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CalMatters @CalMatters

Your nonprofit & nonpartisan state newsroom dedicated to explaining how government impacts our lives.

Joined November 2014
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  • Followers 51,307
8,259 Photos and videos
California’s public defense system is broken. A new commission wants to fix it calmatters.org/investigation…

New commission takes aim at California’s broken public defense system

A CalMatters investigation last year found that criminal defendants across the state are routinely convicted without anyone investigating the charges against them.

calmatters.org
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Current state lawmakers dominated fundraising in races for California’s little-known Board of Equalization, drawing heavily from interests with business before the Legislature. cal.news/4ow6Vko 📸 Fred Greaves
State Sen. Shannon Grove speaks before other lawmakers during a floor session at the state Capitol in Sacramento on April 24, 2025. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters

ALT State Sen. Shannon Grove speaks before other lawmakers during a floor session at the state Capitol in Sacramento on April 24, 2025. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters
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Inside the newsroom: CalMatters won five of this year’s @SacPressClub Golden State Journalism Awards, for public health reporting, criminal justice reporting, education reporting, courage in journalism and impact in journalism. cal.news/3S2JnHQ
A graphic announcing awards for CalMatters reporters Adam Echelman, Marisa Kendall, Byrhonda Lyons, Sergio Olmos, Anat Rubin, Jocelyn Wiener and Erica Yee. The graphic includes the Sacramento Press Club logo. The design features a black and orange gradient with a yellow and teal geometric accent and large white text.

ALT A graphic announcing awards for CalMatters reporters Adam Echelman, Marisa Kendall, Byrhonda Lyons, Sergio Olmos, Anat Rubin, Jocelyn Wiener and Erica Yee. The graphic includes the Sacramento Press Club logo. The design features a black and orange gradient with a yellow and teal geometric accent and large white text.
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Opinion | As Gavin Newsom tries to wrap up his governorship and segue into an almost certain presidential campaign, his differences with today’s legislative leaders — again over priorities — are on display. cal.news/44ieGRv 📝 Dan Walters 📸 Miguel Gutierrez Jr.
Gov. Gavin Newsom addresses the media during a press conference unveiling his revised 2026-27 budget proposal at the Capitol Annex Swing Space in Sacramento on May 14, 2026. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

ALT Gov. Gavin Newsom addresses the media during a press conference unveiling his revised 2026-27 budget proposal at the Capitol Annex Swing Space in Sacramento on May 14, 2026. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters
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Opinion | When California tells people to leave, it must have a plan for people who cannot leave on their own. Disabled, elderly, homebound and medically fragile people are not afterthoughts. cal.news/4a4ujzD 📝 Kelley Barrett 📸 Jill Connelly, AP
People line up for dinner at an evacuation center in Fountain Valley on May 23, 2026, following a chemical tank emergency in Garden Grove. Photo by Jill Connelly, AP Photo

ALT People line up for dinner at an evacuation center in Fountain Valley on May 23, 2026, following a chemical tank emergency in Garden Grove. Photo by Jill Connelly, AP Photo
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Update: California lawmakers adopted a $356 billion state budget late Monday that would largely avoid or delay billions of dollars in social service cuts Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed last month. cal.news/4ou4Jd8 📸 Miguel Gutierrez Jr. & Fred Greaves
From left, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel and state Sen. John Laird. Photos by Miguel Gutierrez Jr. and Fred Greaves for CalMatters. HED: Update: California Democrats approve budget deal, opening negotiations with Newsom

ALT From left, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel and state Sen. John Laird. Photos by Miguel Gutierrez Jr. and Fred Greaves for CalMatters. HED: Update: California Democrats approve budget deal, opening negotiations with Newsom
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Mental health professionals at Kaiser are raising concerns about an artificial intelligence tool that records medical appointments, saying it should have more safeguards. cal.news/4edmmKN 🎨 Roxsy Lin
An illustrated composite image shows two people in conversation, one taking notes while the other appears distressed. Audio waveforms, a microphone icon and the word “REC” are layered over the scene, suggesting a recorded or transcribed discussion. Illustration by Roxsy Lin, American Community Media

ALT An illustrated composite image shows two people in conversation, one taking notes while the other appears distressed. Audio waveforms, a microphone icon and the word “REC” are layered over the scene, suggesting a recorded or transcribed discussion. Illustration by Roxsy Lin, American Community Media
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State officials have found they are using six high-risk AI-like systems. One year ago, they reported using zero. Here's what the systems are used for: cal.news/3Qq7fEL
Every year, California agencies report to the state technology department on their use of "high-risk" decision systems. The seal of the State of California on the Edmund G. Brown Jr. State Office Building in San Francisco on Jan. 28, 2022. Photo by Martin do Nascimento for CalMatters

ALT Every year, California agencies report to the state technology department on their use of "high-risk" decision systems. The seal of the State of California on the Edmund G. Brown Jr. State Office Building in San Francisco on Jan. 28, 2022. Photo by Martin do Nascimento for CalMatters
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The state of California is walking back protections meant to keep destructive golden mussels out of Lake Oroville, one of the largest and most important reservoirs in the state. cal.news/4vPyibM 📸 Fred Greaves
A sampling plate covered with golden mussels that was removed from the Stockton Channel at the Port of Stockton on Oct. 23, 2025. Detection plates are used to monitor the spread and density of golden mussels. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters

ALT A sampling plate covered with golden mussels that was removed from the Stockton Channel at the Port of Stockton on Oct. 23, 2025. Detection plates are used to monitor the spread and density of golden mussels. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters
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California lawmakers are holding up money the Newsom administration requested for a nationwide driver license database over concerns that the information could lead to deportations. cal.news/4vIRojv 📸 Larry Valenzuela
The sign above the front desk of the Department of Motor Vehicles in central Fresno on Dec. 13, 2022. Photo by Larry Valenzuela for CalMatters

