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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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Northeast San Diego County is becoming a battleground in the nationwide fight over congressional districts and control of the House of Representatives. Ballots are out now for a special election that could change several districts in California to give Democrats the advantage. Democrats are working on the ground in an effort to flip the congressional seat.

Reporter: Jake Gotta, KPBS

California Attorney General Rob Bonta is leading a coalition of 25 states in a lawsuit against the USDA. That's after the federal agency announced that it will not issue SNAP benefits during the government shutdown.

The McKinleyville Union School District in far Northern California has sued the U.S. Department of Education over a mental health grant.

Reporter: Jane Vaughan, Jefferson Public Radio

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The World Series gets underway Friday night from Toronto as the Blue Jays take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Fall Classic. LA is looking to become the first back-to-back champs in 25 years. Toronto hasn’t won a championship since 1993.

Guest: Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times

President Trump says he will not be sending a surge of federal agents to San Francisco. This comes after a call with San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie. While that’s eased some concerns in San Francisco, across the Bay in Alameda County, tensions remain high.

Reporter: Farida Jhabvala Romero, KQED

Some of the same families that were forcibly separated at the U.S.-Mexico border during President Trump's first administration are being split up again. That's according to the ACLU, which is in a pitched battle with the government over what it says are violations of a federal settlement agreement.

Reporter: Mark Betancourt, California Newsroom

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Proposition 50 would temporarily let the legislature draw new congressional maps, a move supporters, including Governor Newsom, say is meant to stop gerrymandering and protect democracy. But opponents are calling it a partisan power grab, warning it could weaken the state's independent redistricting commission. One of the most vocal critics is Charles Munger Jr., a physicist and political activist who is the top donor for the No on Prop 50 campaign.

Guest: Charles Munger Jr.

Bay Area officials are pushing back on news of Trump administration plans to send dozens of Border Patrol agents to the Bay Area.

Reporter: Tyche Hendricks, KQED

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California civil rights advocates are calling on the federal courts to halt Trump administration policies leading to the arrest of asylum seekers, victims of trafficking and people attending immigration court hearings. A series of recent class action lawsuits argue: the arrests violate federal law and the U.S. Constitution.

Reporter: Tyche Hendricks/KQED

At an election cybersecurity forum hosted by USC, experts discussed how to maintain the system’s resiliency after the Trump administration knee-capped the federal agencies previously entrusted with that task.

Reporter: Rachael Myrow/KQED

Humboldt County is getting $75 million for mental health care. The hope is that it will relieve pressure on emergency departments and jails serving those in crisis.

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