State Government5 states sue Trump administration for withholding billions in social safety net fundsJanuary 9, 2026Attorneys general in five Democratic-led states has filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump’s administration after it said it would freeze money for several public benefit programs.
EducationSchools chief was caught off guard by Newsom’s plan to pare down the future scope of his jobJanuary 9, 2026Newsom proposed shifting oversight of the Department of Education from the superintendent to the State Board of Education. The move would concentrate more power over K-12 schools with the governor, who appoints the school board.
Sacramento RegionFremont Park protest breaks out against ICE killing in MinneapolisJanuary 8, 2026 | Ruth FinchThe protesters expressed safety concerns about ICE officers being present in Sacramento. The group marched to join other demonstrators at the John E. Moss Federal Building, where a small group of protesters vandalized the building.
Sacramento RegionA’s denied trademark for ‘Las Vegas Athletics,’ but it’s not finalJanuary 8, 2026 | Chris FeltsThe Athletics have run into a legal snag with their trademark. The US Patent and Trademark Office denied the club’s application to trademark the names "Las Vegas Athletics" and the "Vegas Athletics" ahead of their relocation.
State GovernmentNewsom calls California a “beacon” amid Trump era chaos in his final State of the StateJanuary 8, 2026 | Gerardo Zavala | Laura Fitzgerald | Greg Micek | Chris NicholsNewsom’s final State of the State address zeroed in on California’s resilience, its budget crunch and high costs while casting the state as a counter to President Trump.
Arts and LifestyleNew and familiar: Los Escritores del Nuevo Sol's latest collectionJanuary 8, 2026A Sacramento Latino writer’s group has released its third anthology, “Then & Now.” It includes a nonfiction essay called "Trump International Hotel, Las Vegas."
State GovernmentMany L.A. fire survivors face insurance delays and can’t return home a year laterJanuary 8, 2026Despite billions in dollars of claims paid out, fires exposed problems in California’s beleaguered insurance market. All policyholders are likely to see premiums rise.
State GovernmentWhat Congressman LaMalfa’s death means for House Republicans, rural CaliforniaJanuary 7, 2026 | Gerardo ZavalaThe sudden death of the seven-term Republican congressman requires a special election using current district lines, followed by a midterm race under new Prop 50 maps.
EnvironmentSMUD cancels agreement to purchase power from Coyote Creek solar projectJanuary 7, 2026 | Manola SecairaThe project involves developing over a thousand acres in southeastern Sacramento County and was meant to help SMUD reach its clean energy goals. But environmental groups and locals protesting the project say it would destroy sensitive habitats.
Sacramento RegionDine Downtown returns: Here’s a look at what restaurants are preparingJanuary 7, 2026 | Keyshawn DavisThe event features restaurants in Sacramento that prepare three-course meals for a fixed cost of $45. It begins on Friday, January 9, and will end on January 19.
