Seventeen minutes into his final State of the State address on Jan. 8, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared California’s newly enacted artificial intelligence safety law “a template for the nation.” He boasted that New York “adopted our approach” in regulating the Silicon Valley companies that are releasing increasingly powerful chatbots.
Category: California
Posted inCalifornia, Health
Researchers Back $23 Billion State Science Fund in Response to Deep Federal Cuts
Pushing back against what they called politicized attacks on science, state lawmakers, labor unions, university officials and researchers on Monday announced plans for a 2026 ballot initiative that would make California the largest independent funder of scientific research in the nation.
Posted inCalifornia, Elections, Politics
Souring on GOP Economics, California Latinos Favor Redistricting, Poll Finds
Proposition 50, a contentious California measure to redraw congressional districts, which experts say could flip five Republican seats, is poised to give Latinos a big say at a time when economic pessimism has spread in this voting bloc.
Posted inArtificial Intelligence, California, Technology
California’s AI Safety Law Beats New York’s to Finish Line, but Trades Away Safety and Liability Provisions
With the signature of Gov. Gavin Newsom Monday, California approved “first-in-the-nation” legislation aimed at limiting risk of accidents, cybercrimes and other catastrophic outcomes of artificial intelligence. But a parallel effort pending approval in New York may have better withstood the tech lobbying blitz.
Posted in“Civic” Podcast, California, Government & Politics, Health
Looming Medicaid Cuts Threaten San Francisco’s Safety Net
Experts warn that federal funding reductions would jeopardize in-home support, block access to care and drive more patients to ERs.
Posted inCalifornia, Climate Change, Environment, Transportation
Vehicle Electrification in California at a Turning Point
As state officials debate how to support adoption of carbon-free mobility, some EV boosters say the government has to stop touting eco-goals or offering incentives, and “get the hell out of the way” as the market grows.
Posted inCalifornia, Climate Change, Environment, Transportation
California Proposes Charging Subsidies, Rebates to Boost EVs — but Leaves Key Details Unsettled
California regulators Tuesday released a set of proposals recommitting the state to consistent promotion of clean transportation, largely in response to the collapse of federal support for transitioning the economy away from fossil fuels.
Posted inArtificial Intelligence, California, Economy & Business, Government & Politics, Technology
California Pushes AI Regulation as Experts Reveal Looming Dangers
Bay Area technology companies are racing to build powerful artificial intelligence systems they admit could pose “catastrophic risks” to society. But a new report by academic experts commissioned by Gov. Gavin Newsom finds they are resisting transparency and oversight in dangerous ways. The big AI companies prefer that society trust them to innovate responsibly, and […]
Posted inCalifornia, Community, Food Systems, Government & Politics
Already Struggling, Area Food Banks Brace for Higher Demand Brought on by SNAP Cuts
Food banks expect lines to grow even longer, after Congress approved a $186 billion cut to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in early July, the largest cut in the food stamp program’s history.