ImmigrationCalifornia Democrats urge government shutdown after federal agents kill Minnesota nurseJanuary 27, 2026More than half of California’s Democratic legislative caucus called for a government shutdown and introduced bills to hold federal agents accountable.
State GovernmentAssemblymember James Gallagher enters special election for Rep. Doug LaMalfa's Northern California seatJanuary 22, 2026 | Gerardo ZavalaGovernor Gavin Newsom set the Aug. 4 election, but it's unclear who will face the Republican Assemblymember.
EducationWhy California universities are still ‘on edge’ after Newsom proposed large budget increasesJanuary 22, 2026Gov. Gavin Newsom’s budget proposal included $716 million in new funding for the public California university systems. With Newsom leaving office after this year, the universities see this budget cycle as their final opportunity to take advantage.
State GovernmentLobbyists and lawmakers mingle over luxury tequila, shrimp and cigars at capital partyJanuary 22, 2026Hundreds of politicians, staffers and lobbyists attended the annual “back to session bash” Thursday, funded by tribal groups, sports betting companies and other special interests aiming to influence them.
ImmigrationCalifornia’s newest ICE center has 1,400 detainees. What Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla saw thereJanuary 21, 2026California Democratic Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff visited the newest and largest ICE detention center in the state, a former prison in Kern County. CoreCivic operates this site.
State GovernmentCalifornia tourism took a hit last year, but what will 2026 bring?January 20, 2026 | Vicki Gonzalez | Sarit LaschinskyCalifornia saw a dip in international tourism last year, particularly from Canadian visitors, amid international trade disputes and uncertainty. But 2026 is full of opportunity for the Golden State, which will host several major sporting events. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Housing and HomelessnessCalifornia counties must jump through new hoops to get homelessness fundsJanuary 16, 2026Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration is pressuring local leaders to pass ordinances regulating homeless encampments, among other requirements.
Health CareLouisiana seeks California doctor’s extradition, testing the limits of shield lawsJanuary 13, 2026Louisiana is pushing to extradite a California doctor accused of mailing abortion pills, challenging laws that protect telehealth providers shipping these pills nationwide.
State GovernmentCalifornia’s budget outlook spells trouble for Sacramento’s city and countyJanuary 12, 2026 | Riley PalmerThose who advocate for cities and counties worry Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed state budget does not prioritize funding for homelessness initiatives or properly respond to healthcare cuts coming down the pike from the federal government.
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.
