WhatMatters

Amid decreasing demand and rising costs, the U.S. and California wine industry have struggled in recent years. But while some in the industry regard President Donald Trump’s tariff policies as bad for business, others say they could help domestic wine makers, writes CalMatters’ Levi Sumagaysay. Since the beginning of August, the Trump administration has enacted […]

A Bay Area lawmaker wants to ban companies from charging prices based on information stored on customers’ phones, laptops or other hardware devices. The bill, which sits before the Assembly after advancing through the Senate in May, is one of the 30 measures the Legislature introduced this year to regulate artificial intelligence technology, writes CalMatters’ […]

California gun owners are eager to get their hands on ammunition after a federal appeals court struck down a state law requiring background checks for ammunition purchases, reports CalMatters’ Joe Garcia. Last week the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals dealt a blow to gun control advocates and California’s own policy framework when it ruled that […]

As the federal administration carries out what it says is the largest deportation effort in the country’s history, immigrants already struggling to make rent are facing greater housing challenges that experts say undermine the state’s tenant protection laws, write CalMatters’ Yue Stella Yu and Ben Christopher. In addition to including immigrants with no criminal background, […]

For California prisoners who committed crimes when they were young and received life sentences without parole, few opportunities exist to get a second chance. The possibility of a parole review is slim, while the likelihood of dying behind bars is all but guaranteed. But one bill — which the Legislature is holding for consideration until […]

Let’s dive into some news affecting California education: Have a question about higher ed? Fill out this form (also in Spanish) and it could be answered by the CalMatters’ College Journalism Network. Other Stories You Should Know Newsom: Have we tried gerrymandering? As the Texas Legislature continues its special session this week to redraw the […]

One of California’s largest health care providers said it will stop providing gender-affirming surgeries for patients under 19 beginning Aug. 29 — a move that was criticized by members of the LGBTQ community and praised by parental rights groups. Kaiser Permanente serves 12 million patients in eight states, including more than 9 million in California. […]

From CalMatters economy reporter Levi Sumagaysay: California homeowners and renters should prepare for their insurance premiums to rise: The Insurance Department on Thursday approved the first catastrophe model that insurers can factor into the rates they charge policy holders.  Citing increased fire risks and rising costs, insurers have pulled back from providing homeowners and fire […]

As American troops withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021 and the Taliban regained control of the country, hundreds of thousands of Afghans fled to the U.S. California housed more of these immigrants than any other state, but they remain imperiled as President Donald Trump’s administration strips away legal protections and support, writes CalMatters’ Alexei Koseff. Nearly […]

For children of migrants who must travel across the state with their parents alongside the seasonal harvests, keeping up with school can be challenging. But a statewide migrant education program that helps tutor some of these children has recently been defunded by President Donald Trump — forcing some California school districts to cut staff and […]