WhatMatters

A man wearing disposable gloves and a bandana over his face walks past a boarded up shop on Haight Street in San Francisco on April 7, 2020. California is entering the fourth week of sheltering in place to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus, and the number of Californians hospitalized and those in ICUs with COVID-19 is starting to edge up only slightly. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

WhatMatters

CA to feds: Can we borrow >$11B for jobless?

California jobless claims soar, Newsom faces tug of war over when to reopen economy. Counties scramble to trace coronavirus.

By Emily Hoeven • April 24, 2020

City CERT member Steve Bicker directs traffic into the drive-thru COVID-19 testing facility at Cal Expo in Sacramento. The by-appointment-only facility has been testing upwards of 300 patients per day. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

WhatMatters

A lot still unknown about virus spread

Newsom looks to ramp up testing, tracing and autopsies in battle against coronavirus. Potential app to track COVID-19 cases raises privacy concerns.

By Emily Hoeven • April 23, 2020

WhatMatters

Testing can reopen CA. When?

Serology tests hold key to reopening California. Hospitals prepare for worst-case scenario. Should California protect stimulus checks from debt collectors?

By Emily Hoeven • April 22, 2020

WhatMatters

Newsom targeted by legislators, protesters

Protestors, legislators take on Newsom over COVID-19 actions. Studies on coronavirus infections draw scrutiny. What pandemic models can tell us.

By Emily Hoeven • April 21, 2020

Seniors are seen through the window at Grancell Village of the Los Angeles Jewish Home for the Aging in Reseda on April 11. California officials have said they may require nursing homes to accept COVID-19 patients discharged from hospitals. Photo by Nancy Pastor for CalMatters

WhatMatters

What is happening in nursing homes?

Nursing home data on COVID-19 cases filled with holes. California's largest cities brace for budget cuts. Tom Steyer tapped to lead economic recovery.

By Emily Hoeven • April 20, 2020

The Sir Francis Drake Hotel in San Francisco's Union Square boarded up on Tuesday, March 24, 2020.

WhatMatters

CA officially in recession, budget cuts loom

California enters recession, with budget cuts to come. First legislative hearing after COVID-19 shutdown marred by glitches. Coronavirus curve shifts.

By Emily Hoeven • April 17, 2020

WhatMatters

Increased scrutiny on Newsom’s spending

Newsom's coronavirus spending comes under scrutiny. Undocumented immigrants eligible for unemployment benefits. Voting by mail faces new test.

By Emily Hoeven • April 16, 2020

A woman wearing a a cloth mask sits at a bus stop in the Mission neighborhood of San Francisco on April 7, 2020. California is entering the fourth week of sheltering in place to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

WhatMatters

Newsom: New normal “anything but”

Californians should not expect a return to normal this summer. Undocumented immigrants struggle with economic fallout from COVID-19. Covered CA sees spike.

By Emily Hoeven • April 15, 2020

A small crowd of beach goers at Ocean Beach in San Francisco on April 7, 2020. California is entering the fourth week of sheltering in place to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

WhatMatters

CA readies to reopen

California begins planning to reopen economy. Newsom faces more scrutiny over face mask deal. Counties divided on early release of inmates due to COVID-19.

By Emily Hoeven • April 14, 2020

A man wearing a mask walks past a boarded up restaurant in the Mission neighborhood of San Francisco on April 7, 2020. California is entering the fourth week of sheltering in place to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

WhatMatters

Will today be CA’s peak?

California may be about to hit coronavirus peak. Are new masks coming from China safe? COVID-19 poses dire predicament for farms and farmworkers

By Emily Hoeven • April 13, 2020