CalMatters

California set up a fund to cut out-of-pocket costs for those enrolled in Covered California, but Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed budget shifts that money to other expenses.

Los Angeles and Oakland parents who received monthly cash without restrictions from new pilot programs said it did more than help them pay bills. What they gained, they said, was priceless — more time with their children.

State and local governments, and some private funders, are launching dozens of pilot projects making direct, monthly payments to low-income residents to help meet basic needs. Researchers will study what happens next. Key question: will this money add to, reform, or supplant current welfare programs?

California’s housing market is less affordable after mortgage interest rates drove up costs for many potential buyers last year.

Gov. Gavin Newsom campaigned on housing production, an issue important to many Californians. But despite some accomplishments, the housing crisis is worse now than when he took office.

Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature agreed to create an inspector general job for high-speed rail as part of a compromise that they hope will get the project moving and end with an actual train.

Who loses and who gains as California cleans up its cars? Nearly 32,000 mechanics would lose jobs by 2040 under the proposed phaseout of new gas-powered cars. Electric companies would be the big winners.

Lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom have different opinions on what the next steps for California’s high-speed rail project should be.

Newsom also proposes $750 million in grants for local transit agencies to offer up to three months of free rides. He must negotiate a final deal with the legislature.

Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed pausing tax increase on gas sellers and Republican state lawmakers have pushed for suspending the tax entirely in the short term. Those plans would likely reduce the price of gas, but it’s not clear by how much.

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.

The California Highway Patrol still impounds thousands of unlicensed drivers’ cars for 30 days, despite a 2017 federal court ruling calling the holds unconstitutional.