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Can California help lower the cost of GLP-1s? Here’s what lawmakers are proposing
An LA-area Democrat wants California to partner with drug manufacturers to make weight loss drugs cheaper — drawing on her own experience paying out of pocket.
Hollywood actors clash over AI voice clones
Hollywood's voice actors say AI is taking their jobs, and they are fighting back.
Dodgers Reveal Major Shohei Ohtani Pitching Update During Braves Series
The Los Angeles Dodgers announced an important update regarding when Shohei Ohtani’s next start as a pitcher will happen. Manager Dave Roberts told the California Post‘s Jack Harris that Ohtani is trending toward a start on Sunday against the Detroit Tigers. Shohei Ohtani update: Dave Roberts said he will actually throw his bullpen on Friday, in […] The post Dodgers Reveal Major Shohei Ohtani Pitching Update During Braves Series appeared first on HEAVY.
Barry Manilow announces hiatus days after canceling third show
Barry Manilow has announced he needs to step away from the stage to recover after a busy summer tour. The 'Copacabana' crooner canceled three shows this month, citing 'technical difficulties' among other issues.
California’s political battle over key environmental law brews on two fronts
Business as usual in California politics always includes at least one squabble over the California Environmental Quality Act, a law signed 56 years ago by then-Gov. Ronald Reagan.
BJ poll: 77% say California business climate is getting worse
A Business Journal web poll found 77% of respondents believe California’s business climate is getting worse, while just 2% see improvement.
Reggie Watts dropped from festivals after abuse allegations
Reggie Watts has reportedly been dropped from the lineups of multiple festivals after being accused of 'reckless' and 'abusive' behavior.
UFC fighters fined for climbing octagon fence after victories
UFC fighters Max Holloway, Paddy Pimblett and Gable Steveson were fined $2,500 each for scaling the octagon fence at UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas.
Californians surprised by $68 payments from Sutter Health settlement. Do you qualify?
Surprise payments of $68.81 hit some Californians’ accounts this week. Distribution is underway in a class action settlement that Sutter Health agreed to pay over alleged data privacy issues.…
California, other states sue again to block new U.S. Postal Service rules for mail ballots
California and a coalition of other Democratic-led states sued again to block the U.S. Postal Service from implementing new nationwide rules for mail ballots.
White House withholding $289 million of small business loans
The Trump administration is withholding $289 million appropriated by Congress for loans to small businesses. The elimination came through an executive order last year, with President Trump saying the program was "woke" and promoted "gender extremism" and "climate radicalism." NBC News senior financial reporter Gretchen Morgenson details the reasons for the pause and how damaging the move could be for Main Street.
DELTA SCIENCE PROGRAM: Final 2026 Delta Science Plan: Strengthening Science in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta
From the Delta Science Program: The Delta Science Program is proud to share that, following years of development and extensive engagement with the region’s science community, the 2026 Delta Science Plan: Strengthening Science in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is now available online. The Delta is one of California’s most valuable and complex ecosystems, and there is a shared sense of urgency to protect and manage its resources. A coordinated scientific approach is essential to help us understand the region’s complicated […]
Want to Scale Your Business? Stop Scaling Payroll First
Small businesses should build better systems to increase capacity and grow revenue faster than payroll without sacrificing employees.
Parents of transgender kids say California is ‘unprepared’ as feds cut off their healthcare
Parents of transgender kids warned California for months. State officials are rushing to find money before the Oct. 13 deadline.
California's political battle over key environmental law brews on two fronts
Legislators this week and voters this November will weigh in on measures to curtail some of CEQA's vexing construction project restrictions.
Ridley Scott isn't thinking about legacy. He's too busy
The director of 'Alien,' 'Blade Runner,' 'Gladiator' and the new postapocalyptic 'The Dog Stars' turns his eye toward AI, global warming and kindness.
15 L.A. comics you need to know now, according to club bookers
We've tapped the expertise of some of the city's most seasoned bookers from major comedy clubs to alt shows to bring us this list of 15 up-and-coming comics to watch.
