Arts and LifestyleMore than balloon animals, it’s a livingJanuary 12, 2026 | Tony RodriguezIn Old Sacramento, balloon animals are more than just fun art; they're how some street performers make a living. Meet the artists behind the twists.
EducationNewsom’s last budget as governor would give schools and community colleges an unexpected $22 billionJanuary 12, 2026The increase comes from robust tax receipts and AI-driven revenue.
Sacramento RegionNative American creatives combat erasure through visibility in artJanuary 12, 2026Three local Native American artists speak on their artistry.
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.
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.
