Headlines From The Times

The Senate passes Trump’s sweeping tax and healthcare bill by a single vote — but it still faces a challenge in the House. Questions grow around Pam Bondi’s claim of “tens of thousands” of Epstein videos, as legal experts say there’s no evidence they exist. Apple considers outsourcing Siri’s core technology to OpenAI or Anthropic as it struggles to compete in the A.I. space. And Lululemon files a lawsuit against Costco, accusing the wholesaler of selling lookalike gear that mimics its high-end designs.

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense team pushes back on racketeering and trafficking charges, with legal experts saying a guilty verdict isn’t guaranteed. Meanwhile, the Trump administration accuses Harvard of failing to protect Jewish students from antisemitic abuse and warns it could lose federal funding. In California, Blue Shield faces criticism for moving its parent company out of state — a change approved quietly by regulators. And President Trump says he won’t extend a pause on global tariffs beyond July 9, urging countries to cut deals or face steep new trade penalties.

Gas prices in California are set to jump this July, with new taxes and refinery rules adding costs at the pump. Meanwhile, illegal fireworks are already lighting up L.A., raising safety and environmental concerns ahead of the Fourth of July. Across the U.S., consumers are pulling back on spending as inflation outpaces income growth, affecting travel, recreation, and more. And in the face of growing energy demands, big batteries are emerging as a key tool in preventing summer blackouts.

The Supreme Court has ruled that states can block Medicaid patients from using Planned Parenthood, reshaping access to reproductive healthcare. In federal court, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial wraps up as the jury prepares to deliberate charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. Meanwhile, Apple rolls out major changes to its App Store in Europe to avoid future antitrust fines, offering lower fees and more flexibility to developers. And in California, Fourth of July cookouts will cost more this year due to inflation, supply issues, and labor disruptions.

President Trump reaffirms NATO support and signals openness to aiding Ukraine if Russia resists a ceasefire. In California, lawmakers strike a $321-billion budget deal—hinging on a housing reform vote. A judge rules the state’s FAIR insurance plan illegally limited wildfire smoke claims, opening the door for thousands of homeowners to seek compensation. And Tesla’s new robotaxis draw federal scrutiny after test videos show alarming safety lapses.

A Pentagon report challenges claims that U.S. strikes destroyed Iran’s nuclear program, with experts saying the damage may only set them back a few months. A federal judge orders the Trump administration to hand over records related to military deployments in California. In housing news, Southern California sees its first year-over-year price dip since 2023. And In-N-Out sues a YouTuber for impersonating an employee and posting a prank video the company says spread false and harmful information.

President Trump announced on truth social late Monday that Israel and Iran have agreed to a ceasefire deal. Protesters across L.A. rallied against immigration raids, which caused pushback from the LAPD and implemented a downtown curfew. Hollywood may be in crisis, but top executives are still cashing in. Apple just signed a new deal with media mogul Peter Chernin’s ‘North Road Studio’ — a move that could boost its growing presence in Hollywood.

A Pasadena immigration raid is rippling across L.A., where bus ridership has dropped amid growing fear of ICE enforcement on public transportation. A new study finds that plastic bag bans and fees are making a real difference—coastal cleanups show a sharp drop in bag pollution where policies are in place. The robotaxi wars are intensifying as Waymo, Zoox, and Tesla race toward a driverless future. Microsoft is planning another wave of job cuts, this time targeting sales roles as it pivots heavily toward AI.

A former prison in California is being converted into the state’s largest migrant detention facility under a new federal contract. Businesses across the state (from farms to hotels) are voicing concern about labor shortages tied to immigration enforcement. And under federal orders, national parks are replacing language about past injustices with messaging that centers American pride, raising alarm among historians and civil rights advocates.

California braces for its most dangerous wildfire season yet, but sweeping federal cuts could leave the state exposed. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court upholds bans on gender-affirming care for trans teens, sparking fears of broader rollbacks. And in Los Angeles, immigration raids target undocumented workers while the employers who hire them continue to operate largely unchecked.

AI scammers are siphoning off millions in college financial aid, a record-breaking jewelry heist has finally led to federal indictments, and Hollywood is turning to Roblox and TikTok to reimagine movie marketing. We explore the rise of financial fraud powered by bots and stolen identities, a long-awaited breakthrough in the high-stakes Brink’s robbery, and how studios are transforming virtual worlds into box-office gold. As crime and culture collide across real and digital spaces, strange new frontiers are reshaping how people learn, steal, and sell in 2025.

A new COVID subvariant called “Nimbus” is driving a surge across California, with doctors warning of painful symptoms and weakened vaccine policies. A federal judge in Los Angeles is considering whether to take control of the city’s homelessness programs, citing mismanagement and missing data. Palisades and Altadena fire victims are suing State Farm, claiming they were grossly underinsured after devastating losses. Elon Musk’s Neuralink makes headlines for helping a monkey “see” an artificial image—pushing the limits of brain-computer tech.

