April 17, 2026

Line cook Leticia Andrade puts together a lunch order at Creative Ideas Catering in San Francisco on June 11, 2024. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed budget would cut more than half of the funding of the state's Small Business Technical Assistance Program, which benefits small businesses like Creative Ideas Catering. Photo by Juliana Yamada for CalMatters

Commentary

Frozen lasagna dispute shows how arbitrary California tax law can be

Whether a food is deemed hot or cold determines if it's subject to CA sales tax. It's not as simple as it sounds, though.

By Dan Walters • April 17, 2026

A visitor center sits at the base of steep granite cliffs, surrounded by tall trees. People walk up and down the steps, gather near the entrance, and rest on benches outside. A sign reading “Welcome Center” is mounted on the building, while an American flag stands nearby. The dramatic rock face rises behind the scene under a clear blue sky.

Commentary

We can’t ‘restore’ American history by flagging Native American books

Pres. Donald Trump is pressuring Redwood National and State Parks to tag tribally-centered books and material critical of American history.

By Kerri Malloy • April 17, 2026

Several stickers with images of bananas, strawberries, apples and mushrooms with phrases like "I love you berry much" lay on top of a wooden table next to some CalFresh flyers.

Commentary

California college students struggle to afford to eat, sleep and graduate. It’s time lawmakers helped

CalFresh helps only a fourth of students who qualify for it because it’s too unwieldy to apply for and stay on. It’s like having another job.

By Lawrence Legaspi • April 17, 2026

Seven people stand behind podiums set-up on a stage illuminated by colorful light. A crowd of attendees can be seen in the foreground.

Politics

California Democrats can’t decide on a governor. Don’t count on Newsom or Pelosi for help

Even after Rep. Eric Swalwell’s swift and sudden exit, the race for governor is still frustratingly murky on the Democratic side, with seven major candidates splitting the vote. As party faithful hope for divine intervention, heavyweights like the speaker emerita and the current governor refuse to weigh in.

By Maya C. Miller • April 17, 2026

Digital Democracy

Live Nation is supporting two California bills to lower prices. Can fans trust it?

Bruno Mars tickets running for $2,000 and ones for SZA costing $600 caught California lawmakers' attention. They're advancing two bills targeting the resale market.

By Cayla Mihalovich • April 17, 2026