Economy

The back of a person as they stir a pot on a small electric stove inside the kitchen of a market.

Economy

Big change for California small businesses: No more SBA loans for non-citizens

Non-U.S. citizens lose access to SBA funding for small businesses, which provide the bulk of new jobs in California.

By Levi Sumagaysay • March 30, 2026

A person wearing a black blazer looks forward as they sit at a wooden desk, surrounded by other people.

Technology

After immigration arrests, California lawmakers wonder: Are police telling the feds too much?

Legislators approved an audit of three of the state’s federally-funded fusion centers, citing concerns about civil liberties and privacy.

By Khari Johnson • March 27, 2026

A conference hall with attendees and colorful signage related to artificial intelligence.

Politics

Tech giants are spending more than ever to shape California politics. See how much

Tech giants involved in AI and cryptocurrency spent $39 million last year to influence lawmakers and policy. It's the start of what could be a spending blitz in the upcoming election.

By Jeremia Kimelman • March 27, 2026

A close-up view an unidentifiable teenager holding cell phones in their hand as they hold a Starbucks drink and a shopping with the other hand. Another unidentifiable teenager also holding a cell phone is seen in the background.

Technology

California jury finds Meta, Google liable for teen’s mental distress in landmark social media trial

The jury awarded a family $3 million in the closely-watched case over Facebook and YouTube addiction.

By Colin Lecher • March 25, 2026

The back of a plane taking off from an airport is seen between runway landing lights, with an out-of-focus fence with barbed wire in the foreground.

Economy

Feds ramp up scrutiny in yearslong dispute over California airport money

The FAA wants California to prove it’s allocating jet fuel tax revenue to aviation. Hundreds of millions of dollars are at stake.

By Levi Sumagaysay • March 25, 2026

A group of women that are inmates at a prison walk in their blue uniforms down an exterior path. One person is wearing a red shirt. To the left, stands a red brick building with bars on the window and razor wire over the top.

Justice

Digital tablets mellowed California prisons. Now a tech migration is riling users

Every incarcerated person in a California prison has a digital tablet enabling communication with the outside world. A new vendor is bringing more streaming entertainment, but with a cost.

By Joe Garcia • March 24, 2026

An aerial view shows a snow-covered mountain town at dusk, with rooftops dusted in white and warm lights glowing along a main street. A large hotel complex and nearby buildings cluster at the center, while forested slopes and ski runs rise behind them under a fading blue sky.

Economy

Nevada utility to Lake Tahoe: Find electricity elsewhere

Lake Tahoe’s longtime power supplier, NV Energy, will cut off the region next year. It has said data centers are driving “unprecedented” demand.

By Malena Carollo • March 20, 2026

Solar panels sit on the roof of a residential building overlooking San Francisco. The city skyline, including tall downtown buildings, stretches across the background under a hazy sky.

Economy

Solar panel reimbursements to remain low under California appeals court ruling

A California appeals court upheld a 2022 regulatory decision to reduce rooftop solar payments. Environmental groups may appeal to the state Supreme Court.

By Malena Carollo • March 10, 2026

A black charred staircase remains standing one of amongst rubble of what used to be home overlooking the ocean.

Economy

Some State Farm customers could see refunds while homeowner rate hikes stay put

State Farm reaches settlement over emergency insurance rate hikes after last year’s Los Angeles County fires.

By Levi Sumagaysay • March 9, 2026

A close view shows a person using a laptop displaying a news website with a headline and photo on the screen. Another laptop sits nearby on the desk, and the scene is set in a modern office environment with glass walls and overhead lighting.

Technology

It was John Wayne’s political club. Now it’s spending millions on online influence

The Lincoln Media Foundation has spent big to push ‘local’ conservative messaging

By Colin Lecher • March 9, 2026