California voters reject billionaire tax proposal in early projections
California voters have rejected a proposed one-time tax on billionaires, according to early projections in the state's midterm election vote. With about 60% of ballots counted, the measure known as Proposition 40 was trailing by a clear margin, with the "no" side on 55.6% and the "yes" side on 44.4%. The proposal would have imposed a 5% levy on Californians with net worth above $1bn.The measure was designed to raise about $100bn, with most of the money earmarked for healthcare programmes. Education and food assistance would also have received funding under the plan. Supporters presented it as a response to... [Continue Reading]
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California governor commutes all 548 death sentences amid ongoing debate over capital punishment
California Governor Gavin Newsom has commuted the death sentences of all 548 people on death row in the state, replacing them with life in prison without the possibility of parole. The announcement is being described as the largest mass clemency in United States history. It effectively clears California's death row, although the state has not executed a prisoner for 20 years.Newsom said he took the action because he believes state-sanctioned killing is incompatible with California's values and undermines the legal system. In an open letter, he cited moral concerns, the high cost of capital punishment and the risk of human... [Continue Reading]
Progressive Democrat Randy Villegas defeats Republican incumbent in California's 22nd district
Democratic candidate Randy Villegas has defeated Republican incumbent David Valadao in California's 22nd congressional district, in one of the state's closely watched House races. The result marks a notable win for the Democratic Party's progressive wing in the Central Valley. Villegas addressed supporters in Bakersfield on Tuesday evening after the race was called.Villegas, an educator who grew up in the Central Valley as the son of Mexican immigrants, framed his victory as a collective effort and called it a historic win for the region. His campaign focused heavily on the rising cost of living, healthcare cuts and immigration raids, themes... [Continue Reading]
US midterm elections enter key vote-count phase as polls close in six states
Another round of polls closed at 7pm ET in six states, including Florida, Georgia, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Vermont and Virginia, as the US midterm elections moved deeper into the vote-count phase. Voters are deciding the balance of power in Congress for President Donald Trump's final two years in office. The results will determine which party controls the House of Representatives and the Senate.The latest round of closures adds to a contest in which 35 Senate seats and all 435 House seats are on the ballot. Republicans currently hold 53 Senate seats to the Democrats' 45, with two independents, while... [Continue Reading]
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