Health CareAs GOP cries fraud, Newsom backs Medicaid spending on housing and foodJuly 14, 2026Despite criticism from congressional Republicans and growing scrutiny from the Trump administration, Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat considering a presidential run, said he’s proud of California’s spending on social services in Medi-Cal.
State GovernmentHundreds of economists say 'we must act now' on AI’s economic impact and job displacement risksJuly 14, 2026Hundreds of economists urge immediate action to address AI's potential impact on the economy. In an open letter released Monday, they warn that AI could transform the economy and displace many jobs.
State GovernmentCalifornia agencies disciplined officers for biased conduct, but they rarely lost their jobsJuly 14, 2026California disciplinary records show officers who used racist, sexist and anti-LGBTQ language often kept their jobs after agencies sustained misconduct findings.
State GovernmentState funding gives California small farmers a reprieve after federal food program endsJuly 13, 2026 | Gerardo ZavalaGovernor Gavin Newsom approved $15 million to temporarily replace the federal Local Food Assistance Program (LFPA) that helped schools and food banks buy directly from small farms. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
State Government12 states challenge Paramount's takeover of Warner Bros, say merger would 'extinguish competition'July 13, 2026California and 11 other states challenged Paramount’s takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery on Monday, filing a lawsuit that argues the $81 billion mega merger would “extinguish competition” in Hollywood and threaten jobs across the industry.
State Government‘Swarms’ of bed bugs force California Department of Education employees to work remotelyJuly 9, 2026 | Chris FeltsAs California state employees begin to follow Governor Gavin Newsom's return to office mandate, some workers in Sacramento are raising alarms about the conditions they're facing. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EducationCalifornia’s budget deal would strip control over the Department of Education from California’s superintendentJuly 8, 2026 | Laura FitzgeraldLeading superintendent candidates say they disagree with how lawmakers approved the change.
EducationCalifornia’s ban on Native American-themed mascots has been a conversation starter in schoolsJuly 7, 2026A 2024 state law updated the California Racial Mascots Act, adding to its ban of derogatory terms and pushing schools to seek tribal voices. School communities are weighing a sense of school pride and respect for Indigenous groups.
EducationCalifornia makes a subtle but impactful change to how it finances preschoolsJuly 7, 2026Preschool funding, once split between the general fund and Prop. 98, is now fully under the proposition. Supporters say it could help stabilize preschools not located in school districts. Opponents argue it stretches Prop. 98 funding too thin.
Health CareAbortion pills could come to California community college health centersJuly 7, 2026A California bill would require community colleges with health centers to provide access to medication abortion if lawmakers provide funding. Health center directors say many campuses lack the staffing and infrastructure to offer the service.
