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Federal judge tosses Trump lawsuit over young trans athletes in California school sports
In a major LGBTQ+ rights victory, the justice department cannot force the state to ban trans girls from women’s sports
Should California Backfill Science Funding After Trump Cuts? Voters Could Decide in 2028
Last year the White House suspended or cancelled more than 1,000 California science grants. This bond measure would restore some of that funding.
California lawmakers kill wildfire bill after utility complaints
Legislation that would have helped wildfire victims receive compensation more quickly, but that utilities said didn’t do enough to reduce their financial risks, died in Sacramento after the Assembly declined to vote on it.
Jared Freid finds his comedy calling in new Netflix hour 'The Family Plan'
Jared Freid’s new Netflix hour, “The Family Plan,” turns a beach blowup with his dad into a sharply observed, big-hearted look at boomer-millennial family warfare and reconciliation.
USA TODAY Sports Super 10 California flag football rankings, Week 2
After flag football kicked off in California, see which teams top the rankings this week.
Stan Kroenke buys Angels, ending Arte Moreno's troubled tenure
Rams owner Stan Kroenke has purchased the Angels, marking the end of owner Arte Moreno's tenure and Kroenke's first move into Major League Baseball.
'Reasonable' Consumers Know They Don't Own Digital Downloads, Sony Says
The company was responding to a suit accusing it of violating California law.
Should California backfill science funding Trump cut? Voters could decide in 2028
Last year the Trump administration cut more than 1,000 California science research grants. A bond measure would restore some of that funding.
Should California backfill science funding Trump cut? Voters could decide in 2028
This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. A California science bond measure to counter the Trump administration’s research cuts is back from the dead after state lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom reached a deal last week to place the $7.5 billion request to voters on the March 2028 ballot. Senate […]
Tahoe Chamber launches four-part ‘Level UP: AI for Small Business’ webinar series
LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — Tahoe Chamber is launching a new four-part Level UP: AI for Small Business Webinar Series, designed to help local business owners move beyond the buzz around artificial intelligence and learn practical...
The Huntington acquires vast Integratron archive
The Huntington has acquired a vast Integratron archive chronicling creator George Van Tassel, UFO encounters and a unique chapter of California history.
Big Ideas Lab podcast takes on the science of scale-up
Rechargeable lithium batteries trace back to 1972, but they wouldn't reach consumer products until 1991. Solar photovoltaic cells existed in the 1950s, long before solar panels appeared on rooftops. And the MRI was demonstrated in the 1970s, years before the machines became hospital staples. In each case, the core scientific principles had been proven. The difficult part was scaling them into technologies people could reliably use. The average disruptive technology takes roughly 35 years to cross that divide. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) scientists are trying to compress
Transcat expands biomedical business with $12.8M acquisition
Transcat expands its biomedical calibration business with a $12.8 million acquisition of Southeastern Biomedical Associates in North Carolina, extending its reach in the Southeast.
California Legislature to vote on wildfire reforms after blocking Newsom's plan
Newsom's failure to get his full plan passed marked a rare loss for the governor
LZ Sees Surprising Result in Search for Dark Matter
Key Takeaways Dark matter is the mysterious substance that accounts for the vast majority of matter in our universe. LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) is a world-leading dark matter detector and specializes in searching for WIMPs, or weakly interacting massive particles. A new LZ study found one particle interaction that is difficult to explain with known background processes and could potentially have been caused by a WIMP. LZ continues to run to see if additional data strengthens or weakens the hint of a dark matter interaction. For the better part of a century, people have been trying to understand dark matter. This invisible substance makes up roughly 85% of the mass in the universe but has never been directly detected. Determining exactly what it is remains one of the biggest questions about our world. Now, a new analysis from the LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) experiment has recorded a single particle interaction that researchers have great difficulty explaining with known background signals from normal matter. The result does not yet meet the statistical threshold required to claim a discovery, but is the most compelling hint of dark matter reported by the experiment to date. LZ is an international collaboration of 250 scientists and engineers from 39 institutions. The detector is managed by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) and operates nearly one mile below ground at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in South Dakota. The experiment uses 10 tonnes of ultrapure liquid xenon to search for dark matter and is optimized to look for WIMPs, or weakly interacting massive particles. The results were presented in a scientific talk at the 2026 TeV Particle Astrophysics conference in Japan. The paper will be released on the online repository arXiv and submitted to the journal Physical Review Letters. “We’re very intrigued to see this event in the data, in the region where we expect dark matter to show up and the competing backgrounds are very low,” said Rick Gaitskell, a professor at Brown University and the spokesperson for LZ. “With only one event, we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves. We are not claiming to have seen dark matter. But we have seen something interesting that we want to share with the scientific community for their input.” The LZ collaboration studies experimental data in batches. In the new result, researchers analyzed 220 live days of data collected between