WhatMatters

LAUSD teachers march in solidarity in mid-December in downtown Los Angeles as a threatened January 10 strike date looms.

Newsletters

Janus plaintiffs sue to weaken labor, and LAUSD’s union sets a strike date

Right-to-work forces take a next step, teacher unions threaten to walk out in L.A., an ag giant raises its pay, California mandates electric buses.

By Dan Morain • December 20, 2018

Newsletters

A Jerry Brown talk, a wildfire policy fail and an emissions rollback

Gov. Jerry Brown meets the press, government wildfire policies worsen the problem, the backstory on emissions and what won't happen on death sentences.

By Dan Morain • December 19, 2018

Newsletters

Homeless in CA, a death penalty push and a quiz on Jerry Brown

Good news on California's homeless, governors ask Jerry Brown to show leniency, labor gets a seat at Newsom's table and how well do you know the governor?

By Dan Morain • December 18, 2018

Proponents of single payer health care rally at the annual convention of the California Nurses Association at Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco, on Sept. 22, 2017. Photo by Dan Honda, Bay Area News Group

Newsletters

The coming battles over Obamacare, schools, housing and cap and trade

California reacts to the Obamacare ruling, lawmakers make school spending wish lists as LAUSD plans a walkout, cap and trade's flaw, and housing control.

By Dan Morain • December 17, 2018

Tani Cantil-Sakauye, the chief justice of the California State Supreme Court, talks with the Mercury News editorial board at the Mercury News in San Jose Thursday Jan. 26, 2012. (Patrick Tehan/Staff)

Newsletters

Judges, beaches, COP24 and a heartbreaking fire map

California's top judge leaves her party, the Brock Turner judge asks for money, a memory of the late Judge Newsom, and fingerpointing at the COP.

By Dan Morain • December 14, 2018

Newsletters

California’s economy, Newsom’s circle and a water vote

Californians aren't sunny, economists offer advice for Gavin Newsom, a water vote pushes a deal, a Newsom adviser raises questions, and a fire bill lands.

By Dan Morain • December 13, 2018

Tejon Ranch. Photo courtesy of California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, via Creative Commons

Newsletters

Tejon Ranch, Trump vs. CA, the spotlight hits Dems hard

Tejon Ranch gets approved after 20 years of fighting, Trump takes on California's border, immigrants and Nancy Pelosi, and the spotlight falls on Democrats.

By Dan Morain • December 12, 2018

Vernal pools support endangered San Diego fairy shrimp in San Diego County. hoto by Joanna Gilkeson/USFWS.

Newsletters

FPPC sanctions, Trump threats, a Trekkie tax credit

California's campaign finance watchdog barks up the wrong tree, Trump threatens CA water, businesses and immigrants and Star Trek gets a film tax credit.

By Dan Morain • December 11, 2018

Newsletters

Water, Obamacare and a GOP shellacking

By Dan Morain • December 10, 2018

Newsletters

School dashboards, Dieselgate power struggles, animal rights

California's School Dashboard reports, Dieselgate funds start a fight, a GOP candidate tweets and lawmakers and ferret lovers want animal rights.

By Dan Morain • December 7, 2018