Environment
Fact check: Is Sam Altman right that almonds use more water than ChatGPT queries?
Altman claims 38,000 ChatGPT queries equal one almond's water use.
September 3, 2026
Technology
As California debated sharing data on drivers, Homeland Security subpoenaed 17 million records
Privacy advocates raised alarms as California lawmakers voted to share driver license information with a national nonprofit database. Then, the Trump administration sought trucker records from the organization.
Commentary
Clock is ticking as LA Olympics organizers plan massive spending spree to retool venues
LA28 officials are stockpiling money and preparing to spend it fast. The organizing committee has effectively built a Fortune 500 company in Downtown L.A.
Commentary
California’s top Democrats struggle but can’t resolve the question of wildfire liability
Gavin Newsom's late-session deal failed in the Legislature. It would have lessened liability for utilities whose equipment causes wildfires. A state Senate compromise never got a vote.
K-12 Education
California schools are sitting on arts money. A change in law might get them to spend it
The proposed changes aim to allay schools’ apprehension about spending their arts money granted through an initiative voters passed in 2022.
Technology
California kills bill regulating Flock cameras even as public rage grows
The California Legislature has failed several times since 2022 to regulate technology for automatically tracking vehicles — even as examples of abuse mount. This year was no exception.
Technology
How Silicon Valley used Main Street’s outrage against California privacy law
Senate Bill 690 promises to stop abusive wiretapping suits against small businesses. Privacy advocates warn it also quietly shields tech giants from major lawsuits.