Commentary

A group of five people, dressed in professional attire, sit on chairs on a stage in front of a crowd, with a banner behind them reading “Governor Candidate Forum.” Four of the five people sitting on stage have their hands up to answer the question while a crowd of people watches in the dark.

No clear frontrunner for governor, but new poll names five with the best shot

A poll shows three Democrats and two Republicans have voter support percentages in the teens. The top two vote-getters in June will face off in November.

By Dan Walters

A person in medical protective clothing, wearing a face mask and a hair net, pushes a hospital gurney through a hallway inside a hospital, viewed from an open door.

She spent six of her last years in arbitration with her HMO. Her husband’s still fighting the system

Arbitrators in medical disputes are supposed to be unbiased, but this couple suspected there is an incentive to favor HMO’s in arbitration.

By Stephen Martinez

Two people face each other as they speak: the person on the left has a happy expression and her arm to her chest, while the person on the right wears a grey suit jacket and glasses. Both people are standing in a park area on a sunny day. In the background is a fence to a baseball field.

A former political ally tests LA liberals’ allegiance to Mayor Karen Bass

Mayor Karen Bass isn't vulnerable on her right, but she may be on her left, as City Councilmember Nithya Raman, a Democratic Socialist and ex-supporter, runs against her.

By Jim Newton

A close-up view of a person's hand holding a sign that reads "We wants answers! No more deaths!" and they stand at the front steps of a building surrounded by other people holding signs.

California promised accountability for inmate deaths in jails. A year later, no results.

Lawmakers passed a law creating a state department to review inmate deaths, but it hasn’t completed a single death review in its first year.

By David Myers

A person wearing blue medical gloves lifts up a ballot while they sit in front of a table with blue and red boxes filled with voter ballots. Another person working nearby can be seen in the foreground.

Commentary

Californians should ignore the federal government’s false claims about our elections

Californians can count on their elections. That hasn't changed. What has changed is the volume of false claims from the federal government.

By Gowri Ramachandran • October 8, 2025

This photo zeroes in on the speaker at the podium, giving a more solemn and resolved tone compared to the more animated shots. The expression is serious, with the gaze slightly lifted, suggesting determination and gravity. The podium sign “Election Rigging Response Act” remains front and center, with blurred supporters and signs in the background, emphasizing focus on leadership while still anchoring the event in its collective setting.

Commentary

Gerrymander duelists, Newsom and Trump, deserve scorn for partisan power plays

Redrawn maps will likely increase the number of Democrats in Congress while also boosting Gov. Gavin Newsom's chances in a presidential race.

By Dan Walters • October 8, 2025

A close-up view of a mother's hand softly holding the edge of a blanket that covers her newborn baby as one of their tiny feet peaks out from within the sheets.

Commentary

‘Carrying fear’ while carrying a baby: Pregnant Californians deserve more maternity options

Pregnant Black people often internalize fear and face racial bias in health care. A bill would help by making more midwives and doulas accessible.

By Erica Moore-Smith • October 7, 2025

Flames and smoke rise from an industrial fire at night as firefighters spray water from an elevated ladder truck onto the blaze, illuminating the scene in bright orange light.

Commentary

Refinery fire spotlights California’s gas supply crunch and high prices at the pump

Damage from the Chevron El Segundo refinery fire hasn't been tallied yet. But gas prices are likely to soar anyway because two other refineries are closing.

By Dan Walters • October 7, 2025

Aerial view of a dense Los Angeles neighborhood with mid-rise apartment buildings, smaller homes, and tree-lined streets, with mountains visible in the distant background under a clear sky.

Commentary

Los Angeles housing permits are tanking, yet leaders want Newsom to veto a major reform

Signing SB 79 should be an easy call, but there's pressure from Los Angeles leaders to veto it. Newsom should know better than to let L.A. set state policy on housing.

By Marc Vukcevich • October 6, 2025

Protestors march at a rally against Asian hate crimes near the Los Angeles Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles on March 27, 202

Commentary

If hate-fueled algorithms cause real-world harm, California tech companies should pay

California legislation that would enable people to sue social media companies if their algorithm spurs violence or other harms just needs the governor's signature.

By Jim Berk • October 3, 2025

An individual stands outside a building, closely examining notices taped to a glass door. The signs include information in Spanish about unemployment benefits and COVID-19-related service changes. The person carries a white plastic bag and wears a shoulder bag while leaning forward, resting their hands near their chin.

Commentary

California businesses bear brunt of growing unemployment benefit debt

California employers and taxpayers are paying off the state's growing debt from a $20 billion federal loan used to cover unemployment claims.

By Dan Walters • October 3, 2025

A group of uniformed soldiers walks down a wide street toward thick plumes of dark smoke rising from burning buildings, with storefronts and signs visible along the roadside.

Commentary

California’s insurer of last resort was meant to cover ‘riot-prone areas,’ not climate disasters

By continuing to lean on insurance-based solutions to deep-seated societal problems, California has put itself on a path toward repeating the mistakes of the past.

By Bench Ansfield • October 2, 2025

A wide-view of a person's back and they stand in the midst of personal belongings and furniture in a homeless encampment next to a freeway. The person holds a T-shirt with their right hand as they try to shoo away flies.

Commentary

For many Californians, reducing homelessness comes down to the encampment next door

Statistics don't do much to convince people of the seriousness of homelessness or persuade them that it's getting better or worse. What matters is how it brushes up against them.

By Jim Newton • October 2, 2025

A construction worker in an orange safety jacket and hard hat bends forward while digging with a shovel at a work site. The foreground is filled with dirt piles, and behind the worker are tools, pipes, and other equipment scattered around the site. Another worker and orange safety netting are visible in the blurred background.

Commentary

California businesses, lawmakers turn up the heat in a battle over high workplace temperatures

Lawmakers again passed a bill giving workers compensation to employees harmed by heat on the job. Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a similar bill last year

By Dan Walters • October 2, 2025

California Voices

Viewpoints from across California