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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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. -
The remains of a smoldering home in an Altadena neighborhood affected by the Eaton Fire on Jan. 8, 2025. California's insurer of last resort is facing $1 billion in losses from Southern California wildfires.Jules Hotz/CalMatters -
‘It was just a regular morning’: Californians picked up in recent ICE raids include kids, volunteersInterviews suggest some people swept up in Trump’s immigration crackdown are dedicated to their families and communities — not hardened criminals. -
Some sectors, like agriculture, will be hit directly. Many more could feel the ripple effects. -
As a gasoline reserve bill faces a final vote today, labor advocates say the bill’s safety measures don’t go far enough. -
The Public Policy Institute of California released the report 10 years after the ballot measure went into effect and two months before voters decide whether to repeal aspects of it. -
If the next Republican president implements Project 2025, California will face an ultimatum: report sensitive abortion data to the CDC or jeopardize Medicaid funding. -
A bill passed by the Legislature on its last day is a top priority for California labor unions, who say “captive audience” sessions intimidate workers. Business groups say the bill violates employers’ free speech rights. -
Ranchers who defied a state water order were only fined about $50 each. Under new legislation headed to the governor, some daily fines for water scofflaws can increase 20-fold. -
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed retail theft laws to address concerns about California property crime. Prop. 36 on the November ballot imposes tougher penalties.
