Category Archives: Politics and Governance

Los Angeles

Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Pleads Guilty to Faking City Hall Bomb Threat

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A former deputy mayor in Los Angeles is facing sentencing Monday after pleading guilty to falsely reporting a bomb threat to City Hall last year. Brian K. Williams, 61, of Pasadena, admitted in June to a single federal count of making threats involving fire and explosives.

Story Highlights

  • Brian K. Williams, former deputy mayor of Los Angeles, pleaded guilty to faking a bomb threat at City Hall.

  • Threat reported on Oct. 3, 2024; Williams falsely claimed an anonymous caller threatened City Hall over the city’s support of Israel.

  • LAPD searched Los Angeles City Hall but found no explosives; the call was fabricated.

  • Williams retired quietly in April 2025 and admitted no intent to carry out the threat.

  • Previously served under Mayor James Hahn and as executive director of the Los Angeles County Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission.

  • FBI emphasized the breach of trust and responsibility for public safety officials in Los Angeles.

Williams’ actions sent shockwaves through Los Angeles city government, raising concerns about the integrity of public safety leadership. While serving as Mayor Karen Bass’ deputy mayor of public safety, Williams claimed he received a bomb threat on his city-issued phone from an unknown caller on Oct. 3, 2024.

According to his plea agreement, about ten minutes after the alleged call, Williams sent a text message to Mayor Bass and other top city officials. In the message, he wrote:

“Bomb threat: I received phone call on my city cell at 10:48 am this morning. The male caller stated that he was tired of the city support of Israel, and he has decided to place a bomb in City Hall. It might be in the rotunda. I immediately contacted the chief of staff of LAPD; they are going to send a number of officers over to do a search of the building and to determine if anyone else received a threat.”

Williams continued to update officials throughout the morning. In one message, he reassured them that no evacuation was necessary, stating:

“At this time, there is no need for us to evacuate the building. I’m meeting with the threat management officers within the next 10 minutes. In light of the Jewish holidays, we are taking this threat a little more seriously. I will keep you posted.”

Responding quickly, Los Angeles Police Department officers arrived at City Hall to investigate. The building was searched thoroughly, but no suspicious packages or devices were found. Williams showed officers the record of the incoming call, which appeared as a blocked number.

Federal prosecutors revealed, however, that the incoming call was not from a threatening caller. It was a call that Williams had placed to himself from his personal cell phone. At no time did Williams intend to carry out the threat.

Williams quietly retired from Los Angeles city government in April 2025. Prior to his departure, he had been placed on administrative leave while the FBI launched an investigation into the bomb threat.

Williams joined Mayor Bass’ office in March 2023 and worked closely with critical safety departments, including the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles World Airports police, and emergency services. Before this role, he spent seven years as executive director of the Los Angeles County Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission. He also previously served as a deputy mayor under Mayor James Hahn, overseeing the Department of Transportation, Public Works, and Information Technology Agency.

Akil Davis, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles bureau, said:

“Mr. Williams, the former deputy mayor of public safety for Los Angeles, not only betrayed the residents of Los Angeles but also responding officers and the integrity of the office itself by fabricating a bomb threat.”

He added, “Government officials are held to a heightened standard as we rely on them to safeguard the city. I’m relieved that Mr. Williams has taken responsibility for his inexplicable actions.”

The case highlights the severe consequences of misusing positions of authority in Los Angeles and the importance of maintaining trust in city leadership.

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Gavin Newsom Calls Trump’s Oregon Deployment a “Dangerous Abuse of Power”

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California Governor Gavin Newsom has sharply condemned the Trump Administration’s latest move to deploy 300 California National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon — a decision that came just after a federal court blocked President Trump’s attempt to federalize Oregon’s own National Guard.

In a strongly worded statement, Gavin Newsom accused the administration of crossing a dangerous constitutional line. “This is a breathtaking abuse of the law and power,” he said, adding that the President’s actions amounted to an assault on the rule of law itself.

“This isn’t about public safety, it’s about power,” Newsom declared. “The commander-in-chief is using the U.S. military as a political weapon against American citizens.”

