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Did Altadena’s unincorporated status play a role in safety lapses during the Eaton fire?
Unincorporated Altadena relied on county agencies during the 2025 fire. Most residents polled said they weren’t warned and never saw a firefighter.
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Data brokers have detailed files on you. Here’s what’s in them — and how it impacts you
Data brokers collect thousands of details about your finances, health and habits. See what’s in your profile, who buys it and how companies use it.
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Who’s buying your personal data: Disney, GM, your insurer and bank. Here’s what they get
Consumers asked a major data broker for their files. What they got back shows interest in how fat they are, how much they drink, and how likely they are to get a mammogram, among many other characteristics.
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California’s high cost of living places state near — but not at — the top in poverty rates
California no longer leads the nation in cost-adjusted poverty; it’s No. 2. Rivals will likely weaponize that status anyway should Gov. Gavin Newsom run for president.
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How the most powerful woman in California government is making her mark on the Legislature
While Sen. Monique Limón doesn’t have a blockbuster legislative victory to show for her first year as pro tem, her biggest win so far is her popularity with Senate colleagues. Unlike her predecessor, who was known as a micromanager, Limón’s egalitarian, “govern by consensus” approach has kept her caucus in lockstep.
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Will Californians back the billionaire tax? New poll shows a close race
Likely voters in California narrowly support Proposition 40, the hotly contested billionaire tax proposal — but slim majorities also support two billionaire-backed countermeasures that would nullify the big wealth tax. That’s according to a new poll of over 1,100 likely voters released last night by the Public Policy Institute of California with two months to…
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Renting Is $1,066 Cheaper Per Month Than Buying and Investing It Pays Off (August Rent Report)
In all 50 of the largest U.S. metros, the typical rent is less than the typical monthly homebuyer payment — giving renters a monthly advantage they can turn into long-term wealth.
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Metro Report Cards: Top and Bottom of the Class for Homebuilding and Affordability
The challenges facing prospective homebuyers are not uniform across the country: some places punch above their weight class in terms of homebuilding and subsequently offer more affordable homes to buyers, while others struggle to deliver new inventory and have housing markets that remain inaccessible to many.
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Markets Have Priced in a Fed Rate Hike This Week, But The Economic Case Is Far From a Slam Dunk
In A Nutshell: After last week’s inflation data, markets are almost certain a Fed rate hike is coming this Wednesday, but the economic case is far from a slam dunk. And the effect of a hike on mortgage rates is uncertain. Last Week’s Highlights The main event last week was Friday’s CPI data, which…
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Find a VotingMatters community discussion about California’s 2026 election near you
CalMatters is bringing its 2026 Voter Guide to life at more than 35 free, in-person events across California ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Here’s the full schedule — and how to host your own.
