Cal Matters

Pandemic graduates: They had no prom, no pomp and circumstance, and started college on Zoom

June 26, 2025 at 6:34 a.m.

As the world settled into pandemic life, students who graduated from high school during the COVID-19 crisis started new chapters of their lives in social and academic seclusion.

The Board of supervisors voted to dissolve the Cannabis Task Force and the motion passed by a unanimous vote. The new draft ordinance is expected to be finalized after a public hearing in April. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File)

California new laws for 2025: Cannabis cafes and entertainment zones

December 18, 2024 at 6:03 a.m.

Starting Jan. 1, alcohol and cannabis sales could expand in some parts of California thanks to two new laws that aim to increase central city foot traffic, which has yet...

Illegal fireworks including, skyrockets, bottle rockets, roman candles, aerial shells, firecrackers confiscated by the Lakeport Police Department during a previous 4th of July. (FILE photo- LAKE COUNTY PUBLISHING).

Why many illegal fireworks could be gone in California next July Fourth

July 5, 2024 at 6:47 a.m.

For eight years, Mike Salazar has spent Fourth of July week selling fireworks in an empty parking lot in Vernon. His truck is covered floor to ceiling with boxes of...

Without reliable cell service at Jennie Dusheck’s home in the Santa Cruz Mountains, her main line is her landline phone. In her high-fire-risk neighborhood in the Santa Cruz Mountains, where internet is unreliable, power outages are frequent and mudslides sometimes occur, not having a landline is “very scary” says Dusheck. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)

Still need your landline? California regulators just stopped AT&T from pulling the plug

June 22, 2024 at 6:27 a.m.

On Thursday, California’s Public Utilities Commission rejected AT&T’s application to stop providing landlines and other services in areas where there is no other option.

Gov. Newsom has yet to appoint a commander who is tasked with informing businesses and governments of cybersecurity threats. (Image via iStock/CALmatters)

Californians get hacked all the time. The state’s top cybersecurity job is vacant

April 12, 2024 at 6:35 a.m.

Gov. Newsom has yet to appoint a commander who is tasked with informing businesses and governments of cybersecurity threats.

Adam Schiff addresses his supporters during an election night watch party in Los Angeles on March 5, 2024. Photo by Ted Soqui for CalMatters Credit: Ted Soqui c 2024

Does Steve Garvey have a shot against Adam Schiff for U.S. Senate?

March 6, 2024 at 2:56 p.m.

Adam Schiff has likely punched his ticket to the U.S. Senate.

A state senator works during session on suspense file day at the state Capitol in Sacramento on Sept. 1, 2023. Photo by Rahul Lal for CalMatters

Legislators wanted 1,100 reports on how California’s laws are working. Most haven’t arrived

February 16, 2024 at 6:51 a.m.

Given the state’s budget deficit, legislative leaders are calling for reviewing how existing programs are working. But there’s no good way to track their effectiveness.

California can take kids from abused moms. Why the separation can harm both

December 8, 2023 at 6:37 a.m.

Worried that her abusive partner would kill her or her boys, Jackie had nowhere to go and no one to ask for help. She said her partner had angry outbursts,...

Minimum wage hike for California health workers will cost billions. Workers say they need it

November 14, 2023 at 6:00 a.m.

More than half a million California health care workers are expected to see a pay increase in January thanks to a law raising the minimum wage for their industry. Gov....

Left: Rep. Adam Schiff. Photo by Ron Sachs, CNP/startraksphoto.com/Cover Images via Reuters; Center: Rep. Barbara Lee. Photo by J. Scott Applewhite, Right: Rep. Katie Porter. Photo by Andrew Harnik/Pool via REUTERS

Where are the top U.S. Senate candidates raising their cash?

November 2, 2023 at 12:48 p.m.

In northwest Los Angeles, a 15-square-mile enclave sits at the foot of the Santa Monica Mountains. Tucked between Bel Air and the ridges, the neighborhood is where nature, art and wealth concentrate:...

All Stories