Scammers have stolen more than $10 million in federal financial aid from California’s community colleges in the last 12 months — more than double what they stole in the prior year.
CalMatters
Posted inPolitics & Policy
No more calling ‘shotgun’? California could ban teens from riding in the front seat
A bill making its way through the California Assembly would require children up to 16 years old to ride in the back seat if they’re not tall enough. Middle schoolers up to age 13 would need to use booster seats if they’re tiny.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Xavier Becerra jumps into crowded race for California governor
In a short video Wednesday announcing his candidacy, former California attorney general Xavier Becerra noted that he had experience fighting Donald Trump after suing his first administration more than 100 times.
Posted inEducation
California’s schools chief has a $200,000 salary and a side gig
Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, a candidate for California governor in 2026, has regularly worked side jobs at Bay Area nonprofits to earn extra income because he says the state pay is insufficient.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Democracy in the dark: How California lawmakers are trying to shield themselves from public view
State lawmakers have introduced at least a dozen proposals that would make it harder to confront local officials at public meetings, shield more information from the public and relax rules on financial reports.
Posted inLatest News
California snowpack below average — what does this mean for water supplies?
At 90% of the state historical average in a measurement Friday, the Sierra Nevada snowpack is far better than last year. But it’s nothing like the record-smashing 2023.
Posted inEducation
No need to apply: Cal State is automatically admitting high school students with good grades
Riverside County high school students who meet requirements are guaranteed admission to one of 10 Cal State campuses, part of a direct-admissions pilot program.
Posted inEducation
California not backing down on trans student privacy — despite Trump’s threat to yank funding
Last year, California passed a law that prohibits schools from requiring staff to notify parents if a student identifies as transgender. The U.S. Department of Education alleges the law violates parents’ rights and is threatening an investigation.
Posted inEducation
Parents can’t figure out how California schools are doing. Newsom’s plan to fix that stalls
In 2019, his first year in office, California Gov. Gavin Newsom launched the Cradle-to-Career Data System, a new state entity that aims to track students’ progress from preschool through employment. The data system was supposed to release its first public dashboard last spring.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Newsom’s MAGA-curious podcast mystifies listeners — and sets Dem lawmakers on edge
Gavin Newsom’s podcast launch baffles allies and critics alike as the California governor disappears from public events, raising questions about his leadership priorities and political future.