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.
State GovernmentJudge rejects California tribes’ latest attempt to kill blackjack at cardroomsJuly 6, 2026California’s tribal casinos found an ally in Attorney General Rob Bonta who sought to ban blackjack at private cardrooms, but a judge ruled Bonta overstepped his authority.
State GovernmentKevin Kiley challenges Richard Pan to debate series in D-6 raceJuly 6, 2026Rep. Kevin Kiley has challenged Dr. Richard Pan to five debates in California’s 6th District race, spotlighting clashes over taxes, schools and Kiley’s Trump-aligned voting record.
State GovernmentCalifornia schools must follow new cellphone, bathroom and safety lawsJuly 1, 2026California schools must implement new laws, including gender-neutral bathrooms, limited cellphone use and suicide prevention hotline numbers on student IDs.
