Economy

A low angle photo of a person wearing a polo shirt standing in a field of green crops with a gray cloudy sky in the background. In the foreground, just out of focus is a close-up view of a worker picking crops in orange overalls and a hoodie.

Economy

How Trump tariffs could upend California farms, wine businesses and ports

From higher costs to export worries, California’s agricultural and wine industries face many possible tariff effects. But some hope for opportunity.

By Levi Sumagaysay • April 23, 2025

The Port of Los Angeles on Oct. 2, 2021. Photo by Ted Soqui, Sipa USA via AP Photo

Politics

Newsom takes on Trump over tariffs he says are hurting California

Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the lawsuit Wednesday, saying the tariffs hurt “states, consumers and businesses.”

By Alexei Koseff • April 16, 2025

he burned remains of a hillside home with collapsed walls and scattered debris, overlooking a cityscape in the distance. A few scorched palm trees and a metal fence stand behind the ruins under a partly cloudy sky.

Economy

State Farm moves one step closer to emergency California rate hike

After a three day hearing this week, State Farm is one step closer to approval for a rate hike on its California customers.

By Levi Sumagaysay • April 10, 2025

Justice

Border Patrol to retrain hundreds of California agents on how to comply with the Constitution

After controversial sweeps in Kern County and a CalMatters investigation, the federal government will train agents on when they can stop and arrest people.

By Wendy Fry and Sergio Olmos • April 10, 2025

Two electrical towers are seen on top of a small brown mountain with wires running through them on other side.

Economy

Could utility gear set your neighborhood on fire? California risk maps are 8 years old

California's Public Advocate has been pressing for new utility fire maps since 2023. Utilities are on board — but regulators turned them down.

By Malena Carollo • April 10, 2025

A side-view of people holding signs and chanting while at a rally.

Politics

Uber, Lyft drivers could unionize under new proposal

California Democrats are backing a legislative proposal that would allow gig workers to form unions. Expect big pushback from companies like Uber, Lyft and Doordash.

By Yue Stella Yu • April 9, 2025

A uniformed U.S. Border Patrol agent sits in an office during an interview, speaking and gesturing with one hand. The nameplate on the uniform reads "G. Bovino." The background shows office furniture and a window with blinds partially open.

Economy

Border Patrol said it targeted known criminals in Kern County. But it had no record on 77 of 78 arrestees

Contrary to its public narrative, the agency cast a wide net in its California immigration raid, setting the stage for a legal battle over how the government carries out mass deportations.

By Sergio Olmos and Wendy Fry • April 8, 2025

Technology

It’s the first U.S. nuclear plant to use AI. Where does Diablo Canyon go from here?

For now, the Diablo Canyon nuclear facility will use AI to comply with regulations. But some lawmakers think additional guardrails are needed for future uses.

By Alex Shultz • April 8, 2025

A person standing behind a bar in a black shirt pours a drink from a shaker into a drinking glass on a rubber place mat. More shakers are stacked along the bar, and a brick wall can be seen in the background in this nightlife scene.

Politics

‘World-class nightlife’: Lawmakers try again to extend last call to 4 a.m.

Business groups and downtown associations say drinking later could revitalize nightlife and ease the 2 a.m. rush when bars shut down.

By Yue Stella Yu • April 8, 2025

A sign for the California State Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTRS) stands prominently in the foreground, displaying the organization’s name in large, bold letters. Behind the sign, a modern glass building with reflective windows rises into the sky, partially shaded by nearby trees. Landscaping around the sign includes decorative grasses and shrubbery.

Economy

California’s big pension funds lost billions in stock market selloff. Can they recover in time?

The stock market selloff that followed President Trump’s latest tariff announcement underscored the “unprecedented” risk that California pension funds see in a potential trade war.

By Adam Ashton • April 8, 2025