Author: Arlene Martinez, USA TODAY

President Trump declares a national emergency as thousands of schools close across California and the country. And a new USA Today analysis shows no state is prepared for what could be six needy patients for every one hospital bed. That’s under the bes…

Disneyland, March Madness, NHL, NBA: canceled. And Gov. Gavin Newsom follows up a public health directive that events over 250 people should be canceled or postponed with an executive order that allows the state to take over private assets for coronavi…

The coronavirus is officially a pandemic as the U.S. death toll rises to 31 — four of them in California. And early morning DEA raids across the country lead to the arrest of 250 people, including one in Los Angeles, believed to be linked to a powerful…

Passengers finally get off that cruise ship, a major tennis tournament is canceled and Google self-quarantines. And why jailhouse informants are a good way for the wrong person to get convicted. Plus, Elon Musk has worries, but not because of the coron…

21 people on a Princess Cruise ship test positive for coronavirus. Plus, state lawmakers want big bucks to fight homelessness. And go with me to a lighter place, where succulents thrive but not because they’re watered.

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Housing advocacy group YIMBY (Yes In My Back Yard) and a developer sue Simi Valley after it denies an assisted-living complex, testing a new state law designed to spur the creation of homes. And more people make their way out of the Golden State, blami…

The world says goodbye to Kobe Bryant. Travelers exposed to coronavirus head to quarantine sites across the state, including one in Ventura County, as the Dow drops 1,000 points following the jump in cases. And Prop. 13 offers multi-unit developers a s…

Also, the state is again suing the Trump administration after the president signs new regulations to get more water to farmers (it had been going to fish). And learn about the role two Berkeley economists are playing in the fight over taxing the wealth…

Joaquin Phoenix brought a message to milk and meat lovers, and California’s farmers had a response. Police warn of mayhem as a wave of progressive district attorneys join the ranks of traditional tough-on-crime prosecutors. And specially trained dogs a…

Plus a fire at the world’s largest supplier of lacquer could have far-ranging effects on the vinyl record industry. The president of a private college says student athletes were involved in racist incidents. And Democratic presidential candidates share…