A new “pay-it-forward” student loan model is gaining traction in cities like San Diego and Honolulu—offering interest-free funding with no payments due until graduates earn $50,000 a year. California’s Attorney General sues a Southern California real estate mogul, alleging widespread tenant abuse and unsafe living conditions. Toy giant Mattel teams up with OpenAI to develop AI-powered games and play experiences. And grocery workers at Kroger and Albertsons vote to authorize a strike over unfair labor practices.

Viral claims of ICE raids at school graduations and hotels in Los Angeles have been widely debunked, as officials push back against a wave of fear-fueled misinformation. In the courtroom, a federal judge is questioning Trump’s deployment of the National Guard in California, raising concerns about executive overreach and state authority. And in Austin, Tesla’s first fully driverless robotaxi signals a leap toward an autonomous, AI-powered future reflecting a nation navigating power struggles, blurred lines between fact and fiction, and the accelerating pace of technological change.

Federal agents have detained 330 immigrants in L.A. since Friday, with the White House vowing more to come. At the same time, car washes across L.A. and Orange County are the latest targets of immigration raids. Meanwhile, a violent gang war among Armenian organized crime groups is playing out in the San Fernando Valley. And in downtown Los Angeles, residents are staying committed to a walkable, vibrant lifestyle—even as the area adapts to post-pandemic shifts. This episode breaks down the major enforcement, safety, and community stories shaping the city.

Please enjoy the first episode of the latest from L.A. Times Studios, Rebuilding L.A.L.A. Times reporter Liam Dillon joins us to talk about where we are in the moment as residents assess the path forward. How are people grappling with the decision to rebuild and, ultimately, what factors are playing into those plans? Also, Altadena resident and lawyer Kelsey Szamet shares her very personal story about her efforts to get back home to the town where she was born and raised, and now lives with her own family.

Mexico’s president urges calm after immigration raids in L.A. trigger protests and fear among families. Glendale cuts ties with ICE after 18 years, citing community values. Waymo suspends downtown service after several of its robotaxis are burned during demonstrations. And Apple’s annual showcase comes as the company faces mounting challenges from AI setbacks and trade tensions.

A legal battle between a startup founder and a venture capitalist is rocking L.A.’s tech scene. Metro finally opens a long-awaited transit hub to connect travelers to LAX. Venture capital is pouring into Southern California startups, expanding far beyond AI. And wildfire victims are suing major insurers, claiming they were sold policies that left them without enough to rebuild.

California’s leading governor candidates face off over the state’s affordability crisis. President Trump reinstates a controversial travel ban impacting 12 countries. Warner Bros. Discovery cuts jobs as its cable division struggles. And Elon Musk returns focus to Tesla amid falling sales and rising pressure to deliver on key promises.

A toxic fungus smuggled into a Michigan lab sparks national security concerns. California’s $100 billion high-speed rail project hits a major roadblock as the federal government threatens to pull funding. And after a teen’s tragic death, lawmakers take a closer look at AI chatbots, pushing a new bill to make them safer for young users.

The Supreme Court turns down a challenge to assault weapon bans in states like California and Maryland. Lawmakers push to overhaul CEQA, aiming to speed up housing and infrastructure projects. Disney cuts hundreds of jobs in a continued restructuring effort. And Vietnamese American nail salon owners sue California, arguing the state’s labor law unfairly targets their community.

A new COVID subvariant is spreading in California just as the Trump administration moves to ease vaccine access. Meanwhile, one San Diego avocado farmer is battling climate change, Mexican imports, and industry politics to save California’s iconic crop. On the economic front, inflation cooled last month, but experts say new tariffs could reverse that trend. And a judge dismissed the high-profile lawsuit from Richard Montañez over the origin of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.

The FBI says it will release video footage to prove Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide, aiming to end years of speculation. In Santa Monica, residents are taking on Waymo’s driverless taxis, blocking cars and demanding quieter streets. In fashion news, Elyse Walker announces her flagship store will reopen in 2026 at Palisades Village after losing it to the fires. And in California’s insurance market, lawsuits accuse major providers of colluding to push homeowners onto a costly state plan.

New details emerge in the federal case against Sean “Diddy” Combs, including allegations of violence and coercion. The Justice Department is investigating California schools over transgender athletes and potential Title IX violations, and tech giants like Google and Amazon are rolling out AI tools that could reshape how people shop.

President Trump threatens to cut California’s federal funding over transgender athletes. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says COVID vaccines are no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women. NPR sues the Trump administration over defunding public media. And Disney will become the new home for “CoComelon,” pulling the hit preschool show from Netflix in 2027.

