CalMatters

After months of negotiations, university officials offer a 5% pay raise. The union is seeking 12% and plans to strike at the end of January.

As the state Legislature reconvenes, the Israel-Hamas war and the Gaza humanitarian crisis remain on the agenda. Assembly Republicans introduce a resolution condemning Hamas, while Gov. Newsom has met with Palestinian groups.

Surprise ambulance bills can leave families deeply in debt after a medical emergency. A new state law that forces insurance companies to negotiate payments is expected to save Californians tens of millions of dollars a year.

Fentanyl is driving California’s deadly overdose crisis. A new law that took effect Jan. 1 targets dealers by increasing criminal penalties for trafficking the drug.

Under a new state law, emergency notifications by law enforcement will be expanded to include “Ebony Alerts” for missing Black children and youths. Studies show African Americans are disproportionately on lists of the missing.

Under a new law, employees in California are guaranteed five paid sick days a year, two days more than previously. Worker advocacy groups say the benefit is needed, but business groups warn of additional costs.

Under two new laws, employers in California can’t ask workers about their use of cannabis outside the workplace and can’t use hair or urine tests. Employees in construction are excluded, as are applicants for federal jobs with background checks.

The financial aid application for undocumented students is cumbersome and confusing, and many students aren’t completing the forms. A new law streamlines the process.

California fast-food workers will earn a $20 minimum wage in April. Other employers might have to raise their pay floor to recruit and retain staff.

In 2023, the most diverse California Legislature ever refereed the perennial battle between labor and business and faced public worries on crime and homelessness.

The number of nursing students enrolling in high-priced private programs has nearly doubled over the past 10 years as the state’s public universities have stagnated in growth.

The Exclusive Poultry Inc. agreed to pay $3.8 million in wages, damages and penalties in part for hiring children for dangerous work. The case is one of hundreds federal labor officials investigated last year.