SCROLL NEWS / DISCOVERY
Search headlines
Find the stories shaping the conversation.
Results for " Southern California " 143 found 🔀 AI-powered Shuffle
Jay-Z picks himself to headline the Super Bowl halftime show at SoFi Stadium in Southern California
Jay-Z will be the featured performer for the halftime festivities on Feb. 14 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Dante Moore not expected back this season for Oregon — leaving NFL Draft status uncertain
Moore has not played since getting concussed on a late hit at Southern California in late September. He resumed practicing earlier this month but remained in the concussion protocol.
Jay-Z picks himself to headline the Super Bowl halftime show at SoFi Stadium in Southern California
Jay-Z will headline the Super Bowl halftime show on February 14 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation announced the news Monday night. NFL
Jay-Z picks himself to headline the Super Bowl halftime show at SoFi Stadium in Southern California
Jay-Z will headline the Super Bowl halftime show on February 14 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California | Newsradio 1140 WRVA
Jay-Z picks himself to headline the Super Bowl halftime show at SoFi Stadium in Southern California
Jay-Z will headline the Super Bowl halftime show on February 14 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California | WBBM Newsradio 780 AM & 105.9 FM
Jay-Z will headline the Super Bowl halftime show at SoFi Stadium in Southern California
The man who has helped produce the Super Bowl halftime show is stepping into the spotlight: Jay-Z will headline the show himself | Talk 1370
Jay-Z picks himself to headline the Super Bowl halftime show at SoFi Stadium in Southern California
Jay-Z will headline the Super Bowl halftime show on February 14 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Longtime Los Angeles Times sportswriter Ross Newhan dies at 89
Southern California baseball fans are mourning the loss of a legendary writer. Ross Newhan, longtime baseball writer for the Los Angeles Times and columnist for the Long Beach Press-Telegram, died Sunday at 89. Newhan began his career at the Press-Telegram in 1961 before moving to the Times in 1968, where he covered both the Angels and Dodgers for the next 11…
Pricey cookie vendor closes dozens of locations nationwide
Crumbl, the high-end dessert chain serving up oversized cookies, has closed a swath of stores nationwide including seven in California. Two of the shuttered cookie shops are in Southern California,
Inside a California shopping center's struggle to reinvent mall food
LOS ANGELES — Westfield Topanga is one of Southern California's most popular malls, but it has grappled with what to do with the empty space left when it lost its
California indie band’s frontman charged with molestation of a child
The frontman of a Southern California indie band has been charged with four felonies regarding the molestation of a child he knew through a family connection, officials announced. Per the Ven…
DOJ charges 15 for $2 billion in fraudulent health care claims in California
The largest of the cases involved $1.6 billion in billings for what the DOJ described as “sham substance abuse treatment” in Southern California.
Chvrches announces new album and 2027 North American tour
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Scottish synth-pop trio Chvrches returns to Southern California next spring, with concerts at the Observatory North Park in San Diego on March 12 and the Hollywood Palladium
Mamora’s magic: young musician casts spell with the piano
Pianist Jonathan Mamora is an Indonesian-American and native of Southern California who has studied at Juilliard and the Eastman School of Music. He has competed in numerous international piano competitions
Alignment Health Plan and Astrana Health Partner to Expand Access to Trusted Local Care for California Seniors
New collaboration expands access to multilingual, community-based care across seven Northern and Southern California counties
Uber driver struggles with gas costs in Southern California
Matthew Guerrero, an Uber driver in Southern California, discusses the financial challenges of driving, impacted by high gas costs and low tips.
Springville businesses fear festival losses amid SCE power shutoff
Southern California Edison power safety shutoffs left Springville businesses concerned about communication and potential losses.
Calvin Harris announces first North American headlining tour
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Calvin Harris is bringing his first headlining tour to Southern California next spring, with a stop at Inglewood’s Kia Forum. The Scottish DJ and producer will perform
'Wives' review: A play that's more manifesto than comedy
East West Players presents, in a co-production with Hypokrit Live Arts, the Southern California premiere of Jacklyn Backhaus' "Wives," directed by Arpita Mukherjee.
California summer camp explores air quality science
Discover how Southern California summer campers used real-time air quality sensors to measure pollution in their own homes and communities.
