Investigations

A graphic combines part of the California state seal with a close-up of a person signing a document. The design uses green and purple tones with layered geometric shapes in the background.

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.

By Byrhonda Lyons • July 31, 2026

Photo illustration of Assemblymember Anamarie Ávila Farías, with document cutouts of a restraining order and a petition for conservatorship

Investigations

Lawmaker told court her mom had dementia in family property battle. Not so, said doctors

Records show Anamarie Ávila Farías attempted to have her mother placed under conservatorship in the midst of a family real estate dispute.

By Byrhonda Lyons • July 30, 2026

The entrance to the Kings County Superior Court building is shown in late afternoon light. The courthouse name is mounted on a concrete wall beside a walkway leading to the modern courthouse entrance.

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.

By Anat Rubin • July 29, 2026

Several heavily armed federal immigration agents restrain a person on the ground beside parked vehicles while other officers stand nearby holding rifles during an enforcement operation on a city street.

Justice

‘Pretty sure he’s wet:’ Immigration agents used racial slurs during LA sweeps, court records show

The records came to light as part of lawsuit alleging that federal agents used racial profiling to target Latinos.

By Sergio Olmos and Wendy Fry • July 27, 2026

An unidentifiable person's hand grips onto one of the green bars of a jail cell.

Justice

5 things to know about undercover police stings in California jails

The California Supreme Court is reviewing convictions that turned on undercover stings in jails known as Perkins operations. Critics say they go too far and risk false confessions.

By Cayla Mihalovich • July 15, 2026

An illustration in purple gradient tones depicting the silhouette of three people inside a jail cell. The person in the middle sits on a bench with their hand resting on their chin. The two other people stand facing the person sitting down with intimidating postures.

Justice

‘Psychological war’: Inside California’s expanding use of jailhouse stings

A deceptive law enforcement practice is proliferating across California jails. As it gains momentum, an increasing number of defendants say they were coerced into self-incrimination.

By Cayla Mihalovich • July 14, 2026

An illustration in orange and black tones depicting the silhouette of three people inside a jail cell. The person in the middle sits on a bench with their hand resting on their chin. The two other people stand facing the person sitting down with intimidating postures.

Justice

How we reported on undercover police operations in California jails

The California Supreme Court is reviewing convictions that turned on Perkins operations, which are stings orchestrated by police and prosecutors in jails.

By CalMatters Staff • July 14, 2026