Billionaire Tax Heads to Ballot: California’s billionaire wealth tax cleared the signature hurdle and is set for the Nov. 3 ballot, with supporters pointing to funding for schools and health programs while opponents warn it could drive investment out of state. Political Accountability: A state watchdog fined Gov. Gavin Newsom $31,500 for late reporting of $5.5 million in behested payments tied largely to wildfire recovery. Energy Costs & Solar: Gas prices dipped below $4 nationwide, but Californians are still paying far more than last year; meanwhile, a new “plug-in solar” bill would let people buy portable solar devices through retailers, potentially cutting bills. Housing & Jobs: LA County warned Paramount-Warner Bros. merger could put nearly 2,500 local jobs at risk, while Bay Area real estate faces an AI-driven boom that’s starting to reshape demand. Crime & Courts: Comedian Carlos Mencia was arrested and charged with felony tax evasion tied to $8.7 million allegedly hidden from California authorities. Water & Agriculture: Senators asked USDA for $32.2 million in emergency funds to fight the glassy-winged sharpshooter after it was found on grapevines sold at Costco. Public Safety: A judge denied bail in the Esparto fireworks explosion case, citing inherited property that disqualifies one defendant from appointed counsel. Health & Biotech: FDA accepted Genentech’s supplemental application for a Lunsumio and Polivy combo for relapsed large B-cell lymphoma.