March 11, 2026

A group of officials and staff walk down a roadway beside a high chain-link fence topped with razor wire outside a large facility, with parked cars and low hills in the background under bright afternoon sun.

CalMatters en Español

Condado de San Diego demanda a ICE por bloquear inspección sanitaria en centro de detención

El condado de San Diego está demandando a la administración Trump por impedir que funcionarios inspeccionen los centros de detención de ICE. Se han recibido informes alarmantes sobre las condiciones inseguras en los centros.

By Wendy Fry • March 11, 2026

An aerial view of water flowing through a river surrounded by trees and other green vegetation.

CalMatters en Español

¿Cómo solucionar la contaminación del río Tijuana? Un nuevo informe propone varios pasos

La contaminación en el río Tijuana en San Diego ha enfermado a surfistas, nadadores y miembros de los Navy SEALs durante décadas. Un nuevo informe explora maneras de limpiarlo.

By Deborah Brennan • March 11, 2026

Environment

How to fix the contamination in the Tijuana River? A new report lays out the multi-step solution

The Tijuana River in San Diego has sickened surfers, swimmers and Navy SEALS for decades. A new report explores ways to clean it up.

By Deborah Brennan • March 11, 2026

A person in a suit speaks into a microphone during a public hearing or meeting. Several officials sit behind them at a raised dais, listening as the speaker gestures while talking.

Investigation

‘We’re talking about people’s lives:’ California lawmakers grill DMV director on deadly failures

The state Senate's hearing on driving laws was spurred by a CalMatters investigation into California's approach to deadly drivers.

By Lauren Hepler and Robert Lewis • March 11, 2026

An aerial view shows a large data center complex surrounded by warehouses and industrial buildings in a dense urban area. The main structure has a white facade with vertical window slits and a flat roof filled with cooling units, pipes, and mechanical equipment.

Commentary

California’s data centers should be models of affordable, clean electricity

With thoughtful planning, California can gain new data centers in ways that benefit ratepayers, improve grid reliability and minimize environmental harms.

By Sam Uden and Matthew Freedman • March 11, 2026

A green casino card table with labeled betting areas, surrounded by black padded chairs in an expansive cardroom. The room features multiple tables, overhead lights, digital displays, and a chandelier in the background, creating a lively gaming atmosphere.

Commentary

California’s tribal casinos trample smaller cardrooms with new regulations

The tribes with casinos guard their gambling dominance with political clout gained from lavish contributions to political campaigns.

By Dan Walters • March 11, 2026

A teacher walks across a classroom while students sit at their desks working on an assignment.

K-12 Education

California teachers ‘tread lightly’ for America’s 250th as they navigate competing narratives

California is strengthening civics education as America marks its 250th birthday. Teachers have to navigate a polarized political environment as they guide lessons on the Constitution.

By Carolyn Jones • March 11, 2026

Two people holding a baby close to them in an embrace as they pose for a photo in the backyard area of a home. The background is a grassy hill behind rows of fences.

Justice

California’s foster care system is buckling under the weight of this unexpected cost

Critical infrastructure that holds up California’s foster care system is quietly collapsing in the wake of sex abuse lawsuits, leaving children at risk.

By Cayla Mihalovich • March 11, 2026