Investigation

A collage-style illustration in green, purple and white tones with several cut-out images, including: photos of two elderly people, court transcripts, a list of financial costs and the California seal.

Investigation

‘A false front’: The California agency failing to stop conservatorship abuses

A CalMatters investigation finds the Professional Fiduciaries Bureau hasn't fulfilled its promise to protect Californians, even as the state’s population ages.

By

Byrhonda Lyons

• April 9, 2026

A person in a suit and tie smiles while standing outdoors in front of a modern building, with a few people walking in the background under a clear blue sky.

Investigation

Judge begins to unwind conflicts in Ventura County conservatorship cases

Following a CalMatters investigation, a new judge has ordered Angelique Friend to stop hiring her husband’s companies with her clients’ money.

By

Byrhonda Lyons

• March 30, 2026

A graphic titled “Agents of Chaos” shows masked, uniformed men in military-style gear with highlighted faces, alongside logos for CalMatters, Bellingcat and Evident over a map background with lines pointing toward Chicago.

Investigation

Agents of Chaos: Border Patrol’s year of unchecked force

'The first thing that you do when you give an agent a gun and a badge and the authority over American people is to make sure that they follow the Constitution, period.'

By

Sergio Olmos

• March 17, 2026

A person in a suit speaks into a microphone during a public hearing or meeting. Several officials sit behind them at a raised dais, listening as the speaker gestures while talking.

Investigation

‘We’re talking about people’s lives:’ California lawmakers grill DMV director on deadly failures

The state Senate's hearing on driving laws was spurred by a CalMatters investigation into California's approach to deadly drivers.

By

Lauren Hepler

and

Robert Lewis

• March 11, 2026

A person in a black suit stands in the front row of a courtroom while looking directly into the camera on their right side.

Investigation

After his crash killed a child, the DMV renewed his license – then it hid his records

‘There is either moral culpability or legal liability on them,' the Placer County DA said, 'and they are actively seeking to prevent that from being disclosed.'

By

Robert Lewis

• March 9, 2026

A collage-style illustration in green and black and white tones with several cut-out images. The main image of the illustration shows two separate photos of two individuals posing for a photo. Photos of other people can be seen behind them, alongside several receipts.

Investigation

She directed $2.7 million from her elderly clients to her husband’s company. The judge approved every penny

California lawmakers created the Professional Fiduciaries Bureau to monitor self-dealing in the industry. Twenty years later, the bureau’s inaction in one case shows how conflicts of interest can continue for years with little consequence.

By

Byrhonda Lyons

• March 3, 2026

A person with a beard speaks at a podium holding a photograph, with others standing nearby, flags behind them, and several printed photos displayed in the foreground.

Investigation

‘It’s time’: California leaders unveil biggest crackdown on drunk drivers in decades

A bipartisan coalition of state lawmakers has introduced 10 bills, an unprecedented package designed to stop deadly drivers.

By

Robert Lewis

and

Lauren Hepler

• February 12, 2026

A person in a red blazer speaks at a podium bearing the California State Assembly seal, raising one hand for emphasis, while three others stand behind them between the U.S. and California flags beneath a backdrop of the State Capitol building.

Investigation

California has a dangerous driver problem. A bipartisan group of lawmakers wants to fix that

The Assembly proposals are part of a broader push at the Capitol to reform California's weak driving laws.

By

Robert Lewis

and

Lauren Hepler

• February 2, 2026

On the steps of a building at night, two people hug beside a microphone, while rows of small orange traffic cones and string lights line the stairs, each cone paired with a photo of a person, creating a memorial-like display.

Investigation

Lawmaker targets repeat drunk drivers as part of larger push to fix problems exposed by CalMatters

The DUI bill is intended to be the “tip of the spear” in a movement to address how California allows dangerous drivers to stay on the roads.

By

Lauren Hepler

and

Robert Lewis

• January 8, 2026

A person stands in front of a table with photos, buttons lights, and other items related to victims of drunk drivers. Other people stand by holding large photos of the victims.

Investigation

How a speeding ticket can be worse than killing someone with your car in California

A diversion program created by the Legislature in 2020 has allowed some people charged with vehicular manslaughter to keep the case off of their driving record.

By

Robert Lewis

and

Lauren Hepler

• December 17, 2025