California Divide

A strain of bird flu that imperiled California poultry and cattle has jumped to people. In humans, the symptoms are mild and the virus has not been transmitted among people.

California over decades sterilized thousands of people in state prisons, state-run homes and hospitals. Lawmakers created a reparations program for them, but it has denied most applications.

State officials can't tell what reduces homelessness due to program secrecy and a lack of coordination between city and county governments.

A doctor shortage in the San Joaquin Valley drives many residents far out of the region for health care. That's one reason California is developing a medical program at UC Merced.

California's constitution allows forced labor as a form of criminal punishment. That would change if voters approve an anti-slavery amendment this fall.

A new proposal from the Newsom administration would steer more money to foster children with the greatest needs while also setting aside funds for them to pursue their passions.

Almost 30 years ago Californians passed Proposition 187, a ballot measure that denied public benefits to undocumented immigrants. This year, a new state law took effect offering government-subsidized health insurance to the same population.

High prices at hospitals in Monterey County are “an anomaly even among the most expensive” communities in California. One insurance plan there saves money by paying for members’ travel to other counties for procedures.

Recent California elections have imparted a valuable lesson to industries unable get their way with the Legislature: Stop a new law from taking effect by forcing it onto the ballot, and then convincing voters to reject it. Defenders of those laws have learned a lesson, too: The best defense is a good offense. So public […]

It’s another make-or-break week at the Legislature before its month-long summer recess. By Friday, bills that have already passed either the Assembly or Senate must get through policy committees in the other chamber to stay alive this session. Most measures have, but there are some that are still in jeopardy as committees busily go through […]