In '9 to 5,' Dolly Parton became an unexpected feminist icon
There are a million and one reasons to love Dolly Parton but for women of a certain age, her role as Doralee in '9 to 5' tops the list.
Perez Hilton 'lucid' after mental health crisis, brother-in-law says
Perez Hilton's brother-in-law shared that the gossip blogger was in a “lucid” state and after receiving treatment for his physical injuries.
SoCal man with guillotine arrested near U.S. Supreme Court building
A San Diego County man who allegedly drove around with a guillotine in the back of his pickup truck has been arrested near the U.S. Supreme Court Building, authorities say.
Newsom promises new legal fight after Trump gets Supreme Court victory on mail-in voting
California Gov. Gavin Newsom says the state will sue again after the Supreme Court's 6-3 ruling allowed Trump's mail-in voting restrictions.
Fire destroys beloved businesses in heart of historic Southern California district
Arson investigators are working to determine the cause of a massive fire that tore through several beloved businesses in the heart of Santa Clarita’s Old Town Newhall on Monday as city leader…
21 North Bay eateries receive $5,000 business grants
Started to help businesses hard-hit by the pandemic, the California Restaurant Foundation’s grants help pay for equipment, technology, employee training and other business needs.
Newsom’s climate whisperer gets some political cover
The Senate Rules Committee gave California Air Resources Board chair Lauren Sanchez the thumbs up — and aired some concerns about the powerful climate agency.
AB 1776 would make things even harder for California small businesses
California small businesses need smart laws that help us make the most of today’s integrated digital tools and allow us to grow and compete — not radical policies that jeopardize our future.
3 Ways Scientists Can Help Hold Major Polluters Accountable Under the Trump Administration
The impacts of climate change have been on full display this Danger Season, from record-breaking heatwaves to devastating wildfires, making evident the urgent need for accountability for the harms caused by supercharged extreme events and long-term changes. These harms have been inescapable across the western US, particularly when it comes to water. As fossil-fueled climate […]
Air taxi vertiport coming to downtown LA sports complex
Archer Aviation, the official air taxi provider for the 2028 Olympic Games in Southern California, adds the venue to its network of flight facilities in the region.
'Stamptown’s' Jack Tucker turns late-night clown carnage into Netflix special
Stamptown’s debut Netflix special out on Tuesday captures a chaotic mash-up of vaudeville, circus and clowning, filmed at Hollywood’s Montalbán Theatre during Netflix Is a Joke Fest.
California justices seem skeptical of Sheriff Chad Bianco’s defense in ballot seizure case
California’s Supreme Court questioned whether Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco was within his legal rights when he seized the ballots
California voters divided over election integrity ahead of midterms
California voters are deeply divided along party lines about whether they believe the vote will be conducted fairly
California voters divided over election integrity ahead of midterms
California voters are deeply divided along party lines about whether they believe the vote will be conducted fairly
California lawmakers vote to increase transparency over influencers’ paid political posts
The California Senate has passed a bill to fine content creators who don’t disclose they were paid to post in support of a political candidate or issue on the ballot
California lawmakers vote to increase transparency over influencers’ paid political posts
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The California Senate passed a bill Monday that would fine content creators who don’t disclose they were paid to post in support of a political candidate or issue on the ballot.
California could tighten rules around influencers' paid political posts
The California Senate has passed a bill to fine content creators who don’t disclose they were paid to post in support of a political candidate or issue on the ballot.
DraftKings launches prediction platform in California despite sports betting ban
DraftKings has entered California's prediction market, where event contracts are regulated differently from traditional sports wagers.
Newsom returns to a defining California fight: Who pays for wildfire damage?
California Gov. Gavin Newsom is asking state lawmakers to shield utilities from financial trouble if their equipment sparks a wildfire by limiting the amount they have to pay victims and attorneys.
Newsom urges California families to sign up for Trump Accounts in rare bipartisan moment
Gov. Gavin Newsom is encouraging families to take advantage of a program bearing the name of one of his biggest political rivals: President Donald Trump.
Disney Tightens Spousal Health Benefits as Industry Costs Surge
The entertainment giant joins a growing list of major employers scaling back coverage amid a projected 11 percent rise in 2027 healthcare costs.
