JUNE 25, 2025
The Trump administration’s plan to repeal a rule prohibiting logging and road construction in undeveloped parts of national forests would strip protection from more than 4 million acres within California’s borders, to allow “for fire prevention and responsible timber production.” These roadless areas are considered important for providing habitat for more than 200 threatened or endangered species of wildlife and for protecting vital watersheds.
Read MoreJUNE 23, 2025
Two large California oil refineries are set to close in 2026, triggering mounting concerns from state legislators, industry groups, and many others. Together, the shutdowns will eliminate nearly 300,000 barrels-per‑day of refining capacity—roughly 20% of the total used in the state. With less local supply, experts warn of potential impacts on California drivers. One analysis forecasts prices could soar over $8 per gallon by late 2026.
Read MoreJUNE 20, 2025
Last week, U.S. Travel wrapped up its annual IPW, where travel professionals from around the world gathered to build relationships with global buyers and promote destinations across the United States. IPW 2025’s key message centered on increasing international inbound visitation. The 2025 event is expected to attract nearly 10.9 million new visitors to the U.S. over the next three years.
Read MoreJUNE 19, 2025
This summer, unsafe, illegal, and environmentally harmful roadside parking in Emerald Bay will be replaced with a new shuttle service, funded by Keep Tahoe Blue and the Tahoe Fund. The service will offer an easy, convenient, and lake-friendly transportation alternative to access one of Tahoe’s most visited spots. Shuttle service to Emerald Bay will begin on July 15 and will operate seven days a week through October 15.
Read MoreJUNE 19, 2025
As the Trump administration ramps up immigration raids in California, some restaurants—worried about their workers or finding that customers are staying home more—are closing temporarily. Many street vendors are going into hiding, and some food festivals and farmers markets have been canceled. The disruptions come at a difficult time for California’s restaurant industry, which is already grappling with soaring costs.
Read MoreJUNE 18, 2025
In L.A. County, where transit lines are sometimes miles apart, transit leaders’ plans for the 2028 Olympics rely on a robust fleet of buses to get people to and from venues and avoid a traffic meltdown. The plan hinges on a $2-billion ask of the Trump administration to lease 2,700 buses to join Metro’s fleet of roughly 2,400, traveling on a network of designated lanes from venue to venue. But the federal government has yet to respond to the city’s request.
Read MoreJUNE 18, 2025
Last week, Unite Here Local 11 filed paperwork for a pair of ballot proposals. One would raise the minimum wage for all workers in the city to $30 by July 2028. The other would force a public vote on the construction of large hotels, major hotel expansions, and the development or expansion of event centers. To place the measure on the ballot in an upcoming election, the union would need to collect about 140,000 signatures within 120 days.
Read MoreJUNE 16, 2025
At last week’s IPW, Brand USA announced its new ‘America the Beautiful’ global campaign—“a bold agenda” that defies recent headlines and puts the focus back on the country’s incredible destinations, unforgettable experiences, and forever memory-makers. “With this campaign, we’re sending a clear message: the USA is open for business and ready to welcome legitimate international travelers,” said Brand USA CEO Fred Dixon.
Read MoreJUNE 10, 2025
The Trump administration has deployed a battalion of 700 Marines to Los Angeles, along with 2,000 additional National Guard troops, in response to days of protests in the city. The Pentagon did not make clear why it would need more National Guard troops in the city. California has sued to block the use of the National Guard. And Democrats have expressed alarm about the arrival of Marines.
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JUNE 9, 2025
Visit Anaheim has unveiled 'Imaginagency,' a first-of-its-kind travel initiative created in collaboration with actress and entrepreneur Tia Mowry. Designed to reimagine the family vacation experience, this innovative campaign places children at the helm of planning, offering itineraries crafted entirely by young minds. Spearheading the initiative are six “Imaginagents,” who have curated six unique, bookable Anaheim experiences.
Read MoreJUNE 9, 2025
National parks across the country have been under budget and understaffed for years, and the situation has only been made worse by recent cuts to the federal workforce. Due to the staffing shortage, the National Park Service (NPS) has said park staff may be asked to take on extra roles to keep parks safe and open. The NPS has lost 13% of its 20,000-person workforce since January, according to the National Parks Conservation Association.
Read MoreJUNE 8, 2025
The Walt Disney Company and Universal—two of the biggest names in theme parks—are both undertaking historic expansions to their experiences businesses. These investments come at a time when both Disney and Comcast are paring down or spinning off their linear TV segments, an arena that has seen volatility in recent years, while theme parks have been consistent revenue drivers for the companies post-pandemic.
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JUNE 6, 2025
The Trump Administration’s newly announced travel ban will not be impacting the 2026 World Cup or the 2028 Olympics. The travel ban explicitly excludes athletes, listing in the exemptions “any athlete or member of an athletic team, including coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives, traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State.”
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JUNE 3, 2025
Visit California’s Board of Directors unanimously adopted a resolution to move forward with the 2025 renewal referendum, officially launching Forward Together, the campaign to renew the industry’s self-assessment that funds Visit California’s global marketing efforts. Tourism leaders are encouraged to visit vote.visitcalifornia.com to add their name to the growing list of supporters.
Read MoreMAY 28, 2025
California’s port traffic is beginning to look worse now than it did at the height of the pandemic. The Port of Long Beach said the number of cancellations they're seeing today is starting to exceed what they experienced during the pandemic. The Port of Los Angeles expected 80 ships to arrive in May, but 17 were canceled. And the Port of Oakland saw a 15% month-over-month drop in container activity in April.
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APRIL 16, 2025
California is suing President Trump over tariffs—Gov. Newsom’s most direct challenge to the president since he retook office in January. The move comes after Newsom spent months appealing to the president for federal disaster relief. The lawsuit targets the International Economic Emergency Powers Act, which the president is using to impose tariffs without congressional approval.
Read MoreAPRIL 15, 2025
Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled a tourism campaign urging Canadians to “come experience our California Love” after seeing a dip in visitation by Canadians. In a video posted to social media, Newsom focuses on the allure of the Golden State while distancing it from Trump’s administration, noting that California is “over 2,000 miles from Washington and a world away in mindset.”
Read MoreAPRIL 14, 2025
Hilton’s Annual Trends Report found that recreating memories is one of the most common reasons Americans choose leisure travel, with 58% of travelers saying they want to revisit childhood destinations. This nostalgic travel trend—or “time tripping”—is about revisiting simpler times, reconnecting with the places and experiences that shaped them, and sharing those experiences with new generations.
Read MoreAPRIL 9, 2025
The 2028 Olympic games in Los Angeles will feature 28 more medal events than Paris 2024. The additions are part of a broader push by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to modernize the games and attract new audiences. The final program was shaped by guiding principles set in 2023, which emphasized global appeal, cost-efficiency, athlete focus, and gender balance.
Read MoreAPRIL 8, 2025
Asm. Matt Haney and Sen. Scott Wiener are bringing back a measure to allow some restaurants and bars to serve alcohol until 4 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and state holidays. Supporters of the proposal say it would revitalize post-pandemic nightlife across California cities and draw more visitors and revenue, especially as the state prepares to host the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.
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