California Divide
The DMV makes millions from auctioned cars, and doesn’t tell the owners
Since 2016, the DMV has collected more than $8 million from nearly 5,300 car sales, according to a CalMatters analysis.
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’s fast food council after one year: A few meetings, three staff members hired
The state’s fast food council has scarcely discussed any regulations other than another potential wage hike. Even then, it has agreed only to talk about the issue at another meeting.
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.
Housing
Mobile homes are some of California’s last affordable housing. Can they rebuild after LA fires?
Mobile home residents don't know when or if they will be able to rebuild their homes. Local, state, and federal decisions will affect the fate of some of California's dwindling lower-priced housing.
Justice
‘It was just a regular morning’: Californians picked up in recent ICE raids include kids, volunteers
Interviews suggest some people swept up in Trump's immigration crackdown are dedicated to their families and communities — not hardened criminals.
California Divide
Trump’s executive orders on immigration are creating fear. What you need to know about them
A flurry of changes on immigration promises a dramatic crackdown. California pushed back in court last time, but may be in a tougher position now, experts say.
Health
LA clinics lose funding for transgender health care as Trump executive orders take hold
A Los Angeles community health clinic is considering a lawsuit against the Trump administration over a rescinded grant that was meant to support services for transgender patients.
Justice
‘Devastating’ layoff notices hit California disabled prison contractors after union dispute
Dozens of disabled workers hired through the nonprofit PRIDE Industries are losing their jobs at a California prison after a union outsourcing dispute.
Justice
As President Trump declares a border emergency on Day 1, California’s targeted immigrants lie low
Along the California-Mexico border, immigrants at risk of deportation are seeking to live undetected through an unprecedented crackdown. But a returning President Trump issued a barrage of Inauguration Day executive orders designed to pull the military into border enforcement and punish states such as California for sanctuary policies. Court challenges are coming.
California Wildfires
As workers tackle the dangerous job of cleaning up after the LA fires, can the state keep them safe?
The LA fires have left domestic workers and day laborers jobless. They may soon be hired for wildfire cleanup work, where they can be exposed to ash and other toxins.