State GovernmentCalifornia Democrats vowed to tackle affordability—but the agenda isn’t yet clearFebruary 27, 2025California Democrats pledged to tackle affordability in 2025, but their plans to address Trump cuts, housing costs, energy, insurance, grocery bills and inflation remain unclear.
State GovernmentCalifornia insurance commissioner meets privately with State Farm, hopes to make rate hike decision within two weeksFebruary 26, 2025Ricardo Lara said he will look at information provided by State Farm before revisiting his previous decision to reject the company’s emergency rate hike.
State GovernmentCalifornia’s Prop 36 came without funding. Now lawmakers have to find money for it.February 25, 2025 | Megan MyscofskiThe ballot measure raises penalties for drug and theft-related crimes. It also puts a strain on behavioral health treatment, law enforcement and courts.
Housing and HomelessnessNewsom announces another round of homelessness funding, with more strings attachedFebruary 25, 2025 | Laura FitzgeraldThe new conditions are drawing pushback from local governments.
State GovernmentThe elusive Bigfoot might soon be found among California’s state symbolsFebruary 24, 2025 | Megan MyscofskiA new bill would make the ape-like creature California’s state cryptid, or animal that science has yet to prove exists. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentTrump orders and atmospheric rivers: how prepared are California's levees?February 24, 2025The condition of California’s levees is, by and large, already precarious. In its 2019 infrastructure report card, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave the state’s levees a ‘D.’
State GovernmentNewsom wants to more than double California’s film industry tax credit. Would it pay for itself?February 24, 2025 | Megan MyscofskiThe industry has been trickling out of state since the 2000s. Newsom’s plan would double current tax credits, but some argue that could take away from other important programs. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
State GovernmentProviders see an increased demand for mental health services after LA firesFebruary 21, 2025 | Laura FitzgeraldMental health professionals are seeing an increased demand for therapy since the fires, but mental health isn’t always built into the public safety work culture.
State GovernmentCalifornia lawmakers scramble to fix ‘lemon’ vehicle law — againFebruary 20, 2025California lawmakers are rushing to fix last year’s controversial changes to the state’s lemon law, which critics say weakened protections for car buyers.
EnvironmentPower lines sparked new fires in LA after the Eaton Fire began, radio traffic showsFebruary 18, 2025Radio traffic shows SoCal Edison was not able to shut power off quickly in Altadena or Sierra Madre, and the company's live power lines were starting new fires.
