Gavin Newsom

Major changes to the California Environmental Quality Act include an exemption for high-tech industrial plants and other projects. The move, fast-tracked under pressure from Gov. Gavin Newsom, sparked fierce pushback from environmental, community and labor groups.

No immediate hike in California gas prices will occur but Democrats and Republicans in the Legislature fear the effects of the clean-fuel program.

California has a huge long-term debt to pay for the retirement health care benefits it promised to state workers. But today, Gov. Newsom wants immediate budget savings and public employees want money in their pockets.

A state budget is headed to Gov. Gavin Newsom for his signature, but it won’t take effect unless the Legislature makes changes to housing and infrastructure development rules that he has demanded.

In his lawsuit, Newsom claims that Fox News “covered up” the president’s false statement regarding the timing of a call between Trump and Newsom.

The Legislature is considering phasing out chemical additives in school meals linked to health problems. Opponents say the definitions are so broad that it could ban items like tomato sauce and olive oil.

State lawmakers and the governor have adopted a hide-the-pea approach to budgeting, relying on reserves, loans and payment delays to conceal a $21 billion deficit.

The budget deal between Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature forgoes or delays many of Newsom’s proposed cuts but the deficit is only likely to grow.

California is still No. 1 in agriculture, generating $60 billion a year, but other industries have more clout. The state plans to double subsidies to films, which amount to half that.

California voted to bar immigrants from schools and social services in 1994. Now most Californians see immigrants as a benefit to the state.