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Economic Policy

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Pasadena Seeks Community Input for Future Economic Development

Residents encouraged to take survey to guide business recruitment and support local enterprises

War in the Middle East Disrupts Global Energy Supply Chain

Attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure and the Strait of Hormuz threaten China's discounted oil imports and raise manufacturing costs worldwide.

Riverside County Approves TUMF Fee Increase

The new fees aim to fund regional transportation improvements driven by new development.

Iran War Disruption Spurs Global Shift to EVs, Solar, and Heat Pumps

Rising energy prices amid the Iran conflict are driving consumer demand for electric vehicles, solar panels, and heat pumps as alternatives to costly oil and gas.

California's War on Oil Drives Gasoline Prices to New Heights

Experts warn that the state's policies to phase out fossil fuels could push gas prices to $8-$10 per gallon

Americans Misunderstand Social Security's Future Finances

New research shows most believe benefits will stop entirely when trust funds run out, but payroll taxes will keep funding 75-80% of scheduled benefits.

California Watchdog Probes Gas Prices as Costs Rise

State agency warns some stations may be upcharging drivers amid global oil market volatility.

San Joaquin County Faces Fiscal Challenges Ahead

Midyear budget report shows solid current finances, but revenue losses loom from state and federal cuts

San Luis Obispo County Faces Budget Deficit Amid Fiscal Challenges

County's projected $13 million surplus could turn into $1 million deficit in upcoming fiscal year

Economist Criticizes California Wealth Tax Proposal

Veronique de Rugy argues the wealth tax won't fix Medicaid funding or hospital costs in the state.

Social Security Anything But Simple for Retirees

After decades of paycheck deductions, navigating the Social Security system can be a confusing and frustrating process.

California Candidates Call for Gas Tax Suspension Amid Price Surge

Gubernatorial hopefuls propose temporary halt to state excise tax as gas prices hit $5.52 per gallon in the state.

San Diego's Housing Woes Rooted in Affordability, Not Shortage

Experts say the 'housing shortage' myth has led to misguided proposals like vacant home taxes and developer giveaways.

California Delays Profit Cap Rule as Gas Prices Spike

State regulators postpone new law to police refinery profits amid concerns over supply and reliability.

Trump Orders Restart of Offshore Drilling in California, But No Relief for Gas Prices

Experts say lawsuits and regulatory hurdles will delay any impact on oil production and prices.

Energy Secretary Orders California Oil Firm to Resume Operations

Citing national security concerns, the move aims to address supply disruptions and foreign oil dependence.

California Oil Producers Unlikely to Ramp Up Drilling Despite Soaring Prices

Aging fields, volatile markets, and regulatory uncertainty make new projects a tough sell in the state

Companies Seek $150B in Compensation Over US Tariffs

Supreme Court rules Trump overstepped authority in imposing tariffs without Congress approval

Berkeley Sugar Tax Impacts Beer Sales, Not Prices

North Carolina State professor to discuss unintended consequences of soda tax on beer purchases

IEA orders largest-ever release of oil reserves to calm price shock

The move comes after US-Israeli attacks on Iran triggered a global oil crisis.