California tops today’s news: tax kicks on anti-weaponization fund payouts; Newsom keeps spotlight on policy. Governor since 2019.
Several wildfires are burning across Georgia and the Southeast, with containment improving in Brantley County while others persist; authorities warn the battles will extend for days as drought and wind drive spread.
A CNN review has resurfaced decade-old posts by Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, highlighting liberal views that diverge from her current moderate image. The posts include criticisms of rural voters and comments about cars, prompting criticisms from rivals while McMorrow defends the posts as normal for someone who has moved across the country.
California regulators have found hundreds of violations in State Farm’s handling of wildfire claims tied to the 2025 Eaton and Palisades fires. The investigation reviewed 220 claims and identified 398 state-law violations in 114 cases. Authorities seek penalties and potential license actions as part of broader reforms to post-disaster claims processing.
Dua Lipa has filed a lawsuit against Samsung in California, alleging copyright, trademark and right-of-publicity infringements linked to packaging that features her backstage photo. The suit seeks at least $15 million in damages and a permanent injunction.
Vice President JD Vance is on a high-profile tour in Iowa, linking economic messaging with support for Republican candidates. The trip follows a string of public missteps and signals potential presidential ambitions, while party dynamics and polling underline a tense path toward 2028.
The Western Cape and surrounding regions are facing a continued severe weather event with multiple Orange Warning levels for disruptive rainfall, possible floods, and damaging winds. Schools have already closed and transport services paused as much of the country tracks an advancing cut-off low and associated heavy rain through Tuesday.
Multiple retailers are pursuing aggressive restructurings as closures and rent cuts are demanded to stabilise finances. TG Jones, formerly WH Smith, could shutter up to 150 stores; Poundstretcher is considering administration without a plan; Carter’s is closing 150 locations as profits slip. These moves reflect a tougher high-street environment.
Pollution from the Tijuana River is flowing into U.S. waters, contaminating Southern California beaches, with millions of gallons of sewage-tainted water daily. U.S. and Mexican officials have signed agreements to accelerate cleanup, while concerns extend to Gibraltar’s lack of wastewater treatment.
Environmental groups say California's new plastic packaging rules weaken protections and plan to sue, arguing exemptions undermine the law; regulators defend the compromise as a meaningful step toward reducing waste while industry warns of higher costs and practical hurdles.
Record‑level and near‑record May temperatures have been reported across multiple regions this week — parts of England and Russia have hit unusually high temps while the eastern US has recorded low‑90s — even as eastern Australia is facing a major rain band. Forecasts show brief, intense heat will give way to fronts or rain in most places; Australia is also seeing El Niño odds rise for winter.
President has been speaking to reporters before a Coast Guard event, praising a GOP candidate while reiterating unproven claims of a ‘rigged’ California vote. He has tied mail-in ballots to perceived dishonesty and has urged the Coast Guard to reflect on its service. Legal challenges over a March executive order remain unresolved.
California has launched Golden State Start, a statewide program delivering 400 free diapers to all newborns discharged from participating hospitals. The initiative, run in partnership with Baby2Baby, is funded with about $20 million over current and next year and aims to ease early parenting costs. Critics question cost, governance, and potential ties to political networks.
Tom Steyer is under renewed pressure over his position on a moratorium for new data centers as voters weigh affordability and climate policy ahead of the June 2 primary. Greenpeace has disputed his current stance after his comments in a campaign survey.
California has reached a civil settlement with General Motors over the sale of driver data collected via OnStar, with GM to pay $12.75 million and restrictions on data use. The case, announced by Attorney General Rob Bonta, centers on the sale of location and driving data to data brokers between 2020 and 2024. Court approval is required for the payout and accompanying limits.
Instructure has said it has reached an agreement with the unauthorized actor behind the Canvas breach, with data copies reportedly destroyed. The incident disrupted exams and deadlines across thousands of schools and millions of users, prompting investigations and forensic work.
California has unveiled a revised $349.9 billion budget proposal that balances through 2027-28. It relies on stronger-than-forecast revenues from AI-driven growth while warning that structural deficits persist and that reserves will be used to stabilize budgets. The plan protects major programs and adds to rainy-day funds while preparing for possible volatility in capital gains.
Early mail ballots have surged in California ahead of the June 2 primary, with Republicans leading in early returns and Democrats tightening in second place. Data from Political Data Intelligence shows Republicans at 37% and Democrats at 41% of ballots returned, while independents/other make up 22%. Analysts caution that these numbers are early and may shift as campaigns unfold.
A California Superior Court has ruled that Kars4Kids has violated state false advertising and unfair competition laws by omitting how funds are allocated, revealing that much of its revenue supports Oorah Inc. in New York and Israel. The decision requires clear disclosures in ads and restitution to a donor who challenged the charity.
Waymo has issued a software recall affecting thousands of robotaxis after discovering a bug that could let cars drive into standing flood water. The action follows recent suspensions and flooded-road incidents across multiple markets as Waymo works to harden its software and improve weather safeguards.
Over the past weeks, Yosemite National Park has faced record crowds after scrapping the seasonal vehicle reservation system. Data show long entrance backups and crowded parking, with officials defending real-time traffic management while critics warn of gridlock and safety risks.
