Uber, Lyft, DoorDash workers remain contractors due to California Supreme Court ruling
CALMatters's LEVI SUMAGAYSAY: "In a major victory for gig-work companies, the California Supreme Court today upheld a voter-approved law that allows Uber and other app makers to treat their drivers and delivery workers as independent contractors instead of employees.
The decision on Proposition 22 was unanimous. Approved by 58% of California voters in 2020 and enacted the same year, Prop. 22 gave app-based gig workers some benefits but not full worker protections because the ballot initiative — which gig companies spent more than $200 million to pass — ensures they are not considered employees."
Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan said one type of ruling makes her angry enough to punch a wall
The Chronicle's SOPHIA BOLLAG: "Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan had some pointed criticism for her conservative colleagues during a talk at a Sacramento conference Thursday, including that they “did not play by the rules” when they decided a key government regulation case last month.
At the same event, she said it would be inappropriate for anyone outside the judicial branch sssssssZSto enforce an ethics code for the court, and instead suggested that the chief justice could assemble a committee of “highly respected” lower court judges for the task."
Harris edges closer to Trump in new poll conducted after Biden's withdrawal
FOX News's AUBRIE SPADY: "Vice President Kamala Harris is edging former President Donald Trump in a hypothetical general election match-up, according to a new poll conducted after President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race.
The New York Times/Siena College released a new survey that found that Trump leads Harris by only one percentage point among likely voters, 48% to 47%. Among registered voters, Trump led Harris by two percentage points."
Barack and Michelle Obama endorse Harris: ‘She gives us all reason to hope’
LAT's SEEMA MEHTA: "Former President Obama, one of the most well-respected voices in the modern Democratic Party, and former First Lady Michelle Obama officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris on Friday to be their party’s White House nominee in the fall.
Citing Harris’ work as a prosecutor, California attorney general, U.S. senator and vice president, the Obamas said in a statement and video announcing their endorsement that she was the best qualified to take President Biden’s place in the wake of his announcement that he would not seek reelection."
Early stumbles set a template for Harris. Allies say vice president has figured out the job
LAT's NOAH BIERMAN: "Vice President Kamala Harris looked peeved and exhausted from the weight of expectations as she stood at a hotel meeting room three years ago, flags and a foggy Mexico City skyline behind her.
She gestured dutifully and gazed at her notes as she recited Biden administration talking points about “the capacity of people” and “the interconnection between the United States and Mexico when it comes to our economies.”"
Doug Emhoff joins call for wife’s Black queer supporters, tells of learning Biden was out
LAT's KEVIN RECTOR: "Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff shocked a couple thousand gay and queer Black men backing his wife, Kamala Harris, for president when he made a guest appearance on an organizing call Thursday evening.
Emhoff promised Harris would “be there” for the LGBTQ+ community moving forward — as she has been in the past."
New red flag warnings issued in Northern California as fire danger remains high
The Chronicle's GREG PORTER: "New red flag warnings — which signal extreme fire risk — were issued Thursday for the northern Sacramento Valley, including Chico, Red Bluff and Redding, as the Park Fire burning northeast of Chico challenged firefighting crews and forced more than 3,500 people to evacuate. Much of the northern Sierra foothills and mountains in Shasta, Tehama and Plumas counties were already under a red flag warning.
The Park Fire exploded to over 45,000 acres overnight into Thursday morning, making it California’s largest fire this season."
Park Fire arson suspect arrested. Here’s what we know about the Chico resident
The Chronicle's JILL TUCKER, MAGGIE ANGST: "Less than 12 hours after the Park Fire sparked and tore across the bone-dry landscape in Butte County, arson investigators accompanied by police officers stood outside the Chico home of 42-year-old Ronnie Stout, arrest warrant in hand.
At 4:58 a.m. Thursday — 14 hours and 6 minutes after the blaze started — Stout was booked into jail on suspicion of starting the Park Fire."
Exclusive: California’s insurance commissioner isn’t sure when the insurance crisis will end, but he has hope
The Chronicle's MEGAN FAN MUNCE: "It’s been nearly five years since California’s home insurance crisis began, and even Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara isn’t sure when it will end, but he says there are signs of hope.
In an interview with the Chronicle, Lara said the state Department of Insurance’s efforts to pursue regulations that aim to keep companies in the state and work with industry stakeholders have paid off. But bringing an end to the crisis depends heavily on at least one uncontrollable factor, he said — wildfires."
CHP justifies its officers’ use of force at Gaza protests, without providing evidence
CALMatters's SERGIO OLMOS: "A newly released report from the California Highway Patrol asserts that its officers acted properly when firing nearly 60 rounds of “less lethal” rounds at pro-Palestinian protesters at UCLA in early May, but it does not provide evidence to back up the claim.
The one-page report said officers were “met with assaultive resistance” that included “multiple protesters throwing items, such as frozen water bottles, bottles containing urine and other unknown fluids, full 12 oz soda cans, pieces of plywood, wooden poles, and various sized fire extinguishers.”"
Best and worst states to retire? Here’s where California ranks on new list
The Chronicle's DANIELLE ECHEVERRIA: "California is among the five worst states in the country to retire, according to an analysis by financial advice website Bankrate.
The analysis ranked states based on five categories: affordability, overall well-being, the cost and quality of health care, weather and crime. Affordability accounted for the largest share of a state’s ranking at 40%, while crime was the smallest, at 5%."
Gavin Newsom orders state agencies to move homeless people out of camps — but to where?
CALMatters's MARISA KENDALL: "Gov. Gavin Newsom today ordered state agencies to remove homeless camps throughout California, his first major show of force since the Supreme Court granted state and local authorities more power to clear encampments.
Newsom’s executive order mandates that state agencies and departments adopt policies to clear camps on state property. It also encourages local governments to do the same."
Big changes in store for SFO and OAK flyers as Southwest ends open seating policy
The Chronicle's MICHAEL CABANATUAN: "Big changes are coming soon for Southwest Airlines, one of the largest carriers serving Bay Area airports including Oakland, San Francisco and San Jose, the airline announced Thursday morning.
The airline, known for its free-form unassigned seating, will adopt a more traditional assigned seating plan — and premium seating — on all flights, similar to what other airlines offer. Overnight flights, coloquially known as red-eyes, are also being scheduled for the first time, though not from the Bay Area initially."
