Headlines From The Times

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.

LAX drops out of the top 10 busiest airports in the world as regional airports like Long Beach and Burbank break records. Newly declassified documents on the assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy are being released by President Trump, fueling renewed interest in the case. As gold prices hit record highs, more people are melting down old jewelry for fast cash, though experts warn against selling heirlooms. And Trader Joe’s announces five new stores in California, part of a larger national expansion effort.

California lawmakers push for a bill that would pause mortgage payments for disaster survivors—no interest, no penalties, no taxpayer cost. Hopes for the Menendez brothers' release hit a snag as a key hearing is delayed over a clemency report. Hundreds of Southern California Edison techs are moving to unionize in the wake of wildfire scrutiny. And a federal judge rules Google held an illegal monopoly in online ad tech.

Governor Gavin Newsom has filed a lawsuit challenging the scope of President Trump’s authority to impose tariffs, citing potential economic impacts on California’s trade partnerships. Meta is in the midst of a high-profile federal trial that could lead to the divestiture of Instagram and WhatsApp. Tech stocks fell sharply after Nvidia projected a $5.5 billion loss due to new U.S. export controls on AI chips. And in San Luis Obispo, a man who had been living on the streets won $1 million from a California Lottery scratcher.

A dramatic Hollywood-style heist rocked downtown L.A., as thieves tunneled into a jewelry shop and made off with over $10 million in gold and gems. LA28 announced Dodger Stadium and other venues for the 2028 Olympics. Amazon’s Zoox is launching its robotaxi tests on L.A. streets this summer. And fashion retailer Revolve faces a $50 million lawsuit over hidden influencer ads.

A dramatic shift in immigration shows more highly skilled workers arriving from Asia, transforming tech hubs and job markets. Tourism takes a hit amid trade tensions, global markets rally as the White House temporarily eases tariffs on electronics, plus a stretch of Pacific Coast Highway damaged by fire and floods may finally reopen.

Steve Soboroff steps down from L.A.’s fire recovery team with some parting criticism. In Monterey Bay, scientists are working to revive a giant starfish that could help rescue California’s kelp forests. Meanwhile, DoorDash robots are hitting L.A. sidewalks, and job seekers are relying on AI tools to stand out — but not always in a good way.

California is suing the Trump administration over plans to take back pandemic-era school funding. In Mammoth Lakes, three people have died from hantavirus, prompting fresh warnings about rodent exposure. L.A. importers are scrambling as new tariffs threaten to spike prices and squeeze small businesses. And in the world of fashion, Prada has just bought Versace for $1.38 billion—marking a major shake-up in luxury retail.

The feds just launched a criminal task force to investigate potential fraud in L.A.'s homelessness funding. Hollywood may lose access to China’s massive movie market as trade tensions escalate. California lawmakers are pushing to give Uber and Lyft drivers the right to unionize without losing contractor status. And broadcast TV is on the ropes—station owners are asking D.C. for help as streaming keeps eating into their audience.

Los Angeles gets a new deputy mayor for public safety as former FBI agent Robert Clark. The Supreme Court pauses a controversial deportation case that could reshape immigration power. Apple and other tech giants brace for Trump’s sweeping tariffs, with iPhone prices projected to soar. And a new California bill could require landlords to provide kitchen appliances—finally catching up with the rest of the country.

California expands its wildfire hazard zones, affecting millions of residents and triggering new rules on home safety. Governor Newsom pushes back on Trump’s sweeping tariffs, promising global partners that California remains open for trade. TikTok gets another last-minute reprieve, with President Trump extending the sell-or-ban deadline. Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani’s walk-off homer turns into a collector’s goldmine, as his Dodger Stadium bobblehead skyrockets in value.

Trump’s sweeping tariffs send markets into a tailspin—and some fear a recession could be next. Schools across the country are on a 10-day countdown to drop DEI programs or lose billions in funding. In Woodland Hills, a luxury apartment complex is getting an affordable housing makeover. And in Hollywood, soundstages sit eerily empty as production slows and lawmakers scramble to save California’s film industry.

Trump declares “Liberation Day” and hits global imports with sweeping new tariffs—sparking fears of a trade war. Xavier Becerra jumps into the California governor’s race, as speculation swirls around Kamala Harris. State Farm wants another rate hike—this time 39% on umbrella policies. And Warner Bros. tries to win back Hollywood with a star-studded slate of blockbusters

A convicted killer running a criminal network from behind bars. A wildfire investigation zeroing in on a re-energized power line. Elon Musk’s surprise merger that gives X investors a stake in one of AI’s hottest startups. And OpenAI just raised a record $40 billion — but there’s a catch.

