The big news was that Gov. Gavin Newsom launched a self-branded podcast and began talking to conservative influencers and talk show hosts to stay relevant into a possible presidential candidacy for 2028.

Meanwhile, California is struggling to rebuild after the LA wildfires and the state is falling deeper into financial chaos.

California will need to borrow $3.44 billion to close a budget gap in the state’s Medicaid program, Newsom administration officials told lawmakers Wednesday in a letter obtained by POLITICO.

That’s the maximum amount California can borrow, and will only be enough to cover bills for Medi-Cal — the state’s Medicaid program — through the end of the month, Department of Finance spokesperson H.D. Palmer separately told POLITICO.

The budget pressure will bring fresh scrutiny to the state’s coverage of illegal aliens, which is costing more than first budgeted.

Originally, the state estimated it would cost around $3 billion per year to insure that population. But one year after the program has been fully implemented, it’s turning out to be more expensive than anticipated.

No kidding.

Pouring more money into welfare for a low-income illegal population is always going to be more expensive.

This is the kind of thing that a state governor ought to be on top of instead of promoting his podcast.