Story Highlights

  • Court Blocks Trump’s Order: A federal judge stopped Trump’s attempt to federalize Oregon’s National Guard, citing constitutional violations.
  • California Troops Sent to Oregon: Despite the ruling, the Trump Administration ordered 300 California National Guard troops to Portland.
  • Gavin Newsom’s Reaction: The California Governor called the move an “abuse of power” and vowed to challenge it legally.
  • Judicial Rebuke: A Trump-appointed federal judge criticized the administration’s justification, saying it risked “blurring the line between civil and military power.”

The controversy began when the federal district court issued a ruling against Trump’s plan to assume control over Oregon’s National Guard. The court emphasized that such an action had no constitutional basis and would undermine the delicate balance between state and federal authority.

In defiance of that decision, the Trump Administration redirected 300 members of the California National Guard—troops who had previously been federalized during earlier unrest in Los Angeles—to Oregon. According to state officials, those original conditions have long since subsided, raising questions about the need and legality of this new deployment.

The federal judge, who was appointed by Trump himself, issued a stern rebuke of the administration’s rationale. “This historical tradition boils down to a simple proposition: this is a nation of Constitutional law, not martial law,” the court wrote. “Defendants have made a range of arguments that, if accepted, risk blurring the line between civil and military federal power — to the detriment of this nation.”

The ruling further found that the President’s reasoning was “not conceived in good faith” and was “simply untethered to the facts.”

Governor Gavin Newsom responded swiftly, signaling that California will take legal action to challenge what he described as an “unlawful and politically motivated deployment.” He also urged the public to remain vigilant in defending constitutional limits.

“We will take this fight to court,” Newsom said. “But the public cannot stay silent in the face of such reckless and authoritarian conduct by the President of the United States.”

The
move has sparked renewed debate over the limits of presidential power and the use of state-controlled military forces for political ends. Analysts note that Gavin Newsom’s firm stance reflects a broader concern among governors nationwide about preserving state authority against federal overreach.

As the legal battle looms, California’s governor remains resolute. In his words, “Ignoring court orders and treating judges as political opponents is not leadership — it’s lawlessness.”

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Chicago City Council Apologizes to Black Residents Amid Fierce Dissent from Four Alders

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A fiery debate erupted at the Chicago City Council this week as four alderpersons voted against a resolution offering a formal apology to Black residents for America’s history of slavery, segregation, and systemic racial inequities. The resolution, sponsored by 4th Ward Alderman Lamont Robinson, ultimately passed 43-4, but not without generating intense emotions and sharp words during a marathon Thursday session.

Story Highlights:

  • Chicago City Council approves apology resolution to Black residents 43-4.

  • Alds. Raymond Lopez, Nick Sposato, Anthony Napolitano, and James Gardiner vote “no.”

  • Resolution recognizes historical slavery, segregation, housing discrimination, and ongoing racial inequities.

  • Debate reflects broader national controversies on diversity and acknowledgment of slavery’s legacy.

  • Mayor Brandon Johnson previously issued a citywide apology and created a reparations task force.

Robinson, who sponsored the measure, directly confronted the dissenting alderpersons during the meeting.

“Shame on you!” Robinson shouted after Lopez, Sposato, and Napolitano announced their opposition.

“You have to be able to share with your constituents—your Black constituents in all 50 wards—why you would say no to this resolution. Shame on you!” he added, his voice echoing through the chambers.

The four alderpersons who voted against the resolution drew immediate backlash from colleagues who were stunned by the opposition.

“I was hoping this would be a unanimous vote—of all the things we can unanimously support,” said 49th Ward Ald. Maria Hadden, who is Black. “This is a surprising, shocking, appalling piece.”

Gardiner, representing the Northwest Side, offered no public explanation for his vote. Napolitano said he voted no because he believed that the city has experienced “just as much harm over the last couple of years” as in the past.

Sposato, a known supporter of former President Trump, said he refused to accept responsibility for historical wrongs.

“There’s a lot of blame to go around, but certainly not the city of Chicago, certainly not my family,” Sposato said.

“I apologize to absolutely nobody. I want my name off there. I do not want to be associated with this.”

