Despite Donald Trump’s plans, federal funding is a small part of California’s education budget – and the state oversees curriculum.
StateWatch
‘Devastating’ layoff notices hit California disabled prison contractors after union dispute
Dozens of disabled workers hired through the nonprofit PRIDE Industries are losing their jobs at a California prison after a union outsourcing dispute.
Trump takes step to overhaul Delta water deliveries to farms, cities
President Donald Trump is aiming to override new Biden-Newsom water delivery rules that have widespread support among Southern California cities and some Central Valley farmers.
Gavin Newsom has grown California’s government to record size. Now he, too, is selling ‘efficiency’
Gavin Newsom is echoing the incoming Trump administration as he touts government efficiency. But the governor has expanded the size and scope of California’s government to an all-time high.
Small California schools brace for layoffs as Congress slashes funding for rural education
Federal funding for rural schools goes to 39 California counties. School districts in those communities consider the money a lifeline. “It’s a catastrophe that no one knows about,” one educator says.
California’s $20 billion unemployment debt is looking like a political hot potato
The legislative analyst has a plan to fix the “structural insolvency” of the unemployment benefits fund — but businesses aren’t happy and it’s unclear if lawmakers will get on board.
California’s lemon law is changing and car buyers have fewer protections in the new year
Californians who purchase a clunker car in 2025 face a confusing year as new lemon law rules take effect and the state Supreme Court limited warranty protections for used vehicles. Lawmakers are revisiting the rules, but consumers could see weaker protections until new laws are passed.
Newsom declares bird flu emergency in California
While there have been no known cases of human-to-human bird flu transmission so far, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday issued an emergency proclamation to combat the spread of the virus and provide state and local agencies “additional flexibility around staffing, contracting, and other rules to support California’s evolving response.”
Troubled California teens gain protections under a new law championed by Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton, the latest celebrity to lobby the California Legislature, persuaded it to pass a law that brings more transparency on the use of restraints and seclusion rooms.
California got millions to train workers in disaster relief, but it’s leaving money on table
When disaster strikes, California gets federal funding to hire temporary workers to clean debris. But the jobs are tough, and some agencies struggle to manage the grants.

