WhatMatters

Fire, water, Ricardo Lara’s money, poking Trump, and Tom Steyer’s platform

Newsom expected to sign wildfire legislation. Bill would put plug in Mojave water-pumping project. Insurance commissioner to return campaign donations.

By Dan Morain and Barbara Harvey • July 12, 2019

WhatMatters

Gig bill, African-American maternal health, and big money

Workers weigh in on gig economy bill. What's being done to improve African-American maternal health. Should striking workers get unemployment insurance?

By Dan Morain and Barbara Harvey • July 11, 2019

WhatMatters

Health care threats+DMV fees+Old politics and #MeToo+flying fur

State fights to preserve Affordable Care Act. DMV to start charging credit card fees. Bill to combat sexual misconduct by psychologists stalls.

By Dan Morain and Barbara Harvey • July 10, 2019

Berenice Solis volunteers as a tax preparer to help low wage earners in Kern County claim tax credits. Photo by Susana Espinoza, via Berenice Solis.

Newsletters

Newsom’s learning curve, breaks for low-wage workers, and another city’s homeless spike

State budget provides learning curve for Newsom. Earned Income Tax Credit more than doubles. Canada, California join in climate fight.

By Dan Morain • June 27, 2019

Newsletters

Ammunition control, common interests, and an effort to ease the price of being poor

California gets more ammunition in fight against gun violence. Legislation seeks to cushion poor from impact of traffic fines, impounded vehicles.

By Dan Morain • June 26, 2019

Newsletters

Cannabis banking, horse racing deaths, college sports, and cigarette butts

Legislation would get cannabis out of cash-only business. Pot growers get a reprieve in Carpinteria. Bill takes aim at cigarette butts.

By Dan Morain • June 25, 2019

Newsletters

Newsom’s fire plan, lack of mental health leadership, a transgender barrier to fall

Newsom eyes package to address wildfires crisis. Mental health services vary widely by county. Legislation focuses on school records for transgender alumi.

By Dan Morain • June 24, 2019

Newsletters

A vaccine showdown, a tax bill, wildfire costs and poverty

Newsom wins tax hike to fund tax credit. Bill to restrict vaccination exemptions advances. California braces for wildfires as summer begins.

By Dan Morain • June 21, 2019

Newsletters

Taxes, the coal fight comes to California, voting, and student debt

Automakers oppose Newsom's tax bill. Newsom joins fight against coal. Legislators take step toward easing student debt, with assist from Steyer.

By Dan Morain • June 20, 2019

BUTTE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 12: The sun peaks through the smokey skies from the Camp Fire and a PG&E transmission line, Monday, November 12, 2018, three miles west of Pulga, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)

Newsletters

A PG&E settlement, a vaccine compromise, and an apology to Native Americans

PG&E agrees to pay $1 billion for wildfire damages. Newsom apologizes for state's mistreatment of Native Americans. Redding church comes under scrutiny.

By Dan Morain • June 19, 2019