The state budget cut $5.5 million for school libraries. That money pays online fees for student research materials at school libraries.

The feds want to shift more money to homeless shelters that require sobriety, which could cost California nearly $238 million for permanent housing and put nearly 15,000 Californians back on the street.

Democratic leaders in California agree that speeding up the vote count would be nice. But they refuse to pursue any changes that would decrease voter access despite voter frustration with the slow trickle of results.

State lawmakers’ budget plan would reject or delay many of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s social service cuts. Now, the budget negotiations begin in earnest.

Though the report names six high-risk systems in use today, California state agencies have used some for several years.

Tom Steyer wrote a concession letter to his supporters, which he posted on X, saying it was clear he lacked the votes needed to make the runoff in November.

The Associated Press determined that Hilton had a big enough lead over Steyer to move on, predicting that Hilton would join Becerra on the Nov. 3 General Election ballot. The AP on Friday declared that Becerra had enough votes to move forward.

The top-two primary election law designed to encourage moderates was approved by California voters. But in most races, it ends in a conventional Democrat vs. Republican ballot, prompting complaints the 16-year-old law should be scrapped.

The June 4 totals, with an estimated 60% of the ballot counted, offered no mathematical or statistical reason to believe that third-place candidate Tom Steyer will be on the November runoff ballot.

As the counting progressed, the Becerra-Hilton battle settled into a steady pattern, as the pair widened their gap over Tom Steyer to nearly 300,000 votes.

Liberal billionaire Tom Steyer put up $216 million to fund his campaign for governor. All together, more than 200 candidates have contributed about a quarter billion dollars of their own money this year. 

Wednesday morning it seemed very likely that Hilton would be Becerra’s November rival, and just as likely that the former congressman, attorney general and Biden administration cabinet member would succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The independent Emerson College poll of likely voters showed that Becerra, who was among the also-rans at 4% in early April, is now clearly leading the race for governor at 28%.

Billionaires, Big Oil and other interests spent big to influence the California governor’s race. Here are five key takeaways: Outside money shatters records. Mahan fizzles out. Steyer personal spending breaks records. Swalwell donors flock to Becerra. Republican Steve Hilton has the most donors.

About 40% of California’s community college courses are online now, redefining education. These courses are more accessible, college officials say, but they come with serious drawbacks.

Billionaire Tom Steyer is paying influencers to boost his $200 million California governor campaign. Some didn’t disclose it. A state law offers little accountability.