CalMatters

A state law gave California workers as much as two weeks additional paid sick leave during COVID-19, but it ended Sept. 30 as a federal tax credit that offsets the cost for employers also expires. Labor groups say the extra leave should be restored. And Gov. Gavin Newsom now says the Legislature should do so.

In 19 California counties, less than one-third of vaccinated residents are boosted. In some counties, it’s less than 25%. One health official blames “pandemic fatigue.”

Without help from the state, California’s school districts could face a sudden drop in funding after two years of not being penalized for declining enrollment.

California issued emergency drought rules today aimed at wasteful water use. Although snowpack is 150% of average today, climatologists predict dry conditions for the rest of the season. And conservation still lags.

Legislators may work on paid leave policies, employee data protections, farmworker elections, and more. There are ballot measure proposals that could impact businesses, and business groups will raise the issue of California’s unemployment insurance fund debt.

This year's new laws could affect what your neighborhood looks like, how safe you feel, and even how you take out your trash.

A new report found stark racial inequality across California. Advocates hope that a state budget surplus will offer some solutions.

The new districts take effect with the June 2022 primaries and continue for the next decade. It hasn’t been easy, or without contention.

The Valencia lab, a public-private venture between the state and PerkinElmer, processed only 1 to 8% of all Californians’ COVID tests in the first 10 months of the contract. And the lab was riddled with dozens of problems, according to an inspection report.

A state audit says four California universities could have received millions more in federal pandemic money and helped more students. University of California and California State University officials could still recoup some of the cash.

A new California law requires public colleges to update diplomas and records for transgender students who have changed their names. Students and advocates say it’s affirming and will prevent discrimination.

Local Democrats are signaling a definitive shift in the party’s approach to crime ahead of the 2022 elections.