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 bey...
Jul 01, 2025•4 min
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.
Jun 30, 2025•4 min
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 yea...
Jun 27, 2025•4 min
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.
Jun 26, 2025•4 min
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....
Jun 25, 2025•4 min
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.
Jun 24, 2025•4 min
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 heavil...
Jun 23, 2025•4 min
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.
Jun 20, 2025•4 min
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.
Jun 19, 2025•4 min
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 fr...
Jun 18, 2025•4 min
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 im...
Jun 17, 2025•4 min
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 ...
Jun 16, 2025•4 min
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, blu...
Jun 13, 2025•4 min
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...
Jun 12, 2025•3 min
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...
Jun 11, 2025•35 min
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.
Jun 10, 2025•4 min
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.
Jun 09, 2025•4 min
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.
Jun 06, 2025•4 min
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.
Jun 05, 2025•4 min
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.
Jun 03, 2025•4 min
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.
Jun 02, 2025•4 min
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.
May 30, 2025•4 min
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.
May 29, 2025•4 min
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.
May 28, 2025•4 min
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.
May 27, 2025•4 min
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.
May 26, 2025•4 min
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 ...
May 23, 2025•4 min
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.
May 22, 2025•4 min
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.
May 21, 2025•11 min
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.
May 20, 2025•3 min
