Here are the morning’s top stories on Tuesday, May 21, 2024:

Close races in California could decide who controls the U.S. House of Representatives this year. One of the most competitive races in the state is District 13, a sprawling area between Stockton and Fresno. Climate change is among voters’ top priorities there. But some liberal voters are facing an ethical dilemma – they’re disillusioned by U.S. support of Israel and may choose not to vote in November.
A law that phases in a $25 minimum wage for California’s lowest-paid health care workers was set to take effect on June 1. But as the state deals with a massive budget deficit, implementation could be delayed by a month, giving Governor Newsom and lawmakers more time to negotiate the projected costs to the state.
The state Assembly has approved a bill that would allow Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes in California. These are businesses where, along with cannabis, customers could also buy food, coffee and other non-alcoholic drinks. Governor Newsom vetoed a similar bill last year.
A special election is being held Tuesday, with the winner serving the remainder of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s term. State Assemblymember Vince Fong and Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux, both Republicans, are vying for the vacant 20th Congressional District seat in the state’s Central Valley.

Climate Voters Grapple With Ethical Dilemma in California’s District 13 Race

As we head into November, a handful of congressional races in California are being closely watched, as Democrats look to regain control of the House. One of the races is District 13, which will feature a rematch between Republican Congressman John Duarte and Democrat Adam Gray.

Climate change has long been an issue that’s front and center for many voters in the Central Valley district. But this year, with Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, many climate advocates are grappling with a difficult choice – vote in the election even though they don’t agree with the U.S. position on the war or abstain from voting.

First Of California’s Health Care Minimum Wage Hikes Likely To Be Delayed

A plan to gradually increase the minimum wage to $25 an hour for 500,000 health care workers in California could be delayed by a month, as the state faces an estimated budget deficit of $27.6 billion.

State Sen. Maria Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles) introduced a bill on Monday to delay the first increase from June 1 to July 1 to give Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration and lawmakers more time to negotiate the estimated costs of the program and other implementation issues.

[ad fullwidth]

The Department of Finance estimates that complying with the raises would cost the state $4 billion in the first year, including increased labor costs for about 26,000 state employees and higher Medi-Cal managed care payments. Labor unions and worker advocates have criticized that estimate, saying it’s too high.

State Assembly Approves Bill That Would Make Amsterdam-Style Cannabis Cafes Legal

The state Assembly has overwhelmingly passed a bill that would allow for Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes to open in California. These are businesses where, along with the cannabis, customers could buy food, coffee and other non-alcoholic drinks, as well as listen to live music.

The legislation now goes to the state Senate. Assemblymember Matt Haney authored the bill. Similar legislation was vetoed by Gov. Gavin Newsom last year, who cited concerns about workers being provided a smoke-free environment. But Haney said he’s worked to improve the proposal, which would now prohibit cannabis smoking in areas where food is being prepared or stored.

Two Republicans Face Off To Fill Remainder Of Kevin McCarthy’s Term

A California legislator backed by former President Donald Trump and a county sheriff promising to fight for tougher border security are matched in a special election Tuesday to decide who will complete the remainder of the term of deposed former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, which runs through January.

State Assemblymember Vince Fong and Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux, both Republicans, are vying for the vacant 20th Congressional District seat in the state’s Central Valley farm belt. The district, which cuts through parts of Bakersfield and Fresno, is the most strongly Republican House seat in heavily Democratic California.

McCarthy’s surprise resignation in December set off a mad scramble to replace him.

News Daily Newsletter

The Bay

Emma’s Must-Sees

Videos from KQED Live

Donor-Advised Funds

Heath Care WorkersHeath Care Workers

Ethical Dilemma For Climate Voters In California's 13th District