Digital Democracy

A person stands at a podium speaking during a legislative session in the California State Capitol, holding a paper. Other legislators sit in rows in front of her, some looking at their laptops or phones. The chamber features tall columns and red curtains, with a formal and focused atmosphere.

Digital Democracy

The Board of Equalization has little power. Campaign donors still spent millions on it

Current state lawmakers dominated fundraising in races for California's little-known Board of Equalization, drawing heavily from interests with business before the Legislature.

By Kate Wolffe • June 15, 2026

A group of protesters stands on a sidewalk outside a downtown building holding handmade signs advocating for cardroom jobs. One person at the center raises a sign reading “CARDROOM EMPLOYEES MATTER!” while others nearby hold signs that say “SAVE OUR JOBS!” and “PROTECT OUR JOBS.” Several participants wear matching black shirts and sunglasses as buses and pedestrians pass in the background.

Politics

Why a yearslong fight over gambling is good news for California politicians

A judge’s temporary ruling in a costly battle between gambling halls and casino-owning tribes is likely not the end of the dispute. California politicians are likely the biggest winners of a prolonged gambling stalemate.

By Ryan Sabalow • June 1, 2026

An overhead view shows three people standing and talking on a patterned tile floor inside an ornate building. Decorative light fixtures with glowing bulbs hang between wooden railings, casting warm light over the geometric floor tiles as the group gathers near the edge of a balcony.

Politics

What are they trying to hide? California lawmakers kill lobbying transparency bills

Good government groups backed legislation that sought to make every lobbyist letter public and online. Those proposals appear dead for the year.

By Ryan Sabalow • May 20, 2026

A person wearing ear protection and tinted safety glasses aims a handgun at an outdoor shooting range while another person stands closely behind, appearing to offer instruction. Bags and equipment rest on a wooden bench beside them, with hillside terrain blurred in the background.

Politics

Moving to California with a gun? You might have to take a four-hour course

Want to buy a gun in California? Lawmakers may have you set aside four hours — and bring ammo for the range

By Ryan Sabalow • May 19, 2026

An unidentifiable person wearing a black suit stands in front of a desk inside a courtroom facing a judge's bench. Another person, wearing an orange jumpsuit and with chains around their wait and hands, can be seen in the background.

Justice

Has psychiatric care become a get-out-of-jail-free card in California? The debate is heating up

Californians accused of crimes can receive mental health treatment rather than prison time under a 2018 law. Lawmakers are revamping the rules following reports of violent offenses.

By Gagandeep Singh • May 13, 2026

A close-up shows a campus security worker wearing glasses, a face mask, and a bright reflective jacket, holding a handheld radio near their mouth as if speaking into it.

Politics

Democrats’ plan to raise pay for security guards would pressure employers into labor deals

California’s security guards earn low pay and have dangerous jobs. Legislative Democrats are pressuring companies to unionize.

By Ryan Sabalow • April 20, 2026

Digital Democracy

Live Nation is supporting two California bills to lower prices. Can fans trust it?

Bruno Mars tickets running for $2,000 and ones for SZA costing $600 caught California lawmakers' attention. They're advancing two bills targeting the resale market.

By Cayla Mihalovich • April 17, 2026

Pro-abortion rights supporters marched in protest of a Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe vs. Wade, in Sacramento on June 25, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Politics

Trump wants data on California’s trans and abortion care. Can the state stop him?

In a legal battle between Trump and California over transgender and abortion care, will businesses be caught in a fight between hostile Justice Departments?

By Ryan Sabalow and Kristen Hwang • April 16, 2026

A mother holds her child in her apartment in Redding on Sept. 20, 2022. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Digital Democracy

A California lawmaker has a first-in-the-nation plan to boost child support payments

A California lawmaker wants to bring more families into the state's formal child support system, a move that advocates say could reduce child poverty.

By ChrisAnna Mink • April 16, 2026

César Chávez speaks at a podium, gesturing with both hands, with a microphone in front and a U.S. flag and blue curtain behind him.

Politics

California leaders lionized César Chávez. Now, they face a reckoning with his past

Leaders up and down California, many of whom were personally inspired by his life’s work, are grappling with multiple allegations of sexual assault by César Chávez.

By Ryan Sabalow, Jeanne Kuang, Nadia Lathan and Yue Stella Yu • March 18, 2026