Adam Ashton
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Articles by Adam Ashton
Minor cooldown
Why now: California lawmakers are considering several bills regulating AI in the workplace, including one that would protect from retaliation doctors and nurses who override automated care recommendations. Why it matters: Kaiser Permanente is the largest private employer in California, meaning the company’s use of artificial intelligence could set important precedents for managing workers with AI.
California is running short on money. Should the state boost police and firefighter perks? Original
California police and fire unions are backing bills that would create new retirement benefits or raise pay. Lawmakers approved them overwhelmingly. Keeping up with your California representatives felt impossible before. Now you can watch them like a hawk: Sign up for My Legislator, your weekly, personalized report that tracks what your state representatives say and do. The Legislature wants to make putting on a California police or firefighter uniform more lucrative.
California to share driver license data despite fears it could expose unauthorized immigrants Original
The new state budget that Gov. Gavin Newsom signed includes $55 million for the DMV to build a data-sharing system, a program meant to bring the state in compliance with the federal REAL ID law. Keeping up with your California representatives felt impossible before. Now you can watch them like a hawk: Sign up for My Legislator, your weekly, personalized report that tracks what your state representatives say and do.
Gavin Newsom signs law limiting mental health diversion for people accused of crimes Original
A new California law gives just more flexibility to keep defendants in jail rather than releasing them to community-based mental health treatment programs. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State. Gov.
California prisons clamp down on overtime, limit access to classes for incarcerated people Original
California prisons are limiting access to programs for incarcerated people as the system manages it overtime budget. The state spends about $18 billion a year on corrections. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State.
They asked 6,000 Californians about inequality and learned how we live with it Original
A conversation with G. Cristina Mora and Tianna S. Paschel, authors of “Normalizing Inequality: How Californians Make Sense of the Growing Divide” In their new book, UC Berkeley sociologists G. Cristina Mora and Tianna S. Paschel set out to understand how we make sense of the difference between the California we see in the movies and the California we see while we’re driving our kids to school.
Newsom signs law that lets Uber, attorneys avoid ballot measure fight Original
New California law limits medical cost recoveries from ride-hailing crashes, imposes new driver background check rules Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State. Gov.
California agencies disciplined officers for biased conduct, but they rarely lost their jobs Original
California disciplinary records show officers who used racist, sexist and anti-LGBTQ language often kept their jobs after agencies sustained misconduct findings. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State.
A $28 minimum age for California construction workers is dead — killed by construction workers Original
A plan to set a $28 minimum wage for certain California homebuilders died when the influential trades union protested that it could undermine prevailing wage pay rates. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State.
Trump renews push to shift homelessness funding. What’s at stake Original
The Trump administration wants to shift more money to homeless shelters that require sobriety, a change that would disrupt California’s “housing-first” policies. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State.
L.A, Unified superintendent resigns amid FBI probe into chatbot contract Original
Los Angeles Unified’s superintendent went to great lengths to reassure families that children could safely attend school during the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. He resigned amid an FBI probe into a contract he promoted. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State.
Cal State faculty push to prevent AI tools from replacing them as schools and staff experiment
The union representing California State University professors is contesting the system’s use of artificial intelligence tools and backing legislation that would protect their jobs from the technology. Keeping up with your California representatives felt impossible before. Now you can watch them like a hawk: Sign up for My Legislator, your weekly, personalized report that tracks what your state representatives say and do.
He spent 19 years in isolation on death row. Then the handcuffs came off Original
Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State. Johnny Morales struggled to find sleep. He dozed off for a few moments, but officers came to his death row cell and woke him a little after midnight. They needed to inventory and box up his belongings. He was leaving San Quentin.
Your medical provider might be recording your mental health care visits
Mental health professionals at Kaiser are raising concerns about an artificial intelligence tool that records medical appointments, saying it should have more safeguards. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State. This story was originally published by American Community Media.
