Latest news with #CaliforniaSenate
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
California Senate opens inquiry into Paramount amid Trump legal battle
Lawmakers in the California Senate plan to probe reports of a potential settlement between Hollywood giant Paramount and President Trump in connection with his ongoing lawsuit against CBS News. The chair of the California State Senate Energy, Utilities & Communications Committee and the chair of the Judiciary Committee wrote in a letter to Paramount's board and two former executives at CBS News to invite them to testify about the reported settlement talks. The letter was first reported by Semafor. In their letter, the lawmakers cited 'the potential chilling effect of Paramount's settlement on investigative and political journalism' and said their probe aimed to ensure 'the integrity of California's communications economy, ensuring that public-facing media enterprises compete based on content and quality, not influence, capitulation, or political appeasement.' Paramount is currently engaged in mediation talks with Trump's attorneys, who recently rejected a $15 million settlement offer and threatened further litigation, The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this week. Paramount is currently trying to secure a multibillion-dollar merger with fellow entertainment giant Skydance, a deal that will need approval from regulators to go through. Trump sued Paramount, CBS News and '60 Minutes' last fall over an interview the TV news magazine conducted with the Democratic nominee for president, former Vice President Kamala Harris, arguing it intentionally edited her answers to make her look better. Earlier this month, a pair of Senate Democrats wrote to the Paramount board warning that a settlement with Trump could violate federal bribery law. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
30-05-2025
- Business
- The Hill
Trump's trade rift with China
The Big Story President Trump railed against China on Friday, saying Beijing violated a trade agreement with the U.S. amid ongoing tensions between the two countries. © The Associated Press In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed he saved China from 'grave economic danger' thanks to 'very high Tariffs I set' by agreeing to reduce import taxes on Chinese goods. 'I saw what was happening and didn't like it, for them, not for us. I made a FAST DEAL with China in order to save them from what I thought was going to be a very bad situation, and I didn't want to see that happen,' Trump wrote. 'The bad news is that China, perhaps not surprisingly to some, HAS TOTALLY VIOLATED ITS AGREEMENT WITH US. So much for being Mr. NICE GUY!,' Trump continued without specifying the violation. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Thursday that talks with China over trade are somewhat in limbo, telling Fox News's Bret Baier they are 'a bit stalled.' He also said there may be a call between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at some point. Read more here. Welcome to The Hill's Business & Economy newsletter, I'm Aris Folley — covering the intersection of Wall Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here. Essential Reads Key business and economic news with implications this week and beyond: Jamie Dimon says US needs to 'get our own act together' JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon said Friday that the U.S. needs to get its own act together before worrying about China. Warren backs Trump call to scrap debt limit, blasts GOP tax bill Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) on Friday backed President Trump's call to abolish the nation's debt ceiling, pressing for bipartisan action to 'get rid of it forever.' New lawsuit seeks to force return of collected tariffs following court ruling A new lawsuit filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade seeks to force the Trump administration to return tariffs it collected under the president's 'Liberation Day' announcement now that the court has ruled them unlawful. California Senate opens inquiry into Paramount amid Trump legal battle Lawmakers in the California Senate plan to probe reports of a potential settlement between Hollywood giant Paramount and President Trump in connection with his ongoing lawsuit against CBS News. Tax Watch US Chamber launches 6-figure ad campaign behind GOP tax bill Congress's bill cutting taxes and spending will receive an advertising campaign from a major business lobby as it faces widespread criticism for redistributing wealth and resources toward the upper strata of American society. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, one of the nation's largest business lobbies, will run the six-figure campaign across various media in targeted states and congressional districts, though the group didn't specify in a Friday release where exactly those would be. 'The campaign will include a total of 32 billboards across the country and matching paid digital advertising. This initial ad buy will run for at least the next month with the intention to expand to additional states and districts,' it said. The ads will mention 14 congressional representatives and two senators and will '[draw] attention to those Members of Congress who are not supportive of the bill,' the group said. The campaign likely has an eye toward the 2026 midterm elections, which could see Republicans lose their trifecta. Tobias Burns has more here. Tax Watch is a regular feature focused on the fight over tax reform and extending the 2017 Trump tax cuts this year. Email a tip {{if !contains( Report')} {/if}}{{if !contains( Report')} {/if}} The Ticker Upcoming news themes and events we're watching: In Other News Branch out with more stories from the day: Trump holding Pennsylvania rally to promote deal for Japan-based Nippon to 'partner' with US Steel WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. (AP) — President Donald Trump is holding a rally in Pennsylvania on Friday to celebrate … The Hill Event Invest In America Wednesday, June 4 at 8 a.m. EDT — Washington, D.C. Join The Hill for a half-day summit featuring titans from Washington and Wall Street, focused on solutions-oriented conversations that will deliver insights into the future of the domestic and global economy, covering everything from tariffs, investing, AI, crypto, taxes and more. Good to Know Business and economic news we've flagged from other outlets: What Others are Reading Top stories on The Hill right now: Watch live: Trump speaks at US Steel in Pittsburgh on deal with Nippon Steel President Trump will travel Friday afternoon to the Pittsburgh area for a rally and remarks on the 'planned partnership' between U.S. Steel and Japan's Nippon Steel, which he announced last month. Read more Ernst responds to jeers on Medicaid cuts: 'Well, we're all going to die' Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst (R) pushed back against constituents who shouted out at her recent town hall meeting that cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) would cause people to die, responding, 'Well, we're all going to die.' Read more What People Think Opinions related to business and economic issues submitted to The Hill: You're all caught up. See you next week!
