Lead Stories:
- The indoor mask mandate for vaccinated people in California will be lifted next week. Officials say the mandate will expire on Monday as COVID cases continue to decline in the state. The mask requirement will remain in place for now in California schools, but the state is working on updating the policy. Cities can continue to enforce a local mask mandate if there is already one in place.
- Kaiser Permanente is reportedly getting a deal that has other California insurers crying foul. The proposed no-bid contract would allow Kaiser to expand their Medi-Cal coverage area. In a prepared response, Kaiser says since they operate as both as a health insurer and a healthcare provider, they should be treated differently. Other health insurance providers worry that the health giant would be allowed to "cherry-pick" the healthiest patients, leaving them to pick up the extra costs of treating the rest. Critics also point out the close relationship between Kaiser and Governor Newsom, citing recent contributions to causes important to the Governor. The contract still needs approval of the state legislature and federal officials.
- A Republican plans to announce his candidacy later today for California Governor. A source tells CBS 13 State Senator Brian Dahle plans to announce his candidacy at the Redding Civic Auditorium lawn at noon today. Dahle represents a rural and conservative part of the state. He is the only Republican that plans to start a campaign to try to defeat Governor Gavin Newsom in the polls later this year. San Diego mayor Kevin Faulconer showed his intent to run for governor by filing the paperwork.
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