Skip to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleWant to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.Join todayAlready a member? Log inBrittney DonovanThursday 05 November 2026 22:03 GMTTrump pardons two men live on stage in AlaskaCalifornia Gov. Gavin Newsom announced plans to commute all 548 state death row sentences to life in prison without parole before leaving office.Newsom stated that state-sanctioned killing is incompatible with California values, while acknowledging the decision will cause pain for victims' families.Under the California constitution, state Supreme Court approval is required to grant clemency to individuals convicted of multiple felonies.The American Civil Liberties Union praised the commutations as a necessary end to an error-prone and inhumane punishment.Newsom, a potential 2028 Democratic presidential contender, previously noted he would not run if Kamala Harris enters the race.In fullNewsom commutes all 548 death sentences in California as he prepares to leave officeMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in