California

Trump wants even looser AI guardrails. Why California, despite passing over 20 AI bills this year, might not push back

President-elect Trump has vowed to rescind an executive order that imposed AI safeguards, and could use tech to enable mass deportations. How far will California go in the other direction?

Inside mobile health clinic efforts to reach more residents, address gaps in care

To increase the accessibility and affordability of reproductive health care, local health departments are giving the green light to mobile solutions.

California to kick off first open enrollment season with automated system

The state piloted using artificial intelligence to help with automatic enrollment. Now this year’s open enrollment period is underway, the new system faces its first test.

A ballot measure on Medicaid funding is poised to pass. Some say it could do more harm than good.

Proposition 35 would change how California funds its public health insurance program to address health care shortages in the state.

Emails reveal how health departments struggle to track human cases of bird flu

Farm owners' resistance to tracking human bird flu infections is creating significant gaps in disease surveillance. But forcing farmers to submit to testing could reignite a backlash against public health efforts.

More states ban PFAS, or forever chemicals, in more products

In total this year, at least 16 states adopted 22 PFAS-related measures.

We know widening highways leads to more traffic. Why do we do it anyway?

More lanes, more pain—a researcher unravels the persistent myth of easier commutes.

Biden administration doles out $4.2 billion for big-ticket infrastructure projects

A new Boston rail bridge, a California high-speed rail station, electric dock equipment in Miami and a safer highway interchange in Iowa are among the 44 projects selected for funding.

School choice questions dominate November ballot propositions

Measures in Colorado, Kentucky and Nebraska are among 11 ed-related issues on the ballot. Others address facility upgrades, school board partisanship.

Millions of aging Americans are facing dementia by themselves

At least 4.3 million people 55 or older who have cognitive impairment or dementia live alone in the United States, according to estimates from University of California-San Francisco research.

Weeks before the election, and some states still don't know who's allowed to vote

A blizzard of GOP lawsuits and the devastation of two hurricanes are complicating plans for administering the 2024 general election.

California inspired a wave of plastic bag bans—with an unfortunate loophole

The Golden State finally fixed its ban last month, but at least five other states still allow the distribution of extra-thick "reusable" plastic bags.

California’s rent control ballot measure could reverberate across the US

Proposition 33 would allow cities to limit rent increases. Some economists doubt that’s a good idea.

Hungry for affordable housing, communities turn to land trusts

The old-school approach is garnering renewed interest amid a nationwide housing crisis. The model promises permanently affordable housing.

Ballots in two cities aim to keep soda taxes from falling flat

Taxing sugary drinks can raise cities’ revenue and improve people’s health, according to research. But state restrictions and industry pushback have stalled such taxes. Can two ballot measures change that?

As wildfires burn throughout the West, officials are turning to AI

In California, fire officials began using artificial intelligence last year to scan cameras for smoke.

As deadly bird collisions with buildings mount, cities look for solutions

Big buildings with glass facades are becoming notorious for deadly crashes, claiming a billion birds a year. Some want to do something about it.

Inside the tricky politics of special legislative sessions

Governors in several states are trying to get their priorities passed before the November election.

Humans of Public Service inspires a new generation of government employees

About 850,000 state and local jobs went unfilled last year, as public agencies struggle to find workers. This nonprofit is using social media to entice them.