2024

Health

‘A market failure’: High prices at Monterey County hospitals drive away many insured Californians

High prices at hospitals in Monterey County are “an anomaly even among the most expensive” communities in California. One insurance plan there saves money by paying for members’ travel to other counties for procedures.

By Kristen Hwang • January 4, 2024

CalMatters en Español

La Legislatura de California comienza la sesión de 2024 con un gran déficit presupuestario y una gran protesta

Read this story in English. Los legisladores de California se lanzaron hoy a la sesión legislativa de 2024 con mucho que hacer, pero poco dinero para todos, y los manifestantes que apoyaban un alto el fuego en Gaza provocaron un rápido aplazamiento. La atención médica, la vivienda, las escuelas y los programas ambientales competirán por […]

By Jeanne Kuang and Sameea Kamal • January 3, 2024

Politics

California Legislature starts 2024 session with big budget deficit and big protest

State lawmakers reconvene with a lot of problems to fix, but not a lot of money to spend on solutions with a projected $68 billion budget deficit. The first day is cut short by a protest over the Gaza war.

By Jeanne Kuang and Sameea Kamal • January 3, 2024

Politics

90 days in, California politicians keep trying to navigate the Israel-Hamas war

As the state Legislature reconvenes, the Israel-Hamas war and the Gaza humanitarian crisis remain on the agenda. Assembly Republicans introduce a resolution condemning Hamas, while Gov. Newsom has met with Palestinian groups.

By Sameea Kamal • January 3, 2024

Commentary

How will California respond to the home insurance market meltdown?

California politicians face two pressing crises this year: a massive state budget deficit and the decline of the homeowner insurance market.

By Dan Walters • January 3, 2024

CalMatters en Español

‘Focos de esperanza’: Este distrito escolar de California marcó la diferencia en los puntajes de los estudiantes afroamericanos

Read this story in English. Para la mayoría de los grupos de estudiantes K-12 en California, los puntajes de las pruebas han sido excesivamente planos desde la pandemia. Pero para los estudiantes afroamericanos, los puntajes estancados han sido particularmente frustrantes: los puntajes de los estudiantes afroamericanos en matemáticas y artes del lenguaje inglés disminuyeron poco […]

By Carolyn Jones • January 2, 2024

K-12 Education

A ‘pocket of hope’: This California school district made a difference on Black students’ scores

Emery Unified took a targeted approach, including paying teachers extra to stay after school and tutor students.

By Carolyn Jones • January 2, 2024

Commentary

Offshore wind success in California requires developers, policymakers embrace ‘ocean justice’

As offshore wind faces setbacks on the East Coast, California has a chance to establish long-term success. Developers and policymakers at all levels can get there by embracing "ocean justice" principles.

By Daniela Schulman • January 2, 2024

Commentary

It’s a new year, but California will continue to struggle with existential issues in 2024

As California enters a new year, its most striking public policy issues remain unresolved, and an immense budget deficit will make dealing with them more difficult.

By Dan Walters • January 2, 2024

CalMatters en Español

Las nuevas leyes de vivienda de California destinadas a agilizar el proceso de construcción entrarán en vigor en 2024

Read this story in English. Si California quiere salir de su escasez de vivienda a largo plazo, muchas cosas se interpondrán en su camino en 2024: altas tasas de interés , procesos de aprobación locales lentos y una escasez persistente de trabajadores de la construcción calificados, entre otros. Pero una serie de proyectos de ley […]

By Ben Christopher • January 1, 2024