Californians Get Stingier at the Ballot Box as Costs Rise

The New York Times – Californians say they can’t afford housing. They find gas prices too high. And when they were asked at the polls this month to pay higher taxes, fewer voters than usual were willing to do so in the liberal state.

America’s Economic Anxiety Is Rising Up the Income Ladder

The Wall Street Journal – America’s economic anxiety is rising up the income ladder. A new Wall Street Journal poll finds that even those who consider themselves among the wealthiest classes in America carry high levels of concern about their current finances, the years ahead and the prospects for their children.

Southern California inflation hits 5-month high as gas prices jump 27%

Orange County Register – Balancing a household budget became trickier this spring as rising gasoline prices boosted Southern California inflation to its 2026 high. My trusty spreadsheet reviewed May’s Consumer Price Index report, averaging results for local regions – Los Angeles and Orange counties, the Inland Empire and San Diego – and comparing local cost-of-living […]

Could Californians save at the pump? Congress debates gas tax pause

ABC10 – Gas prices remained elevated Monday as uncertainty continues over the war in Iran and a ceasefire President Donald Trump described as “on life support.” According to AAA, the national average price for a gallon of regular gas stood at $4.50 Monday afternoon. In California, the statewide average was about $6.20 per gallon of […]