West
California bill aimed at making it easier for migrants to buy homes makes major advancement
A key California Senate committee advanced a bill this week that would allow migrants and illegal immigrants to use a program aimed at helping widen the swath of the population who can become a homebuyer.
The “Dream For All” shared-appreciation loan program is billed by the state as a down-payment assistance program for first-time homebuyers.
When the qualified homeowner later sells or transfers the home, the homebuyer repays the original loan’s down payment, as well as a share of the residence’s value appreciation, according to the California Housing Finance Agency (CALHFA).
In a 5-2 party-line vote, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved the bill prohibiting an applicant for “Dream For All” from being disqualified based on their immigration status.
While foreign-born individuals are able to purchase homes in the U.S. by using an individual tax identification number in the absence of a Social Security number, the bill is unique in that it helps offer the benefits of homeownership to everyone, its author said.
BIDEN’S BORDER CRISIS WREAKING HAVOC ON K-12 SCHOOLS SAYS TOP GOP LAWMAKER
Migrants walk along the highway through Suchiate, Chiapas state in southern Mexico on Sunday, July 21, 2024, during their journey north toward the U.S. border. (AP Photo/Edgar H. Clemente)
“When undocumented individuals are excluded from such programs, they miss out on a crucial method of securing financial security and personal stability for themselves and their families,” Democratic Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula said in a statement obtained by The Center Square.
With Arambula’s bill already having passed the state assembly, it only requires passage by the Democrat-supermajority state Senate and signature by Gov. Gavin Newsom to become law.
In its original form, the “Dream For All” program may have “worked too well,” the Sacramento Bee wrote earlier this year.
The paper reported $300 million in loans were claimed in less than two weeks, which led to a housing agency spokesperson saying the first-come-first-serve model it employed will be replaced with a lottery.
FLASHBACK: PA REPUBLICANS DRAFT BILL DIVERTING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM SECRETIVE BIDEN DHS FLIGHTS TO DELAWARE
The “Dream For All” shared-appreciation loan program is billed by the state as a down-payment assistance program for first-time homebuyers. (iStock)
“We really want to make sure that funds for this round are distributed equitably,” CALHFA’s Eric Johnson said at the time.
The Bee’s analysis also showed the bill would not, like other similar legislative efforts, affect the Golden State’s budget deficit.
Fox News Digital reached out to the state assembly’s top Republican, Assemblymember James Gallagher, for minority party reaction, but did not receive a response by press time.
After the bill was first introduced earlier this year, state Sen. Brian Dahle, a Republican, called it an “insult to California citizens who are already being priced out of homeownership.”
“[G]ive priority to those who are in our state legally.”
Read the full article from Here
Montana
Miley Cyrus Debuts Hannah Montana-Inspired Hair Transformation to Tease 20th Anniversary Plans
Though she hasn’t revealed what a celebration of the show’s legacy would look like, she did share why it’s so important for there to be one at all.
“For me, I love looking back at the growth for both of us because it’s very rare that someone grows up with their fanbase,” she explained. “When I was 15 years old, I’d look out and see 15-year-olds and now I’m a grown woman, I look out and see other grown people. So, what I want to do is honor the longevity of the relationship that we built.”
Having earned a Disney Legend award last year for her iconic role, the LOL star emphasized how the double-life pop star was so much more than a TV show character.
“Hannah Montana, it outgrew the fantasy,” she continued. “It became the reality of my life. Something that was about a regular girl getting to have this extraordinary life by being someone that she’s not and then turning my life and having this life because of being who I really am and authenticity. So getting to celebrate that—20 years is a long time.”
For a look back at Miley’s life from ordinary girl to rock star, read on…
Nevada
Oregon lands commitment from Nevada punter
Oregon has found its next Australian punter.
Bailey Ettridge, who averaged 44.66 yards on 47 punts at Nevada this season, committed to transfer to the Ducks on Sunday. He has three seasons of eligibility remaining.
From Lara, Australia, Ettridge had 15 punts over 50 yards and 18 inside opponents’ 20-yard lines this season. He also had two carries for 26 yards, both of which converted fourth downs.
Ettridge replaces James Ferguson-Reynolds, who is averaging 41.64 yards on 33 punts for UO this season. Ferguson-Reynolds and Ross James are both out of eligibility after the season.
Ettridge is the first scholarship transfer to Oregon this offseason and his addition gives the Ducks 81 projected scholarship players in 2026. He is the lone punter presently on the roster.
No. 1 Indiana (14-0) vs. No. 5 Oregon (13-1)
- When: Friday, January 9
- Time: 4:30 p.m. PT
- Where: Mercedes Benz Stadium, Atlanta
- TV: ESPN and ABC
- Stream: You can watch this game on DIRECTV (free trial) or with Sling (a Sling day pass to watch this game and more is just $4.99). Streaming broadcasts for this game will be available on these streaming services locally in Oregon and Washington, but may not be available outside of the Pacific Northwest, depending on your location.
New Mexico
Missionary from Utah serving in New Mexico died unexpectedly in sleep
SALT LAKE CITY — A missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from Utah has passed away in his sleep unexpectedly Saturday in New Mexico, according to a news release from The Church.
Elder Caleb Gene Martin, 21, died from a medical cause that has not been determined, Church spokesman Sam Penrod said in a statement.
According to The Church, Martin had been serving in the New Mexico Farmington Mission since May 2024. He was from Salem, Utah.
Elder Caleb Gene Martin, 21, died in his sleep on Jan. 3 from a medical cause that has yet to be determined. He was serving in the New Mexico Farmington Mission. (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fellow missionaries. We pray they will find comfort and strength through their faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ and feel the Savior’s love as they honor Elder Martin’s life and devoted missionary service,” the statement said.
According to the release, an autopsy is planned.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
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