CALIFORNIA STATE BAR

Apr 30 2026WEATHER

California’s Summer: What to Expect When Weather Forecasts Can’t Be Sure

California’s summer weather for June to August looks set to lean warmer than usual, but don’t expect a clear trend in rain. The National Weather Service’s latest outlook calls it “equal chances” for precipitation, meaning anything—from dry patches to sudden downpours—could happen. The forecast relie

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Apr 29 2026POLITICS

California’s Billionaire Tax: A Bold Move or a Costly Mistake?

California is testing a new idea that might backfire. The state now has a “billionaire tax” on the ballot, pushed by union leaders who argue it will help fund public services. But the plan has already started a quiet exodus—not of the poor, but of some of the state’s wealthiest residents. Many had s

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Apr 27 2026BUSINESS

Napa’s Wine Scene Shifts: A Tasting Room Closes, Spirits Rise

Barber Cellars in Petaluma has announced that its downtown tasting room and cheese shop will shut down on June 5, after eleven years of serving guests with wine, food and laughter. The owners said the decision came from financial pressure in the current wine and tourism market, as well as personal h

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Apr 27 2026POLITICS

Who Should Really Lead California’s Insurance Reforms?

California’s insurance commissioner race might not grab headlines like governor or senator, but it plays a huge role in keeping homes, businesses, and the economy stable. For years, insurance companies struggled with wildfires, rising costs, and outdated rules that made it hard to adjust rates fairl

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Apr 25 2026OPINION

Living Costs Push Californians Westward

California has become expensive. Many people move away because homes, groceries, gas and taxes cost more than the national average. A recent study shows that those who leave tend to end up richer and own homes sooner than those who stay. The research from the California Policy Lab points out that

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Apr 23 2026EDUCATION

Schools in California face stronger rules on handling abuse cases

California’s top lawyer has sent a clear warning to every public school in the state. Rob Bonta, the Attorney General, used a recent legal notice to remind districts that sexual harassment and assault among students are not just bad behavior—they are illegal. The message is simple: schools must act

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Apr 22 2026POLITICS

Why Michelle Obama’s Hair Was Never Just About Hair

Barron Trump’s turn to register for military service under new rules didn’t come as a surprise—nearly every American man his age faces the same requirement. But unlike his father’s comments about Olympic teams and college sports, this shift quietly folded into a much bigger conversation about milita

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Apr 21 2026POLITICS

Prediction Markets: Who Gets to Tax Them?

States want to raise money from online prediction sites, but they’re not sure what those sites actually are. The debate centers on whether the sites should be treated like sports betting, financial derivatives, or something else entirely. If they’re seen as gambling, states could tax them the sam

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Apr 21 2026WEATHER

Cold Weather and Pollen Alert for Staten Island

Staten Island residents can expect a sharp temperature dip after Monday’s brief showers. The National Weather Service says it will be partly sunny in the morning, with a high around 54°F. At night, the temperature will plunge nearly 20 degrees, settling near 34°F by Tuesday morning. Sunlight

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Apr 20 2026WEATHER

Spring Weather Switch: Rain, Wind, and Allergies Hit Staten Island

Staten Island is about to face a spring mood swing this week. After a taste of warm 80-degree days last week, the upcoming forecast is bringing it back to typical spring unpredictability. Rain showers are expected to roll in starting Sunday, kicking off a stretch of days that feel more like April th

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