Economy

Gig companies spent more than $200 million to write their own labor law. The state Supreme Court could throw it out

If Proposition 22 is thrown out, Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and Instacart’s classification of gig workers as independent contractors would be in danger — upending the gig economy.

By Levi Sumagaysay • May 16, 2024

Illustration by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters; iStock

Technology

Gavin Newsom plans to cut $2 billion in public broadband projects

The proposed cuts could jeopardize plans to build the largest public broadband network in the United States.

By Khari Johnson • May 15, 2024

Loma Linda University campus on April 22, 2024. Photo by Jules Hotz for CalMatters

Economy

Inland Empire battles low college grad rates to gain higher tech jobs and businesses

The region battles smog, traffic and other pitfalls. But its leaders see growth opportunities beyond the warehouses.

By Deborah Brennan • May 14, 2024

Adrian De La Cruz fills his work truck with diesel gas at a filling station in west Fresno on May 7, 2024. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Capitol

Will Californians get any relief on gas prices?

The state’s average price at the pump is up 55 cents from a year ago as the more expensive summer blend kicks in, with a gas tax hike starting July 1. Legislators want to know what a new watchdog is doing to help consumers.

By Lynn La • May 7, 2024

Illustration by Gabriel Hongsdusit, The Markup

Technology

How to prepare your phone for a protest

Protesting is a part of the democratic process. Whatever you’re protesting or counter-protesting, here are some simple steps to take before hitting the streets.

By Dan Phiffer, Tomas Apodaca, Miles Hilton and Maddy Varner • May 6, 2024

Monserrat Ramirez Garcia, 12, uses a laptop while in a remote math class from her home in Oakland on April 23, 2021. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

Technology

How Congress is letting die an internet connectivity lifeline for millions

More than half of the U.S. House supports a bill to extend the funds, but it can’t get out of committee.

By Aaron Sankin • May 4, 2024

The entry gate at San Quentin State Prison on July 26, 2023. Photo by Semantha Norris, CalMatters

Capitol

California officials won’t say why it would cost ‘billions’ to protect prison workers from heat

Finance and Corrections officials won’t release records on cost estimates for state prisons to comply with rules to protect workers from indoor heat. Prisons have been exempted from the regulations that are in the works.

By Jeanne Kuang • May 1, 2024

Economy

Californians are protecting themselves from wildfire. Why is there still an insurance crisis?

Lawmakers want mitigation measures to be tracked, updated and accounted for to help insurance availability and affordability.

By Levi Sumagaysay • May 1, 2024

Technology

Car tracking can enable domestic abuse. Why turning it off is easier said than done

Internet-connected cars allow abusers to track domestic violence survivors after they leave. A trio of California bills seek to compel automakers to act.

By Khari Johnson • April 30, 2024

Technology

Millions of Californians weigh options after losing an affordable internet subsidy

A federal affordable internet subsidy is going away and 3 million Californians must decide whether to end access largely considered a human right.

By Khari Johnson • April 25, 2024