January 9, 2026

Technology

OpenAI, childrens’ advocates join forces on initiative to protect kids from chatbots

ChatGPT maker OpenAI and Common Sense Media had rival ballot initiatives designed to protect kids from chatbots. Today they merged their efforts.

By Khari Johnson • January 9, 2026

A state official speaks at a podium during a budget presentation, flanked by U.S. and California flags, as a screen beside them lists key features including a balanced budget, continued progress, and long-term fiscal resilience.

Commentary

Newsom’s budget shows big revenue gain, but we’ve been down that path before

The Newsom administration once overstated income by $165 billion over four years. Now Newsom has announced $42 billion in new revenues over three years.

By Dan Walters • January 9, 2026

Digital Democracy

My Legislator newsletter: Frequently Asked Questions, Answered

What the rankings and metrics in our My Legislator newsletter mean, along with answers to other common questions.

By CalMatters Staff • January 9, 2026

People wearing black cap and gowns with red, green and white colored sashes stand in front of chairs during a graduation ceremony in font of attendees in an arena.

CalMatters en Español

Cada vez hay más estudiantes latinos en Cal State. ¿Pero dónde están los profesores latinos?

La representación del profesorado en Cal State está muy rezagada respecto al creciente número de estudiantes latinos. Esto supone una carga para los pequeños círculos de profesorado latino que asumen más tareas de mentoría, muchas veces en puestos sin titularidad y con salarios más bajos.

By Angel Corzo and Brittany Oceguera • January 9, 2026

Two people pose closely outdoors, one standing behind with arms wrapped around the other’s shoulders. Both look toward the camera with relaxed expressions, sunlight filtering through trees in the background, creating a soft, shallow-focus portrait.

CalMatters en Español

Pasó siete semanas detenido por ICE. Su caso muestra los nuevos obstáculos legales que enfrentan los inmigrantes.

Un juez de inmigración concedió la libertad bajo fianza a Idris Demirtas, pero eso no fue suficiente para reunirlo con su esposa en San Diego.

By Wendy Fry • January 9, 2026

A helicopter drops a large stream of water over a raging wildfire on a hillside at night. The intense red glow from the flames lights up the smoke-filled sky, with silhouettes of tall trees visible on the right.

Commentary

Candidate comment: California’s insurance crisis is pervasive but fixable

Insurers in California pulled back coverage or left the state after years of over-regulation, price controls and poor wildfire prevention.

By Stacy Korsgaden • January 9, 2026

A fireplace standing over the rubble and debris from a home that the Eaton Fire in Altadena burned down. Smoke from the fire is lingering in the air and coming out of the top of the fireplace over the debris

Commentary

For families like mine, the Eaton Fire disaster didn’t arrive on neutral ground

Property loss in Black and Brown communities hasn't been accidental. It comes from redlining, racial covenants, gentrification, discriminatory lending, insurance practices and now disaster recovery practices.

By Zella Knight • January 9, 2026

California Gov. Gavin Newsom gestures with one hand while speaking from a wooden podium inside the state Capitol, a microphone in front of him and a large dark display mounted behind.

Politics

Gavin Newsom forecasts a rosier California budget and banks on AI boom continuing

The governor’s 2026-27 budget proposal projects $9 billion more in revenue than anticipated, banking on the AI-driven economy to last.

By Yue Stella Yu • January 9, 2026