Headlines From The Times

New Medicaid work requirements could strip health coverage from millions, with California officials warning that over 3 million residents may be affected. The mandate, signed into law by President Trump, takes effect after the 2026 midterms and has sparked growing concerns over access and eligibility. Meanwhile, sweeping new tariffs on imports from more than 60 countries have taken effect, drawing criticism from economists and global leaders who warn the economic impact could escalate in the months ahead. Southern California faces triple-digit temperatures as a major heat wave peaks, with only slight relief expected over the weekend. The Gifford Fire has burned more than 96,000 acres, with two other wildfires still active amid dangerous winds and dry conditions. L.A. homeowners accuse the U.S. Army Corps of mishandling post-fire debris cleanup after January’s blazes, leaving hazardous materials behind. The company plans to merge Disney+ and Hulu into one app next year, signs a $1.6 billion deal with WWE, and acquires NFL Network ahead of its ESPN streaming launch. Meanwhile, California’s FAIR Plan faces state action over allegedly illegal denials of smoke damage claims from January’s Eaton Fires, as homeowners report being left to clean toxic debris themselves or accept low settlement offers.

A soldier opens fire at Fort Stewart in Georgia, injuring five before being taken into custody. Army officials say the shooter used a personal weapon, and investigations are underway. Then, in Los Angeles, Border Patrol agents carry out a pre-dawn immigration raid at a Home Depot, arresting at least 16 migrants. A murder in the Hollywood Hills reveals a secret network of high-stakes underground poker involving celebrities and organized crime. In Los Angeles, residents take safety into their own hands by painting illegal crosswalks, prompting the city to act. Thousands of Boeing workers walk off the job at military plants across the Midwest, demanding better pay and overtime protections. And American Eagle stock jumps after President Trump praises a controversial ad featuring actress Sydney Sweeney, despite backlash over its messaging and imagery. We break down four stories shaping headlines across the country today.

Congress issues subpoenas for Epstein records, targeting the DOJ and former top officials. UCLA prepares to negotiate with the Trump administration after $336 million in research funding is frozen. Governor Newsom unveils a “trigger” redistricting plan that would redraw California’s congressional maps—only if Texas moves first. Meanwhile, a heatwave threatens to worsen California’s wildfire season, with evacuations already underway. A jury orders Tesla to pay $243 million over a fatal Autopilot crash, its biggest courtroom loss yet. And Google loses an antitrust appeal to Epic Games, in a case that could reshape how millions of users access and pay for apps.

Two people are dead and six injured after gunfire erupted at a music festival after-party in downtown Los Angeles. In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott is threatening to remove Democratic lawmakers who fled the state to block a GOP-backed redistricting plan aimed at securing congressional control. Tourism to Las Vegas declines as fewer Californians and international travelers visit. A new public database releases millions of police misconduct records across California. Major companies continue to move out of the state, citing cost and regulation, though economists say California’s economy remains strong. And Indian-owned businesses in Southern California brace for a 25% tariff on imports, raising concerns about higher prices and reduced sales. 

 A new study finds the pandemic accelerated brain aging—even for those who never caught COVID—raising questions about long-term mental health impacts. The U.N. urges tech giants to switch data centers to 100% renewable energy by 2030 to curb AI’s soaring power demands. California car dealers brace for a final rush as the federal EV tax credit nears its end. And Silicon Valley startups gamble billions on defense manufacturing, hoping contracts follow investment. Subscribe for these stories and more from the LA Times.

California officials urge caution along the coast after an 8.8 earthquake off Russia’s east coast sparks tsunami advisories and beach closures, even as warnings ease by midday. Meanwhile in Ukraine, Russian missile strikes kill three soldiers and wound 18 at a training base near Kyiv. With recruitment challenges mounting and civilian casualties rising, Ukraine faces mounting pressure as President Trump’s peace talks deadline approaches. We cover the latest updates from the Pacific coastline to the front lines in Eastern Europe. LAPD’s quiet cooperation with federal immigration raids sparks debate over civil rights and local trust. Kamala Harris announces she won’t run for California governor, leaving Democrats searching for a strong contender. The U.S. economy shows solid second quarter growth but faces troubling signs ahead, from shrinking imports to rising inflation. And Apple loses another top AI researcher to Meta, deepening concerns over its competitive future. Stay with us for these stories and more from the LA Times.

UCLA settles a $6.45 million lawsuit from Jewish students over pro-Palestinian protests they say excluded them from campus life. California and other states sue the Trump administration to keep Planned Parenthood’s Medicaid funding for essential health services. A January wildfire in Los Angeles could cost as much as $51.7 billion in home damages alone. And an El Segundo startup unveils a robot that blends AI and Japanese tradition to make sashimi more humanely and affordably.

Wallis Annenberg, whose decades of giving transformed Los Angeles’ cultural and civic life, has died at 86, leaving behind a profound legacy across education, healthcare, and the arts. Meanwhile, President Trump escalates pressure on Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine, cutting a 50-day peace deadline to less than two weeks after renewed Russian attacks.Lawyers sue Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” detention center over detainees held without charges. California and other states take on the USDA for demanding personal data from SNAP recipients. Thousands of Stater Bros. grocery workers authorize a strike across Southern California stores over labor disputes. And a dating safety app suffers a major data breach, exposing tens of thousands of user images and IDs.

California moves to fill a critical gap in disaster research after the Trump administration slashes EPA funding. State Democrats then weigh redrawing congressional maps to challenge GOP efforts in Texas. Lyft plans to roll out autonomous shuttles next year, aiming to catch up in the robotaxi race. And Activision Blizzard takes cheat developers to court worldwide, hoping to curb rampant hacking in Call of Duty. Four stories showing how policy, technology, and the courts shape life and business today.

UCLA researchers install sensors to protect Palisades residents from post-fire air pollution. A federal appeals court strikes down California’s voter-approved background checks for ammunition, citing Second Amendment rights. Food delivery robots roll out across Los Angeles, sparking debate over convenience and jobs. And despite Amazon’s extended Prime Day, shoppers turn to Walmart for better deals on everyday essentials. Four stories tracking health, law, technology, and shifting consumer habits across California.