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California lawmakers have tried and failed five times since 2022 to regulate technology that tracks license plates. Meanwhile, a national backlash against the tech has gained momentum. A protester holds a sign while demonstrating on the corner of Broadway and 14th Street in Oakland on Aug. 20, 2026. Protesters gathered to call for a ban on automated license plate reader technology.

California lawmakers have tried and failed five times since 2022 to regulate technology that tracks license plates. Meanwhile, a national backlash against the tech has gained momentum. A protester holds a sign while demonstrating on the corner of Broadway and 14th Street in Oakland on Aug. 20, 2026. Protesters gathered to call for a ban on automated license plate reader technology.

California kills bill regulating Flock cameras even as public rage grows

September 18, 2026

Data for sale.

Data for sale.

Who’s buying your personal data: Disney, GM, your insurer and bank — here’s what they get

September 17, 2026

The Golden Dome is a planned multilayer missile defense system for the United States.

The Golden Dome is a planned multilayer missile defense system for the United States.

Defense tech has unleashed a new weapons boom in Southern California

September 12, 2026

The Department of Motor Vehicles in Fresno on Dec. 13, 2022.

The Department of Motor Vehicles in Fresno on Dec. 13, 2022.

Steve Hilton: Abolish the DMV

September 11, 2026

Medicaid cuts stand to hit everyone (yes, even you). Here’s why

September 9, 2026

The Glen Canyon Dam at Lake Powell.

The Glen Canyon Dam at Lake Powell.

Band-Aid, not a cure — federal Colorado River plan leaves states guessing every two years

September 3, 2026

Handguns on display at a gun shop in California on July 12, 2022.

Handguns on display at a gun shop in California on July 12, 2022.

In California’s biggest cities, Turner’s Outdoorsman is a top source of crime guns

August 28, 2026

A rooftop view of the January 2025 Palisades Fire.

A rooftop view of the January 2025 Palisades Fire.

Forest fires follow roads. The Trump administration wants to build more

August 22, 2026

Gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra speaks at the California Democratic convention in San Francisco on Feb. 21, 2026.

Gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra speaks at the California Democratic convention in San Francisco on Feb. 21, 2026.

Xavier Becerra gets to play it safe in the race for governor, and he isn’t making promises

August 21, 2026

Almost nowhere in California is building enough, according to the state — here’s why

August 15, 2026

The remaining structure of a building burned from the Eaton Fire in Altadena. Jan. 8, 2025.

The remaining structure of a building burned from the Eaton Fire in Altadena. Jan. 8, 2025.

Newsom makes last-minute push to help California utilities facing wildfire bills

August 13, 2026

Gil Barel moves the blinds up to let in more light into her living room in Pasadena on Aug. 2, 2026. Barel is currently not living in her apartment because of the Eaton Fire of January 2025.

Gil Barel moves the blinds up to let in more light into her living room in Pasadena on Aug. 2, 2026. Barel is currently not living in her apartment because of the Eaton Fire of January 2025.

Why insurance matters to renters, landlords and California

August 6, 2026