

Headlines From The Times
LA Times Studios
Get essential Los Angeles Times news highlights from the L.A. Times Studios in “Headlines From The Times.” Each episode brings you a bite-sized breakdown of the day’s top news stories and biggest headlines from California and beyond. From politics and climate to entertainment and food, you’ll get the basics behind the trending topics and key news stories that matter most.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 27, 2025 • 4min
Newsom Weighs Clemency for the Menendez Brothers
In this episode, California Governor Gavin Newsom takes a key step toward possible clemency for the Menendez brothers—could they be released in 2025? Plus, federal workers who voted for Trump are now losing their jobs, Forever 21 faces another bankruptcy, and poultry farmers question whether mass culling is the best way to fight bird flu.

Feb 26, 2025 • 4min
Newsom's $920M Plan To Address Homelessness
In our latest episode where we discuss Governor Gavin Newsom's bold $920 million initiative to tackle California's homelessness crisis, demanding local accountability and progress. We also touch on the alarming shift of wildfires into urban areas like Altadena, impacting diverse communities. The episode further explores the controversy surrounding teens confiding in AI chatbots, raising questions about tech companies' responsibilities. Plus, we cover Warner Bros. shutting down three game studios and axing the Wonder Woman game, signaling a strategic shift in their gaming division.

Feb 25, 2025 • 4min
Weather Woes and Corporate Moves
This episode explores the environmental and business shifts making waves. We start with fire debris washing up on LA's beaches, a concern for health officials and a call for caution among beachgoers. Then, we turn up the heat with Southern California's record-breaking winter warmth. In the corporate world, Starbucks' layoffs of 1,100 employees, a strategic move under new CEO Brian Niccol to boost operations. Meanwhile, Apple's massive $500 billion investment in the U.S., promising to reshape the tech industry amidst ongoing trade tensions.

Feb 24, 2025 • 4min
No Land of Refuge: Inside Jordan's Gaza Refugee Camp
This Headlines episode begins in Jordan's Jerash refugee camp, where dire conditions challenge Palestinians amidst political upheaval. We then explore California's solar energy credit debate, illustrating the clash between environmental goals and economic realities. The narrative also covers Trader Joe’s recall of its organic acai bowl, reflecting broader food safety concerns. Lastly, we examine the economic fallout from the Los Angeles fires on the insurance industry.

Feb 21, 2025 • 4min
McConnell Won't Seek Reelection in 2026
In this episode, we delve into Senator Mitch McConnell's pivotal decision not to seek reelection in 2026, a move that stirs the political pot in the GOP and Kentucky. Beyond this headline, we touch on the contentious advance of affordable housing in the San Fernando Valley, a noteworthy trend towards fireproof 'SuperAdobe' homes in LA amid wildfire concerns, the persistent allure of U.S. universities for Chinese students despite geopolitical tensions, and the unusual spike in egg confiscations at the U.S.-Mexico border due to the bird flu outbreak. Join us for a succinct exploration of these compelling stories.

Feb 20, 2025 • 5min
Airbnb co-founder donations $15 million to Steadfast LA to help wildfire victims rebuild
When wildfires strike, some communities burn—but one neighborhood in Irvine proves that doesn’t have to be the case. A controversial procedure—leg lengthening surgery—is gaining popularity. LA County is taking steps to protect renters following January’s devastating fires. The LA Unified School District has implemented a cellphone ban. In the first month of President Trump’s administration, thousands of federal workers have been fired. And billionaire Joe Gebbia, co-founder of Airbnb, is donating $15 million to Steadfast LA to help wildfire victims rebuild.

Feb 19, 2025 • 4min
President Trump renames the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America
Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco enters the race for California governor. Insurers in California have been pulling out of high-risk wildfire areas, leaving home owners struggling to find coverage. President Donald Trump sparks controversy by renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. California lawmakers weigh the possibility of state-owned oil refineries. A new California state bill seeks to ban the sale of powerful anti-aging products to minors.

Feb 18, 2025 • 4min
The Egg Price Hike: Why Californians Are Paying More for Breakfast
Egg prices are skyrocketing, hitting Californians hard. Freight trains loaded with Nike merchandise have become targets for thieves in California. U.S. inflation is on the rise again, while Trump’s proposed tariffs could push it even higher. A tragic day unfolds on the slopes at Tahoe Ski Resort.

Feb 17, 2025 • 5min
Altadena’s Water Crisis: Why Residents Still Can’t Drink the Tap
Weeks after the devastating fires, many in Altadena still lack access to clean drinking water. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is facing a wave of lawsuits and has responded by hiring a top law firm, at rates of up to $1975 an hour. Meanwhile, California is at the center of the H5N1 bird flu outbreak, raising concerns that some crucial communities are not being properly monitored. Wildfires have devastated the state this year, sparking a major battle over fire prevention. In Los Angeles, the housing crisis deepens, and now one city is facing a lawsuit over its plan to address it.

Feb 14, 2025 • 4min
Could ten more patrolling engines have prevented the Palisades Fire?
According to the CDC, bird flu infections in dairy cows are more widespread than previously thought. When flames erupted in the Pacific Palisades, fire crews took 18 minutes to arrive—but by then, it was too late. Now, former LAFD officials say at least 10 more engines should have been deployed in advance to patrol the area. Immigration raids may be coming to Southern California, and activists are preparing to fight back. Amazon is bringing 2,000 new jobs to the Inland Empire. Meanwhile, Elon Musk is facing a major legal battle, as California and more than a dozen other states sue the Trump administration over his role as the President’s personal budget advisor.