Sacramento traffic deaths, Tahoe capsize report. What you may have missed this week
The Sacramento Bee covered a wide range of consequential stories during the week of May 10-15, 2026, from local tragedies to statewide political developments.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- At least 20 people have died in Sacramento vehicle crashes so far in 2026, the final year before the City Council’s 2027 Vision Zero deadline to eliminate traffic fatalities, with annual deaths rising since the 2017 pledge.
- A new El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office report details how survivor Amy Friduss distributed lifejackets aboard the luxury speedboat Over the Moon before it capsized on Lake Tahoe last June, killing eight of 10 occupants. None of the other passengers put their lifejackets on as a sudden Sierra storm swamped the boat.
- The fate of two men charged in the April 3, 2022, downtown Sacramento mass shooting that killed six people and wounded 12 hinges on the centuries-old legal doctrine of mutual combat. Prosecutors argue Mtula Payton and Dandrae Martin were part of rival groups that challenged each other, while defense attorneys contend the shooting was self-defense triggered by Sergio Harris.
- Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled his final budget proposal as governor, using surging artificial intelligence industry revenues to close California’s deficit for the next two years while again positioning the state as a foil to President Donald Trump. The plan reduces general fund spending by $1.8 billion and raises $8 billion through corporate tax credit limits and new healthcare and technology industry fees.
- Dana Williamson, former top aide to Gov. Newsom, pleaded guilty Thursday in Sacramento federal court to bank fraud, filing a false tax return and lying to the FBI. She admitted helping siphon about $225,000 from gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra’s dormant campaign account and faces up to 38 years in prison.
- With the No. 7 pick in the upcoming NBA draft, the Sacramento Kings are weighing five prospects to address their need at point guard, coach Doug Christie’s stated top priority. Candidates include Darius Acuff Jr., Kingston Flemings, Keaton Wagler, Brayden Burries and Mikel Brown Jr.
- Five McClatchy California newspapers published comprehensive voter guides ahead of the June 2 primary, which features no clear favorite in the governor’s race. The guides cover statewide, congressional, judicial and local races with candidate information, editorial board endorsements and campaign-finance graphics.