Californians have a full ballot for the November 2026 election, including a governor’s race, congressional seats and 14 propositions. Don’t miss your chance to make your ballot count.
Lynn La / CalMatters
Posted inLatest News
California state workers are about to strike. What that means for the DMV, EDD, parks and more
California state government’s largest union is scheduled to strike this week. It could affect services at a number of offices that people visit every day, including the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Deadly e-bike crashes shaped three new California safety laws. Here’s what they do
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law allowing San Mateo County to restrict teens’ access to e-bikes. It was inspired by fatal accidents in the Bay Area community.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Newsom signs law to let these Californians get out of jury duty — for good
Californians over age 80 will be able to get a permanent exemption from jury duty under a new law Gov. Gavin Newsom signed.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
U.S. Supreme Court rejects Trump’s mail-in voting limits as November election nears
Gov. Gavin Newsom celebrated the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision shooting down President Donald Trump’s proposal to restrict mail-in voting just before the November midterm election.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Steve Hilton: Abolish the DMV
Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton says he wants to abolish the California Department of Motor Vehicles by transferring its functions to a combination of online services and local county offices. If elected, he says he would also cap the annual vehicle registration at a flat fee of $73.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Where did the birds go? Once-abundant wetlands are drying up after federal staff cutbacks
A long decline in the number of people managing wildlife refuges in California accelerated after the Trump administration’s DOGE staffing cuts.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Gavin Newsom’s return-to-office rules are stricter than many states, including Texas
California state workers must report to the office four days a week under an executive order from Gov. Gavin Newsom. Other states allow more remote work.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Who’s ahead in the California governor’s race?
Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton are holding on to the lead in the latest poll ahead of the California governor election. That’s according to the Public Policy Institute of California, which surveyed 986 likely voters earlier this month.
Posted inFood & Drink
Dying honey bees are threatening California’s economy. Can Central Valley lawmakers save them?
Honey bees, a crucial component of California’s agriculture, face several challenges to survival. Will the Legislature spend more money in a deficit year to try to address the problems facing the bees?