Alfalfa sprouts linked to food poisoning in 15 states, officials say
U.S. health officials say a food poisoning outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts has sickened people in 15 states.
Nevada sues Trump administration over Colorado River cuts
The state of Nevada on Monday filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, seeking to block the Colorado River management plan. On Friday, Burgum released a “record of decision” that would reduce water allocations to California, Nevada and Arizona, the Lower Basin states of the Colorado River. The record of […]
Massive fire destroys Santa Clarita business, threats neighboring buildings
A huge structure fire is threatening multiple businesses in Santa Clarita Monday morning.
Two good ideas from Republicans dead on arrival in Democratic Legislature
Memo to Democrats and independents: Just because an idea emanates from a Republican, doesn’t mean it necessarily stinks.
California's post-production workers push for new industry incentive
California lawmakers are weighing AB 2319, a tax credit aimed at bringing film and TV post-production work — editing, sound, VFX, music — back to the state as jobs move overseas.
Fed up with high prices, California weighs penalties against hospitals, other entities
California is weighing stiff penalties for hospitals and other healthcare entities that don’t stay under state spending limits.
Pepperdine University and Playfly Sports Announce Ticket Sales Partnership Expansion
MALIBU, Calif./NEW YORK, N.Y. — Pepperdine University Athletics and Playfly Sports, the sports industry's leading revenue maximization company, today announc...
California’s clashes over business regulation rage on as legislative session nears end
As the Legislature approaches the August 31 adjournment of its two-year session, some of the bills arising from the conflict are still pending, and the contending forces are applying maximum pressure to affect the outcomes.
Three rescued belugas arrive at SeaWorld San Diego after 2,500-mile journey from Canada
Ever since Canada's Marineland shuttered in 2024, there has been a scramble to find homes for 30 beluga whales who were once kept there.
George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey startle 49ers training camp
SANTA CLARA — It was a novel scene, one not seen in almost a month of training camp. On one end of the 49ers’ practice field in the shadow of...
Jared Kushner recently met with Democratic leader Jeffries
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries and President Trump’s son-in-law and advisor Jared Kushner recently met privately to discuss the prospect of cooperation should Democrats retake House control.
Eastlake science students make district history
Three Eastlake High School students made Sweetwater Union High School District history this year when they became the first students from the district to qualify for the International Science and Engineering Fair, an international competition that brings together some of the top high school researchers from around the world. Ronald Wyatt, Giles Del Priore and Ihan Sung advanced to the competition after successful runs at regional and state science fairs. Sung went a step further, placing fourth in the chemistry category at ISEF. The students were recognized on Aug. 10 during a Sweetwater Union High School District board meeting at the district office in Chula Vista.For Wyatt and Del Priore, recent Eastlake graduates, the journey began with a shared concern about dementia and the challenges faced by families caring for loved ones with memory impairment. Their engineering project, “Design and Evaluation of a Behaviorally Grounded Caregiver-Governed AI Companion for Individuals with Memory Impairment,” earned the Sweepstakes Award at the Sweetwater District STEM Fair and first place in its division at the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair. The project explored whether Artificial Intelligence could provide companionship and support while helping reduce stress for people with dementia and their caregivers. “Our inspiration came from personal experience. Both of us have seen family members and loved ones affected by dementia, and we’ve witnessed how overwhelming the caregiving process can be,” Wyatt said. Del Priore said the students also wanted to address the high cost of third-party health care services while creating something that could potentially help their own families as well as people elsewhere. The students developed an AI system designed with safeguards intended to prevent misinformation reinforcement, emotional escalation and unsafe responses. In 240 controlled trials involving memory, identity, agitation and neutral scenarios, they said the system consistently prevented harmful incorrect reinforcement while using context-aware silence, de-escalation and caregiver verification. The project required the students to combine Artificial Intelligence, psychology, neuroscience and human-computer interaction. For Del Priore, one of the biggest technical challenges was getting the AI companion to communicate verbally with a patient. Hardware limitations required the students to collaborate with multiple Python libraries for speech-to-text and text-to-speech functions while keeping the cost of the companion low. “For