Sacramento RegionConvicted child rapist about to be released, faces new chargesFebruary 26, 2026 | Ruth FinchThe Board of Parole Hearings ruled that North Highlands serial child rapist David Funston was safe to enter society. He was scheduled to be released Thursday, but prison officials turned him over to Placer County law enforcement.
State GovernmentLicense plates for e-bikes? California bill sparks debate over safetyFebruary 26, 2026 | Gerardo ZavalaThe new bill would require certain e-bikes to carry license plates and owners to register them with the DMV. Advocates say this targets the wrong problem.
State GovernmentBudget watchdog urges CA lawmakers to reject Newsom’s $200M in clean car rebatesFebruary 25, 2026 | Gerardo ZavalaCalifornia’s nonpartisan budget analyst says the governor's rebate plan is too costly, citing the group’s projected $18 billion state budget deficit.
State GovernmentUnion-backed bill would require telework options for California state workersFebruary 23, 2026 | Laura FitzgeraldMost state employees must return to work in-person at least four days a week starting July 1, under a mandate from Governor Gavin Newsom. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
State GovernmentLawmaker pushes bill for San Francisco to break away from PG&EFebruary 23, 2026 | Laura FitzgeraldA publicly-run utility has long been San Francisco’s goal. The new measure aims to make that a reality by curbing CPUC power.
Health CareVentilator-dependent Davis woman in battle with CalPERS to continue careFebruary 19, 2026 | Ruth FinchSara Granda’s accident has led to a lifelong fight to get appropriate in-home care covered by insurance since she was initially injured in 1997. She officially brought a lawsuit against CalPERS in 2021.
State GovernmentCritics say bill creates ‘veil of secrecy’ over California’s high-speed rail recordsFebruary 12, 2026 | Gerardo ZavalaA proposed bill meant to clarify oversight of California’s high-speed rail project drew backlash from critics who say it could limit public access to records. This comes as the project grapples with a complete loss of federal support.
State GovernmentNewsom takes aim at veterans ‘claim sharks’ as he signs law banning fees for help with VAFebruary 12, 2026Many veterans turn to private companies for help filing disability claims at the Department of Veterans Affairs and then face bills that run well into the thousands of dollars.
State GovernmentCalifornia’s Planned Parenthood clinics will get a $90 million boost from the stateFebruary 11, 2026 | Laura FitzgeraldGovernor Gavin Newsom signed legislation on Wednesday approving emergency funding for reproductive clinics following the loss of federal funds.
Housing and HomelessnessHousing advocates still waiting for state-ordered stair reportFebruary 10, 2026California’s fire safety regulators were asked to study whether mid-rise apartments can go with a single staircase. They’re more than a month late.
