Project Spotlight
Locked up and dying
California jails are holding fewer people, but they are deadlier places than ever.
California Voices
Fight over LA warehouse brought Lincoln Heights together
Newton: The neighborhood recently notched a key victory, displaying the value of community organizing for a just cause.
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.
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.
Nonpartisan, independent California news for all
We’re CalMatters, your nonprofit and nonpartisan news guide.
Our journalists are here to empower you and our mission continues to be essential.
- We are independent and nonpartisan. Our trustworthy journalism is free from partisan politics, free from corporate influence and actually free for all Californians.
- We are focused on California issues. From the environment to homelessness, economy and more, we publish the unfettered truth to keep you informed.
- We hold people in power accountable. We probe and reveal the actions and inactions of powerful people and institutions, and the consequences that follow.
But we can’t keep doing this without support from readers like you. Plus, right now in our year-end drive donations are tripled to triple-your-impact.
Please give what you can today. Every gift helps.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
CALIFORNIA VOICES
Guest Commentary
Why mountain meadows should be a priority for California’s new climate bond
More than half of California’s Sierra meadows have been degraded or lost. Given their vital role assisting with water storage, carbon sequestration and providing a habitat to wildlife, investments from the newly passed Proposition 4 could boost ongoing restoration work.
Political division only benefits Trump, billionaires. Why Californians need to come together
Many post-election reactions blamed Democrats for certain beliefs or policies, but these narratives overlooked the ways billionaires sought to divide voters. A new group wants to bring Californians who are sick of politics but believe in inclusive values together.
Why California needs to double-down on its apprenticeship programs
Almost every sector faces a “skills gap.” California has made strides to build up its apprenticeship programs and should double-down to help sustain an innovative economy.
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
Tax loopholes cost California and its cities $107 billion but get little scrutiny
California would have 45% more for its budget if certain tax breaks, called tax expenditures, were eliminated, a fiscal consultant for the Legislature said.
2024 ELECTIONS
VotingMatters
See what CalMatters is doing across California to help voters cast their ballots in November.