In case you missed it: The joint legislative budget conference committee voted unanimously today to eliminate six state umbrella agencies as well as two other offices.

The move appeared to be a retort directed at higher-paid administrative appointees who oversee the departments that provide direct state services.

The Assembly today approved a union-backed bill that would prohibit cities and counties from filing for bankruptcy without state approval.

California can cut $6 billion from education through June 2010 without jeopardizing federal funds after the Obama administration approved the state's revised application for stimulus money today.