With proposals to tax the rich, Gavin Newsom is playing to a 2028 national audience anxious about artificial intelligence. As California governor, he’s walked a fine line on taxes for years.
StateWatch
Trump’s new immigration strategy revealed in purchase of two ICE detention centers in California
The Trump administration is trying to lock down immigration detention capacity in California despite opposition from the state’s Democratic leaders.
Gavin Newsom’s return-to-office rules are stricter than many states, including Texas
California state workers must report to the office four days a week under an executive order from Gov. Gavin Newsom. Other states allow more remote work.
California restricts utility shutoffs as dangerous heat ripples across state
State regulators have rejected a proposal by utilities and ordered broader protections against power shutoffs during dangerous heat.
Here’s what the ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ federal housing bill means for California
The new federal housing law does a lot of little things. Supporters hope it will put a dent in both California and the nation’s housing shortage.
Should coastal commission get more power over rebuilding after wildfire? Some lawmakers say yes
A new proposal considers giving the powerful California Coastal Commission more oversight over homes destroyed by natural disasters.
California school libraries blindsided by ‘catastrophic’ budget cut
California’s latest budget cut $5.5 million for K-12 school libraries. That money pays online fees for student research materials.
California to share driver’s license data despite fears it could expose unauthorized immigrants
The new state budget that Gov. Gavin Newsom signed includes $55 million for the DMV to build a data-sharing system, a program meant to bring the state into compliance with the federal REAL ID law.
Newsom’s parting gift: A budget that delays California’s deep cuts to 2027
Gov. Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers reached a final budget deal last week that largely relies on AI revenue projections and new taxes to delay social service cuts and shrink future deficits.
Newsom urges a national ‘billionaires’ tax’ while fighting one in California
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat who is considering a run for president as he approaches the end of his term, called for a national “billionaires’ tax” on Friday even as he fights another proposal targeting the wealthy in his home state.

