California risks losing hundreds of millions of dollars in federal airport funding as the Federal Aviation Administration questions whether the state is following federal rules in spending revenue from a jet fuel tax on airport projects. The agency has asked for detailed records by the end of the month. California has said it spends far more on airports than it collects in jet fuel taxes. A federal audit says California has shifted fuel tax funds into other accounts for years. At least $650 million in federal airport funding is pending for eight airports around the state. A bill before the legislature aims to redirect the tax back to airports, including rural ones.
By MICHAEL R. BLOOD and SOPHIE AUSTIN Associated Press
Does California's race for governor finally have a leader? The contest to succeed outgoing Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom is considered wide open. But a string of recent attacks on Rep. Eric Swalwell suggest his rivals might be getting antsy about him gaining ground in advance of a June primary. To listen to his competitors, he has a no-show job in Congress and he might not live in California. Swalwell has disputed those claims while picking up key endorsements from U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff and powerful labor groups. Mail-in voting begins in early May. A large Democratic field has raised the possibility of a surprise outcome.
CalMatters reports that California's $6.4 billion mental health bond has not opened any of its first projects, even as Gov. Gavin Newsom says it is beating its goals. The state has missed its target for 10 early projects. Nine are delayed and one was canceled. New completion dates stretch from this summer into 2028. Officials blame tariffs, supply chain strain and labor shortages. The delays mean people with mental illness are still waiting for new inpatient beds, outpatient slots and housing. The bond was a cornerstone of Newsom's plan to help Californians living on the streets with mental illness.
By CHARLOTTE KRAMON, ALEX VEIGA and MARY CLARE JALONICK Associated Press
In a rare bipartisan effort for a deeply divided Congress, the Senate has passed a broad bill to make U.S. housing more accessible and affordable. The bill passed on Thursday would reduce regulations, regulate corporate investors and expand how housing dollars can be used to build affordable homes and rentals. It now heads back to the House, which passed a separate version earlier this year. It is unclear whether President Donald Trump would sign it after declaring last weekend that he won't sign any new measures unless Congress passes legislation that would require voters to show proof of citizenship.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom says there's no imminent threat to the state from Iran. ABC News says the FBI warned California that Iran had aspired to send drones to the West Coast in retaliation for war. The FBI later released text of the alert, which noted that the information was based on "unverified information." The White House now says, "No such threat from Iran to our homeland exists." Newsom says California and various agencies plan for worst-case scenarios. Police in Los Angeles and San Francisco say they are monitoring world events for any risks.
