LA.

By Jeanne Kuang and Nigel Duara • June 12, 2025

Politics

With troops and protests, Trump’s feud with California moves to the streets of LA

President Trump's deployment of California National Guard soldiers in spite of Gov. Gavin Newsom's objections escalated tensions between the Republican administration and the Democratic state.

By Nigel Duara and Jeanne Kuang • June 9, 2025

Justice

Gavin Newsom asks Trump to withdraw troops from Los Angeles as protests intensify

Gov. Gavin Newsom and other leading California Democrats criticized President Trump's deployment of National Guard soldiers in Los Angeles, calling it an unnecessary provocation.

By Nigel Duara, Jeanne Kuang and Sergio Olmos • June 8, 2025

Justice

He didn’t pull the trigger. California Supreme Court sides with accomplice in felony murder case

A recent California law raises the standard for when prosecutors can charge accomplices to killings with felony murder. A case testing that law recently reached the state supreme court.

By Nigel Duara • June 4, 2025

Justice

You’ll see a warning if you file a complaint against the LAPD. Does that chill free speech?

Californians who file complaints against police officers see a warning against making a false report. A dispute over the LAPD's form reached the California Supreme Court.

By Nigel Duara • May 22, 2025

Justice

Newsom moves to close another state prison. That makes 5 since he took office

California’s falling incarcerated population has allowed Gov. Gavin Newsom to close four state prisons. Now he’s calling for a fifth.

By Nigel Duara • May 14, 2025