March 2023 and April 2024. The collaboration had previously searched this dataset for faint signals from the simplest kinds of WIMP interactions. The new analysis searched for a broader range of possible WIMP interactions that could deposit more energy in the detector. LZ is particularly sensitive to such signals while also minimizing false positives. “This was a detailed study in a region we hadn’t explored within this dataset, and we spent months of additional effort to understand all the possible causes of background events,” said Sam Eriksen, a senior research associate at the University of Bristol in the U.K. and lead author of the study. “We understand our detector and the backgrounds so well that even a single outstanding event, like the one we found, is important. We expect dark matter events to be extremely rare, so only a handful could mark the first detection of WIMP dark matter.” If the anomalous event was caused by dark matter, the WIMP that generated it would likely have a mass of at least 200 GeV/c2 (gigaelectronvolts), or more than 200 times the mass of a proton. It would also suggest a specific type of interaction between WIMPs and ordinary matter beyond the simplest model. The LZ results have not reached “5-sigma” significance, the statistical threshold considered a discovery in physics. The new analysis is 2.6 sigma, meaning there is approximately a 0.5% chance that the event could be explained by known backgrounds. With additional data, researchers can test whether the finding continues to grow in significance or fades away. LZ has already accumulated the world’s largest dark matter dataset and will continue to accrue WIMP search data at SURF, substantially improving their search statistics. LZ searches for dark matter by looking for signature flashes of light from energy deposited in the detector. The collaboration leverages multiple methods to prevent or account for particle interactions caused by normal matter. This includes the mile of rock that shields the detector from cosmic rays from space, a water tank and outer detectors that protect the central detector from background neutrons, and a suite of computational tools that disentangle particle interactions and reject dark matter mimics. “Outlier events in the data are not unexpected, but they usually stand out as a background of some kind when you look at them deeper,” said Aaron Manalaysay, a physicist at Berkeley Lab and the chair of LZ’s Institutional Board. “This is the first example in any experiment I’ve worked on of an outlier that appears valid in every way. Of course, we’re still twisting our brains trying to think if there’s a rare background mechanism we could’ve missed, but it’s thrilling to wonder if this could be the first hint of a dark-matter observation.” LZ is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of High Energy and Nuclear Physics, and the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center, a DOE Office of Science user facility. LZ is also supported by the Science & Technology Facilities Council of the United Kingdom; the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology; the Swiss National Science Foundation; the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics; and the Institute for Basic Science, Korea. Thirty-nine institutions of higher education and advanced research provided support to LZ. The LZ collaboration acknowledges the assistance of the Sanford Underground Research Facility. ### Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) is committed to groundbreaking research focused on discovery science and solutions for abundant and reliable energy supplies. The lab’s expertise spans materials, chemistry, physics, biology, earth and environmental science, mathematics, and computing. Researchers from around the world rely on the lab’s world-class scientific facilities for their own pioneering research. Founded in 1931 on the belief that the biggest problems are best addressed by teams, Berkeley Lab and its scientists have been recognized with 17 Nobel Prizes. Berkeley Lab is a multiprogram national laboratory managed by the University of California for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. DOE’s Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit energy.gov/science.
Could humans ever communicate with whales?
Ever since the earliest known recording of whale song was made in 1949, researchers have been captivated by the wails, rumbles, clicks, grunts and squeals of their communication. As technology improves, scientists are decoding the intricate patterns that make different species’ vocalisations distinctive. Madeleine Finlay hears from Emma Bryce, a journalist who has spent months investigating human efforts to understand whale song. She explains how this knowledge could help us better protect whales from human-made harms.Credits:1. Valeria Vergara/Raincoast Conservation Foundation2. Footage courtesy of Raincoast Conservation Foundation - Obtained for research under SARA permit XMMS 4 20263. Video by Amanda Cotton/Project CETI4. Footage courtesy of Valeria Vergara and GREMM. Obtained for research under SARA permits QUE-MM02-2016 and QUE-LEP-001-20185. Project CETI6. Project CETI
Calmatters: Should California Backfill Science Funding Trump Cut? Voters Could Decide In 2028
CalMatters
A New Adventure With A Familiar Name: The New Tudor Northflag GMT
The new Tudor Northflag M9140G1A0U-0001 with a GMT function. Powered by caliber MT5652-U. Retail price €5,100
California to buy defunct horse track and turn it into the Bay Area's newest public park
California lawmakers struck a deal to divert $125 million in climate funding to buy the former Golden Gate Fields track and turn it into a park
Who is Rob Bonta? The AG at the heart of some of the biggest legal battles in business
California’s attorney general is angling for broader changes to the social media industry after a massive settlement with Meta.
$7.5-billion California science bond measure awaits Newsom’s sign-off
California lawmakers sent a $7.5-billion science research bond measure to Gov. Gavin Newsom. If signed, it would go before voters on the March 2028 ballot.
Trump calls for federal tax incentives to revive U.S. film industry
President Trump on Monday urged Congress to approve federal tax incentives aimed at reviving American film and television productions.
UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond, hires ex-Lakers exec Tim Harris
UCLA chancellor Julio Frenk announced on Monday that Martin Jarmond's tenure as UCLA athletic director is over, replacing him former Lakers executive Tim Harris.
810 Entertainment to Bring Food-Forward Dining, Bowling and Interactive Games to DOCO
— Northern California’s First 810 Entertainment Location Expected to Open Later this Year — Downtown Commons (DOCO) presented by Sutter Health today announced that 810 Entertainment plans to open a food-forward dining and social entertainment destination at the plaza later this year. With 16 locations nationwide, the new venue will mark 810 Entertainment’s Northern California […]
CDFW News | Del Norte County Razor Clam Fishery Opens After One-Month Closure Due to Public Health Hazard
California Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Meghan Hertel has opened the recreational razor clam fishery in Del Norte County following a recommendation from state health agencies that domoic acid no longer poses a significant threat to human health if consumed.
Owen Thiele and Jack Innanen on their slow-burn romance in 'Adults' Season 2
The actors spoke about their characters' big moment in the Season 2 finale of the comedy, the alternate ending they taped and where their relationship might go in Season 3.
Dolly Parton's estate announces Dollyfest, a two-day celebration
Dollyfest was originally set for January 2026 — around Parton's 80th birthday — but the star paused plans after experiencing health challenges in August 2025, according to her estate's press release.
Visual effects artist Phil Tippett shutters Berkeley studio
Phil Tippett, the designer behind many of Hollywood's iconic aliens and dinosaurs, is shuttering his visual effects studio in Berkeley.
John Galliano's Met Gala 2027 exhibit canceled after backlash
Fashion designer John Galliano pays the price, again, for racist outbursts that upended his career more than a decade ago. His Met Gala 2027 exhibit has been canceled.
Sony Argues in Court That Digital Games Can't Be Owned
The PlayStation maker is fighting a California class action over "Buy Now" buttons, and has asked the judge to send the case to arbitration.
The best movies, TV, books, arts and concerts to spice up fall
A look at our most anticipated picks for fall entertainment, from movies like "Wild Horse Nine" to "Digger" to "Sense and Sensibility," to new versions of "Pride and Prejudice" and "A Different World" on TV and books about Whitney Houston and Corman McCarthy.
Column: California's fight against Trump's unhinged war on voting by mail
California could have some zany theater this fall: county prosecutors charging federal postmasters with felonies for obeying President Trump’s order to withhold delivery of mail ballots to voters.
California lawmakers greenlight a new San Diego sports arena, bypassing environmental hurdles
California leaders pushed through a controversial last-minute deal to protect the major project from environmental lawsuits.
California to get more power to sue big businesses under anti-monopoly bill going to Newsom
California prosecutors would gain new powers to sue big businesses over anti-competitive practices under a bill Democratic lawmakers sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Why Chris Hansen hasn't seen the new film about 'To Catch a Predator'
Chris Hansen walked out of a screening of A24's "Primetime" rather than sign an NDA. Now he's buying ads before the Robert Pattinson film, in theaters Sept. 25.
'Hercules' star Kevin Sorbo says California can keep its taxes, traffic and 'negativity': 'I'm done'
Naya Rivera’s son, Josey Dorsey, will make acting debut
Josey Dorsey, the 10-year-old son of Ryan Dorsey and the late Naya Rivera is making his film acting debut in "The Burning Valley" alongside his father.
Lawmakers send bills to Newsom shoring up ballot security, transparency for paid political posts
California lawmakers on Sunday approved bills aimed at preventing interference in this fall’s midterm elections and requiring more transparency from social media influencers who are paid by political campaigns.
Dolly Parton laid to rest in private Nashville funeral
Dolly Parton was laid to rest in a private Nashville service attended by immediate family following her death at age 80, her great-niece shared on Instagram.
49ers address offensive line questions with trade for Texans veteran
There’s no bigger question mark on the 49ers’ roster than the interior of the offensive line, where the competition at left guard was uninspiring and they lost the player brought...
Between Two Bruins: Daily Bruin Sports answers the top questions about the 2026 season
UCLA football is days away from opening the 2026 campaign against former Pac-12 rival California. Daily Bruin Sports gathered some of the biggest questions surrounding the squad in its first season under coach Bob Chesney.
California Antitrust Bill Narrowed After Business Pushback
California lawmakers have pared back a proposal that would expand the state’s antitrust law to cover anticompetitive conduct by individual companies,
Melinda French Gates, Olivia Rodrigo raise $20M from Daisy Chain Fields
Melinda French Gates is matching a $10 million donation after the success of Daisy Chain Fields, a benefit music festival held in Irvine, Calif., on Saturday.
Kalshi's head of research weighs in on election betting, possible regulations
Nicole Kagan, Kalshi's head of research, joined California 360 to explain the platform's purpose and safeguards.