us, the biggest challenge was translating complex behavioral and cognitive care principles into a functioning AI system,” Wyatt said.Qualifying for ISEF was a milestone that student expected. The international competition proved to be another milestone. “Competing at ISEF was an incredible experience and unlike anything we’ve ever done before,” Del Priore said. “Being surrounded by some of the most talented young researchers from around the world was both inspiring and motivating.” He said the experience stood out because of the emphasis on collaboration, innovation and scientific discovery. “The most memorable part was seeing how people from completely different backgrounds and disciplines approached solving real-world problems with creativity and passion,” he said. The students also credited teachers and mentors who supported their work. Del Priore said his sophomore-year AP Physics teacher, Dr. Price, was particularly influential. “Through all of my personal and academic struggles, Dr. Price always believed in me,” Del Priore said. “All of his faith in me really molded me into the person I am today and helped create my love for science even through tough times.” Wyatt is continuing his education at UC Santa Cruz, where he plans to study biomolecular engineering and bioinformatics, with an interest in research involving Artificial Intelligence, biology and health care. Del Priore plans to double major in chemistry and accounting. Sung, a rising Eastlake senior, qualified for ISEF after winning first place in the Engineering: Energy, Materials & Transport category at the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair and first place in chemistry at the California Science and Engineering Fair. His project, “Renewable Ammonia Electrochemical Synthesis by Glow Discharge with an Iron-Based Catalyst,” involved a device he designed and engineered to produce renewable ammonia, with potential applications in fertilizer production and energy storage. Sung became interested in the project after considering the relationship between food insecurity and fertilizer costs. His system uses plasma to break apart nitrogen molecules so they can interact with hydrogen and form ammonia. At ISEF, Sung competed against more than 1,700 students from 65 countries and earned fourth place in chemistry. “I am proud to become one of te first students in the district to qualify for ISEF because this milestone can inspire others in the district to attain similar goals,” Sung said.
In first TV interview, California State Auditor Grant Parks talks about the state's high-risk issues
State Auditor Grant Parks discussed ongoing financial issues in the state's government, the growing demands on his office, and his effort to fight wasteful spending in California in his first ever TV interview on California Politics 360.
Eleni Kounalakis explains why she should be California's next state treasurer
In a wide-ranging interview on California Politics 360, Kounalakis highlighted her background in housing, finance, and public service as key qualifications for the role.
Full interview: Leader of California Energy Commission defends new tire rules
The leader of the California Energy Commission defended new tire rules the commission approved that are facing backlash and criticism for their potential impact on the cost of living in this state.
California Politics 360 full episode | New rules for replacement tires
New cars generally come with efficient tires, but consumers typically replace them with tires that have higher resistance.
Inside California Politics
(FOX40.COM) — This week on Inside California Politics, political strategist Mike Madrid joined the show to discuss his recent poll of Latino voters and two of the state’s upcoming ballot init…
Building the beat: How New Orleans can grow the business behind the music
People dance to the music of the TBC Brass Band Photo by Michael DeMocker / The Times-Picayune This week New Orleans hosts the annual Cutting Edge CE Conference, which brings together members of the music industry, musicians, lawyers and others to learn about and discuss the latest changes in the business of making, producing and selling music. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('ad-1492300'); }); The conference comes as AI and streaming are causing upheavals in the industry. Meanwhile, we’ve seen at least a partial collapse of the global festival industrial complex which has long been a key financial lifeline for many artists.All of that can feel a bit removed from life in New Orleans. After all, we are a city filled with music. On any given day or night, there are dozens of shows across the city, ranging from jazz and blues to hip-hop, bounce and house. Whereas in other cities kids dream of being the star of their local sports team, in New Orleans more often than not they dream of leading their own band.And music is a huge part of our economy. Before New Orleans was known as a foodie destination, it was already drawing millions of visitors from around the globe to experience our jazz, soul and funk scenes firsthand.But the reality is, if you want to make it big, you’re probably going to end up leaving the city. We’ve seen major performers like Lil Wayne, Master P and Jon Batiste (though he’s back on the Northshore) decamp to Los