Breaking California, a new digital news outlet covering the entire state, has launched to provide rapid, verified reporting on breaking events as they unfold.
Founded by veteran California journalist Thomas Himes, the site focuses on verified breaking news, public safety incidents, and major statewide developments. Himes launched the publication after a close friend suffered serious injuries in a car crash. In the aftermath, he found reliable, timely information difficult to locate—highlighting the growing information gap created by the widespread closure of local newspapers.
“I hope Breaking California can help people and help news,” Himes said. “I hope to fill a void left when the presses stopped rolling by using the latest technology and the highest editorial standards to make news people can actually use.”
The outlet combines traditional newsroom practices—reliance on verified facts, primary sources, and clear attribution—with modern digital publishing tools to deliver straightforward reporting in real time across California.
Journalism Career in California
Himes began his journalism career covering breaking news in the Los Angeles area nearly two decades ago. He later moved into investigative reporting with the San Gabriel Valley newspaper group, contributing reporting to the Pasadena Star-News, Whittier Daily News, and San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
He later joined the Los Angeles Daily News, where he served as a beat reporter covering Los Angeles County government and later the Los Angeles Unified School District.
His reporting earned multiple awards, including the California Newspaper Publishers Association’s prize for public service journalism.
National Investigative Work
Beyond local newspapers, Himes worked as an investigative producer for NBC News National in New York and the international news magazine, People & Power. He was also Chancellor Fellow at Columbia university where he created the documentary Brett’s War.
Education
Himes earned a bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in print culture from the University of Pennsylvania. He later completed a Master of Science in Journalism at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
Mission of Breaking California
Breaking California prioritizes speed, factual accuracy, and transparent sourcing to give readers dependable information during developing stories statewide. The outlet combines traditional reporting standards with modern digital tools to provide verified updates on breaking news, public safety incidents, and major events across California.
As the newsroom grows, the publication plans to expand its coverage into deeper investigative reporting and statewide accountability journalism affecting California communities.