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President Trump Signs Executive Order to Limit State AI Regulations, Impacting California

President Trump Signs Executive Order to Limit State AI Regulations, Impacting California

President Trump has signed an executive order aimed at limiting state-level regulations on artificial intelligence (AI), a move that is expected to significantly impact California. The order directs federal agencies to challenge state AI laws that are inconsistent with federal policy, potentially affecting California's extensive AI regulatory framework. California, home to major AI companies like Google and OpenAI, has enacted more AI regulations than any other state. The order also threatens to withhold federal funding from states with stringent AI laws, such as California's $1.8 billion in broadband funding. The executive order follows a failed congressional attempt to preempt state AI laws and has been met with criticism from California lawmakers who argue it removes existing protections.
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New York may lose $73M in federal highway funds over flawed immigrant commercial driver's licenses

New York may lose $73M in federal highway funds over flawed immigrant commercial driver's licenses

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says New York routinely issues licenses to immigrants that may be valid long after they're legally authorized to be in the country and he threatened to withhold $73 million in highway funds unless the system is fixed
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USDA Criticizes California's Farmland Redistribution Plan for Potential Legal Issues

USDA Criticizes California's Farmland Redistribution Plan for Potential Legal Issues

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), led by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, has expressed concerns over a proposed plan by California Governor Gavin Newsom to address what is termed as a 'land equity crisis' in the state. The plan involves recommendations from the Agricultural Land Equity Task Force, which aims to ensure secure and affordable access to land for all people, particularly prioritizing producers who identify as Black, Hispanic, Asian, American Indian, or Alaskan native. Secretary Rollins has criticized the plan, stating that it unfairly targets hardworking farmers and could potentially violate the 5th and 14th amendments of the U.S. Constitution, as well as Proposition 209 of the California Constitution. Rollins has urged Governor Newsom to abandon the plan, warning of possible legal action if it proceeds.
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President Trump Signs Executive Order to Block State AI Regulations, Aiming to Streamline Industry

President Trump Signs Executive Order to Block State AI Regulations, Aiming to Streamline Industry

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order designed to prevent individual states from implementing their own regulations on artificial intelligence (AI). The order is intended to prevent a fragmented regulatory environment that could hinder the growth of the AI industry in the United States. Trump emphasized the need for a unified approach to AI regulation to compete effectively with China, which has a centralized system for AI governance. The executive order mandates the Attorney General to establish a task force to challenge state laws and instructs the Commerce Department to identify problematic regulations. Additionally, it threatens to withhold funding from states with restrictive AI laws. This move comes amid calls from Congress and civil rights groups for more oversight of AI technologies, which are increasingly influential in decisions affecting employment, housing, and healthcare.
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President Trump Proposes 'One-Rule' AI Regulation, Potentially Impacting California Laws

President Trump Proposes 'One-Rule' AI Regulation, Potentially Impacting California Laws

President Donald Trump has announced plans to implement a 'one-rule' regulatory model for artificial intelligence (AI), which could override existing state regulations, including those in California. This move is intended to streamline compliance for companies by eliminating the need to adhere to multiple state-specific laws. The proposal follows a leaked draft document that highlighted the complexity created by over 1,000 pieces of state legislation. California, under Governor Gavin Newsom, has been proactive in establishing AI regulations, such as Senate Bill 53, which mandates safety disclosures and whistleblower protections for AI companies. Other California laws include Assembly Bill 489, which governs AI in health advice, and SB 243, which regulates chatbots interacting with minors. The proposed federal regulation could lead to legal challenges, as it may conflict with California's existing laws.
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President Trump Signs Executive Order to Block State AI Regulations, Aiming to Streamline National AI Strategy

President Trump Signs Executive Order to Block State AI Regulations, Aiming to Streamline National AI Strategy

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to prevent individual states from implementing their own regulations on artificial intelligence (AI). The order is intended to prevent a fragmented regulatory environment that could hinder the U.S.'s competitive edge against China in AI development. The executive order mandates the Attorney General to form a task force to challenge state laws and directs the Commerce Department to identify problematic regulations. This move comes amid calls from Congress and civil rights groups for more oversight on AI, which is increasingly used in critical decision-making processes. The order also threatens to withhold federal funding from states that impose restrictive AI laws.
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Pescadero Secures $16.5 Million for Microgrid to Enhance Power Reliability

Pescadero Secures $16.5 Million for Microgrid to Enhance Power Reliability

Pescadero, a town in San Mateo County, California, has secured $16.5 million in funding to develop a microgrid. This initiative aims to address the frequent power outages that have plagued the area over the past two years. The microgrid will be the largest of its kind in California, designed to provide a more reliable power supply to the community. The funding will support the construction and implementation of this advanced energy system, which is expected to significantly reduce the impact of power failures on residents and businesses.
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Leslie Gotko, Beloved Educator and Community Figure, Passes Away at 79

Leslie Gotko, Beloved Educator and Community Figure, Passes Away at 79

Leslie Gotko, a cherished kindergarten teacher and community figure from Naperville, Illinois, passed away on November 27, 2025, at the age of 79. Known for her warmth, creativity, and dedication to education, Gotko touched the lives of many through her teaching career and community involvement. Born in 1945 in Connecticut and raised in California, she was deeply rooted in her family and community, often described as the 'glue' that held people together. Her career as a teacher was marked by her ability to connect with students and colleagues, leaving a lasting impact on those she encountered. Gotko is survived by her husband, Al, her children, grandchildren, and a large extended family who remember her fondly for her kindness and humor.
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Fintech Wealthfront valued at $2.63 billion in Nasdaq debut

Fintech Wealthfront valued at $2.63 billion in Nasdaq debut

By Prakhar Srivastava Dec 12 (Reuters) - Wealthfront's shares opened flat in their Nasdaq debut on Friday, valuing the automated digital wealth management company at $2.63 billion on a fully diluted basis, as investors remained selective in a crowded fintech listing.
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Vallarta Supermarkets Celebrates 40th Anniversary with Expansion and Philanthropy

Vallarta Supermarkets Celebrates 40th Anniversary with Expansion and Philanthropy

Vallarta Supermarkets Celebrates 40th Anniversary with Expansion and Philanthropy
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Regenerative Patch Technologies Begins Phase IIb Trial for Macular Degeneration Treatment

Regenerative Patch Technologies Begins Phase IIb Trial for Macular Degeneration Treatment

Regenerative Patch Technologies (RPT) has announced the treatment of the first two patients in a Phase IIb clinical trial aimed at assessing the safety and efficacy of its allogeneic bioengineered RPE cell implant for advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This trial, conducted at multiple sites in California, Illinois, and Texas, seeks to build on the safety and efficacy data from a previous Phase I/IIa study. The earlier trial showed promising results, with 27% of treated eyes experiencing significant visual acuity improvements. The Phase IIb trial will utilize a cryopreserved formulation of the implant, facilitating easier shipment and storage.
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Trump administration adds militarized zone in California along southern US border

Trump administration adds militarized zone in California along southern US border

The Trump administration is adding another militarized zone to the southern U.S. border to support border security operations — this time in California