Politics

Photo collage of images about Prop 50, including Gavin Newsom, people holding "No on 50" signs, redistricting maps, the CA State capitol, and a vote by mail notice

Politics

The campaign over Gavin Newsom’s maps is one of California’s most expensive ever

Gov. Gavin Newsom is raising money from labor unions and Democrats all over the country for his redistricting ballot measure. Republicans are pouring in money to fight it.

By Jeremia Kimelman • October 3, 2025

A bronze statue of a Trojan warrior stands on a stone pedestal in front of a brick university building, with ivy climbing up the walls and arched windows in the background.

Politics

Newsom threatens to cut USC funding if it complies with Trump demands

After the president sent a letter offering “substantial” federal grants if USC complies with conservative demands, Newsom threatened to withdraw lucrative state funding

By Jeanne Kuang • October 2, 2025

Aerial view of a suburban neighborhood with tan stucco houses topped with red tile roofs, palm trees in front yards, and a row of blue, black, and green trash bins lined up along the curb next to a parked white SUV.

Politics

New California law restricts HOA fines to $100 per violation, giving homeowners a break

Millions of California residents could get a break if they violate HOA rules under a new state law that caps fees at $100, without late fees or accumulating penalties.

By Nadia Lathan • October 2, 2025

A lawmaker, wearing a navy blue suit, holds up a piece of paper with their signature while surrounded by other lawmakers who clap their hands.

Politics

Which of these 2025 bills did Gavin Newsom sign into law?

Gov. Gavin Newsom has hundreds of bills to sign or veto before the Oct. 13 deadline, on everything from oil drilling to immigration raids and antisemitism in schools.

By CalMatters Staff • September 29, 2025

A for rent sign in Sacramento on June 28, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Politics

Newsom to decide on renter protections tied to Social Security changes under Trump

Gov. Gavin Newsom will have to decide soon if renters can fight eviction if their Social Security checks are disrupted during President Trump’s second term

By Ryan Sabalow • September 29, 2025

State Senate leader Toni Atkins kicked off her gubernatorial campaign with an event in San Diego on Jan. 19, 2024. Photo by Bryan Giardinelli, Breathe New Winds

Politics

Democrat Toni Atkins drops out of crowded race to replace Gavin Newsom

The former state Senate leader was leading in campaign cash but far behind in the polls.

By Jeanne Kuang • September 29, 2025

Silhouettes of Joshua trees stand tall against a golden-orange sunset, with the sun partially hidden behind a ridge of mountains, sending rays of light through the clouds.

Politics

What a government shutdown means for Californians, from Social Security to national parks

Social Security and Medicare benefits will keep flowing in a government shutdown, but federal employees will be working without pay and delays likely will occur across many services.

By Rachel Becker, Kristen Hwang, Alejandro Lazo, Cayla Mihalovich and Jeanne Kuang • September 29, 2025

A man in a dark suit and blue tie speaks into several microphones held up by reporters outside a federal courthouse, with the building sign reading "Edward J. Schwartz Federal" visible behind him.

Justice

Sen. Alex Padilla visits San Diego immigration court: ‘This should not be a trap’

Sen. Alex Padilla observed immigration court in San Diego this week in order to get a better understand of the issues that people face in proceedings.

By Deborah Brennan • September 27, 2025

Assemblymember Ian Calderon speaks on the Assembly floor at the state Capitol in Sacramento on Sept. 11, 2019. Photo by Rich Pedroncelli, AP Photo

Politics

Millennial Democrat Ian Calderon announces bid for California governor

Ian Calderon joins a crowd of Democrats jockeying in a wide-open race for governor. The former assemblymember left the Legislature in 2020 to focus on his family.

By Jeanne Kuang • September 23, 2025

Workers harvest a fresh crop of marijuana at the Loving Kindness Farms in Los Angeles on May 08, 2020. AP Photo/Richard Vogel

Politics

California’s marijuana industry gets a break under new law suspending tax hike

California's legal weed industry is still overshadowed by the larger black market. A new state law gives businesses a break by delaying a tax increase.

By Nadia Lathan • September 23, 2025