August 18, 2025

A person wearing glasses speaks into a microphone while seated at a desk in a government hearing room, with nameplates visible on the desks and other people blurred in the background.

Technology

Data brokers face new pressure for hiding opt-out pages from Google

After reporters found dozens of firms hiding privacy tools from search results, US senator Maggie Hassan insisted the companies explain their practices—and pledge to improve access to privacy controls.

By CalMatters Staff • August 18, 2025

Oil pumps in the Kern River Oil Field near Bakersfield on July 6, 2022. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Politics

Gavin Newsom warms to Big Oil in climate reversal

After years of cracking down on California’s oil industry, Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative Democrats are moving to get Kern County wells pumping again to avoid soaring gasoline prices.

By Alexei Koseff, Alejandro Lazo and Maya C. Miller • August 18, 2025

This image captures a close-up moment of the rally. The speaker at the podium is gesturing emphatically with arms outstretched, underscoring the intensity of the speech. The podium sign reads “Election Rigging Response Act,” and the California state flag is prominently displayed behind, reinforcing the political context. Supporters in the background hold signs with slogans such as “Defend Democracy.” The photo conveys a sense of urgency, leadership, and collective mobilization around protecting election integrity.

Politics

5 things to know about Gavin Newsom’s plan to redraw California’s election maps

California has an overwhelmingly Democratic delegation in Congress. Gov. Newsom’s plan could give his party five more seats and offset a Texas gerrymander.

By Alexei Koseff • August 18, 2025

In a colorful classroom, two children dressed in playful outfits stand beside an adult who is seated and holding an open picture book titled Quick as a Cricket. The children look at the book with interest as the adult reads to them. Behind them, classroom decorations include a poster showing the life cycle of a frog, tanks with small animals or classroom pets, and various educational materials on the walls. In the foreground, blurred wooden play items sit on a table.

K-12 Education

Considering TK for your child? Take a peek inside one ideal classroom scenario

This fall at least 200,000 California students are expected to enroll in transitional kindergarten, which serves as a bridge between preschool and kindergarten.

By Carolyn Jones • August 18, 2025