This is an L.A. Times Studios podcast.

Hi, I'm Angelica Coronado at L.A. Times Studios. Here are some of today's headlines from the Los Angeles Times.

A new fight is heating up in Washington. This time, over California's right to ban the sale of new gas-only cars by 2035.

It's a direct challenge to a decades-old Clean Air Act waiver that's allowed the state to set stricter pollution standards than the federal government and influence what automakers build nationwide.

Michael Wilner reports the House just voted to block California from enforcing its clean car

rules. Now the issue heads to the Senate, where Democrats warn Republicans may have to break with

normal procedure to push it through. Climate advocates call the move illegal, but auto and oil

industry groups say it's a win for consumers. Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob

Bonta are already signaling that legal action could be next. California's population is

growing again for the second year in a row. Terry Castleman reports the state added more than 100,000 people in 2024, indicating a shift after years of decline, mostly around the pandemic.

Seven of the 10 largest cities all grew in population, with Bakersfield leading at 1.2% and San Diego close behind at 1%.

Most of that growth came from births and international immigration, even as some residents

continue to move to states like Texas and Arizona. On the housing front, growth remains slow,

but dwellings like ADUs are on the rise,

and those now make up one in five new homes that are built.

Governor Gavin Newsom called it a sign that people are still chasing the California dream.

Starbucks and its unionized baristas are still locked in a standoff after two years of contract talks.

Suhanna Hussein reports that 81% of voting workers rejected the company's latest wage offer.

The proposal included future raises, but no immediate pay bump or health care improvements,

something workers are saying can't keep up with the cost of living,

especially in cities like L.A.

Starbucks says it already pays above industry average

...