Lopez, representing the Southwest Side, justified his no vote by pointing out that Chicago’s economy was never slave-driven and that the city historically welcomed freed men and women escaping Southern slavery.

“If we want to talk about the injustices to the Black community, I want to talk about where we have failed,” Lopez said. “We don’t have to look that far back. Let’s focus on present issues instead of constantly looking backward.”

Hadden acknowledged Lopez’s point but stressed that the wealth and power structures in Chicago were deeply tied to systems that historically marginalized Black residents.

“The money that built this city and controlled the power did come at the expense of Black Chicagoans,” she said.

Hadden further criticized the arguments against the resolution, linking them to national trends in Washington D.C. aimed at minimizing recognition of slavery and racial inequities.

“Those who would accuse us of going backward by recognizing fact and truth—I challenge that sentiment,” Hadden said. “Recognition and apology are part of repair, which are necessary to move forward.”

The resolution details the historical context of slavery and racial oppression in the Midwest. It notes that slavery was introduced by French explorers in the mid-1700s and that Illinois, while designated a “free” state in 1818, enacted laws that restricted the freedoms of Black residents, including denying voting rights.

Even after the abolition of slavery in 1865, Black Chicagoans faced systemic discrimination through redlining, segregation, housing inequities, and other structural barriers—issues that the resolution states persist today.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson previously issued a formal citywide apology to Black residents through an executive order and established a task force to study potential economic reparations. Neighboring Evanston has already implemented the country’s first reparations program, setting a precedent in addressing historical injustices.

The debate over the apology resolution highlights the continued national and local struggle over how best to recognize and repair the legacy of slavery and systemic racism. While the measure passed overwhelmingly, the dissenting votes by Lopez, Sposato, Napolitano, and Gardiner underscore lingering divisions within the Chicago City Council on racial equity issues.

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Chicago River Sees Unusual Border Patrol and Coast Guard Boat Presence

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On Thursday, September 25, 2025, the calm of the Chicago River was briefly disrupted by the sight of several armed Border Patrol boats cruising through the Loop. The unusual show of federal presence raised eyebrows and questions about the role of such patrols in a city river that rarely sees illegal crossings.

Story Highlights:

  • Four Border Patrol boats, fully staffed with armed agents, patrolled the Chicago River.

  • No incidents or illegal crossings were reported during the operation.

  • The Coast Guard maintains its station at Calumet Harbor and conducts occasional summer river patrols.

  • The Chicago Police marine unit routinely patrols Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, and 27 miles of city shoreline.

  • Federal authorities have not publicly explained the purpose of Thursday’s patrol.

The sight of armed federal agents navigating the Chicago River on patrol boats created an unusual scene on Thursday morning. Social media buzzed with memes imagining unlikely scenarios—submarines delivering undocumented workers or barges full of medical technicians sneaking up the Illinois River—but the truth is far less theatrical.

A Coast Guard representative from Calumet Harbor confirmed, “We are still active and occasionally patrol the Chicago River in the summer. Our focus is primarily safety and routine checks, not immigration enforcement.”

The Coast Guard station remains just a short distance from local landmarks like Calumet Fisheries and Chicago’s unique Avenue J. Its twin 825-horsepower Detroit Diesel engines, paired with Rolls Royce waterjets, allow fast maneuvering without traditional propellers—though Thursday’s Border Patrol boats moved more slowly, emphasizing presence over speed.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Police Department marine unit continues its routine patrols across 80 square miles of Lake Michigan, 38 miles of the Chicago River, and 27 miles of shoreline. A recent incident demonstrated their role in public safety: a man jumped into the river from West Monroe Street, and officers rescued him along with a bystander who tried to intervene. Both were taken to Northwestern Medical Center.

On Thursday, however, the Border Patrol flotilla did not respond to any emergencies or make arrests. An official familiar with federal operations noted, “The Chicago River isn’t a typical entry point for undocumented immigration. These patrols are largely symbolic, showing federal presence in key urban waterways.”

Despite speculation, no threats were identified. Observers noted the irony of heavily armed boats navigating a river lined with kayaks, floating bars, and recreational traffic.

