CalMatters

State lawmakers have returned from spring recess, and the next few months will be when representation really matters. But how well are they doing? A series of CalMatters stories explores that big question.

An L.A. 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 One worker whose desk job offer was revoked was told to try sanitation.

California’s community colleges are reporting a rise in financial aid fraud. In January, suspected bots represented 1 in 4 college applicants. Schools have given away millions to these scams, and college officials say fraudsters are getting smarter with the help of AI.

Gov. Gavin Newsom pledged to address a rise in jail deaths early in his administration. Since then, fentanyl overdoses and suicides have death rates at historic highs.

HUD wants to see what happens when you give cash directly to renters, instead of traditional vouchers. At least one California housing authority is interested.

The ballot initiative voters approved this week will provide billions of dollars to fund housing and treatment facilities for mentally ill Californians.

Early primary results point to a record-breaking number of women serving in the California Legislature after the November election.

Opponents of Proposition 1 withdraw their concession as Gov. Gavin Newsom’s mental health ballot measure barely leads.

The revised proposal grants water providers an extra five years for reducing outdoor irrigation. Cities and water agencies are relieved, while critics say Californians will keep wasting water.

As California’s cost of living goes up, community college has become unaffordable for many students. As part of a $30 million pilot program, some California community college students will get paid by the hour to attend school and do homework.