Newsom says he’s on Trump’s ‘hit list’ as Justice Department interviews governor’s friends Original
Gov. Gavin Newsom said the Trump administration appears to be investigating him and his wife, a step that the Democrat said is meant to intimidate him as he considers a run for president. Keeping up with your California representatives felt impossible before. Now you can watch them like a hawk: Sign up for My Legislator, your weekly, personalized report that tracks what your state representatives say and do. Gov.
California Democrats have a budget deal. Here’s where they want to spend more than Newsom Original
State lawmakers’ budget plan would reject or delay many of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s social service cuts. Now, the budget negotiations begin in earnest. Keeping up with your California representatives felt impossible before. Now you can watch them like a hawk: Sign up for My Legislator, your weekly, personalized report that tracks what your state representatives say and do.
The Board of Equalization has little power. Campaign donors still spent millions on it Original
Current state lawmakers dominated fundraising in races for California’s little-known Board of Equalization, drawing heavily from interests with business before the Legislature. Keeping up with your California representatives felt impossible before. Now you can watch them like a hawk: Sign up for My Legislator, your weekly, personalized report that tracks what your state representatives say and do. For a salary of $185,000 per year, members of the Board of Equalization don’t do much. Since Gov.
California Legislature in standoff with DMV over sharing driver license data with other states Original
California lawmakers are holding up money the Newsom administration requested for a nationwide driver license database over concerns that the information could lead to deportations. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State.
5 things to know about California’s backlog of police shooting investigations Original
Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State. Under growing pressure from a restive public during the summer of 2020, the Legislature passed a bill that put under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Justice.
How a George Floyd-inspired California law accidentally weakened police accountability
Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State. In 2020, with the death of George Floyd still dominating the national conversation over police accountability, Gov. taking away responsibility for investigating fatal police shootings from local authorities and putting it in the hands of the state attorney general.
These teens have the weight of the world on their shoulders. Mental health is taking a nosedive Original
“Everyone is going through something,” one California teen said about the prevalence of mental health concerns among his peers. Youth advocates are urging the state to expand access to treatment. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State.
5 things to know about the Trump administration’s new green card policy Original
Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State. If the goal was to confuse everyone, the mission was accomplished. Just before Memorial Day, the Trump administration issued a sweeping new policy directive that took aim at legal immigration.
Federal judge orders immigrant detention center to allow San Diego County health inspection Original
A California law empowers local health officials to inspect immigrant detention centers. San Diego County sued to enforce it after being denied access to a facility. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State.
In a first, California Supreme Court reverses a death penalty under new racial justice law Original
A Los Angeles prosecutor likened a Black murder suspect to a Bengal tiger. Decades later, the California Supreme Court found that trope showed unacceptable racial bias. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State.
What about California’s other statewide races? Here’s a look at the offices on the ballot today Original
Californians are voting on more than just the next governor. They’ll determine the general election candidates for eight other statewide offices. Californians have more to vote on today than just deciding who they want to be Gov. Gavin Newsom’s successor. They’re also voting on several statewide offices, ranging from the governor’s second in command to the regulator for the state’s insurance market.
Homelessness is down in California and across the country, says new federal report
The Trump administration downplayed the decline in homelessness, contending far more people are on the streets today than a decade ago. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State.
Lawmakers stripped the Board of Equalization of power. Now they’re fighting to join it
This story was originally published by CalMatters. California’s Board of Equalization is a coveted spot once again for state lawmakers looking for a new gig almost a decade after then-Gov. Jerry Brown signed a law gutting the organization of any serious governing responsibility. This year, three current state lawmakers are competing for seats on the nation’s only elected tax board.
Lawmakers stripped the Board of Equalization of power. Now they’re fighting to join it
California’s primary election is just around the corner. Prepare to vote with the latest updates from our election newsletter. California’s Board of Equalization is a coveted spot once again for state lawmakers looking for a new gig almost a decade after then-Gov. Jerry Brown signed a law gutting the organization of any serious governing responsibility. This year, three current state lawmakers are competing for seats on the nation’s only elected tax board.
California judges are testing a new AI clerk, and you won’t know if it’s looking at your case
Courts in Los Angeles and Riverside counties are testing an artificial intelligence tool and deciding whether it can be used in high-stakes criminal cases. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State. Two of California’s largest courts are testing an AI tool that can draft orders and produce research memos.
