KQED's The California Report

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part 4 of our series, ⁠California Divided⁠, we head north, to speak with residents in District 1, who've expressed concern over the impact that Proposition 50 will have on their voting power if it passes. The Trump Administration is halting automatic renewals of work permits for immigrants. The policy, which begins today, could force thousands of immigrants out of work, and leaving them in limbo, as their applications for renewal get stuck in a growing queue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The ripple effects of President Trump’s national gerrymandering battle are being felt in California’s rich agricultural belt. Next week, voters in the state will decide whether to support Proposition 50. That’s Governor Newsom’s plan to counter surprise redistricting in Texas and other red states. If Prop 50 passes, Congressman David Valadao of the Central Valley would be one of five Republicans on the chopping block. And that worries farmers in his district. Reporter: Kerry Klein, KVPR The Los Angeles Dodgers won a marathon Game 3 of the World Series, as Freddie Freeman hit a walk-off home run in the 18th inning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Californians are deciding on a ballot measure that could reshape how our state is represented in Congress. Proposition 50 would redraw California's congressional district lines to help Democrats pick up five additional seats in the House. Prop 50 is part of a national fight over redistricting. And if it passes, political lines from Sonoma down to San Diego will be transformed. Guest: Guy Marzorati, KQED To understand what’s at stake with Proposition 50, we’re going to some of the districts that would be redrawn. It’s a series we’re calling California Divided. We begin in the state’s 3rd Congressional District, at Lake Tahoe: a blue dot in a Republican-held district. Reporter: Laura Fitzgerald, CapRadio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices