Headlines From The Times

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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

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 for change.

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.