KQED

Civics & Democracy

Laphonza Butler Sworn In To Fill Feinstein's Seat As Her Selection Draws Speculation Over 2024 Plans

Gov. Gavin Newsom's appointment of Laphonza Butler to fill Dianne Feinstein's U.S. Senate seat drew praise from progressives and speculation over whether Butler will run for a full term next year.

Three Black women are at the front of the Senate Chamber. At left, a woman in light blue is smiling ad raising her right hand, left hand on a book. The book is being held by a woman in purple. At right is a woman in black, reading from a small card she's carrying in both hands.

Civics & Democracy

Sen. Dianne Feinstein Has Died At 90. Groundbreaking Politician Served California For Generations

Feinstein suddenly became the mayor of San Francisco when two other officials were assassinated. Later she was elected to the U.S. Senate after male senators grilled Anita Hill in public hearings.

A white woman in a peach suit jacket and strings of freshwater pearls laughs on a convention floor next to a person in a top hat with stars and stripes.

Civics & Democracy

Oakland Congresswoman Barbara Lee Announces Bid For Dianne Feinstein’s U.S. Senate Seat

Lee joins fellow Congress members Katie Porter of Orange County and Adam Schiff of Burbank in the race.

A close up shot of a Black woman with curly brown hair

Climate & Environment

Cal Fire fumbles key responsibilities to prevent catastrophic wildfires despite historic budget

A California Newsroom investigation finds that the department's missteps potentially leave the state at greater risk of catastrophic fires.

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