CalMatters

San Diego’s art scene is one of most vibrant in the country, but its luster is dimming, as public funding dries up and artists’ pay falls behind the curve amid soaring housing costs and inflation. cal.news/45koMBX 📸 Amy Harris, AP

With proposals to tax the rich, Gavin Newsom is playing to a 2028 national audience anxious about artificial intelligence. As governor, he’s walked a fine line on taxes for years. cal.news/4hrrtZK 📸 Manuel Orbegozo

California is taking the Trump administration to court a third time over its attempts to tie crucial emergency preparedness funding to the president’s preferences on immigration enforcement and election administration. cal.news/4gU2ONs 📸 Jules Hotz

Between 2020 and 2025, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has spent nearly $50 million on “fire watch” staffing costs. cal.news/4wBy5cE 📸 Manuel Orbegozo

California law already allows defendants to cite abuse they experienced and call in expert witnesses who can explain how their suffering affected their behavior. cal.news/4fATGdZ 📸 Martin do Nascimento

In a surprising role reversal, at least in image, the traditionally plodding L.A. County government looks more urgent and creative than L.A. City Hall. calmatters.org/commentary/202…

Environmental groups are demanding the resignation of the Board of Environmental Safety’s newest member, Rhys Williams, because of his work as a lobbyist for a firm that represents clients that handle toxic materials. cal.news/4whtLPJ 📸 Miguel Gutierrez Jr.

The grizzly bear on California’s flag went extinct a century ago in the Golden State. Now, a group of tribes and environmentalists is urging the Legislature to study whether it’s possible to bring them back. cal.news/4pyKn37 📸 Jim Peaco

California needs to ramp up reforestation to keep pace with wildfires — instead, funding and staff keep shrinking. calmatters.org/environment/wi…

As the state’s residents prepare to vote for a new insurance commissioner in November, here’s a look at a few common myths about insurance in California. cal.news/4ffvgIf 📸 Jules Hotz

Lawmakers are now debating whether to spend the leftover interest on an unrelated energy program — instead of finishing the job schools were promised. cal.news/4x053U5 📸 Al Seib

A Cal State University president who stepped down following a multi-million dollar settlement in a case accusing him of gender-based discrimination and harassment will earn a six-figure salary this coming year while he’s in between jobs. cal.news/4fgB4Bg 📸 via CSU

The top maverick voter is Assemblymember Greg Wallis, a Republican representing the Rancho Mirage area. He broke from his party 8% of the time. It’s a reflection of how competitive his district is. cal.news/4wSE5xp 📸 Fred Greaves

The Trump administration is trying to lock down immigration detention capacity in California despite opposition from the state's Democratic leaders. cal.news/4vSoCge

Environmental groups are demanding the resignation of the Board of Environmental Safety’s newest member, Rhys Williams, because of his work as a lobbyist for a firm that represents clients that handle toxic materials. cal.news/4whtLPJ 📸 Miguel Gutierrez Jr.

Only a few days left to double your donation in our 11th anniversary drive. Fund independent reporting that helps you vote with confidence, follow the facts and hold the powerful accountable. Please give today. cal.news/11thanniversar…

It’s an admission that lawyers for the research professors say is proof that the agencies illegally cancelled nearly $2 billion in grants. cal.news/4wffzGT 📸 Adriana Heldiz

The grizzly bear on California’s flag went extinct a century ago in the Golden State. Now, a group of tribes and environmentalists is urging the Legislature to study whether it’s possible to bring them back. cal.news/4pyKn37 📸 Jim Peaco

Should California landlords be required to rent to tenants with federal housing vouchers? They are under state law, but a Sacramento-based property manager is contesting that requirement in court. cal.news/4x0WQz1 📸 Anne Wernikoff

San Diego’s art scene is one of most vibrant in the country, but its luster is dimming, as public funding dries up and artists’ pay falls behind the curve amid soaring housing costs and inflation. cal.news/45koMBX 📸 Amy Harris, AP