Economy
Fewer California workers were dying on the job. Then fentanyl happened
Employers and unions are grappling with the opioid crisis, while the state inches toward requiring Narcan in workplaces.
How hungry is California? Millions struggle to eat well in an abundant state
How bad is California hunger? A lot depends on your access to food aid, which expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic but is being reduced.
Justice
ICE is looking for a new detention center in Blue California. The state probably can’t stop it
A possible migrant detention facility within two hours of San Francisco has some lawmakers concerned.
Technology
Landlords are using AI to raise rents — and California cities are leading the pushback
California and federal prosecutors have accused software company RealPage of enriching itself ”at the expense of renters who pay inflated prices."
California Divide
California AG charges construction firm with felony wage theft and tax evasion
A wood framing company is accused of stiffing workers and the state $2.6 million. Two employees could face penalties and jail if convicted.
California Divide
‘What’s going to happen to my kids’: California prepares to resist Trump deportations
In the first Trump administration, California passed a "Sanctuary State" law that, with some exceptions, prohibited local law enforcement from automatically transferring people to federal immigration authorities. Now the state is readying legal challenges to thwart a second Trump administration's mass deportation plans.
California Divide
As atmospheric river soaks California, farmworkers await flood aid promised in 2023
Floodwaters devastated the small communities of Pajaro and Planada in early 2023. California gave each town $20 million to recover – but as residents face down another winter, much of the aid has yet to reach them.
California Divide
This Central Valley program helps Californians get six-figure jobs
ValleyBuild is a workforce development program that helps applicants into apprenticeships for construction trades.
California Divide
California empowered immigrants to speak up at work. Trump could end their protections
California wants to protect witnesses in workplace investigations from deportation, but the Biden administration program for undocumented employees is at risk with Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
Elections
No raise for California’s minimum wage workers. Voters reject Prop. 32
California voters refused to raise the statewide minimum wage to $18 an hour. Fast food and health care workers already get more.
Politics
Californians vote against rent control as Prop. 33 fails
California voters are deciding whether or not to repeal a past restriction on what properties could be affected by rent control, and whether the state can dictate local rent control policy.