After 2024 losses, Democrats are split on strategy: move to the middle or embrace economic populism. A Central Valley congressional race encapsulates the divide.
StateWatch
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California sues as Trump cuts $600M in public health grants to four states
The Trump administration has targeted grants aimed at helping fund public health workforce and disease monitoring in California, Colorado, Illinois and Minnesota. Ending these grants could result in layoffs and worse health outcomes, according to a lawsuit filed by California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
Posted inLatest News
Judge blocks California’s ban on federal agents wearing masks but requires badges be clearly seen
A federal judge on Monday blocked a California law from going into effect that would ban federal immigration agents from covering their faces, but they will still be required to wear clear identification showing their agency and badge number.
Posted inEducation
Here’s how Newsom proposes to revamp California’s education department
Gov. Gavin Newsom has put forth his plan to shift responsibility for the California Department of Education from the state superintendent to the governor and state board of ed. Rarely has a proposal to transform a bureaucracy moved so quickly from academia to legislation.
Posted inLatest News
California spends billions based on this pollution tracker. Who benefits from its latest update?
California is updating CalEnviroScreen, the influential pollution tracker that helps determine which communities get environmental grants. Advocates say the state should improve the tool and use it more frequently to cut pollution.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Supreme Court allows new California congressional districts that favor Democrats
The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed California to use a new voter-approved congressional map that is favorable to Democrats in this year’s elections, rejecting a last-ditch plea from state Republicans and the Trump administration.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Republican Steve Hilton leads California governor fundraising as large pool of Democrats lags
It takes tens of millions of dollars to run a statewide campaign for governor. Strategists say the many Democratic candidates aren’t raising money quickly enough.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Immigration arrests quietly surge by 1,500% in San Diego: ‘I feel the temperature rising’
San Diego doesn’t feel like a city under siege by Border Patrol, but it’s the scene of a dramatic increase in immigration arrests during President Donald Trump’s crackdown.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Tom Steyer vows to cut electricity bills by 25%, but experts say the details fall short
California has the second-highest electricity bills in the nation, and no candidate for governor has homed in as much as climate investor Tom Steyer. But is his promise to cut bills 25% realistic?
Posted inPolitics & Policy
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, a frequent Newsom critic, jumps into California governor’s race
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan on Thursday announced he’s joining the crowded race for California governor, casting himself as a moderate Democrat with a track record of tackling some of the state’s most persistent issues including homelessness and crime.