Health CareLouisiana seeks California doctor’s extradition, testing the limits of shield lawsJanuary 13, 2026Louisiana is pushing to extradite a California doctor accused of mailing abortion pills, challenging laws that protect telehealth providers shipping these pills nationwide.
State GovernmentCalifornia’s budget outlook spells trouble for Sacramento’s city and countyJanuary 12, 2026 | Riley PalmerThose who advocate for cities and counties worry Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed state budget does not prioritize funding for homelessness initiatives or properly respond to healthcare cuts coming down the pike from the federal government.
State GovernmentCalifornia faces a bleak budget year, but not as gloomy as some expectedJanuary 9, 2026 | Chris Nichols | Greg Micek | Gerardo Zavala | Laura FitzgeraldThe state collected $42.3 billion more in revenue last year than expected. That’s largely due to higher capital gains tax revenue generated by the AI stock market boom, though there are questions about whether that boom will continue this year.
State GovernmentCalifornia’s budget projections rely heavily on a continued AI boomJanuary 9, 2026 | Ruth FinchGovernor Gavin Newsom’s proposed budget notes a volatile market could risk revenue streams, but projections from the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office warns against assuming growth will continue.
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.
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.
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.
State GovernmentNewsom’s final year in office begins with an $18 billion deficit. How will he address it?January 7, 2026As Gov. Gavin Newsom prepares to release his spending plan this Friday, a projected $18 billion deficit awaits. Will he raise taxes or cut spending? Either could spell trouble for Newsom’s legacy.
