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CalMatters
CalMatters is a nonpartisan, nonprofit journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters.
Environmental regulation, education, health care, criminal justice, economic inequality – the debates on these issues and others have a profound impact on the lives of 38 million Californians and beyond. Yet, mirroring trends across the country, there has been a significant decline in the number of journalists covering the Capitol in Sacramento. This has meant fewer eyes on decision makers, and a public that feels disconnected from its state government.
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A judge has halted a union effort at the Wonderful Company, throwing into question a new state law designed to make it easier for agricultural workers to organize.
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Private-sector jobs in California have declined since their post-pandemic peak, while public-sector employment has shown gains, the state’s Legislative Analyst’s Office says.
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Heat waves have killed hundreds of Californians and cost billions of dollars in the past decade, according to a new report from the state insurance department.
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The measures are substantially weaker than a previous proposal after an onslaught of criticism. But they will still save enough water through 2050 to supply the state’s entire population for a year, at a cost of $4.7 billion.
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The oil industry’s decision will mean that state rules protecting homes and schools near oil and gas wells will go into effect. The companies instead will fight them in court.
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While elections may be the outrage du jour, officials and longtime residents in Shasta and beyond are concerned the damage to civic life will be permanent.
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The governor posts a pre-recorded State of the State speech online and fulfills his duty by sending a text of his remarks to the Legislature.
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With Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Democratic-led Legislature coming to a budget agreement on Saturday, some winners and losers of the spending plan have become clear.
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Gov. Newsom and legislative leaders announce an agreement to bridge the state budget deficit by dipping into reserves and reducing some spending.
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In its first ruling on reproductive rights since overturning Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday rejected a lawsuit that questioned the FDA’s approval of the abortion pill mifepristone.