Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 79 into law, positioning California as a national leader in supporting students’ basic needs just as the federal government moves to scale back essential programs. The bill creates roles and infrastructure to ensure students in need can access public benefit programs, such as CalFresh and Medi-Cal—programs that many students qualify for but often struggle to access.

Broadband is not just about internet access but about a pathway to obtaining an education, improving health, and acquiring economic resources necessary to thrive, write Dr. Traci Morris and Dr. Gary Michelson. Native nations are taking matters into their own hands and creating solutions.

The Michelson Philanthropies network published more than 230 articles in 2021, far more than in years past. Articles that highlight where our work has had a direct impact were very popular among our readers this year. Here are the top 10 most read stories from each website publishing news and analysis on our websites. Reread your favorite pieces or read them for the first time.