May 11, 2026

A close-up view of a computer screen displaying a maintenance screen while sitting on a kitchen table next to school supplies and a glass of water.

Technology

California colleges went big on online learning tools. Then the worst happened

A massive hack of education platform Canvas hit California especially hard. What happens next?

By Colin Lecher and Mikhail Zinshteyn • May 11, 2026

Baseball players wearing navy blue and orange uniforms stand together as they face towards another group of players in the front of them. One of the players in the foreground holds a baseball with their right hand.

Commentary

California corrections budget benefits more than inmates from prison sports expansion

California lawmakers want to expand organized sports at state prisons, but an incarcerated journalist fears it will benefit the corrections department more than inmates.

By Steve Brooks • May 11, 2026

A wide-view of people walking along a pathway lined with trees at a college campus.

Higher Education

Cal State may soon offer degrees that take just 3 years to finish. Work experience counts, too

California State University leaders took a first step in creating new bachelor’s degrees that can be completed in as little as three years. A need to attract more students and competition from online colleges are reasons why.

By Mikhail Zinshteyn • May 11, 2026

A person seen from behind wears a dark jacket and a brown hat, with a handmade sign pinned to their back reading “Big Oil Rules!” in bold lettering. Around them, other demonstrators hold a large yellow banner, and a partially visible poster in the background references fossil fuels, indicating a protest setting.

Economy

How California’s 2 biggest pension funds became a battleground for Trump politics and more

Should California pension funds invest in fossil fuels? How about Tesla and Palantir? Or companies with anti-union records? Those debates are playing out at CalPERS and CalSTRS.

By Adam Ashton • May 11, 2026