WhatMatters

The California Legislature is considering a bill that would make it easier for people to sue companies over alleged anti-competitive practices. But support for it is split among Democratic lawmakers who fear that the proposal would go too far in hurting businesses. As CalMatters’ Ryan Sabalow explains, the bill would allow people and businesses to […]

False evidence ploys, hefty cash payments and jail cells outfitted with recording devices. These are the staples of a so-called Perkins operation: A controversial law enforcement tactic in which a police officer or civilian poses as an incarcerated person to elicit incriminating statements from a suspect.  Perkins operations are widespread in California and have helped […]

The largest single piece of housing legislation to come out of Congress since at least 1990 is now law, despite President Donald Trump’s refusal to sign it.  The law is meant to kick start more housing construction across the country and features a grab bag of regulatory tweaks, pilot programs and targeted loans and grants.  Though […]

California Democrats are used to defending gun control measures against lawsuits by Second Amendment advocates like the California Rifle and Pistol Association.  Now, the state is facing a lawsuit from the Trump administration targeting a new law restricting sales of Glock semi-automatic handguns.  Since July 1, the state has prohibited the sale of Glock handguns […]

Three bills that would boost benefits and pay for California police officers and firefighters are wending their way through the Legislature with bipartisan support. But in a limited state budget year, their potentially high price tags might make them a tough sell to Gov. Gavin Newsom, reports CalMatters’ Adam Ashton. The Senate’s appropriations committee later […]

When people in California talk about mental health and homelessness, it’s usually the sickest people who come to mind: Those living on the street in the grip of psychosis.  But conditions such as depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder actually are far more common among homeless Californians. While less visible, those conditions can be […]

Southern California air regulators can move forward with new limits on the sale of certain gas-powered appliances, including water heaters. Despite pushback from businesses and developers, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in a 2-1 ruling last week upheld restrictions on commercial and industrial gas appliances in four Los Angeles-area counties. The ruling directly affects […]

As the Republican candidate for California governor, Steve Hilton has a steep mountain to climb. Democratic voters outnumber Republicans almost two-to-one, and the majority of California voters disapprove of President Donald Trump, who endorsed Hilton. Nevertheless, Hilton hopes to be the first Republican to hold statewide office in 20 years. But who is Hilton and […]

Scheduling note: WhatMatters is celebrating the Fourth of July and will return to your inboxes Monday. A year and a half after deadly wildfires ripped through Southern California, state lawmakers are asking what kind of regulations they should impose to support people who want to rebuild. One method is meant to empower regulators to block […]

California immigrant families could breathe a sigh of relief Tuesday, after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected President Donald Trump’s attempt to end the constitutionally guaranteed right of birthright citizenship. On the first day of Trump’s second term, the president issued an executive order declaring that a person born in the U.S. was not a citizen […]