Many California Democrats are reluctant to give up the state’s independently drawn congressional districts, but they say it’s a necessary step to counter gerrymanders in Republican states.
CalMatters
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California has a fallback plan for Trump’s clean car attacks. Does it go far enough?
Amid a legal fight over California’s power to regulate car and truck pollution, state agencies are suggesting policies that need stable funding, legislative action or lengthy rulemaking.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Gavin Newsom wants an election in a hurry on his gerrymander. Here’s what has to happen
California counties are scrambling to prepare for Gov. Gavin Newsom’s special election on redrawing congressional districts for the 2026 midterm. The effort will cost tens of millions of dollars.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Newsom warms to Big Oil in climate reversal
After years of cracking down on California’s oil industry, Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative Democrats are moving to get Kern County wells pumping again to avoid soaring gasoline prices.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
5 things to know about Gavin Newsom’s plan to redraw California’s election maps
California has an overwhelmingly Democratic delegation in Congress. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan could give his party five more seats and offset a Texas gerrymander.
Posted inEducation
California invested millions pushing these careers for women. The results are disappointing
Women continue to lag behind men in certain science, technology, engineering and math programs, according to an analysis of colleges’ data by the Public Policy Institute of California on behalf of CalMatters
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California’s newest invaders are beautiful swans. Should hunters kill them?
California has tried to eradicate South American swamp rodents called nutria. Shooting destructive nonnative mute swans might be a tougher sell.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
California grocery prices could rise if this self-checkout bill passes, grocers argue
Labor unions are trying once again to regulate self-checkout lanes at California stores. This year’s bill waters down a version that died last session, but businesses still warn it will increase costs and lead to consumer frustration.
Posted inHousing & Development
Hidden in Trump’s spending package: A surprise boost to California’s affordable housing
President Donald Trump’s spending bill includes cuts to Medicaid, food assistance and more. But it also increases a federal tax credit that helps build affordable housing in California.
Posted inEducation
Fearing deportation, international students go silent at California’s universities
After hundreds of international students lost their status this spring, then regained it following lawsuits, the uncertainty of it happening again has created fear. Some students say they’ve changed the routes they take on California campuses, the topics they research and what they post on social media.