BusinessGoogle to pay $700 million in case over whether its app store is an illegal monopolyDecember 19, 2023The deal with dozens of states resolves a lawsuit that claimed Google engages in anticompetitive behavior through its Google Play store, which is how most people download apps on Android devices.
EnvironmentOfficials hope new flood strategies can help the Sacramento region handle an unpredictable winterDecember 18, 2023 | Nicole Nixon | Manola SecairaInfrastructure meant to prevent flooding in California cities is aging and experts say the state must prepare for more intense storms as they prepare for an unpredictable El Niño winter.
State GovernmentWildfire risks will continue to drive up rates for California homeowners, insurance commissioner saysDecember 14, 2023 | Nicole Nixon“Will Californians see increased insurance costs in the future? The only realistic answer is yes,” California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara told state lawmakers this week.
State GovernmentHigh-speed rail projects in California and Nevada get a $6 billion infusion of federal infrastructure moneyDecember 8, 2023The White House hopes to jumpstart high-speed rail in the U.S. with money from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Much of the funding announced this week will go to projects in Nevada and California.
State GovernmentCalifornia budget rollercoaster: Analyst predicts $68 billion deficitDecember 7, 2023California’s Legislative Analyst’s Office projects a 2024-25 budget deficit twice as large as 2023-24. It says the state could dip into reserves and cut some one-time spending.
State GovernmentGaza cease-fire protests prompt Newsom to hold virtual Capitol Christmas tree-lighting ceremonyDecember 6, 2023California Governor Gavin Newsom won't host an in-person Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the state Capitol this year because of concerns that protesters calling for a cease-fire in Gaza would disrupt the annual event.
State GovernmentFormer Speaker Kevin McCarthy to retire at the end of the monthDecember 6, 2023Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., will retire at the end of this year, leaving just weeks left in his time in office.
Health CareSome children on Medi-Cal have to wait weeks, months for mental health care, state audit showsDecember 4, 2023 | Kate WolffeThe audit surveyed hundreds of providers and found many were unable to offer a therapy or psychiatry appointment within state standards, sometimes egregiously so. Auditors say the state could be doing more to enforce wait time guidelines.
State GovernmentFive key moments from the Newsom-DeSantis debateDecember 1, 2023The high-stakes Newsom-DeSantis debate devolved into name-calling and arguing over facts — with the backdrop of the presidential campaign.
State GovernmentDebating Ron DeSantis could benefit Gavin Newsom's political ambitionsNovember 30, 2023Two of the nation's most high profile governors will debate Thursday night in Georgia, even though only one of them is actually running for president in 2024.