Explainers
How California is rewriting the law on online privacy
California's new data privacy law is the nation's toughest. Here's what it will and won't do to help you control the use of your data online.
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Justice
Force of Law
After Sacramento police shot and killed Stephon Clark, an unarmed black man who was in his grandparents’ backyard, activists set out to change California law. They wanted to make it harder to legally justify police shootings. That sparked a heated debate in the state Capitol between the powerful police lobby and families whose loved ones […]
Politics
Another California Republican defection: Former party leader bails on the GOP
A former California Republican leader left the party this week, the latest GOP defection in what’s become a trend among Trump-era moderates. Assemblyman Chad Mayes re-registered without party preference, becoming the second California lawmaker this year to leave the Republican party. Assemblyman Brian Maienschein became a Democrat in January, and California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye […]
WhatMatters
Feds hit California on climate amid fire and torrential rain
A Thanksgiving week storm batters California, and firefighters give thanks in Santa Barbara. Plus, cities grapple with cannabis, and the state with Trump.
WhatMatters
On a holiday week, fire, rain — and workplace turmoil
A Thanksgiving storm blows into California, with Michael Bloomberg, a Black Friday rush at your local Amazon warehouse and a look at the future of work.
Justice
Seattle’s already doing what California’s about to do to limit police use of force. How’s it working out?
Seattle police have cut their use of moderate and lethal force 60%. But controversial police shootings still happen, and no officer has been prosecuted since the change took effect.
California Wildfires
Comforting California, Newsom bashes a familiar villain — PG&E
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s lambasting of PG&E as California reels from wildfires and mass blackouts reflects his roots in San Francisco — and a public perception that’s built up over the last half century.
Justice
Looking North
As California debated a new law limiting when police can use deadly force, advocates pointed to Seattle as a place that's benefited from a similar policy.
Justice
What California can learn from Seattle about police shootings
As California debated a new law limiting when police can use deadly force, advocates pointed to Seattle as an example of a place that’s benefited from a similar policy. The Seattle Police Department has made a lot of changes in recent years, and its use of force is way down. The Force of Law season finale […]
Politics
Newsom’s first rodeo: In year one, the governor bucks both Trump and Brown
Gov. Gavin Newsom's choices this year reflect his vision for California, and resist his predecessor and the president.