Gavin Newsom

California's spending has tripled in 25 years under Democratic leadership, while such problems as homelessness, water shortages and poverty grew.

Gov. Gavin Newsom estimated there's a nearly $20 billion hole in the budget, but if lawmakers restore his Medi-Cal cuts the hole could grow $10 billion larger.

CalMatters found dozens of examples of previously vetoed legislation returning in subsequent years. A twice-killed bill about driverless trucks exemplifies why.

As Newsom and legislators fashion a new state budget, verbal exchanges between him and local officials about who is to blame have become sharper.

Health advocates say the proposal to reinstate the Medi-Cal asset limit would keep people in poverty while Gov. Newsom says it's essential to cut rising costs.

Hundreds of water systems in California are failing; many serve disadvantaged communities and people of color. The state can help but its resources are limited.

Today's decision could upend California’s phaseout of gas-powered cars and diesel trucks and its decades-long battle against air pollution. California plans to file suit, claiming an unlawful use of an act allowing Congress to review some regulations enacted by the previous administration.

Wrong revenue projections a few years ago led California to overspend, creating structural deficits. Now underestimated Medi-Cal costs are blowing holes in the latest proposed budget.

To avoid regulations, Google and California agreed to commit $45 million in one year to prop up local news outlets. The new program is starting with just half that amount.

Both Democrat and Republican lawmakers representing the Delta say Newsom is trying to upend existing water rights and land acquisition laws, while the governor says "we're done with barriers."