The operation raises broader questions about federal enforcement in local jurisdictions. While the Coast Guard and Chicago Police marine unit focus on public safety and emergency response, Border Patrol actions highlight the federal government’s interest in projecting authority—even in areas where enforcement need is minimal.

Experts note that Chicago’s river patrols are a complex coordination of agencies. “The Coast Guard maintains operational readiness, the police patrol daily, and federal agents occasionally make a presence,” explained a city security analyst. “It’s a reminder of overlapping jurisdictions in urban waterways, even when threats are limited.”

As the day ended, the Border Patrol boats departed without incident, leaving the Chicago River once again calm, and Chicagoans to wonder about the purpose and frequency of such patrols in the future.

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Indian Truck Driver Arrested After California Crash Leaves 5-Year-Old Girl With Life-Altering Injuries

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An Indian truck driver who entered the United States illegally has been arrested in connection with a devastating California crash that left a five-year-old girl with life-altering injuries.

Story Highlights – Read Box

  • Indian truck driver Partap Singh arrested by ICE over 2024 California crash

  • Five-year-old Dalilah Coleman critically injured, lifelong therapy expected

  • Singh crossed the US border illegally in 2022; now held in ICE custody

  • California DMV issued Singh a commercial driver’s license despite status

  • Second similar case involving an Indian commercial truck driver in the US

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced that Partap Singh was taken into custody last month. According to officials, he will remain in ICE detention pending immigration proceedings.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that Singh had crossed the southern border in October 2022 and was released into the country. In June 2024, while operating a commercial 18-wheeler in California, Singh allegedly caused a multi-vehicle pileup on a busy highway.

A California Highway Patrol Traffic Crash Report said Singh was driving at an unsafe speed and failed to stop for traffic and a construction zone. Despite his immigration status, Singh had obtained a commercial driver’s license from California’s Department of Motor Vehicles.

The collision critically injured Dalilah Coleman, a five-year-old child. Her stepfather, Michael Krause, was also hospitalized. Several other individuals were treated for injuries. The child had to be airlifted to a hospital for emergency care.

Coleman’s father described the profound impact of the crash.

“Dalilah can no longer walk, talk, eat orally, or attend kindergarten as planned,” he said.

According to family accounts, the child spent three weeks in a coma and underwent six months of hospital treatment, including a craniectomy. She suffered a broken femur, skull fractures, and has since been diagnosed with diplegic cerebral palsy and global developmental delay. Doctors say she will need lifelong therapy.

DHS officials called the incident preventable.

“Dalilah Coleman’s life was forever changed when an illegal alien driving an 18-wheeler slammed into her and her family. This tragedy was entirely preventable,” a DHS spokesperson said.

The agency also criticized California’s licensing policies.

“This is sadly another example of California’s Department of Motor Vehicles issuing a commercial driver’s license to someone without legal status,” the statement continued.

This case mirrors a separate incident earlier this year involving Harjinder Singh, another Indian truck driver living illegally in the United States. In August, Harjinder Singh was arrested on three counts of vehicular homicide in Florida after blocking all lanes of a highway with his 18-wheeler, causing a crash that killed three people instantly.

According to DHS, Harjinder Singh also obtained a California commercial driver’s license despite having no legal right to be in the country. Following the fatal accident, the US government announced an immediate pause on issuing worker visas for commercial truck drivers.

The Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration launched an investigation into the safety of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailers on US roads. Reports revealed Harjinder Singh had failed an English Language Proficiency assessment, answering only two of 12 verbal questions correctly and identifying just one of four highway traffic signs.

The twin cases have intensified scrutiny over immigration enforcement and driver licensing. Federal officials say they are reviewing procedures to ensure highway safety while protecting American motorists.

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California Pushes Back: Trump’s $100K H-1B Visa Fee Hike Under Legal Fire

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The Trump administration’s sudden H-1B visa fee hike to $100,000 per application has triggered a wave of criticism and legal scrutiny, with California’s top lawyer signaling that the state may challenge the move in court.

