Gov. Gavin Newsom endorsed new carbon market rules that could drastically shrink the state’s funding for climate projects, threatening the spending deal he struck with legislators last year. Senate Democrats aren’t having it.
Yue Stella Yu / CalMatters
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California bill moves to make cheaper alternative fuel available to more drivers
In the face of the nation’s highest gas prices, California lawmakers last week approved a bill to ease restrictions on E85 conversion kits — devices that let conventional gasoline cars run on a cheaper, mostly ethanol fuel blend.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California’s race for secretary of state shows partisan divide over how to count ballots
California’s top vote-counter, Secretary of State Shirley Weber, faces a challenge from Republican Don Wagner in the 2026 election.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California leaders lionized César Chávez. Now, they face a reckoning with his past
Leaders up and down California, many of whom were personally inspired by César Chávez’s life’s work, are grappling with multiple allegations of sexual assault against the late labor leader.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Newsom plans no new journalism funding despite $175 million deal with Google
Gov. Gavin Newsom included no new funding for local journalism in his latest budget proposal, walking back an August 2024 deal with Google to commit $175 million over five years to help the diminishing industry.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Building homes is a top priority for California Democrats again this year. Voters could get a say
California Democrats are eager to advance a pair of bond measures to fund affordable housing construction, but lack enthusiasm for tenant rights protections as a controversial rent control measure bites the dust for a second consecutive year.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California is still in the red with another big budget deficit projected for next year
California’s independent legislative analyst is warning that the state faces a nearly $18 billion deficit. It is “critical” for lawmakers to rein in spending and increase revenues long term, he said.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
They rely on landlines for emergencies. AT&T’s political moves in California could take those away
AT&T’s failed effort this year to retire copper landlines in parts of California seemed to have support from a diverse grassroots coalition. But many of the members had ties with the telecom giant, CalMatters found.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California Republicans hate government ‘overreach.’ Most are quiet on Trump’s military in L.A.
California Republicans who agreed to speak with CalMatters endorsed President Donald Trump’s military deployment in Los Angeles as necessary to save the state from its Democratic leadership.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Uber, Lyft drivers could unionize under new California proposal
California Democrats are backing a legislative proposal that would allow gig workers to form unions. Expect big pushback from companies like Uber, Lyft and Doordash
