Investigations
Newsom vetoes bill to stop DMV from keeping money after sales of towed cars
The bill was inspired by a CalMatters investigation.
Newsom signs 4 new California DUI laws. Advocates want more next session
A CalMatters investigation has found the state has some of the weakest DUI laws in the nation.
Newsom signs two laws to address weaknesses in California’s public defense
The laws follow CalMatters investigations into failures in the state's public-defense system.
Data from 911 calls at ICE detention centers must be disclosed under new California law
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law compelling the release of information about 911 calls from immigrant detention centers. It followed CalMatters' reporting about alleged rapes at one site.
A California university is cutting ties with the Border Patrol after student outcry
Following a CalMatters investigation, students and faculty at UC San Diego protested against campus police for collaborating with Border Patrol through a federal grant program. The university will stop participating in the program and aiding patrols, sources and internal documents confirm.
Environment
New law tightens rules on explosive chemicals after Garden Grove scare
Sen. Tom Umberg’s law adds rules to cover methyl methacrylate, an explosive chemical; existing sites including GKN are exempt.
CalMatters reported that the state’s accidental release program has long left explosive chemicals out.
Justice
Data from 911 calls at ICE detention centers must be released under bill going to Gov. Newsom
The California Legislature passed a bill that would force disclosure of information about emergency calls at immigrant detention centers. A Democratic lawmaker put it forward after reading news stories in CalMatters.
Investigations
This embattled consumer agency went 2 years without a director. Newsom finally appointed one
CalMatters’ reporting found the Professional Fiduciaries Bureau hasn’t stopped conflicts prohibited by its own code of conduct.
Investigations
CA’s privatized public defense leads to caseloads 3x the most basic standards, report finds
The report follows a CalMatters investigation highlighting problems with privatized public defense.
Politics
California to share driver license data despite fears it could expose unauthorized immigrants
The new state budget that Gov. Gavin Newsom signed includes $55 million for the DMV to build a data-sharing system, a program meant to bring the state in compliance with the federal REAL ID law.