Newsom’s nearly $349-billion budget proposal, what happened in L.A. New Year’s Eve killing and more big stories.

The Assembly is set to take public testimony on a sales tax proposal from the mayor's office at its upcoming Tuesday meeting. Members face a deadline this month to approve the measure for it to appear before voters on the April municipal ballot.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond also highlighted the importance of funding for his sponsored legislation, Universal Transitional Kindergarten, and support for literacy initiatives.

Newsom's financial update shows he's banking on the state's economy to keep growing and the stock market to do well with growth around artificial intelligence and tech.

Human Resources Mexico (HRM), an Employer of Record operating exclusively in Mexico, has been monitoring the proposal closely due to its potential impact on day-to-day employment administration. In EOR-managed structures, working hours are a core compliance element that affects employment contracts, overtime eligibility, and payroll execution.

A proposal to include express lanes in an I-40 road widening project was recommended by the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization.