Saturday, August 1, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1970, San Diego's first official Comic-Con opened at the U.S. Grant Hotel. A one-day "minicon" that spring raised money for the three-day event, which grew into today's San Diego Comic-Con.

For five weeks, Bakersfield families fished, raced rubber ducks, and enjoyed a rare flowing Kern River before the city’s summer water supply ran out. What local attraction would you visit more often if it were restored or brought back to life?

Are you paying $139 a year for Amazon Prime just to get free shipping? Odds are you're only using a fraction of what that money buys. Beyond fast delivery, your membership includes five benefits that could save you hundreds of dollars annually on everyday things. On today's episode of The Flyover Podcast, Amy shares five Prime features hiding in plain sight, plus exactly how to activate each one. So what are you already paying for and leaving on the table? Tune in here!

We're always interested in products that take an everyday task and simply make it easier. That's what caught our attention about today's sponsor, the Sonic Glow Brush. If you've ever wished brushing your teeth was quicker without sacrificing a thorough clean, this is worth a look.

Newsom Returns Show up to $2M Income

Gov. Gavin Newsom and his wife earned between $1.7 million and $2 million annually from 2022 through 2024, newly released tax returns show.

The couple paid about $500,000 annually in state and federal taxes. Most income came from winery and restaurant businesses placed in a blind trust.

The documents were the first tax returns Newsom has publicly released since 2022. The couple filed for an extension on their 2025 return, which is expected in October.

California Minimum Wage Set for $17.40

California’s statewide minimum wage will rise to $17.40 an hour Jan. 1, 2027, up 50 cents from the current $16.90 rate.

The increase is required under state law and reflects an annual inflation adjustment, requiring no new legislation or action by the governor.

Some workers will continue earning more under local or industry-specific requirements, including fast-food and health care employees covered by separate wage laws.

Federal Plan Targets Colorado River Cuts

California, Arizona, and Nevada could face water cuts totaling up to 3 million acre-feet annually under a proposed federal Colorado River plan through 2036.

The 10-year framework would adjust reservoir operations every two years based on water conditions, while sparing four Upper Basin states from mandatory cuts for now.

The reductions could raise water prices, increase groundwater use, and reduce farmland as Lake Mead and Lake Powell remain near record-low levels.

Flying together with our sponsor

A Smarter Way to Brush in Just 30 Seconds

Most of us spend two minutes brushing our teeth twice a day. The Sonic Glow Brush takes a different approach. Its soft, U-shaped mouthpiece surrounds your teeth and uses sonic vibrations to clean them all at once, delivering a full brushing routine in as little as 30 seconds.

It's easy to see why so many people are making the switch. Whether you're trying to get out the door faster in the morning, simplify your evening routine, or just want an easier way to stay consistent, this brush offers a refreshing alternative to a traditional toothbrush. It also features multiple cleaning modes, built-in blue light whitening technology, and a rechargeable battery that's perfect for home or travel.

If you're looking for a smarter, faster way to brush, see how the Sonic Glow Brush works here.

➤ San Francisco: Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey sent nearly 1,000 readers onto library waitlists for Emily Wilson’s translation, while older versions remain readily available. (More)

➤ Sonoma County: The Woodside Fire burned 142 acres and was 30% contained Friday morning, prompting evacuation orders near Salt Point State Park and Timber Cove. (More)

➤ San Jose: One person suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a car crashed into Crawfish Bros on Story Road. The driver stayed and cooperated with police. (More)

➤ Bakersfield: Families marked the final Sunsets on the River event with fishing, nature activities, and rubber duck races before the city’s summer river flow ended. (More)

➤ San Luis Obispo: Cal Poly delayed a new dorm opening, requiring some students to share rooms. Affected residents will receive 50% housing discounts until it opens. (More)

➤ Fresno: A 0.7-mile stretch of Shaw Avenue will receive $1.6 million in repaving, curb-ramp, and signage upgrades, with completion expected before Thanksgiving. (More)

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➤ Rialto: CHP investigators recovered more than $500,000 in stolen cargo from a discount store linked to multiple Southern California thefts. The goods were returned to victims. (More)

➤ San Diego: The CEO of a currency exchange company was arrested on a federal murder-for-hire charge after allegedly paying undercover agents $40,000 to kill a businessman over a debt. (More)

➤ Also San Diego: An F-35 incident sparked a fire and heavy smoke on the flight line at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. Officials are investigating. (More)

➤ A one-of-one Shohei Ohtani autographed baseball card sold for $11 million this week, the third-highest price ever paid for a sports card. The card features two game-worn patches and two signatures from Ohtani's back-to-back NL MVP seasons with the Dodgers. (More)

➤ California tribal leaders are planning a sports betting ballot measure for 2028, six years after voters overwhelmingly rejected competing proposals in 2022. The chairman of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association said internal polling shows 60% of Californians now believe online sports betting is already legal in the state. (More)

➤ Wide receiver Deebo Samuel is returning to the 49ers on a one-year deal worth up to $7 million, one day after the team disclosed that receiver Ricky Pearsall may miss the entire season. Samuel spent last year with the Commanders, catching 72 passes for 727 yards and five touchdowns. (More)

➤ UC Davis senior Vani Karimanal won the California Women's Championship on Thursday at the Ojai Valley Inn, shooting 3 under par over three rounds and holding off the field by one stroke. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | Golf | WNBA | Soccer

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Turn your ordinary garden hose into a powerful cleaning tool with Jetterix. This easy-to-use high-pressure nozzle helps blast away dirt, mud, and grime from driveways, patios, vehicles, siding, and more—without the cost of an expensive pressure washer. Get yours today and make outdoor cleaning faster and easier.

Flying together with our sponsor

A Small Upgrade You'll Use Every Day

Some products promise to change your life. Others simply make your daily routine a little better. We think this falls into the second category. If you're going to brush your teeth every day anyway, it makes sense to see if there's a faster, easier way to do it.

Learn more about the Sonic Glow Brush and see if it's right for you today.

➤ Central Coast weekend events include a rock and gem show, back-to-school festivities, an Obon celebration, and Cambria’s annual jade fair. (See Events)

➤ Palm Springs tiki bar The Reef landed on USA TODAY’s 2026 Bars of the Year list for its kitschy atmosphere and tropical cocktails. (More)

➤ Lassen County Firefighters rescued six uninjured puppies found alone in the 3-1 Pit Fire zone. They’ll be available for adoption after veterinary care. (See Photos)

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➤ Want exposure to Anthropic before its anticipated IPO? A new video reveals a publicly traded company with an early investment in Anthropic that may offer indirect exposure to its future growth. Learn why some investors are watching this opportunity closely—and discover the stock ticker free in the presentation. (LEARN MORE)

The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes. Clicking the links will take you directly to these stories:

➤ Your $139 Amazon Prime membership includes hidden benefits most members are unknowingly paying for and never using. (Hear More)

➤ Mortgage rates have climbed to their highest level in a year as war fears and Fed doubts fuel inflation concerns. (Listen Now)

➤ Shark sightings are surging off New York City beaches, forcing police to send drones into the sky over swimmers. (Podcast Available)