(The Center Square) – California did not materially comply with the requirements for seven of the 22 federal programs the state auditor examined, including “pervasive” noncompliance in its unemployment benefits program, which could put essential federal funding at risk.

“This report concludes that the State did not materially comply with certain requirements for seven of the 22 federal programs or clusters of programs (federal programs) MGO audited, including one program for which the noncompliance was pervasive,” wrote Deputy State Auditor Linus Li. “Additionally, although MGO concluded that the State materially complied with requirements for the remaining federal programs it audited, the State continues to experience certain deficiencies in its accounting and administrative practices that affect its internal controls over compliance with federal requirements.”

The audit found that even in 2023 — years after the state made $55 billion in fraudulent COVID lockdown-era benefits payments — the state likely made “potentially ineligible payments” of nearly $200 million. The audit also found that of 138 pandemic unemployment assistance claimants that were tested, 91, or 66%, had verification issues. 

“While Gavin Newsom chases the national spotlight, Californians are left with an administration that can’t accomplish the basic functions of government,” said California State Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher to The Center Square. “The federal government is right to take a look at this spending and decide if it’s appropriate to keep throwing resources at an administration that treats it like Monopoly money.”

Last year, the state’s Legislative Analyst’s Office said the state’s unemployment fund runs a structural deficit of $2 billion per year, beyond the $20 billion debt and $1 billion in annual interest payments to the federal government. Because the unemployment fund is paid for by payroll taxes on employers and their employees, the LAO said payroll taxes would need to rise from $42 per employee making $46,800 or more per year, to $889.20, or over 21 times higher than the existing base payroll tax. 

Arizonans paid more for gasoline Friday than this time last week.

AAA has the state average for a gallon of regular at $3.42. That’s up from $3.33 last week. It is also higher than the national average of $3.26.

Julian Paredes, spokesperson for AAA Arizona, told The Center Square the cost of oil is the single biggest factor for the cost of gas for everyone.

“Other factors for Arizona include sources,” said Paredes. “Arizona gets its gas from California, Texas and New Mexico.”

California fuel is more expensive, and adding the cost of transportation from all those states makes Arizona prices higher than other areas.

Drivers in Arizona’s Maricopa County saw prices as high as $3.64 a gallon Friday. Averages in Navajo and Coconino counties were around $3.28 a gallon. The counties of Greenlee, Graham and Pima had prices anywhere from $3.01 to $3.12.

States neighboring Arizona have cheaper prices, according to AAA.

For example, the state average in New Mexico Friday was $3.07, compared to $3.15 in Colorado and $3.22 in Utah. Nevada, at $4 a gallon, and California, at $4.94 a gallon, are the only states bordering Arizona with higher prices.

“Arizona does not have refineries, so the state imports all fuel,” Paredes said.

“Colorado and New Mexico have their own refineries, so transportation costs are lower,” Parades said. “Arizona is also a more populous state with strong tourism, so general demand for fuel is higher.”

Nationwide, gas prices tend to rise near the end of spring because of demand and the start of summer travel season. Paredes said. The historic trend for decades is that gas prices are cheapest during winter, rise gradually during spring, peak during summer and drop during fall.

Meanwhile, the state average for diesel fuel, which is used by trucks transporting food and other goods, in Arizona was $3.57 on Friday. 

(The Center Square) – At least five people have died and that number is expected to increase after severe storms hit the western and middle portions of Tennessee. 

“There has been a great deal of storm activity and damage,” Gov. Bill Lee said in a Friday news conference with emergency leaders. “And yet there’s more to come.” 

Lee issued an emergency declaration ahead of storms that moved through the state on Thursday. A tornado was confirmed in the McNairy County town of Selmer, where at least one person died, according to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency.

There were two deaths in Fayette County, and one each in Carroll and Obion counties, the agency said. 

More storms are expected this weekend especially west of I-65, according to the National Weather Service.  

“Do not be surprised by a severe storm or tornado watch soon,” the agency said Friday afternoon on social media. “We are still watching Saturday afternoon and night for peak storms and flash flooding.’

Some areas could see up to 8 inches of rain this weekend, according to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. 

“Life safety missions are currently ongoing and is the top priority in our rescue and response operations,” agency officials said in a report. “Once life safety missions are complete and the storm system moves through the state, TEMA alongside our local and federal partners will begin damage assessments.”

Lee was on the ground with first responders touring damage Thursday and Friday. 

“Middle and West Tennesseans face a long road to recovery after severe weather, and there is great hope in seeing how communities are coming together to serve their neighbors in this time of need,” Lee said said Gov. Lee. “We will continue to look for every opportunity to support local recovery efforts.”