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03/28/2024

The state is still working out who will benefit from the $20 minimum wage for fast food workers that starts Monday. Employers have been asking for guidance since last October, according to emails obtained by CalMatters through a public records …

03/28/2024

A blackjack training game demonstration at Gardens Casino in Hawaiian Gardens on March 14, 2024. Photo by Ted Soqui for CalMatters

03/27/2024

After the death of a friend who was struck by a car in Berkeley last month, a safe street advocate says California lawmakers should pass two bills seeking to reduce vehicle speeds and protect pedestrians.

03/27/2024

An LA partnership that is supposed to place 200 Black trainees in city jobs is falling short. One worker whose desk job offer was revoked was told to try sanitation.

03/27/2024

After bringing his story all the way to the University of California Board of Regents, a disabled UC Berkeley student has prompted the UC to ensure emergency evacuation chairs are in every multi-storied building in the 10-university system.

03/27/2024

While much of the nation is enjoying a vigorous economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, California is falling behind with scant job growth.

03/27/2024

California’s powerful tribal casinos and their longtime rivals, privately owned gambling halls, are spending huge sums of money to influence lawmakers. The legislative fight could reshape the state’s multi-billion dollar gambling industry.

03/27/2024

Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Nicole Shanahan wave to supporters as she becomes his vice presidential pick in Oakland on March 26, 2024. Photo by Laure Andrillon, Reuters

03/26/2024

While tremendous progress has been made on Californians’ attitudes, many are still uncomfortable with schools being a place for LGBTQ inclusion. If red states keep banning these conversations, California can help the nation see what a careful strategy looks like.

03/26/2024

California is a liberal state where politicians enact laws and regulations aimed at improving Californians’ lives, but that also makes them susceptible to influence.

03/26/2024

California bought and distributed a quarter of a million abortion pills, fearing a federal ban. At today’s Supreme Court hearing, the justices seemed hesitant to limit access.

03/25/2024

California farms could use 93% less water but less-thirsty crops, such as grains and hay, are much less lucrative than nuts and fruits. Fallowing a small fraction of the thirstiest crops would save 9%.

03/25/2024

Wall Street banks are spending billions to research AI and patent tools while regulations and public safeguards are lagging. California’s proposed rules for automated decision-making and other privacy protections are a step in the right direction.

03/08/2024

Safiyo Jama, a San Diego resident from Somalia, has voted in U.S. elections since 2012 and helps other Somali residents understand election materials. Photo by Adriana Heldiz, CalMatters

03/07/2024

State Sens. Aisha Wahab (left) and Shannon Grove speak during the Senate floor session at the Capitol in Sacramento on Jan. 22, 2024. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters

03/07/2024

While graduation rates for Black students are the lowest in California universities, cultural centers can help address equity issues. Centers for Black students create a safe space to foster community while connecting with academic resources and Black faculty.

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