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Politics & Government

Capitol Alert

‘I have to’ talk about abortion in governor’s race, Gavin Newsom says

Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, the Democratic front-runner in the California governor’s race, says his Republican opponent’s anti-abortion views present a threat to abortion rights. Supporters of John Cox say he’d play a prominent role in reversing policies on abortion.

Animal watchdog releases footage taken at Kentucky pig farm

Capitol Alert

Thumping, castration and cages: Animal watchdog alleges pig-farm abuse

Mercy For Animals released video on July 17, 2018 of pigs at a Kentucky Farm before it says distributes pork in California. The group is backing an initiative on the 2018 statewide California ballot calling for more humane animal treatment.

Republican Secretary of State candidate Mark Meuser kicks off bike tour in Martinez on July 9. He will ride for more than 5,000 miles and visit all 58 counties by Aug. 23. Photo courtesy of Meuser's campaign.

Capitol Alert

One campaign rides through Death Valley; Democrats endorse props; a debate over debates

Mark Meuser, the Republican running for secretary of state, is taking a 5,000-mile journey throughout California, riding on a bike through all of the state’s 58 counties.

The State Worker

Jerry Brown to Supreme Court: Hurry up and hear my pension law case

Gov. Jerry Brown’s office in July 2018 urged the California Supreme Court to expedite its hearing of Cal Fire Local 2881 v. CalPERS, a pension lawsuit that could undo the so-called California Rule. The case challenges part of his PEPRA reform.

Sen. Rand Paul, recounting the attack, described suffering “like the pain of a thousand knives.”

Politics & Government

Rand Paul and Donald Trump bond over Trump’s performance with Putin

Many Republicans were aghast at President Donald Trump’s decision to side with Russian President Vladimir Putin over his own intelligence agencies, but Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul lauds him for sitting down and speaking with an adversary.

Debbie Birch, a kidney patient, has her blood drawn for testing during a regular appointment at the Davita Dialysis clinic in Nampa, Idaho, on March 4, 2016.

Health & Medicine

Why one Sacramento family’s $127 million jury award is up for discussion this election year

A Colorado jury told dialysis giant DaVita to pay a Sacramento family $127 million in damages in a wrongful death case. SEIU-UHW is using the civil lawsuit to make its point that dialysis companies are putting profits ahead of patient care. The company is appealing the verdict.

Trump: ‘Very good start’ to Putin meeting

Nation & World

Schwarzenegger calls Trump a ‘little wet noodle’ and a ‘fanboy’ after Putin news conference

Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has lashed out at President Donald Trump's rebuke of American intelligence agencies during a news conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hand with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the end of the press conference after their meeting at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki, Finland, Monday, July 16, 2018. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

Politics & Government

Diplomats say it’s settled. They can’t rely on Trump.

President Donald Trump’s remarks alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin left U.S. and foreign diplomats worried that the United States won’t be a reliable partner anymore, won’t defend other countries, won’t stand up to its enemies.

‘He belittles us.’ Jessica Morse pivots from primary to McClintock

Capitol Alert

Democratic challenger raises more than three times as much as Tom McClintock

Democratic challenger Jessica Morse outraised Republican Rep. Tom McClintock by a more than three-to-one margin as the two geared up for a general election clash in the 4th District congressional race.

The California Influencer Series

Legal residents first. Don’t separate families. California leaders advise DC on immigration

How to address illegal immigration was the topic tackled this week by the California Influencers, a group of the state’s public policy and politics experts. They spoke about family separation and the need to priority right of citizens, among other issues.

Capitol Alert

Why California business leaders are fighting to save the gas tax increase

The California Chamber of Commerce and other business groups are crucial to the campaign to defeat Proposition 6. They argue the gas tax increase and new vehicle registration fees pay for necessary road improvements that keep the economy running.

President Donald Trump greets Judge Brett Kavanaugh, his Supreme Court nominee, in the East Room of the White House, Monday, July 9, 2018, in Washington.

Politics & Government

Kavanaugh in line to decide ‘sleeper case’ that could rein in EPA, other agencies

Conservative groups have long wanted to restrict the latitude of the EPA and other federal agencies. They will get a chance in the fall, with a Supreme Court case that Brett Kavanaugh could help decide.

Thousands rally in Sacramento to oppose Trump's policies on illegal immigration

The California Influencer Series

From ‘secure our borders’ to ‘resist Trump’: Californians speak out on illegal immigration

Capitol Alert

How Kevin de León’s big endorsement helps his underdog campaign against Dianne Feinstein

The California Democratic Party endorsed state lawmakers Kevin de León over Dianne Feinstein in the U.S. Senate race. The nod gives de León a slot on the party’s campaign mailers and the potential to increase fundraising.

U.S. President Donald Trump, left, gives a statement as Russian President Vladimir Putin looks on at the beginning of a meeting at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki, Finland, Monday, July 16, 2018. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Politics & Government

Washington may criticize but Trump’s meeting with Putin is just what his voters want

Trump voters support President Donald Trump’s decision to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin Monday in Helsinki, Finland even after Moscow meddled in the 2016 presidential election. It marks the leaders’ first formal summit.

Capitol Alert

Shining light on dark money * Protecting women at work * CA says it wasn’t hacked

Several challenges remain surrounding the influence of corporate money in the political process. A former FEC chair explains how efforts to address the issue have been with significant backlash.

'First they beat me, then my son,' says asylum seeker in Sacramento

California

New U.S. asylum rules bring confusion, fear and few options for immigrants

Thousands of immigrants, many from Central America, are seeking asylum in the U.S. based on rampant gang violence or domestic abuse in their countries of origin. But two new actions by the Trump administration in recent weeks mean few of them are likely to win their cases.

Dianne Feinstein comments on election results

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