Final unofficial tallies put Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton into the November runoff after late mail ballots shifted the June primary leaderboard. The tally shows Becerra ahead of Hilton as counties completed their canvass.

Newsom signed a budget that adds roughly $40 million to speed California's vote counting, but advocates say the amount is only a partial fix compared with the roughly $90 million they had requested.

Sacramento will host a July 29 forum in Oak Park to review SPD’s draft military equipment policy and collect public feedback.

The 2026‑27 state budget includes $20 million to restart the CalFresh fruit‑and‑vegetable EBT pilot after a pause that left families without extra produce rebates. Advocates say it’s a start, not a long‑term fix.

A new Sacramento budget bill would equalize California's managed‑care tax, shifting more cost onto private insurers and possibly into consumers' premiums.

AB 713 would let undocumented students access paid campus jobs at UC, CSU and community colleges; it cleared a Senate committee and now goes to Appropriations.

Senators voted 2‑1‑2 to block AB 2753, a bill that would have barred anyone on the sex‑offender registry from running for office. The split exposed a fight over California’s tiered registry and legal risks.

Sen. Josh Becker’s SB 493 would add “war” to California’s price‑gouging law, letting prosecutors pursue suspected wartime profiteering as pump prices spike. Supporters point to a persistent California premium at the pump.

A Sacramento County grand jury says Natomas Unified’s special‑education program is underresourced, pointing to chronic absenteeism, suspensions and staffing shortages.

A Yolo County judge declined another hospital restoration for Michael Lopez and has referred his case to California’s CARE Court, setting a Sept. 4 status hearing. The court directed evaluations to serve as a petition and left Lopez on own‑recognizance release under conditions.

Lincoln's City Council placed a one‑cent sales tax on the Nov. 3 ballot that city officials say would raise about $6 million a year for public safety and street maintenance.

Senate Bill 1007 would limit most HOA dues hikes to 8% without homeowner approval, splitting Democrats and forcing a debate over reserve funding and transparency.

SB 760 requires at least one all‑gender restroom per school by July 1, 2026. Sacramento districts say most campuses will be compliant, though some summer work remains.