EnvironmentFour in a row: California drought likely to continueSeptember 28, 2022After its driest three-year stretch on record, California braces for another year with below-average snow and rain. Conditions are shaping up to be a “recipe for drought.”
State GovernmentNewsom signs abortion protections into lawSeptember 28, 2022As other states restrict or ban abortions, the California laws aim to improve access and protect patients and clinicians. They will also expand services to accommodate an expected influx from other states.
Race and EquityReparations task force: State could owe Black Californians hundreds of thousands of dollarsSeptember 26, 2022Black Californians could be due hundreds of thousands of dollars for housing discrimination, incarceration, and health disparities alone, consultants said at reparations task force hearings.
State GovernmentWhat’s next for Eleni Kounalakis as California lieutenant governor?September 22, 2022In a 50-minute interview with CalMatters, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis talks about what she can and can’t do in the job on higher education, income inequality, offshore oil drilling and other issues. She also discusses her political ambitions.
State GovernmentWill women rule in the 2022 California election?September 21, 2022While female candidates still face challenges, voters could elect a record number of women to the state Legislature in November. The roster of female lawmakers could rise to 45 of the 120 seats, according to a CalMatters analysis.
State GovernmentInside the team pioneering California’s red flag lawSeptember 19, 2022“Red flag” laws have been slow to take off in many places, but San Diego’s program shows how advocates hope gun violence restraining orders can be used to prevent tragedy.
Voters push to take local redistricting from politiciansSeptember 18, 2022Through legislation and lawsuits, voters are trying to take redistricting power away from local politicians. Bills before Gov. Newsom would require independent commissions in Fresno, Kern and Riverside counties.
State GovernmentWage theft whack-a-mole: California workers win judgments against bosses but still don’t get paidSeptember 17, 2022Five years after workers win wage theft claims, state records show only 1 in 7 were paid their judgments in full. Some companies appealed or ignored court judgments.
State GovernmentBig change for big rigs: California unveils mandate to phase out diesel trucksSeptember 17, 2022In another worldwide first, California would require new trucks to be zero-emissions in 2040. Large companies would gradually convert fleets. Truckers worry about the costs and practicality of electric trucks.
State GovernmentState may permanently shrink internet and cell phone discounts for low-income CaliforniansSeptember 11, 2022Companies and consumers aren’t happy, but consumer advocates say the proposed rule could be a more efficient use of the public’s money.
