WhatMatters Google, privacy, vaccines, DMV lines, an end to animal trapping, and wild horses Tech amps up lobbying over data privacy. Vaccination bill passes, but future is uncertain. Newsom moves to end California's fur trade. By Dan Morain and Judy Lin • September 5, 2019
WhatMatters A mea culpa, a ‘bailout,’ antitrust, infertility, Gavin Newsom’s new vaccine bill demands, Insurance commissioner issues a mea culpa. Economist calls PG&E plan a bailout. Newsom wants changes to vaccine legislation. By Dan Morain and Judy Lin • September 4, 2019
WhatMatters Final votes, climate fight, food stamps, felons’ rights, and Kamala Harris Legislative sprint begins in Sacramento. Trump and California battle over tailpipe emissions. Counties pressured to closed the food stamp gap. By Dan Morain • September 3, 2019
Environment What to know as California’s peak fire months loom The state's forests are clogged with 147 million dead trees — wildfire fuel — and late-winter rains nourished grasses and other highly combustible plants. By Julie Cart • August 29, 2019
WhatMatters Newsom’s labor dispute, pay equity, PG&E’s lobby fight, death on the streets, and Delta tunnel Newsom disinvites labor leader from commission. First partner fights for pay equity. Ad blitz aims to sink PG&E bankruptcy bill. By Dan Morain and Adria Watson • August 28, 2019
WhatMatters Senator slams Facebook, ethnic studies stalls, what’s in store for PG&E customers, and spreading California-style democracy Senator slams Facebook over shoving video by anti-vaxxer. Ethnic studies bill is delayed. PG&E wants to charge ratepayers more. By Dan Morain and Adria Watson • August 23, 2019
Economy How much could PG&E’s rates rise? What you need to know In the past decade, PG&E rates have gone up 31% — faster than inflation — though not as much as San Diego Gas & Electric's. By Judy Lin • August 22, 2019
WhatMatters PG&E play emerges, Newsom visits Paradise, race tracks jockey for position Battle over PG&E's fate continues. Newsom recollects first pet. Legislators eye more gun control bills, as gun rights supporters turn to courts. By Dan Morain • August 22, 2019
WhatMatters PG&E makes its play, while President Trump goes after California PG&E CEO to make pitch to legislators. UC Merced gives first-generation college students a path forward. UC labor battle may be headed to ballot. By Dan Morain • August 21, 2019
WhatMatters Billionaire hits a hard patch, the economy is on a roll, and help is wanted in health care California's economy keeps rolling. State faces a doctor shortage. Groups switch gears on initiative to rewrite Proposition 13. By Dan Morain and Barbara Harvey • August 19, 2019