Early campaign filings show big fundraising gaps across San Jose’s five council contests, with District 9 pulling ahead in early totals.

New filings show Mayor Barbara Lee raised roughly $31,000 in late 2025 as she weighs a possible 2026 run, while unions and PACs continue to pour money into Oakland politics.

San José officials are weighing a hotel‑tax increase to close a projected $55–$65 million shortfall; staff say a two‑point bump could net about $10 million a year.

Sen. Alex Padilla introduced two bills that would send federal money to water recycling, canal repairs and farm pilot projects across California.

Union leaders converged in Sacramento and told Gov. Gavin Newsom their 2028 backing depends on his AI policy, citing his veto of SB 7 and demanding enforceable worker protections.

Two longtime members of Berkeley’s Police Accountability Board resigned, saying the board’s recommendations were ignored and reforms rolled back, leaving several seats open.

Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford joined 18 attorneys general in opposing a federal rollback of nursing‑home staffing standards, warning the change threatens resident safety.

A new investigation matched federal and state lists and found roughly 184 California truck‑driving programs that aren’t approved by the state — and some students paid thousands. Regulators and lawmakers say a $2,500 exemption creates a dangerous loophole.

A Sacramento bill would force the FAIR Plan to offer full homeowners policies and stricter reporting after last year’s wildfire claims woes. Supporters say it boosts recovery; critics warn of financial strain.

Two California cities asked a federal judge to block new DOJ grant conditions they say could hamstring Internet Crimes Against Children work. The lawsuit argues the rules are vague and conflict with state law.

At Ocean Beach, hundreds formed a human banner that spelled "ABOLISH" in a protest aimed at ICE after two deadly encounters with federal immigration agents.

San Francisco educators voted 97.6% to authorize a strike as negotiations stall. A neutral fact-finder's report due Feb. 4 will shape whether a walkout comes next.

Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero is ordering statewide tracking of immigration arrests at courthouses as lawmakers file bills to protect court users and expand remote hearings. The move aims to preserve access to justice amid a recent surge of enforcement actions.