California
Progressives seek health privacy protections in California, but Newsom could balk
Democratic state lawmakers in California have proposed bills to protect women, transgender people, and immigrants in response to concerns that their health data could be used against them. If the measures reach his desk, Gov. Gavin Newsom could lay such legislation aside to focus on securing federal funds.
California has 30 new proposals to rein in AI. Trump could complicate them
President Donald Trump is taking a very different approach to AI than the Biden administration, and it could affect how California regulates artificial intelligence.
State fire agency taps augmented reality to train for ‘high-risk missions’
Augmented reality isn’t just for avid gamers. The technology is helping California’s Department of Forestry and Fire Protection prepare its flight crews for real-life emergencies like hoist rescues.
Kept in the dark: Inside a trio of Los Angeles school cyberattacks
A 74 investigative series: Meet the hired guns who make sure school cyberattacks stay hidden.
California county taps tech to improve labor negotiations
Placer County has moved from spreadsheets to a software tool that helps officials conduct cost negotiations with labor groups more effectively.
California is investigating OpenAI’s conversion to a for-profit company
The state’s attorney general asked the company how it plans to transfer assets out of its charitable nonprofit.
California city taps AI to streamline government hiring
High vacancy rates have prompted Long Beach, California, to leverage artificial intelligence to give its hiring process a boost.
Fearing AI will take their jobs, workers plan a long battle against tech
At a landmark gathering in California, workers discussed defenses against artificial intelligence and surveillance technology.
Why California is revamping its benefits application websites
The GetCalFresh.org site, which helps residents apply for government food assistance, is shutting down. A new system aims to replace and improve it over the next year.
California bill would add warning labels to social media platforms
The proposal would warn users of the potential mental health impacts, but opponents say the plan will once again fall foul of the First Amendment’s free speech protections.
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Landlords are using AI to raise rents — and cities are starting to push back
Federal prosecutors have accused software company RealPage of enriching itself "at the expense of renters who pay inflated prices."
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.
Self-driving cars aren’t here yet, but states are getting the rules ready
New laws aim to address safety, liability concerns.
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.
