Explainers

Track the most consequential and interesting bills in California as the 2022 legislative session comes to a close.

Wage theft takes hundreds of millions of dollars from the pockets of thousands of California's lowest paid workers.

If it's an election year, it must mean California ballot measures for voters to decide. Here's why and how propositions are such a big deal.

California once criminalized abortion. Now it's the US leader on abortion rights, and may become a 'sanctuary' for out-of-state seekers.

Getting a handle on California crime statistics is tricky business, as inconsistent reporting and short-term snapshots can obscure real trends.

California cities face an array of crippling threats to water supplies: rising seas, extreme weather, drought, contamination, quakes, fires.

While California faces extreme labor stratification, unions represent just 16% of workers. Would more unions in the private-sector reduce inequality or raise costs?

The second year of the coronavirus pandemic in California was shaped by two political undercurrents at the state Capitol: a budget awash with cash, thanks to a booming stock market and federal aid, and a looming recall election asking voters to throw Gov. Gavin Newsom out of office.   The massive budget surplus allowed Newsom and […]

Since taking office in 2019, California's governor has made progress on education and other key issues, but left much to be done. Recall supporters are spotlighting his shortcomings.

Seven write-in candidates have joined 46 others who qualified to be on the ballot in California’s second recall election for governor. They include politicians, activists and others.