California will soon ask every high schooler to take a money management class before walking out with a diploma. The state wants teens to leave school knowing how to open a bank account, handle credit cards, and spot risky loans. Three years ago, some schools jumped ahead. Fresno Unified put the cla
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
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
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,
California’s race for governor just got stranger as a billionaire spends millions trying to win. Tom Steyer has poured $200 million of his own money into the campaign, mostly on ads and paying influencers across California. Even his own supporters call it “disgusting, ” but they hope all this spendi
California’s housing market moves in strange ways. One big reason? Jobs. When work is easy to find, home prices usually climb. But when jobs dry up, so do price gains—sometimes they even drop. Looking back to 1990, the best years for job growth in California saw home prices jump nearly 8% a year. D
