California health workers have spotted measles virus in everyday wastewater, a sign that the disease may be spreading unnoticed. The Merced County Department of Public Health made the discovery, even though no confirmed sick people have been reported in that area. The state now counts 74 cases spr
California grew fast in the mid-1900s, adding nearly 13 million people between 1940 and 1970. Most were Americans moving for jobs, along with a baby boom. Cities expanded quickly, building new schools, roads, and water systems to keep up. But growth slowed in the 1970s as the economy shifted from fa
California voters often open their mailboxes to find colorful voter guides that look official but aren’t always honest about who’s behind them. These “slate mailers” pretend to be from respected groups like cops, firefighters, or teachers—organizations that voters trust. In reality, candidates pay t
Maine’s politics have been stirred up by a candidate warning about a threat that isn’t really there. The claim says the state risks being changed by Muslim newcomers, as if laws themselves could bend to faith or tradition. But the state constitution and criminal code already cover everyone equally.
California lawmakers face a tight deadline to draft the next fiscal year’s budget, with big questions about how to fund health programs for millions of low‑income residents. The state must decide whether to keep the current level of Medi‑Cal spending, cut some services, or raise new taxes on busines
California officials claimed a January 2024 rule would lower cancer risk from the chemical 1, 3‑dichloropropane (1, 3‑D) by cutting the amount that reaches the air. Instead, data show growers applied a million more pounds last year than before the rule or in 2024. Kern and San Joaquin counties saw t
Maine wants to change how it helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The new plan is called the Lifespan Waiver. It says that from age 14 people will be followed by a single support system all the way to old age. The idea sounds good, but many problems could ruin it. First, M
Maine’s biggest challenges today aren’t just about money—they’re about stability. Families struggle with rising grocery bills while heating and gas prices climb. Renters face shrinking options as homes become harder to find. Parents juggle work with expensive childcare, and workers worry about keepi
California's reputation for strict accessibility laws actually creates a messy situation for small businesses. While the state leads the nation in ADA-related lawsuits, most violations are minor—like a slightly off-center handicap parking sign or a bathroom mirror positioned an inch too high. These
California voters are seeing a new twist in their upcoming governor race—an unexpected showdown over facial hair. Two Republican contenders, Sheriff Chad Bianco and former commentator Steve Hilton, are not only debating policy but also competing for the most impressive mustache or beard. Bianco,
