Headlines From The Times

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 worl...

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 d...

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 pl...

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 signal...

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, v...

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...

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 l...

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,...

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 luxur...

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 replica...

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 Hollywo...

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 co...

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...

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 Commun...

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 majo...

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.