Lead: Community colleges are confronting twin pressures—mass layoffs to close structural deficits and a policy fight as nearly half of states expand bachelor’s degrees at two‑year institutions. Santa Monica College’s board approved about 60 layoffs and opened dozens of administrative roles for possible elimination to plug a projected structural deficit that could reach $17.5 million next fiscal year. In separate coverage, Sara Weissman reported states and districts are expanding baccalaureate programs at community colleges, a shift that has provoked pushback from four-year universities. What happened: Trustees narrowly approved layoffs amid staff protests and calls for alternative measures; officials said nonrecurring funds had temporarily reduced the deficit. Meanwhile, policy makers and colleges across the country are debating scope and quality controls for community college bachelor’s offerings. Why it matters: Financial strain and program expansion are reshaping the community-college mission, affecting workforce pipelines, transfer agreements and competition with universities for undergraduates and contract education.