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About a dozen people carrying bags, luggage and other personal belongings stand at a public plaza before they board a bus in Los Angeles.

Elections

Busloads of Californians are heading to swing states. Can they make a difference?

Californians are heading east to knock on doors ahead of the 2024 election. Democrats in particular are sending busloads of volunteers to Arizona and Nevada.

By

Ana B. Ibarra

• October 31, 2024

A close-up and angled view of the "Beach Cities Health District" sign at the medical complex in Redondo Beach. The building is visible in the right corner, and the sky above is hazy and blue.

Elections

California voters could make it easier for cities to build fire stations and fix hospitals — right away

Proposition 5 would lower the threshold for local bond measures to pass. It could immediately benefit fire, hospital and housing measures in the 2024 election.

By

Cayla Mihalovich

• October 29, 2024

A framed portrait of a smiling person sits on a shelf. Next to the frame is a vibrant bouquet of yellow, orange, and purple flowers in a red vase, along with a small angel figurine and candles. The setting appears to be a memorial display.

Mental Health

He wanted to live. After his insurance rejected coverage, he died of a fentanyl overdose

California requires insurers to cover medically necessary mental health treatment. But to patients, the separation between what that law requires and what health plans provide often feels like a gaping chasm.

By

Jocelyn Wiener

• October 28, 2024

Politics

Some legislators miss hundreds of votes, but even ‘excused’ absences count as a ‘no’

Seven Assemblymembers missed more than a quarter of their votes this year, most involving illness or family matters. But when it comes to bills, an absence is the same as a “no” vote.

By

Sameea Kamal

• October 21, 2024

Four people sit at a panel table in front of microphones, speaking to an audience. The background features a brick wall, and the room is a conference or meeting setting.

Elections

‘Notoriously slow:’ Lengthy investigations into California politicians leave voters in the dark

A CalMatters analysis shows that California’s campaign finance watchdog has sometimes taken years to resolve cases, sometimes after politicians have won election or left office.

By

Yue Stella Yu

and

Jeremia Kimelman

• October 14, 2024

Politics

Labor advocates say Newsom’s gas prices bill risks safety. He disagreed

As a gasoline reserve bill faces a final vote today, labor advocates say the bill’s safety measures don’t go far enough.

By

Malena Carollo

• October 14, 2024

The entrance to "Davies Hall," a building partially obscured by a metal chain-link fence. The foreground features dry plants and vegetation, which are visible through the fence. Outside the entrance, several blue chairs and desks are arranged. The structure of the building above the entrance is made of concrete, and the name "Davies Hall" is visible on the wall to the right of the doors. The overall atmosphere feels abandoned or under construction.

Higher Education

Raw sewage and bursting pipes: Why California community colleges are asking voters for repairs

This November, California voters will decide on Proposition 2, a $10 billion education bond. Some community colleges are counting on the money to fix critical buildings and protect the safety of students.

By

Adam Echelman

• October 14, 2024

Luke Johnson and husband Osbey Jackson stand in the kitchen of their home. Jackson rests his hand on a kitchen stove, and Johnson leans back on a chair next to a kitchen table. The home is decorated with photos and pots and pans hang over the stove.

Housing

California pledged $500 million to help tenants preserve affordable housing. They didn’t get a dime.

California allotted half a billion dollars to help community land trusts across the state. But budget cuts and bureaucracy have land trust advocates back where they were in 2020: seeking state aid to preserve affordable housing.

By

Felicia Mello

• October 10, 2024

Photo illustration of four men in suits standing in front of a sparkling green California Capitol building, surrounded by a field of California poppies; the sky features clouds shaped like the logos of Facebook, Nvidia, Google, and Apple, along with a vibrant rainbow

Technology

A mystery surge in California tax revenue points to tech companies like Nvidia. Here’s why

California was nearly $2 billion over forecast in corporate tax receipts this summer, including by $844 million in July. A tax change meant to help the budget deficit helped drive the surge.

By

Levi Sumagaysay

• October 2, 2024

A conference hall with attendees and colorful signage related to artificial intelligence.

Economy

Why Gavin Newsom vetoed California’s bold bid to regulate AI

The legislation would have required tech companies to test AI for harm to society. It attracted opposition from numerous members of Congress and major AI companies including Google, Meta, and OpenAI.

By

Khari Johnson

• September 29, 2024

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