EnvironmentCalifornia’s fracking ban goes into effect in OctoberJuly 26, 2024 | Manola SecairaGovernor Gavin Newsom launched the regulatory action needed to phase out fracking permits in 2021. Though the ban has not officially gone into effect, California has not approved any fracking permits after that year. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
State GovernmentDoorDash, Uber and other gig work companies can classify workers as contractors, CA Supreme Court rulesJuly 25, 2024 | Megan MyscofskiThe state supreme court ruled to uphold a proposition passed by California voters in 2020 that lets companies keep contracting with drivers, delivery workers and others as contractors — not employees. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
State GovernmentUber, Lyft, DoorDash workers remain contractors due to California Supreme Court rulingJuly 25, 2024State’s highest court refuses to overturn voter-backed Prop. 22, a law written by the gig industry. The ruling means gig workers will remain independent contractors.
Housing and HomelessnessGovernor Newsom says state agencies must plan to humanely remove homeless camps July 25, 2024 | Laura Fitzgerald | Chris Nichols | Kristin LamThe governor’s executive order encourages local governments to also adopt plans for removing encampments. It comes after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled cities and counties can enforce bans on sleeping outside in public places.
Health CareCalifornia forges ahead with social media rules despite legal barriersJuly 24, 2024State lawmakers are advancing two bills aimed at protecting children from the harms of social media, part of a nationwide wave of efforts to address the issue. Yet the bills’ proponents face hurdles in finding an approach that can survive legal chall
State GovernmentCalifornia Democratic Party endorses Harris for presidentJuly 23, 2024 | Megan MyscofskiThe state Democratic party officially endorsed the vice president just a day after she announced her bid to replace President Joe Biden as the Democratic presidential nominee.
State GovernmentDemocratic consultants weigh in on Newsom’s national political futureJuly 23, 2024 | Laura FitzgeraldCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom was among those considered as a potential Democratic candidate for president, should Biden drop out. But speculation about a Newsom run halted when he endorsed Kamala Harris on Sunday.
EnvironmentA look at the $10B climate bond California voters will decide on in NovemberJuly 23, 2024 | Manola SecairaDozens of environmental groups have rallied behind the bond, especially in light of state budget cuts made earlier in the year that impacted climate programs. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
State GovernmentAs Harris launches her presidential run, the veepstakes is on. Here's who to watchJuly 23, 2024With the announcement that President Biden would no longer run for the Democratic nomination, and his endorsement of Vice President Harris, the focus is on who Harris might choose as her running mate.
State GovernmentHarris has support of enough Democratic delegates to become party’s presidential nominee: AP surveyJuly 23, 2024Vice President Kamala Harris has secured the support of enough Democratic delegates to become her party’s nominee against Donald Trump.