State GovernmentLagging in polls and fundraising, Betty Yee drops out of California governor’s raceApril 20, 2026Progressive former state controller Betty Yee said she is dropping out amid faltering polling and poor fundraising.
State GovernmentWildfire survivors who lost their homes could face another blow from taxes on settlement payoutsApril 20, 2026Thousands of survivors of the 2025 Eaton Fire are accepting settlements from the utility accused of causing it. They're choosing faster payments over litigation. However, they now face the possibility of these payouts being taxed as income.
State GovernmentCalifornia bear-suit luxury car scam ends in insurance fraud sentences for 3April 20, 2026Three people in California have been sentenced for insurance fraud involving a person in a bear costume damaging high-end cars. The California Insurance Department says they staged fake attacks on a Rolls-Royce and two Mercedes.
Sacramento Region‘They have blood on their hands’: Victims’ families plead for no bail as Esparto explosion defendants appear in courtApril 16, 2026 | Sarit Laschinsky | Greg MicekFamily members delivered emotional statements before a judge denied bail for the former sheriff’s lieutenant.
Sacramento RegionNew details emerge in Esparto explosion case as defendants return to courtApril 16, 2026 | Sarit Laschinsky | Greg MicekThursday’s court hearing revealed new information about the cause of the blast and former Sheriff's Lieutenant Samuel Machado’s alleged involvement.
State GovernmentAssembly Democrats advance bill aimed at keeping armed officers away from polling placesApril 16, 2026 | Laura FitzgeraldThe bill would prevent armed individuals from being stationed near vote centers and childcare facilities.
State GovernmentHow gangs connected to India are terrorizing a California immigrant communityApril 16, 2026The FBI and Indian authorities allege that gangs based in India are terrorizing Sikh immigrants in California by threatening them and demanding money.
Sacramento RegionThe case to rename Cesar Chavez Plaza after Nathaniel Colley with Sacramento Observer’s Larry LeeApril 15, 2026 | Riley PalmerNathaniel Colley was Sacramento’s first Black attorney, who championed civil rights and public housing in Sacramento and across the country.
State GovernmentMillions of Californians have yet to claim inflation relief funds ahead of the April 30th deadlineApril 15, 2026 | Chris FeltsIf you still have an inflation relief debit card from a few years ago, you might want to use it or lose it. Funds are set to expire at the end of the month.
Sacramento Region‘It’s an unusual case’: Law professor weighs in on Esparto criminal chargesApril 15, 2026 | Sarit Laschinsky | Vicki Gonzalez | Greg MicekFive people face seven counts of second-degree murder in connection to the deadly July 1, 2025 explosion at a fireworks storage facility in the Yolo County town. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