Get up to speed fast on the California election with our guide for the undecided Original
Californians are voting on a wide-open governor’s race. Xavier Becerra, Steve Hilton and Tom Steyer are leading in polls but only two will move on to the general election. With so many candidates running for governor, it’s hard to keep up. We’re here to help: Sign up for our 2026 election newsletter to get the latest on the candidates. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians.
Oiled wildlife rescued
Why it matters: The Black population is rapidly continuing to dwindle — to roughly 8% today from a peak of 18% in 1970 — besieged by gentrification, stratospheric housing costs, underemployment and shrinking political representation, all of it aggravated by the racial hostility emanating from Washington The backstory: Despite facing more voter uncertainty this time around, Bass is leading in the polls, with 30% support among likely voters, according to the latest survey by Emerson College...
Board of Equalization
Read on... for more ways experts say can save you and your wallet. What are some of the tips: Scammers often promise you “a better deal” if you make the payment using instant payment sites like Zelle, Venmo and Cash App. But fraudsters aren’t trying to save you money with this suggestion: They’re trying to make it easier for themselves to keep your money.
Lawmakers stripped the Board of Equalization of power. Now they’re fighting to join it Original
California’s Board of Equalization has a quirky history dating back to the 19th Century. It’s a launching pad to statewide political office, too. California’s Board of Equalization is a coveted spot once again for state lawmakers looking for a new gig almost a decade after then-Gov. Jerry Brown signed a law gutting the organization of any serious governing responsibility. This year, three current state lawmakers are competing for seats on the nation’s only elected tax board.
Lawmakers stripped the Board of Equalization of power. Now they’re fighting to join it
Stockholm 7 hours ago Ericsson is leaving Kista for central Stockholm, in the largest office lease in Swedish history TNW - Ana-Maria Stanciuc • 7h The 71,000-square-metre Hagastaden campus, signed with Atrium Ljungberg and Castellum, ends more than two decades in the suburb once branded Sweden’s Silicon Valley. Ericsson is moving its global headquarters out of Kista.
Six people have died in California ICE detention centers as Trump deportations soared Original
The Trump administration immigration crackdown swelled the population inside California’s immigrant detention centers. State investigators in a report described strained medical resources inside the sites. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State.
With more money than ever, California’s biggest pension funds are a political battleground
This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. California’s two biggest public pension funds have more money than ever — and they’re hearing from more people than ever on how those assets should be used to change the world.
Con más dinero que nunca, los mayores fondos de pensiones de California son un campo de batalla político
El edificio de CalPERS en Sacramento. (Foto de archivo cortesía de CalPERS Esta historia fue publicada originalmente por CalMatters. Regístrate en sus boletines. Los dos mayores fondos públicos de pensiones de California tienen más dinero que nunca —y están recibiendo más presión que nunca sobre cómo deben usar esos activos para cambiar el mundo.
Californian criminal suspects can trade prison for psychiatric care. Is it working? Original
Californians accused of crimes can receive mental health treatment rather than prison time under a 2018 law. Lawmakers are revamping the rules following reports of violent offenses. Keeping up with your California representatives felt impossible before. Now you can watch them like a hawk: Sign up for My Legislator, your weekly, personalized report that tracks what your state representatives say and do.
With more money than ever, California’s biggest pension funds are a political battleground
2 hours ago The once-powerful aide’s influence has quietly diminished. Just hours before Stephen Miller arrived at the Mar-a-Lago ballroom on New Year’s Eve—where he would welcome 2026 by dancing next to the soon-to-be-defenestrated homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem, as the 1990s cultural relic Vanilla …
How a CHP hiring spree started to bend the curve on CalPERS contribution rates Original
Yes, CalPERS is still digging out from lawmakers’ overpromises and past investment losses. But you can see a trend that could save taxpayers money over time in a new analysis from the pension fund. Keeping up with your California representatives felt impossible before. Now you can watch them like a hawk: Sign up for My Legislator, your weekly, personalized report that tracks what your state representatives say and do.
