WhatMatters

Good morning, California. It’s Tuesday, November 10. Note: The newsletter will pause Wednesday in recognition of Veterans Day. I’ll be back in your inbox on Thursday. Health insurance on the line Today, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in a case challenging the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare — […]

Good morning, California. It’s Monday, November 9. Harris’ historic win How things have changed for California. With the election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as the next president and vice president, the Golden State — which spent the past four years mired in a contentious relationship and more than 100 lawsuits with the Trump […]

Good morning, California. It’s Friday, November 6. Industry vs. Legislature The fate of four ballot measures — including what would be the largest change to California’s property tax structure in more than 40 years — hangs in the balance of 4.5 million uncounted votes, according to an estimate released Thursday evening by Secretary of State […]

Good morning, California. It’s Thursday, November 5. Big loss for labor unions Uber and Lyft’s $206 million campaign to defy all three branches of California government has paid off — to the tune of $10 billion. That’s how much the gig companies’ valuations shot up after California voters approved Proposition 22 Tuesday night, exempting the […]

Good morning, California. It’s Wednesday, November 4. What we know so far What a night. After hours of refreshing election results and drinking way too many cups of coffee, here’s what we know about how California’s 12 statewide propositions are faring so far. Two ballot measures passed and three failed, according to the Associated Press. […]

Good morning, California. It’s Tuesday, November 3. Results of close races unlikely tonight Election Day is finally here. Today is the last day to cast your ballot, either by mail or in person. Today is your last chance to weigh in on 12 propositions that could affect California’s economic, political and social landscape for generations. […]

Good morning, California. It’s Monday, November 2. Gearing up for the big day Tomorrow is Election Day — and a record 22,047,448 Californians are registered to vote. That represents about 88% of eligible citizens, the highest percentage heading into a general election in the past 80 years, according to the secretary of state. They — […]

Thirty-two weeks after Gov. Gavin Newsom issued the nation’s first stay-at-home order, counties across California are forming coalitions to challenge what they say is prolonged top-down rule from Sacramento. Officials from 12 rural counties gathered Thursday for the “Conference of North State Representatives,” an event aimed at “restor(ing) representative democracy for our citizens.” On the […]

Good morning, California. It’s Thursday, October 29. (Yes, I know I said it was September in yesterday’s newsletter; the pandemic has warped my sense of time.) Traditional vs. progressive Beyond the criminal justice propositions on California’s November ballot, the upcoming election will also serve as a barometer for the role Californians think district attorneys should […]

Good morning, California. It’s Wednesday, October 28. Four main groups In less than a week, Election Day will be upon us — wrapping up one of the most expensive campaign cycles in California history. Beyond the nearly $740 million pumped into the campaigns for and against the 12 statewide propositions — a state record — […]