Voices Spotlight
What Californians could lose betting on life through prediction markets
Prediction markets are becoming mainstream. But when people bet on an election or a public crisis, it becomes easier to ignore the human stakes. Read more.
Investigation
‘Psychological war’
Read our investigation into California’s expanding use of undercover stings in county jails.
ECONOMY AND TECHNOLOGY
Tech Spotlight
Why California backed off again from ambitious AI regulation
For the third year, the state delayed AI regulations for disclosing and appealing many automated decisions.
INSIDE THE NEWSROOM
What goes into our reporting on California’s biggest issues – how investigative stories come together, what challenges journalists face, CalMatters’ latest plans and more.
Nonpartisan, independent California news for all
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Our journalists are here to empower you and our mission continues to be essential.
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POLITICS
Project Spotlight
Digital Democracy
Check out CalMatters’ custom-built AI tool that tracks every word spoken in public hearings, every dollar donated to politicians, every vote cast and more.
JUSTICE
Investigation
They were convicted of killing with their cars. No one told the DMV
A CalMatters investigation found that courts didn’t report hundreds of vehicular manslaughter convictions, prompting officials to belatedly take many drivers’ licenses.
EDUCATION
About College Beat
College Beat is produced by the CalMatters College Journalism Network, a collaboration between CalMatters and student journalists from across California. Read more.
CALIFORNIA VOICES
Guest Commentary
Minority rule in California? How Proposition 43 would tie the hands of local governments
Local governments could lose the ability to fund vital functions if Proposition 43 passes, argues a city councilmember from Sonoma County.
California courts muddied tax rules set by voters. Proposition 43 cleans up their mistake
California courts made it easier for special interest groups to put tax initiatives on the ballot. Proposition 43 fixes that mistake, argues an anti-tax advocate.
A wave of emergencies is testing East LA’s resilience. The way its governed doesn’t help
The Lineage Logistics fire was the fifth major crisis to hit East Los Angeles in six consecutive years. The community and its local businesses are still seeking relief.
We want to hear from you!
Want to submit a guest commentary or reaction to an article we wrote? You can find our submission guidelines here. For questions, please email commentary@calmatters.org
DAN WALTERS
Pension boosts for California police, firefighters could spur increases for other workers
Even with higher CalPERS earnings, upping pensions for public safety employees would cost the state and local governments $4.8 billion more.
HEALTH
Series Spotlight
No Deliveries
Explore why hospitals are shutting down maternity wards, what this means for parents-to-be with limited options, and whether anything can be done to protect access.
ENVIRONMENT
Series Spotlight
Lake Tahoe: A tarnished jewel
Lake Tahoe is an innocent victim — but there isn’t just a single villain. This series reveals the problems plaguing this alpine treasure.