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Glamorous Democratic Rep. is accused of impaired driving after crashing into another car: 'I did nothing wrong'
A California senator has been accused of driving on drugs after crashing into another car just blocks away from the State Capitol in Sacramento. Sabrina Cervantes, 37, left her car behind and was driven to the hospital with minor injuries after the accident on Monday around 1:30pm. Sacramento police arrived to speak with the Democrat about what happened and quickly noticed she was showing signs of intoxication. After further evaluation, authorities cited the lawmaker with a misdemeanor for suspicion of DUI before she was released from the facility, police told KTLA. But the mother-of-three sitting on the Senate Committee on Elections fiercely denied she consumed any mind-altering substances before getting behind the wheel. 'On Monday afternoon, while seeking care in the emergency room after my sedan was t-boned by a large SUV,' she explained in a statement. 'I was accosted by Sacramento Police Department officers, falsely accused of driving under the influence, and involuntarily detained for several hours at the hospital.' She added these allegations have left her stressed and frustrated as someone who holds herself 'to the highest standard.' 'I want to be clear: I did nothing wrong,' she asserted. 'The lab results I sought in the hospital show conclusively I had no alcohol in my system. I expect this to be quickly and justly resolved.' However, police reiterated the fact they are not claiming she was drunk, but on drugs. It is unclear what they believe she consumed. A spokesperson for the department also told KTLA Cervantes' argument that officers treated her unfairly or harshly was not supported by body camera video. 'After reviewing officers' body camera footage, I didn't see any indication Senator Cervantes was accosted by officers,' the representative said. 'Officers conducted a thorough investigation and remained professional and respectful throughout it.' The cause of the accident that sparked this DUI dilemma is still under investigation, although the spokesperson said it seemed that Cervantes' SUV was t-boned, as the politician claimed. Cervantes represents Senate District 31, which embodies portions of parts of Riverside and San Bernardino counties. She assumed the role in December 2024. She previously served on the state's Assembly. She was first elected to the State Legislature in 2016, according to her Senate biography. From 2022 to 2024, she was the Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus. Cervantes is also the first openly gay Latina to represent Western Riverside County in the Legislature, her bio states. She earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of California, Riverside before completing an executive education program at Harvard University. Cervantes' scandal comes months after a Democratic Rhode Island senator was arrested for allegedly drunk driving. Progressive state Rep. Enrique Sanchez, 28, was pulled over in the early morning hours of February 3, after allegedly parking his car in an intersection in Cranston, Rhode Island. Police officers noticed he remained stopped at a traffic light even after the light turned green, as reported by the Rhode Island Current. Officer Chavelle Lopez wrote in the arrest report that Sanchez 'seemed confused' when stopped, initially handing over a red debit card instead of his driver's license before insisting he hadn't been drinking. She noted she could smell 'a heavy odor of alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath' while Sanchez was speaking and observed he had 'bloodshot watery eyes.' Despite the evidence, Sanchez pleaded not guilty to driving while intoxicated in his initial court appearance. He since pleaded not guilty to lesser civil charges of refusing a chemical test and failure to obey traffic control devices. Court documents obtained by Fox News reveal that on February 19, Cranston Magistrate William Noonan suspended Sanchez's license but granted him a limited 'hardship license.' The 'hardship license' allowed him to drive to his day job and the State House between 8am and 8pm - but only after installing an ignition interlock breathalyzer in his vehicle.