Angeles, Miami and New York. Likewise, up-and-coming musicians like Greer Grimsely, $leazy EZ and Lucky Daye have also left town in search of more profitable pastures.Meanwhile, our local universities train some of the best producers and engineers in the business — only to see them head to one of the big music industry cities after graduation.It’s not a new phenomenon, though the reasons have changed over the years. Like a lot of early jazz musicians, Louis Armstrong famously left New Orleans, first for Chicago before ultimately settling in New York City. But while those early migrations had more to do with racism, in today’s day and age, musicians end up leaving because New Orleans doesn’t have the industry infrastructure necessary to sustain the kind of growth and, well, success, a lot of folks dream of.It’s a hard, but very real, truth. Artists have to go to Nashville for publishing, Los Angeles for production, Atlanta to join a label or New York for representation. That, in turn, is a drain not only on the city’s talent pool but on money that could be staying here at home.Not being an industry town inevitably makes it that much harder for musicians who don’t leave to get the recognition and success they deserve. It also undoubtedly plays a part in keeping the wages working musicians in New Orleans make at their gigs here lower than in places like Austin or Nashville.That’s not to say we don’t have any of the infrastructure needed to make New Orleans a music industry town. We’ve got live music venues, studios, record labels, management companies, copyright attorneys ... all the various building blocks are there. We just haven’t ever built upon that solid foundation. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('ad-1492297'); }); The question is how do we do that in a way that supports our existing industry and artists, respects our cultural traditions and ensures the wealth generated is equitably distributed so it isn’t just C-suite executives who end up reaping the benefits. And the time to start figuring out the answers is now: next year the legislature will focus on taxes and spending, making it vital that New Orleans leaders have a plan to try and secure funding to help grow our industry.So we asked a group of New Orleanians to give us their thoughts, ranging from industry attorneys and venue operators to working musicians and cultural advocates. Their answers point toward turning New Orleans into a music industry city without leaving musicians behind or abandoning what makes us the greatest music city on earth.If a dusty city like Austin can transform itself into a major hub not just for music but the industry behind it, surely the birthplace of jazz — and pretty much all modern music by extension — can figure it out as well. +3 Mailbox Money: The Recording Academy’s Reid Wick on supporting, and growing, New Orleans’ music industry Reid Wick has been a part of the New Orleans music landscape from virtually every angle. He'… California Dreaming: Pell discusses his time in L.A. and how New Orleans can help young musicians In 2015, New Orleans-born rapper Pell decided to make the move to Los Angeles. He was fresh … +2 Up from the street: To build a stronger music industry, support community first. At MaCCNO, most of our team aren’t just advocates, we’re also working musicians. Here are a … +2 Live and direct: Public investment in independent venues is key to a robust music economy. I’ve spent most of my adult life looking at the New Orleans music business from every side o… +2 Helping Hand: New Orleans doesn’t need more talent. It needs more infrastructure. People love to call New Orleans a music town. And they’re right. +2 \We out here: New Orleans doesn't need to be Austin. It's already a music industry city. +2 Futureshock: New Olreans has the music talent. Now it needs the innovation. New Orleans has long been known as a place for music creation and innovation. People travel … .donate-gambit-article-module-container { text-align: center; padding: 10px; /* background-color: #24da6d; */ background-color: rgb(153, 0, 0); margin-bottom: 20px; } .donate-gambit-article-module-title { font-weight: bold; color: #fff; } .donate-gambit-article-module-copy { color: #fff !important; font-size: 16px; } .donate-gambit-article-module-button { background-color: black; width: 50%; border-color: black; font-size: 16px; } .donate-gambit-article-module-button:hover { background-color: black; } @media only screen and (max-width: 600px) { .donate-gambit-article-module-button { font-size: 14px; width: 100%; } .donate-gambit-article-module-copy { font-size: 14px; } } BECOME A GAMBIT MEMBER AND JOIN OUR KREWE TODAY For more than 40 years, Gambit has covered New Orleans, for New Orleans. We’ve stood up to city hall with you, cheered the Saints with you, danced in the streets with you and cried over our collective loss with you. And we’re plannin’ on being here for 40 more. To do that, we need your help. Become a Gambit member today and help us continue our mission SUPPORT GAMBIT
Becerra, running for governor of California, faces a health insurance problem
The nation's uninsured rate hit a historical low when Xavier Becerra was health secretary. Now he wants to be California's next governor as Trump's actions have driven people off health insurance.