ALT The sign above the front desk of the Department of Motor Vehicles in central Fresno on Dec. 13, 2022. Photo by Larry Valenzuela for CalMatters

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The Trump administration has barred Los Angeles County’s main homelessness agency from accessing federal funds while it investigates the agency’s alleged “wanton mismanagement of public funds.” cal.news/4eDoiMM 📸 Patrick T. Fallon
A worker with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) helps a person experiencing homelessness move a cart with their possessions in Los Angeles on on Jan. 28, 2021. Photo by Patrick T. Fallon, AFP via Getty Images

ALT A worker with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) helps a person experiencing homelessness move a cart with their possessions in Los Angeles on on Jan. 28, 2021. Photo by Patrick T. Fallon, AFP via Getty Images

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Breaking: Gov. Gavin Newsom said the Trump administration appears to be investigating him and his wife, a step that the Democrat said is meant to intimidate him as he considers a run for president. cal.news/4xCJVV9 📷️ Mark Schiefelbein, AP Photo
President Donald Trump listens to Gov. Gavin Newsom after arriving on Air Force One at Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles on Jan. 24, 2025. Photo by Mark Schiefelbein, AP Photo. HED: Newsom says he’s on Trump’s ‘hit list’ as Justice Department interviews governor’s friends

ALT President Donald Trump listens to Gov. Gavin Newsom after arriving on Air Force One at Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles on Jan. 24, 2025. Photo by Mark Schiefelbein, AP Photo. HED: Newsom says he’s on Trump’s ‘hit list’ as Justice Department interviews governor’s friends

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Opinion | The evidence of harm to young users — in terms of mental health, exposure to dangerous content and vulnerability to exploitation — is no longer theoretical. cal.news/4uI7byd 📝 Samuel Chapman 📸 Shae Hammond
Teenagers look at their phones at Santana Row in San Jose on July 2, 2024. Photo by Shae Hammond, Bay Area News Group

ALT Teenagers look at their phones at Santana Row in San Jose on July 2, 2024. Photo by Shae Hammond, Bay Area News Group
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Opinion | Access to truth requires trusted news organizations. It requires journalists who understand the communities they serve. It requires institutions that can endure. cal.news/4glX9iA 📝 Martin Reynolds 📸 Loren Elliott
Members of the media gather for a press conference in Oakland on Sept. 26, 2023. Photo by Loren Elliott for CalMatters

ALT Members of the media gather for a press conference in Oakland on Sept. 26, 2023. Photo by Loren Elliott for CalMatters

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Current state lawmakers dominated fundraising in races for California’s little-known Board of Equalization, drawing heavily from interests with business before the Legislature. cal.news/4ow6Vko 📸 Fred Greaves
State Sen. Shannon Grove speaks before other lawmakers during a floor session at the state Capitol in Sacramento on April 24, 2025. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters

ALT State Sen. Shannon Grove speaks before other lawmakers during a floor session at the state Capitol in Sacramento on April 24, 2025. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters
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California lawmakers are expected to adopt a $356 billion state budget today that would largely avoid or delay billions of dollars in social service cuts Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed last month. cal.news/4ewG8jw 📸 Miguel Gutierrez Jr. & Fred Greaves
From left, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel and state Sen. John Laird. Photos by Miguel Gutierrez Jr. and Fred Greaves for CalMatters

ALT From left, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel and state Sen. John Laird. Photos by Miguel Gutierrez Jr. and Fred Greaves for CalMatters

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State officials have found they are using six high-risk AI-like systems. One year ago, they reported using zero. Here's what the systems are used for: cal.news/3Qq7fEL
Every year, California agencies report to the state technology department on their use of "high-risk" decision systems. The seal of the State of California on the Edmund G. Brown Jr. State Office Building in San Francisco on Jan. 28, 2022. Photo by Martin do Nascimento for CalMatters

ALT Every year, California agencies report to the state technology department on their use of "high-risk" decision systems. The seal of the State of California on the Edmund G. Brown Jr. State Office Building in San Francisco on Jan. 28, 2022. Photo by Martin do Nascimento for CalMatters

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California Senate Democrats want to put the brakes on a new program by Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration that steers free pollution permits to oil refineries and other major polluters. cal.news/4eiHY7r 📸 Miguel Gutierrez Jr.
Gov. Gavin Newsom in Sacramento on Feb. 11, 2026. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

ALT Gov. Gavin Newsom in Sacramento on Feb. 11, 2026. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

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For the first time since California insurance commissioner became an elected position, two Democrats will vie for the job in November. Keeping insurance available but affordable will be the most pressing issue. cal.news/4upJBpO 📸 Beth LaBerge & California State Senate
From left, insurance commissioner candidates Jane Kim and Ben Allen. Photos by Beth LaBerge, KQED, and the California State Senate

ALT From left, insurance commissioner candidates Jane Kim and Ben Allen. Photos by Beth LaBerge, KQED, and the California State Senate

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The federal government is set to expand financial aid for students in short-term job training programs starting July 1, but Californians may have to wait until the fall to benefit because of administrative and regulatory challenges. cal.news/43OqB9P 📸 Larry Valenzuela
Students measure a part of a tractor engine in their agricultural mechanics class at Reedley College in Reedley on Sept. 11, 2024. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

ALT Students measure a part of a tractor engine in their agricultural mechanics class at Reedley College in Reedley on Sept. 11, 2024. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

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