Economy

Technology

If California government wants to use AI, it will have to follow these new rules

State agencies must follow a new set of rules when signing contracts that deal with generative AI, but don’t address harmful forms of AI used in the past

By

Khari Johnson

• March 21, 2024

Dermatologist Dr. Margaret Parsons at her practice, Dermatology Consultants of Sacramento, in Sacramento on March 18, 2024. The practice experienced a cyber attack in early February. Five weeks later, they are still having issues with their network. Photo by José Luis Villegas for CalMatters

Technology

California doctors struggle to make payroll one month after ransomware attack

A cyber attack crippled claims processing nationwide, forcing doctors and hospitals to forgo payments and risk medical supply shortages.

By

Khari Johnson

and

Ana B. Ibarra

• March 21, 2024

A sign outside of Google Store Chelsea in Manhattan, New York City on Nov. 17, 2021. Photo by Andrew Kelly, Reuters

Technology

Large California companies will soon face new rules on how they use AI

The multi-year process started in late 2021 took the next step toward regulating business use of AI in California. The rules are expected to be influential given the number of AI companies in the state.

By

Khari Johnson

• March 13, 2024

Homelessness

This California county is testing AI’s ability to prevent homelessness

Machine learning predicts who will end up on the street, and then social workers step in and offer to help. It’s an experiment still in progress, but so far nearly 90% of participants kept their housing.

By

Marisa Kendall

• March 6, 2024

Antionette Martinez and her son Caden, 5, do their bi-weekly grocery shop at FoodMaxx on July 26, 2019. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Economy

Californians face higher costs for goods and services than before the pandemic despite inflation slowing

The consumer price index shows services are mostly responsible for persistent inflation, but prices for food and other goods in California remain high.

By

Levi Sumagaysay

• March 6, 2024

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg speaks during the tech giant's Connect developer conference in Menlo Park on Sept. 27, 2023. Photo by Godofredo A. Vásquez, AP Photo

Economy

Tech boom has slowed, but there are still more Silicon Valley jobs than before the pandemic

A new report says Silicon Valley economic indicators are mixed, despite layoffs. Population decline has reversed and overall jobs are up.

By

Levi Sumagaysay

• February 28, 2024

Students prepare potatoes to make Potato Chateau in the Hospitality Training Academy class on Feb. 13, 2024. Photo by Zaydee Sanchez for CalMatters.

Economy

Academy with millions of dollars in government funding helps hospitality workers get better jobs

The Hospitality Training Academy in Los Angeles gets funding from state and federal sources and helps many workers get better careers.

By

Levi Sumagaysay

• February 27, 2024

Technology

Police want drones in car chases. How SF’s Prop E could affect that

Despite higher than average number of police pursuits in 2023, Prop. E would weaken existing policy and allow drone use. Opponents say that’s a risk to public safety that could have a ripple effect for the rest of California.

By

Khari Johnson

• February 26, 2024