For the first time since July oil and gas regulators have approved permits for fracking in California. That alarms some environmental and health advocates, but the oil industry says this is helping as the COVID-19 crisis continues.

Story by Ezra David Romero.

(Photo: Eric Kounce / Public domain)

Communities of color in California do not appear to be disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus, like in some other states.

Story by Nicole Nixon.

In his January budget proposal, Gov. Gavin Newsom included roughly $80 million to expand Medi-Cal to undocumented seniors. He’s now reconsidering that idea in light of COVID-19.

Story by Sammy Caiola.

California’s employment agency says independent contractors should not apply for jobless benefits yet. That’s because it still hasn’t built the program needed to funnel federal money to these workers nearly 2 weeks after the CARES Act was signed.

Story by Chris Nichols.