The Latest Breaking News from California

Lyft and Uber drivers protest over rise of self-driving robotaxis

Waymo is owned by Google’s parent company, Alphabet

The Independent UK · Jan 9

California is completely drought-free for the first time in 25 years

Some wet years and recent winter storms have helped bring the state out of drought after years of insufficient rainfall

The Guardian - US · Jan 9

Newsom faces another multibillion-dollar budget shortfall in his last year as California governor

California Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration says Friday the state is facing a $2.9 billion budget deficit

The Independent UK · Jan 9

Celebrities Are Buying Homes in This Surprising City — See How Much It Costs

La Quinta, California, a small city in the Coachella Valley roughly two hours from Los Angeles, is emerging as a luxury real estate stronghold.

GOBankingRates · Jan 9

Culture War Politics Have Been Costly for This California Town

Huntington Beach's elected officials are pursuing performative MAGA policymaking and keep losing in the courts.

Reason · Jan 9

Vembu’s lawyer claims $1.7 billion bond order ‘invalid’, Pramila’s lawyer says it remains in force

On January 8, 2026, The News Minute published an exclusive story reporting a California court’s order directing Zoho co-founder Sridhar Vembu to post a $1.7 billion bond to protect his ex-wife Pramila Srinivasan’s rights in their ongoing divorce case.

Newslaundry · Jan 9

North Carolina may lose $50M in federal funds over flawed immigrant trucker licenses

The U.S. Transportation Department says North Carolina could lose nearly $50 million in federal funding if the state doesn’t revoke commercial driver’s licenses from immigrants who aren't qualify to hold them

The Independent UK · Jan 8

Google billionaire Larry Page copies the Jeff Bezos playbook, buying a $173 million Miami compound that will save him millions in taxes

Critics warned a wealth tax in California would lead to a billionaire exodus. Florida says come on in, the water's warm.

Fortune · Jan 8

California Rep. Julie Brownley is latest Democrat to retire

Democratic Rep. Julia Brownley announced Thursday that she wouldn’t seek reelection, opening up a deep-blue Southern California seat.

Roll Call · Jan 8

Can California’s New Immigrant Laws Help — and Hold Up in Court?

Experts are watching whether state protections can help shield immigrants from Trump’s crackdown and survive legal challenges.

Capital & Main · Jan 8