CalMatters
CalMatters is a nonpartisan, nonprofit journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters.
Environmental regulation, education, health care, criminal justice, economic inequality – the debates on these issues and others have a profound impact on the lives of 38 million Californians and beyond. Yet, mirroring trends across the country, there has been a significant decline in the number of journalists covering the Capitol in Sacramento. This has meant fewer eyes on decision makers, and a public that feels disconnected from its state government.
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Recent polling shows voters narrowly support Prop. 40 — the billionaire tax — and two measures designed to kill it. Only one outcome can prevail. -
Flock Safety has poured more than $2 million into federal and state lobbying since 2025 as the fast‑growing surveillance company faces mounting scrutiny from lawmakers in both parties and privacy advocates over its ever-expanding network of license‑plate‑tracking cameras. -
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s CARE Court struggles to serve Californians in acute mental health crises. Two bills are moving forward to change that. -
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals sided with the Trump administration in striking down a California requirement that immigration agents show visible identification while on duty. -
A new lawsuit alleges Uber is violating California’s rideshare law and should not be allowed to assert its drivers are independent contractors. -
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Colorado’s conversion therapy ban, endangering California’s law. State lawmakers believe there is a “path forward” despite the court’s ruling. -
As heat becomes a year-round reality, California is often still responding like it’s an emergency. In the field, health providers fundraise for one basic need that grants can’t buy. -
Homelessness prevention shows promising results in California, as advocates push to spread it statewide and nationally. -
‘What does the future look like?’: As California braces for Medicaid cuts, former health secretary to lead new commission in creating plan to protect care -
Ricardo Lara said he will look at information provided by State Farm before revisiting his previous decision to reject the company’s emergency rate hike.
