Gov. Gavin Newsom included no new funding for local journalism in his latest budget proposal, walking back an August 2024 deal with Google to commit $175 million over five years to help the diminishing industry.
StateWatch
Posted inPolitics & Policy
The fight over how to pay for Medi-Cal puts pressure on Newsom to raise taxes
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has already vowed to tank a proposed ballot initiative that would impose a 5% wealth tax on the state’s billionaires to bolster Medi-Cal. Progressive lawmakers and their allies in labor and health seem hopeful that Newsom could support a different long-shot funding idea.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Building homes is a top priority for California Democrats again this year. Voters could get a say
California Democrats are eager to advance a pair of bond measures to fund affordable housing construction, but lack enthusiasm for tenant rights protections as a controversial rent control measure bites the dust for a second consecutive year.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Federal judges allow California to use new U.S. House map ahead of 2026 election
California can use a new voter-approved U.S. House map that is designed to boost Democrats in the 2026 midterms, a federal three-judge panel ruled Wednesday.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Ana protester blinded in one eye after federal agent fired projectile from close range, relative says
Kaden Rummler, 21, was blinded in his left eye after he was shot at close range by a federal agent during a protest last week outside a federal immigration building in Santa Ana, his aunt said.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Proposed billionaires tax in California rattles Silicon Valley, entangles Newsom
A proposed tax on billionaires in California has ignited a political uproar in Silicon Valley, with tech titans threatening to leave the state while Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom maneuvers to defeat a levy that he fears will lead to an exodus of wealth.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Gavin Newsom’s legacy: Can he deliver on unmet promises in his final year as governor?
Under Gavin Newsom’s tenure, health care has been expanded, but his housing goals and homelessness pledges remain unfinished. Can he deliver before eyeing the White House?
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California’s last nuclear power plant faces renewed scrutiny as it gains latest permit
The California Coastal Commission is requiring the state’s last nuclear power plant – Diablo Canyon, near San Luis Obispo – to conserve 4,000 acres of surrounding land to keep operating until 2030.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Newsom closed 4 prisons and trimmed payroll. Corrections spending is still over budget
California’s $17.5 billion prison system is over budget, contributing to a projected state deficit. Some groups want Gov. Gavin Newsom to close more prisons.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Up to 61,000 truck drivers in California could soon lose their licenses. Here’s why
The Trump administration is cracking down on immigrants who drive trucks in California, creating new regulations and threatening to withhold millions in federal highway funding over alleged violations by the state’s DMV. Gov. Gavin Newsom says those allegations are a lie.