Aisha Wahab prepares to transition from the California Senate to Congress
California State Sen. Aisha Wahab joined California Politics 360 to discuss her transition to Congress after winning the Bay Area’s special election to serve the remainder of former Rep. Eric Swalwell’s term following his resignation in April amid allegations of sexual assault and misconduct.
Fiona Ma explains why she should be California's next Lieutenant Governor
Fiona Ma, California’s state treasurer, is running for lieutenant governor and shared her vision for addressing economic challenges, housing shortages, and regulatory issues across the state in an interview on California Politics 360.
California Politics 360 full episode | Rep.-elect Aisha Wahab prepares for transition to US Capitol
State lawmakers have until Aug. 31 at midnight to change or create new laws for the year.
NASA Deep Space Network’s New Goldstone Antenna Goes Online
Long shadows are cast by the recently completed Deep Space Station 23 at the Deep Space Network’s Goldstone complex near Barstow, California, in August 2026.
NASA's Roman Space Telescope launches with JPL tech aboard
The $4.3-billion observatory will aid the search for "Earth twins" and explore the nature of dark matter and dark energy.
Ex-Chargers star Keenan Allen’s glassy eyes visible in DUI arrest mugshot
A copy of the NFL player's mugshot, obtained by The California Post, showed Allen seemed to have a glazed-over look on his face after he was taken into custody for allegedly driving drunk in Indiana.
McCarty: State needs stricter approach to behavioral health factor of homelessness
(FOX40.COM) — This week on Inside California Politics, host Nikki Laurenzo spoke with Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty. McCarty is a part of the California Big City Mayors coalition, which is made up…
McCarty: State needs stricter approach to behavioral health factor of homelessness
(FOX40.COM) — This week on Inside California Politics, host Nikki Laurenzo spoke with Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty. McCarty is a part of the California Big City Mayors coalition, which is made up…
Colorado Sues EarnIn For “Immoral, Unethical, Oppressive and Unscrupulous” Business Practices
Hey all, Jason here. When this hits your inbox, I should be en route to the airport — not to go anywhere myself, just to pick up my better half. I must admit, it’s been strange to be home alone (well, with two dogs) for two weeks! Really lets me “optimize” to spending more time on reading/writing/working, whether that’s healthy or not! Looking forward to getting back into a (somewhat) more balance routine. Subscribe or Support by Upgrading Compare Notes With the People Who Built Modern Fintech Partner content: Remitly CEO Sebastian Gunningham. Increase founder Darragh Buckley. Linda Du, Co-founder & President at Valon. They’ll unpack the decisions behind building and scaling major financial products: what they got right, what broke, what they would do differently, and how AI and new infrastructure are changing the operator playbook. Most events tell you where fintech is going. NerdCon puts the people who built the present in the room and asks them what comes next. Expect an operator-led conversation grounded in real products, real trade-offs and lessons earned the hard way. Fintech Business Weekly readers save 20% on Regular tickets with code FBW20 before standard pricing ends September 11. Meet the Builders Things To Know & Other Good Reads Advent and Stripe Abandon $50 Billion Pursuit of PayPal (Bloomberg) Trump Family’s New Crypto Bank Is Backed by Abu Dhabi Sheikh (Wall Street Journal) The multiplying risks of financing data centres (FT) Let the Bond Market Speak (Wall Street Journal) Did we waste a crisis? Modest proposals to reform deposit insurance. (Fintech Takes Banking) Untangling Guggenheim: How Private Credit Built Its Own Universe (Net Interest) The Hater’s Guide To Circular Financing — Part One (Ed Zitron) Fiat Ventures Rebrands to FGV Capital, Announces $35M Oversubscribed Fund II (BusinessWire) Socure Announces Strategic Growth Investment at $5.2B Valuation and Acquires Agentic Operations Platform Fravity (Socure) Listen: When Consumer Protection Disclosures Work Too Well (Consumer Finance Monitor Podcast) Colorado Sues EarnIn For “Immoral, Unethical, Oppressive and Unscrupulous” Business Practices When Andreessen Horowitz led EarnIn’s $39 million Series B in 2017, Alex Rampell, a partner at the storied venture capital firm, described EarnIn’s small-dollar advance product as “free,” relying on “entirely on voluntary contributions instead of fees.” Rampell favorably compared EarnIn’s approach to typical payday loans, writing, “Payday loans historically have had the potential to be a slippery slope for consumers into financial distress: opaque systems and steep fees that are hard to repay and set individuals back further than where they started. For many Americans living paycheck to paycheck, that kind of slide into debt can be extremely difficult to recover from.” But EarnIn’s product — which, the company says, isn’t a “loan,” legally speaking — ends up being anything but free for most users. While it is technically possible to take a no-fee advance from the company, most users incur “Lightning Speed” (instant funding) fees and/or ostensibly optional tips that combined can equate to annualized percent rates that can reach over 1,000%. With an average term of 9.77 days, even fees and tips that are small on an absolute dollar basis are equivalent to high APRs on an annualized basis. A lawsuit filed last week by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser