KQED's The California Report

The holidays are a time where we tend to eat a lot of food, and throw a lot out. Americans throw away about four pounds of waste per day, higher than anywhere in the world. But where does all that food waste go? Reporter: Erin Stone, LAist California Resources Corporation and Aera Energy joined forces to become the state’s largest oil company. But a new investigation from KVPR and Inside Climate News finds that the merger could leave taxpayers on the hook for millions. Reporter: Joshua Yeager, KVPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first time Donald Trump was elected president, blue state Democrats -- particularly those from California -- asserted themselves as the frontline of the resistance. Eight years later, they say they’re making an intentional decision to stay calm, at least for now. Reporter: Marisa Lagos, KQED It’s official. California regulators are enforcing an agreement with the state’s largest insurance companies that they hope will stem the insurance crisis. Reporter: Kevin Stark, KQED Crews have been working around the clock in the community of Scotts Valley in the Santa Cruz Mountains after a rare tornado touched down in the city on Saturday. At least five people were injured. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1990, a federal law required universities to return Native American remains to their homes. Many institutions had been using them for research and display. But a recent state audit shows many universities have been breaking that law ever since. Reporter: Rachel Livinal, KVPR The season for kissing under the mistletoe has arrived! While there’s no guarantee for holiday smooches, you can get a permit to harvest your own mistletoe this season. Reporter: Erin Stone, LAist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

San Diego's police commission is reviewing the department's K-9 policy, after complaints of excessive force. Data show large racial disparities in who gets bitten by police dogs. Reporter: Katie Hyson, KPBS Former San Joaquin Valley Congressman TJ Cox has agreed to plead guilty to two financial crimes. Reporter: Kerry Klein, KVPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

California is pushing the trucking industry to electrify to cut pollution. That effort so far has focused on swapping out old trucks for shiny new electric ones. But that doesn’t always have to be the case. Reporter: Erin Stone, LAist The Franklin Fire continues to threaten homes in the Malibu area. Since starting Monday night, the fire has destroyed at least seven structures. Thousands of people remain under evacuation orders and warnings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices