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Big Tech and Big Business are spending millions to block progressives on the California ballot
This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. With less than three weeks until Election Day, outside groups are pouring millions of dollars into two types of state legislative races: purple districts featuring a Democrat and a Republican, and safely Democratic districts featuring Democrats of different ideological stripes. Political action committees […]
Big assertions, sharp exchanges, little clarity define DOJ election battle with California
In the last week, Justice Department and California elections officials have been locked in a contentious standoff over alleged election fraud.
Wildfires, heat waves and access to care among health-related problems facing Californians
The latest annual California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) offers a more precise look at how the 2025 wildfires affected Californians’ health and well-being. The data also reveal trends in the health of immigrants, low-income individuals, and transgender and gender-expansive communities. The 2025 CHIS data show: 500,000 more California adults said their mental health was harmed...
California students post gains in math, science and English in 2025-26
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California students made gains across key academic and success measures during the 2025-26 school year, with test scores rising in English, math and science while the statewide graduation rate reached a record high of 87.9 percent. For the first time, the state released assessment results and California School Dashboard data together to give families and educators a more complete picture of student performance.English language arts scores increased 0.5 percentage points to 49.3 percent of students scoring proficient or advanced, while math scores rose 1.1 percentage points to 38.4 percent. Science showed the strongest improvement, jumping 3.3 percentage points to 36 percent of students scoring proficient or advanced.The statewide chronic absenteeism rate dropped 1.1 percentage points to 18.3 percent. The suspension rate declined to 2.8 percent, marking the third consecutive year of improvement."At a time when California continues to focus on accelerating learning and closing opportunity gaps, these results provide important evidence that our sustained investments are making a difference," Gov. Gavin Newsom said. "The continued progress we are seeing is a testament to the hard work of students, families and educators across the state—and we will continue working to build on these gains."The percentage of students prepared for college and career increased to 55.2 percent, up 2 percentage points from the previous year. More than 54 percent of graduates completed coursework required for admission to University of California and California State University systems, an increase of 0.9 percentage points."California has made important strides in expanding student supports and opportunities, but the pace of academic improvement reminds us that our work is far from finished," State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said.Eighth grade students posted the strongest score trends in both English language arts and math. Science performance improved across all tested grades, with the strongest gains at the high school level.African American students demonstrated larger-than-average improvements across English, math and science. Hispanic or Latino students showed larger-than-average improvements in English and math, with positive math score trends across all grades.Students who were socioeconomically disadvantaged made gains across all 3 subjects, including larger-than-average improvements in English and math. Students who were homeless continued to demonstrate gains across grades, with particularly strong improvements in math."We are encouraged to see students making gains across all 3 major assessments and are especially encouraged by the progress of African American students, Hispanic or Latino students, socioeconomically disadvantaged students and homeless youth," said Linda Darling-Hammond, president of the California State Board of Education.The progress comes as California's public school system undergoes significant demographic change. Statewide school enrollment declined to approximately 5.73 million students in 2025-26, nearly 500-thousand fewer students over the past decade.The number of students with disabilities increased approximately 25 percent over the same period, from about 680-thousand to more than 850-thousand students. Graduation rates increased across nearly all student groups, including notable increases for American Indian or Alaskan Native students at 4.3 percentage points and students with disabilities at 3.7 percentage points.In Downey Unified School District, the rate of students demonstrating proficient or advanced grade-level knowledge increased by 2.1 percentage points in English, 2.8 percentage points in math and 4.7 percentage points in science. The district aligned graduation requirements with college admission expectations and invested in inclusive special education practices, expanded career technical education and expanded learning opportunities."The gains Downey Unified is seeing in student assessment results and on the Dashboard are the result of years of focused, consistent work across the district," Superintendent Roger Brossmer said.In Exeter Unified School District, proficiency rates increased by 4.6 percentage points in English, 2.3 percentage points in math and 3.6 percentage points in science. The district placed a strong focus on phonics and the science of reading, particularly in kindergarten through second grade."The gains Exeter Unified is seeing in student assessment results and on the Dashboard are the result of having great people who are focused on the right work, and great students who want to do well," Superintendent Melanie Dorough said.Union Elementary School District saw proficiency rates increase by 1.5 percentage points in English, 2 percentage points in math and 4 percentage points in science. Teachers regularly analyze state and local assessment data to guide instruction, supported by strong core instruction and early literacy strategies."Union Elementary School District's achievement gains reflect a focused, data-driven approach to meeting the needs of every student while fostering a strong sense of belonging, safety and connection," Superintendent Carrie Andrews said.The California Department of Education is examining local results to better understand strategies and conditions associated with stronger student outcomes. The state has made significant investments in recent years, including literacy and math coaching, tutoring, expanded learning opportunities, community schools and universal transitional kindergarten.
