CALIFORNIA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

Apr 16 2026ENVIRONMENT

Dusty air near California's shrinking lake may be slowing kids' lung growth

California's Salton Sea used to be a vacation hotspot in the mid-1900s with its sandy beaches and celebrity visitors. But decades of water mismanagement have turned this 340-square-mile lake into a drying disaster zone. As water disappears, it leaves behind a toxic mix of old pesticides, heavy metal

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Apr 11 2026OPINION

High Taxes, Low Happiness: Why People Leave California

California’s tax bill is one of the biggest burdens on its residents, especially those looking to retire. The state’s high property taxes and other levies make the total cost of living much higher than in many other places. When people compare how much they pay versus the benefits they receive, Cali

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Apr 09 2026OPINION

Emergency Vehicles and Green Rules: A Balancing Act for California

California is pushing hard to cut emissions, but the push from the state may have dangerous side effects. New rules want most vehicles to go electric soon, including ones used in emergencies. The problem? Right now, zero-emission alternatives for some key support vehicles simply aren’t dependable en

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Apr 07 2026EDUCATION

What’s Next for Medical Students Facing Rising Costs?

Medical school is expensive—way more expensive than most people realize. Tuition has climbed way faster than average earnings, leaving students with huge loans before they even start practicing. Policies keep changing, but they don’t always make things easier. Some new rules might help short-term, b

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Apr 04 2026POLITICS

A New Animal Abuse List: California’s Idea to Stop Cruelty

California lawmakers are thinking about a new online list that would name people who have been found guilty of serious animal cruelty. The idea is to give shelters, rescue groups and everyday citizens a way to spot people who might still harm animals. The plan would share details like the offender’s

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Apr 04 2026POLITICS

Why California’s Problems Matter More Than You Think

California is often seen as the golden state—a place of innovation and prosperity. But behind the headlines, many residents struggle with failures that don’t fit the dream. Housing costs have soared to levels that make ownership nearly impossible for middle-class families. Homelessness has turned in

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Apr 03 2026HEALTH

Why global health research needs more regional voices

Medical research shapes how countries handle health problems, but most studies come from wealthy nations. This leaves poorer countries with solutions that don’t always fit their needs. Local journals help change that by making research more accessible and practical for communities that need it most.

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Mar 21 2026EDUCATION

California’s School System Needs a New Game Plan

California is the biggest and most varied state in America. That mix makes rules hard to make, because many groups want a say and none agree fast enough. Because of this, problems like homelessness, poverty, water shortages, and low school scores stay open for years. Students in California lag behi

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Mar 18 2026HEALTH

Young Doctors and Fatty Liver: What the Numbers Say

Medical students are a group that many think is healthy and low‑risk, yet new data shows an unsettling trend. Over a six‑year span, researchers compared two groups of students from the same university to see how common fatty liver disease had become. The study focused on metabolic‑dysfunction‑associ

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Mar 07 2026HEALTH

Children Care: A New Path in Medicine

Medical care for kids has grown into a fresh field that tackles the toughest moments of life. In the past, doctors treated children with many serious illnesses by following adult protocols or ignoring the unique needs of young patients. Now, specialists focus on palliative care that supports childre

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