Tesla CEO Elon Musk praised India for successfully counting 640 million votes in just one day for their Lok Sabha elections. In contrast, California, with a significantly smaller population, is still struggling to tally the results of their presidential election which took place 18 days ago. Musk's post on X highlights the efficiency of India's electoral process and the shortcomings of the US system, which has led to a delay in vote counting in the most populous state.
With the median price of a single-family home in California reaching a staggering $868,150 in September, the state's high home prices have created a wealth gap that disproportionately affects communities of color. According to the Legislative Analyst's Office, the cost of buying a mid-tier home has increased by 84% since January 2020, making it unaffordable for the majority of Californians. This poses serious challenges for low-income households and people of color who are already struggling to keep up with the state's high cost of living. As California grapples with mounting economic divides, the need for affordable housing solutions becomes more urgent. Help us address this pressing issue by joining our year-end campaign to raise $50,000 and support local reporting on important issues like this.
A strong storm wreaked havoc across Northern California and the Pacific Northwest, causing road closures, evacuations, and power outages. The storm, which has already claimed two lives, is set to continue this weekend with more rain and snow expected. Meanwhile, on the East Coast, New York and New Jersey welcomed much-needed rain to help ease the rare wildfires that have been raging. Despite the chaos, the storm is also providing some relief to the drought-stricken region.
Hip-hop fans are buzzing after Kendrick Lamar released a surprise 12-track album, in which he seemingly references the ongoing Super Bowl controversy. The Compton, California rapper touches on fellow rapper Lil Wayne and the heated debate over the NFL's decision to choose him over Wayne for the 2025 Apple Music halftime show. In his lyrics, Lamar addresses his disappointment and the support he has received from fans following the announcement.
In a significant milestone for Native American women, California has approved the removal of the derogatory term "squaw" from the names of more than 30 locations across the state. Following a bill signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, the offensive term will be replaced by January 2025 in 15 counties, including roads, bridges, and fire stations. This move comes as part of a nationwide effort to address and replace derogatory terms in geographic features. The decision was made in consultation with California Native American tribes, acknowledging and respecting their history and culture.
Amid a surge in fall fires, firefighters in New York were able to safeguard over 160 homes from a stubborn wildfire near the New Jersey border thanks to a precautionary evacuation plan. Meanwhile, many communities in the Northeast are still under red flag alerts and facing hundreds of brush fires due to dry and windy conditions. California has also seen progress in containing a 32-square-mile wildfire that has destroyed over 245 structures. In response to the increase in brush fires, New York City’s Fire Department is setting up a task force to respond quickly and investigate the cause of these incidents.
AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal has accused the BJP of "desperately manipulating" voter lists and "eroding democracy" in Delhi elections. He also addressed the issue of misuse of central probe agencies and referenced his letter to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. While speaking, Kejriwal alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inducted corrupt leaders into his party using various tactics. The chief minister and other politicians expressed confidence that the people of Delhi will not fall for the BJP's conspiracies and will re-elect Kejriwal as the chief minister. However, California has taken some steps towards addressing racial disparities and discrimination, but direct cash payments to descendants of enslaved people have not been introduced yet.
A bill sponsored by Attorney General Rob Bonta in California to increase oversight of private equity investments in healthcare is facing opposition from the state's hospital association, the California Chamber of Commerce, and a national private equity advocacy group. The bill aims to regulate nonphysician employment of doctors and require private equity groups to obtain consent from the attorney general before purchasing healthcare businesses. Proponents of the bill, including consumer advocates and labor unions, argue that it would protect patients from potential negative effects of profit-driven private equity deals. A final vote on the bill is expected this month.
After facing multiple lawsuits for privacy violations and discrimination, Fox News Network is now facing a potential class action lawsuit under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). This comes after the network's parent company, Fox Corporation, revealed that personal information of its users was being shared with third parties without their consent. This latest incident could lead to significant financial and reputational damage for Fox News.
The Save Mart Companies, a major retail chain in California and Nevada, has announced plans for expansion through partnerships and new initiatives. With over 200 stores under multiple banners, the company is dedicated to sourcing local products and supporting communities. In addition to its retail business, the company also operates a refrigerated transport and is a partner in a distribution center and dairy processing plant. This move showcases the company's commitment to growth and innovation in the business world.