Weekly Cupcakes: Avalanche are hoping L’Heureux brings physicality
Colorado Avalanche News News Around the League
Fifty years on the prep beat, Eric Sondheimer is a local legend
He's worked on messy sidelines and in crowded bleachers while juggling impossible deadlines to write about future Hall of Famers and unknown benchwarmers.
In translating the world’s biggest entertainment, accuracy isn’t everything
A Final Fantasy veteran says some debates over localization can overlook the nuances of the craft.
In translating the world’s biggest entertainment, accuracy isn’t everything
A Final Fantasy veteran says some debates over localization can overlook the nuances of the craft.
In translating the world's biggest entertainment, accuracy isn't everything
A Final Fantasy veteran says some debates over localization can overlook the nuances of the craft.
Will Trump interfere in the midterms? Democrats and their allies are preparing
Across California and the nation, Democratic leaders and voting rights advocates are ramping up coordination and gaming out responses to a raft of potential actions by the Trump administration to subvert the November vote or deny its outcome.
Arkansas basketball visits expected to heat up
Aug. 20 began a quiet period for NCAA basketball which allows prospects to visit college campuses following the Aug. 1-19 dead period.
TST Images: LAFC draws Timbers, 1-1, in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES -- LAFC drew the Portland Timbers, 1-1, during an MLS match on August 22nd, 2026 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California.
Josh Allen Apparently Tells His Teammates About Patriots' Drake Maye
It's always impressive to get some praise from a player of Josh Allen's caliber.
Could another Hollywood mega-merger cost California thousands of jobs?
Former studio execs warn industry uncertainty could pause production and already cost Hollywood jobs
Paramount and California to Hold Preliminary Talks on Warner Bros. Deal
The discussions on Monday are an early effort to resolve a lawsuit that California and 11 other states filed to block Paramount’s $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
Proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. merger threatens 4,500 Los Angeles County entertainment jobs
Local officials and labor leaders warn that proposed studio consolidation could wipe out billions in business revenue and devastate local vendors. By A new economic report warns the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger puts 4,500 direct Los Angeles County jobs and billions in revenue at risk.
Letters: Edwin Díaz and Kyle Tucker bringing down the Dodgers
Readers of the Los Angeles Times Sports section share their thoughts on Edwin Díaz's struggles, USC football, Charley Steiner in the booth and the life of Tommy John.
Gavin Newsom wants to broker a last-minute wildfire insurance deal
As his time as governor comes to an end, Gavin Newsom is wading back into the same thorny political thicket he found himself in when he was first elected: California’s wildfire liability.
NASA’s nuclear Dragonfly copter to search for signs of life on Titan: 'A lot's riding on it'
As the agency pivots to putting astronauts on the moon, this $3-billion space-copter is the agency’s last large-scale mission to explore the solar system.
Where Dodgers could turn next after Andy Pages gets devastating X-ray news as playoffs approach
Andy Pages suffered a fractured hand, forcing the Dodgers to find a replacement in center field while hoping he recovers in time for the playoffs
Hayden Panettiere: Ex's brother speaks out amid scrutiny
The brother of Hayden Panettiere’s on-again, off-again boyfriend Brian Hickerson is sharing his side of the story as accusations are thrown his way online.
San Francisco health officials report 10 cyclosporiasis cases so far in 2026
San Francisco public health officials have confirmed 10 cases of cyclosporiasis so far this year. San Francisco Department of Public Health officials said one case was associated with domestic travel outside California, while the remaining cases involved international travel.
‘God of War’ casts Dave Bautista as Kratos after Ryan Hurst's injury
Dave Bautista will take over the role of Kratos in Amazon Prime's live-action 'God of War' series after original star Ryan Hurst suffered an on-set injury during filming.
