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
Michigan’s governor has asked the federal government for disaster aid covering 43 counties that suffered heavy rain, rapid snowmelt and nine tornadoes from April 10 to 21. If the request is granted, money would go straight to people, businesses and local groups hit by the storms. The weather hit
Michigan is facing a tough housing problem. Prices keep climbing and many young adults can't afford to buy a home. The issue isn't just about money. Rules and regulations make it harder to build new houses. These rules don't just slow down construction. They also limit choices for families looking f
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
Michigan’s lakes heat up at different speeds in early summer. While the big lakes like Superior stay chilly, some spots are already warm enough for a quick dip. Saginaw Bay in Lake Huron and parts of Lake Erie are pushing close to 70 degrees, making them feel almost bath-like compared to other areas
Michigan weather watchers get a new schedule for the next rainy spell. The forecast now says the rain will hit the state on Friday, not Saturday as earlier predicted. That shift means most of Michigan could be clear by late Saturday afternoon or evening. The change comes from fresh data that
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
Michigan lawmakers are taking a hard look at how the state protects kids in mental health hospitals after an audit called protections "not enough. " Officials from the Office of Recipient Rights faced tough questions last week about delays in handling serious complaints. One big issue? Nearly a thir
