WhatMatters

Gov. Gavin Newsom knows that many Democrats across the country want to “eat the rich” with wealth taxes. But he can’t bring himself to stomach the meal when it comes to a November California ballot proposal that would do just that. What’s a guy who wants to run for president in 2028 to do?  Over […]

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott took about three months to reverse his 2025 ban on remote work for state employees. But Gov. Gavin Newsom, whose return-to-office mandate has been in effect since July 1, shows no signs of backing down.  It’s a stance that has upset — and at times befuddled — some state workers who […]

I’m CalMatters reporter Ryan Sabalow, and I’m pinch hitting for Lynn today. Democratic Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains learned the hard way that being a maverick has consequences. In 2023, as a rookie lawmaker representing the oil-dependent Bakersfield region, Bains cast the lone Democratic vote against Gov. Gavin Newsom’s bill that sought to penalize oil company profits. […]

As heat waves become more intense and last longer due to climate change, setting rules around when utilities can shut off power for people who don’t pay their utility bills is one of the top concerns for consumer advocates and state regulators, reports CalMatters’ Alejandro Lazo. On Thursday the California Public Utilities Commission voted to […]

A new survey shows that Californians really don’t like artificial intelligence data centers. The latest Public Policy Institute of California poll of 1,578 adult Californians finds that 73% oppose the construction of data centers in their communities. Though the majority of both Democrats and Republicans disapprove of building data centers, Republicans are slightly more likely […]

The California Legislature is considering a bill that would make it easier for people to sue companies over alleged anti-competitive practices. But support for it is split among Democratic lawmakers who fear that the proposal would go too far in hurting businesses. As CalMatters’ Ryan Sabalow explains, the bill would allow people and businesses to […]

False evidence ploys, hefty cash payments and jail cells outfitted with recording devices. These are the staples of a so-called Perkins operation: A controversial law enforcement tactic in which a police officer or civilian poses as an incarcerated person to elicit incriminating statements from a suspect.  Perkins operations are widespread in California and have helped […]

The largest single piece of housing legislation to come out of Congress since at least 1990 is now law, despite President Donald Trump’s refusal to sign it.  The law is meant to kick start more housing construction across the country and features a grab bag of regulatory tweaks, pilot programs and targeted loans and grants.  Though […]

California Democrats are used to defending gun control measures against lawsuits by Second Amendment advocates like the California Rifle and Pistol Association.  Now, the state is facing a lawsuit from the Trump administration targeting a new law restricting sales of Glock semi-automatic handguns.  Since July 1, the state has prohibited the sale of Glock handguns […]

Three bills that would boost benefits and pay for California police officers and firefighters are wending their way through the Legislature with bipartisan support. But in a limited state budget year, their potentially high price tags might make them a tough sell to Gov. Gavin Newsom, reports CalMatters’ Adam Ashton. The Senate’s appropriations committee later […]