Growing up in the northeast San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles in the 1980s and 90s, you know what can happen if you don't completely cooperate with law enforcement. Even so, it was jarring last week when, despite clearly identifying myself as a U.S. senator, I was forcibly removed from...
Justice Dept. to Cut Two-Thirds of Inspectors Monitoring Gun Sales
WASHINGTON — The Justice Department plans to slash the number of inspectors who monitor federally licensed gun dealers by two-thirds, sharply limiting the government's already crimped capacity to identify businesses that sell guns to criminals, according to budget documents. The move, part of the Trump administration's effort to defang and...
Landlords Say They’re Struggling. Rents Keep Going Up. What Gives?
The landlords of New York City's 1 million rent-stabilized apartments, an important source of affordable housing, often say they aren't making enough money from rent to run their buildings. Some claim the situation is now so bad that it reminds them of the 1970s, when real estate values plummeted and...
CA Prison Union Strikes $600 Million Contract With Newsom That Includes Furloughs
This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. The union representing 25,000 California prison guards struck a deal for a new contract that gives Gov. Gavin Newsom some financial relief in the short term but includes a mix of bonuses and raises that would kick in...
Bay Area Transit Systems Want More Money. But Their Payrolls Soared as Ridership Declined
This commentary was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit five years ago, the state forced countless businesses to shut down and told millions of California workers to stay home. The abrupt interference with normalcy had many financial, social and political impacts. One...
Trump to Decide on US Action in Israel-Iran Conflict Within 2 Weeks, White House Says
WASHINGTON - The White House said on Thursday that President Donald Trump will make a decision on whether the U.S. will get involved in the Israel-Iran conflict in the next two weeks. Citing a message from Trump, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters: "Based on the fact that...
Tulare County Farmers Cry Foul Over Proposed Groundwater Fees
Tulare County farmers are incensed by a proposed new fee structure that they say will put the entire burden of state groundwater oversight across the San Joaquin Valley solely on their shoulders. It costs the state Water Resources Control Board about $5.5 million a year to oversee six basins in...
Canseco, Cheechoo to Sign Autographs When Chukchansi Cuts Ribbon on Top Golf
Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino will soon have a Top Golf simulator, and to celebrate the opening, the Madera County gaming hub will bring in two sports greats. On Wednesday, June 25, the public will have it first chance to tee off on the golf simulator at Chukchansi. In attendance:...
California Man Accused of Planting Cameras in Children’s Dance Studio Bathroom
A Torrance man has been charged with felony possession of child pornography and other crimes after hidden cameras were discovered inside a bathroom and changing room at a children’s dance studio where he worked, the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office said in a statement. Jourdyn Godoy, 24, was charged Tuesday...
Whatever Happened to the New Northwest Fresno Costco?
A grassroots group says the city botched an environmental report when it approved a proposed Costco in northwest Fresno. The group had its day in court on Wednesday. The expansive West Herndon Avenue lot where the mega-retailer wants to relocate its West Shaw Avenue store is empty. Not only has...