Greg Micek

Joe Stephenshaw, California Director of Finance, delivers the 2026-27 budget proposal presentation on Jan. 9, 2026.

California faces a gloomy budget year, but not as bleak as some expected

Chris Nichols, Greg Micek, Gerardo Zavala, Laura Fitzgerald

California faces a $2.9 billion budget deficit for the next fiscal year, one that’s drastically smaller than an $18 billion shortfall forecast last fall, according to Governor Gavin Newsom’s January budget proposal released on Friday.

Several dozen demonstrators gathered on the corner of 16th and J Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in downtown Sacramento as part of a nationwide day of demonstrations opposing U.S. military intervention in Venezuela.

Politics & Government

U.S. military action in Venezuela sparks political backlash, protests in California

Gerardo Zavala, Greg Micek

U.S. military strikes in Venezuela over the weekend have triggered sharp backlash from Democratic lawmakers and concern among immigrant communities, even as some Republicans praised the operation.

A CalFire plane drops fire retardant on the Jones Fire near Nevada City, Tuesday, August 18, 2020.

Wildfire

California’s red line of fire defense faces growing scrutiny

Greg Micek

As California enters the height of wildfire season, Cal Fire aircraft are once again painting red lines across dry hillsides with a substance known as PHOS-CHEK. The fire retardant is used to slow or stop advancing flames. But growing questions about its safety for the environment and for people are prompting scrutiny.