against EarnIn describes the company and its product and business practices quite differently than Andreessen’s Rampell; “EarnIn’s business practices are unfair because they are immoral, unethical, oppressive and unscrupulous,” the complaint, filed in District Court in Denver, Colorado, says. EarnIn’s marquee product, Cash Out, isn’t a loan, the company says, as Cash Out is not “[f]orward [l]ooking” because “[t]he money is transferred based on earnings to date,” does not carry a mandatory fee to access funds, and is “non-recourse,” meaning EarnIn cannot pursue recovery from users who don’t repay advanced funds. EarnIn is sometimes referred to as an “Earned Wage Advance” service. Though, unlike some others in the broader category, EarnIn does not integrate with employers’ payroll or time and attendance systems. Rather, EarnIn attempts to verify a user’s income and employment, by examining direct deposit transaction data in their linked external bank account, by using GPS location and Bluetooth data to estimate a user’s time spent at work, if they work in a fixed location, and/or by having a user provided a work email address. While repayment is theoretically optional, as EarnIn would have no recourse, such as reporting non-payment to the credit bureaus or a collections agency, this is anything but clear to users of the EarnIn app, Colorado’s complaint argues. During the process of taking a Cash Out, users must agree to a preauthorized debit of the amount advanced, plus any expedited funding fee and/or tips. Though users technically can revoke this ACH authorization, the fact that they have this right isn’t presented to users during the Cash Out process, but rather is included in linked terms and conditions few users are likely to actually read. And users who do wish to revoke their ACH authorization must do so three or more days before the scheduled transaction date by emailing EarnIn’s customer support. Similarly, EarnIn’s marketing claims that it carries “no interest” and “no mandatory fees” is technically true, but is not the reality for many of the app’s users, the Colorado complaint argues. Further, EarnIn has extensively marketed to users the ability to “access your pay today,” to get “instant” funds, and to get funds “the same day you work” — when, in reality, this speed of access was only possible by paying the additional, undisclosed Lightning Speed fee. The Colorado complaint highlights this contradiction specifically, noting: EarnIn tells consumers that they can ‘Make any day payday with EarnIn’ and that there no ‘hidden’ or ‘mandatory fees.’ For a consumer to access their pay on the same day requested, they would have to pay the Lightning Speed fee. In the fine print of the advertisement EarnIn discloses that ‘[f]ees apply to use Lightning Speed,’ a direct contradiction to the larger text of the advertisement, and a fact that would not be immediately understood by a consumer as ‘Lightning Speed’ is not defined nor explained. Like other small-dollar lending services, rather than explicitly charge interest, EarnIn collects a markup on the optional Lighting Speed fee, which, given the nature of the transactions, many users opt for, as well as offering users the option to leave “tips.” EarnIn leverages either Real-Time Payments (RTP) rails or push-to-card via debit rails if a user opts for the optional Lightning Speed. But while these capabilities cost EarnIn, on average, $0.075 or $0.20 per transaction, respectively, EarnIn charges users significantly more. Initially, EarnIn charged as little as $1.99 for Cash Outs up to $24. But EarnIn has hiked these fees multiple times, and now charges $4.99 for Cash Outs up to $75 and $6.99 for those over $75. According to the Colorado complaint, EarnIn leverages “dark patterns” to manipulate users and to make it more difficult to avoid tipping. Examples of these “road blocks” highlighted in the complaint include: As of 2023, in the EarnIn app, a consumer attempting to get a loan under the default settings had to make at least eighteen separate taps to complete the transaction and reduce the tip to $0. There is an alternative method to leave a $0 tip, via the “Custom tip” feature, but EarnIn made this option difficult to access by visually deemphasizing it and positioning it near devices’ “home” button. Using language and imagery such as “Tip to pay it forward,” “Your generosity supports the service + helps,” “Your tips make a difference,” and “[t]he APR for this cash out is 0%. Your tips help support us.” While Lightning Speed and tipping are, in theory, both optional, in practice, users nearly always ended up paying something. According to the Colorado suit, users were charged either a tip or an expedite fee for more than 92% of transactions, with an average APR of nearly 388%. And, although the advances are “non-recourse,” EarnIn successfully collects on nearly all transactions — 99.18%, according to the complaint, which, Colorado argues, “demonstrat[es] that EarnIn’s advances function as high cost loans, not voluntary payments.” The share of EarnIn users incurring fees — despite the product being marketed as 0% APR — is hard to reconcile with Andreessen investor Rampell’s favorable description of EarnIn vs. “opaque systems and steep fees” associated with payday loans, which, Rampell says, can be “extremely difficult” for borrowers to extricate themselves from. According to Colorado’s suit, EarnIn’s Cash Out product “trapped many consumers in extreme cycles of high-cost reborrowing.” The suit gives an example of one consumer in the state, who took out a whopping 1,151 loans, paying a total of $4,038.50 