Politics
The Doug LaMalfa I covered: Authentic, cranky and deeply caring
After the sudden death of U.S. Rep Doug LaMalfa, a CalMatters reporter who covered him for 20 years reflects on his life and legacy.
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Politics
What did California lawmakers talk about this year? These 10 bills sparked hours of debate
California lawmakers only spent just a few minutes discussing in public the hundreds of bills they introduce. But these 10 measures had hours of intense debate in 2025.
Politics
New California laws rewrite car-buying rules with return policy and pricing reforms
California lawmakers let automakers opt out of recent changes to the state’s lemon law and approved a law giving used car buyers three days to return a used vehicle.
Politics
Rob Reiner was more than a Hollywood legend. He helped shape California politics
Rob Reiner may be best known for his Hollywood films, but he was also a Democratic political force in California
Politics
California lawmakers found money for these pet projects even as they slashed the budget
California lawmakers faced a difficult budget year, but they still managed to put hundreds of millions of dollars in earmarks in the state budget to benefit their districts — and help them get re-elected.
Politics
Gavin Newsom cited 3 main reasons in his vetoes this year. Trump was one
Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed 123 bills this year, citing fiscal restraint — and Donald Trump.
Politics
After CalMatters report, Newsom signs law forcing lawmakers to disclose their new jobs
After a CalMatters report, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law requiring lawmakers to disclose when they’ve gotten a new job. Will it uncover corruption?
Politics
Newsom vetoes car dealers’ bill to hike fees on buyers
Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed one bill and signed another that could change how you purchase a vehicle in California.
Politics
Think your kid’s done with a booster seat? New California law says maybe not
After pushback from some Democrats, a controversial bill that would have banned short kids from the front seat was watered down. But small children face new seat belt rules under a law Gov. Gavin Newsom signed last week.
Digital Democracy
Judge shuts down California tribes’ latest bid to crush their casino rivals
California card rooms emerged victorious in the latest battle over whether tribes should have exclusive rights to offer Las Vegas-style gambling.