2025 - CalMatters

A person wearing a navy suit points to a monitor with a line chart on it during a press conference. The California state seal, state flag and the American flag can be seen behind them.

Politics

California’s budget outlook is grim. Here’s what you need to know

How did we get here? Where do we go from here? Spend one minute to catch up on everything you need to know about California’s budget health this year.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• December 31, 2025

Gov. Gavin Newsom sits at a table surrounded by three lawmakers behind him as he signs several documents.

Politics

Newsom’s 2025: Wildfire crisis, budget cuts and bombastic opposition to Trump

Gavin Newsom's year: LA fires, budget cuts, Trump battles and a Prop 50 win. What's next for California's governor in his final year?

By

Jeanne Kuang

• December 31, 2025

A close-up view of dark purple round banners displayed at the top of a room filled with attendees at a conference. The banners include text that say, "to value fast ..." and "AI, data, and ..."

Technology

Scared of artificial intelligence? New law forces makers to disclose disaster plans

Big Tech companies will have to disclose how they plan to prevent and handle artificial intelligence disasters.

By

Khari Johnson

• December 31, 2025

Impact

How CalMatters kept our government transparent and our leaders accountable in 2025

In 2025, CalMatters’ and The Markup’s reporting prompted lawmakers to introduce eight new bills, agencies to take action, companies to change their practices and constituents to contact their representatives.

By

Sisi Wei

• December 31, 2025

Small American flags are mounted on wooden desks inside a legislative chamber, viewed from behind as lawmakers sit facing forward. The shallow focus emphasizes the flags and carved desk details, while figures and additional flags blur into the background under warm indoor lighting.

Politics

Get up to speed fast on the new California laws that might change your life in 2026

New California laws taking effect on Jan. 1, 2026 expand coverage for in vitro fertilization, regulate artificial intelligence, protect renters and more.

By

CalMatters Staff

• December 30, 2025

A sleek, modern kitchen with light wood flooring, white cabinetry, and a large stainless-steel French-door refrigerator. An island with a stovetop and a pot sits to the left, while a clean countertop with a cutting board and backsplash tiles runs along the right side. The space is bright and minimal with built-in appliances.

Housing

A new California law requires a working fridge in all apartments. LA landlords fought it

Fridge-less apartments dotting the pricey California rental market will soon be a head-scratching relic. Beginning Jan. 1, landlords will be required to provide all apartments with a working stove and refrigerator thanks to a new state law. It marks the end of an unusual, decades-long phenomenon mostly in the Los Angeles area where some tenants […]

By

Nadia Lathan

• December 30, 2025

Firefighters use a hose to put out a fire near the structural remains of a building along the coast. Giant smoke clouds rise from the rubble near the edge of the street.

Environment

2025 in review: Devastating fires, federal pushback, and contentious climate compromises

In 2025, devastating California wildfires in LA became the state's most destructive. Climate goals faced federal opposition as Trump blocked clean-car mandates. Refineries closed, water conflicts intensified, and legislators passed compromises.

By

Alejandra Reyes-Velarde

• December 30, 2025

A large, illuminated sign spelling "DATA" is suspended from the ceiling, with holographic numbers, plus signs, and other symbols hanging around it. The reflective installation casts colorful light patterns. In the foreground, a blurred figure wearing a blue jacket is visible, partially obstructed by a glass surface. The scene takes place in a modern conference or exhibition space with a high ceiling and metal framework.

Technology

Big Tech got regulated, but just barely: 2025 in review

Chatbots, data centers, and algorithmic pricing were all subject to new laws, but the laws themselves were watered down.

By

Ryan Tate

• December 30, 2025

An overhead view shows three people standing and talking on a patterned tile floor inside an ornate building. Decorative light fixtures with glowing bulbs hang between wooden railings, casting warm light over the geometric floor tiles as the group gathers near the edge of a balcony.

Politics

What did California lawmakers talk about this year? These 10 bills sparked hours of debate

California lawmakers only spent just a few minutes discussing in public the hundreds of bills they introduce. But these 10 measures had hours of intense debate in 2025.

By

Ryan Sabalow

• December 29, 2025

Yellow and red cables are plugged into large black shelfs of computer machinery as a person works in the background.

Environment

Big Tech blocks California data center rules, leaving only a study requirement

A new law orders regulators to study the cost impacts of fast-growing, energy-hungry AI data centers. Lawmakers are expected to revisit tougher rules as utilities, advocates and tech groups battle over who pays for the grid upgrades.

By

Alejandro Lazo

• December 29, 2025