Lowering California’s high utility costs takes more than flashy slogans. It needs these reforms
Wildfire spending is a large driver of rate increases, adding to sky-high power bills. The state has let utilities work around cost limits.
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Reviving SAT requirements won’t fix California’s university admissions problems
In college admissions, the real quandary isn’t about requiring SATs. It’s about how to select applicants if they all seem to be exceptional.
Making e-bikes safer in California is smart. Smothering this new technology is not
A flurry of bills this year threatened to stall the climate-friendly e-bike revolution. Thankfully, lawmakers are taking a saner path.
California is making progress on fire prevention. Federal retreat, shaky funding put it at risk
California set an ambitious target to reduce wildfire hazards each year, and is making real progress. Preserving that momentum is crucial.
How we reported on undercover police operations in California jails
The California Supreme Court is reviewing convictions that turned on Perkins operations, which are stings orchestrated by police and prosecutors in jails.
‘Psychological war’: Inside California’s expanding use of jailhouse stings
Undercover police stings known as Perkins operations are proliferating in California jails. Defendants say they're being coerced into confessions.
Sewage pollution is keeping kids out of the water in this California beach town
A surf camp buses kids to other beaches, and junior lifeguards travel up the coast from this California beach town plagued by cross-border sewage.
New police and firefighters perks sail through Legislature. Will Newsom sign them?
California police and fire unions are backing bills that would create new retirement benefits or raise pay. Lawmakers approved them overwhelmingly.
California ponders a fundamental question: Should voting be easier or harder?
Californians have a chance to consider their voting principles this year and whether they should enlarge or constrain participation.
Kaiser nurses say technology is making their jobs — and patient care — worse
Call center nurses at Kaiser Permanente said workplace surveillance tools and AI prioritize speed and cost savings over quality and safety.
Newsom’s final budget sends more than a billion dollars to University of California, Cal State
Since Gavin Newsom became governor eight years ago, state support for the University of California and Cal State has grown by 50%.
Audit: State Bar missed warning signs before 2025 exam fiasco
The problems with an online California State Bar exam were so profound that test-takers at one point were able to see other people's answers.
California colleges reveal their military weapons stockade after CalMatters investigation
State law permits campus police to own military weapons as long as they report it to the public. However, not every college follows the law.
Proposal would allow drivers to trade personal data for potentially lower insurance rates
AB 311 would change California insurance law by allowing drivers to be tracked through telematics, which transmits data to insurers.
CalMatters journalism honored as ‘impeccable,’ ‘beautifully-written’ and ‘the definition of publi...
CalMatters won five of this year’s Golden State Journalism Awards, for public health reporting, criminal justice reporting, education reporting, courage in journalism and impact in journalism.
Who is Steve Hilton? Here’s how he has rebranded himself multiple times
Steve Hilton has transformed from a green-minded Conservative adviser to a Trump-backed Republican running for California governor
Gas prices are high for July 4. California’s price-gouging fixes are still on the shelf
Chevron charges more than any brand in California. As gas prices hit a four-year July 4 high, the state's fixes sit idle.
Their town burned to the ground. Should they get a pass from California’s new housing laws?
A bill to shield Altadena from two density-boosting housing laws is meant to let the town rebuild on its own terms.
Top science research jobs lack diversity. A California college program aims to curb that
A state-funded program is trying to diversify the sciences by providing mentors, relationship-building, stipends and more.
California homicide rate falls to historic low as police make more arrests in killings
California's homicide rate fell to a historic low in 2025, part of a nationwide crime trend. Police were more successful at making arrests after killings.
Should coastal commission get more power over rebuilding after wildfire? Some lawmakers say yes
A Los Angeles lawmaker wants to give the California Coastal Commission more control over rebuilding homes destroyed by wildfires and other disasters.
These Los Angeles college students use public transit to save money. See what it’s really like
College commuters who use Los Angeles public transportation experience delays and public safety threats but save on gas and parking.
Californians can protect their personal data with one click. Help us test if it works
A new state tool lets Californians tell data brokers to stop tracking you. Will they comply? Help us investigate.
Transgender athletes still protected in California, Supreme Court rules
The court’s decision allows – but doesn’t require – states to bar transgender student athletes from playing on girls' and women’s teams.