Golden State Today

Dan Ransom, a staff member celebrated for his selflessness and mentorship and described as a devoted father, died on July 27 at the age of 48.

California seizes over two million illicitly packaged cannabis products

A recent operation in Los Angeles led by the Governor’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce successfully seized over 2 million cannabis packages that were illegally marked with a forged California seal, undermining the safety and integrity of the state’s regulated cannabis industry. Much of the packaging resembled popular food and candy brands that could appeal to children, including items resembling Twinkies and Sweet Tarts.

California superintendent urges restrictions on student cell phone use

State Superintendent Thurmond Calls for Restrictions on Cell Phone Use in Schools

Governor Newsom urges immediate restriction of cell phones in California classrooms

As schools across California prepare for the new academic year, Governor Gavin Newsom has urged all school districts to immediately restrict cell phone use in classrooms. In a letter addressed to educational leaders, Newsom highlighted the mental health, scholastic, and social risks associated with smartphone use during school hours.

California political committees that received the most contributions during week ending Aug. 10

By Golden State Today | Aug 12, 2024

Here are the 50 California political committees that received the largest financial contributions during the week ending Aug. 10.

California Secretary of State launches 2024 ballot bowl

By Golden State Today | Aug 12, 2024

Sacramento, Calif. - The California University and College Ballot Bowl commenced today. Hosted by the California Secretary of State Students Vote Project (SVP), the Ballot Bowl is a competition where California Community Colleges, California State Universities, University of California campuses, and Independent Colleges and Universities vie to register the most students to vote and highlight civic engagement efforts. The SVP organizes the Ballot Bowl in even-numbered years for the general election.

Attorney General supports CFPB proposal against reporting medical debts

By Golden State Today | Aug 12, 2024

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has expressed support for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) Proposed Rule to prohibit the reporting of medical debt on credit reports. This rule aims to provide relief for millions of Americans burdened by unexpected or inaccurate medical bills. Earlier this year, Bonta, alongside Senator Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) and various consumer advocacy organizations, introduced SB 1061, legislation designed to protect consumers from having their credit adversely affected by medical debt.

Governor Newsom celebrates Caltrain's new electrified train fleet

By Golden State Today | Aug 10, 2024

Caltrain’s newly electrified train fleet received more than $1.3 billion in state funding and is a key component of California high-speed rail.

California Secretary releases updated voter registration report

Sacramento, Calif. – Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., released the latest Report of Registration today, reflecting data as of July 5, 2024. The report indicates that a total of 22,171,899 Californians are registered to vote, representing 82.43% of eligible voters. This is a slight decrease from the 83.49% recorded at the same point before the general election four years ago.

Governor Newsom and high-speed rail CEO to celebrate Caltrain electrification

SAN FRANCISCO – On Saturday, Governor Gavin Newsom and California High-Speed Rail Authority’s incoming CEO, Ian Choudri, will join federal, state, and local leaders to celebrate the debut of Caltrain’s new electrified train fleet.

California partners with NVIDIA on groundbreaking artificial intelligence initiative

California has announced a new initiative in collaboration with NVIDIA to expand artificial intelligence (AI) tools and resources, primarily targeting students, educators, and workers within community colleges. This partnership aims to train individuals in AI, support job creation, and leverage AI technology to address various challenges.

Experts discuss emotional themes in 'Inside Out 2' during Berkeley Talks

There’s a scene toward the end of the new Pixar film Inside Out 2 where the main character, 13-year-old Riley, is having a panic attack in the penalty box at a hockey match. She’s just been reprimanded for tripping an opponent in frustration. On the outside, she’s seen sitting in the small space while grasping at her chest and neck, breathing in and out, faster and faster. On the inside, the character Anxiety, one of Riley’s newest emotions, is spinning in a glitchy loop at her brain’s control board.

Governor Newsom aids cleanup of homeless encampments in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES — Following Governor Newsom’s recent executive order directing state agencies to urgently address homeless encampments with dignity and compassion, the Governor participated in cleaning up multiple sites in Los Angeles County through the state’s Clean California initiative.

Average VA IRRRL loan amount in California increases from Q1 to Q2

The average VA interest rate reduction refinance loan (IRRRL) amount in California during the second quarter of fiscal year 2024 was $569,530, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Analysis: California among 25 states that allow boys to play girls’ high school sports

As President Biden revealed new rules regarding Title IX protections in April of 2024, which redefined “sex” to include “gender-identity,” an analysis by Golden State Today shows that California is one of 25 states that allow boys to play in girls’ high school sports.

California High-Speed Rail appoints Ian Choudri as new CEO

Governor Newsom welcomes new CEO of California High-Speed Rail

San Diego welcomes first giant pandas in over two decades

Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom celebrated the public debut of two giant pandas at the San Diego Zoo today as Panda Ridge officially opened to visitors.

Secretary Weber launches podcast series celebrating Freedom Summer's 60th anniversary

Sacramento, Calif. – Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., has released a summer podcast series through her Promote the Vote California initiative, celebrating the 60th anniversary of Freedom Summer.

California Secretary of State announces inaugural research symposium on voting

The California Secretary of State’s Office will host its inaugural Research Symposium on voting and elections in California. The event, led by Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., aims to gather scholars and researchers to discuss issues influencing the future of democracy in the state.

Police respond to reports of shots fired near UC Berkeley