Sales taxes just went up across L.A. County—find out how much more you’ll pay and where that money’s going. Plus, Trump says he’s seriously thinking about a third term, despite the Constitution. At the box office, theaters are hurting, but some are getting creative to bring moviegoers back. And in Santa Monica, a futuristic gym is using AI to personalize your workouts in real time.

An ocean meadow with superpowers is being torn apart, L.A. firefighters face toxic threats from recent wildfires, and Apple bets big on Hollywood with a massive new complex in Culver City. Plus, a warning from the Congressional Budget Office: U.S. economic growth could slow for decades.

RFK Jr. proposes deep cuts to federal health agencies, including the CDC and FDA. A high-profile Crips leader faces a sweeping federal indictment. Trump’s new 25% tariff on imported cars could cost drivers, and Dollar Tree ditches Family Dollar after a rocky decade.

A swatting hoax sparks chaos at a California college—and lawmakers want to close the legal loophole that let it happen. NASA gears up to launch a $1.4 billion mission to spot city-killing asteroids before they strike. Plus, rideshare drivers rally over $1.3 billion in unpaid wages, and Rivian bets big on small EVs.

A serial rapist is behind bars after DNA evidence connects him to crimes spanning two decades. In Altadena, Erin Brockovich and Ben Crump lead the charge for wildfire victims in a legal fight worth billions. California’s alcohol industry is bracing for massive price hikes as new tariffs loom. And Hollywood studios just named a new lead negotiator, as the industry continues to recover from last year’s strikes.

A U.S. war plan accidentally leaked to a journalist. Sick sea lions invading beaches. 23andMe files for bankruptcy—and your DNA could be sold. Plus, L.A. launches a bold plan to rebuild wildfire-hit neighborhoods.

Teslas are being torched and defaced across the country, as Elon Musk becomes a political flashpoint. Plus, California tests a wild new way to turn ocean water into drinking water—no massive plants or toxic brine required. Also, AI is about to take your drive-thru order, thanks to a new Yum Brands–Nvidia deal. And Wall Street breaks its losing streak with tech stocks bouncing back... kind of

Introducing a new podcast from LA Times Studios and award-winning L.A. Times columnist Sammy Roth, Boiling Point, where Sammy breaks down the many complexities of today's climate challenges and solutions with top experts in the field. In this episode comedian Esteban Gast talks with Sammy about using humor to alleviate climate anxiety, while making clean energy and other environmental solutions more interesting — and even fun. From punchlines to policy, they explore laughter as a powerful tool for change.

A convicted rapist, two dead women, and years of missed chances. We dig into the troubling case of David Pearce. Plus, California Democrats face voter anger over Trump and Musk, Delta doubles down on luxury at LAX, and Mattel lays off over 100 workers in a cost-cutting shakeup.

The Trump administration just released 80,000 pages of JFK assassination files, but no major revelations have been found—yet. Meanwhile, the University of California freezes hiring to protect research funding as Trump threatens education cuts. Hollywood secures record-breaking tax credits to keep productions in the state, and Tesla gets approval for a taxi permit—but only for its employees.

War erupts in Gaza as Israeli airstrikes kill over 400 people, ending the cease-fire. Meanwhile, Google makes its biggest buyout ever, snatching up cybersecurity firm Wiz for $32 billion. Plus, the Trump administration slashes environmental offices in California, and Tetra Tech’s stock takes a hit after federal aid cuts.

The U.S. orders South Africa’s ambassador to leave, escalating tensions between the two countries. California’s Medi-Cal program faces a $6.2 billion shortfall, putting healthcare funding in the spotlight. SoCal cities top the nation in credit card debt, while Dodgers fans finally get a streaming-only option—but it’s not cheap.

A recycling plant scandal lands its owners in jail after exposing students to toxic waste. Trump’s tariffs are driving up costs for California businesses. And a Long Beach contractor faces accusations of wage theft and tax evasion. Get the latest on these major stories now!

California’s $9.5 billion healthcare program for undocumented immigrants is $3 billion over budget, forcing lawmakers to consider tough cuts. Mexico just banned genetically modified corn, pushing back against U.S. agribusiness. Tech stocks are tumbling—what’s behind the sell-off? And the Olympics are staying put! NBC secures broadcast rights through 2036 in a massive $3 billion deal.

In this episode, we uncover secret LAPD recordings revealing disturbing behavior within the force. Plus, Malibu’s earthquake surge, skyrocketing health insurance premiums, and the surge in demand for home furnishings after California’s wildfires.

Billions of gallons of water were released from two California dams, despite warnings it could cause flooding and waste resources. What led to the decision? Plus, baby great white sharks are swimming near surfers, shopping malls are transforming into wellness hubs, and Pokémon Go is getting a new home in a massive $3.5 billion deal.