WhatMatters

where John Lam, the 33-year-old brother-in-law of Speaker Anthony Rendon, awaits his parole hearing for a murder he took part in as a teen.

WhatMatters

Ethnic studies pause, prison issues, Elizabeth Warren’s California foray, and the West Hollywood dream

Ethnic studies plan hits roadblock. Federal class-action suit against California prisons drags on. Family reaches settlement in prison suicide.

By Dan Morain and Barbara Harvey • August 15, 2019

WhatMatters

Synagogue shooting suspect slipped through cracks, a push to lower voting age, and California sues Trump. Again

How alleged synagogue shooter slipped through a crack. Assemblyman wants to lower voting age. California sues Trump again.

By Dan Morain and Barbara Harvey • August 14, 2019

WhatMatters

Greenhouse gas emissions fall but not enough, when $25 million is not enough, and Kamala Harris’ Iowa run

California gets a mixed emissions report, prepares to battle Trump administration over endangered species, immigration, warning labels

By Dan Morain and Barbara Harvey • August 13, 2019

WhatMatters

Legislators return, the future of work, recycling crisis, UC’s shrouded side door, and segregation in 2019

Legislators return from summer break set to tackle slew of issues, including the nature of work and California's recycling crisis.

By Dan Morain and Barbara Harvey • August 12, 2019

WhatMatters

Blowback on ethnic studies, mental illness, fighting to save forests, and cannabis

A look at mental illness through the lens of families. New ethnic studies curriculum met with criticism. Jerry Brown's school funding formula is graded.

By Dan Morain • August 9, 2019

WhatMatters

Domestic violence, sexual harassment, HIV prevention, pardons, and a winemaker’s $3.7 million fine

Senator's domestic violence bill is personal. California justice says colleague sexually harassed her. New HIV-prevention drug sparks debate.

By Dan Morain and Barbara Harvey • August 8, 2019

WhatMatters

What happened in Mendota, Trump fires back at Newsom, and hospitals seek a break

California dismantles deadly MS-13 gang operation. Hospitals want more time to complete earthquake retrofitting. Trump, GOP sue over tax return bill.

By Dan Morain and Barbara Harvey • August 7, 2019

WhatMatters

Newsom goes after Mitch McConnell, as recycling crisis worsens and Duncan Hunter faces a Republican challenger

Newsom takes on McConnell over gun violence. California's recycling efforts suffer another blow. Duncan Hunter gets a primary challenge.

By Dan Morain and Barbara Harvey • August 6, 2019

An elephant sitting in a hammock on the beach and look at sea.

WhatMatters

Gas taxes, crisis beds, a gun tax, a Reagan remembrance, a GOP loss, and CCPOA’s $2 million headache

California leads the way in gas taxes. Cut in Sonoma County crisis beds alarms law enforcement. Regan son-in-law urges perspective on racist comment.

By Dan Morain and Barbara Harvey • August 5, 2019

WhatMatters

California’s lobbying boom, new firefighting tools, and the recycling crisis

California's lobbying industry booms, boosting a Newsom adviser. Firefighters get new tools. Officials face a garbage crisis.

By Dan Morain and Barbara Harvey • August 2, 2019