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A New Pope, ICE Raids, Labor Disruptions, and a Major Opioid Settlement Apr 23, 2025

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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.

Pope Francis Remembered, Mayor Bass Charts L.A.’s Future, Wall Street Stumbles Again Apr 22, 2025

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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 Falls in Rankings, RFK Assassination Files Released, Gold Prices Surge, and Trader Joe’s Expands Apr 21, 2025

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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.

Google Monopoly Ruling, Union Moves, and a Menendez Trial Delay Apr 18, 2025

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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.

Newsom Sues Over Tariffs, Meta Faces Breakup, and AI Chip Export Controls Trigger Tech Stock Sell-Off Apr 17, 2025

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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.

Robotaxis, 2028 Olympic Venues and a $10M Heist in Downtown LA Apr 16, 2025

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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.

Immigration Shifts, PCH Reopening, Tariffs Hit Tourism and Stocks Rebound Apr 15, 2025

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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.

Sea Stars, Sidewalk Bots, Soboroff’s Exit, and AI Job Hacks Apr 14, 2025

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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 Lawsuit, Hantavirus Deaths, Tariff Pain, and Prada’s Big Buy Apr 11, 2025

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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.

Hollywood, Homeless Funds & the Fight to Unionize Apr 09, 2025

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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.

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