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California Sees Significant Decrease in Homelessness Amid New Policies

California Sees Significant Decrease in Homelessness Amid New Policies

California has reported one of the largest decreases in homelessness over the past year, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The state's unhoused population decreased by nearly 3% in 2025, marking a significant achievement in Governor Gavin Newsom's efforts to address homelessness. This decrease is part of a broader national trend, with the overall U.S. homeless population declining for the first time since 2016. The report highlights the success of targeted housing and service resources, although the Trump administration has downplayed the decrease, citing a long-term increase in homelessness since 2013.

California holds crowded primary in race to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom

California holds crowded primary in race to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom

California voters are deciding who will advance in the race to replace Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom

California Air Resources Board Revises Carbon Market to Address Affordability Concerns

California Air Resources Board Revises Carbon Market to Address Affordability Concerns

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has decided to modify the state's carbon market, known as Cap-and-Invest, to alleviate financial pressures on the oil industry. This decision involves distributing up to $4 billion in free allowances to oil refiners and other industrial polluters, enabling them to comply with greenhouse gas limits. The move comes amid rising inflation and economic challenges, prompting similar actions in other states like New York and Massachusetts. The carbon market, which sets an annual cap on industrial greenhouse gas emissions, is crucial for California's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. However, the recent changes have sparked debate, with environmentalists criticizing the decision as a concession to the oil industry, while industry representatives support the revision. The board has directed staff to conduct further analysis before implementing the new allowances.

California contests for governor, LA mayor head toward primary election with no clear leaders

California contests for governor, LA mayor head toward primary election with no clear leaders

California heads toward an election Tuesday with its two marquee races defined by uncertainty, while a pair of outsider candidates looked to crack open the state’s durable Democratic hierarchy

What to watch in Tuesday's primaries as Democrats try to defend California and make inroads in Iowa

What to watch in Tuesday's primaries as Democrats try to defend California and make inroads in Iowa

California's governor race is lacking star power this year

California Gubernatorial Candidate Xavier Becerra Criticized by Former Colleagues for Lack of Support

California Gubernatorial Candidate Xavier Becerra Criticized by Former Colleagues for Lack of Support

Xavier Becerra, a leading candidate in the California gubernatorial race, has faced criticism from former colleagues for his perceived lack of personal connections and policy ideas. Despite being the frontrunner to replace Governor Gavin Newsom, Becerra has not received significant endorsements from his former congressional peers. A report highlights that two-thirds of the 25 California Democrats who served with Becerra in Congress have not endorsed him. Critics describe Becerra as aloof and lacking in courage, with some expressing surprise at his lack of a clear policy vision. Becerra, who has served as California's Attorney General and as Secretary of Health and Human Services, has framed his approach as open to negotiation, contrasting with his Democratic rival Tom Steyer.

Contests for California governor and LA mayor head toward primary election with no clear leaders

Contests for California governor and LA mayor head toward primary election with no clear leaders

California is heading toward an election with its two marquee races defined by uncertainty, while two outsider candidates are looking to crack open the state’s durable Democratic hierarchy

California Governor Race: Tight Contest as Becerra, Hilton, and Steyer Vie for Top Spots

California Governor Race: Tight Contest as Becerra, Hilton, and Steyer Vie for Top Spots

The California governor race is in its final stages, with Democrats Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer, along with Republican Steve Hilton, competing in a closely contested primary. The top-two primary system in California means the two candidates with the most votes, regardless of party affiliation, will advance to the November general election. Current polls show Becerra with a slight lead, but the race remains too close to call. The outcome will determine who will replace the term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom. The primary has seen significant attention due to the diverse backgrounds and platforms of the candidates, each offering different visions for California's future.

Union Challenges Newsom's Return-to-Office Mandate Using Environmental Law

Union Challenges Newsom's Return-to-Office Mandate Using Environmental Law

A union representing California state legal workers is challenging Governor Gavin Newsom's mandate for a return to office, citing the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The union argues that the mandate, which requires state employees to work in-office four days a week starting July 1, 2025, was not properly reviewed for environmental impacts. The union's letter to over 104 state agencies claims that the mandate will significantly increase commuting, leading to more car trips and air pollution. The California Environmental Quality Act, established in 1970, mandates environmental impact assessments for projects that could affect the environment. The union's legal representative, Richard Drury, insists that the state must conduct an environmental review before implementing the mandate.

Candidates for California governor and LA mayor scramble to pitch to voters in final days

Candidates for California governor and LA mayor scramble to pitch to voters in final days

The many candidates running for California governor have been rushing to deliver their closing arguments to voters in the race’s final days before the June 2 primary

Xavier Becerra Leads California Governor Primary Race

Xavier Becerra Leads California Governor Primary Race

Xavier Becerra, former Health and Human Services Secretary, is leading the California gubernatorial primary race according to a new poll. The poll shows Becerra with 28% support, while Democrat Tom Steyer and Republican Steve Hilton are in a close contest for second place. California's top-two primary system allows the two candidates with the most votes to advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation. The race has drawn national attention as current Governor Gavin Newsom is term-limited. The field includes a mix of Democrats and Republicans, with Becerra representing the traditional party establishment and Steyer running on a populist progressive platform.

California Air Resources Board Approves Controversial Cap-and-Invest Program Overhaul

California Air Resources Board Approves Controversial Cap-and-Invest Program Overhaul

The California Air Resources Board has approved significant changes to the state's cap-and-invest program, a key component of its climate strategy. The program, which was initially launched in 2013, requires major polluters to purchase emissions allowances, with the revenue funding various public projects. The recent overhaul includes the removal of millions of pollution permits and the introduction of a new incentive pool, which critics argue undermines the program's core mission. The changes are intended to prevent industries from leaving the state by offering more free permits, but this has sparked concerns about reduced funding for essential programs. The decision follows extensive feedback from various stakeholders, including environmental groups and industry representatives.