in Lightning Speed expedited funding fees on loans that averaged the equivalent of 1,421% APR. Another Colorado user, the suit says, took out 1,033 loans, paying $8,561.22 in tips and fees at an average APR of 1,539% . These types of usage patterns demonstrate “the severe and repeated financial harm caused by EarnIn’s illegal lending model,” the Colorado complaint argues. In aggregate, from January 2023 through July 2025, EarnIn extended 3.1 million loans to 56,778 users in Colorado — an average of nearly 55 transactions per person during the time period. EarnIn lent more than $300 million and collected more than $16 million from Colorado users in Lightning Speed fees and in tips. Ultimately, the Colorado complaint argues that “EarnIn’s Cash Outs are loans under Colorado law, and EarnIn’s contention that its product is not a loan based on its disclaimer of any legal repayment obligation lacks any real-world significance given how the Cash Out transactions actually operate in practice.” Colorado further argues that “EarnIn was not working with companies here in providing consumers with funds but acted as a third-party lender and charged illegally high rates, used deceptive design strategies to extract some charges, and trapped consumers in repeat borrowing. Colorado will continue to stand up for consumers and hold companies accountable when they violate our credit laws or attempt to evade them through misleading practices.” Colorado’s suit alleges EarnIn assesses finance charge in excess of that permitted by Colorado law, that EarnIn failed to make legally required disclosures to Colorado borrowers, that EarnIn made supervised loans to consumers without obtaining the requisite license, that EarnIn violated the state’s Deferred Deposit Loan Act, that EarnIn engage in unfair and deceptive trade practices, and that EarnIn made false or misleading statements concerning price. The suit seeks a court order enjoining EarnIn from violating relevant Colorado laws, for EarnIn to refund amounts charged in excess of state law, fees, costs, and penalties, and other relief the court deems to be just. Fintech Business Weekly is made possible by the generous support of paying subscribers — bringing you independent analysis of banking, fintech, and crypto without fear or favor. You can support my work by becoming a paying subscriber if you aren’t already. Paying subscribers enjoy: access to the entire archive of nearly six years of newsletters extended versions of the weekly newsletter, with additional content and analysis and (for founding member tier) quarterly personal 1:1 fintech Q&A / strategy calls with me, tapping into my unparalleled knowledge of the intersection of banking and fintech and experience working in the sector, including helping to launch Goldman Sachs’ retail bank Marcus Support Fintech Business Weekly You can also support Fintech Business Weekly by sponsoring a newsletter or podcast, putting you in front of 93,000+ of the most influential decision makers in banking, fintech, and crypto. Learn more about sponsor opportunities or request a media kit by dropping me an email. Q2 Quarterly Banking Profile: Five Quick Takeaways The FDIC released its quarterly banking profile, which is always worth a read, for the second quarter. The profile provides an aggregate snapshot about the overall health of the 4,238 institutions whose deposits are insured by the FDIC, who, collectively, hold more than $26 trillion in assets and saw a total net income of more than $90 billion in the second quarter. Net income was up 12% vs. Q1 2026, with lower provisions and realized gains on securities helping to drive the improvement, somewhat offset by increases in non-interest expense and applicable income taxes. Overall net interest margin was basically flat quarter over quarter (up 1 basis point vs. Q1 2026), though community banks saw NIM grow by 10 basis points, to 3.81%. Unsurprisingly, given that interest rates haven’t changed, unrealized losses on securities changed little, edging up slightly to $326.7 billion vs. $325.1 billion in Q1 2026. Aggregate credit quality has remained benign, with asset quality actually improving slightly in Q2. Overall, institutions reported a 9 basis point decline in their past-due and non-accrual rate, to 1.44%. Net charge off rate also declined by 2 basis points, to 0.57%. And finally, the FDIC’s deposit insurance fund stands at $161.1 billion, making the DIF reserve ratio 1.48% — above the statutory minimum of 1.35%, but still below the designated target reserve ratio of 2%. [Paid Subscriber Exclusive] Nissan Withdraws ILC App, State Associations Plan BankChain Alliance, FDIC Defines “Unsafe or Unsound Practice” For First Time Automaker Nissan withdrew its application to charter a Utah industrial loan company and its corresponding application to the FDIC for deposit insurance last week, on August 19th. Nissan’s application had been outstanding for more than a year, as it originally applied in June 2025. Recent applications to the OCC to form national banks have been decisioned, one way or the other, substantially more quickly than has historically been the case.
Trump administration cuts health care coverage for some transgender youth in California
Newsom’s 2026-27 budget already includes $10 million for “capacity grants to gender-affirming care services providers,” plus $8 million each in the next two budget years.
How the billionaire tax backers plan to combat a cash avalanche
The campaign to enact a billionaire tax in California is hoping to counter their cash disadvantage with a type of voter outreach that has never been attempted at this scale.
