California Citing pension crisis, Newsom vetoes bill to enhance retirement for police and firefighters By Adam Ashton | CalMatters | September 20, 2026 The rejected bill would have lowered the retirement age and sweetened pension perks for police and firefighters, and had overwhelming support in the Legislature.
Education California community colleges can offer up to 12 new bachelor’s degrees under laws Newsom signed By Mikhail Zinshteyn | CalMatters | September 20, 2026 Two new laws determine when community colleges can create bachelor’s degrees and how many they can offer.
health California Zephyr, Capitol Corridor passengers warned over potential measles exposure By Pete Young | Bay City News | September 19, 2026 The affected trains passed through Bay Area stations on three occasions between September 12 and September 14.
California Poll: California voters support billionaire wealth tax — and its countermeasures By Vani Sanganeria | EdSource | September 18, 2026 The PPIC surveyed 1,103 likely voters this month about all 14 statewide measures on the November ballot.
Environment Marine Mammal Center tracks humpback whale sightings By Kathleen Kirkwood | Bay City News | September 18, 2026 The whale entered the San Francisco Bay this week and has been traveling eastward toward the Delta.
Bay Area Take me out of the ballgame: Oakland bets on grassroots culture to fill its pro sports void By Adam Sutro | Bay City News | September 18, 2026 With the A’s, Raiders and Warriors no longer in Oakland, the city has become an intriguing case study for sports economists.
Technology Newsom orders California agencies to develop new AI safety plans after rejecting tougher law By Jeanne Kuang | CalMatters | September 18, 2026 The governor ordered state agencies to develop safety regulations for artificial intelligence after vetoing tougher rules two years ago.
Arts & Entertainment GaHee Park’s surreal paintings at YBCA upend male gaze, critique surveillance society By Caroline Picard | Bay City News | September 17, 2026 Park’s paintings capture a diffuse state of consciousness through a strategic use of recurring objects and animals.
California California wants to ban child marriage. Why are these civil rights groups trying to stop it? By Nadia Lathan | CalMatters | September 17, 2026 It’s legal for anyone younger than 18 to get married in California, so long as a parent and judge approve.
Elections He championed vaccine mandates. Will that record help him unseat a party-shifting conservative? By Kristen Hwang | CalMatters | September 17, 2026 The outcome of a Sacramento area congressional race could help decide which party controls the House of Representatives — and federal health policy.