California Budget

An aerial view of vehicles driving through a highway surrounded by farmland on both ends.

Politics

California GOP lawmakers are incensed over a gas tax study. Rural groups say they need it

California’s gas is so radioactive, even a bill to study alternatives is fraught. Rural officials are frustrated over the partisan fight because their local industries depend on well-maintained roads.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• March 2, 2026

A lab worker, wearing a clear face mask and blue scrubs, stands in front of a medical machine.

Health

Pockets of unvaccinated communities are driving measles outbreaks in California

California is battling measles across seven counties as federal funding cuts gut local health departments and vaccine skepticism fuels spread among unvaccinated children.

By

Kristen Hwang

• March 2, 2026

The entrance of a dark beige building with a blue sign that reads "Central Valley Regional Center" on the top.

Health

‘What will happen when I’m gone?’: Parents of people with disabilities push to expand services

In California, a person’s disability must begin before age 18 to qualify for regional center services. Parent advocates say that leaves behind people whose disability started in early adult years, when their brains were still developing.

By

Ana B. Ibarra

• February 24, 2026

A wooden podium bearing the seal of the State of California stands with two microphones, with a screen in the background displaying “2026–27 Governor’s Budget” and an image of the state capitol.

Commentary

Gavin Newsom’s last budget belies his ‘California for All’ pledge

The 2026-27 proposal fails to respond to President Donald Trump’s cuts. Nor does it help families meet needs for housing, food and health care.

By Chris Hoene • February 23, 2026

Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at San Quentin State Prison announcing that the facility will be transformed to focus on training and rehabilitation on March 17, 2023. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Justice

Where death chamber once stood, Newsom shows off prison remodel emphasizing rehabilitation

Gov. Gavin Newsom suspended the death penalty and ordered the dismantling of death row. He unveiled changes at San Quentin that include a new education center.

By

Cayla Mihalovich

• February 20, 2026

A person in sunglasses and a red shirt holds up a sign that reads, “Immigrant Rights are Human Rights!,” while standing in a crowd holding more signs.

Justice

California expanding services for immigrants amid Trump’s deportation push

California continues to support legal defense for immigrants facing deportation despite a tight state budget and projections calling for deficits.

By

Wendy Fry

• February 20, 2026

A close-up view of people's hands typing or scrolling on their laptops at an event.

Commentary

Silicon Valley flexes financial muscle in governor’s race and wealth tax battle

Compared to other sectors of California's economy, Silicon Valley hasn't doled out as much campaign money or hired as many lobbyists — until now.

By

Dan Walters

• February 20, 2026

People stand at the steps of a school during a strike. The photo focuses on a person holding up their left hand in a fist while they hold a sign that reads "we can't wait" in Spanish with the other hand.

Commentary

California school systems face red ink despite boosts in education spending

While the state borrows $5.6 billion from education, districts throughout the state are struggling to balance their own budgets this year.

By

Dan Walters

• February 18, 2026

Two people wearing hospital scrubs sit and look at a computer screen inside a hospital room. Other medical equipment can be seen nearby.

Health

A California county’s only hospital cleared a federal hurdle, but it still needs millions to reopen

Congress restores critical access status for Glenn Medical Center, but the shuttered California hospital still needs $40-50 million to reopen.

By

Ana B. Ibarra

• February 14, 2026

A lawmaker — with salt-and-pepper colored hair and wearing a black suit — looks straight forward as the silhouettes of two people cover the foreground of the frame. Other people and the American flag can be partially seen behind the lawmaker.

Commentary

Here’s how Newsom’s spending binge outstripped revenues, creating California’s chronic deficit

Obscure charts show how California's spending exploded under Newsom, far outstripping its stagnant population growth, inflation and a hefty increase in revenues.

By

Dan Walters

• February 13, 2026