A California jury has found Elon Musk’s 2024 lawsuit against OpenAI, Sam Altman and Greg Brockman to be time-barred under the statute of limitations. The verdict, accepted by US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, clears OpenAI of liability over Musk’s claims that the nonprofit pivot to a for-profit structure harmed his early contributions. Musk plans to appeal; OpenAI edges toward an IPO path with Microsoft’s backing.
A fast-moving brush fire in Simi Valley has grown to multiple hundreds of acres, prompting evacuation orders for parts of Ventura County and Thousand Oaks as winds shift conditions. Firefighters are contending with windy, dry weather and ongoing containment efforts.
A busy bank holiday and Memorial Day weekend are driving record travel demand. UK and US transport bodies warn of heavy traffic, with millions on the roads, rail and air. High fuel prices persist, and border checks at Dover and long border queues are expected due to EES implementation and airport uncertainty.
The updates cover ongoing immigration issues across several countries: Colombia's tuition-free policy impact and its political transitions; U.S. courts discussing CDL authority and deportation matters; France dealing with deportation orders for immigrant students; and a U.S. judge ruling on entrapment in a voting case.
California Democrats confront national tensions as impeachment talk resurfaces. A California Democrat has said impeachment isn’t off the table, while Trump faces new legal and political pressure. The debate plays into a broader midterm calculu s as voters weigh leadership and accountability.
Meta has settled with Breathitt County School District in Kentucky over claims that its platforms fuel addictive behavior harming students. Terms are undisclosed; the suit sought more than $60 million for a 15-year mental health program. Settlements with TikTok, Snap and YouTube precede this accord, while other bellwether trials are scheduled.
California Gov. Newsom has argued that branded gasoline is pricier than unbranded fuel, citing state data as he calls for travelers to use cheaper unbranded gas ahead of Memorial Day. Chevron says most stations are independently owned and priced locally, and notes California’s high pump prices reflect state policies and costs.
A coalition of states and the federal government are clashing over anti-ICE measures and undercover enforcement rules. New York’s budget package tightens cooperation with federal immigration authorities, while other states and the DOJ have filed lawsuits or threatened legal action to defend or contest these policies.
A cross-section of recent reports shows infrastructure strains—from crumbling bridges in New York to parking crackdowns in Tahoe and traffic-adaptation debates in Berlin—driving policy responses and public safety concerns around the world.
A 14-year-old from Rancho Cucamonga has reached the National Spelling Bee semifinals after intensive coaching and online competition. He competes against a rival who relies on traditional dictionary study, while a veteran coach to past champions dominates the field.
Graham Platner has front-lined a Fight the Oligarchy rally in Portland, Maine, alongside Bernie Sanders, as he seeks the Democratic nomination for Maine Senate. He has faced questions over a resurfaced online history and a controversial post about a veteran. The event comes as his campaign confronts scrutiny of his past remarks.
A Nippon Dynawave Packaging tank ruptured at its Longview, Washington facility, causing multiple injuries and fatalities. Responders have declared a mass casualty scene; several patients have been transported to local hospitals as investigators assess the incident.
Older dancers, including the Rodeo City Wreckettes in Tucson, are shown benefiting from regular movement to music. Health professionals say dancing supports balance, mobility and brain health, while groups perform for memory-care patients and charity events.
Newsom has announced plans to levy a 100% state tax on payouts from Trump’s $1.776 billion “anti-weaponisation” fund, asserting the move can be enacted through legislation or a ballot measure. The fund is part of a settlement related to a lawsuit against the IRS. Bessent and Newsom have a history of public sparring.
Peter Thiel has been relocating activities abroad, purchasing property in Argentina and engaging with its leadership while his U.S. tax environment faces possible changes. Multiple outlets report the billionaire is exploring Argentina as a potential Plan B amid political and fiscal shifts at home.
Shrey Parikh, 14, from Rancho Cucamonga, has won the National Spelling Bee after a 32-word spell-off against Ishaan Gupta, setting a record for a 90-second round. The victory concludes a six-year run in competitive spelling and follows a prior miss in 2024. Parikh’s win includes a $50,000 prize and a Scripps Cup.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has moved to rescind the climate‑related disclosure rule, which had been paused amid litigation. The agency says the rule exceeds its statutory authority and imposes costs not justified by benefits, as environmental groups warn that investors will lose critical climate risk information.
Kamryn Renae has shared her ascent on the Pacific Crest Trail, including a May climb of Mount Whitney where illness forced her to camp near the summit. She was airlifted to hospital after succumbing to illness, later attributed to a water source, and was helped down by fellow hikers.
California has held its jungle primary on June 2, with about 60 gubernatorial candidates on a single ballot and the top two advancing to November. Polling has shown Xavier Becerra, Tom Steyer and Republican Steve Hilton competing for the two runoff slots while congressional races under a newly redrawn map are shaping Novembers fight for control of the House.
California voters head to the polls in a jungle primary for governor, with a three-way race for two runoff spots. Democrats lead in several races while Republicans hope to capitalize on the new district map and a crowded field.
A global study shows wildfires made up 38% of insured natural-hazard losses in 2025, more than hurricanes, earthquakes and floods combined. Total area burned was the second-lowest since 2002, while emissions fell to the third-lowest on record. Africa bears disproportionate damage, and aid for firefighting has been cut.