WhatMatters

I’m CalMatters reporter Marisa Kendall, and I’m filling in for Lynn today. America is turning 250 this year. For California students, this milestone 4th of July will be about more than fireworks and backyard BBQs: It will be a time to learn something about how their government works.  For decades, civics education has been sidelined […]

I’m CalMatters reporter Marisa Kendall, and I’m filling in for Lynn today. It’s common knowledge that California has a massive shortage of affordable homes, which contributes to high rates of housing instability and homelessness. But just how many more low-income homes do we need? Close to 1 million, according to a new report by the […]

I’m CalMatters reporter Mikhail Zinshteyn and I’m subbing in for Lynn today. In late 2022, Kostas Linardos drove a three-ton pickup truck at high speed into the back of a sedan, killing a toddler. Prosecutors in Placer County, who charged him with felony vehicular manslaughter, already knew he had at least 16 traffic violations — […]

I’m CalMatters reporter Ryan Sabalow, and I’m filling in for Lynn today. Last year, I reported how Democrats in the California Legislature were poised to pass a ban on new Glock handguns like the one Kamala Harris owns. I also reported that Gov. Gavin Newsom had recently received a handgun of his own as a […]

I’m CalMatters reporter Ryan Sabalow, and I’m subbing in for Lynn today. Between the natural disasters and the rising cost of living, it’s not easy presiding over many of the state’s insurance dilemmas.  Just ask Democratic U.S. Rep. John Garamendi. He’s been insurance commissioner twice. He called it “the second-hardest job in the state behind […]

California’s K-12 schools are grappling with the latest U.S. Supreme Court ruling, a nationwide artificial intelligence contest and personal data violations. Let’s get into it. Focus on Inland Empire: Each Wednesday, CalMatters Inland Empire reporter Aidan McGloin surveys the big stories from that part of California. Read his newsletter and sign up here to receive […]

Twenty years ago, state lawmakers created the Professional Fiduciaries Bureau after a series by the Los Angeles Times exposed self-dealing and a failure of judges to stop it. In a new project, CalMatters investigative reporter Byrhonda Lyons reveals how the bureau allows conflicts of interest to continue for years with little consequence.  To tell the […]

California Democrats slammed President Donald Trump over the weekend following his decision to launch a military attack on Iran on Saturday. Gov. Gavin Newsom said that Trump’s explanations for the assault amounted to a “manufactured crisis,” and that while Iran’s leadership “must go,” Trump is waging an “illegal, dangerous war.”  Some Democrats looking to succeed […]

If it seems every week that another teachers strike is happening or threatening to happen, you’re not imagining things. Across the state, teachers unions are coordinating work stoppages, and school districts must make tough decisions that could affect thousands of students, writes CalMatters’ Carolyn Jones reports. To maximize political reach, 11 local teachers unions under […]

If you’re driving down California’s southern border, there’s a chance that a trailer or construction barrel you passed has a hidden camera in it operated by the federal government.  As CalMatters’ Wendy Fry and Khari Johnson explain, in the last few months of former President Joe Biden’s term, California granted permits to federal agencies, including […]