CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Author, podcaster, gadfly and former Assemblymember Mike Gatto joins us to talk about the state of politics, Roman history, and the experience of being a crime victim… plus so much more.
Governor Newsom, flanked by Democratic allies, announces his push for the Election Rigging Response Act. Photo by Capitol WeeklyGov. Gavin Newsom’s redistricting push – and the similar action in Texas that begat California’s effort – illustrates that in American politics today none of the old rules seem to apply. How else would you explain a savvy career politician with a genuine shot at the White House openly advocating to disenfranchise the registered voters of a rival party?
A scientist studies a beeker containing cell samples at the Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, a series of laboratories working with stem-cell biology at the University of Colorado's Anschutz Medical Campus in Denver. Gates Frontiers Fund Colorado Collection within the Carol M. Highsmith Archive, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.
California would see the creation of a $23 billion state research agency under legislation proposed late last week, a new enterprise that could threaten the existence of the state’s 20-year-old stem cell and gene therapy program.
Screencap of video posted on Lauren Sanchez' X accountGov. Newsom announced today that he has named Lauren Sanchez as the new Chair of the California Air Resources Board (CARB), replacing Liane Randolph who will retire on September 30. Sanchez has been Gov. Newsom’s Senior Advisor for Climate since 2021.
Image by Sandwish. For some, a common pricing algorithm is merely a good use of technology that allows a company to simplify its pricing structure. To others, it is a surreptitious way for businesses to get around federal and state antitrust laws that bar them from participating in price fixing schemes.
Lobbyist and McGeorge law professor Chris Micheli offers a quick look at what’s coming up this week under the Capitol Dome.
Gov. Gavin Newsom. Photo by Associated PressLooking at the last month, it seems Newsom is capturing attention with his new media strategy, and building momentum with his push for mid-decade redistricting. Of course, much of this excitement and enthusiasm has been online and in podcasts – both of which can be different than what is translating down to real California voters.
Image by Sutthicha Weerawong. What is the difference between a law’s “effective date” and its “operative date”? A common definition of “effective date” is when the new law is “on the books.” A common definition of “operative date” is when the new law becomes operative or is implemented (which commonly, but mistakenly, is described as when the new law is “in effect”).
Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA). Image by AP. The 2026 California gubernatorial race is as unsettled as ever. Who is the most likely to jump in next? Conversely, who is the most likely to drop out?
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: The National Conference of State Legislatures was created by state legislators and legislative staff in 1975. NCSL serves America’s 50 states, commonwealths, territories and the District of Columbia and hosts the annual NCSL Legislative Summit, the largest policy meeting in the US. We’re joined today by Tim Storey, who has headed the organization since 2019. We asked him what the ‘hot’ topics were at this year’s Summit, how his members feel about the Redistricting wave sweeping the nation, and how the organization has maintained its bipartisan status in a deeply partisan era.