Southern California man accused of recording victims through hidden bathroom cameras
A Southern California man was arrested for allegedly recording victims through hidden bathroom cameras installed at his business. The Ontario Police Department identified the suspect as Bryce Neigh…
Fundamental Brings Nexus to LA Galaxy and L.A. Live Through New Official Partnership with AEG
Fundamental's NEXUS model joins two of Southern California's most iconic sports and entertainment properties, bringing predictive technology to the business of sports and live entertainment LOS ANGELES, Oct. 8, 2026 -- Fundamental, an AI company whose Large Tabular Model (“LTM”), NEXUS is reimagining enterprise decision-making, and AEG, the world’s leading
Could Dodgers Face Padres in Southern California NLCS Battle?
Imagine seeing the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres renew their rivalry with a trip to the World Series on the line in the National League Championship Series.
Hyundai and UCI Health Continue Collaboration to Advance Child Passenger Safety in Southern California
/PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America and UCI Health are building on their commitment to child passenger safety by expanding access to education, inspections,...
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Public Officials, Business and Community Leaders Join SoCalGas to Celebrate New Downtown Headquarters
/PRNewswire/ -- Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass today joined Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas), a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE), public officials and...
FBI investigated anti-ICE protesters after Trump demanded probe over TikTok video, whistleblower alleges
The FBI opened preliminary investigations targeting anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement protesters in Southern California, a former FBI intelligence official alleged in a whistleblower complaint, adding that she believed the move violated the law and agency policy.
Southern California micro businesses get boost from CIELO Fund
“We want people to know that a lot of what we do is ecosystem building.”
Southern California micro businesses get boost from CIELO Fund
“We want people to know that a lot of what we do is ecosystem building.”
The sport is growing leaps and bounds with its focus on agility and balance.
The sport of Ninja Warrior is growing across the country and here in Southern California, with the opening of a new Ninja Academy gym in Ventura last month. Owner Madelyn Scarpulla opened her first West Coast location in Culver City two years ago.
Fetal surgeon Payam Saadai, MD, to join Rady Children’s Health Orange County
Fetal surgeon Payam Saadai, MD, to join Rady Children’s Health Orange County. Recruitment will advance specialized fetal care for families across Southern California.
Did your favorite local Starbucks just close? These 36 SoCal locations are likely shuttered
Starbucks said it would close 250 locations in North America as the chain battles increased competition. Thirty-six of those locations appear to be in Southern California.
Retiring Michigan senator to lead USC politics center
Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), who is retiring from the Senate at the end of this term, will join the University of Southern California (USC) as a professor and co-director of their politics program, …
Sen. Gary Peters, headed for academia, says he’s confident El-Sayed will win seat
The Michigan Democrat, who is retiring after this term, has accepted an offer at the University of Southern California.
Regional Spotlight: Inglewood's Last Mile
The city of Inglewood has transformed in the past decade into one of Southern California’s premier sports and entertainment destinations. With the World
Southern California University of Health Sciences Earns 2026 Great Colleges to Work For Honor Roll Distinction for Fourth Consecutive Year
/PRNewswire/ -- Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) has been named a 2026 Great College to Work For® and earned elite Honor Roll...
Karma TMS Marks 20,000 TMS Treatments, Transforming Mental Health Care Across the Coachella Valley and Riverside County
Palm Springs, California--(Newsfile Corp. - September 15, 2026) - Karma TMS PC, a leading provider of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy in Southern California, today announced it has delivered more than 20,000 TMS treatments to patients across the Coachella Valley and Riverside County. The milestone reflects nearly a decade of growth for the practice. It underscores the rising demand for effective, non-invasive, medication-free options for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety,..
How Cástulo de la Rocha Built an Affordable Health Care Empire
The president and CEO of AltaMed Health Services has spent five decades providing access to health services across Southern California
Southern California University of Health Sciences Names Dr. Russell Greenfield Founding Executive Director of Institute for the Advancement of Whole Health
/PRNewswire/ -- Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) today announced the appointment of Russell Greenfield, MD, as Founding Executive...
San Diego State vs UCLA live updates: Score, highlights, analysis
The UCLA Bruins take on San Diego State for a Week 2 showdown between Southern California football programs.
Eggs tied to California producer recalled after salmonella outbreak
Happy Hens voluntarily recalled potentially contaminated eggs purchased by consumers and businesses in Southern California and along the Central Coast.
Party business shuts down, leaving families out thousands of dollars before weddings, quinceañeras
A Southern California party venue business that once hosted weddings, quinceañeras and sweet 16 celebrations has shut down both of its locations.
Beloved California brunch chain files for bankruptcy after 36 years in business
Marmalade Cafe, a Southern California restaurant fixture founded in 1990, has filed for Chapter 11 protection amid rent disputes, supplier obligations and broader losses affecting the dining industry.
