Student math scores are abysmal. A new California law requires early testing for skills
CalMattersby Carolyn Jones7d ago
In summary A new math test will assess basic math skills for all K-2 students to help identify those who are struggling.
CalMatters
calmatters.orgadded August 2026
top 77%Opinion | Neither LA mayoral candidate has a compelling answer to the affordability crisis
CalMattersby Jim Newton7d ago
In Los Angeles, Karen Bass and Nithya Raman have both vowed that they would stress affordability if elected to serve as the city’s next mayor.
New California law restricts undercover police operations targeting youth
CalMattersby Cayla Mihalovich7d ago
In summary Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law limiting the use of so-called Perkins operations against young people. The undercover stings are under scrutiny at the California Supreme Court. Gov.
Opinion | Hilton blames Democrats. Becerra blames Trump. Little was learned in governor's race debate
CalMattersby Dan Walters7d ago
The first and probably only face-to-face debate between the two candidates for California governor Wednesday night established its pattern right off the bat.
It was their only scheduled debate. Becerra and Hilton talked mostly about Trump
CalMattersby Jeanne Kuang7d ago
In summary In their only debate, Xavier Becerra repeatedly linked Steve Hilton to President Donald Trump — while Hilton accused him of dodging California’s real problems.
California restricts parole for sex offenders after near-release of 2 convicted of molestation
CalMattersby Nigel Duara7d ago
In summary People convicted of serious sex offenses must serve at least 25 years in prison and cannot receive parole until age 65 under a new California. Previously, some could earn parole at 50.
Newsom signs low offering tax breaks to California local news companies
CalMattersby Nadia Lathan7d ago
In summary Gov. Gavin Newsom approved a novel tax plan to keep California’s shrinking newsrooms afloat. It provides incentives for companies to hire journalists.
On AI, Newsom gives labor only some of what it demanded
CalMattersby Khari Johnson7d ago
In summary The governor signed legislation to limit how workers can be terminated, overridden, or surveilled by artificial intelligence.
What bills did Gavin Newsom sign into law — or veto — in his final year leading California?
CalMattersby CalMatters Staff7d ago
In summary California lawmakers sent Gavin Newsom hundreds of bills in his final months as governor.
California bans child marriage after 9-year fight to outlaw the practice
CalMattersby Lynn La and Nadia Lathan7d ago
In summary Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law prohibiting marriage for people under 18. Liberal civil rights organizations fought previous efforts to ban the practice. Gov.
Newsom just signed California’s anti-monopoly bill. Big business watered it down
CalMattersby Kate Wolffe7d ago
In summary Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1776 on Wednesday, modernizing state antitrust legislation.
Some California schools were confused about K-12 arts funding. A new law adds clarity
CalMattersby Carolyn Jones8d ago
In summary Some school officials were confused about how they could and could not spend their arts education money. A new law provides more guidance.
Why CA's poverty rate is second only to Louisiana
CalMattersby Ben Christopher8d ago
The rent, as we all know, is too damn high. So is California’s poverty rate. The two things are related.
Abortion pills to be offered at California community college health centers under new law
CalMattersby Noelle Doblado and Skylar Stock8d ago
In summary Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law Sunday requiring California community colleges with health centers to provide access to abortion medication starting in 2029.
Opinion | California's hallmark economic sectors are confronting threats to their survival
CalMattersby Dan Walters8d ago
California’s economy is not only one of the world’s largest at more than $4 trillion but one of its most diverse. No single industry dominates.
Opinion | LA can make the Olympics cleaner and greener than the World Cup
CalMattersby Fiona Hines8d ago
With the fanfare from this summer’s World Cup long subsided, and that monthlong test of logistics and coordination behind it, Los Angeles is getting ready to host the Olympics in less than two...
California’s high-speed rail authority made a legislative wishlist. It mostly stalled out
CalMattersby Yue Stella Yu8d ago
In summary California’s high-speed rail authority wanted state lawmakers to cut red tape and raise more revenue to keep the train project on track.
A new California law will prohibit sales of disposable vapes. Here's why
CalMattersby Lynn La8d ago
In summary Gov. Newsom signed a law prohibiting the sale of disposable vapes, a measure meant to prevent lithium battery fires at landfills and recycling centers.
New California law frees up funds for sober homeless housing
CalMattersby Marisa Kendall8d ago
In summary The new California law intends to free up state funds for housing that requires residents to stay sober. Gov.
Data from 911 calls at ICE detention centers must be disclosed under new California law
CalMattersby Wendy Fry8d ago
In summary Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law compelling the release of information about 911 calls from immigrant detention centers. It followed CalMatters’ reporting about alleged rapes at one site.