California Budget

Insulin doses in storage at a Kaiser Permanente warehouse in Downey on March 8, 2023. Photo by Ringo Chiu/SOPA Images/Sipa via Reuters

Health

California made a big bet on producing its own insulin. There’s no ‘date certain’ for delivery

Lea esta historia en Español Two years ago, California made a bold announcement that it would manufacture a state-branded, low-cost insulin. Drug manufacturers, insurers, economists and diabetics took notice. It had the potential to disrupt the market, bring down drug costs and save patients’ lives. Gov. Gavin Newsom promised a “2024 delivery” for the insulin. […]

By

Kristen Hwang

• March 3, 2025

Health

California has a lot to lose if Trump slashes Medicaid. Seniors, kids and more could face coverage cuts

Almost 15 million Californians have health care coverage through Medi-Cal, a program that stands to lose billions of dollars if Republicans follow through on proposed cuts.

By

Ana B. Ibarra

• February 28, 2025

A dense forest with tall trees is shrouded in smoke. Sunlight filters through the branches, casting shadows. In the background, a firefighter is visible near a fire truck, holding a hose. The surrounding air appears hazy, with smoke lingering among the trees.

Digital Democracy

Why bills to help prevent California fires fail

Each year, legislation aimed at better wildfire mitigation fails – often due to cost or conflict with environmental regulations.

By

Sameea Kamal

• February 27, 2025

A dad strokes his daughter's hair as she looks closely at a cellphone while they both sit on a chair at a hotel.

Health

His daughter has an ultra-rare genetic disorder. His push to treat it just hit a major milestone

Joe Lang has helped shape California policy as a lobbyist since the 1980s. For the past decade, he's pushed to find a cure for his daughter's ultra-rare genetic disorder.

By

Adam Ashton

• February 17, 2025

A person with light-colored hair, wearing a red sweater and a plaid face mask, sits on a couch surrounded by stacks of cardboard boxes. They hold up a printed document with a serious expression, scanning its contents. A folder labeled 'COVID' rests on their lap, and blinds cover the window behind them.

Commentary

California’s aging population will test whether its demography is destiny

By 2040, more than one in five Californians will be 65 or older, while the working age population stays the same and the child population shrinks. Are we ready for that?

By

Dan Walters

• February 14, 2025

Volunteers distribute food at an outdoor community event on a cold day. A person in a green hooded jacket and blue gloves reaches into a cardboard box filled with packaged goods, placing items into a bag. Other volunteers in warm clothing and gloves assist in organizing and handing out supplies. Trees without leaves and a row of parked cars are visible in the background.

Commentary

California food banks face growing hunger crisis with federal, state funding at risk

The helpers need help. As federal funding for anti-hunger programs face major cuts, California faces its own $56 million chop in money it sends to food banks.

By Gabby Davidson and Lisa De La Cruz • February 13, 2025

The quad at San Francisco State University in San Francisco on July 7, 2023.

Higher Education

Gutted courses, fewer majors, faculty layoffs: Who will feel Cal State’s 8% budget cut?

The Cal State system is bracing for a cut of $375 million — a result of rising costs and declining enrollment. University officials warn of fewer classes and faculty layoffs.

By

Mikhail Zinshteyn

• February 11, 2025

Several individuals wearing protective gear and helmets work together to dig a firebreak in a forested area. Flames burn nearby, casting an orange glow on the scene, as smoke rises through the trees.

California Wildfires

As fire season grows, California senators push for more year-round firefighters

Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire proposed that state firefighters work full time in place of the seasonal workforce the agency currently staffs for nine months each year.

By

Sameea Kamal

• February 5, 2025

The California State Capitol building is framed by trees on a clear day, with its white dome and classical architecture prominently visible. A Christmas tree is set up in front of the building, surrounded by parked cars and minimal street activity.

Commentary

One of California’s new ‘trailer bills’ has origins in Capitol’s long history of closed-door politics

One proposed trailer bill that would help deaf Californians, while quite innocuous in its effect, has an interesting and seamy backstory.

By

Dan Walters

• February 5, 2025

A close-up of a person holding a piece of paper with both their hands. The paper is a revised questionnaire for people who will be filing their taxes.

Commentary

SALT in old wounds: California’s taxes on wealth may hinge on how Trump treats deductions

President Donald Trump and Congress may toss a federal cap on how much people deduct for local and state taxes. If so, California's rich could enjoy a big tax cut.

By

Dan Walters

• January 30, 2025