State GovernmentStriking actors rally at California state CapitolJuly 27, 2023 | Nicole NixonSAG-AFTRA members called for better pay and residuals from streaming and protections from artificial intelligence in a rally at the California Capitol building in Sacramento.
EnvironmentAs extreme heat threatens workers’ health, California legislators, activists push for nationwide protectionsJuly 27, 2023 | Manola SecairaFederal lawmakers introduced legislation to require OSHA protections for indoor and outdoor laborers across the nation during high temperatures. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Health CareThousands dropped from Medi-Cal in first eligibility check since the start of the pandemicJuly 25, 2023 | Kate WolffeIn the first renewal period since the start of the pandemic, Sacramento County shed 21% of its Medi-Cal cases, close to the statewide average. Advocates and community workers say the county needs to do more to make sure people don’t lose coverage.
State GovernmentCalifornia Democrats want to reverse a travel ban to anti-LGBTQ states. Has it had its intended effect?July 25, 2023 | Nicole NixonDespite hitting roadblocks to research transgender issues in North Carolina, a history professor argues a bill to end California’s travel ban “sends an unfortunate message that the arguments that are coming at us from Florida and Texas are working.” Listen / download audio Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
State GovernmentCalifornians are smoking less: Why that’s a problem for these early childhood servicesJuly 23, 2023A new ban on flavored tobacco products is accelerating a decline in nicotine tax revenue that funds California’s early childhood services. Some programs are already making cuts.
State Government‘Employees come second’: Why California’s legislative staffers hope to unionizeJuly 20, 2023 | Laura FitzgeraldLegislative staff in the California State Capitol have long been banned from unionizing. Efforts to grant that right in prior years have been shot down. Staff hope this year will be different. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
State GovernmentAlmost all people incarcerated in California now have free tabletsJuly 19, 2023 | Kate WolffeCalifornia has almost completed distribution of Android tablets to all incarcerated people, a program aiming to ease communication and promote rehabilitation. Prisoners inside say it has changed the culture, but related costs can add up.
State GovernmentGavin Newsom’s mental health plan could strip more than $700 million from services, report saysJuly 17, 2023Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to rethink how California spends its millionaire’s tax by directing more money toward housing. Some county-run mental health programs could lose out.
State GovernmentWhat happened to the big changes to California elections?July 15, 2023The most sweeping bills to change California elections got shelved in the Legislature. Instead, lawmakers are focusing on ballot measure language, local redistricting, voting integrity and campaign finance tweaks before the 2024 election.
State GovernmentWhy California Assembly Democrats blocked a child trafficking bill — and why they reversed courseJuly 13, 2023 | Nicole NixonSome Democrats stiffly oppose any legislation to increase criminal penalties.
