State GovernmentCalifornia celebrates Juneteenth and America’s 250th anniversary with free historic park passes.June 18, 2026 | Chris FeltsGovernor Gavin Newsom offered a “stark contrast” to the Trump administration in his announcement that admission to California's historic parks will be free for a limited time in honor of Juneteenth and America's 250th birthday.
Sacramento RegionCalifornia’s FAIR Plan will hike its rates this fall. How will that impact policyholders?June 18, 2026 | Sarit Laschinsky | Vicki GonzalezHundreds of thousands of people have turned to the state’s “insurer of last resort” in recent years as wildfires grow larger and more devastating. The FAIR Plan is reportedly planning to raise its rates an average of 30% this fall. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
State GovernmentA tax on billionaires qualified for the November ballot. 5 things to know about the measureJune 18, 2026A healthcare workers union is pushing a one-time 5% tax on the state's roughly 200 billionaires to offset federal Medicaid cuts. One billionaire has already spent $82 million trying to stop it — and that may be just the beginning.
State GovernmentWaves of lawsuits and internet tracking: CIPA in the digital ageJune 18, 2026 | Ruth FinchSmall businesses are getting sued at an alarming rate for violating internet privacy laws, with one law firm fielding over 500 lawsuits alone citing the California Invasion of Privacy Act.
State GovernmentUS tells states to deal with unemployment fraud - or face penaltiesJune 17, 2026The U.S. Department of Labor is telling states they have to combat fraud, waste and abuse in their unemployment insurance programs. And if they don't, they could face having federal administrative funds withheld.
State GovernmentA diamond, a whale bone and lots of letters: What's inside the America 250 time capsuleJune 15, 2026A 900-pound time capsule marking the 250th anniversary of American independence has been sealed shut and shipped to Philadelphia, where it will be buried next month.
State GovernmentCalifornia Gov. Gavin Newsom says Trump's Justice Department is investigating him and his wifeJune 15, 2026Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday that the Justice Department is investigating him and his wife, accusing the Trump administration of targeting him for political purposes as he weighs a presidential bid.
State GovernmentCalifornia Democrats have a budget deal. Here’s where they want to spend more than NewsomJune 15, 2026State lawmakers’ budget plan would reject or delay many of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s social service cuts. Now, the budget negotiations begin in earnest.
State GovernmentElection update: Republican Steve Hilton to face Becerra in NovemberJune 11, 2026Hilton advances to the November general election, where he’ll face longtime politician Xavier Becerra.
State GovernmentCalifornia insurance commissioner race is set: Kim vs. AllenJune 9, 2026Two Democrats will compete in November to regulate the insurance market amid increasing climate change risks, the aftermath of the 2025 Los Angeles fires.
