Economy
Your guide to California’s increasing minimum wage: Getting by in an expensive state
California's minimum wage is among the highest in the nation but the state's high cost-of-living strains even full-time workers.
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.
California Divide
California lawmakers advance apology for slavery, funding frameworks for reparations
California lawmakers moved several reparations bills, including an apology for slavery. But several other bills died.
California Divide
Scorching schoolyards: California groups want more trees, less asphalt at schools
Too few trees at California’s schools mean there’s little protecting students from a warming planet. Here’s how advocates say the state can pay for more shade.
Capitol
California cracked down after a crash killed 13 farmworkers. Why are workers still dying on the road?
After a tragedy 25 years ago, state lawmakers and the California Highway Patrol acted to make farmworkers’ commutes safer. But workers still die in crashes — in vans the law doesn’t cover.
California Divide
Disconnected youth: Some young Californians lack work, school options
A new study says California's “disconnected youth” are being left behind.
California Divide
‘We needed Wonder Woman’: Newsom cuts to foster care, child services worry families
Some programs helping foster kids and families in crisis could lose all funding as lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom address budget shortfall.
California Divide
‘Devastating’ wait times at Mexico border strain California small businesses
Billions in tax dollars are pouring into efforts to reduce the U.S.-Mexico border wait times, yet excessive delays continue. Local leaders say small businesses are struggling in border communities.
California Divide
Reparations rift? California’s Black lawmakers divided on how far to go
Though California’s Legislative Black Caucus filed a slate of 14 bills linked to reparations, a few lawmakers are floating their own proposals.
California Divide
Feds say LA poultry company used child labor for risky jobs then hid its product
The US Labor Department investigated a company it says employed underaged workers as deboners then shipped its product. The company’s lawyer denies it.
Health
Foster kids miss out on sports and music. A new California plan aims to help them catch up
A new proposal from the Newsom administration would steer more money to foster children with the greatest needs while also setting aside funds for them to pursue their passions.