WhatMatters

Let’s dive into some education news: CalMatters events: Join us Aug. 20 for a lunchtime discussion on the final days of the 2025 legislative session and what’s ahead for 2026. CalMatters’ Alexei Koseff will moderate a panel featuring Capitol community insiders Leah Barros, Keely Martin Bosler, Cesar Diaz, Ben Golombek and more. Register here to […]

From CalMatters deputy editor Adam Ashton: Gov. Gavin Newsom shouldn’t expect much pushback from the next city in line to lose a state prison.  Norco in Riverside County for years has been lobbying to close the California Rehabilitation Center, arguing the city can find a better use for the site. It was an art deco […]

Amid decreasing demand and rising costs, the U.S. and California wine industry have struggled in recent years. But while some in the industry regard President Donald Trump’s tariff policies as bad for business, others say they could help domestic wine makers, writes CalMatters’ Levi Sumagaysay. Since the beginning of August, the Trump administration has enacted […]

A Bay Area lawmaker wants to ban companies from charging prices based on information stored on customers’ phones, laptops or other hardware devices. The bill, which sits before the Assembly after advancing through the Senate in May, is one of the 30 measures the Legislature introduced this year to regulate artificial intelligence technology, writes CalMatters’ […]

California gun owners are eager to get their hands on ammunition after a federal appeals court struck down a state law requiring background checks for ammunition purchases, reports CalMatters’ Joe Garcia. Last week the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals dealt a blow to gun control advocates and California’s own policy framework when it ruled that […]

As the federal administration carries out what it says is the largest deportation effort in the country’s history, immigrants already struggling to make rent are facing greater housing challenges that experts say undermine the state’s tenant protection laws, write CalMatters’ Yue Stella Yu and Ben Christopher. In addition to including immigrants with no criminal background, […]

For California prisoners who committed crimes when they were young and received life sentences without parole, few opportunities exist to get a second chance. The possibility of a parole review is slim, while the likelihood of dying behind bars is all but guaranteed. But one bill — which the Legislature is holding for consideration until […]

Let’s dive into some news affecting California education: Have a question about higher ed? Fill out this form (also in Spanish) and it could be answered by the CalMatters’ College Journalism Network. Other Stories You Should Know Newsom: Have we tried gerrymandering? As the Texas Legislature continues its special session this week to redraw the […]

One of California’s largest health care providers said it will stop providing gender-affirming surgeries for patients under 19 beginning Aug. 29 — a move that was criticized by members of the LGBTQ community and praised by parental rights groups. Kaiser Permanente serves 12 million patients in eight states, including more than 9 million in California. […]

From CalMatters economy reporter Levi Sumagaysay: California homeowners and renters should prepare for their insurance premiums to rise: The Insurance Department on Thursday approved the first catastrophe model that insurers can factor into the rates they charge policy holders.  Citing increased fire risks and rising costs, insurers have pulled back from providing homeowners and fire […]