California’s $17.5 billion prison system is over budget, contributing to a projected state deficit. Some groups want Gov. Gavin Newsom to close more prisons.
CalMatters
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Up to 61,000 truck drivers in California could soon lose their licenses. Here’s why
The Trump administration is cracking down on immigrants who drive trucks in California, creating new regulations and threatening to withhold millions in federal highway funding over alleged violations by the state’s DMV. Gov. Gavin Newsom says those allegations are a lie.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California is still in the red with another big budget deficit projected for next year
California’s independent legislative analyst is warning that the state faces a nearly $18 billion deficit. It is “critical” for lawmakers to rein in spending and increase revenues long term, he said.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Billionaire activist Tom Steyer joins race to succeed Newsom as California governor
Liberal billionaire Tom Steyer raised his profile as a foe to President Donald Trump when he spent $13 million on ads touting Proposition 50. Now, Steyer is jumping into the 2026 California governor’s race.
Posted inHousing & Development
One California city’s idea to tackle the housing crisis: Take the stairs
For YIMBYs and other champions of more housing development, ditching the extra staircase has become a surprisingly buzzy cause. In Culver City, they have a test case.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
They rely on landlines for emergencies. AT&T’s political moves in California could take those away
AT&T’s failed effort this year to retire copper landlines in parts of California seemed to have support from a diverse grassroots coalition. But many of the members had ties with the telecom giant, CalMatters found.
Posted inEducation
His students suddenly started getting A’s. Did a Google AI tool go too far?
Some teachers say that artificial intelligence tools, particularly Google Lens, have made it impossible to enforce academic integrity in the classroom — with potentially harmful long-term effects on students’ learning.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
What veto drama and a Texas trip tell us about a potential shift in California’s homelessness strategy
California is under pressure to embrace more temporary homeless shelters and programs that require sobriety, at the potential expense of long-term housing.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Rep. Nancy Pelosi announces retirement after 38 years in Congress
The decision by Rep. Nancy Pelosi, 85, to retire comes amid Democrats’ cries for a new generation of leadership and sets the stage for a showdown between a progressive challenger and a well-known moderate state senator.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Why a new California law could change the way all Americans browse the internet
Legislation recently enacted in California will make it easier for consumers nationwide to protect their data.