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Lynn La

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Lynn La is the newsletter writer for CalMatters, focusing on California’s top political, policy and Capitol stories every weekday. She produces and curates WhatMatters, CalMatters’ flagship daily newsletter with more than 150,000 subscribers.    

In the newsletter, Lynn analyzes the state’s policy issues for a broader audience, through original reporting and by summarizing and compiling stories from CalMatters and other news sources. Recently, she has reported on bills to address California’s worsening fentanyl epidemic, tackle retail theft and legislate happiness. She also reveals more about lawmakers by interviewing them for an occasional series on first-term legislators in 2023 and new committee chairpersons in 2024. 

Through WhatMatters, Lynn also plays a crucial role in CalMatters election coverage, helping to keep track of daily developments in key campaigns, including legislative and congressional races and ballot measures.  

Prior to joining CalMatters in March 2023, she wrote for the education technology startup Guild and was a senior editor at CNET. She also covered public health at The Sacramento Bee as a Kaiser media fellow and was an intern reporter at Capitol Weekly. 

Lynn is based in the Bay Area. She graduated from UC Davis and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

Other languages spoken: Vietnamese (basic)

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Latest Stories

An overhead view of a child wearing a blue shirt and light blue jeans as they stand in the middle of their bedroom surrounded by toys. The child holds a microphone toy with their hands.
WhatMatters
Advocates fear effects Trump policies could have on special education
Special education advocates and educators in California are raising red flags over President Donald Trump’s dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education and how it would affect some of California’s most vulnerable students. As CalMatters’ Carolyn Jones explains, nearly 800,000 K-12 California students, or 14%, are enrolled in special education. Last year the state spent […]
By • April 22, 2025
An interior view of the California state assembly chamber with ornate architecture, chandeliers and gold accents. The rooms is filled with wooden desks for lawmakers. The backs of two people wearing suits can be seen in the foreground.
WhatMatters
Lobbying groups spent over $500 million in CA last year
By the end of last summer, CalMatters data reporter Jeremia Kimelman recognized that 2024 was on its way to break lobbying spending records in California. With the year concluded and recent data filed with the secretary state, lobbying groups indeed spent an unrivaled amount of money in 2024 to influence state government: $540 million, or […]
By • April 21, 2025
A man with a short white beard and a red baseball cap holds up a sign that says “Justice For” at the top, which can be seen in the photo. In the background, there is a small glimpse of the Fresno skyline, with several buildings visible but out of focus.
WhatMatters
What happens when a CA homeless camping case goes to trial?
It was supposed to be a trial that would be closely watched by California homelessness advocates, public defenders and legal experts. But instead, the case was thrown out by the judge — leaving some stakeholders wondering whether it makes sense to arrest homeless people at all. As CalMatters’ Marisa Kendall explains, following a U.S. Supreme […]
By • April 18, 2025
The Social Security Administration office logo is on a glass near an open sliding glass door. The logo is covered by a reflection of the area on a sunny day.
WhatMatters
Send California your Social Security complaints
Join CalMatters on April 24 for a conversation on how to solve California’s housing and homeless crisis. Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, California Secretary of Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Tomiquia Moss and Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson will join the discussion. Register today to attend online or in person at the […]
By • April 17, 2025
Vapor is released into the sky at a refinery in Wilmington on March 24, 2012. Photo by Bret Hartman, Reuters
WhatMatters
CA bill to hold oil companies liable for climate disasters fails
Shortly after deadly wildfires ignited in Los Angeles County in January, California lawmakers introduced bills to stiffen penalties for arson and other related crimes. One contentious measure — which had the backing of nearly every environmental organization in California — also sought to hold oil companies accountable for wildfires and climate disasters. The bill failed […]
By • April 16, 2025
Lawmakers sit a row of green chairs, in front of an American and California state flag during a hearing. A lawmaker in the middle is wearing a pink jacket, while lawmaker to her left is wearing a green one, and the lawmaker to her right is wearing a bright orange jacket.
WhatMatters
It’s that time again: Get ready to learn about the suspense file
Before adjourning for Spring Recess last week, the state Senate and Assembly appropriations committees moved a total of 115 bills onto their “suspense files.” What follows is a rather opaque process that could end with roughly a third of those bills killed — away from public view and with little to no debate. As CalMatters’ […]
By • April 15, 2025
A man stands in a softly lit living room, holding a framed portrait of a young woman dressed in a letterman jacket. His expression is somber, and the mood of the scene is reflective and emotional. The warm sunlight filtering through the windows contrasts with the subdued atmosphere inside. The framed photo appears to hold personal significance, suggesting a story of remembrance or loss. The cozy, neutral-toned room and thoughtful composition draw attention to the man’s connection with the portrait he’s holding.
WhatMatters
How CA’s DMV allows deadly drivers on the road
Ervin Wyatt’s history behind the wheel spreads across two pages of a recent court filing: Fleeing police. Fleeing police again. Running a red light. Causing a traffic collision. Driving without a license, four times. A dozen speeding tickets. Yet the California Department of Motor Vehicles issued him a license in 2019. Wyatt promptly got three […]
By • April 14, 2025
Students on campus at the University of California, Davis in Davis on Feb. 2, 2022. Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters
WhatMatters
Feds cut UC Davis dementia research due to DEI
For Dr. Charles DeCarli of UC Davis — one of the country’s top dementia researchers — the abrupt cancellation of federal funding for his multi-year study was demoralizing.  “This particular grant was the pinnacle of my research,” he told CalMatters’ Mikhail Zinshteyn. As President Donald Trump’s administration looks to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion efforts […]
By • April 11, 2025
A doctor uses dental tools to inspect the mouth of a patient in a wheelchair. Two people stand nearby one as one of them uses the flash on their phone to help illuminate the patient's mouth as the other person looks on.
WhatMatters
CA grants dentists money to help special needs patients
For some people, the high-pitched drilling, bright fluorescent lights and uncomfortable poking and prodding can make visiting the dentist’s office daunting. But for people with special needs who are often hypersensitive to sounds, lights and touch, it can be especially tough. As CalMatters’ Kristen Hwang explains, dental offices that can accommodate patients with autism spectrum […]
By • April 10, 2025
Aerial view of a tall metal border wall stretching across a desert landscape, with a patrol road running alongside it. The surrounding area is arid and barren, with sparse vegetation and distant mountains under a clear sky.
WhatMatters
Border Patrol misrepresented CA raid, investigation finds
On Jan. 7, one day after Congress certified President Donald Trump’s election victory, Gregory Bovino sent 65 of his Border Patrol agents into Kern County. Bovino is the head of the El Centro sector in the Imperial Valley, but the raid agents conducted that day occurred a six-hour drive north of the border. Bovino said […]
By • April 9, 2025

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Lynn La - CalMatters
Lynn La is the newsletter writer for CalMatters, focusing on California’s top political, policy and Capitol stories every weekday.
CalMatters
California, explained
Lynn La
Lynn La is the newsletter writer for CalMatters, focusing on California’s top political, policy and Capitol stories every weekday. She produces and curates WhatMatters, CalMatters’ flagship daily newsletter with more than 150,000 subscribers. Prior to joining CalMatters in March 2023, she wrote for the education technology startup Guild and was a senior editor at CNET. She also covered public health at The Sacramento Bee as a Kaiser media fellow and was an intern reporter at Capitol Weekly. Lynn is based in the Bay Area. She graduated from UC Davis and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Other languages spoken: Vietnamese (basic)