State budget adds a record $2.4 billion for special education; Sacramento districts may use it to hire specialists and cover high‑cost placements.

Sacramento County says cigarette filters are plastic pollution and sued major tobacco makers to recover cleanup and restoration costs. The filing reframes butts as toxic waste, not a smoking case.

Oroville paused plans for a city-run power utility after consultants flagged PG&E fees; officials will study joining Pioneer Community Energy or other local options.

Dr. Joanna Locke will take over as Yolo County’s public health officer on Aug. 24, bringing pandemic response and school-health experience. The board named her Wednesday.

Council approved nearly $800K in federal grant funds to staff the Central California Intelligence Center amid heated public testimony over data‑sharing and sanctuary concerns.

A Sacramento landlord, backed by Pacific Legal Foundation, sued California saying the state’s Section 8 rules force owners into HAP contracts that allow recurring inspections. The suit asks a federal court to block enforcement.

Sen. Catherine Blakespear's SB 936 would ban flavored nitrous-oxide canisters and restrict containers larger than 8 grams, a move prosecutors say targets a recent spike in injuries and DUIs.

Sacramento is moving to rescind a 'healthy food' exemption critics say let tobacco shops multiply while offering little real access to fresh food. City officials are weighing ordinance changes.

The state’s middle‑mile broadband backbone hit 1,250 operational miles, creating a continuous route from the Bay Area to Modoc County and priming last‑mile projects to reach homes.

A draft CEQA review found no significant environmental impacts if El Dorado Hills incorporated; public comment runs through Aug. 17, 2026. Key next steps remain.

AB 2047 would force 3‑D printers sold in California to block gun‑part files; Hollywood prop makers and privacy advocates warn of false positives and surveillance risks.

Beth Bourne filed to run for the Davis school board, bringing her national profile and recent controversies into a local election. The race now looks likely to be closely watched.

Two new state laws require schools to adopt heat‑safety protocols and encourage heat‑illness lessons, but auditors warn stalled CalSHAPE funds could leave upgrades unfunded.