Gov. Newsom today approved $25 million for anticipated legal challenges against the Trump administration, positioning California to once again lead the resistance to the MAGA movement — just as the state is seeking federal assistance 📝 Alexei Koseff

Campaign finance investigators allege that former Asm. Evan Low — who raised Big Tech money for a foundation co-managed by his chief of staff — then received non-monetary donations from that foundation for his re-election campaign 📝 Yue Stella Yu

Commentary: President Donald Trump’s intrusion into California’s long-running conflict over water management – essentially favoring farmers over wildlife habitat – has drawn massive media and political attention. 📝 Dan Walters

While some are characterizing Donald Trump’s second presidency as one with “a lack of dissidence” so far, residents across California rallied together this week to protest the administration’s pledges to conduct mass deportations. 📝 Lynn La

The state’s emergency dashboard hasn’t been updated to reflect any new cases since Jan. 15. That’s good. Of course, the crisis is not confined to California. 📝 Lynn La 📸 Miguel Gutierrez Jr.

Earlier this week most of Cal/OSHA’s remaining rules for employers regarding COVID-19 protections expired. One rule, however, will remain until next year: 📝 Lynn La 📸 Pablo Unzueta

Commentary: President Donald Trump denounced California’s bullet train for the project’s delays and rising costs on Tuesday, and said his administration would investigate how billions of federal and state dollars have been spent. 📝 Dan Walters

Commentary: The fires have done their damage. Now comes the test of leadership. It will separate those seeking to make hay from the tragedy from those dedicated to the region’s welfare. 📝 Jim Newton

About a quarter — 25.3% — of all new cars registered in California in 2024 were electric cars, compared with 25% in 2023. The flat sales follow several years of rapid growth, and sales are still far below the state’s 35% target. 📝 Alejandro Lazo

📺 Watch: As wildfires burn through Los Angeles County, experts warn of their long-term impact on homelessness. Past disasters, like the 2017 Tubbs Fire, showed how housing shortages lead to rising costs and displacement. #socalmatters

After months of speculation that he would run for governor in 2026, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said he will instead seek reelection for another four-year term as the state’s chief lawyer. 📝 Lynn La 📸 Fred Greaves

Some CA Republicans have capitalized on the country’s new GOP administration by introducing (or reintroducing) legislation that they say align with President Trump’s policies. The bills are about private school, voter ID and taxes on tips 📝 Lynn La

The ages of 16 to 24 are critical years for long-term financial independence and success. What is California doing to set its young people up for success? Join us for a panel discussion and lunch in LA on Feb. 25. Register for this free event:

Commentary: As required by law, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s budget staff this week posted initial drafts of 59 bills they say would be needed to implement the 2025-26 state budget that Newsom proposed a few weeks ago. That’s a polite fiction. 📝 Dan Walters

Commentary: The inability of state leaders to resist the oil and gas lobby and transition to clean energy and resilience left Los Angeles — and so many other communities — more vulnerable to supercharged natural disasters 📝 Mary Creasman & Mike Young

Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire proposed Tuesday that state firefighters work year-round in place of the seasonal workforce the agency currently staffs for nine months each year. 📝 Sameea Kamal

With its distinctive mid-century modern architecture, the Palm Springs airport has been a city landmark since it opened in 1966. The master plan, approved Jan. 23, tries to preserve that character while doubling the number of passengers 📝 Deborah Brennan

📺 Watch: As wildfires devastate communities, California faces tough choices on rebuilding. Nearly half of new homes in recent decades were built in fire-prone areas. Despite calls for stricter regulations, development continues... #socalmatters

RT @DanCALmatters: New column: One of California's new 'trailer bills' has origins in Capitol's long history of closed-door politics https:…

RT @ByrhondaLyons: Here’s the backstory on this LAHSA lawsuit. S/O to our attorneys. 🙂 Tap in if you want to stay in the loop. https://t.c…