Southern California Edison agrees to pay $82.5 million for its role in the Bobcat Fire. In Yucaipa, 11-year-old Alisa Perales becomes the youngest community college graduate in her school’s history. Meanwhile, Disney sues YouTube over a high-profile executive hire, escalating the fight between streaming giants. And in Silver Lake, one couple spends $830,000 on a bold hillside ADU that blends luxury, fitness, and design.

Senate Republicans vote to overturn California’s clean car rules, potentially blocking the state’s 2035 gas car ban. Santa Monica Pier lands on the list of California’s dirtiest beaches again, raising health concerns. Louis Vuitton unveils plans for a striking new flagship store on Rodeo Drive designed by Frank Gehry. And SAG-AFTRA files a labor complaint against Epic Games for using AI to replicate James Earl Jones’ voice as Darth Vader in Fortnite.

House Republicans pass Trump’s sweeping tax and spending bill, but some Senate Republicans say major changes are needed. In Washington, D.C., two Israeli Embassy workers are shot and killed outside a Gaza aid event, now being investigated as an act of terror. Southern California Edison faces backlash over a proposed 10% rate hike as questions swirl over its role in recent wildfires. And in Hollywood, Google backs a new short film project that aims to reshape how audiences think about artificial intelligence.

Trump’s sweeping 1,000-page bill proposes permanent tax breaks, deep cuts to social programs, and new financial benefits for newborns. In California, $33 million in federal earthquake retrofit funding just vanished, jeopardizing safety upgrades to vulnerable buildings. And OpenAI just made a $6.5 billion deal, teaming up with former Apple design chief to build what they’re calling the future of computing.

Please enjoy a featured clip of L.A. Times Studio's latest production, L.A. Crimes. On this episode, Madison McGhee is joined by legendary Dateline host Josh Mankiewicz and esteemed L.A. Times Reporter Richard Winton as the three of them dive into all-things Menendez Brothers, the good, the bad, and the still unknown. New episodes drop every Wednesday.

Federal agents are investigating a deadly bombing at a Palm Springs fertility clinic, with growing attention on the suspect’s online manifesto. In the same region, a new affordable housing project is giving hope amid California’s housing crisis. Meanwhile, 23andMe has sold its vast DNA database to Regeneron following bankruptcy. And in the healthcare sector, AI is beginning to replace call center workers, raising questions about efficiency, empathy, and the future of patient care.

Cassie Ventura’s explosive testimony in the Sean “Diddy” Combs federal trial alleges years of abuse and could prove central to the case. Plus, Governor Gavin Newsom pushes to speed up a $20-billion water tunnel project through the Delta. Walmart, Mattel, and others say new tariffs are forcing price hikes that will hit consumers hard. And Charter announces a $34.5 billion deal to acquire Cox Communications, potentially reshaping the cable TV industry.

California faces a $39 billion deficit, prompting Governor Newsom to propose deep spending cuts, including changes to Medi-Cal. The Menendez brothers may soon be eligible for parole after a new sentencing decision. Waymo recalls over 1,200 self-driving cars following minor crashes tied to a software issue. And a Torrance startup aims to electrify tugboats at the Port of Los Angeles, marking a major shift toward cleaner maritime operations.

Trump signs a $600 billion deal with Saudi Arabia, including a record defense package. In California, making under $100K now qualifies as low income in several counties. Hollywood Park will become the global media hub for the 2028 Olympics with a new movie studio. Meanwhile, inflation slows again—but experts say Trump’s tariffs may raise prices later this year.

President Trump gives drug companies 30 days to cut prices or face new limits on what the U.S. will pay. Governor Newsom pushes California cities to ban homeless encampments as $3.3 billion in new funding rolls out. Sam Altman’s eye-scanning ID project lands in L.A., sparking privacy fears. And California’s insurance commissioner weighs a formal probe into State Farm’s handling of wildfire claims.

The Menendez brothers take a major step toward a potential resentencing as legal fights escalate. California’s State Bar faces financial fallout after a failed exam rollout and controversial AI-generated questions. U.S. farmers begin to feel the pinch of Trump’s new tariffs, with equipment delays and profit losses hitting hard. Meanwhile, Paramount Global beats expectations, thanks to growth at Paramount+ and ongoing merger talks with Skydance.

President Trump nominates Dr. Casey Means, a holistic health influencer, to be the next U.S. surgeon general. LA’s Olympic Coliseum is set to make history again in 2028 as it co-hosts the opening and closing ceremonies. In Vernon, snack company Archer is taking over the old Farmer John plant to expand meat stick production and create hundreds of jobs. And in global news, Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer are moving toward a new trade deal that would lower tariffs on cars and steel in exchange for more U.S. exports.

