Judge challenges a California law mandating diversity on corporate boards

Apr 6, 2022
The law, which went into effect in 2020, required California-based companies to appoint directors from underrepresented communities.
The percentage of female directors on California boards doubled in the three years since the gender law passed, one researcher said.
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Would a new public college campus in California help provide spots for more qualified students?

Mar 31, 2022
There aren't enough seats at 4-year universities for qualified students. How can the state meet the rising demand?
Miranda Evans, special projects manager for the city of Chula Vista, stands on the site that the city has designated for a university or group of universities.
Jill Replogle/KPCC

Who should get reparations? California's task force wrestles with that question.

Mar 30, 2022
A California task force weighs which Black residents could be eligible.
Writer Ta-Nehisi Coates shakes hands with House Subcommittee Ranking Member Mike Johnson (R-LA) following a House Judiciary Subcommittee hearing on slavery reparations on June 19, 2019 in Washington, DC. The subcommittee debated the H.R. 40 bill, which proposes a commission be formed to study and develop reparation proposals for African-Americans.
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Why are California's gas prices so high?

Mar 15, 2022
There are several reasons. For one, the state is highly dependent on foreign crude oil.
California has always been among the priciest places for a gallon of gas in the U.S. Among the reasons are the state's higher taxes and environmental standards.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

There's a different kind of gold rush in California: Sports gambling

Jan 11, 2022
Everyone from Native American tribes to online entities wants a piece of what some call the "holy grail" of the sports gambling landscape.
Various group entities like Fanduel and Native American tribes are vying for control of the sports gambling scene in California.
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In fire-prone California, experts push utilities to monitor the riskiest equipment on the grid

Jan 6, 2022
Power lines and equipment have sparked devastating blazes. Now companies are asked to take stock of their aging infrastructure.
Utilities have been making upgrades to their systems. Above, workers re-anchor a pole that suspends power lines outside Acton, California.
Lily Jamali/Marketplace

California is reshaping Medicaid to bring new health services to families

Dec 29, 2021
Community health workers present at doctor’s appointments can help parents navigate food, sleep, behavior and child development.
Developmental specialist Bella Lopez reads with 2-year-old Oliver Humphrey. She said the kids are often excited to see her at the doctor's office, in part because she's not the one giving shots.
Mariana Dale

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California invests millions to try and curtail drug overdoses

Dec 28, 2021
The program's approach includes an emphasis on medically-assisted treatment, using drugs to help ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
California Bridge regional director Joshua Luftig, right, and program coordinator Christian Hailozian at the Bridge Substance Use Program at Highland Hospital in Oakland
Beth LaBerge/KQED

What California's new law means for garment workers and businesses

Nov 11, 2021
The law will guarantee an hourly wage for workers, but higher labor costs will put pressure on many small factories.
Garment worker Francisco Tzul has recently started working for a sewing contractor that pays an hourly wage rather than a piece rate.
Caroline Champlin/Marketplace

California farmers say their crops are caught in the supply chain

Nov 4, 2021
Exports are delayed for key crops like walnuts, many of which are grown for overseas customers.
California farmers may have to sell crops domestically due to supply chain issues. Above, vehicles drive past farmland and a freight train near Pixley, California, in August.
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