Trump Accounts Get an Unlikely Endorser: Gavin Newsom
Mr. Newsom, the governor of California, normally has harsh words for President Trump. But he called the new children’s savings accounts “one of the best things” the president has done.
Reimagining how scientists study the chemistry of the air
Professor Victoria Barber and doctoral student Cooper Crabtree are spearheading Keck Foundation-funded project charting a path toward better understanding atmospheric oxidation. by Álvaro Castillo, UCLA College of Letters and Science From the vantage point of Victoria Barber, a UCLA assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry, understanding the chemical reactions that shape air quality and climate are among the most pressing scientific challenges of our time. And thanks to a recent grant from the W.M. Keck Foundation, she and doctoral student Cooper Crabtree will spearhead a new research project exploring exactly how pollutants form in the atmosphere. Specifically, the project will examine how volatile organic compounds transform through atmospheric oxidation and explore how pollutants, like smog, form in the atmosphere. VOCs are released by sources ranging from trees and wildfires to vehicle exhaust pipes and consumer products such as cologne and perfume. As they undergo atmospheric oxidation, they can transform into a wide range of other compounds. Anyone in Southern California can attest to the urgency of this area of research — for example, in late July of this year, Los Angeles County was under an active ozone pollution advisory for almost a full week. While many people associate ozone with the protective ozone layer high in the stratosphere, ground-level or tropospheric ozone is a harmful secondary pollutant formed through atmospheric oxidation. Understanding how VOCs transform into pollutants like ozone is therefore critical to improving air-quality forecasts and informing strategies to reduce exposure. “My group is focused on trying accelerate our understanding of these networks of reactions so that we can do a better job of predicting how those pollutants form,” Barber said. “When we make decisions about how we might alter emissions, we can understand how that’s going to influence the production of these downstream pollutants.” With support from the W. M. Keck Foundation, Barber and Crabtree are developing new experimental approaches that will combine — and improve — techniques to study hundreds of chemical systems more efficiently than traditional methods allow. Instead of spending years decoding a single VOC, the project seeks to dramatically expand the pace and scale of discovery. The grant comes at a particularly important moment for environmental research. Barber, who joined UCLA in 2023, says funding for climate and air-quality research, especially for early career scientists, has become increasingly difficult to secure, a challenge compounded for ambitious projects that require building entirely new research infrastructure. The Keck Foundation’s support, Barber said, provides the flexibility to pursue bold early-stage, high-risk ideas that may be more difficult to fund using conventional federal funding sources. “It’s really, really hard to do environmental research under the current federal paradigm,” Barber said. “By stepping in and providing stable and flexible funding to explore this new idea, the Keck Foundation is making a huge difference to my research program.” In addition to funding early-career faculty, the Keck Foundation’s support is also focused on empowering graduate students like Crabtree in their scientific growth. The project gives Crabtree the opportunity to help develop an entirely new experimental approach to studying atmospheric chemistry — an experience that will provide him with valuable technical skills, scientific training and preparation for the next stage of his career. Stable funding also allows doctoral students like Crabtree to devote themselves more fully to research rather than balancing their scientific work with additional teaching responsibilities needed to cover funding gaps. “Getting to devote more of my time to research this past school year has greatly improved the pace and quality of our experiments, data analysis and planning for our future work,” said Crabtree, who is pursuing a Ph.D. in chemistry. “I feel very lucky — especially amid the current uncertainty surrounding scientific funding — to be able to continue exploring exciting knowledge gaps in our field and growing as a scientific researcher.” For Barber, mentorship is among the most rewarding and important aspects of her role as a faculty member. “Our jobs as faculty are to do good science and make good scientists,” she said. “I believe the Keck Foundation shares this belief and sees the potential positive impact this project can have.”
California nearly achieved universal healthcare. Now, millions are losing coverage
California's uninsured rate could nearly double by 2030, with the sharpest losses hitting Black, Asian and Latino residents in Southern California.
