Commentary

Two people in suits sit on a studio set, one speaking with hands raised mid-gesture while the other turns toward them, listening.

Spencer Pratt wants to be LA’s next mayor. His tell-all book won’t help him

In his memoir, Pratt describes himself as selfish, undisciplined and unprincipled. He deflects blame, squanders fortunes and complains a lot.

By Jim Newton

A side view of a row of voters sitting in front of voting machines separated by blue dividers. The photo focus on a voter who rest their right hand on their chin as they contemplate their voting selections.

How the Supreme Court’s Voting Rights Act ruling could affect California’s gerrymandered districts

The High Court's decision guts the Voting Rights Act’s impetus to draw districts so non-white ethnic groups get congressional representation.

By Dan Walters

A visitor center sits at the base of steep granite cliffs, surrounded by tall trees. People walk up and down the steps, gather near the entrance, and rest on benches outside. A sign reading “Welcome Center” is mounted on the building, while an American flag stands nearby. The dramatic rock face rises behind the scene under a clear blue sky.

We can’t ‘restore’ American history by flagging Native American books

Pres. Donald Trump is pressuring Redwood National and State Parks to tag tribally-centered books and material critical of American history.

By Kerri Malloy

A person wearing a white polo shirt and a headset microphone holds up a folded U.S. dollar bill while speaking on a stage, with a large pink-lit screen blurred in the background.

Billionaires aren’t going to flee California. Others will without a budget fix

The idea that billionaires will flee California over a proposed wealth tax is bunk. Still, the ballot initiative is only a Band-Aid, and impedes a more serious conversation about the state's deeper fiscal problems.

By Yousef Baig

A group of individuals stands or sits near a sidewalk lined with belongings, including bags, a stroller, and a green tent. One person looks at a phone, another carries a large bag over their shoulder, and some appear to be conversing or waiting. The background features a textured gray wall, and the scene conveys a sense of urban life and temporary shelter.

Commentary

Community as cure: Mental health help for homeless Black people is losing funds

Typical mental health efforts missed many Black Californians who are homeless, but some organizations made progress until Trump’s recent funding cuts.

By Amaya Noguera and Pedro Noguera • April 27, 2026

Two people wearing blue scrubs walk down a white hallway at a hospital. The back of a third person, wearing a beige cardigan and blue jeans, can be seen nearby in the back.

Reader Reactions

Drug discount program is a lifeline for California’s most vulnerable

The 340B Drug Pricing Program cuts prescription drug costs for safety-net hospitals, which often invest the savings in patient care.

By Ben Johnson • April 24, 2026

A close-up of a student’s hand holding a pencil above a desk while writing on paper, with other blurred students seated nearby in a classroom.

Commentary

California’s candidates for governor must prioritize schools’ education deficits

Few gubernatorial candidates at a televised debate addressed concerns about public education, even though many CA students underperform in math and reading.

By Dan Walters • April 24, 2026

Two people in the foreground observe a large poster titled "OK, Computer," featuring an illustration of a human and a green-skinned humanoid figure with exposed circuitry staring intently at each other. The humanoid has a device attached to its head, suggesting a connection to artificial intelligence. The text on the poster references the AI revolution and Silicon Valley’s latest technological advancements. The image is framed in a dimly lit setting, with the focus on the futuristic artwork.

Commentary

Children are in the crosshairs of artificial intelligence. Who will we blame?

AI is already endangering children. The US military used it in the bombing of a school in Iran, and Israeli forces have used it to target Palestinians.

By Sasha Costanza-Chock • April 24, 2026

A black and white lawn sign, that says "Vote" in both English and Spanish, is placed near a sidewalk where people wait in line to enter a vote center.

Commentary

California must shield voting rights before the Supreme Court limits them

Without an updated California Voting Rights Act, districts where voters can elect candidates from their community could come under fire and be eliminated.

By Matt Barreto • April 23, 2026

A sign displays gas prices ranging from $5.89 to $6.99 per gallon. A car sitting an idle can be seen in the blurry foreground.

Commentary

The solution to high gas prices is using less oil, not delaying California’s climate programs

Climate programs cause smaller costs in California's gas prices, but the limited supply routes and a highly concentrated refining market cause bigger price boosts.

By Robert McCullough • April 23, 2026

A man walks past a Black Lives Matter mural along Broadway in downtown Oakland on Monday, April 19, 2021. Photo by Jane Tyska, Bay Area News Group

Commentary

Corporations in California were enriched by slavery. They should tell the truth

Assembly Bill 2599 would compel major corporations doing business in California to examine their history and disclose ties to and profits from enslaved labor.

By Mona Tawatao • April 23, 2026

Six people stand at clear lecterns on a studio stage during a televised political debate, with overhead lighting equipment and cameras visible and “Inside California Politics” and “NewsNation” signage in the background.

Commentary

First TV debate in race for governor mostly bypassed California’s serious issues

None of the six candidates on TV presented a break-out, compelling case that he or she will help California confront its existential issues.

By Dan Walters • April 22, 2026

A group of officials stands inside a building under construction with exposed wooden framing. One person speaks at a podium with a sign that reads “TREATMENT NOT TENTS,” while others stand behind them listening. Temporary work lights hang overhead, and unfinished walls and beams fill the background.

Commentary

CARE Court should refocus on mentally ill homeless people, the hardest to help

California's mental health initiatives sometimes bypass individuals with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders, often the most expensive to treat.

By Darrell Steinberg • April 22, 2026

A close-up of a person with their eyebrows raised as they speak to reporter during a press conference. The person has gray and white hair and wears a navy suit with a white shirt.

Commentary

What’s worse for a governor running for president, raising taxes or leaving a deficit?

Gov. Gavin Newsom has resisted tax increases despite years of deficit spending. How he balances this last budget could affect his presidential campaign.

By Dan Walters • April 22, 2026

California Voices

Viewpoints from across California