How Josh Kushner became the newest owner of the L.A. Lakers
How Josh Kushner rose to became the newest owner of the L.A. Lakers
Democratic Senate control has moved from a reach to a toss-up
The four-seat gain Democrats need to win control once seemed all but out of reach. Odds are looking up, though the party still faces a tough path, with toss-up races in a half dozen (mostly red) states.
California's new attempt to help struggling newsrooms faces key test
A new plan by California lawmakers to help fund the state's struggling journalism organizations could advance in the coming days but faces an uncertain future. Assembly Bill 2222 would create
Sacramento businesses and customers react to cocktails to-go bill
A bill to extend California's cocktails to-go program through 2029 is awaiting the governor's decision, with businesses supporting the measure and customers expressing mixed opinions.
Disney adds fun to Let's Play Sport Clinic in Fresno
ABC30 VoluntEARS, along with Disney, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California, Fresno State and High Performance Academy, teamed up to make a memorable morning.
Influencer pleads guilty to criminal impersonation for viral pranks at Arizona businesses
An influencer known for posting viral prank videos has pleaded guilty to criminal impersonation in Arizona for posing as an employee of businesses in a Phoenix suburb and orchestrating brief but chaotic takeover attempts.
L.A. Phil Offers $10 Hollywood Bowl Tickets for Medi-Cal, EBT Users
Starting in 2027, the L.A. Phil says it will offer $10 Hollywood Bowl tickets to Medi-Cal and EBT cardholders in an effort to make concerts more accessible.
California lawmakers strike wildfire deal that leaves out most of Newsom’s big demands
Newsom backed off his plan to ease utilities' wildfire costs after Democratic lawmakers refused to shift the burden to insurers and survivors
Cunion Frames Its Wearable Health Ecosystem Around Five Health Benefits
San Diego, California--(Newsfile Corp. - August 29, 2026) - Most health technology can overwhelm users with constant notifications and dashboards, eventually causing them to disengage. In response to this challenge, Cunion is building an ecosystem around the premise that the healthiest device is the one that stays quiet until it has something worth saying. From this approach, Cunion identifies five practical health benefits across its wearable ecosystem.To view an enhanced version of this...
California legislative leaders, Gov. Gavin Newsom announce utility wildfire deal
“This system needs full structural reform — not a partial one.”
Letters: Golden anniversary suits Eric Sondheimer well
Readers of the Los Angeles Times Sports section give their thoughts on Times prep columnist Eric Sondheimer, the Dodgers, Rams and USC.
California Passes AB-1856 For Open-Source Relief Over Age Verification
As an update to the May story about California's age verification law may end up exempting most Linux distributions, that AB-1856 bill has finally passed!
Gladys Knight 'easing into fewer' concerts after health concerns
Amid growing health concerns from family and fans after recent concerts, legendary singer Gladys Knight has announced she is reducing her tour schedule.
Gladys Knight 'easing into fewer' concerts after health concerns
Amid growing health concerns from family and fans after recent concerts, legendary singer Gladys Knight has announced she is reducing her tour schedule.
Adventist Health Bakersfield to offer free childhood immunizations in September
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Adventist Health Bakersfield announced opportunities for children to get free immunizations throughout the month of September. The free mobile clinics are availab…
California’s opposition is facing a political ‘machine,’ Christopher Rufo says
Manhattan Institute senior fellow Christopher Rufo reviews California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s tenure on ‘Life, Liberty & Levin.’
Pomona to Host Symposium Examining African Politics and Global Relationships | Pomona College in Claremont, California
Through an early Center for Global Engagement (CGE) initiative, Professor Pierre Englebert’s “Africa After the End of History” symposium and course will examine how the rest of the world now interacts with African nations.
NASA’s Swift Restarts Science Observations
NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory has resumed operating two of its three science instruments, following the scaling back of a commercial mission that
California Business Lobby Notches Win on Antitrust Law Expansion
Business interests scaled back a California proposal to significantly expand the state’s antitrust laws, just days before the legislative deadline on Monday.
Judge again blocks Trump mail ballot executive order in ruling that’s likely to be swiftly appealed
A federal judge on Thursday halted — at least for now — attempts to implement President Donald Trump’s executive order limiting mail voting.
'We need something right now': Arkansas basketball coach John Calipari on NCAA eligibility rules, Protect College Sports Act
The Razorbacks coach, speaking on The Sideline with Andy Katz, again stated he was in favor of the Protect College Sports Act despite some of his objections to parts of the legislation.
C-WIN: Uniting against data centers : The issue that transcends politics
Commentary from the California Water Impact Network Seldom have our political differences been more pronounced. Republicans and Democrats are at odds on a myriad of issues, and the bitter polarization of the American polity is the result. That’s how it seems, anyway. But semblances can be deceptive. Yes, the schism between Right and Left appeared irreconcilable in 2024, when Donald Trump was re-elected to the White House. But much has changed since then. Trump’s polls are at their nadir, with […]
Gladys Knight sparks concerns, cuts back performances
Gladys Knight is scaling back her performance schedule after recent concerts prompted concern about the 82-year-old singer's health.