Why a California lawmaker wants to give the state more power to collect child support Original
IN SUMMARY A California lawmaker wants to bring more families into the state's formal child support system, a move that advocates say could reduce child poverty.. Her plan is moving forward in the Legislature, but even supporters have questions about how it could affect family dynamics. . Despite a seemingly unimpeachable goal — ensuring adequate child support to keep kids out of poverty — a bill making its way through the state Assembly has left legislators and advocates divided.
CalPERS envió facturas ‘escandalosas’ a jubilados. Ahora tiene que devolverles su dinero Original
EN RESUMEN: La ley de pensiones de California limita el trabajo posterior a la jubilación para los empleados públicos, una medida destinada a evitar la doble percepción de beneficios. Las normas pueden ser confusas y costosas. This article is also available in English. Read it here. El martes, CalPERS abandonó una batalla legal de siete años para recuperar cientos de miles de dólares de cuatro pensionistas a quienes el fondo acusó de infringir las normas sobre trabajar después de la jubilación.
How gangs connected to India are terrorizing a California immigrant community
Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State. Last fall, Harsimran Singh was well on his way to bringing 15,000 fans to Stockton for an international tournament of the ancient Indian sport Kabaddi. Then, suddenly, athletes started dropping out. They seemed to manufacture excuses to avoid the sport’s world cup.
CalPERS sent retirees ‘shocking’ bills. They’re getting their money back Original
California pension law limits post-retirement work for government employees, a measure meant to prevent “double dipping.” The rules can be confusing and costly. Keeping up with your California representatives felt impossible before. Now you can watch them like a hawk: Sign up for My Legislator, your weekly, personalized report that tracks what your state representatives say and do.
Newsom closed 5 California prisons. Why lawmakers might want to shut one more
BY THE TIME Gov. Gavin Newsom leaves office, California will have five fewer state prisons than when he came into power. Some California state lawmakers want to make it six. They’re pointing to a new analysis that shows the state’s incarcerated population has fallen so dramatically that California can close another prison and still have capacity for the 90,000 or so people presently locked up.
Newsom closed 5 California prisons. Why lawmakers might want to shut one more
This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. By the time Gov. Gavin Newsom leaves office, California will have five fewer state prisons than when he came into power. Some California state lawmakers want to make it six. They’re pointing to a new analysis that shows the state’s incarcerated population has fallen so dramatically that California can close another prison and still have capacity for the 90,000 or so people presently locked up.
Newsom closed five California prisons (including one in Susanville). Why lawmakers might want to shut one more
By the time Governor Gavin Newsom leaves office, California will have five fewer state prisons than when he came into power. A California correctional lieutenant looks inside a single occupancy cell in Facility C Housing Unit 6 at Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad on Aug. 27, 2010. Photo by David Royal, Monterey County Herald via AP Photo Some California state lawmakers want to make it six.
Newsom cerró 5 prisiones en California. ¿Por qué los legisladores podrían querer cerrar una más? Original
EN RESUMEN: California tiene 70,000 personas menos encarceladas que en 2010, lo que ha permitido a la administración de Newsom cerrar cinco prisiones estatales. Según un nuevo análisis, tiene capacidad para cerrar una más. This article is also available in English. Read it here. Para cuando el gobernador Gavin Newsom deje el cargo, California tendrá cinco prisiones estatales menos que cuando asumió el poder. Algunos legisladores estatales de California quieren que sean seis.
Newsom closed 5 California prisons. Why lawmakers might want to shut one more Original
IN SUMMARY California is incarcerating 70,000 fewer people than it held in 2010, enabling the Newsom administration to close five state prisons. A new analysis says the state can close one more and still meet its capacity requirements. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State. By the time Gov.
Newsom closed 5 California prisons. Why lawmakers might want to shut one more
2 hours ago Many of the upcoming celebrations and holidays honoring the late farmworker labor leader César Chavez are being renamed, postponed or completely canceled in the wake of allegations that he sexually abused women and girls while at the helm of the United Farm Workers Union. Labor rights activist …
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