Why America’s Political Divide Is Also an Economic Divide
Plus, the Justice Department sued California to block mail-in ballots from 20,000 people, and Trump nixed the planned livestream of a military execution.
LA super-commuter Angelique Khieu catches a flight to work across California
A super commuter working in tech sales regularly travels by plane from Los Angeles to San Francisco just to get ready for work by 8:30 a.m.
Springville businesses fear festival losses amid SCE power shutoff
Southern California Edison power safety shutoffs left Springville businesses concerned about communication and potential losses.
Early ballots and how campaigns are using AI with Optiq Data Co-Founder Cole Patterson
Cole Patterson, co-founder of Optiq Data, shared his insight into how political campaigns in California are using artificial intelligence and provided a look at early ballot numbers ahead of the November election.
Erika Lust discusses her new book 'Lust'
Erika Lust on her new book about sex, power and the internet. Plus, we visit an Echo Park bookstore.
Rabies reports are rising in California. Experts can’t explain why
Rabies reports are up across the U.S., including in one greater Bay Area county where human exposures to rabid animals have tripled, prompting a local advisory to stay away from sick creatures.
Hiltzik: The politics of wealth taxes
The billionaires' attack on California's wealth tax initiative shows why it's needed.
Newsom offers mental health support for USS Abraham Lincoln sailors
Sailors and Marines who recently returned from an extended deployment aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln were offered mental health services Saturday by California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Alliance for Health releases H.R. 1 predictions | The Pajaronian
About one in three people who rely on Santa Cruz County Alliance Medi-Cal—25,000 people—will lose benefits by the end of 2028, said Central California Alliance for Health CEO Michael Schrader.
California falls short on Medi-Cal fraud, state report says - The Business Journal California auditor flags Medi-Cal fraud oversight concerns
California's state auditor raises concerns about Medi-Cal fraud oversight, citing millions in questionable claims and thousands of high-risk providers not under investigation.
The Kelly Clarkson bird saga continues. Molly is worth $15 million
Kelly Clarkson accused Art of Play of disrespecting her and denying her the sale of a hand-cranked singing automata bird. Store owners set a new $15 million price tag following social media frenzy.
Scaling perinatal mental health care: Scientists assess home visiting programs in Midwest
Can reaching out to new mothers right at the outset of parenting set them on the right path? A new study published in BMC Health Services Research assesses home health visitation programs, which provide ...
Big Tech and Big Business are spending millions to block progressives on the California ballot
Groups funded by Meta, Google, and cryptocurrency billionaires have spent millions trying to sway voters, especially in races with two Democrats on the ballot
California redwoods are struggling in the heat — and it's not clear how much damage is being done
When temperatures rise, California redwoods slow down their rate of photosynthesis, a discovery that could have implications for the long-term survival of the iconic species.
Four corrections officers injured after attack at California Health Care Facility in Stockton
Four corrections officers were hurt after being attacked by a man at a state prison in San Joaquin County that specializes in medical care and mental health treatment for incarcerated people with “the most severe and long-term needs.”