New Irvine hospital is a dream fulfilled | UCI Health
Dr. Thomas Cesario was a practicing UC Irvine School of Medicine physician even before the University of California bought the old Orange County medical center in 1976. After decades of pushing to get a modern hospital built on Irvine campus, he has finally seen that dream fulfilled. "We fought to have this hospital built for over 50 years, and a lot of sweat and anxiety went into that effort,” says the 86-year-old former medical school dean. “I'm thrilled that it’s now finally here."
California’s political battle over key environmental law brews on two fronts
In recent years, the perpetual CEQA debate has centered on its use — or misuse — as local governments were pressed by the state to increase housing development, particularly apartments for low- and medium-income families.
Students Get Inside Look at Health Care through PCIPs | Pomona College in Claremont, California
Here are four students who benefited from the Pomona College Internship Program (PCIP) this summer and gained hands-on career experience in healthcare-related fields, thanks to generous PCIP stipends for multiweek unpaid or low-paid internships.
Longtime NJ sports announcer's dream comes true in Phillies' radio booth
Longtime children's sports announcer Lewis Kalb went viral after he appeared in the broadcast booth at a Phillies game.
Longtime NJ sports announcer's dream comes true in Phillies' radio booth
Longtime children's sports announcer Lewis Kalb went viral after he appeared in the broadcast booth at a Phillies game.
Can California help lower the cost of GLP-1s? Here’s what lawmakers are proposing
An LA-area Democrat wants California to partner with drug manufacturers to make weight loss drugs cheaper — drawing on her own experience paying out of pocket.
Hollywood actors clash over AI voice clones
Hollywood's voice actors say AI is taking their jobs, and they are fighting back.
Dodgers Reveal Major Shohei Ohtani Pitching Update During Braves Series
The Los Angeles Dodgers announced an important update regarding when Shohei Ohtani’s next start as a pitcher will happen. Manager Dave Roberts told the California Post‘s Jack Harris that Ohtani is trending toward a start on Sunday against the Detroit Tigers. Shohei Ohtani update: Dave Roberts said he will actually throw his bullpen on Friday, in […] The post Dodgers Reveal Major Shohei Ohtani Pitching Update During Braves Series appeared first on HEAVY.
Barry Manilow announces hiatus days after canceling third show
Barry Manilow has announced he needs to step away from the stage to recover after a busy summer tour. The 'Copacabana' crooner canceled three shows this month, citing 'technical difficulties' among other issues.
California’s political battle over key environmental law brews on two fronts
Business as usual in California politics always includes at least one squabble over the California Environmental Quality Act, a law signed 56 years ago by then-Gov. Ronald Reagan.
BJ poll: 77% say California business climate is getting worse
A Business Journal web poll found 77% of respondents believe California’s business climate is getting worse, while just 2% see improvement.
Reggie Watts dropped from festivals after abuse allegations
Reggie Watts has reportedly been dropped from the lineups of multiple festivals after being accused of 'reckless' and 'abusive' behavior.
UFC fighters fined for climbing octagon fence after victories
UFC fighters Max Holloway, Paddy Pimblett and Gable Steveson were fined $2,500 each for scaling the octagon fence at UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas.
Californians surprised by $68 payments from Sutter Health settlement. Do you qualify?
Surprise payments of $68.81 hit some Californians’ accounts this week. Distribution is underway in a class action settlement that Sutter Health agreed to pay over alleged data privacy issues.…
California, other states sue again to block new U.S. Postal Service rules for mail ballots
California and a coalition of other Democratic-led states sued again to block the U.S. Postal Service from implementing new nationwide rules for mail ballots.
White House withholding $289 million of small business loans
The Trump administration is withholding $289 million appropriated by Congress for loans to small businesses. The elimination came through an executive order last year, with President Trump saying the program was "woke" and promoted "gender extremism" and "climate radicalism." NBC News senior financial reporter Gretchen Morgenson details the reasons for the pause and how damaging the move could be for Main Street.
DELTA SCIENCE PROGRAM: Final 2026 Delta Science Plan: Strengthening Science in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta
From the Delta Science Program: The Delta Science Program is proud to share that, following years of development and extensive engagement with the region’s science community, the 2026 Delta Science Plan: Strengthening Science in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is now available online. The Delta is one of California’s most valuable and complex ecosystems, and there is a shared sense of urgency to protect and manage its resources. A coordinated scientific approach is essential to help us understand the region’s complicated […]
Want to Scale Your Business? Stop Scaling Payroll First
Small businesses should build better systems to increase capacity and grow revenue faster than payroll without sacrificing employees.
Parents of transgender kids say California is ‘unprepared’ as feds cut off their healthcare
Parents of transgender kids warned California for months. State officials are rushing to find money before the Oct. 13 deadline.
California's political battle over key environmental law brews on two fronts
Legislators this week and voters this November will weigh in on measures to curtail some of CEQA's vexing construction project restrictions.