California Politics

Business

LGI Homes Bets on Solar and Upgrades in California Expansion, But Can It Recharge Investor Confidence?

LGI Homes deepens its California footprint with a new solar-equipped community near Modesto, bundling high-value upgrades to attract buyers. While the move underscores a strategic shift towards energy efficiency, analysts question its immediate impact on the homebuilder's strained margins and growth trajectory.

Feb 2, 2026

California's Billionaire Tax Debate: A New Front in the Battle Over Wealth and Power

A proposed wealth tax on California's ultra-rich has ignited a fierce debate, pitting tech billionaires against a coalition of millionaires who argue it's time for the wealthy to pay more. The fight echoes past battles over Silicon Valley's influence and raises questions about the state's economic future.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

ICE Detainer Filed in California Rape Case Tests Limits of Sanctuary Laws

Federal authorities have lodged an immigration detainer for a man charged with the brutal rape of an autistic teenager in Cathedral City, calling the case 'exceptionally heinous' and urging California officials to cooperate.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Peet's Coffee Trims Store Footprint in California Amid Corporate Restructuring

The iconic Berkeley-born coffee chain Peet's is closing dozens of locations across California, including in Southern California and the Bay Area, as part of a strategic realignment following its acquisition by Keurig Dr Pepper. The move, affecting hundreds of employees, has drawn sharp criticism from workers and union representatives.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

California's Housing Crunch: In Major Metros, Mortgages Now Devour Over Half of Paychecks

A new analysis reveals the stark reality of homeownership in California, where residents in its largest cities are spending a historically high share of income on housing, pushing the dream of owning a home out of reach for many.

Jan 30, 2026

US

RFK Jr. on Family Ties After Tragic Loss: A Kennedy Divide Widened by Politics and Personal Grief

In an exclusive interview, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. addresses the state of his relationship with cousin Caroline Kennedy following the death of her daughter, Tatiana Schlossberg, last December. The tragedy unfolds against a backdrop of deep political rifts within America's most storied political dynasty.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Afternoon Brief: Measles Outbreak Surges, Ancient Tomb Unearthed, and the Politics of a Caffeine Fix

From a record-breaking public health crisis in South Carolina to a stunning archaeological find in Mexico, here are the major developments you need to know this afternoon, alongside a look at how global politics is reshaping daily life from Havana to your local coffee shop.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Powell's Parting Advice: Navigating Politics and Policy as Warsh Prepares to Steer the Fed

As Jerome Powell prepares to hand over the reins, his public counsel to a successor underscores the delicate balance between central bank independence and democratic accountability. With Kevin Warsh named as his replacement, the Fed may be poised for a significant shift in philosophy and approach.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Long Island Financial Advisor Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Swindling California Couple Out of Over $1 Million

A former investment advisor with ties to major Wall Street firms has been sentenced to six years behind bars for orchestrating a million-dollar fraud scheme, using client funds to finance a luxury lifestyle that included high-end cars and country club memberships.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Geopolitics vs. Economics: Why Oil Giants Are Betting on Libya Over Venezuela

Despite political instability, Libya's low production costs and proximity to key markets are drawing major investment, while Venezuela's vast reserves remain hamstrung by economic and geopolitical hurdles.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Powell's Parting Counsel: In Final Stretch, Fed Chair Urges Successor to Steer Clear of Politics

With his term winding down, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell offered rare, pointed advice to his eventual successor during a recent press conference, emphasizing the imperative of maintaining the central bank's independence from political influence.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Jacobs Secures Major Low-Carbon Infrastructure Contracts Amid Market Skepticism

Jacobs Solutions lands pivotal roles in California wastewater upgrades and UK nuclear project, reinforcing its position in sustainable infrastructure despite shares trading below analyst targets.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Quantum Leap South: D-Wave Relocates HQ from Silicon Valley to Florida, Fueling Tech Exodus Debate

D-Wave Quantum Inc. announces the relocation of its headquarters and core R&D from Palo Alto, California, to Boca Raton, Florida, citing the state's business climate and partnership opportunities, in a move emblematic of a wider coastal tech migration.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Super Bowl Bets Shift: Prediction Markets Set to Capture Millions as Legal Sportsbooks Face Geographic Hurdles

As the Super Bowl kicks off in California—a state without legal sports betting—federally regulated prediction markets are positioned to siphon off a significant portion of wagering activity, potentially reaching record trading volumes this year.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

JPMorgan Adjusts Edison International Outlook Ahead of Q4 Earnings, Maintains Neutral Stance

JPMorgan raises Edison International's price target to $66, citing model updates ahead of earnings. The utility giant, noted for its sustainable high-yield dividend, continues to benefit from California's electrification trends and regulated investment framework.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

SunPower Installs First REC Monolith Panels in Silicon Valley, Signaling Strong Demand for Premium Solar Tech

SunPower has completed its inaugural installation of high-efficiency Monolith solar panels from REC Silicon in California's Santa Cruz, with local installer Cobalt Power Systems reporting immediate sell-out of initial inventory. The move comes amid surging demand from tech-savvy homeowners and follows SunPower's recent quarterly revenue growth.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Peet's Coffee to Shutter Dozens of Stores Nationwide, Citing Economic Headwinds

The iconic California-born chain Peet's Coffee is closing 27 locations, including outlets in Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach, as it navigates post-acquisition restructuring and a challenging market for mid-size coffee retailers.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

The Utah Banker Who Built a Wall: Marriner Eccles and the Battle for Fed Independence

As political pressure on the Federal Reserve intensifies, the legacy of Marriner Eccles—the Utah banker who architected its modern independence—offers a crucial lesson. A BYU expert explains why shielding monetary policy from politics remains vital for economic stability.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Amid Market Volatility, Middle Eastern Dividend Stocks Offer Yields Up to 6.3%

As regional stock markets face headwinds from easing oil prices and shifting geopolitics, income-focused investors are turning to dividend-paying companies for stability and yield. We examine three high-yield opportunities across the textile, banking, and financial sectors.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Global Fallout: New Epstein Document Dump Triggers Political Resignations, Diplomatic Tensions

The latest release of millions of pages from the Jeffrey Epstein investigations has sent shockwaves from European capitals to New Delhi, implicating figures in business, politics, and royalty, and forcing governments into damage control.

Feb 2, 2026