Why Political Language Uses 'Meaning' as a Weapon
Words like 'liberal' and 'radical' have carried different meanings in different decades. The fight over definitions is often the fight over policy itself.
Politics
California politics, from the Sacramento statehouse and statewide ballot measures to the state's Washington delegation.
A Beginner's Guide to Understanding Politics, Without the Jargon
How decisions get made, who makes them, and why the words used to describe it all matter less than the outcomes.
How to Track California Governor Vetoes and Override Attempts
Every year the governor rejects roughly one bill in seven or more. The Legislature almost never fights back.
How California Recalls a Governor: The Rules Behind the State's Rareest Election
A gubernatorial recall needs signatures from 12 percent of the last election's voters within 160 days, and California has held just one successful statewide recall, in 2003.
California's Minimum Wage Rose to $16.90 in January. Here Is How the Rules Work
The statewide floor climbed from $16.50 to $16.90 on January 1, 2026 under an automatic inflation formula, while fast food workers hold at $20 and healthcare workers continue stepping toward $24.