Project Spotlight
‘Notoriously slow’ inquiries into California politicians leave voters in the dark
Campaign finance cases can drag on for years — even after politicians have won election or left office.
California Voices
Prop 36 convinced Californians to vote against their views
Many are asking: Is the movement for criminal justice reform in California dead? The answer is no.
CALIFORNIA DIVIDE
Explainer
Inequality Insights
A statewide media collaboration to raise awareness about poverty and income inequality through in-depth journalism and community outreach. Sign up for our weekly newsletter.
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.
Support journalism that works for California
Our nonprofit, nonpartisan news team keeps you informed on the issues shaping your life: housing, healthcare, the environment, technology, the economy, justice, education and beyond. CalMatters makes California better by:
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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.
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.
JUSTICE
Series Spotlight
Locked Up and Dying
A CalMatters investigation explores the increase in deaths among California jail inmates and the state’s attempts to reverse the trend.
CALIFORNIA VOICES
Guest Commentary
The best way California can prepare for Trump? Fix its state government
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan to “Trump-proof” California takes a defensive approach to solving a problem that will outlast Trump: improving the effectiveness of our state government.
California can make climate policy decisions today that address the problems of tomorrow
California has taken important steps to adapt to climate change’s effects on water, but it’s not yet on the right trajectory to manage some of the changes underway — or the greater challenges ahead.
California bird flu outbreak warrants a broader look at the risky ways we produce food
As California confronts a bird flu outbreak, it is also time to take a hard look at the food production system that puts farm workers in close contact with sick animals, the standard American diet that demands it, and the health ramifications of both.
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
Sacramento region gained people but flubbed economic opportunities over 50 years
Sacramento-area growth has concentrated in its suburbs. The city is no longer the center of the region, which has missed chances to expand.
ECONOMY AND TECHNOLOGY
Series Spotlight
California’s Unemployment Crash
A year-long CalMatters investigation finds that the state was primed for disaster by years of missed red flags and failed reforms.
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.
ENVIRONMENT
Explainer
Series Spotlight
Race to Zero: California’s bumpy road to electrify cars and trucks
Examine the impacts of California’s zero emission mandate on all segments of society and the economy.
2024 ELECTIONS
VotingMatters
See what CalMatters is doing across California to help voters cast their ballots in November.
