Economy

Californians are protecting themselves from wildfire. Why is there still an insurance crisis?

Lawmakers want mitigation measures to be tracked, updated and accounted for to help insurance availability and affordability.

By

Levi Sumagaysay

• May 1, 2024

Illustration by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters; iStock

Technology

Car tracking can enable domestic abuse. Why turning it off is easier said than done

Internet-connected cars allow abusers to track domestic violence survivors after they leave. A trio of California bills seek to compel automakers to act.

By

Khari Johnson

• April 30, 2024

Technology

Millions of Californians weigh options after losing an affordable internet subsidy

A federal affordable internet subsidy is going away and 3 million Californians must decide whether to end access largely considered a human right.

By

Khari Johnson

• April 25, 2024

Technology

Who’s selling your digital data? California gives you tools to protect your online privacy

About 450 companies are on the data broker registry in California, and a law passed last year will make it easier to delete the data they collect about people.

By

Khari Johnson

• April 24, 2024

Economy

How some programs help with post-prison life: ‘I’m signing checks. This is crazy.’

Anti-recidivism nonprofit helps formerly incarcerated people start businesses and get tech jobs.

By

Levi Sumagaysay

• April 24, 2024

Economy

California to expand re-entry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals. Here’s how they work

State touts transitional programs that aim to help individuals become self-sufficient after they leave prison.

By

Levi Sumagaysay

• April 24, 2024

A worker wearing a yellow vest scans items and places them into yellow bins as they move through the Amazon Fulfillment Center in Sacramento in 2018. Photo by Rich Pedroncelli, AP File

Capitol

California tries again to protect workers from indoor heat — except in prisons

State workplace safety officials plan to protect employees from indoor heat this summer. But due to cost concerns, a separate rule is in the works for state prisons that will take more time.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• April 18, 2024

Economy

California insurance chief, Farmers CEO ‘look outside’ for answers to insurance crisis

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara said insurers need to come up with ideas beyond increasing rates to help solve the insurance crisis.

By

Levi Sumagaysay

• April 11, 2024

Technology

Californians get hacked all the time. The state’s top cybersecurity job is vacant

Gov. Newsom has yet to appoint a commander who is tasked with informing businesses and governments of cybersecurity threats.

By

Khari Johnson

• April 11, 2024

Governor Gavin Newsom poses with cheering workers after he signed legislation supporting fast food workers and boosting wages to $20 an hour, at a press conference at SEIU Local 721 in Los Angeles on Sept. 28, 2023. Anneisha Williams, a fast food worker cheers beside him to the right. Photo by Alisha Jucevic for CalMatters

Capitol

Which fast food workers will get paid more in California?

The state is still working out who will benefit from the $20 minimum wage for fast food workers that starts Monday. Employers have been asking for guidance since last October, according to emails obtained by CalMatters through a public records request.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• March 28, 2024