California

News, deep dives, and analysis — every California story, newest first.

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Aug 30

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Firefighters

DJI Drone Helps Firefighters Save Tiny Dog From California Canal

A DJI drone played a key role in saving a small dog fighting for his life in a California canal, proving once again how aerial technology can make

Rafael SuárezNov 6

Technology

Pony.ai’s Driverless Taxi Leap: Why this matters to drone pilots

Pony.ai has launched its first fully driverless robotaxi pilot program in Shenzhen, marking a major step in the company’s effort to make autonomous

Rafael SuárezNov 3

Brinc

Victorville Becomes First Contract City To Launch BRINC Drone First Responder Program With $832K State-Funded Deal

The City of Victorville is set to become the first contract city with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department to implement a Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, following a unanimous City Council vote earlier this month that approved an $832,000 three-year contract with BRINC Drones. The initiative positions the Southern California desert city at…

Haye KestelooNov 1

Anduril

Anduril’s YFQ-44A Autonomous Fighter Drone Completes First Flight, Marking New Era In AI-Powered Air Combat

Anduril Industries successfully flew its YFQ-44A jet-powered combat drone for the first time on October 31, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the U.S. Air Force’s effort to field autonomous “loyal wingman” aircraft that can operate alongside fighter jets. The Los Angeles-based defense tech company and the Air Force confirmed the semi-autonomous flight demonstrates rapid…

Haye KestelooOct 31

DJI

FCC Grants Itself Authority to Retroactively Ban Drones, DJI Neo 2 and L3 LiDAR Leak, Plus $300K Fireworks Fine

Welcome to your weekly UAS news update, Halloween edition, where scary politicians create scary laws. I have three stories for you this week: The FCC votes on new powers, DJI drone and payload leaks, and a California homeowner facing a massive $300,000 fine based on—well, you’ll see—drone stuff. FCC Votes to Grant Itself Retroactive Ban…

Greg ReverdiauOct 31

Zipline

1X’s $20,000 NEO Humanoid Robot Launches With A Catch: It Needs Humans To Do Your Chores

California-based 1X Technologies opened pre-orders this week for NEO, the first consumer-ready humanoid robot designed to handle household tasks—but Wall Street Journal testing revealed a surprising reality. The $20,000 robot that promises to fold your laundry and load your dishwasher can’t actually do any of that autonomously yet. Every task requires a remote human operator…

Haye KestelooOct 29

Legal

Drone Surveillance Nets $300,000 Fine For California Homeowner Who Says He “Wasn’t Even Home”

A California homeowner faces a staggering $300,000 fine after a city drone recorded illegal fireworks at his property on July 4th—even though he insists he wasn’t there. The case, part of a nearly $1 million drone enforcement crackdown in Stanton, raises troubling questions about warrantless aerial surveillance, constitutional protections against excessive fines, and whether property…

Haye KestelooOct 28

Skydio

Trump Jr.-Linked Unusual Machines Lands Major Pentagon Drone Contract Amid Ethics Concerns

Florida-based Unusual Machines has secured its largest Pentagon contract to date, winning a deal to supply 3,500 drone motors and components to the U.S. Army—just months after Donald Trump Jr. joined the company as an adviser with a $4 million stake. The Financial Times first reported the contract award on Friday, reigniting conflict-of-interest concerns that…

Haye KestelooOct 25

California

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