Economy

Illustration by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters; iStock

Politics

California could require age verification to visit porn sites

The Democrat-controlled Assembly has passed a bill, similar to laws enacted in conservative states, that would require porn sites to verify visitors are adults.

By

Ryan Sabalow

• May 22, 2024

Ride-share driver and SEIU Gig Workers Union member John Mejia, center, speaks during a press conference outside of the Supreme Court of California in San Francisco on May 21, 2024. The state Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Prop. 22, a ballot initiative that allows ride-share companies, such as Uber and Lyft, to classify drivers as independent contractors. Photo by Juliana Yamada for CalMatters

Economy

California Supreme Court appears hesitant to overrule voters on gig worker law

California Supreme Court justices appear poised to uphold Prop. 22, a voter-backed initiative passed in 2020.

By

Levi Sumagaysay

• May 21, 2024

Health

California promised a higher minimum wage for health care workers. Will Newsom delay it?

A higher minimum wage for health care workers that Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law is set to take effect in two weeks, but he is racing to delay it because of its potential impact on the state budget deficit.

By

Ana B. Ibarra

• May 17, 2024

Economy

Gig companies spent more than $200 million to write their own labor law. The state Supreme Court could throw it out

If Proposition 22 is thrown out, Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and Instacart’s classification of gig workers as independent contractors would be in danger — upending the gig economy.

By

Levi Sumagaysay

• May 16, 2024

Technology

Gavin Newsom plans to cut $2 billion in public broadband projects

The proposed cuts could jeopardize plans to build the largest public broadband network in the United States.

By

Khari Johnson

• May 15, 2024

Loma Linda University campus on April 22, 2024. Photo by Jules Hotz for CalMatters

Economy

Inland Empire battles low college grad rates to gain higher tech jobs and businesses

The region battles smog, traffic and other pitfalls. But its leaders see growth opportunities beyond the warehouses.

By

Deborah Brennan

• May 14, 2024

Adrian De La Cruz fills his work truck with diesel gas at a filling station in west Fresno on May 7, 2024. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Capitol

Will Californians get any relief on gas prices?

The state’s average price at the pump is up 55 cents from a year ago as the more expensive summer blend kicks in, with a gas tax hike starting July 1. Legislators want to know what a new watchdog is doing to help consumers.

By

Lynn La

• May 7, 2024

Illustration by Gabriel Hongsdusit, The Markup

Technology

How to prepare your phone for a protest

Protesting is a part of the democratic process. Whatever you’re protesting or counter-protesting, here are some simple steps to take before hitting the streets.

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• May 6, 2024

Technology

How Congress is letting die an internet connectivity lifeline for millions

More than half of the U.S. House supports a bill to extend the funds, but it can’t get out of committee.

By

Aaron Sankin

• May 4, 2024

The entry gate at San Quentin State Prison on July 26, 2023. Photo by Semantha Norris, CalMatters

Capitol

California officials won’t say why it would cost ‘billions’ to protect prison workers from heat

Finance and Corrections officials won’t release records on cost estimates for state prisons to comply with rules to protect workers from indoor heat. Prisons have been exempted from the regulations that are in the works.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• May 1, 2024