2025 - Page 5 of 145

A group of officers, dressed in full tactical gear and wearing face masks, stands in the roadway of a neighborhood street during the middle of the day. In the foreground, we can see over the shoulders of a couple of people as they point to the officers, with one of the officers visible between the two people.

Justice

California is banning masks for federal agents. Here’s why it could lose in court

The Trump administration is suing to block a new California law that would ban federal law enforcement officers from wearings masks on duty. It was shaped by concerns over masked immigration agents in Los Angeles.

By

Nigel Duara

• December 22, 2025

A person in glasses holds a wooden-framed black-and-white photograph to her chest while standing by a window in a dark room. The woman is looking outside of the window while she and the picture are reflected on the glass window.

Health

Remembering Papa: Northern California’s elderly face hidden epidemic of gun suicides

Senior Californians in rural communities are dying by suicide at troubling rates—struggling with pain, cut off from doctors and mental health care, with guns at hand. Access to care and safety planning would help, experts say.

By

Ana B. Ibarra

• December 22, 2025

A resident shovels mud deposited by flooding from his driveway in Cutler on March 12, 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Environment

Trump move to break up atmospheric research center threatens wildfire, storm predictions

‘This is only going to hurt Americans.’ Scientists, California state officials say the Trump administration’s plans to dismantle a key climate science hub will put public safety at risk.

By

Rachel Becker

• December 20, 2025

A person carries a large plastic bucket filled with produce on their shoulder while working in a field of green crops during harvest. Surrounded by others bending over the plants, the individual wears a long-sleeve shirt, hat, and face covering for sun protection.

CalMatters en Español

“Siguen necesitando atención”: Por qué los trabajadores migrantes de California evitan las clínicas médicas

Por temor a compartir información confidencial, los trabajadores agrícolas de California comenzaron a evitar las clínicas médicas móviles tras la toma de posesión del presidente Trump. "Hay mucha desconfianza", declaró un médico del condado de Fresno.

By

Larry Valenzuela

• December 19, 2025

Grace Diaz, a caregiver, at the home of her client in Orange County on June 7, 2023. Photo by Lauren Justice for CalMatters

Commentary

California’s solution for senior health care hides in plain sight

PACE lets seniors stay out of nursing homes and still receive a variety of health and home services. Too few people know about it.

By Janice Grandi • December 19, 2025

A single family home in South Central, Los Angeles, CA, on Sept. 4 2020. Photo by Tash Kimmell for CalMatters.

Housing

Why homeownership in California isn’t nearly the financial slam dunk it once was

For generations it’s been a near article of faith that homeownership beats out being a renter. In California in 2025, having a landlord has its perks.

By

Ben Christopher

• December 19, 2025

A person in a suit and glasses stands in front of blue curtains, watching another person speaking in the foreground, whose face is out of focus and partially turned away.

Health

What’s next for Medi-Cal? A former state health leader weighs in

‘What does the future look like?’: As California braces for Medicaid cuts, former health secretary to lead new commission in creating plan to protect care

By

Ana B. Ibarra

• December 19, 2025

A side view of a panel with nine speakers, including politicians and labor leaders, sit on stage during a “Unionize California” event, with one person standing and speaking into a microphone. A red, white, and blue light projection spells out "UNIONIZE CALIFORNIA" on the curtain behind them. The audience is seated at round tables in the foreground.

Commentary

California’s very odd election year starts with Republicans possibly leading the governor’s race

So many Democratic candidates are running — none with high poll numbers — that two Republicans could end up winning the primary.

By

Dan Walters

• December 19, 2025

A fast food employee stands and talks to customers behind the restaurant counter with the menu displayed behind them. In the foreground is the over-the-shoulder view of two customers as they talk to the employee.

Economy

California’s minimum wage is increasing in 2026 as Los Angeles debates $30 an hour

California's minimum wage is adjusted every year for inflation. Some cities have a higher wage floor and unions are advocating increases for specific industries.

By

Cayla Mihalovich

• December 19, 2025

Power lines in Elk Grove on Sept. 20, 2022. Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters

Economy

California utilities will keep almost all profits as regulators ease up. They’re still upset

Regulators on Thursday approved a slight reduction to the profits shareholders are allowed to receive from California’s three major investor-owned utilities. The decision dropped all three major investor-owned power companies’ returns by 0.3%, bringing the shareholder return for Pacific Gas & Electric to just below double digits for the first time in at least two […]

By

Malena Carollo

• December 18, 2025