Wildfires, heat, food insecurity, lack of medical care affect Californians’ health: UCLA survey
Nearly 30% of LA County adults said they or members of their households experienced wildfires during the previous two years, up from 6.6% in the previous survey.
Newsom makes NH stop to support Democrats
California Gov. Newsom joined New Hampshire Congressman Chris Pappas on the campaign trail Saturday to rally volunteers and supporters across the Granite State.
Geese shred Hollywood Forever (and Dodger fan egos) at their three-night stand in L.A.
Cameron Winter had one last knife to twist for the Dodger faithful in the audience at Hollywood Forever on Thursday night.
Wildfires, heat waves and access to care among health-related problems facing Californians
The new annual California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) data released today provide a more precise look at how the 2025 wildfires affected Californians' health and well-being, while also revealing troubling ...
Trump's team is in chaos as midterms enter final stretch
A White House that has enjoyed relative stability over the past two years has returned to a state of disarray that characterized much of Trump's early political career.
Janelle Monáe wants to be L.A.'s reigning Halloween queen
Once again, Janelle Monáe brings Halloween festivities to Los Angeles, from Hollywood Forever to USC to a secret party location. Her hope is to bring people together over a shared love of creative expression.
Trump Administration Sues California Over Voter Rolls
The lawsuit is seeking to block the state temporarily from counting mail ballots of voters it claims are likely noncitizens, opening a new front in the administration’s legal fights with election officials.
David Surkamp dead: Pavlov's Dog lead singer was 74
Rock band Pavlov's Dog is mourning the loss of singer-songwriter and lead vocalist David Surkamp, who died Monday at age 74.
Justice Dept. sues California, asks court to force state to stop counting 20,000 ballots
The Trump administration asked a federal court to bar California from counting ballots from about 20,000 voters it suspects aren't U.S. citizens. State officials blasted the lawsuit.
Wizards Look to Build on Encouraging Preseason vs. Pelicans
The Washington Wizards aim to curb turnovers and sharpen defensive physicality against the Pelicans, while rookie Felix Okpara hopes to stand out again.
Harris, Pelosi still haven't weighed in on California's Prop 40
Kamala Harris and Nancy Pelosi have yet to weigh in on the most divisive ballot measure before California voters: Prop 40, likely for the same reason that Gavin Newsom opposes the measure.
Week in Politics: Trump's Russian diesel deal update; why the DOJ is suing California
We look at where things are in the deal President Trump says he made to import Russian diesel, plus the reason why the Justice Department is suing California.
DOJ says California officials who process ballots from suspected noncitizens risk prosecution
The Trump administration is escalating its fight with California ahead of next month's midterm election, warning that local officials who process and tabulate ballots submitted by suspected noncitizen voters are putting themselves at risk of criminal investigation and potential prosecution.
Supporting quantitative skills in biomedical science with smart worksheets: intentions, impact and barriers to engagement
Every year, hundreds of thousands of students arrive at university with one shared weakness: the maths hiding inside their science. In biomedical science, where pipetting volumes, dilution factors, calibration curves and statistical spread underpin nearly every practical
Netflix reports box office numbers for first time with 'La Bola Negra'
Netflix reported box office figures for the first time this weekend, with its theatrical release of the Spanish-language queer drama, "La Bola Negra."
Woman allegedly hit business owner with a closed fist when he tried to stop robbery
News4 NBC Reno covers news, sports, weather and traffic for the Reno, Nevada area including Sparks, Carson City, Virginia City, Silver City, Stagecoach, Silver Springs, Sun Valley, Cold Springs, Spanish Springs and Fenley, Nevada and Truckee and Tahoe City, California.
Scaling the Rocks: Ding dong the Dodgers are dead
Colorado Rockies news and links for Friday, October 16, 2026
In 'Bucks County, USA,' a community torn apart by politics tries to heal
The five-part docuseries on PBS, co-directed by Robert May and Barry Levinson, aims to find common ground between community members in a purple county in Pennsylvania.