CBS News
16-04-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Woman continues fight to keep her violent sex abuser behind bars with Mary Bella's Law
A California woman is continuing her fight to keep her uncle, who violently sexually abused her and several other woman, behind bars by rallying in front of state leaders. "By now you've heard my story," Mary said while speaking in front of the California Senate last week. "My uncle raped four other women before raping and committing heinous acts on me as a foster child for nearly a year." Her powerful testimony re-traumatizes her every time she has to recount the abuse she endures, but Mary says that she's sharing her story yet again to help lawmakers put an end to a loophole in a state law that allows violent sex offenders out based on their age and amount of time served. Cody Woodsen Klemp, now 70, was convicted of violently raping her in Moreno Valley when she was a teenager, as well as four other women. He was sentenced to 170 years in prison, but in 2024 the Board of Parole agreed to release him under the Elderly Parole Program, which allows parole eligibility for violent sex offenders once they're over 50 and have served at least 20 years of their sentence. That's why Mary and other women are rallying behind SB 286, otherwise known as Mary Bella's Law, which aims to close that loophole for good. "it's bizarre," Mary said. "It's an upside down world. We're living in upside down world." Gov. Newsom denied Klemp's parole last year, keeping him behind bars for at least one year. Mary says he can request another parole hearing soon. "It's a joke," Mary said. Mary Bella's Law is partially named for Mary and another woman named Bella. Her convicted abuser and kidnapper, Charles William Mix, was sentenced to 350 years but also became eligible for parole last year — 20 years after his sentencing. "I think collectively as a community, we have to come together and say we've had enough," said Bella's sister Clara. She's working with Mary and her friend Maggie at a nonprofit organization called Fight For Victims . Their goal is to expose injustice, speak for victims and bring about solutions to change the world for the better. They were able to get Mary Bella's Law unanimously passed by the Senate Public Safety Committee last week, but they believe the fight is far from over. The law will now move on to Senate Appropriations before heading to the Senate Floor.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
California Senate leader urges Dodgers to drop oil and gas advertisers
A leading member of the California Senate is urging Dodgers owner Mark Walter to end the team's sponsorship deals with oil and gas companies, telling him that "continuing to associate these corporations with our beloved boys in blue is not in our community or the planet's best interest." In a letter Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) wrote that Angelenos "breathe some of the most polluted air in the country, with demonstrated links to negative health outcomes." The recent L.A. County wildfires, she said, have called attention to the fact that "fossil fuel pollution is responsible for not only the climate crisis, but also the persistently harmful air quality in the region." One of the Dodgers' most visible advertisers is Houston-based oil giant Phillips 66, which owns the 76 gas station chain. Orange-and-blue 76 logos are displayed throughout Dodger Stadium, including above both scoreboards — a climate red flag that I highlighted in a column last year. My column prompted climate activists to rally outside Dodger Stadium and start a petition — which as of Tuesday afternoon had garnered nearly 23,000 signatures — calling on Walter to dump Phillips 66. Activists and academic experts say fossil fuel companies, like tobacco companies before them, use ads at sports stadiums and other cultural institutions to build goodwill and normalize the harms caused by their products. Gonzalez noted that California is suing major oil and gas companies, including Phillips 66, for climate damages, with state officials accusing the industry of a "decades-long campaign of deception" to hide the truth about global warming and delay the transition to clean power. The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday allowed the lawsuit to move forward. Federal prosecutors, meanwhile, charged Phillips 66 last year with violating the U.S. Clean Water Act by dumping oil and grease from its Carson refinery, just outside Gonzalez's district, into the L.A. County sewer system. Removing the Phillips 66 ads from Dodger Stadium "would send the message that it's time to end our embrace of polluting fossil fuels and work together towards a cleaner, greener future," Gonzalez wrote. The Dodgers didn't respond to a request for comment. The 2024 World Series champions aren't the only pro sports team taking fossil fuel money. A recent survey from UCLA Law's Emmett Institute tallied at least 59 U.S. franchises that accept sponsorship dollars from oil giants, or utility companies whose energy sources are primarily fossil fuels. The list included five other California teams: LAFC, the Sacramento Kings, the Athletics (formerly of Oakland), the San Francisco Giants and the San Francisco 49ers. The Dodgers, though, occupy a unique place in American sports history. As Gonzalez wrote, the team has long been ahead of the curve. The Dodgers broke baseball's color barrier when they signed Jackie Robinson in the 1940s, and when they barred cigarette ads from Dodger Stadium in the 1960s. More recently, the team has encouraged fans to take public transit to games and launched sustainability efforts. These efforts "make the Dodgers' continued partnership with Big Oil all the more anachronistic," Gonzalez wrote. Gonzalez wrote to Walter after hearing from Zan Dubin, the climate activist leading the push for the Dodgers to drop Phillips 66. Dubin, who has worked with the local Sierra Club chapter on the campaign, praised Gonzalez for showing "true leadership and unflinching courage as the first elected official to endorse our campaign." "Greenwashing must end so we can accelerate adoption of renewable energy," Dubin said. A spokesperson for Phillips 66 didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Neither did a spokesperson for Ohio-based Marathon Petroleum, whose Arco gas stations have run ads at Dodger Stadium in recent years. In an interview, Gonzalez described herself as a "huge baseball lover" who grew up cheering for the Dodgers. She said she wishes players on the team would start talking about fossil fuel advertisements, too. "I'd love for [Shohei] Ohtani or [Freddie] Freeman or someone to say, 'This is important to us, too,'" she told me. The Dodgers travel this week to Tokyo, where they'll open the season with two games against the Chicago Cubs. They'll return to Los Angeles for the home opener at Dodger Stadium on March 27. The 76 logos will loom large. Just a few months removed from the Eaton and Palisades fires, Dodgers fans taking pictures and posting them on social media will, in many cases, be providing free publicity to Phillips 66. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
