Many California prisoners get a second chance. A declining parole rate shows that’s no guarantee
CALmatters is a Sacramento-based nonpartisan, nonprofit journalism venture committed to explaining how California's state Capitol works and why it matters. It works with more than 130 media partners throughout the state that have long, deep relationships with their local audiences, including Embarcadero Media (publisher of the Palo Alto Weekly, Mountain View Voice, Pleasanton Weekly and The Almanac in Menlo Park and their websites.)
Here are the most recent stories reported by CALmatters' team of journalists:
A un año de los incendios en Los Ángeles, sobrevivientes siguen esperando por las aseguradoras y sin poder regresar a casa
A pesar de ya se han pagado miles de millones de dólares en reclamaciones, los incendios expusieron los problemas del atribulado mercado de seguros de California. Es probable que todos los asegurados vean un aumento en las primas.
Tue, Jan 13, 2026 1:14 pm
Trying to ‘Trump-proof’ California’s 2028 ballot
From CalMatters politics reporter Maya C. Miller: State lawmakers are already taking legislative steps to “Trump-proof” California’s elections, starting with a bill designed to keep President Donald Trump off of California’s ballot in 2028. The bill from Sen. Tom Umberg, a Santa Ana Democrat and chairperson of the Senate Judiciary Committee, would make it illegal […]
Tue, Jan 13, 2026 6:00 am
Here’s how we can stop LA firestorms from happening again
To avoid repeating last year’s urban blaze, we should fund fire-safe homes and neighborhoods, but politicians often are paying to thin out forests far from urban settings.
Tue, Jan 13, 2026 5:30 am
Candidate comment: California should make insurers cover homes if they insure cars or other items
Insurers sell auto insurance and other profitable products in California but choose to walk away from homeowners insurance when risk rises.
Tue, Jan 13, 2026 5:30 am
Newsom’s final budget faces a litany of political and financial challenges
With a dead-on-arrival budget draft, deep differences over revenues, chronic deficits and pressure to offset cuts in federal aid, it’s hard to even find a starting point.
Tue, Jan 13, 2026 5:00 am
Thousands of Californians rally after ICE shooting of Renee Good
Days after a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed a U.S. citizen in Minneapolis, Californians across the state took to the streets to voice their opposition against federal immigration enforcement tactics and President Donald Trump’s mass deportation campaign. Over the weekend thousands of demonstrators gathered in Sacramento, San Francisco and the Bay […]
Mon, Jan 12, 2026 6:00 am
California’s insurance laws are a regulatory mirage, failing fire survivors
The state’s law requiring fair treatment by insurers has largely been unenforced. Fire victims are left with delays, gaslighting and denials.
Mon, Jan 12, 2026 5:30 am
Candidate Comment: To fix insurance in California, be smart, honest and reasonable
Insurance rates will reflect climate change and consumers’ interests. Insurers will see faster, more efficient reviews and scrutiny of excessive rates.
Mon, Jan 12, 2026 5:30 am
OpenAI, childrens’ advocates join forces on initiative to protect kids from chatbots
ChatGPT maker OpenAI and Common Sense Media had rival ballot initiatives designed to protect kids from chatbots. Today they merged their efforts.
Fri, Jan 9, 2026 3:55 pmStay informed.
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