February 13, 2025

A busy outdoor scene on a college campus shows people walking and biking along a tree-lined path. In the foreground, a cyclist with a backpack rides a bicycle with turquoise wheels. Other individuals walk in various directions, some carrying bags or wearing masks. Large potted plants and lush greenery frame the setting, with more students visible in the background.

CalMatters en Español

Cada vez menos estudiantes de último año de preparatoria en California solicitan ayuda financiera. Algunos culpan a las políticas de inmigración de Trump

Las solicitudes han disminuido un 25 % en comparación con esta misma época en años anteriores. Aunque en el pasado no se ha compartido información sobre solicitudes de ayuda financiera con agencias de inmigración u otras agencias, muchos temen que eso cambie.

By Mikhail Zinshteyn • February 13, 2025

Higher Education

Fewer California high school seniors are applying for financial aid. Some blame Trump’s immigration policies

Applications are down 25% compared to this time in past years. Although financial aid application information has not been shared with immigration or other agencies in the past, many fear that will change.

By Mikhail Zinshteyn • February 13, 2025

A collage-style illustration in maroon, pink and beige tones that includes three cut-out images. The image on the right shows a Black man holding a shovel while mining for gold. The center image shows the back of an incarcerated person while their hands are handcuffed. The image on the left shows two construction workers wearing hard hats and jumpsuits with the text “CDCR Prisoner” on the back. Cut-outs of white barbed wire can be seen on the upper right and center of the illustration.

Justice

Californians rejected an anti-slavery ballot measure. Lawmakers want to try again

Californians rejected the anti-slavery ballot measure Proposition 6, which would have forbid forced prison labor. Reparations advocates want to try again in 2026.

By Joe Garcia • February 13, 2025

Volunteers distribute food at an outdoor community event on a cold day. A person in a green hooded jacket and blue gloves reaches into a cardboard box filled with packaged goods, placing items into a bag. Other volunteers in warm clothing and gloves assist in organizing and handing out supplies. Trees without leaves and a row of parked cars are visible in the background.

Commentary

California food banks face growing hunger crisis with federal, state funding at risk

The helpers need help. As federal funding for anti-hunger programs face major cuts, California faces its own $56 million chop in money it sends to food banks.

By Gabby Davidson and Lisa De La Cruz • February 13, 2025

A teacher, in glasses and a black and white jacket, points at a screen in front of a classroom of sitting students. The students are seated in groups of desks with laptops in front of them as they watch the teacher.

Commentary

California schools still fall behind despite big increases in spending

Many California students are still behind pre-pandemic progress in math and reading, a new study shows. But Compton students bucked the trend.

By Dan Walters • February 13, 2025