Digital Democracy

Technology

Three bills would protect California workers from AI management, but will costs stand in the way?

Several bills in the California Legislature would regulate how companies use AI to make employment decisions such as compensation, hiring, firing, or promotions, but they may be in jeopardy because of their associated costs.

By Khari Johnson • August 25, 2025

A young man in a gray jacket scans a bag of leafy greens at a self-checkout station in a brightly lit grocery store. Other shoppers use nearby kiosks, and bold black signs above mark the checkout lanes with letters. The background is colorful and slightly blurred, emphasizing the retail environment.

Politics

California grocery prices could rise if this self-checkout bill passes, grocers argue

Labor unions are trying once again to regulate self-checkout lanes at California stores. This year’s bill waters down a version that died last session, but businesses still warn it will increase costs and lead to consumer frustration.

By Maya C. Miller • August 13, 2025

A lawmaker in a white jacket stands with their arms in front of them at their wooden desk in the Capitol, amongst a group of other lawmakers doing the same.

Politics

California’s lawmakers love to talk, but these eight barely say a word

California lawmakers have spoken on average for more than six hours this year. Others have said comparatively little. How effective can you be if you stay silent?

By Ryan Sabalow and Omar Rashad • August 12, 2025

Politics

California may soon ban selling new Glocks like the one Kamala Harris owns

Gov. Gavin Newsom was just given his first handgun. A pending California bill would ban selling new Glocks like the ones Kamala Harris owns. Will he sign it?

By Ryan Sabalow • July 28, 2025

Water spouts out of a chrome water fountain and flows into the attached drain, continuing down. In the background is a view of a public playground on a sunny day, out of focus.

Environment

To fight cancer-causing ‘Erin Brockovich’ toxin, California may give water districts legal cover

Water bills are climbing as utilities clean up a chemical made infamous in “Erin Brockovich.” Should lawmakers give them cover from lawsuits while work continues?

By Ryan Sabalow and Brianna Vaccari, The Merced FOCUS • July 22, 2025

Folklórico dancers in brightly colored traditional dresses prepare to perform on a grassy field beneath power lines. One dancer in a magenta dress lifts their skirt with both hands, mid-pose, while others in yellow, green, and orange outfits sit or stand nearby. A crowd watches in the background, many smiling

Politics

We’re 10 years old today. Check out a decade of compelling CalMatters visual journalism

CalMatters has been reporting essential information to Californians for a decade. Here are some of the most impressive photos and visuals our journalists captured.

By CalMatters Visuals Team • July 18, 2025

The back of a toddler as they sit on the floor of a living room while they stare up at a television screen displaying cartoons.

Politics

Sick of loud ads on Netflix? A proposed California law would turn down the volume

After his staffer’s baby was woken up by a loud ad on a streaming service, a California senator took action to force streamers to turn down the volume on commercials. The entertainment industry is fighting it.

By Ryan Sabalow • July 11, 2025

Nancy Wiles holds her eviction notice on Dec. 4, 2023. Photo by Manuel Orbegozo for CalMatters

Politics

California lawmakers side with landlords to kill renter eviction relief

California Democrats were split on a proposal that would have extended an eviction grace period for tenants who fall behind on their rent. It’s the latest setback for progressive lawmakers seeking renter protections.

By Ryan Sabalow • July 3, 2025

A La Costa Canyon Mighty Mavericks' player scores a touchdown during a Pop Warner football game against the Valley Center Mighty Jaguars in Carlsbad, in 2012. Photo by Mike Blake, Reuters

Politics

California proposal would allow soft helmet pads in youth football leagues

Some California youth football leagues ban Guardian Caps. Three former football players in the Legislature think parents and children should have the option of wearing them.

By Ryan Sabalow • July 1, 2025

A courtroom where CARE Court hearings take place at the San Diego County Superior Court in San Diego on Oct. 9, 2023. Photo by Adriana Heldiz, CalMatters

Politics

California doesn’t have enough court reporters. Their unions are fighting substitutes

A shortage of court reporters is leaving many Californians with no way to appeal their cases in the justice system. Will a new union-backed bill solve the problem or make it worse?

By Ryan Sabalow • June 26, 2025