Attorney General Rob Bonta, speaking to Bloomberg News, called the change “a major disruption” to the system that Silicon Valley and other sectors rely on to recruit global talent. He said the state is “looking at it carefully” to determine whether it violates the federal Administrative Procedure Act, which bars abrupt rule changes without public notice.

“We are looking at it…we will assess whether there’s a legal violation,” Bonta said. “If it’s a policy that we don’t agree with but it’s legally sound, we won’t challenge it. But if it’s unlawful, we will.”

Story Highlights

  • H-1B visa fee hike: $100,000 per application announced by Trump administration.

  • California review: AG Rob Bonta says move undermines certainty for businesses.

  • Legal focus: Potential breach of Administrative Procedure Act.

  • Economic stakes: Silicon Valley, finance, and consulting firms face rising costs.

  • Political fallout: Senator Chuck Grassley calls to end student visa work permits.

  • Global contrast: Germany touts “predictable” immigration policy for Indian professionals.

Shockwaves Through Business and Tech

The H-1B visa fee hike represents one of the steepest increases in the program’s history. For California, home to the world’s largest tech ecosystem, the stakes are high. Bonta pointed out that “businesses and people want certainty from the government — and you just don’t get that that often, unfortunately, from the Trump administration.”

Not just technology companies but also finance firms and consultancies depend on the visa to bring in skilled engineers, analysts, and programmers. JPMorgan Chase economists estimate the change could reduce immigrant work authorizations by as many as 5,500 each month.

“We wouldn’t be here without the talent that has come to California on these visas,” Bonta said, underscoring the state’s reliance on the program.

Trump Administration’s Rationale

In a press call, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick framed the H-1B visa fee hike as a strategic reset.

“A company that wants to buy an H-1B visa… it’s $100,000 per year,” Lutnick said. “No longer will you put trainees on an H-1B visa — it’s just not economic anymore. If you’re going to train people, you’re going to train Americans.”

The administration has argued that the changes will preserve high-skilled opportunities for U.S. workers, a long-standing demand from conservative groups who claim the program displaces Americans.

A Broader Political Battle

The H-1B visa fee hike has also reignited debate over other immigration programs. Republican Senator Chuck Grassley has asked the Department of Homeland Security to end work permits for foreign student visa holders, saying they “compete against” Americans and pose security risks.

“DHS needs to stop issuing work authorizations to student visa holders who compete against Americans,” Grassley wrote on X, confirming that he sent a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem urging action.

This move reflects a broader push by conservative lawmakers to restrict employment opportunities for non-U.S. citizens at a time when businesses say they need more skilled workers, not fewer.

Germany Offers a Counter-Example

As the U.S. imposes the H-1B visa fee hike, other nations are highlighting their openness. German Ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann used the moment to draw a sharp contrast, noting that Indian professionals are thriving in Germany.

“Indians are among the top earners in Germany. The average Indian working in Germany earns more than the average German. That’s pretty good news because it shows Indians are contributing big time to our society and welfare,” Ackermann said.

He also likened Germany’s migration policies to its cars — reliable and predictable.

“Our migration policy works a bit like a German car. It’s reliable, it is modern, it is predictable. It will go in a straight line with no zigzags. And you don’t have to fear a full break at a top speed. We do not change our rules fundamentally over time,” he added, encouraging highly skilled Indians to explore opportunities in Germany.

The H-1B visa fee hike has transformed a long-running immigration debate into a high-stakes legal and economic fight. California’s review of the $100,000 charge signals a possible courtroom clash that could reshape how U.S. businesses hire global talent. With tech firms, finance companies, and consultancies all relying on skilled foreign workers, the outcome will reverberate far beyond Silicon Valley. At the same time, Germany’s contrasting message of stability underscores how international competition for talent is intensifying as the U.S. tightens its visa policies.

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Santa Cruz County Filtered Cigarette Ban 2027: Big Tobacco Faces Historic Blow

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Santa Cruz County, California, is making history. Officials have announced that the sale of filtered cigarettes will be banned across the county starting in 2027, a move they describe as the first of its kind anywhere in the world. The ban follows similar ordinances in the City of Santa Cruz, approved in June, and the City of Capitola, which passed its ban earlier this month.

