Molehill8244

Summary

California faces an intense climate battle as major corporations pour millions into lobbying against a groundbreaking bill that mandates full disclosure of their carbon emissions. The legislation, which aims to unveil companies' real impact on climate change, is nearing a vote in the state Assembly after passing the Senate. Meanwhile, corporations, including Chevron and Blue Diamond Growers, have ramped up their opposition, despite many already pledging net-zero carbon commitments in the future.

In the midst of a national housing crisis, billionaire real estate interests and conservative groups are urging the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn New York City's rent stabilization law, a move that could lead to significant rent increases across the city. The law, enacted in 1969, restricts annual rent increases for nearly half of all rental units in the city. Housing policy analysts warn that if the law is overturned, it could result in a surge in homelessness, overcrowding, and displacement. The high court's ruling on this issue could also pave the way for legal challenges to rent control laws across the country. Meanwhile, at least one group petitioning the court has been found to have substantial ties to known GOP megadonors and benefactors of Supreme Court justices, adding another layer of complexity to the case. The Supreme Court will decide on the petition on September 26, with potential ramifications for the 2023-2024 term.

Justice Samuel Alito's recent assertion that Congress lacks the authority to regulate the Supreme Court contradicts pledges made by him and other justices during their confirmation processes to adhere to congressional ethics laws. Investigations revealing failures to comply with federal gift laws, including Alito's acceptance of a private jet flight before ruling on a related business matter, have fueled calls for Congress to impose a formal code of ethics on the Supreme Court.

Summary:

The health insurer Friday Health Plans, supported by private equity, was ordered by Colorado state regulators to cease operations, leaving 30,000 policyholders without health insurance. This follows the path of Bright Health, another private equity-backed insurer that had to terminate its business, affecting hundreds of thousands of policyholders. These events highlight the risks of private equity entering an already unstable health insurance market, with over a million people losing their health insurance due to the failures of these two companies. The private equity business model, centered on profit extraction rather than provision of consistent, affordable care, often results in worse patient outcomes. The collapses expose regulatory gaps, where these insurers were approved to operate without adequate capital and oversight.