University Of California

WhatMatters

Regents consider raising tuition + Legislators mull cutting cannabis tax + A threat to Medi-Cal

UC regents consider tax hike. Legislators consider cutting cannabis tax. State braces for another challenge to Obamacare and Medi-Cal

By Dan Morain • January 21, 2020

WhatMatters

Housing, wildfire, surplus on deck as California lawmakers return

State legislators go back to work this week with a focus on homelessness, wildfire, how to spend yet another fat budget surplus, and a Capitol baby boom.

By Laurel Rosenhall • January 6, 2020

Higher Education

Watch new 2020 law #10: California increases oversight of college admissions

The nationwide Varsity Blues scandal posed an important question about college admissions: As California Assemblyman Kevin McCarty put it, “How do we reassure the public that the system is not totally rigged?” State legislators sought to address this challenge with two new laws increasing oversight of the admissions process, both of which take effect in […]

By Felicia Mello and Byrhonda Lyons • December 30, 2019

WhatMatters

Gavin Newsom talks climate with Quebec’s premier as state braces for rising seas

California governor hosts Quebec premier to discuss cap-and-trade agreement. Report urges preparation for rising seas. UC sued over SATs.

By Judy Lin • December 11, 2019

WhatMatters

Spending California’s surplus, how lobbying affected one consumer protection bill, and what came of Schwarzenegger’s Million Solar Roof goal

Assemblyman pushes for more aid for undocumented immigrants. Legislation to curb dental credit cards is watered down. UC looks at alternatives to SAT, ACT.

By Dan Morain and Judy Lin • December 10, 2019

Higher Education

If the University of California drops the SAT, what would take its place?

From within and without, the University of California is under pressure to stop requiring the high stakes test in admissions. Here's what could happen next.

By Felicia Mello • December 10, 2019

Higher Education

Can California save higher education?

While Congress bickers over long-delayed reforms and other states cut spending, California is trying to confront the stubborn problems that are plaguing higher education nationwide, but seem seldom to be solved.

By Jon Marcus and Felicia Mello • December 3, 2019

WhatMatters

Greater privacy, fewer births, a gun case, and UC admissions

Privacy law will give consumers more control over their data. UC becomes more selective in admissions. California's birth rate continues to fall.

By Dan Morain • December 2, 2019

Capitol

Why CA didn’t overhaul student aid this year — but could soon

It has long been a refrain among California students struggling to pay for housing, food and textbooks: There’s more to the high cost of college than tuition. Early this year, as state lawmakers convened, hopes were high that finally, California was listening.  Moved by reports of homelessness, food insecurity and consumer ripoffs on campus — […]

By Felicia Mello • October 17, 2019

Higher Education

Will CA’s new NCAA law be a game changer? Here are 5 things to know next

A new state law letting NCAA athletes strike endorsement deals has been signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. But what does that mean in the short term?

By Felicia Mello • September 30, 2019