Voices Spotlight
Don’t clear the field in governor’s race by clearing out diversity
Most candidates urged to stay are white and backed by big money, but those urged to bow out are leaders of color with decades of public service. It’s an issue in this state of diverse voters. Read more.
Series Spotlight
License to Kill
Read our investigative series on how California routinely allows dangerous drivers stay on the road.
HEALTH
Series Spotlight
No Deliveries
Explore why hospitals are shutting down maternity wards, what this means for parents-to-be with limited options, and whether anything can be done to protect access.
INSIDE THE NEWSROOM
What goes into our reporting on California’s biggest issues – how investigative stories come together, what challenges journalists face, CalMatters’ latest plans and more.
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JUSTICE
Investigation
They were convicted of killing with their cars. No one told the DMV
A CalMatters investigation found that courts didn’t report hundreds of vehicular manslaughter convictions, prompting officials to belatedly take many drivers’ licenses.
EDUCATION
About College Beat
College Beat is produced by the CalMatters College Journalism Network, a collaboration between CalMatters and student journalists from across California. Read more.
POLITICS
Project Spotlight
Digital Democracy
Check out CalMatters’ custom-built AI tool that tracks every word spoken in public hearings, every dollar donated to politicians, every vote cast and more.
ENVIRONMENT
Series Spotlight
Lake Tahoe: A tarnished jewel
Lake Tahoe is an innocent victim — but there isn’t just a single villain. This series reveals the problems plaguing this alpine treasure.
ECONOMY AND TECHNOLOGY
Tech Spotlight
Why California backed off again from ambitious AI regulation
For the third year, the state delayed AI regulations for disclosing and appealing many automated decisions.
CALIFORNIA VOICES
Guest Commentary
California’s care for sickle cell patients finally works. We can’t abandon it now
The 12 clinics serving sickle cell patients reduced ER visits and hospital stays, saving CA taxpayers money. But a $15 million grant for the program has ended.
Patients are often left ‘out of network’ as hospitals, insurers clash over cost
Guest Commentary written by Craig Wagoner Craig Wagoner is president and CEO of Community Health System No one wants to see health insurance premiums rise. Individuals, small businesses and large employers are already under inflationary pressures. But it will be far worse if health insurance companies fail to help address rising costs facing healthcare providers. …
AI reminded me to lead in my classroom, not follow someone else’s dictates
This change isn’t just about technology. It’s about whether teachers reclaim their role as designers of learning or wait to be told what to do next.
We want to hear from you!
Want to submit a guest commentary or reaction to an article we wrote? You can find our submission guidelines here. For questions, please email commentary@calmatters.org
DAN WALTERS
California’s budget bleeds red ink with added pressure to cover Trump’s cuts
State officials are expecting higher than predicted revenues to close California’s persistent budget deficit. The question is for how long.
CALIFORNIA DIVIDE
Inequality Insights
A statewide media collaboration to raise awareness about poverty and income inequality through in-depth journalism and community outreach. Sign up for our weekly newsletter.