Politics

Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks to reporters while surrounded by television cameras and microphones at an indoor event, wearing a dark suit and conference badge as security and attendees stand nearby.

Politics

White House blocks Gavin Newsom from interview at official U.S. venue in Davos

Newsom’s scheduled interview in Davos was canceled Wednesday after the Trump administration denied him access to the official U.S. venue.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• January 21, 2026

Politics

Newsom touts gains against EBT theft as Trump presses blue states on benefits fraud

Low-income Californians once lost millions of dollars a month to fraudsters who raided their accounts for food assistance and other public benefits. Gov. Gavin Newsom is highlighting security improvements as the Trump administration accuses Democratic states of tolerating welfare fraud.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• January 21, 2026

Politics

The fight over how to pay for Medi-Cal puts pressure on Newsom to raise taxes

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.

By

Maya C. Miller

and

Jeanne Kuang

• January 15, 2026

Two people sit side by side at a shared desk in a modern office, looking at a desktop computer while working together, with empty chairs, standing desks, and large windows showing trees outside in the background.

Politics

Newsom plans no new journalism funding despite $175 million funding deal with Google

Gov. Gavin Newsom included no new funding for local journalism in his budget proposal last week, walking back an August 2024 deal with Google to commit $175 million over five years to help the diminishing industry.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• January 15, 2026

Workers install lighting on an "X" sign atop the company headquarters, formerly known as Twitter, in downtown San Francisco, on July 28, 2023. Photo by Noah Berger, AP Photo

Technology

California orders Elon Musk’s AI company to immediately stop sharing sexual deepfakes

Attorney General Rob Bonta said it is a violation of California law to create and distribute of nonconsensual sexual AI images as xAI has done.

By

Khari Johnson

• January 14, 2026

People walk a long a beach nestled between the ocean and a bluff during a foggy day in Del Mar.

Politics

A Carlsbad homeowner is fighting a multi-million dollar fine over beach access and a pickleball court

Carlsbad homeowner John Levy is challenging a $2.4 million fine from the Coastal Commission over alleged beach access and environmental violations, arguing that while the underlying disputes are typical, the commission’s power to impose massive penalties without court oversight violates due process.

By

Deborah Brennan

• January 14, 2026

A wide view of houses under construction with wooden framing. A construction worker wearing a bright orange shirt can be seen standing in the roof of one of the houses.

Politics

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 straight year.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• January 14, 2026