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Headlines From The Times

LA Times Studiosthe-times.simplecast.com
Get essential Los Angeles Times news highlights from the L.A. Times Studios in “Headlines From The Times.” Each episode brings you a bite-sized breakdown of the day’s top news stories and biggest headlines from California and beyond. From politics and climate to entertainment and food, you’ll get the basics behind the trending topics and key news stories that matter most.
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Episodes

Liberation Day, Insurance Spikes, and California’s Governor Race Heats Up

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

Apr 03, 20254 min

Prison Empires, Power Lines, and Billion-Dollar Tech Plays

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.

Apr 02, 20254 min

Sales Tax Hike, Trump’s 3rd Term Talk, and the Rise of AI Gyms

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.

Apr 01, 20254 min

Seagrass, Firefighters, and Apple’s Big Move

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.

Mar 31, 20254 min

Health Cuts, Gang Indictments, Car Tariffs & Retail Shakeups

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.

Mar 28, 20254 min

Swatting Hoaxes, Space Rocks, and Rideshare Battles

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.

Mar 27, 20254 min

Arrest in L.A. Rape Case, Fire Lawsuits Heat Up, and Tariffs Rattle Alcohol Industry

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.

Mar 26, 20254 min

Leaked Chats, Sick Sea Lions & a DNA Goldmine

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.

Mar 25, 20254 min

Burning Teslas, AI Tacos & Water from the Sea

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

Mar 24, 20254 min

Introducing, Boiling Point: Climate Change Is No Joke. Or Is It?

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 f...

Mar 22, 202532 min

Missed Warnings, Voter Fury, and First-Class Upgrades

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.

Mar 21, 20254 min

JFK Files Declassified, UC Hiring Freeze & Tesla’s Taxi Test

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.

Mar 20, 20254 min

Gaza Cease-Fire Shattered, Google’s $32B Deal & Climate Cuts

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.

Mar 19, 20254 min

Diplomatic Fallout, Medi-Cal’s Billions, and Soaring Credit Card Debt

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.

Mar 18, 20254 min

Toxic Waste, Trade Wars, and Wage Theft

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!

Mar 17, 20253 min

Budget Battles, Banned Corn, and Big Tech Troubles

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.

Mar 14, 20254 min

LAPD Secrets, Earthquakes, and Rising Health Care Costs

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.

Mar 13, 20254 min

California’s Controversial Water Dump

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.

Mar 13, 20254 min

Angelenos Support Tougher Building Codes

Wildfires are reshaping public opinion, but will lawmakers act? Katie Porter shakes up the 2026 governor’s race, State Farm faces backlash over insurance delays, and Southwest Airlines ditches its free bag policy.

Mar 12, 20254 min

Egg Prices, Bitcoin, and a Corrupt Cop

Egg prices are soaring, and Democrats see it as a way to win back voters, while Trump shifts blame to Biden. An L.A. sheriff’s deputy is caught smuggling heroin for the Mexican Mafia. Trump launches a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, marking a major shift in U.S. crypto policy. Meanwhile, the government suddenly drops a lawsuit against Zelle, signaling a major pullback on financial regulation.

Mar 10, 20254 min

Newsom’s Surprising Take on Trans Athletes

Governor Gavin Newsom shifts his stance, calling fairness concerns in trans sports “legit,” stirring debate among Democrats. Plus, Pacific Palisades residents finally get safe drinking water after the wildfire, Tesla takes a key step toward robotaxis in California, and Stater Bros. lays off workers for the first time in 89 years—sparking protests

Mar 07, 20254 min

Cleaning Up America’s Food—But At What Cost?

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wants to ban harmful food additives, but can stricter oversight get funded? L.A. launches a plan to build affordable starter homes, families sue Snapchat over fentanyl deaths, and Forever 21 downsizes amid online competition.

Mar 06, 20254 min

Trump’s Trade War and California’s Water Crisis

Trump’s tariffs spark a trade war with Mexico and Canada, raising costs for U.S. consumers. In California, job cuts at the Bureau of Reclamation threaten the state’s water system, while lawmakers push for stronger protections for migrant workers. Plus, L.A. faces billions in economic losses from the Palisades and Eaton fires.

Mar 05, 20254 min

Trump’s Return: A Speech That Could Redefine Executive Power

Trump returns to Congress, pushing for expanded executive power—while some Democrats protest. Pacific Palisades debates new affordable housing, but not everyone’s on board. More tech layoffs hit HP and Autodesk as companies brace for uncertainty. And Kroger’s CEO resigns after an ethics investigation, leaving the company at a crossroads.

Mar 04, 20254 min

Measles Outbreak Warning: L.A.'s First Case

In this episode, Los Angeles reports its first measles case in nearly a decade, raising concerns about vaccination rates and public exposure. Plus, California’s bar exam rollout turns into a tech disaster, the state’s wine industry faces a perfect storm of challenges, and Mattel regains the rights to make DC action figures.

Mar 03, 20254 min

Hollywood Crime Thriller or Real-Life Murder?

In this episode, the trial of a murdered Hollywood pimp reveals a tangled web of gang rivalries, Russian prison tattoos, and a deadly power struggle. Plus, L.A. 2028 Olympics organizers push to secure billions in funding, Amazon’s new AI-powered Alexa+ promises to be your “digital best friend” for a price, and malls transform into entertainment hubs to lure back shoppers.

Feb 28, 20254 min

Newsom Weighs Clemency for the Menendez Brothers

In this episode, California Governor Gavin Newsom takes a key step toward possible clemency for the Menendez brothers—could they be released in 2025? Plus, federal workers who voted for Trump are now losing their jobs, Forever 21 faces another bankruptcy, and poultry farmers question whether mass culling is the best way to fight bird flu.

Feb 27, 20254 min

Newsom's $920M Plan To Address Homelessness

In our latest episode where we discuss Governor Gavin Newsom's bold $920 million initiative to tackle California's homelessness crisis, demanding local accountability and progress. We also touch on the alarming shift of wildfires into urban areas like Altadena, impacting diverse communities. The episode further explores the controversy surrounding teens confiding in AI chatbots, raising questions about tech companies' responsibilities. Plus, we cover Warner Bros. shutting down three game studios...

Feb 26, 20254 min

Weather Woes and Corporate Moves

This episode explores the environmental and business shifts making waves. We start with fire debris washing up on LA's beaches, a concern for health officials and a call for caution among beachgoers. Then, we turn up the heat with Southern California's record-breaking winter warmth. In the corporate world, Starbucks' layoffs of 1,100 employees, a strategic move under new CEO Brian Niccol to boost operations. Meanwhile, Apple's massive $500 billion investment in the U.S., promising to reshape the...

Feb 25, 20254 min

No Land of Refuge: Inside Jordan's Gaza Refugee Camp

This Headlines episode begins in Jordan's Jerash refugee camp, where dire conditions challenge Palestinians amidst political upheaval. We then explore California's solar energy credit debate, illustrating the clash between environmental goals and economic realities. The narrative also covers Trader Joe’s recall of its organic acai bowl, reflecting broader food safety concerns. Lastly, we examine the economic fallout from the Los Angeles fires on the insurance industry.

Feb 24, 20254 min
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