House Republicans are pushing to sell thousands of acres of public lands in Nevada and Utah as part of a sweeping tax and spending plan. More than half of California voters think Governor Gavin Newsom is more focused on his political future than fixing problems at home. Hollywood *might* be getting a surprise push from an unlikely alliance between Donald Trump and Gavin Newsom. Disney is now setting its sight on the middle east.

L.A. County declares a hepatitis A outbreak with cases rising beyond the homeless population. Real ID requirements officially kick in at U.S. airports, with experts warning of potential delays. Mattel considers raising toy prices in response to steep Trump-era tariffs on Chinese imports. And inside the Writers Guild, a trial committee member speaks out over what she calls a flawed expulsion process tied to last year’s strike.

Top L.A. firefighters union leaders are suspended after an audit reveals $800,000 in undocumented spending. UPS and the U.S. Postal Service announce major job cuts and route changes, as mail volume drops and costs rise. Skechers heads into a $9.4 billion deal to go private with backing from 3G Capital. And OpenAI says its nonprofit board will remain in control of its for-profit business.

Security cameras are going up in Altadena after a surge in burglaries, but some locals say it’s not enough. President Trump’s 2026 budget proposes deep cuts to domestic programs while boosting military spending. Despite strong job growth in April, economists warn that trade wars and government cuts could cool the labor market. And a shipping loophole that kept online prices low is now closed raising costs for sites like Shein and Temu, and potentially for consumers across the U.S.

California faces a Senate showdown over its right to ban new gas-only cars by 2035. New data shows the state’s population numbers are back on the rise, signaling a slow post-pandemic recovery. In labor news, Starbucks workers reject a wage offer after two years of stalled negotiations. And at the ports, bonded warehouses are seeing surging demand as companies try to delay steep new tariffs.

California’s immigration detention centers are under fire for falling short on mental health care and safety standards. A massive earthquake along the Cascadia fault could sink coastal areas by six feet and dramatically expand flood zones. Southern California Edison faces potential liability in the billions after the deadly Eaton Fire, and Southwest Airlines is ending open seating and limiting free checked bags, sparking frustration among loyal travelers.

President Trump marks 100 days into his second term with sweeping executive actions and rising criticism over tariffs. Amazon and the White House clash over transparency on rising costs. In L.A., Luka Dončić steps up to help restore a vandalized Kobe and Gianna Bryant mural. And in California, a deepening shortage of primary care doctors is pushing small practices to the brink — despite new state investments.

Federal investigators begin a controlled burn in Pacific Palisades to determine the cause of January’s deadly fire. Tens of thousands of L.A. County workers walk off the job, disrupting major public services. Tech layoffs surge across California, shaking confidence in an industry long seen as secure. And the U.S. dollar faces its worst first 100 days under a president since 1973, raising fears of a longer-term economic shift.

Stanford scientists warn that if childhood vaccination rates stay low, measles could become as common as the flu by 2050. A California produce supplier faces lawsuits over a deadly E. coli outbreak that was never publicly disclosed by the FDA, raising serious food safety concerns. Jack in the Box announces plans to close more than 150 locations nationwide as rising costs and debt force a major restructuring. Major budget cuts to LADOT could derail Los Angeles’ Olympic transit plans and jeopardize traffic safety initiatives.

California’s economy is now the world’s fourth-largest, but new federal tariffs could put that growth at risk. Meanwhile, the state is racing to get more residents signed up for a Real ID before the May 7 deadline, which will impact domestic travel. At the Port of Los Angeles, imports are already dropping as major retailers pull back due to trade tensions. And in Long Beach, hospitality workers at the convention center have secured raises, healthcare, and stronger pensions following a wage dispute.

California’s State Bar admits it used AI to write bar exam questions, triggering outrage, legal review, and calls for reform. Los Angeles voters approved billions in new homelessness taxes, but the maze of oversight boards has left even elected officials struggling to track results. The NLRB says Amazon must negotiate with Teamsters at its San Francisco warehouse, a case that could set a national precedent. Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max joins the streaming crackdown on password sharing.

The Catholic Church prepares to elect a new pope following the death of Pope Francis. Southeast Asian immigrants in Southern California are being detained or deported during routine ICE check-ins. Labor negotiations across California stall after the Trump administration fires federal mediators. And Walgreens agrees to pay up to $350 million in an opioid settlement as it prepares to close 1,200 stores.

Californians mourn the passing of Pope Francis, honoring his legacy of compassion, inclusion, and peace. Mayor Karen Bass delivers a hopeful State of the City speech, outlining plans to tackle L.A.’s budget crisis, streamline fire recovery, and combat homelessness. A 53-story residential tower gets the green light in downtown L.A., promising hundreds of new apartments amid a housing shortage. On Wall Street, a dramatic drop in the stock market and concerns about the U.S. dollar spark investor anxiety.