KQED's The California Report

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Atmospheric River To Drench California In The Coming Days Nov 13, 2025

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Heavy rain and winds are forecast throughout California as a strong atmospheric river makes its way down the Golden State.

Reporter: Billy Cruz, The California Report

For the first time in 30 years, the U.S. has not sent a delegation to the United Nations annual climate summit. President Trump has called climate change a hoax and his administration says attending would mean pursuing vague climate goals. But delegates from California and its cities, including Governor Newsom, are there, attempting to fill the void.

Reporter: Laura Klivans, KQED

A former top aide to California Governor Gavin Newsom was indicted by a federal grand jury Wednesday on 23 counts, including bank and wire fraud.

Reporter: Laura Fitzgerald, CapRadio

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As LA Fire Victims Look To Rebuild, Some Are Turning To Concrete For New Homes Nov 12, 2025

Show notes

The Palisades and Eaton fires are a sober reminder of just how flammable many urban and suburban homes are. Some survivors are responding by planning to build differently. Instead of the usual wood framing, these homeowners are opting to choose a material many of us associate more with freeways and skyscrapers - concrete.

Reporter: David Wagner, LAist

Many survivors of this year’s Los Angeles County fires are calling for the resignation of State Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. Members of the grassroots organization Eaton Fire Survivor Network say the recovery process is moving too slowly, in large part because of the insurance industry.

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California's Lax DUI laws Lead To Spike In Alcohol-Related Roadway Deaths Nov 11, 2025

Show notes

45 years ago, a Sacramento woman founded Mothers Against Drunk Driving after her 13-year-old daughter was struck and killed in Fair Oaks. MADD would go on to advocate for some of the nation's toughest DUI laws in the 1980s. But a new investigation from our California newsroom partner CalMatters found our home state now has some of the weakest DUI laws in the country, and that's led to a spike in alcohol-related roadway deaths.

Guest: Robert Lewis, CalMatters

California has filed a request for a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration, over its attempts to stop states from giving out SNAP benefits.

Reporter: Carly Severn, KQED

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AI Boom Leads To Increased Concerns Of Environmental Impacts Of Data Centers Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

California legislators considered dozens of bills related to artificial intelligence this year. Those numbers have spiked as lawmakers grapple with the technology’s increasing presence and possible negative consequences. One point of concern: the impact that generative AI will have on the state’s natural resources as it becomes an everyday tool for Californians.

Reporter: Manola Secaira, CapRadio

Environmental activists are celebrating the retirement of a Southern California oil rig, with a celebration at San Francisco's waterfront. The California State Lands Commission officially finalized the decommission last week.

Reporter: Eliza Peppel , KQED

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Delay In CalFresh Benefits Leaves College Students Struggling To Afford Food Nov 07, 2025

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A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore full funding for SNAP benefits by Friday. The Justice Department is appealing. Meanwhile, Governor Newsom's office says some people in California are starting to receive their benefits, but it's unclear how many. The uncertainty is leaving many college students to wonder how they'll afford their next meal.

Reporter: Gerardo Zavala, CapRadio

Overwhelming support of Proposition 50 in California is renewing efforts to split the state in half.

Reporter: Roman Battaglia, Jefferson Public Radio

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Fed. Tax Breaks for "Going Green" at Home Set to Expire Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

Biden-era federal tax breaks for home owners that want to switch from gas-powered appliances in their homes to electric or "greener" solutions are expiring at the end of the year.

Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi has announced her retirement from Congress. With the announcement, she will NOT be seeking re-election as representative of San Francisco.

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Proposition 50 Sails to a Win in California's Special Election Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

California voters pass Proposition 50, setting the state up to redraw its congressional district maps, challenging a move by Texas to redraw its maps to give Republicans an edge in next year's mid-term elections.

California Senator Alex Padilla has squashed any rumors that he has eyes on his state's Governor's seat. Yesterday, he announced his intentions not to run in California's governor's race in 2026.

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California Votes on the Fate of Proposition 50 Nov 04, 2025

Show notes

Californians head to the polls today to decide on legislation that would change the state's redistricting rules if passed--and could set up a more protracted political battle with the Trump Administration ahead of next year's midterm elections. It has been championed by Gov. Newsom as a counter to the Texas state legislature's decision to redraw its own district maps.

Meanwhile, the US Department of Justice is sending election monitors to five counties in California, claiming that it is doing so to ensure transparency of the electoral process and make sure the election follows federal laws. Critics of the move say this is voter intimidation.

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California's Food Banks Mobilize to Fill Benefits Gap Left by Gov. Shutdown Nov 03, 2025

Show notes

The government shutdown has left the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in funding limbo--after two judges on Friday ordered a reticent Trump Administration to fund the food aid program with the $5 billion in contingency funds the USDA has on hand. Meanwhile, millions of Californians who rely on the state's version of SNAP--CalFresh--to stay fed are left wondering where their next meals will come from. Food pantries throughout the state are gearing up to meet the demand.

Meanwhile, Democratic Senator, Adam Schiff says his party is pushing to get SNAP funded while also ending the political stalemate in Washington.

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Some Worry Prop. 50 Would Mark the Last Ride for California's Horse-Haven Oct 31, 2025

Show notes

In our latest report for the segment, "California Divided," we head down to Norco, California. This Republican enclave in Riverside County is known as the horsiest town in the Golden State; and that's how residents like it. What they are not so hot on, is the idea that Prop. 50 could redraw district lines that would ultimately change their way of life.

Tax credits that help subsidize the Affordable Care Act are set to expire at the end of the year. With Covered California opening its enrollment tomorrow for coverage in the coming year, many could be in for a shock at how their healthcare premiums are reaching new, unaffordable heights.

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