5 injured after helicopter loses control, crashes steps from bustling California beach

Phil Mickelson, the renowned golfer, has endorsed gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton, who proposes to reduce California's high gas prices through local offshore drilling. This endorsement highlights the ongoing concern over rising fuel costs in California and reflects a potential shift in energy policy discussions in the state.

California has announced the revocation of 17,000 commercial driver's licenses issued to immigrants, a decision that follows concerns raised by the Trump administration regarding the legality of such licenses for individuals in the country illegally. However, Governor Gavin Newsom has disputed that the revocation is related to immigration issues, suggesting other reasons for the action. This situation highlights ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policy and its implications for immigrant communities in California.

California has reduced its cannabis tax from 19% to 15% in an effort to encourage continued purchases in the legal market. This decision has raised concerns among youth groups and drug-prevention programs that rely on the tax revenue for funding. The reduction in tax could potentially impact the financial support these organizations receive, which is crucial for their initiatives aimed at preventing drug use among young people. The change reflects a balancing act between maintaining a competitive legal market and ensuring adequate funding for public health programs.

Steve Hilton argues that California is in dire need of political change, suggesting that the state's current leadership is failing to address pressing issues. This call for a political 'crackup' highlights the urgency for reform in governance, reflecting broader dissatisfaction among residents regarding state policies and their effectiveness.

California state Senator Scott Wiener, a potential successor to Nancy Pelosi, faced intense scrutiny during a town hall meeting regarding transgender policies and concerns about women's safety. This confrontation highlights ongoing debates surrounding gender identity and public spaces, reflecting broader societal tensions.

At the COP30 climate summit in Brazil, California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the U.S. federal government's climate policy, specifically targeting President Trump's decision to reverse previous climate action initiatives. Newsom emphasized California's commitment to green technology, highlighting the state's position as the fourth largest economy in the world. His remarks underscore the ongoing tensions between state and federal approaches to climate change, as California seeks to lead in environmental initiatives despite federal setbacks. This situation is significant as it reflects broader debates on climate policy and the role of state leadership in addressing global warming.

A coalition of five Native tribes in California has formed to co-manage the 624,000-acre Chuckwalla National Monument. This collaboration aims to protect and preserve the cultural landscape significant to these tribes. The initiative reflects a growing recognition of Indigenous rights and the importance of tribal stewardship in managing natural resources. By working together, these tribes seek to ensure that their cultural heritage is honored and maintained for future generations.

At the Brazilian climate summit, Governor Gavin Newsom presented California as a surrogate for the United States in climate discussions, especially as the U.S. under President Trump has been retreating from its climate commitments. This positioning highlights California's proactive stance on climate action amidst federal inaction.