The Latest Breaking News from California

Facebook and Instagram could change forever as Zuckerberg faces his day in court

A huge Meta trial is starting Tuesday in a California federal court

The Independent UK · Aug 18

“I wouldn’t, probably help you": President Donald Trump tells 10-year-old rescued by teen lifeguard he “wouldn’t” have risked his life to save him

In a remarkable display of courage, 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams saved Nathanial Rai, a young boy, from perilous waters at the California beach. Their heroic rescue, which gained significant attention after going viral, caught the eye of President Donald Trump, who invited both to the White House. Williams emphasized his…

The Times of India · Aug 18

'What you did was incredible': Trump meets California's teenage lifeguard and the boy he rescued

US President Donald Trump on Monday (local time) met a teenage lifeguard and the boy he rescued off the California coast, praising the rescue and the boy’s composure during the ordeal as “incredible.”

The Times of India · Aug 18

Why a vote on taxing California’s billionaires is being watched around the world

In November, California will vote on a proposal to levy a one-off 5% tax on the wealth of all billionaires in the state.

The Conversation · Aug 17

‘Only idiot startup founders stay in Cali’: Mark Cuban rips Ro Khanna on billionaire tax—reveals a rift between Democrats and their wealthy supporters

The business mogul fired shots at the Democratic economic patriot over concerns of taxing young startup companies out of California.

Fortune · Aug 17

Ethics Committee announces inquiry into California Rep. Jimmy Gomez

The House Ethics Committee announced Monday it is investigating Rep. Jimmy Gomez over sexual misconduct allegations, including “inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer.”  The California Democrat has been facing public allegations of misconduct for months, with the New York Post reporting in April that he was spotted in 2023…

Roll Call · Aug 17

California startup JetZero’s ‘manta ray’ plane could change air travel forever: 250-seat Z4 aims to fly 5,750 miles and use up to 50% less fuel

California startup JetZero is innovating the aviation industry with a new aircraft featuring a blended-wing-body design, aimed at accommodating 250 passengers while optimizing fuel efficiency. Partnering with Japan Airlines lends operational insights to this ambitious endeavor. The plan includes testing a full-scale prototype by 2027 and commencing commercial flights in…

The Economic Times · Aug 17

A California school has been sued after a field trip of students who were encouraged to wear hijab, given Qurans

Two Jewish parents, three former Jewish students, a Hindu parent and a Zoroastrian parent have sued Palo Alto Unified School District and Palo Alto High School principal Brent Kline after the students were encouraged to wear hijab and were given Qurans during what was supposed to be a field trip…

The Times of India · Aug 17

Five major floods followed Pajaro's 1949 levee construction; a 2023 breach sent water through homes within 3 hours and costing $300 million; UC Berkeley researchers are now recreating the watershed digitally to show how new barriers could change the next flood

Flood risk is hard to picture until water is inside your home. UC Berkeley researchers are building a digital twin of California’s Lower Pajaro River Valley to change that. The virtual model can show how floodwater may move through communities, what levee upgrades could change, and where climate change may…

The Economic Times · Aug 17

Tech billionaires Jack and Laura Dangermond donated $165 million to protect a stunning 24,000-acre stretch of California coastline visible from space

Jack and Laura Dangermond have made a monumental donation of $165 million to The Nature Conservancy, ensuring the permanent protection of the stunning 24,000-acre Cojo/Jalama Ranch. This property boasts eight miles of pristine coastline and a rich variety of ecosystems. Renowned for founding Esri, a leader in geographic information systems,…

The Economic Times · Aug 17