California

Education

Schools chief was caught off guard by Newsom’s plan to pare down the future scope of his job

Carolyn Jones

Newsom proposed shifting oversight of the Department of Education from the superintendent to the State Board of Education. The move would concentrate more power over K-12 schools with the governor, who appoints the school board.
Politics

Newsom forecasts rosier budget picture as California basks in tech, AI revenues

Yue Stella Yu

The governor’s 2026-27 budget proposal projects $9 billion more in revenue than anticipated, banking on the AI-driven economy to last.
Education

Newsom K-12 school proposal would shift more power to governor

Carolyn Jones

The move is intended to simplify California’s convoluted education governance, which policy analysts have said can be inefficient, redundant and sometimes at cross purposes.
Politics

Newsom punched back at California critics in his final State of the State speech

Sophie Austin

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is set to deliver his final State of the State address to lawmakers in Sacramento on Thursday.
Education

This change could deliver billions of more dollars to California schools. Here’s the tradeoff

Carolyn Jones

By basing funding on enrollment, not attendance numbers, schools would lose the incentive to get students to show up every day, a new report finds.
Politics

California’s new Senate leader wants Democrats united. A budget shortfall could divide them

Maya C. Miller

New Senate President Pro Tem Monique Limón is the first Latina, first mother and only second woman to lead California’s upper legislative chamber. A tough budget year will test her ability to keep the caucus united while whittling its spending priorities.
Politics

Newsom’s final year in office begins with an $18 billion deficit. How will he address it?

Yue Stella Yu

As Gov. Gavin Newsom prepares to release his spending plan this Friday, a projected $18 billion deficit awaits. Will he raise taxes or cut spending? Either could spell trouble for Newsom’s legacy.
Economy

California tax revenue getting a boost from AI boom — but for how long?

Levi Sumagaysay

As talk of a possible AI bubble grows, so does uncertainty around an important source of California tax money.
Politics

Gavin Newsom’s legacy: Can he deliver on unmet promises in his final year as governor?

Jeanne Kuang

Under 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?
Quality of Life

Could this mysterious California news site influence the 2026 election?

Colin Lecher

The California Courier uses the name of an established paper and doesn’t disclose apparent Republican ties. Critics call it “pink slime.”