Headlines From The Times

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sparks controversy by opting not to require soil testing after the Eaton and Palisades Fires. Meanwhile, economic losses from the wildfires have soared past $250 billion, hitting the entertainment and tourism industries especially hard. Tensions between Canada and the U.S. are on the rise—could Canada really become America’s 51st state? California is also battling one of its worst flu seasons in years, with hospitalizations surging across the state. And in an unexpected success story, Compton Unified School District is earning praise for its remarkable academic turnaround.

Trans surfers are beginning to find community among themselves in a sport that too often isolates and even shuns them. Today, we hang out with some at the beach, to hear their joy and pain. Read the full transcript here.Host: L.A. Times senior producer Denise GuerraMore reading:Biden sports plan angers transgender advocates and opponentsBlack surfers find moments of reflection, rejuvenation at ‘A Great Day in the Stoke’For transgender kids, a frantic rush for treatment amid bans