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.
EnvironmentData centers are guzzling California’s water. We have no idea how muchMay 18, 2026Data centers are expanding into water-stressed California communities. Lax disclosure rules keep the public in the dark about actual water usage.
Sacramento RegionSacramento art exhibit puts a SMASH!-ing spotlight on piñata cultureMay 18, 2026 | Sarit LaschinskyA new exhibition at midtown’s Prism Art Gallery highlights the many inspirations and symbolism embodied by piñatas. The show runs through May 30, and will conclude with several of the art pieces being smashed.
Sacramento RegionACLU report alleges Sacramento police racially profiled Black and Latino driversMay 15, 2026 | Ruth FinchA report has come out from the ACLU accusing Sacramento Police of stopping and searching Black and Latino drivers at a much higher rate than white drivers from 2023-2024.
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.
ImmigrationSix people died in California ICE detention centers as Trump deportations soaredMay 15, 2026The Trump administration immigration crackdown swelled the population inside California’s immigrant detention centers. State investigators in a report described strained medical resources inside the sites.
State GovernmentNewsom’s last budget: Cut California spending now, save for the AI bubble to burstMay 15, 2026California tax revenue is soaring thanks to tech stocks. But Gov. Gavin Newsom is proposing more cuts, warning that the boom won’t last and Trump cuts will hit the state hard.
State GovernmentSelf-funding and special interests: How money shapes California’s political campaignsMay 15, 2026 | Sarit Laschinsky | Laura FitzgeraldThe 2026 governor’s race has been marked by major financial backing, either from candidates themselves or a variety of special interests. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EducationBan cell phones in all K-12 schools? Not so fast, say school officialsMay 15, 2026Studies have shown that cell phone use is a serious distraction for students that affects their mental health, social-emotional development and ability to concentrate in class.
