The Latest Breaking News from California

California primary election 2026 today: Top candidates, where do I vote in California, polling place locator, complete voting guide

California's 14th Congressional District voters head to polls on August 18, 2026. State Senator Aisha Wahab and BART Board President Melissa Hernandez compete for the seat. The winner will serve the remainder of Eric Swalwell's congressional term. Both Democrats will also face each other in November for the full term.…

The Economic Times · Aug 18

Six housing policy measures are on the ballot in four states — the most in at least two decades

Welcome to the Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, Brew.

Ballotpedia · Aug 18

California woman donates $1 million to 100 teachers, with each receiving a surprise $9,161 check after learning they were underpaid in one of America’s wealthiest counties

A California woman has donated $1 million to 100 public school teachers after learning about low teacher pay and funding challenges in their district, giving each educator a surprise check worth $9,161.70. Marin County resident Maja Kristin made the donation to teachers in the Ross Valley School District, where educators…

The Times of India · Aug 18

California’s billionaires just poured $40 million into blocking a wealth tax that threatens to force them to pay 5% of their net worth

Billionaires have amassed a nine-figure war chest to defeat Proposition 40 as polls show California voters are nearly split on the one-time tax.

Fortune · Aug 18

Major Meta trial begins as lawyers spar over witnesses, damages

Facebook-parent Meta will defend itself in a landmark social media trial that begins Tuesday in California, where attorneys have sparred over witnesses and financial penalties. Dozens of US states sued four major tobacco companies for downplaying the harmful health impacts of their products, and won a 1998 landmark settlement that…

The Economic Times · Aug 18

A look at major lawsuits against Meta, other social media companies over harms to kids

In a federal trial beginning Tuesday in Oakland, California, the Instagram and Facebook parent company is fighting claims that it has contributed to the youth mental health crisis by deliberately designing features that get children addicted.

The Economic Times · Aug 18

Paramount seeks $1.88 billion bond from US state AGs over merger lawsuit

Paramount Skydance requested a bond from states challenging its Warner Bros Discovery merger. The company faces significant daily fees if the deal does not close by September 30. Legal challenges threaten the $110 billion acquisition, which requires regulatory approval. California and eleven states argue the merger would create a media…

The Economic Times · Aug 18

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