Dan Morain

WhatMatters

Environmental fight goes to the wire, an oil refinery, weed legislation, and a raid in Turlock

Environmental battle goes down to the wire. Kern County oil refinery may get special treatment. More college students struggling with costs.

By Dan Morain • September 13, 2019

WhatMatters

Renters’ relief, carve-outs, anti-vaxxers, a failed tax break, and crooked teeth

Bill capping rent increases passes. Who won and lost in AB5 gig workers fight. Newsom realizes most of first-year agenda.

By Dan Morain and Ben Christopher • September 12, 2019

WhatMatters

Future of work, Kamala Harris, Trump, homeless crisis, a Facebook posting, rats, and beer

Labor-backed gig workers bill heads to Newsom's desk. Harris' progressive record is nuanced. Trump focuses on homelessness.

By Dan Morain and Judy Lin • September 11, 2019

WhatMatters

Newsom signs vaccination bills, Becerra doesn’t sue, facial recognition, beach access, and our two states

Newsom signs vaccination bill. Becerra skips Google antitrust investigation. Bill on police use of facial-recognition technology is watered down.

By Dan Morain • September 10, 2019

WhatMatters

Legislature’s final week, rent control, for-profit colleges, Newsom channels Reagan, and alligators

Rent cap deal is far from done. Before Newsom, Reagan battled feds over automobile emissions rules. PG&E searches for a Plan B.

By Dan Morain • September 9, 2019

Politics

What to watch as CA lawmakers wrap up, from gators to the gig economy

As California lawmakers start the last week of the legislative session, this year's to-do list includes some big issues — the future of work, for instance, and vaccine exemptions — and some arcane but high-stakes lobbying fights. 

By Dan Morain • September 9, 2019

WhatMatters

School bonds, breaking up with PG&E, trade war, Stephon Clark, and rabbis

Multi-billion dollar school bond may land on March ballot. Housing bill advances. Municipalities look to break free from PG&E.

By Dan Morain and Matt Levin • September 6, 2019

WhatMatters

Google, privacy, vaccines, DMV lines, an end to animal trapping, and wild horses

Tech amps up lobbying over data privacy. Vaccination bill passes, but future is uncertain. Newsom moves to end California's fur trade.

By Dan Morain and Judy Lin • September 5, 2019

WhatMatters

A mea culpa, a ‘bailout,’ antitrust, infertility, Gavin Newsom’s new vaccine bill demands,

Insurance commissioner issues a mea culpa. Economist calls PG&E plan a bailout. Newsom wants changes to vaccine legislation.

By Dan Morain and Judy Lin • September 4, 2019

WhatMatters

Final votes, climate fight, food stamps, felons’ rights, and Kamala Harris

Legislative sprint begins in Sacramento. Trump and California battle over tailpipe emissions. Counties pressured to closed the food stamp gap.

By Dan Morain • September 3, 2019