USC pursues aggressive fundraising effort despite hard times

In its quest for $6 billion in new donations by 2018, the university bolsters its staff and looks to award naming rights.

Gov. Jerry Brown says he will increase education funding

The governor's 2012-13 spending plan, to be released in January, assumes billions in additional revenue from his tax increase initiative. If the measure fails, Brown says, more drastic cuts would be needed.

Sandra Day O'Connor promotes civics education

Retired U.S. Supreme Court justice helped initiate an online program called iCivics because not enough Americans know how government works.

Two fourth-graders find a way to share school's food

Thanks to the 9-year-old girls, unwanted and leftover lunch items from a Cudahy school go to needy families.

Activists celebrate closing of polluting plant near L.A. school

Settlement of a civil lawsuit against Palace Plating ends an eight-year battle over the metal-finishing plant that residents say contaminated their South Los Angeles neighborhood.

A woman who teaches men to weld provides other life lessons too

An associate professor at Los Angeles Trade Technical College, Lisa Legohn relies on candor and toughness to reach her students.

L.A. schools' healthful lunch menu panned by students

For many students, Los Angeles Unified's introduction of healthful lunches — part of a campaign against obesity, diabetes and other problems — has been a flop. The district says the menu will be revised.

Georgia school district suspends marching bands after university scandal

DeKalb County school officials are investigating all high schools in response to a death and a beating at Florida A&M University and two incidents during summer band activities.

My Turn: PSA scare prompts reflection and education

When panic ensues after news of rising PSA levels, one man decides to get a grip, get better informed about prostate cancer and screening, and live life sensibly.

UC Berkeley to offer financial aid to more middle-income families

Students from households earning $80,000 to $140,000 will be eligible for a new aid program at UC Berkeley, funded by philanthropy and tuition from an influx of out-of-state students.

2 charter schools allowed some families to bypass lotteries

L.A. Unified will weigh a ban on preferences like those at Larchmont and Los Feliz, which admitted some students in return for special services or volunteering by parents.

L.A. Unified's grade-school game

Getting your child into the L.A. Unified elementary school of your choice involves a lot of planning, patience — and luck.

Judge rejects claim that Cal State tuition hike was illegal

A Cal State L.A. student had sought a preliminary injunction to block the 9% increase for next fall, arguing that the system's trustees violated public meeting laws during a session disrupted by protesters.

L.A. school board ends preference practice at charter schools

Campuses will no longer be allowed to offer admission in exchange for volunteer work or other services.