Economy
Cannabis cafes and entertainment zones among new laws for 2025
The state is allowing more on-street alcohol sales and food in cannabis lounges. Supporters say the laws will boost downtown economies.
Politics
Juliet Williams
Politics Editor
Jeanne Kuang
Capitol Reporter
Ryan Sabalow
Digital Democracy Reporter
Yue Stella Yu
Politics and Campaign Reporter
Maya C. Miller
Politics Reporter
Nadia Lathan
Politics Reporter
Politics
Most reports ordered by California’s Legislature this year are shown as missing
State agencies and commissions assigned to prepare reports to the Legislature on how well new laws are working often fail to submit them on time, or at all.
Elections
Gambling companies spent big to defeat three California lawmakers. ‘We want to be respected’
California’s card room industry spent over $3 million targeting four lawmakers as payback for their votes on a gambling bill. Three of the lawmakers lost.
Politics
Disappearing bills: More than 2,300 bills died without a vote in the last two years
Few bills fail in the Legislature because lawmakers publicly vote “no.” Instead, most bills die when they are shelved, without lawmakers having to take tough votes.
Elections
Did your county back Trump more this time than in 2020?
The president-elect increased his vote share in 45 of 58 California counties in 2024. And Kamala Harris won 1.8 million fewer votes statewide than Joe Biden in 2020.
Economy
California’s employment safety net is still broken. Will anyone fix it?
Out-of-work residents fight new fraud battles. The system bleeds money. And a $1 billion technology overhaul marches on.
Capitol
California has a new Legislature — while votes are still being counted
A bill would give county election offices more resources and guidance to speed up the notoriously slow vote count in California. State legislators take the oath office before the results are certified.
Politics
5,000 bills is too many. California Legislature sets new max on legislation
Reflecting concern about too many bills, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas lowered the number legislators are allowed to introduce.
Capitol
Top Democrats say they won’t just ‘Trump-proof’ California — they’ll make it affordable again
Gov. Newsom wants the California Legislature to prepare for the Trump administration, but its leaders also say they heard voters’ message on lowering the cost of living.
Politics
California’s Republican caucus is growing and more diverse, but it’s a long way from power
While Democrats retain a supermajority, experts say Republican wins – and an increasingly diverse GOP Caucus – signal potential shifts in voter sentiment among non white voters