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.

The state would split the top violation category and raise minimum fines for health‑related pesticide breaches, with a public comment window and virtual hearings in July.

A CSU review praised Luke Wood’s energy and big programs at Sac State but ordered steps to rebuild trust, finish repatriation and streamline operations.

A San Joaquin County grand jury’s latest report puts the Stockton City Council under renewed scrutiny as city leaders promise reviews and push back on parts of the findings.