Millions of Californians could soon face significantly higher car prices due to new tariffs on imported vehicles and auto parts. With California being the largest car market in the United States—and a national leader in electric vehicle adoption, analysts say California consumers may bear the brunt of the increase.

Millions of California residents will see credits of up to $259 on their electricity bills and up to $87 on natural gas bills this April, averaging $137 per household, as part of the state’s Cap-and-Trade climate program.

California lawmakers have passed Senate Bill 1144 aimed at cracking down on the sale of irregular merchandise through online marketplaces. SB 1144 will take effect on July 1, 2025. The measure strengthens existing legislation by requiring increased transparency and accountability from sellers and marketplace platforms.

Starting April 1, 2025, new California laws will significantly enhance protections for renters statewide. All of them aimed at increasing fairness and transparency in landlord-tenant interactions.

In response to President Donald Trump’s renewed interest in acquiring Greenland, Danish citizens have launched an online petition calling for Denmark to “buy” California instead. The petition, titled “Let’s Buy California from Trump—Denmark’s Next Big Adventure,” has already garnered nearly 200,000 signatures from Danish citizens amused by the idea of acquiring the Golden State.

California’s ambitious plan to eliminate sales of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035 is facing an unexpected obstacle: rising electricity costs. The state, which has led the nation in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, is now contending with higher rates from Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), making EV charging more expensive and potentially discouraging new buyers.

California residents served by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) are seeing higher utility bills as newly approved rate hikes take effect this month and will continue through 2026. These adjustments aim to fund essential projects, including vegetation management to mitigate wildfire risks and the continued operation of the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant.

A new law in California is set to transform the pet insurance industry by requiring greater transparency and consumer protections. Senate Bill 1217 (SB 1217), which took effect recently, mandates that pet insurers clearly disclose details about coverage, costs, and conditions. The law also ensures that “pet wellness programs” are not marketed as insurance.

California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber announced Thursday that a proposed measure to assess California’s potential independence has been cleared to begin collecting signatures. The initiative, if successful, would place a future vote before Californians on whether the state should become its own country.

Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda) introduced groundbreaking legislation Thursday aimed at eliminating out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for Californians aged 21 and under. If passed, this first-in-the-nation bill could impact up to 3 million residents by removing co-pays, deductibles, and cost-sharing on most health insurance plans in the state.

The California housing market in 2024 experienced notable price changes, according to recent data from the California Association of Realtors (CAR). Single-family home prices statewide increased by 5% compared to 2023, though the pace of growth slowed significantly in the latter half of the year.

California drivers may notice a significant increase in their auto insurance premiums this year, thanks to a new law that took effect recently. The law, known as Senate Bill 1107, raises the state’s minimum liability insurance requirements for the first time in decades, bringing them more in line with national standards.

California has reaffirmed its commitment to consumer protections with the passage of Assembly Bill 2863. The law, set to take effect on July 1, 2025, introduces stricter regulations on automatic renewal and continuous service offers, aiming to ensure transparency and prevent consumers from being trapped in unwanted subscriptions.

After several years of stagnation and population decline during the pandemic, California’s population is growing again, driven largely by international immigration. Recent estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau and California’s Department of Finance (DOF) show that the state has reversed its downward trend.

California’s efforts to improve pedestrian safety have taken a significant step forward with the enforcement of Assembly Bill 413 (AB 413). Now in effect, the billprohibits vehicles from parking, stopping, or standing near crosswalks. The new law aims to reduce pedestrian injuries and fatalities by increasing visibility at intersections.

In response to California’s escalating water scarcity, scientists are exploring innovative methods to supplement traditional water sources. One such method is fog harvesting, which involves capturing water droplets from fog using specialized mesh nets. This technique offers a sustainable alternative, particularly beneficial during droughts, and has potential applications in agriculture, firefighting, and ecosystem restoration.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has unveiled a $322 billion budget proposal for the 2025–26 fiscal year, introducing a groundbreaking initiative to provide free diapers to families with newborns across the state. This program aims to alleviate the financial burden on families and improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

California has taken a significant step to combat food waste by enacting Assembly Bill 660, which standardizes date labels on food products to reduce consumer confusion and unnecessary food waste.

California is set to become one of the main beneficiaries of the newly signed bill repealing the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), allowing many workers to get a significant boost in Social Security benefits.

A new California law, Senate Bill 969, is now in effect and grants local governments the authority to create zones where food and alcohol consumption is permitted in designated streets, sidewalks, or public areas. This initiative aims to boost local economies and foster vibrant community spaces, while presenting challenges in regulation and public safety.