The county’s Board of Supervisors first approved the filtered cigarette ban for unincorporated areas last October, signaling a growing regional effort to reduce the health and environmental risks associated with smoking.

Story Highlights:

  • Santa Cruz County announces a pioneering filtered cigarette sales ban.

  • Cities of Santa Cruz and Capitola have already passed similar ordinances.

  • Ban targets public health and environmental protection.

  • Enforcement in Santa Cruz County begins Jan. 1, 2027; Capitola July 1, 2027.

  • 4.5 trillion cigarette butts are discarded worldwide annually.

Supervisor Justin Cummings emphasized the county’s leadership role in public health initiatives. “Santa Cruz County is always at the forefront of making change,” Cummings said. “This policy adds to the legacy of our community standing up to big corporations to protect the health of our residents and our environment.”

Cummings highlighted that the filtered cigarette ban is part of a broader trend in the county toward environmental responsibility. Santa Cruz County has previously implemented restrictions on single-use plastics and a ban on Styrofoam products. Officials note that these bans did not have lasting negative economic impacts, suggesting that the filtered cigarette ban could similarly benefit both the community and the environment.

Supervisor Manu Koenig spoke strongly on the environmental impact of cigarette waste. “Cigarette butts are toxic, they’re useless, and they’re everywhere,” Koenig said. “As the guardians of Monterey Bay, we’re standing up and telling Big Tobacco, this ends now.”

Officials note that cigarette filters, while marketed as a safer option for smokers, provide no proven health benefits. Meanwhile, discarded cigarette butts have become the single-most common form of litter globally, with an estimated 4.5 trillion thrown away each year. The filtered cigarette ban is designed to tackle both the public health risks of smoking and the environmental damage caused by cigarette waste.

The county’s Tobacco Education Coalition will lead outreach efforts, providing educational materials to retailers and the wider community ahead of the ban. Enforcement dates will vary by jurisdiction: Santa Cruz County and the City of Santa Cruz will begin on January 1, 2027, while the City of Capitola will start enforcement on July 1, 2027.

Supervisor Cummings underscored the county’s vision for the future. “This is just the beginning, and we look forward to supporting other communities who wish to join our effort,” he said, reinforcing the county’s aim to inspire nationwide action.

The Santa Cruz County filtered cigarette ban represents a landmark step toward healthier communities and cleaner environments, setting a precedent that other counties and cities may soon follow.

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Trump’s $100K H-1B Visa Fee Sparks Legal Battle in California

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California’s top legal official has sharply criticized the Trump administration for its decision to impose a $100,000 application fee on the H-1B visa program, warning that the move could create significant uncertainty for businesses in the state. Attorney General Rob Bonta said Tuesday that he is reviewing the legality of the new fee and will take action if it is found to be unlawful.

Story Highlights:

  • Trump administration introduces $100,000 fee for H-1B visas.

  • California Attorney General Rob Bonta reviewing legal options.

  • Potential impact on tech companies, finance, and consulting firms.

  • Possible violation of the federal Administrative Procedure Act (APA).

  • California reliant on H-1B visas to drive innovation.

The H-1B visa program, a key pathway for skilled foreign workers, is particularly important for California’s technology sector. It also supports finance and consulting industries that rely on global talent to remain competitive.

“The short answer is, we are looking at it,” Bonta said in an interview with Bloomberg News in New York. “We will assess whether there’s a legal violation. If it’s a policy that we don’t agree with but it’s legally sound, we won’t challenge it. If it’s unlawful, we will.”

Bonta emphasized that the $100,000 fee, announced last week, could have an “adverse impact” on California, which has historically depended on the H-1B visa program to fuel innovation and economic growth.

“This program has been vital for bringing talented individuals to California,” Bonta explained. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without the talent that has come to this state through H-1B visas. Businesses and people need certainty, and unfortunately, that certainty is often missing from the current administration’s policies.”

The H-1B visa program has long been a topic of debate. Critics argue that it may displace American workers, while companies see it as essential for maintaining a competitive workforce. Trump’s latest policy, which would drastically increase the cost of participation, has raised alarms in Silicon Valley and beyond.

