Dan Walters

A U.S. Supreme Court case from the late 1800's and a federal drug agent's fatal shot in 1972 will likely curtail enforcement of a proposed mask ban for federal officers.

When Gov. Gavin Newsom approved $750 million in tax credits for Hollywood, he added to $100 billion in annual tax breaks or kickbacks California companies already enjoy.

A year ago, Newsom was denouncing gasoline refiners for gouging consumers and pocketing huge profits. During the just-concluded legislative session, however, he and legislators acted to increase oil production in California. What happened?

The state budget approved in June contained authorization for a $750 million loan. But legislators and Gov. Gavin Newsom couldn't complete a deal on terms by end of session last week.

California ties Louisiana for the highest share of poor people. Lawmakers say they just passed bills that will lower housing, electricity and gasoline costs.

Fast food prices barely went up but jobs held steady after the wage increase, researchers in a union-friendly economic center wrote. But an industry-backed study said 19,000 jobs were lost.

Two mayors, San Francisco’s Daniel Lurie and San Jose’s Matt Mahan, personify the rising influence of centrists among Bay Area Democratic leaders.

Polling and other political tests show Newsom as the unofficial Democratic frontrunner, three years before voters will elect the next president.

In the final week of the legislative session, state and local officials are arguing over a housing density bill and how much local governments can share in workers' on-the-job injury money.

The tools and tricks employed to close California's budget deficits come from an inventory of techniques developed over decades. A recent lawsuit spotlighted a strategy used in 2004.