Digital Democracy

A view from behind of a person seated at a table while they speak to three people sitting on a dais during a hearing.

Politics

They drove for hours to speak in the Capitol. California lawmakers cut them off

As lawmakers rush through thousands of bills in Sacramento and make decisions in secret, regular Californians are often silenced.

By

Ryan Sabalow

and

Hans Poschman

• May 19, 2025

Four people stand in a small elevated television set with cameras and light as they make final adjustments before a broadcasted awards show.

Politics

Faced with budget woes, Gavin Newsom wants more tax credits for Hollywood

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s latest budget proposal lays out deep cuts to public universities and health care. It also seeks to more than double the tax credits for Hollywood studios — an expansion moving smoothly through the state Legislature.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• May 16, 2025

Three pelicans glide through the still waters of a marsh near partially submerged branches, while a line of cars and trucks travels along a narrow stretch of Highway 37 in the background. Industrial cranes and silhouettes of distant hills are visible through the haze, suggesting a mix of natural and developed environments.

Politics

California wine country traffic jam fuels fight over endangered mice, marsh birds

A bill by Assemblymember Lori Wilson could help finally break the Highway 37 gridlock despite worries about harming endangered species.

By

Ryan Sabalow

• May 7, 2025

A person with long hair speaks into a microphone while seated at a desk during a public hearing. Others are seated in the background, slightly out of focus.

Mental Health

An overdose killed her son. Then, California lawmakers asked her to help save others

Ryan Matlock died of a fentanyl overdose after seeking addiction treatment. Today, his mother is urging lawmakers to get tougher on health insurance plans.

By

Jocelyn Wiener

• May 6, 2025

A person in a dark suit and tie speaks at a microphone outdoors. Their hand is raised mid-gesture, and they are framed against a blurred gray background.

Politics

California lawmakers kill bid to force HOAs to follow open meeting laws

A Republican bill to require more transparency from California’s 50,000 homeowners associations failed to advance out of committee despite bipartisan support.

By

Ryan Sabalow

• May 2, 2025

A train parked on train tracks in a railyard is going underneath an underpass in the distance, with freight cars on the back behind the engine.

Politics

California railroads: Unions push to shorten trains, but companies warn of higher costs

Unions are pushing for shorter freight trains to make railways safer, but that could raise the cost of goods and delay passenger rail service. It also may not be legal.

By

Ryan Sabalow

• April 25, 2025

An inmate at San Quentin State Prison on March 17, 2023. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Politics

California Republicans want to get tougher on crime. Are Democrats shifting their way?

A California Republican state senator finds his crime bills getting a warmer welcome this year. Democrats say they’re just responding to their voters.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• April 18, 2025

A raging wildfire consumes a structure, with massive flames engulfing the scene. Bright orange and yellow fire contrasts against the dark sky, creating an intense and dramatic visual. A fence and some vegetation are silhouetted in the foreground, emphasizing the destructive power of the blaze.

Politics

How labor killed a bill to let California wildfire victims sue Big Oil for climate change

The Senate Judiciary Committee spiked a bill to let wildfire victims sue oil companies over climate change. Labor unions, not Big Oil, led the opposition.

By

Ryan Sabalow

• April 16, 2025

Lawmakers sit in read chairs on a long and elevated desk in a hearing room at the state capitol. A seal of the Senate of the State of California rest on the wall behind them.

Politics

California lawmakers quietly sideline bills in secretive suspense process

More than 100 California bills moved to the “suspense file” last week, the start of a process where consequential decisions are made out of public view.

By

Ryan Sabalow

• April 14, 2025

A side-view of people holding signs and chanting while at a rally.

Politics

Uber, Lyft drivers could unionize under new proposal

California Democrats are backing a legislative proposal that would allow gig workers to form unions. Expect big pushback from companies like Uber, Lyft and Doordash.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• April 9, 2025