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 person stands holding a microphone, listening attentively during a town hall-style event. They wear a striped shirt and dark quilted vest, facing toward someone off-camera. Behind them, a blurred crowd sits in front of a campaign backdrop reading “Swalwell for Governor,” outlined by colorful string lights that add a festive, informal atmosphere.

Commentary

Here’s who benefits from Swalwell’s downfall and the shakeup of the California governor race

Rep. Eric Swalwell had been in a three-way tie among top Democratic hopefuls in the gubernatorial race, until recent sexual misconduct allegations.

By Dan Walters • April 13, 2026

The backs of young female adults as they sit on tables while they eat lunch in a communal hall.

Commentary

California shouldn’t water down justice for these child sexual abuse survivors

LA County has pushed legislation that would set deadlines, limit damage and make it harder for sexually abused children in government care to sue.

By Chantel Johnson • April 13, 2026

The backs of young female adults sitting at the edge of cots as a person with a clipboard walks by.

Commentary

State should probe L.A. County’s $4 billion sex abuse settlement

LA County approved the deal without depositions or an independent review, resolving thousands of abuse claims in bulk. Employees couldn’t respond.

By Curtis Chambers and Regino Torres Jr. • April 13, 2026

A person leans down as they place their ballot into a white voting drop box on the side of a street.

Commentary

California voters will face dueling ballot propositions this fall. Confusion is likely

Many of today's ballot measures are aimed at canceling or retaliating for other ballot measures, like when politicians tried but failed to kill Prop. 13 years ago.

By Dan Walters • April 10, 2026

A medical personnel working on her computer in the corridor of Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital in Hollister on March 30, 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Commentary

California’s crisis in rural health care is also a chance for transparency

Drug discounts aimed at rural hospitals serving uninsured or low-income patients actually profit hospitals that don’t serve those patients.

By Julie Gill Shuffield • April 10, 2026

A healthcare worker in full protective gear, including a face shield and gloves, tends to a patient lying in a hospital bed. The room is dimly lit, with a bright monitor on a wheeled cart displaying a blue screen. Medical equipment, an IV stand, and personal items like cups and bottles are visible near the bed, while a curtain partially encloses the space.

Commentary

Bitter medicine: How California’s hospital bills end up depressing your take-home pay

Hospitals are suing a state agency that limits their cost increases. Their bills inflate health insurance premiums, leaving employers with less money for wages.

By Glenn Melnick • April 10, 2026

Traffic on Highway 50 in Sacramento on June 30, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Commentary

As tax deadlines loom, Californians should note how little they get for paying high taxes

Several comparisons show Californians don't get enough return on investment — in government services — to justify such high taxes and fees.

By Dan Walters • April 9, 2026

A printed document titled “Governor’s Budget Summary 2026–27” is clipped together, showing a black-and-white image of the California State Capitol with the state flag flying in front.

Commentary

California should halt its boom-and-bust budgeting and boost reserves instead

A new governor would find their hands tied if the state doesn’t shrink its budget deficits and smooth out its tax revenue rollercoaster ride.

By Peter Weber and Chris Thornberg • April 9, 2026

People wearing white jumpsuits and yellow safety vests gather up debris from a home destroyed during a wildfire.

Commentary

Candidate comment: He lost his home in the Palisades fire. Now he’s running to ‘fix the broken system’

After the fires, homeowners were traumatized by insurers. Farren's philosophy: “The best response to hardship is to create change that protects others.”

By Merritt Farren • April 8, 2026

Several candidates raise their hands as they sit in chairs on a stage in front of a crowd. Behind the candidates is a banner that reads “Affordability and Rural California,” with decor of an American flag, a California flag, and potted plants.

Commentary

Candidates for governor are playing it safe. Gen Z voters can’t afford that.

Gen Z voters, especially Latino students, felt the effects of budget cuts and now question if candidates care about their economic mobility.

By Andrea Escobar and Joselen Contreras • April 8, 2026

California Voices

Viewpoints from across California