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.
Yue Stella Yu / CalMatters
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
Posted inFood & Drink
Who says it’s last call? Lawmakers push drinking until 4 a.m. at California bars
Business groups and downtown associations say drinking later could revitalize nightlife and ease the 2 a.m. rush when bars shut down.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Democracy in the dark: How California lawmakers are trying to shield themselves from public view
State lawmakers have introduced at least a dozen proposals that would make it harder to confront local officials at public meetings, shield more information from the public and relax rules on financial reports.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California Democrats grow quieter on ‘sanctuary’ for immigrants as Trump promises mass deportation
Eight years ago, California Democrats adopted “sanctuary” policies to protect immigrants from President Donald Trump’s deportation plans. But now, as Trump ramps up threats against sanctuary states and cities, Democratic leaders have taken on a softer tone.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Why Trump’s conditions on L.A. fire aid put California Republicans in a tough spot
All the talk about attaching conditions to California’s federal disaster aid have placed the state’s Republican members of Congress in a quandary: Do they fight for speedy, unconditional relief dollars for wildfire victims in their home state? Or do they fall in line behind President Donald Trump?