Washington placed Afghanistan on a new wrongful-detention blacklist, accusing the Taliban of "hostage diplomacy" and pushing for the release of detained Americans.

Sergey Brin reportedly gave to Republican Steve Hilton while also funding pro‑housing efforts and other gubernatorial bids, signaling Silicon Valley donors are hedging bets in 2026.

Rep. Kevin Kiley announced he is leaving the Republican Party and will run as an independent in California’s redrawn 6th District while still caucusing with House Republicans. The move tightens an already narrow GOP margin in the House.

Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington of Glendale, Kentucky, has been identified as the seventh U.S. service member to die after being wounded during Iran’s opening strikes. The Army says he will be posthumously promoted.

A 1,041-household petition asks DJUSD for a community advisory role as officials weigh closing Patwin and Birch Lane amid projected enrollment declines. Parents want more data and equity analysis before decisions are final.

At a C.A.R. Homeownership Matters forum in Sacramento, governor candidates outlined competing plans to tackle California's housing crisis — from big‑build proposals to buyer aid.

The Mirabelli case is still tied up in appeals after a December injunction and a 9th Circuit stay. The Supreme Court had not publicly acted on the emergency application as of March 2, 2026.

Two bills would force the Legislature to publish position letters filed by lobbyists and advocacy groups, documents critics say have been hidden from public view.

Citrus Heights is weighing 18 new rules for massage businesses — from criminal‑history disclosures to banning table showers — to curb illicit activity while therapists warn of overreach.

State and local leaders will gather in Sacramento after a Natomas DACA recipient was detained at a USCIS appointment and deported; they will demand records and an investigation.

California has dozens of state job openings in Sacramento County with top pay near $18,200/month; many application windows close in late February and March.

Placer Union opened an outside review after parents alleged trustee Tom Duncan meddled in Del Oro girls basketball and a feeder club. The district says legal counsel is overseeing the probe.

Rob Bonta told FOX 11 he didn't know Michael Gates after the former Huntington Beach city attorney — now a statewide AG challenger — publicly urged debates this week.