PROFILE
FROM Liam Dillon
Inheriting property tax exemptions: Who wins, who loses? In California, when people inherit a house from their parents, they can also get the low property taxes that came with it. That’s because of a special state law. An LA Times investigation looks at how some of the state’s wealthiest families are reaping the benefits -- at the expense of school districts, cities, and counties.
New California laws on soda and internet privacy protections Governor Jerry Brown on Thursday signed a sweeping bill to expand internet privacy protections -- a move that could ripple out to the rest of the country. The governor also signed a more than 10-year ban on new local soda taxes. Also, a dozen ballot measures have now qualified for the November ballot. Voters will be able to decide on repealing the gas tax, expanding rent control, and requiring all eggs sold in California to come from cage-free chickens.
$2 billion in homeless funding not spent California lawmakers passed a $2 billion bond two years ago that was supposed to be spent on building housing for the homeless. So far, not one cent of that money has been spent.
To meet climate goals, California needs more housing near mass transit A report by climate change experts says California needs more density if we want to meet our greenhouse gas reduction goals. That means changing our lifestyle -- drive less, walk more and use public transportation.
What happens when the levees break? Northern California is feeling a little relief today after days of rainfall. Integral to the state’s protection from flooding is a vast system of levees; California relies on more than 13,000 miles of them. According to experts, the levees may not be up to the task of managing all the water from the recent storms.
Is CA spending its money on the right things? Governor Jerry Brown has admitted that there’s less money than there should be in California’s coffers. In fact, the state is projected to run a $1.6 billion deficit by next summer. So scholarships for middle class college students are on the chopping block.
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Terrorism in London: Lessons for the US This weekend’s terrorist attack in London left seven people dead and almost 50 injured. London police fatally shot the attackers, and ISIS claimed responsibility.
Previewing James Comey's blockbuster testimony Former FBI director James Comey testifies Thursday in front of the Senate Intelligence Committee, but his opening statement has been released. In it, he says he felt pressured by Donald Trump to declare loyalty to him and publicly clear him of any wrongdoing in the Russia investigation.
Jordan Peele: Get Out Comedian Jordan Peele joins Elvis Mitchell to discuss his directorial debut Get Out. (REPEAT)
Why did Jared Kushner want a back channel with Russians? News broke Friday that President Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor, Jared Kushner, tried setting up a back channel between the Trump transition team and the Russian government. What are the consequences for Kushner, President Trump, and the investigation into Russian meddling?