Digital Democracy

A person in a dark jacket holds a microphone and a large ceremonial check for $1,000,000 made out to Ekaterina Distler from "America PAC," while standing on a stage in front of a large American flag backdrop.

Politics

Elon Musk gave $1 million to Donald Trump voters. California lawmakers want to ban that

Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest man, gave out $1 million checks to gin up support for Donald Trump. California lawmakers want to ban big cash payments to registered voters.

By Ryan Sabalow • June 17, 2025

A line up of electric vehicles at a Hyundai dealership in Fresno on Sept. 7, 2023.

Politics

California car buyers face a 488% higher fee under a bill the Senate just passed

California lawmakers from both parties say the state is too expensive. So why did the California Senate vote to raise costs for car buyers by as much as $415?

By Ryan Sabalow and Jeanne Kuang • June 9, 2025

A protester holds a sign on the steps of the state Capitol calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign bill AB316, which would require a human operator in all autonomous vehicles in Sacramento on Sept. 19, 2023. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters

Politics

Zombie bills: Why California lawmakers bring back legislation governors kill

CalMatters found dozens of examples of previously vetoed legislation returning in subsequent years. A twice-killed bill about driverless trucks exemplifies why.

By Ryan Sabalow • June 2, 2025

A view from behind of a row of people walking through a gated outdoor hallway while wearing blue inmate uniforms that say “Alameda County Jail” in the back. The Alameda County Sheriff Office seal can be seen on a wall in the distant background.

Justice

‘Relic of slavery’: California lawmakers are trying again to raise pay for incarcerated workers

Many people in California prisons and jails work for less than $1 an hour. Lawmakers are advancing two bills that could lead to wage increases for some of them.

By Joe Garcia • May 19, 2025

A view from behind of a person seated at a table while they speak to three people sitting on a dais during a hearing.

Politics

They drove for hours to speak in the Capitol. California lawmakers cut them off

As lawmakers rush through thousands of bills in Sacramento and make decisions in secret, regular Californians are often silenced.

By Ryan Sabalow and Hans Poschman • May 19, 2025

Four people stand in a small elevated television set with cameras and light as they make final adjustments before a broadcasted awards show.

Politics

Faced with budget woes, Gavin Newsom wants more tax credits for Hollywood

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s latest budget proposal lays out deep cuts to public universities and health care. It also seeks to more than double the tax credits for Hollywood studios — an expansion moving smoothly through the state Legislature.

By Yue Stella Yu • May 16, 2025

Three pelicans glide through the still waters of a marsh near partially submerged branches, while a line of cars and trucks travels along a narrow stretch of Highway 37 in the background. Industrial cranes and silhouettes of distant hills are visible through the haze, suggesting a mix of natural and developed environments.

Politics

California wine country traffic jam fuels fight over endangered mice, marsh birds

A bill by Assemblymember Lori Wilson could help finally break the Highway 37 gridlock despite worries about harming endangered species.

By Ryan Sabalow • May 7, 2025

A person with long hair speaks into a microphone while seated at a desk during a public hearing. Others are seated in the background, slightly out of focus.

Mental Health

An overdose killed her son. Then, California lawmakers asked her to help save others

Ryan Matlock died of a fentanyl overdose after seeking addiction treatment. Today, his mother is urging lawmakers to get tougher on health insurance plans.

By Jocelyn Wiener • May 6, 2025

A person in a dark suit and tie speaks at a microphone outdoors. Their hand is raised mid-gesture, and they are framed against a blurred gray background.

Politics

California lawmakers kill bid to force HOAs to follow open meeting laws

A Republican bill to require more transparency from California’s 50,000 homeowners associations failed to advance out of committee despite bipartisan support.

By Ryan Sabalow • May 2, 2025

A train parked on train tracks in a railyard is going underneath an underpass in the distance, with freight cars on the back behind the engine.

Politics

California railroads: Unions push to shorten trains, but companies warn of higher costs

Unions are pushing for shorter freight trains to make railways safer, but that could raise the cost of goods and delay passenger rail service. It also may not be legal.

By Ryan Sabalow • April 25, 2025