Economy

Two people hold each other as they stand in front of a window with its white shudders open, illuminating an outdoor area of a house.

Economy

L.A. fire survivors accuse State Farm of delaying claims. Should it get OK for a rate hike?

Insurance department investigates State Farm over Los Angeles fire survivors’ smoke damage claims as insurer awaits approval of rate increase.

By Levi Sumagaysay • May 5, 2025

A person, wearing a light blue suit, looks towards their left as they sit in front of a wooden desk surrounded by other people.

Politics

When will Democratic lawmakers make California more affordable? Later, leaders say

It’s been five months since California’s legislative leaders deemed affordability an “urgent” issue for the session. So far: committees, bills, but few results.

By Yue Stella Yu • May 5, 2025

Health

After CalMatters investigation, LinkedIn and Google face lawsuit alleging improper access to health data

The suit accuses the companies of receiving personal information through California’s state health insurance exchange.

By Colin Lecher and Tomas Apodaca • May 2, 2025

A young boy lounges on a bed with a blue and white patterned blanket, holding a camera, in a softly lit bedroom decorated with family photos and a framed sign that reads "It's always better when we're together."

Technology

Kids should avoid AI companion bots—under force of law, assessment says

With input from a Stanford lab, Common Sense Media concludes the AI systems can exacerbate problems like addiction and self harm.

By Khari Johnson • April 30, 2025

Health

How the state sent Californians’ personal health data to LinkedIn

The state’s health insurance exchange transmitted pregnancy and domestic abuse data during a marketing campaign. It is reviewing its website practices.

By Tomas Apodaca and Colin Lecher • April 28, 2025

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