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Trump’s Beautiful Bill, California’s Quake Risk, and AI’s Next Frontier May 22, 2025

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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.

Introducing: L.A. Crimes May 21, 2025

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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.

Palm Springs Bombing, Housing Progress, DNA Data Sale, and AI in Healthcare May 20, 2025

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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’s Testimony, Delta Tunnel Fast-Track, Rising Prices, and a $34.5B Cable Merger May 19, 2025

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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’s Budget Cuts, Menendez Parole Bid, Waymo Recall, and Electric Tugboats May 15, 2025

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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’s Saudi Deal, California’s Income Crisis, and Olympic Studio Plans May 14, 2025

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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.

Drug Price Deadline, Homeless Camp Crackdown, Eye-Scan IDs, and State Farm Under Fire May 13, 2025

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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.

Menendez Case Moves Forward, Paramount Gains, and the State Bar Fallout May 12, 2025

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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.

Trump’s New Surgeon General, LA28 Plans, and a Meat Snack Empire May 09, 2025

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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.

Nevada Public Lands, Californians Critique Newsom, Film tax incentives, and Abu Dhabi Disney May 08, 2025

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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.

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