Legislators Set to Vote on State Budget
In Sacramento, Gov. Jerry Brown and top leaders in the Legislature have sealed a budget agreement which they?ll vote on this weekend. The deal comes after relatively cordial discussions with legislators. Democrats wanted more social program spending than they got, but the governor clearly wanted to present a frugal spending plan in this election year. We get the budget details from Sacramento Bureau Chief Scott Detrow.
California Hospitals Prepare for Saline Shortage
Hospitals across the nation are struggling to deal with a shortage of one of their most essential medical supplies. Manufacturers are rationing saline, a product used all over the hospital to clean wounds, mix medications or treat dehydration. Now, drug companies say they won't be able to catch up with demand until next year. So why is something as basic as salt water so hard to come by?
Teacher Tenure Ruling Faces Appeal
Gov. Brown and the state's schools chief Tom Torlakson aren't saying much about whether they'll appeal a major court ruling this week that strips California public school teachers of important job protections. But California's most powerful teachers unions do plan to appeal, even if the state doesn't take any action. Superior Court Judge Rolf Treu issued his landmark ruling Tuesday in the trial of Vergara vs. State of California, saying teacher tenure deprives students of an education because ineffective educators are allowed to keep their jobs. We find out what educators and others are saying about the ruling with education reporter Ana Tintocalis.
Undocumented Immigrants Prepare for Drivers Test
Under a new state law, the California Department of Motor Vehicles will start issuing licenses to undocumented immigrants in January. When they do, more than a million people could be eligible to take their driver's test. Sponsors of the law argued it's a win-win. It protects immigrants from trouble with the law, and makes California's roads safer by making sure drivers know what they're doing. But it only works if they can pass the test -- there's a statewide effort to get them ready.
Illegal Professional Studios Thrive in L.A.
When is a garage not a garage? When it's a professional recording studio, that's when. Tucked away among the quiet neighborhood streets of Los Angeles, there are untold numbers of these workspaces. And from these underground studios come the scores, soundtracks and songs that feed the entertainment industry. Because of the city's zoning laws, many of these spaces are illegal.