House Speaker Mike Johnson draws on faith as he fights to hold the Republican majority
Speaker Mike Johnson says he believes Republicans will hold on to their House majority on election day and defy a surge of Democratic momentum in the final stretch of the midterm campaign
Steve Hilton bets California is ready for something different in the governor's office
Steve Hilton is taking his campaign for governor across California, arguing for change in a state long dominated by Democrats.
Trump's decision to waive Russian sanctions outrages Congress, but no quick counter seen
President Trump’s abrupt decision to waive sanctions on Russia is drawing outrage and concern from members of Congress
Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe appears in political PSA on political differences
KRCG offers coverage of news, sports, weather and local events in the Columbia and Jefferson City, Missouri area, including the communities of New Bloomfield, Shaw, Boonville, Ashland, Hallsville, Sturgeon, Centralia, Mexico, Auxvasse, Fulton, California, Tipton, Eldon, Wardsville, Westphalia and Sedalia, Missouri.
California falls short on Medi-Cal fraud, state report says
The program serves 14 million Californians and pays out $200 billion a year. State health officials dispute the findings.
Annual UCLA survey responses cover public health issues, including housing, heat
A growing number of Californians are experiencing extreme heat and other climate-related events, according to UCLA’s annual California Health Interview Survey released Thursday. The percentage of adults who reported that they or a household member personally experienced wildfires in the past two years more than doubled – increasing from 2.9 million to 6.5 million from 2024 to 2025, according to the report.
A day after Netflix's major layoffs, Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria leaves
Netflix on Thursday said its Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria is leaving the company and named former Disney executive Peter Rice as her replacement.
California gas prices remain high as global and local factors collide
California's high gas prices are being driven by a combination of global events and decades of state policies, according to Jodie Muller, the President and CEO of the Western States Petroleum Association.
Pols & Politics: Could the Minogue-Healey polls signal an upset?
GOP rival Mike Minogue won the two debates by a country mile over Gov. Maura Healey — according to two Herald online polls. Plus: California Gov. Gavin Newsom to stump for Healey
Adam Schiff Warns AI-Generated Political Ads Are Making It Harder to Know What’s Real Ahead of Midterm Elections: 'Congress Can't Afford to Sit on the Sidelines'
Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) warned that deceptive artificial intelligence-generated political advertisements could mislead voters and interfere with elections, urging Congress to address the growing t...
Cindy Crawford breaks silence on death of son Presley Gerber
The supermodel and actress shared a heartfelt Instagram post about her son Presley Gerber who died at 27 last month. His death remains under investigation.
Trump sues California over allegations of noncitizens registering to vote
The Trump administration is demanding records from Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties as it looks for instances of noncitizens voting
Should California taxpayers chip in to fund political campaigns? Prop 4 lets you decide
Proposition 4 would lift a ban that prohibits state and most local candidates from using public funding for their political campaigns. Proponents argue the mechanism helps more candidates run for office, but opponents are skeptical.
Miley Cyrus makes a comeback of sorts at the Hollywood Bowl
The musician and actor played her first full headlining show in years Friday night at the Hollywood Bowl.
Sutter Health hosts Breast Cancer Panel
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) Sutter Health hosted a breast cancer panel this week in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Sutter Health Greater Central
Billy Joel can't drive or perform following brain disorder diagnosis
Billy Joel shared health updates following his 2025 brain disorder diagnosis, stating that he has to take “a series of tests” before being able to tour and drive again.
US Justice Dept sues California to block votes from alleged noncitizens
By Andrew Goudsward and Luc Cohen WASHINGTON, Oct 15 (Reuters) - The US Justice Department sued California on Thursday, asking a federal judge to block the state from counting mail
Postgame Reactions: “Need to Play with More Courage”
(in the mixed zone): “We’re obviously disappointed. I think the team rose to the challenge, playing with great intensity and physicality from the start. Of course, that also made the game a bit di...
Sean Combs transferred to new prison after perks report, head injury
Sean Combs was transferred on Friday to FCI Allenwood, a low-security prison in Pennsylvania, following allegations of special prison perks and a head injury at FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey.
Heat reduces photosynthesis in California redwoods
California redwoods reduce photosynthesis at high temperatures, which may affect their long-term survival and forests’ capacity to store atmospheric carbon.
In 100th Trump lawsuit, California challenges ICE courthouse arrests
California sued the Trump administration for the 100th time, challenging the growing practice of ICE agents arresting people for civil immigration violations at or near courthouses.
Jeff Kaplan Doesn't Engage With Overwatch After Leaving Blizzard: ‘I’ve Literally Not Played The Game Since April 2021’
The original director of the hero shooter is now working on a western game called The Legend of California
Contributor: How much would Becerra's healthcare promises cost the state? Not even he knows
The Democratic candidate is campaigning on making California affordable. That's why the missing numbers matter.
California Politics 360 full episode | California, US government clash over voter rolls
The Trump administration sued California election officials this week. They asked a judge to block the state from counting mail-in ballots from people the federal government has identified as “likely” non-citizens until their status can be confirmed.
Al Pacino to receive SAG-AFTRA lifetime achievement award
Al Pacino attends the premiere of ‘Modi: Three Days On The Wing Of Madness’ at Writers Guild Theater on Nov. 4, 2025, in Beverly Hills, California. (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Revenue And Earnings Growth Could Be A Game Changer For agilon health (AGL)
agilon health has reported strong annual revenue and earnings growth from its model of partnering with primary care physicians to deliver value-based care for Medicare patients through long-term, globally capitated contracts. The combination of accelerating financial performance and the scaling of its value-based primary care network indicates that agilon health is gaining share where payers and physicians seek partners willing to take on population-level risk. We will now look at how agilon...
Voter roll fight in California ramps up weeks before election
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli defended the Trump administration's lawsuit against California election officials, alleging that 20,000 non-citizens who are documented immigrants are registered to vote and have received mail-in ballots, just weeks before the upcoming election.
Microplastics and water create free radicals, new study finds
When water comes into contact with plastic surfaces, a key chemical reaction does take place, new research indicates.
Column: Mel's Drive-In is more than a building or a business
Mel's Drive-In is too essential to the identity of Route 66 to be torn down for the creation of 138 apartments.
Newsom announces mental health support for USS Abraham Lincoln sailors
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced expanded mental health support for Sailors and Marines returning to San Diego following a 321-day deployment on the USS Abraham Lincoln.
Ohtani's health, salary cap, Mark Walter loom large for Dodgers
Major League Baseball is heading toward a turbulent offseason. There are four major things the Dodgers must address if they want to get back to the top.
California's billionaire tax promises healthcare relief. The fine print is murkier
It’s unclear how much money Prop. 40 would raise, how quickly the funding would become available, and how lawmakers would spend it.
Uber driver struggles with gas costs in Southern California
Matthew Guerrero, an Uber driver in Southern California, discusses the financial challenges of driving, impacted by high gas costs and low tips.
Core Growth Group Updates HVAC Business Scaling Guide With Sequenced Growth Plan
The revised guide, updated October 1, 2026, sets out a four-step scaling sequence, a 24- to 36-month timeline, and the operational changes that ...
Mark Ruffalo calls Gavin Newsom's billionaire tax stance 'disqualifying' ahead of California vote
Mark Ruffalo slammed Gavin Newsom for opposing California's billionaire wealth tax, calling it "disqualifying" for anyone with ambitions for higher office.
Trump's immigration crackdown tests Republicans' hold on Texas voters
The race between Democrat James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton is hotly contested and enormously expensive, with total ad spending topping $500 million.
