Search query: california

A History of California Criminal Justice and Prison Reform Initiatives (1994-2025)
A History of California Criminal Justice and Prison Reform Initiatives (1994-2025)
Over the past 30 years, California voters have repeatedly turned to the ballot box to shape criminal justice policy, responding to concerns about public safety, justice, punishment, and rehabilitation. 
13 May, 2025
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8 min read
Running for President as an Independent: How it Really Works
Running for President as an Independent: How it Really Works
Have you ever wondered why, in the greatest democracy in the world, almost no one runs for President of the United States as an independent? The answer is that running as an independent is extremely difficult, if not impossible. That is why very few people have attempted it, and none have won in modern history. 
12 May, 2025
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13 min read
Trump Pushes Alcatraz Revival as Calif. Audit Finds State Prisons Unprepared for Natural Disaster Evacuations
Trump Pushes Alcatraz Revival as Calif. Audit Finds State Prisons Unprepared for Natural Disaster Evacuations
As President Donald Trump calls for the reopening and expansion of Alcatraz Island to house the nation’s “most ruthless and violent offenders,” a new state audit raises alarms about California’s state prison system: most state-run facilities are not adequately prepared to evacuate during natural disasters.
05 May, 2025
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2 min read
Cross-Border Healthcare: A Complex Problem Meets a Bipartisan Solution
Cross-Border Healthcare: A Complex Problem Meets a Bipartisan Solution
While healthcare in California has seen massive investments in coverage and access, these gains often mean little to border residents who split time, family, or even residency across two countries
30 Apr, 2025
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3 min read
Insurance Markets Need More Choice and Competition
Insurance Markets Need More Choice and Competition
Every individual has different preferences and needs according to personal life circumstances. Governments typically offer one-size-fits-all solutions. Consumers overwhelmingly want more options.
24 Apr, 2025
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2 min read
In Oakland, Barbara Lee's RCV Strategy Seen as Critical to Mayoral Victory
In Oakland, Barbara Lee's RCV Strategy Seen as Critical to Mayoral Victory
In a dramatic shift following the April 15 special mayoral election in Oakland, former U.S. Representative Barbara Lee has been declared the winner, pulling into a commanding lead over former Councilmember Loren Taylor, as vote counting continues.
18 Apr, 2025
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2 min read
Is Bernie Passing the Torch to AOC for the 2028 Presidential Election?
Is Bernie Passing the Torch to AOC for the 2028 Presidential Election?
US Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) continues to make waves in US politics. She is co-headlining rallies across the country with US Sen. Bernie Sanders as part of the "Fighting Oligarchy Tour," which has drawn large crowds even in GOP strongholds.
17 Apr, 2025
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4 min read
Analysis: Popular Oakland Ranked Choice Voting System Used to Decide City's Next Mayor
Analysis: Popular Oakland Ranked Choice Voting System Used to Decide City's Next Mayor
On Tuesday, Oakland, CA used ranked choice voting (RCV) in special elections for mayor and City Council District 2 – marking Oakland’s 5th mayoral election using RCV. A 2024 poll found that 77% of Oakland voters are satisfied with the election method. 
16 Apr, 2025
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3 min read
On Top of New Tariffs and Proposed Vape Ban, Calif. Cannabis Retailers Also Face an Excise Tax Hike
On Top of New Tariffs and Proposed Vape Ban, Calif. Cannabis Retailers Also Face an Excise Tax Hike
As California’s legal cannabis industry heads into the second half of 2025, store owners are facing a combination of rising costs that could further disadvantage them against the state’s still-thriving illicit market.
16 Apr, 2025
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3 min read
Oakland Votes in Pivotal Mayoral Election with Ranked Choice Voting at the Center
Oakland Votes in Pivotal Mayoral Election with Ranked Choice Voting at the Center
In a critical special election, Oakland voters are casting their ballots on April 15 to replace recalled Mayor Sheng Thao. The election will be decided using ranked choice voting (RCV) and determine who leads the city through 2027, as Oakland faces mounting challenges.
15 Apr, 2025
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5 min read