Covid-19

The more things change, the more things stay the same. California is set to fully reopen its economy and end its mask mandate on June 15 — but it appears many of us could still be wearing masks well past that date. That’s because the state’s workplace safety agency on Thursday night passed rules that […]

California churches are coming out of the pandemic smelling like roses. The state agreed this week to two settlements that block it from imposing new coronavirus restrictions on houses of worship tougher than those for similar secular activities, CalMatters’ Ben Christopher and I report. It’s the latest legal blow churches have dealt Gov. Gavin Newsom’s […]

California kicked off a two-year study into how the state might compensate African Americans for slavery and its lingering effects on Tuesday, when a newly formed reparations committee met for the first time. The first-in-the-nation committee is the result of Gov. Gavin Newsom last year signing a bill authored by then-Assemblymember Shirley Weber, whom he […]

California Assembly and Senate budget leaders announce a budget deal that includes stimulus checks, more in-state students at UC campuses and more money for public health and undocumented immigrants.

Los líderes presupuestarios de la Asamblea y el Senado de California anuncian un acuerdo presupuestario que incluye cheques de estímulo, más estudiantes del estado en los campus de la UC y más dinero para la salud pública y los inmigrantes indocumentados.

The death penalty in California could be on the precipice of a dramatic change. On Wednesday, the California Supreme Court will begin hearings in a case challenging the state’s application of the death penalty. The state’s highest court will consider whether to raise the bar for when a jury can sentence a defendant to capital […]

Good morning, California. It’s Friday, May 28. Note: Due to Memorial Day, the newsletter will pause until Tuesday. More money up for grabs Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday unveiled the country’s largest vaccine incentive program at a high school in Los Angeles — a city in which only 7% of high schoolers have returned for […]

Facing a recall election, Gov. Newsom announces a $116.5 million COVID-19 vaccine incentive program, including a $15 million lottery with 10 winners. Californians who get a shot by June 15 and those already vaccinated can win the big prize.

Good morning, California. It’s Thursday, May 27. Surge in gun violence A Wednesday mass shooting at a San Jose rail yard that left nine people dead, including the gunman, has revived what seems to be an endless cycle: calls for immediate action that eventually peter out until the next crisis hits. President Joe Biden, condemning […]

El gobernador Newsom anunció un programa de incentivos para la vacuna contra COVID-19 de $116.5 millones, que incluye una lotería de $15 millones con 10 ganadores. Los californianos que se vacunen antes del 15 de junio y los que ya estén vacunados pueden ganar el gran premio.