Bonta also noted that his office is examining whether the changes violate the federal Administrative Procedure Act, which prohibits abrupt government rule changes without proper public notice.

“You need to have a reasoned justification,” he said. “It can’t be arbitrary, it can’t be capricious, and we’ve brought cases on that basis quite a few times in the past. It might be appropriate here, but we are still reviewing all aspects carefully.”

California has joined other Democratic-led states in filing multiple lawsuits challenging various policies introduced by the Trump administration. While the White House has not commented on the new H-1B visa fee, the controversy is expected to spark further legal and political debate.

For businesses across California, the $100,000 H-1B visa fee could create uncertainty in hiring skilled workers and planning for future growth. The tech sector, in particular, may feel the brunt of these changes, as it heavily relies on foreign talent to drive innovation and maintain global competitiveness.

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Ian Calderon Enters California Governor Race: Millennials, Bitcoin, and Big Promises

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Former California Assembly member Ian Calderon, 39, has officially entered the Democratic primary to replace Governor Gavin Newsom in next year’s high-profile California governor race. Calderon, who made history as the youngest majority leader in state Assembly history, is positioning himself as a fresh, tech-savvy voice for a new generation of Californians.

“I believe California should be the best place in the world to raise a family, buy a home, and build a future,” Calderon said in his campaign announcement. “To achieve that, we need a new generation of leadership ready to tackle the real challenges facing families today.”

Story Highlights:

  • Ian Calderon, 39, launches campaign for California governor race.

  • Pledges to address gas prices, housing affordability, child care costs, and cryptocurrency adoption.

  • Key Democratic rivals include Xavier Becerra, Katie Porter, and Antonio Villaraigosa.

  • GOP candidates include Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton.

  • California Democrats outnumber Republicans nearly 2-to-1; GOP has not won statewide in almost 20 years.

  • Calderon comes from a politically connected family with a long legacy in California politics.

Calderon first entered the political scene in 2012 as the first millennial elected to the California Assembly at just 27 years old. He quickly rose to become the youngest majority leader in the state’s history. However, Calderon chose not to seek reelection in 2020, citing a desire to spend more time with his wife and young children.

Since stepping away from the Assembly, Calderon has kept a visible presence in political conversations, often emphasizing issues that resonate with younger voters. In his latest campaign video, he highlighted pressing issues such as rising gas prices, affordable housing shortages, and the growing costs of child care.

“We are facing real challenges that impact families directly,” Calderon said. “I’m committed to finding practical solutions that make life more affordable for everyday Californians.”

In addition to traditional policy issues, Calderon is positioning himself as a forward-thinking, tech-friendly candidate. During a livestream event titled “Crypto Town Hall,” he proposed using cryptocurrency like bitcoin to fund various state programs. “Once I’m governor, I’m going to make sure that we hold bitcoin on our balance sheet,” Calderon said, emphasizing his belief in integrating innovative financial technologies into government.

The California governor race has already attracted several notable Democrats, including former Biden administration Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, former U.S. House member Katie Porter, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. On the Republican side, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and conservative commentator Steve Hilton have announced their campaigns.

California Democrats enjoy a strong advantage in statewide elections, outnumbering registered Republicans by nearly 2-to-1. Republicans have not won a statewide office in nearly two decades, making the Democratic primary a key battleground for potential leadership shifts.

Calderon’s political lineage also underscores his prominence in California politics. He succeeded his father, Charles Calderon, in the Assembly, while two of his uncles, Ron and Tom Calderon, also served in the state Legislature before being convicted on public corruption charges in 2016. His stepmother, Lisa Calderon, later replaced him in the Assembly.

As the California governor race heats up, Ian Calderon’s campaign highlights a combination of youthful leadership, family-focused policy promises, and a willingness to embrace new technologies, setting him apart in a crowded Democratic field.

