High-Speed Rail Authority board strips CEO of control over contracts
In-house rail authority attorneys must now approve all contracts under $25 million going foward.
Lia Russell
37 articles in the public record carrying this byline — each story counts once, at its most authoritative copy. Labeled as Reporting (Tier 3). Bylines are shown as outlets printed them; a common name may cover more than one writer.
Gov. Gavin Newsom reportedly mulls commuting all California death sentences
Newsom has discussed with his advisors reducing death row inmates’ sentences to life in prison without parole, according to the New York Times.
Federal audit: California Volunteers mismanaged $10.8M in AmeriCorps grants
A federal watchdog recommended AmeriCorps claw back $4.8 million from the California agency, and disallow another $6 million in costs.
Your guide to California’s lieutenant governor race
Democrat Fiona Ma and Republican Gloria Romero are running against each other in the Nov. 3 race.
Your voter guide to the race for California secretary of state
Incumbent Democrat Shirley Weber faces Republican challenger Donald Wagner in the November 3 election.
Newsom reflects on testy relations with press after signing local news bill
AB 2222, which grants refundable tax credits to eligible news organizations, goes into effect in January.
California to ban child marriage in 2027 after Gov. Gavin Newsom signs law
California will now join 17 other states that ban all marriages under 18.
Electroshock gloves, mask bans: Newsom signs 21 bills to curb ICE in California
The newly signed laws range from bans on electroshock gloves to new taxes on private detention facilities.
Your guide to the California attorney general’s race
Rob Bonta and Michael Gates are running for a four-year term as California’s top cop.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signs reform laws targeting repeat drunk drivers
The four bills strengthen penalties for drivers with multiple DUI convictions.
Your guide to the California state treasurer’s race
Democrat Eleni Kounalakis and Republican Jennifer Hawks are running in the Nov. 3 election.
Gov. Gavin Newsom announces experts to lead AI oversight group
The four leaders each have ties to academic, Big Tech, and the Obama and Biden administrations.
Newsom moves to link California carbon credits market with Washington state
The regulatory process is expected to finalize in 2027.
Gov. Gavin Newsom touts California climate response as Super El Niño approaches
Newsom spoke with European Union Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra on Tuesday during New York’s Climate Week.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signs ‘most comprehensive data center laws’ in US
The California governor signed more than half a dozen bills regulating water and electricity use from the facilities.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signs more than a dozen anti-election inference measures
“We have no bigger task than fighting to protect the right to vote from interference and meddling – the future of democracy is on the line,” Newsom said.
‘If Congress won’t act, California will.’ Newsom signs orders on AI safety rules
The California governor‘s executive order directs the state to adopt AI safety rules, including a potential “kill switch.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom mulls further action, special session on more AI guardrails
The governor told Politico he is considering an executive order or calling a special session on AI.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signs California law to ban AI-actors in ads without disclosure
SB 1050 makes it a misdemeanor for companies to use AI actors without disclosing it in ads.
Newsom teases more AI safety regulations after Anthropic researcher’s resignation
The California governor spoke at a YouTube event one day after an AI researcher said the technology could wipe out humanity by 2030.
Federal judge indefinitely blocks Trump’s mail-in ballot rules
The Boston-based federal judge’s ruling came a day after California AG Rob Bonta and other states argued for a preliminary injunction.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signs California bill to include men in suicide prevention efforts
AB 1956 requires the state Office of Suicide Prevention to include men in its prevention efforts.
Gov. Gavin Newsom launches ‘Made in California’ product label
Manufacturers must produce at least 51% of their products in-state to qualify.
Gavin Newsom to travel to Deep South on campaign, voting rights tour
The outgoing governor will visit Alabama, North Carolina and South Carolina.
