February 25, 2026

Semi-trucks are parked in a dirt lot, including a gray tractor attached to a refrigerated trailer and a white truck with its hood raised as tools lie on the ground nearby under a clear sky.

Economy

California must let immigrant truck drivers keep their licenses, judge rules

Facing pressure from the Trump administration, California tried to revoke more than 20,000 trucking licenses from certain immigrants, including many asylum seekers. In a tentative ruling, a Bay Area judge said these drivers should be able to keep their licenses, at least temporarily.

By Adam Echelman • February 25, 2026

A group of five people, dressed in professional attire, sit on chairs on a stage in front of a crowd, with a banner behind them reading “Governor Candidate Forum.” Four of the five people sitting on stage have their hands up to answer the question while a crowd of people watches in the dark.

CalMatters en Español

¿Quién se postula para gobernador de California? Aquí un vistazo a los candidatos actuales

Pocas controversias han afectado a una contienda por lo demás tranquila y abierta para ser el próximo gobernador de California.

By Jeanne Kuang • February 25, 2026

Collage-style illustration showing diverse people across generations, including seniors with mobility aids, adults, and children, symbolizing aging, caregiving, and community support in a modern abstract blue and orange design.

Sponsored

Reimagining Care Across Generations

Three policy experts explore how California can expand access to childcare, healthcare, and eldercare through abundance policy design.

By Sponsor • February 25, 2026

A group of demonstrators marches through a crosswalk at a city intersection, led by a person holding both a U.S. flag and a Mexican flag raised overhead. Several others carry Mexican flags and handmade protest signs, including messages such as “Families belong together,” “We are not criminals,” and “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.” Traffic lights and palm trees line the street, with mountains visible in the distance under a clear sky.

CalMatters en Español

Mientras Escondido debate contrato con ICE, otros funcionarios locales evalúan si cooperar en la aplicación de la ley migratoria

Críticos han instado a Escondido a cancelar su contrato de larga data que permite a ICE utilizar el campo de tiro de la policía de la ciudad, ya que los gobiernos locales en todo el condado de San Diego difieren sobre cuánto cooperar con la aplicación de la ley de inmigración federal según la Ley de Valores de California.

By Deborah Brennan • February 25, 2026

The entrance of a dark beige building with a blue sign that reads "Central Valley Regional Center" on the top.

CalMatters en Español

“¿Qué pasará cuando yo ya no esté?”: Padres de personas con discapacidad presionan para ampliar los servicios

En California, la discapacidad de una persona debe comenzar antes de los 18 años para poder acceder a los servicios de los centros regionales. Padres activistas afirman que esto excluye a aquellos cuya discapacidad comenzó en la adultez temprana, cuando su cerebro aún estaba en desarrollo.

By Ana B. Ibarra • February 25, 2026

High school students walk through a school campus.

Climate Change

What California’s planned power outages are costing schools: darkness, disruption and debt

California schools faced repeated planned power outages in 2024-2025 as Edison cut electricity to prevent wildfires, forcing closures and costly backup power solutions.

By Alejandra Reyes-Velarde • February 25, 2026

A truck unloads organic waste to be used for composting at the Anaerobic Composter Facility in Woodland, Calif., Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021. Photo by Rich Pedroncelli, AP Photo

Commentary

California is ‘nowhere near’ emissions goals. It’s still sending organic waste to landfills

California trucks much of its organic waste to landfills instead of recyclers, largely because of an exclusive franchise hauling system.

By Clemens Stockreiter • February 25, 2026

A close-up view of a student as they write on a whiteboard as an instructor watches in a classroom with brightly colored decorations. The student uses a marker to write math equations as the students watch and learn.

Commentary

California’s reading reforms drive push for better math skills in early grades

Some of the supporters of the phonics curriculum California adopted last year are now urging statewide math screening for young students.

By Dan Walters • February 25, 2026