California’s not getting redder, but it still could get a GOP governor -- Aug. 27. While Democrats dominate the political landscape in California, Republicans are aggressively organizing to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom in the recall election, a win that could build Republican energy across the country. Why it matters: California is struggling with the pandemic, droughts and raging fires; the recall vote is an opportunity for hardline voters to air grievances and take advantage of an electoral process where apathetic voters trend Blue. -- CQ Roll Call 

As Washington stews, state legislatures increasingly shape American politics Aug. 29. State governments controlled by Republicans are passing key conservative policies that are shaping the political culture beyond their borders and giving power to a party sidelined at the federal level. Why it matters: States control $2 trillion in spending, and their legislatures have significant power over prisons, schools, policing and local voting rules that are out of Congress’ reach. --  The New York Times  

Delta Is Coming For Jails And Prisons, And The System Isn’t Ready To Protect The Incarcerated Aug. 28. Overcrowding and poor hygiene standards in prisons and jails make them increasingly vulnerable to the COVID-19  Delta variant, deepening longstanding systemic issues of prison safety. Why it matters: At least 400,000 thousand incarcerated people have contracted the virus since the start of the pandemic and prison outbreaks can spread to the surrounding  community as well. --  Huffington Post 

Medicaid Vaccination Rates Founder as States Struggle to Immunize Their Poorest Residents Aug. 30. Americans enrolled in Medicaid are falling behind the general population when it comes to vaccination rates and state governments  are struggling to find ways to improve vaccine access and address hesitancy. Why it matters:  The gap reveals the ongoing challenges of the Medicaid program overall -- a decentralized federal system run by states -- and also the difficulty of reaching and educating low-income populations about the vaccine. -- Kaiser Health News 

Wisconsin towns await influx of Afghans — and wonder what it will mean - Aug. 29. As thousands of Afghan refugees are airlifted to Fort McCoy near Sparta, Wisconsin, some residents there worry about how they can help --  and others worry about how the new residents could change their town. Why it matters: Political messaging around refugees could affect how Americans react to the arrival of hundreds and thousands of fleeing Afghans - with open arms or fear and suspicion. -- The Washington Post