This year's 250th celebrations come at a tumultuous moment for the country, between economic uncertainty, foreign conflicts and political polarization.

With the start of the new fiscal year in California on Wednesday, dozens of laws take effect, including a zoning overhaul to boost denser housing development near transit, requirements for an all-gender bathroom in every school and streamlined rules for food labeling.

Div. One of the Court of Appeal for this district has affirmed the conviction of former movie producer Harvey Weinstein on three counts of felonious sexual misconduct, saying that the trial judge properly applied the state’s “rape shield law” which seeks to guard against character assassination of victims, but ordered a resentencing, with the concurrence of the Attorney General’s Office.

(Subscription required) Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a 2026-2027 state budget that includes a massive funding infusion for courthouse construction, extends the use of remote proceedings through 2031 and creates 13 new judgeships.