DOJ sues California to block votes from alleged non-citizens
WASHINGTON, Oct 15 (Reuters) - The US Justice Department on Thursday sued California, asking a federal judge to block the state from counting mail ballots for the November midterm elections
California Proposition 4 would allow public funding for political campaigns
Los Retros frontman Mauri Tapia charged with unlawful acts on a child
Mauri Tapia, frontman of SoCal indie rock act Los Retros, has been charged with four felony counts of unlawful acts with a child under 10.
Flu activity begins rising in Central California as health officials urge vaccination
New data published by Epic Research reports that flu rates are off to their earliest start post-pandemic.
California teachers once had fully paid health coverage. Now they're rallying over premiums
"While your income isn't changing, your purchasing power has absolutely fallen."
Comedian Vidura Bandara Rajapaksa is wondering what comes next
Vidura Bandara Rajapaksa turns his immigrant experience and anger into comedy. Now, with that pressure easing, he’s wondering what comes next.
Provo businesses hoping for tourism spike from Notre Dame-BYU football game
Irish fans exploring Provo's Center Street Friday afternoon said they had traveled from places like Connecticut, Ohio and California to catch the big game.
Timothy Busfield child sex abuse charges thrown out, judge orders
A New Mexico judge tosses out the multiple child sex abuse charges that actor Timothy Busfield had been facing.
Two of California's most powerful politicians still haven't weighed in on Prop 40
Kamala Harris and Nancy Pelosi have yet to weigh in on the most divisive ballot measure before California voters: Prop 40, likely for the same reason that Gavin Newsom opposes the measure.
Malia Cohen explains why she should be reelected State Controller
California State Controller Malia Cohen is seeking reelection for an office that is responsible for the state's checkbook at a time when voters across the nation are focused on waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayer money.
Can AI solve our mental health access problem?
Last week I asked you what worries you most about AI in health. It was close, but your top answer was “AI giving bad health advice.” Last week’s poll results: You’re in good company. This concern was top of mind at a conference I joined at Stanford last week, where researchers, clinicians, and people who build AI systems spent a day debating trust and safety in health AI. Stepping back, I’m also hearing your emerging concerns about AI’s impact on our well-being generally. I see this as a matter of public health, and we’ll take it in pieces as we learn together. Today we’ll focus on AI chatbots used for therapy for mental health. Early this month, Governor Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 903, California’s most ambitious attempt to regulate AI use for mental health. It’s at the center of active debate, and raises the questions patients, family members, citizens, and voters will face as AI moves deeper into health care. Let’s work through it. What is “AI-based therapy”? It’s really two things: purpose-built mental health apps designed to deliver structured support, and general chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini that people increasingly use for emotional support—even if they weren’t built for it. Spoiler alert: I don’t know whether the shift toward AI therapy is good or bad. The evidence isn’t there yet. But I do know it’s already happening, and I have some ideas about how we can roll it out with safety in mind. The therapy dilemma, in a nutshell Mental health challenges are common, and strain health and well-being across populations. Therapy (interactive dialogue with a trained, empathetic practitioner) helps many people heal. The demand for licensed therapists far exceeds the supply in California, and AI-based therapy can narrow that gap. AI-based therapy remains novel, unproven, and not well tested. Right off the bat, we can see we’re dealing with trade-offs here. Since the main driver of demand for therapy from a robot is lack of access to therapy from a human, we’ll start there. It’s too hard to find and afford a human therapist California is short roughly 55,000 licensed, non-prescribing therapists and counselors, about 40% of what we need. Psychiatrists, who rely on talk therapy as a complement to prescribed medications, are even more scarce. Eight counties have none, and density ranges from 1.7 per 100,000 residents in San Benito County, to 68.1 in Marin County. My wife is a psychiatrist in Marin, and even here access is tight. If it’s hard in the best-supplied county, imagine rural Sierra County, or the San Joaquin Valley. In 2024, more than half of Californians who tried to make a mental health appointment struggled to find a