Rob Bonta in the news as CA AG, 34th attorney general since 2021, longtime Democrat. Still shaping state legal fights and policy.
A coalition of 14 states and Pennsylvania's governor has filed a lawsuit against HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., challenging recent changes to US vaccine policies, including the removal of several childhood vaccines and the replacement of expert advisory members. The case raises concerns over public health and scientific integrity.
Federal authorities have withheld roughly $243 million in Medicaid funds from Minnesota over fraud concerns, prompting a lawsuit by the state. The move follows federal claims of misuse of funds, with Minnesota arguing the withholding is politically motivated and violates due process. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over Medicaid oversight and fraud enforcement.
The California Supreme Court temporarily blocks laws requiring parental notification of students' gender identity, siding with religious parents and educators. The ruling reinstates a lower court order, citing potential violations of religious freedoms and privacy rights, amid ongoing legal challenges and political debates over transgender student policies.
Paramount Skydance has outbid Netflix to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery for $111 billion, pending regulatory approval. The deal aims to combine major studios and streaming platforms, with ongoing concerns over market dominance, regulatory scrutiny, and potential impacts on the entertainment industry. The process faces delays and political considerations, but the deal is expected to close within 6 to 18 months.
Multiple lawsuits from states and companies challenge President Trump's recent tariffs, imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. Courts are ordered to review the legality of tariffs that aim to address trade deficits but are widely viewed as overreach. The White House defends the tariffs as lawful economic measures.
The Biden administration has authorized the restart of offshore oil pipelines off California, reversing state bans amid supply concerns caused by global tensions and the war in Iran. California officials oppose the move, citing legal and environmental issues, while the federal government emphasizes energy security and military readiness.
The Trump administration ordered the restart of the Santa Ynez offshore oil pipeline in California, citing national security and supply concerns. This move, opposed by California officials, follows a 2015 spill and legal battles over environmental regulations. The restart aims to address supply disruptions caused by California's restrictions and global oil market pressures.
Multiple US states and cities have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration's decision to revoke the 2009 endangerment finding, which classified greenhouse gases as threats to health and welfare. The move aims to reinstate climate protections and challenge deregulation efforts that could increase pollution and natural disaster risks.
Vermont's climate superfund law, designed to fund climate adaptation projects, faces legal challenges from industry groups claiming it oversteps state authority. The law, inspired by federal legislation, aims to hold polluters accountable but is contested by the federal government and industry groups, with potential implications for other states considering similar laws.
Prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi are experiencing rapid growth, with trading volumes reaching $20 billion monthly. Regulators and tribal leaders are raising concerns over legality, potential fraud, and the impact on regulated gambling industries, prompting investigations and calls for tighter oversight.
California has been the focus of ongoing investigations into Medicare and Medicaid fraud, with authorities charging 21 individuals for schemes involving stolen identities and fraudulent billing for hospice services. Despite prior efforts, fraud continues to be a significant issue, prompting federal and state agencies to intensify their crackdown efforts.
A federal jury has found Live Nation liable for monopolizing the concert industry and violating antitrust laws. The verdict follows a seven-week trial, with the jury determining that the company overcharged consumers and used its market dominance to benefit its own business. Judge Arun Subramanian will now decide on damages and remedies, including potential breakup or divestments.
A U.S. District Court has issued a preliminary injunction that prevents Nexstar and Tegna from merging amid ongoing legal challenges. The court finds that the merger is likely to harm competition, increase consumer costs, and reduce local journalism. The companies have already completed the deal but are now halted pending further legal proceedings.
California has qualified a proposal for a billionaire wealth tax, which supporters say will fund healthcare and education. Opponents warn it will trigger a mass exodus of the wealthy, leading to significant job and revenue losses. The measure now faces a voter referendum in November 2026.
State officials are calling for a court order to stop Sable Offshore from using a pipeline through Gaviota State Park. The pipeline has been idle since 2015 after a major spill, but the Biden administration has invoked the Defense Production Act to restart operations, citing national security and energy needs. Legal battles are intensifying as California authorities oppose the federal move, arguing it oversteps state rights. Sable has already produced over 1 million barrels and plans to increase output with new wells. The case highlights tensions between federal authority and state regulations amid ongoing energy security concerns.
California has filed a lawsuit alleging Amazon has engaged in illegal price-fixing practices by pressuring vendors to raise prices and coordinate with competitors. The case, initiated in 2022, is scheduled for trial in January 2027. The allegations include Amazon's efforts to manipulate prices on various products and platforms.
The California chapter of SEIU-UHW has backed a billionaire tax aimed at raising about $100 billion to fund healthcare and education. Supporters say the measure will offset federal cuts; critics warn it could prompt mass exodus of ultra-wealthy residents and harm job growth if approved for the November ballot.
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.
Universities UK-led polling shows VCs warn of staff redundancies and reduced outreach as funding pressures bite. Higher education leaders say government funding must better reflect the sector’s value, while student support could be at risk as hardship grants are reconsidered.