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Curren Price Faces Court Over Public Corruption Charges in Los Angeles

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Los Angeles City Councilman Curren Price is set to face a crucial court hearing on November 3 to determine whether there is sufficient evidence for him to stand trial in a high-profile public corruption case. The 74-year-old councilman from the Ninth District appeared Tuesday in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom, confronting multiple felony charges, including grand theft by embezzlement of public funds, conflict of interest, and perjury by declaration.

The November hearing, which is expected to span several days, follows a rejection by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Sean D. Coen of a defense challenge to the legal sufficiency of the complaint. That challenge, if successful, could have resulted in the dismissal of the case against Price. The councilman, first charged in June 2023 with ten felony counts, now faces twelve charges after prosecutors added two more in August.

Story Highlights:

  • Curren Price faces 12 felony counts including embezzlement, conflict of interest, and perjury.

  • Alleged misuse of city funds to benefit his wife’s company, Del Richardson & Associates.

  • Subpoenas revealed additional evidence of public corruption.

  • Potential prison sentence of over 11 years if convicted.

  • Defense maintains Price acted without knowledge of any conflicts and votes were unanimous.

In a statement following the court’s decision, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman emphasized the importance of accountability.

“Public officials will not violate the public trust on my watch. The District Attorney’s Office, by law, is mandated to serve as a watchdog against public corruption,” Hochman said.
“Politicians are entrusted with immense power and control over vast sums of money and are accordingly bound to act in the interests of the public, not their pocketbook. Our Public Integrity Division will continue to hold politicians accountable. We look forward to moving forward with the criminal justice process in this case.”

Defense attorney Michael Schafler, representing Price, responded by criticizing the newly added charges.

“These additional charges are nothing more than an attempt to pile on to a weak case,” Schafler said.
“They have gone back as far as six years, combing through thousands and thousands of votes, to find a couple more allegedly conflicted votes. The evidence will show that Councilman Price had no knowledge of any alleged conflicts at the time he cast those votes. The fact is that every one of those votes was passed unanimously and by consent.”

Schafler added that Price is committed to fighting the charges.

“The councilman will continue to fight these charges until his name is cleared and his innocence is proven,” he stated.

Curren Price’s Political Career and Allegations

Price has represented South Los Angeles and Exposition Park since 2013, following earlier service in the California Assembly and State Senate. Prosecutors allege that Del Richardson & Associates, a company solely owned by Price’s wife, received payments totaling more than $150,000 from developers between 2019 and 2021, coinciding with votes Price cast to approve related projects.

Price is also accused of embezzling nearly $33,800 in city funds from 2013 to 2017 to provide medical benefits for Richardson, falsely claiming she was his wife while still married to Lynn Suzette Price.

Subpoenas issued during the investigation yielded further evidence, prompting prosecutors to file an amended complaint adding two more counts of conflict of interest. The complaint includes 39 exhibits documenting payments to Richardson’s company and Price’s voting history.

Between October 2019 and June 2020, the Housing Authority of the city of Los Angeles allegedly paid Del Richardson & Associates nearly $609,600. During this period, Price voted to support a $35 million federal grant and a $252 million state grant application for the agency.

Between October 2020 and October 2021, LA Metro paid Del Richardson & Associates about $219,500, while Price introduced and voted for a motion to award $30 million to the agency. In both cases, prosecutors say Price’s staff flagged the potential conflicts prior to the votes.

Additionally, prosecutors claim Price leveraged his position to direct city lease agreements and over $2 million in federal COVID-19 grants to the nonprofit Home at Last, which operated as a tenant of the Urban Healthcare Project, where Price served as CEO.

Curren Price and the Broader Context of Los Angeles Politics

Price is the latest Los Angeles city official to face legal scrutiny. Former council members Jose Huizar and Mitch Englander have pleaded guilty to federal charges in recent years. Mark Ridley-Thomas was convicted in 2023 for trading votes in exchange for personal benefits. Former City Council President Nury Martinez resigned in 2022 following a leaked tape of a racially charged conversation regarding the city’s redistricting process.

If convicted of the charges, Price could face up to 11 years and four months in custody, including over nine years in state prison and up to two years in county jail, according to the District Attorney’s Office. Price has consistently maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to the original 10 counts in December 2023.

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