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CalMatters is a nonpartisan and nonprofit news organization bringing Californians stories that probe, explain and explore solutions to quality of life issues while holding our leaders accountable. For more information about its mission, donors, staff and contact information, see CalMatters' About Us page.

Health Care Workers for Gaza participate in the “Free Palestine Camp” demonstration outside of Sproul Hall at UC Berkeley on April 23, 2024. Photo by Manuel Orbegozo for CalMatters

Fearing deportation, international students go silent at California’s universities

August 9, 2025 at 6:14 a.m.

After hundreds of international students lost their status this spring, then regained it following lawsuits, the uncertainty of it happening again has created fear. Some students say they’ve changed the...

California gun owners raced to take advantage of a new federal appeals court ruling against a law that required background checks for ammunition purchases. Some expect Gov. Gavin Newsom to appeal. (Photo Courtesy CALmatters)

‘Freedom week’: California gun owners raced to buy ammunition after court ruling

August 1, 2025 at 1:36 p.m.

Lifelong hunter J.R. Young of San Jose rushed to an online ammunition dealer last week after a federal court decision overturned a California gun law that required background checks in...

The Falcon license plate-reading camera. Photo courtesy of Flock Safety.

California police are illegally sharing license plate data with ICE and Border Patrol

June 14, 2025 at 6:05 a.m.

The Los Angeles Police Department and sheriff’s departments in multiple counties including Imperial, Sacramento and Humboldt searched license plate readings on behalf of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and...

Attendees at the California Democratic State Convention at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim on May 31, 2025., hope to offer lessons to party leaders. Ted Soqui photo for CalMatters.

Young Democrats offer lessons for leaders at party convention

June 4, 2025 at 6:04 a.m.

At age 24, Alan Vargas wants to lead the California Democratic Party.

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