California's health regulator penalized Blue Shield $300,000 after finding the insurer denied newborn-care claims and mishandled appeals. The DMHC ordered corrective action and urged affected families to seek help.

Modesto trustees voted to boost monthly pay from $765 to $3,000 amid ongoing teacher contract negotiations. The move follows a new state law that raised board-pay caps.

Washington is moving to join California and Québec in a shared carbon market, a shift that could stabilize allowance prices and reshape how auction revenue flows.