Here's your daily briefing...
Volkswagen scandal: Today a federal judge is expected to hear from Volkswagen owners who aren’t happy with a $10 billion settlement regarding the scandal in which Volkswagen cheated emissions requirements. According to the Associated Press, the hearing is scheduled for later today in San Francisco and will determine whether or not the deal is reasonable for the duped car owners. The deal calls for the automaker to spend up to $10 billion buying back or repairing nearly 475,000 2-liter diesel engine Volkswagen and Audi vehicles.
Marijuana on the ballot: There are 52 ballot measures to tax and regulate recreational marijuana on local ballots across the state. According to Capital Public Radio, the measures are in anticipation of the passage of Proposition 64, which would legalize marijuana. It would also levy a $9.25 tax per ounce of dried cannabis flowers and 15 percent excise tax on growers. Local cities and counties could then also add additional marijuana-related taxes.
Democrats are looking to take over the state assembly … and the senate, although according to the Scott Lay, who tracks California legislative races, they’ll have an easier time with the assembly. Lay told Capital Public Radio the run to gain the supermajority is somewhat overrated these days, as it’s no longer needed to pass a state budget, but democrats are still trying to gain it even if only for bragging right. To win the supermajorities in both chambers this fall, democrats would need to win one new seat in the senate and two in the assembly.
Plane still missing: The search for a small single-engine plane that was last reported to be flying over the Sierra Nevada has been postponed due to stormy weather. According to the Associated Press, crews are hoping to resume the search for the Cessna plane by land and air as soon as weather allows. The plane was last reported to be flying over a mountain range southwest of Lake Tahoe. It was returning to the Sacramento area from Idaho and was reported missing Saturday evening.