Legislatura de California

The back of an elementary-aged student as they look at a colorful phonetic alphabet hung up on a wall inside a classroom.

Comentario

California lawmakers weigh statewide plan to be accountable for closing student achievement gaps

The four-bill plan calls for a "comprehensive statewide strategy with clear goals, measurable benchmarks and annual performance targets."

Por

Daniel Walters

• marzo 18, 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.

Comentario

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.

Por

Daniel Walters

• marzo 11, 2026

Un recluso en la prisión estatal de San Quentin el 17 de marzo de 2023. Foto de Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Reacciones de los lectores

California’s elderly parole program saves money and makes sense

Less than 2% of elderly parolees reoffend. Those with sex offenses must register and often get treatment and wear a monitor.

By Keith Wattley • marzo 9, 2026

Un miembro del personal de salud mental habla con un recluso a través de la puerta de su celda en una unidad de alojamiento para reclusos en el Centro de Pruebas Previas para Adultos del Condado de Tulare el 18 de septiembre de 2023. Foto de Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Comentario

New California law will stop sheriffs from medically examining deaths in their own jails

Many jail deaths are preventable. To reduce bias and coverups, independent doctors will investigate deaths in custody, starting in 2027.

By Gregg Hart • marzo 4, 2026

Política

These public documents are hidden from view. Two California lawmakers want to change that

The letters lobbyists submit to the Legislature are public documents, but they are hidden from view. Two California lawmakers want to change that

Por

Ryan Sabalow

• marzo 3, 2026

An aerial view of vehicles driving through a highway surrounded by farmland on both ends.

Política

California GOP lawmakers are incensed over a gas tax study. Rural groups say they need it

California’s gas is so radioactive, even a bill to study alternatives is fraught. Rural officials are frustrated over the partisan fight because their local industries depend on well-maintained roads.

Por

Yue Stella Yu

• marzo 2, 2026

A person, wearing a green shirt and gray pants, stands in front of a row of gray voting booths as they fill out their ballot.

Comentario

California can sidestep scandal and banish bias while counting votes

Open source voting systems are more transparent and cheaper than the state’s current contract with Smartmatic, which is facing bribery charges.

By Trent Lange • febrero 18, 2026

A lawmaker — with salt-and-pepper colored hair and wearing a black suit — looks straight forward as the silhouettes of two people cover the foreground of the frame. Other people and the American flag can be partially seen behind the lawmaker.

Comentario

Here’s how Newsom’s spending binge outstripped revenues, creating California’s chronic deficit

Obscure charts show how California's spending exploded under Newsom, far outstripping its stagnant population growth, inflation and a hefty increase in revenues.

Por

Daniel Walters

• febrero 13, 2026

A silhouette of a person standing in a dimly lit prison cell with white walls, cabinets, and a mirror hanging.

Reacciones de los lectores

Good behavior musn’t determine if a California prison inmate lives in a safe environment

An incarcerated person's constitutional right to a safe and healthy environment in a single occupancy cell cannot be withheld on the condition that she or he be good.

By Arthur Jackson • febrero 12, 2026

A close-up view of a person's hand holding a sign that reads "We wants answers! No more deaths!" and they stand at the front steps of a building surrounded by other people holding signs.

Comentario

California promised accountability for inmate deaths in jails. A year later, no results.

Lawmakers passed a law creating a state department to review inmate deaths, but it hasn’t completed a single death review in its first year.

By David Myers • febrero 11, 2026