MARCH 3, 2025
One year into California’s landmark effort to regulate conditions for more than a half-million fast food workers, the state council appointed to oversee the industry has barely settled on how to conduct meetings. Council Chair Nick Hardeman said the pace so far is to be expected, likening the work to starting a new department from scratch.
Read MoreFEBRUARY 25, 2025
A rollout of $17 million for parks and open space will add 623 acres of green space to 13 neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles County. Some of the money will go to restoring burned out preserves that are now a barren, blackened landscape where trees, flowers, and wildlife once thrived.
Read MoreFEBRUARY 23, 2025
On Sunday, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a new digital democracy initiative that will attempt to connect residents directly with government officials in times of disaster and allow them to express their concerns about matters affecting their day-to-day lives. Engaged California was designed to be more accessible for residents than traditional avenues for influencing government, such as testifying before city councils, writing letters, or emailing legislators.
Read MoreFEBRUARY 21, 2025
According to Booking.com’s 2025 Travel Predictions, more travelers are seeking out the feeling of awe from the night sky, with 60% of travelers saying they're considering visiting a low-light pollution destination. Many dark sky destinations focus on reducing light pollution and infrastructure to reset the area back to its natural nighttime state.
Read MoreFEBRUARY 21, 2025
Governor Gavin Newsom is asking Congress to approve an additional $39.7 billion in aid to help Los Angeles recover from the damage of last month’s firestorm, warning that it could become the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history. Newsom’s funding request includes $16.8 billion to rebuild property and infrastructure, $9.9 billion for grants to fire victims, $5.29 billion for homeowner and business loans, $4.32 billion in recovery grants for local governments, and $2 billion in low-income housing tax credits.
Read MoreFEBRUARY 21, 2025
Last week, federal transportation officials announced an investigation and possible withdrawal of about $4 billion in federal funding for California’s high-speed rail project. The rail authority's most recent business plan counts on receiving up to $8 billion in federal money to help close a funding gap, and losing that money would be a major blow to the project.
Read MoreFEBRUARY 21, 2025
A new report released this week by the U.S. Travel Association says the United States air travel system is not ready for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing slow visa processing times and outdated security technology, among other reasons.
Read MoreFEBRUARY 20, 2025
Over the next several years, Los Angeles is committed to radically reducing its homeless population, rebuilding one of the city’s wealthiest enclaves, and preparing to host the Olympics. Los Angeles will have its own fire-related costs, but the size of the bill will depend on how much aid is kicked in by others. The city’s major challenges—homelessness services, fire recovery, and Olympic planning—will all rely on some level of federal assistance
Read MoreFEBRUARY 18, 2025
California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has denied a request from State Farm to green light “emergency” rate increases for insurance policy holders. When he rejected the request, Lara cited that he needed more information before approving an increase, such as what the insurer is doing to improve its finances other than raising rates and whether its parent company could provide assistance.
Read MoreFEBRUARY 18, 2025
California’s small businesses—employers to more than half the state’s workforce—are facing what some say could be immense negative consequences from President Trump’s slew of executive orders. After states including California filed suit, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order putting the freeze on hold, but uncertainty about the freeze may already be doing damage.
Read MoreFEBRUARY 7, 2025
Employers are facing a ramp up in immigration enforcement, including raids and I-9 audits. Raids are typically triggered by the presence of non-citizens with criminal convictions, and ICE agents may arrive with a civil administrative warrant to arrest the targeted individual.
Read MoreFEBRUARY 6, 2025
The TSA is reminding the public that starting May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older must have a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver’s license, state-issued identification card, or another acceptable form of ID to board a commercial aircraft. Signs are currently posted at airports nationwide reminding the public that REAL ID-compliant licenses or other acceptable forms of identification will be mandatory for commercial air travel beginning on May 7, 2025.
Read MoreFEBRUARY 6, 2025
Earlier this month, President Trump called for Congress to upgrade the U.S. air traffic control system following a midair collision between an American Airlines jet and an Army helicopter near Washington, D.C. U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman issued the following statement: “We are encouraged by the focus and leadership of President Trump and Secretary Duffy on addressing longstanding challenges in America’s air traffic control system. The travel industry has repeatedly called for greater investments in technology and manpower to build a world-class aviation experience.
Read MoreFEBRUARY 5, 2025
Palm Springs International Airport is launching a $2.2 billion expansion, now that the Palm Springs City Council has approved a master plan for the project. The airport master plan includes a slew of projects to accommodate the increased air traffic.
Read MoreFEBRUARY 3, 2025
Displaced Los Angeles residents are eager to rebuild their homes and move back into their neighborhoods. Once the EPA finishes removing toxic waste, crews contracted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can return to haul away ash, burned trees, damaged foundations, and other debris.
Read MoreJANUARY 30, 2025
At the beginning of 2025, several new laws went into effect relating to the food and restaurant industry.
Read MoreJANUARY 30, 2025
On January 28, Los Angeles tourism leaders took the stage at the Americas Lodging Investment Summit to send a message that the city remains open for business. Geoff Freeman, CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, said the next 10 years are poised to be a "mega decade of opportunity" for California tourism, anchored by major global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Read MoreJANUARY 29, 2025
Keanu Reeves and Bette Midler have reportedly joined others in supporting Stay in L.A., a new campaign aimed at keeping more Hollywood production in the Los Angeles area in light of the region’s recent wildfires. Stay in L.A. is asking California Governor Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, the California State Legislature, and the city council to join forces in working on passing measures to incentivize entertainment production in the city
Read MoreJANUARY 28, 2025
Governor Newsom’s recent executive order extending hotel stays for Los Angeles fire evacuees and first responders until March 8, 2025, has highlighted the critical role of the travel and hospitality industry during emergencies. The decision to involve hotels in addressing housing shortages demonstrates the importance of leveraging existing resources to manage crises effectively
Read MoreJANUARY 13, 2025
Yesterday, Governor Newsom asked legislative leaders to approve at least $2.5 billion in response to the wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles County. “California is organizing a Marshall Plan to help Los Angeles rebuild faster and stronger — including billions in new and accelerated state funding so we can move faster to deliver for the thousands who’ve lost their homes and livelihoods in these firestorms,” Newsom said in a statement.
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