Articles by Adam Beam

California Increasing Awards in Medical Malpractice Cases

People who get hurt because of a doctor’s negligence in California could soon get a lot more money in malpractice lawsuits under an agreement reached Wednesday that – if approved by the state Legislature – would avoid a costly fight …

U.S. Won’t Give Water to California Farmers Because of Drought

With California entering the third year of severe drought, federal officials said Wednesday they won’t deliver any water to farmers in the state’s major agricultural region – a decision that will force many to plant fewer crops in the fertile …

California Universal Health Care Bill Fails to Pass

A bill that would have created the nation’s only government-funded universal health care system died in the California Assembly on Monday as Democrats could not gather enough support to bring it for a vote ahead of a legislative deadline. The …

California Lawmakers to Consider Universal Healthcare Proposal

California lawmakers will start debating whether to create the nation’s first universal health care system in a key measure of whether the proposal will muster the support it needs to pass this year — and be sent to voters who …

California Governor Wants $2.7B to Battle Pandemic, Seeks More Time off for Sick Workers

With new coronavirus cases surging across the state, California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration on Saturday proposed spending another $2.7 billion to expand testing and boost hospital staffing, while calling for a new law to give workers more paid time off …

California Bill Would Make it Easier to Sue Gun-Makers

Some Democratic California lawmakers want to make it easier for people to sue gun companies for liability in shootings that cause injuries or deaths, a move advocates said Tuesday is aimed at getting around a U.S. law that prevents such …

Climate Change Makes Drought Recovery Tougher in Western U.S.

Californians rejoiced this week when big drops of water started falling from the sky for the first time in any measurable way since the spring, an annual soaking that heralds the start of the rainy season following some of the …

California Lawmakers Vote to Limit Secret Settlements

The California Legislature voted to guarantee people can call out their bosses publicly in most harassment and discrimination cases. When companies settle complaints filed by their employees, the agreements often include a provision barring the employee from disparaging the company …

California Lawmakers Vote to Limit Secret Settlements

The California Legislature voted to guarantee people can call out their bosses publicly in most harassment and discrimination cases. When companies settle complaints filed by their employees, the agreements often include a provision barring the employee from disparaging the company …

California Governor Wants Ban on New Fracking by 2024

Gov. Gavin Newsom said said California will stop issuing fracking permits by 2024 and halt all oil drilling by 2045, using his authority to take on the state’s powerful oil and gas industry in a year he will likely face …