SEATTLE — Civil rights groups and lawmakers were demanding information from federal officials following reports that dozens of Iranian-Americans were held up and questioned at the border as they returned to the United States from Canada over the weekend. In a statement Sunday, the Washington state chapter of the Council...
UK Lawmakers OK Johnson’s Brexit Bill, Pave Way to Exit EU
LONDON — British lawmakers gave preliminary approval Friday to Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Brexit bill, clearing the way for the U.K. to leave the European Union next month. The House of Commons voted 358-234 for the Withdrawal Agreement Bill. It will receive more scrutiny and possible amendment next month, and...
The Deciders: Meet the Lawmaker Behind New Gig Economy Law
By Byrhonda Lyons and Laurel Rosenhall, CalMatters Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, a Democrat from San Diego, is among California’s more powerful state lawmakers and an ally of labor unions. This year, she led the fight to win new protections for gig workers, and won passage of a landmark workplace bill, AB 5....
California Lawmakers May Trim Repeat Offenders’ Sentences
SACRAMENTO — California lawmakers are on the verge of approving legislation to trim prison sentences for repeat nonviolent felonies. Current law adds an additional year to offenders' sentences for each previous prison or jail term. The bill approved by the state Assembly on Thursday would remove the mandatory one-year enhancement....
Deal on California Charter Schools Overhaul Announced
SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a deal on Wednesday that would overhaul how the state authorizes and judges its charter schools. The Legislature must still approve it, which appears to be a formality after its top two leaders endorsed it. California has seen growing charter school enrollment in communities serving...
Deal on California Charter Schools Overhaul Announced
SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a deal on Wednesday that would overhaul how the state authorizes and judges its charter schools. The Legislature must still approve it, which appears to be a formality after its top two leaders endorsed it. California has seen growing charter school enrollment in communities serving...
Vaccines, Guns, Housing Bills Await California Legislature
SACRAMENTO — California lawmakers return to work Monday with one month left to pass bills before adjourning for the year. The Legislature was busy before the July recess, passing a $214.8 billion operating budget and setting up funds to pay future wildfire victims and clean up drinking water. But lawmakers still have lots to do...
Vaccines, Guns, Housing Bills Await California Legislature
SACRAMENTO — California lawmakers return to work Monday with one month left to pass bills before adjourning for the year. The Legislature was busy before the July recess, passing a $214.8 billion operating budget and setting up funds to pay future wildfire victims and clean up drinking water. But lawmakers still have lots to do...
As UK-EU Relations Cool, Battle Looms to Stop No-Deal Brexit
LONDON — In Brussels and London, one question is growing louder: Can Boris Johnson be stopped? Britain's prime minister says the U.K. is leaving the European Union in less than 90 days, either with a divorce deal, or — it seems increasingly likely — without one. With Britain and the...
In Dynamex Fight, Lawmakers Can Be Pro-Worker and Pro-Innovation
California and the Bay Area have thrived creatively, economically and culturally because we attract top talent, encourage risk-taking and give people the flexibility and freedom to pursue their dreams on their own terms. It’s a successful formula that reflects California’s indomitable entrepreneurial spirit and empowers people to do great things....