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The article discusses the state of California, focusing particularly on its economic, political, and social conditions. Topics include the fact that California has the fifth largest economy in the world, wildfires and electric shutdowns by the state's electric providers such as Pacific Gas & Electric Co. (PG&E), poverty rates, homelessness, state budgets, the housing market and home prices, and strict environmental legislation. Tensions between Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom and U.S. President Donald Trump are discussed.

The article discusses efforts to reform U.S. police in the wake of the 2020 killing of George Floyd by the police in Minneapolis, Minnesota and ensuing protests. The role of the Black Lives Matter movement in advancing calls to defund police departments across the nation is examined along with proposed legislative measures to increase police transparency and accountability, strengthen consequences for police misconduct, and mandate use of force reporting.

The article reports on plans by Virgin Trains to build a railroad between Los Angeles, California, and Las Vegas, Nevada. It mentions the investment by Fortress Investment Group funds, questions regarding the success of the Virgin line in Florida and its future expansion to Orlando, and the sale of construction bonds for financing.

The article looks at how some U.S. cities such as San Francisco, California are using outdated computer systems in municipal offices. It discusses the costs and time associated with updating municipal systems to cloud computing despite the challenges using technology from as far back as 1980 present city employees.

The article reports on a November 2018 referendum in Los Angeles, California, which would, if passed, change the city's charter so the city can create a public bank to hold city government funds, allowing them to be used for investments within the city. It notes North Dakota has had such a public bank since 1919. Opposition to the proposal from the financial services industry is discussed.

The article focuses on a state takeover of Atlantic City, New Jersey in 2016. It states Republican Governor Chris Christie interrupted campaigning for U.S. President on January 26 to announce plans to keep Atlantic City out of bankruptcy. It reports the city is suffering a 100 million dollar budget gap and will likely see services cut, along with benefits reductions and layoffs for municipal workers. It mentions the governor will restart construction of the Revel casino which closed in 2014.

The article reports on an initiative to appear on the ballot in California in November 2016 that if passed would mandate the approval by California voters for some state bond issues, noting the campaign for the initiative is being led by Dino Cortopassi, co-owner of Stanislaus Food Products. Topics include the financing of large infrastructure projects in the state, water tunnel projects proposed by California Governor Jerry Brown, and Brown's fiscal policies.

The article focuses on Kathleen Kane, an American lawyer and politician who is the Attorney General of Pennsylvania. It mentions that Kane was arrested and charge with multiple offenses including felony perjury, and obstruction of justice. It notes that the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has suspended the license of Kane to practice law.

The article offers information the gubernatorial election of California to take place in 2018. Particular focus is given to the two candidates: conservative John Cox and businessman and current Lieutenant Governor of California, Gavin Newsom. Additional topics discussed include older, white voters in the state, the failure of former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to place in the election, and challenges facing the state including homelessness, a worsening housing crisis, and the nation’s highest poverty rate when accounting for the cost of living.

The article discusses U.S. states like Florida, New York, and Arizona, which are cutting expenditures and firing workers in order to balance budgets and maintain credit ratings, and the benefits that municipal bondholders have received.