provider who took their insurance, compared with 14% for physical health care. When Senate staff posed as “secret shopper” patients and called 120 mental health providers in Medicare Advantage networks, they landed an appointment less than once for every five tries. Insurers pay behavioral health clinicians about 22% less than medical and surgical clinicians for comparable office visits. On top of that, billing denials and prior authorizations hit hardest at the solo and small practices common in mental health. Psychiatrists opt out of Medicare at the highest rate of any specialty. In many places, a cash practice for therapy fills quickly with patients paying $250 or more an hour, with no insurance paperwork at all. Families who can pay cash find providers more easily. Those who rely on insurance, including Medi-Cal enrollees, older adults, rural residents, and non-English speakers, compete for what’s left. So we can’t pretend the human system works, and we can’t blame people for turning to AI for support when they’re in distress. AI is filling the gap It’s estimated that roughly a quarter of AI users use it for mental health support. If you have internet, it’s available 24/7, it’s cheap, and it speaks your language. Uninsured adults are about twice as likely as insured adults to do it (30% vs. 14%). It feels anonymous in ways that may enable people to ask things they’re unsure or embarrassed about. The largely hidden, personal use makes it hard to study whether it’s actually helping people with their mental health issues, but researchers are trying. Does AI therapy work? A 2026 analysis of nearly 40 randomized trials found chatbots showed a real but small reduction in depression symptoms. But most of these trials were compared to an alternative of no therapy, not a human therapist. So the benefit of AI therapy is probably real, but modest, and mostly untested against the alternative of human contact. We need more studies. Serious concerns OpenAI’s own estimate is that more than a million ChatGPT users each week show signs of suicidal planning or intent. These are high stakes encounters, and AI doesn’t always get it right. That’s partly because a chatbot can sound like a therapist, but it has no license, no duty of care, and it’s not clear who to hold accountable when it gets things wrong. AI is also designed to help users in whatever task they’re seeking to accomplish. People may feel like they’re getting therapy, but they’re mainly getting a convincing conversation. It’s easy for an AI companion to wander into gray areas, like playing along with “creative writing” that may be about the user’s own suicidal intent. Courts are driving safety conversations A wave of lawsuits have been filed on behalf of families claiming that chatbots pushed people they loved toward self-harm, including teens who died by suicide. The first settlements came this year. OpenAI is headquartered in San Francisco, and dozens of cases alleging that ChatGPT drove users to suicide or self-harm are now before a San Francisco judge. Character.ai has filed for bankruptcy after several states brought lawsuits accusing the chatbot of pushing dangerous content to kids. But the technology seems to be improving. Last month, an independent evaluation found that newer AI models “almost never endorse suicide.” That’s progress, but our societal appetite for even one preventable death is very low. So how do we move forward? Finding a middle ground Earlier this month the governor vetoed Senate Bill 903, a bill designed to place guardrails on the use of AI for therapy. The bill would have prohibited any AI-based platform from being advertised as psychotherapy, and would have required a licensed professional to review and approve each encounter where AI was used to support therapeutic decisions. Newsom called it overly broad, since even routine screening questions would have needed clinician sign-off. Knowing we’re already short on mental health providers, requiring human review of AI encounters may not relieve our access problems. Still, the answer isn’t no oversight. Here’s one feasible short term solution. Rather than reviewing each encounter, a licensed clinician can design the guardrails: what counts as a crisis, what triggers an immediate handoff to a human, and what gets sampled for audit each month. The AI runs inside that structure. Conversations get checked, failures get reported, and a real clinician owns the framework. Medicine already has models to learn from. The FDA process for rolling out newly approved medications is an example. After a product reaches patients, we keep watching for adverse events. Patient-facing AI needs the same “digital pharmacovigilance”: systematic tracking of harms, near misses, and the types of groups that get hurt and why. It’s also critical that users know that they can reach a human if