State GovernmentFollow the money: Who’s backing California’s next governor — and whyMay 28, 2026Billionaires, Big Oil and other interests are spending big to influence the California governor’s race, making for the most expensive primary campaign in state history.
State GovernmentWhy timing, postmarks and signatures matter for California's vote-by-mail majorityMay 27, 2026 | Greg MicekCalifornia's vote-by-mail system is usually simple. But timing, postmarks and signatures can stand between voters and a counted ballot in the June 2 primary.
State GovernmentWhen a signature is a barrier, California offers voters a way throughMay 27, 2026 | Greg MicekFrom the X mark to in-person voting, California has built workarounds into its system for voters with disabilities ahead of the June 2 primary.
Health CareSoaring healthcare costs put California school districts and teachers at oddsMay 27, 2026California school districts, including Twin Rivers and Natomas, are struggling to balance rising healthcare costs with declining enrollment and federal aid, leading to labor battles between teachers and districts over healthcare premiums.
State GovernmentCalifornia judges are testing a new AI clerk, and you won’t know if it’s looking at your caseMay 27, 2026Courts in Los Angeles and Riverside counties are testing an artificial intelligence tool and deciding whether it can be used in high-stakes criminal cases.
State GovernmentAfter AI layoffs, Newsom orders state government to find ways to ease the painMay 21, 2026In an AI executive order, the governor called on state officials to study everything from job subsidies to stock compensation policies to mitigate tech-driven layoffs.
State GovernmentCan you trust that post about Tom Steyer? How paid influencers are flooding into the governor’s raceMay 20, 2026Billionaire Tom Steyer is paying influencers to boost his California governor campaign. Some didn’t disclose it. A state law offers little accountability.
EducationNewsom’s revised budget eases budget worries for UC and Cal StateMay 18, 2026Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled a proposed budget that included a combined $716.3 million in new base funding for both systems.
Health CareThousands of U.S. countertop workers could have damaged lungs, safety expert saysMay 18, 2026A workplace safety board in California will vote on whether the state should ban the cutting of high-silica quartz countertop material. State officials say they've tracked more than 550 sickened countertop workers.
State GovernmentCalifornia Democrats running for governor are leaning into immigration. Young Latinos are focused on affordabilityMay 15, 2026 | Gerardo ZavalaSome candidates are leaning heavily into immigration enforcement and ICE messaging, but many young Latino voters say housing, education and healthcare are driving their decisions. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
