State GovernmentTwo state agencies ground Cruise driverless cars for public safetyOctober 24, 2023A recent incident in San Francisco spurred the Department of Motor Vehicles and the California Public Utilities Commission to suspend the licenses for Cruise’s driverless cars.
State Government‘Back of the line again’: California’s broadband plan deprioritized underserved regions, advocates sayOctober 23, 2023After years of planning a broadband system to bridge California’s digital divide, officials deprioritized some low-income areas due to unexpected costs. Gov. Gavin Newsom says he’s committed to funding the entire network, but advocates are skeptical. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentWith wildfires growing, California writes new rules on where to plant shrubsOctober 20, 2023The plants and mulch within five feet of a home pose a major risk for spreading wildfire. California now has the tricky task of convincing homeowners to get rid of the greenery.
State GovernmentLaphonza Butler skips the U.S. Senate race: What you need to knowOctober 19, 2023California’s new U.S. senator says she won’t seek a full term in 2024. She says she can better serve the state by focusing on key issues, not a campaign.
EnvironmentAs US wildfires pollute the skies, a loophole is obscuring the impact. Can it be fixed?October 18, 2023Everyone agrees it’s time to change the Clean Air Act's exceptional events rule, but has different solutions. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EducationA California program could give many K-12 students money for college, but few have used the fundsOctober 12, 2023 | Srishti PrabhaThe CalKIDS program provides a college savings account for K-12 public school students from low-income backgrounds and children born after 2022. With only 6% of students signed up, officials are increasing outreach efforts to get families involved.
State GovernmentCalifornia emergency regulations would change use of solitary confinement in prisonsOctober 10, 2023 | Kate WolffeOver 3,000 people are in restricted housing in California prisons; the new rules would limit the use and terms. Advocates say the changes don't go far enough and the process is rushed. The public can comment until Oct. 14. Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
State GovernmentCalifornia becomes the first state to ban 4 food additives linked to diseaseOctober 10, 2023Brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben and red dye 3, which can be found in candy, cookies and more, will be banned starting in 2027 due to risk of cancer, other health effects.
State GovernmentIs California’s COVID-era rent relief program running out of money?October 9, 2023California’s COVID-era rent relief program, long saddled with delays, criticisms and legal woes, appears to be running out of money. What does that mean for the more than 100,000 renters still awaiting help?
State GovernmentNewsom blocks a bill to ban caste discrimination in CaliforniaOctober 8, 2023Gov. Newsom vetoes what would have been a first-in-the-nation law banning caste discrimination in education, housing and the workplace. The bill divided South Asian communities in California.