they’re in crisis. Most chatbots now include messages like these: Bottom line The rush to use unproven AI tools for mental health support is mostly a workaround, a sign of a health system people can’t get into. We need better access to proven care from licensed clinicians. That takes reimbursement that makes accepting insurance viable, and a bigger workforce. But, built and tested well, AI could be part of the answer. It could be the 2 a.m. check-in when no one else is awake, or a way for patients to practice skills their therapist taught them. It could be the first step to get someone the right level of care, and take paperwork off clinicians’ plates so they spend more time with patients. None of this is simple. The SB 903 veto doesn’t end the debate, and the legislature will be back. In the meantime, those of us using these tools need to stay informed, ask hard questions, and hold the companies building them accountable. I’ll try to do my part, and we’ll keep learning together. Love,Matt P.S. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988- you’ll reach a real person— or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7. Dr. Matt Willis is the author of Your Local Epidemiologist in California. A California native, he’s served as a primary care physician, CDC epidemiologist, and public health officer for Marin County, where he guided the pandemic response. He lives in Marin with his family and their dogs, Teddy and Ramona. Thank you Cynthia He, MD, PhD, and Parnika Saxena, MD, for their guidance in preparing this article. Cynthia works in an outpatient mental health clinic, treating patients who have Medi-Cal or, sometimes, no insurance. Parnika works in an inpatient psychiatric unit, treating patients with public or private insurance or self-pay ability. All opinions are their own and do not represent their employers.
Inside California Politics
(Inside California Politics) — This week on Inside California Politics, host Nikki Laurenzo speaks with State Senator Catherine Blakespear about Proposition 45, which would amend the California Env…
California’s Quiet, Consequential Election Season
California is poised to elect its first Latino governor in more than 150 years, while the tenor of Democratic politics in the state is undergoing a shift.
Republicans are spending millions to oust a Democrat who won by 187 votes. Should he worry?
Adam Gray won California’s closest House race by 187 votes in 2024. Now, Republicans are spending millions trying to reclaim the Central Valley seat.
Oregon's governor struggles for reelection despite blue tide
In Oregon, a progressive bastion, voter discontent has incumbent Tina Kotek on the defensive. Her struggle shows the perils of incumbency this angry election season.
Hilary Swank, 52, is pregnant, expecting third child
Oscar winner Hilary Swank, 52, and husband Philip Schneider are growing their family, now expecting their third child together.
IAMA Theatre Company's 'Bobby Robotowitz' tackles AI in your home
Amy Rosoff and James Luster star in IAMA Theatre Company's play with InHouse Theatre, 'Bobby Robotowitz,' directed by Casey Stangl and written by Matt Schatz.
Congo’s fast-moving Ebola outbreak spreads to eighth province
The Ebola outbreak in Congo, the deadliest ever recorded in the country, has spread to an eighth province.
To fix California, make its politicians afraid to lose
The state has the nation’s largest homeless population and some of its most expensive housing — yet incumbents rarely pay a price. A slew of new parties is the answer.
California Prop. 4 would allow political campaigns to be publicly funded. Here's what to know.
'He's everywhere': Carl DeMaio's push to make the GOP relevant again
Assemblymember Carl DeMaio, a conservative from San Diego County, has become a prominent voice for state Republicans. His vehicle this election is Proposition 39, the voter ID measure.
Trump administration sues California to block counting of alleged noncitizen mail ballots
The Trump administration sued California election officials Thursday, asking a judge to bar the state from counting mail-in ballots for next month's midterm elections from people the federal government has identified as “likely” noncitizens until their status can be confirmed.
Kaley Cuoco welcomes 2nd daughter with Tom Pelphrey, reveals name
Kaley Cuoco and Tom Pelphrey attend the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on Sept. 14, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. (Monica Schipper/Getty Images)
DOJ sues California to block votes from alleged noncitizens
By Andrew Goudsward and Luc Cohen WASHINGTON, Oct 15 (Reuters) - The US Justice Department sued California on Thursday, asking a federal judge to block the state from counting mail
Essayli on Trump administration suing California
The Trump administration is now suing our state