Sammy Sosa reveals Shohei Ohtani snub, picks National League MVP
The 2026 National League MVP plaque would not be heading to Los Angeles if it was up to Sammy Sosa.
Southern California hits ICE with 'dumbfounding' roadblock as top lawmaker rips 'reckless' hypocrisy
San Diego County voted to bar ICE agents from firearms training facilities, drawing accusations of hypocrisy from Brian Jones and other Republicans.
Summer Internship Gives Ali Bennett ’27 Crash Course in Sports Analytics | Pomona College in Claremont, California
Mathematics major Ali Bennett ’27 was one of three students who completed a summer Pomona College Internship Program (PCIP) in an athletics field. Her apprenticeship with the San Francisco Seagulls Baseball Academy revealed a possible career path.
Did Mexico create a blacklist of journalists and politicians? The president says no
The Mexican government's creation of lists of journalists and opposition figures has stirred memories of the 'enemies list' of the Nixon administration in the U.S.
Mel Brooks picks 20 favorite movies for Cinematheque series
To mark Mel Brooks’ 100th birthday, the American Cinematheque asked the comedy icon to program a series of his favorite films. His 20 picks range from Chaplin and Hitchcock to “Dolemite Is My Name.”
Cowboys and Saints fined $500,000 apiece after brawl-filled practice
The league announced the fines Thursday after requesting video of the tumultuous workout at the Cowboys ' training camp base in Oxnard, California.
Wildfire-Ready Coalition of Nevada County Urges Residents to Follow the Science in Adopting Zone 0 Rule
Nevada County’s Wildfire-Ready Coalition explains California’s new Zone 0 rule, urging homeowners to clear combustibles near homes.
Proposition 44 wrongly squeezes politics between California patients and their healthcare
Community clinics in California do not meet the arbitrary standards Proposition 44 would create, jeopardizing healthcare services statewide.
California's clashes over business regulation rage on as legislative session nears end
Unions, consumer groups, personal injury lawyers and environmentalists are battling business groups over surveillance pricing and anti-monopoly bills.
Proposition 44 wrongly squeezes politics between California patients and their healthcare
Community clinics in California do not meet the arbitrary standards Proposition 44 would create, jeopardizing healthcare services statewide.
Democrats rally behind progressive Aisha Wahab after win in California special election
First Muslim woman and Afghan American elected to California legislature held lead throughout race over main opponent Melissa Hernandez
Why do private equity firms take interest in buying pro sports teams?
The booming business of sports has attracted a flood of private equity investment and even the most notable franchises require the influx of cash to keep up in the arms race.
Sean Duffy's 'Great American Road Trip' is grift posing as a reality show
The Transportation Secretary's YouTube series follows his family as they road trip across the U.S., and while a disclaimer says no tax dollars were used, it was sponsored by companies his department regulates.
Focal therapy for localized prostate cancer has divided physicians. Will new data change minds?
Urologic oncologists who treat prostate cancer are split over the benefits of focal therapy compared to traditional surgery or radiation.
49ers get redemption, answers in preseason game vs Chargers
The 49ers were left humbled by Tuesday’s joint practice with the Los Angeles Chargers. It was a different story when the teams met Thursday night.
State lawmaker Aisha Wahab wins California special election to replace former Rep. Swalwell
Swalwell, a Democrat who was running for California governor, ended his campaign and resigned from Congress in April after he was accused of sexual assault and harassment, which he denies.
Aisha Wahab Wins California Special Election to Replace Eric Swalwell
Aisha Wahab, a Democratic state senator in California, will fill out the term of Eric Swalwell, who resigned from the House amid accusations of sexual misconduct.
Democrat Aisha Wahab will win Swalwell’s House seat, CNN projects, overcoming millions in AIPAC spending
Democratic state Sen. Aisha Wahab will win the special election runoff to finish former Rep. Eric Swalwell’s term in California’s 14th District, CNN’s Decision Desk projects.
Hundreds suffered ill health from massive Boyle Heights warehouse fire, new survey finds
A report detailing symptoms Boyle Heights residents around a burned-down warehouse confirms community members' experiences, advocates say.