Digital Democracy

A raging wildfire consumes a structure, with massive flames engulfing the scene. Bright orange and yellow fire contrasts against the dark sky, creating an intense and dramatic visual. A fence and some vegetation are silhouetted in the foreground, emphasizing the destructive power of the blaze.

Politics

How labor killed a bill to let California wildfire victims sue Big Oil for climate change

The Senate Judiciary Committee spiked a bill to let wildfire victims sue oil companies over climate change. Labor unions, not Big Oil, led the opposition.

By Ryan Sabalow • April 16, 2025

Lawmakers sit in read chairs on a long and elevated desk in a hearing room at the state capitol. A seal of the Senate of the State of California rest on the wall behind them.

Politics

California lawmakers quietly sideline bills in secretive suspense process

More than 100 California bills moved to the “suspense file” last week, the start of a process where consequential decisions are made out of public view.

By Ryan Sabalow • April 14, 2025

A side-view of people holding signs and chanting while at a rally.

Politics

Uber, Lyft drivers could unionize under new proposal

California Democrats are backing a legislative proposal that would allow gig workers to form unions. Expect big pushback from companies like Uber, Lyft and Doordash.

By Yue Stella Yu • April 9, 2025

A person standing behind a bar in a black shirt pours a drink from a shaker into a drinking glass on a rubber place mat. More shakers are stacked along the bar, and a brick wall can be seen in the background in this nightlife scene.

Politics

‘World-class nightlife’: Lawmakers try again to extend last call to 4 a.m.

Business groups and downtown associations say drinking later could revitalize nightlife and ease the 2 a.m. rush when bars shut down.

By Yue Stella Yu • April 8, 2025

A veterinarian uses a small pair of nail clippers to cut a cat's nails as it lies on an examination table while being petted by another person.

Politics

Can California vets claw back another cat declawing ban? Lawmakers are trying

Five different measures to ban claw declawing surgery have died in the Legislature since 2018. Lawmakers are trying again this year, despite lobbying by state veterinarians.

By Ryan Sabalow • April 7, 2025

Three teenagers sit in the backseat of a car, all wearing seat belts. Two of them are focused on their phones, while the one closest to the camera looks out the window.

Politics

No more calling ‘shotgun?’ California could ban teens from riding in the front seat

A new bill would require teens up to 16 years old to ride in the back seat if they’re not tall enough. Middle schoolers up to age 13 would need to use booster seats if they’re tiny.

By Ryan Sabalow • April 3, 2025

A low-angle view of a sign pinned to the grass with an arrow pointing to the left and an I voted sticker on the sign with a flag. Behind the sign and view between the pins is a line of people waiting to enter a building near a tree.

Politics

A judge found this California city’s election system was discriminatory. They’re still using it six years later

Under current law, cities whose at-large election systems are found by courts to have discriminated against voters don’t have to change them if they appeal the decision.

By Sameea Kamal • April 2, 2025

Politics

Democracy in the dark: How California lawmakers are trying to shield themselves from public view

State lawmakers have introduced at least a dozen proposals that would make it harder to confront local officials at public meetings, shield more information from the public and relax rules on financial reports.

By Sameea Kamal and Yue Stella Yu • April 1, 2025

A person wearing glasses, a gray suit, and a colorful bow tie sits at a desk in a meeting room. A nameplate reading "Mike A. Gipson" is positioned in front of them. The room features green chairs and microphones, with a plain beige wall in the background. Their expression appears attentive as they look off to the side.

Politics

California Democratic lawmaker exaggerated his record as a police officer

For years, Democratic Assemblymember Mike Gipson has repeated a story about being partners with a fallen police officer. Records and interviews find that Gipson exaggerated their relationship and overstated what he did during his brief time as a reserve officer in Maywood.

By Ryan Sabalow • March 27, 2025

Illustration of a silhouette of a person in freefall, set against a background of concentric circles composed of insurance health claim forms in bold orange and black

Mental Health

Insurance denials can devastate mental health patients. California is considering how to fix that

'Everybody’s been denied some form of care,' said one California mental health advocate. Now, lawmakers are advancing new bills on behavioral health coverage.

By Jocelyn Wiener • March 20, 2025