Must Watch Sun Belt Games in Week 2
Several Sun Belt teams will have an incredible opportunity this weekend to test themselves against major Power Four opponents. From Louisiana’s trip to Southern California to Louisiana Tech's in-state battle against LSU, there are a number of games that are worthy of tuning into. These Sun Belt teams can potentially prove themselves to the world …
Science Says: It's OK to Hate the Heat
You hate it. I hate it. We all hate it. It’s ——- hot! But are we being pampered Southern Californians brats who can’t handle a real summer? No, says science! […]
Southern California braces for, 'very dangerous and unusual heat' -- plus oppressive humidity
Sweltering heat and higher than normal humidity is causing dangerous conditions for Southern Californians on Wednesday.
Exclusive: Two of gaming’s biggest names are making a big investment in gaming’s future
The first thing to know about the Nova Games Foundation is that it isn’t about The Game Awards. And it’s not about PlayStation. The ambitious new grant program is the brainchild of Geoff Keighley and Mark Cerny. Keighley is the host of The Game Awards, Summer Game Fest and Opening Night Live. Cerny is a game designer of some 45 years and the lead architect for the PlayStation 4 and 5. But this new thing, which they’re revealing through Game File, isn’t about their day jobs. It’s an unaffiliated, standalone philanthropic project. It’s a bet on the artistic future of video games and a way, they tell me, to give back. “I’m nearing the end of my career,” Cerny recently told me over email. “I’m not done yet, but paying it forward—in the best way possible—is very much on my mind these days,” The Nova Games Foundation is a university-affiliated fellowship program, intended to offer six-figure grants to 20 young game designers each year, potentially for decades to come. It will offer no-strings-attached funding along with mentorship from games industry leaders, a combination intended to aid the development of groundbreaking new games, Cerny and Keighley told me. Nova will begin accepting applications in December, from class of 2026 and 2027 students from 13 affiliated gaming programs at universities in eight countries. The schools working with Nova include the New York University and the University of Southern California in the U.S., along with Abertay University in Scotland, Cnam-Enjmin in France, TH Köln in Germany, and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia, Cerny and Keighley said. The plan: $100,000 per recipient, with about a quarter of Nova fellows eligible for up to $500,000 more for projects that are shaping up particularly well. Payments will be delivered based on development milestones, and recipients will own their games. Nova will help promote the work, and developers will be free to pursue the publishers and platforms of their choice. Nova can help introduce fellows to publishers, but won’t take a cut. “I’ve always wanted to give back, but given my role in the industry, I’ve never felt it appropriate to commercially invest in games,” Keighley told Game File. “I’ve never owned stock in a game company or taken a financial stake in a game. Nova is philanthropy: we aren’t taking equity or looking to recoup the grants. The return we’re hoping for is creative—helping new voices make games and find their footing. “Mark and I have each made multi-million-dollar donations to establish the foundation, and we intend to keep contributing. We hope others will join us.” Cerny and Keighley have already hired an executive director, John Maconga, and a head of grants, recent Game Developers Conference director Ashley Corrigan, to help launch the effort. They’re working to recruit game industry leaders to join the effort. Keighley says “dozens of leading game directors have already expressed interest in contributing their time.” To name one, they’ve already gotten Josef Fares, lead designer from It Takes Two and Spit Fiction studio Hazelight on board with a donation and pledge to help out. “I’m proud to support Nova because it gives the next generation of creators the freedom to explore their creativity and hopefully bring their unique visions to life,” Fares told Game File. A plan forged from a friendship Keighley and Cerny have known each other a long time. It’s been so long, Cerny isn’t even sure exactly when they met. “We travel in much the same circles and I’m sure first intersected in the 90s or early 2000s,“ Cerny said. Keighley thinks it might have been during his stint writing a column about the mid-’90s console 3DO for a gaming magazine while Cerny was working on games with Crystal Dynamics or on Way of the Warrior with Naughty Dog. They became genuine friends about a 10 years ago, Keighley said, as they bonded over a shared love of games and a hope to improve the industry. “About a decade ago, we started having dinner a few times a year in LA,” Keighley said. “Just to catch up on life and the industry. Those conversations continued over Zoom during COVID. Nova grew out of that friendship and a question we kept coming back to: ‘What could we do to help the next generation of game directors get started?’” Keighley credits Cerny with the idea to figure out a way to put their money and time back into the industry. At one of those dinners, Keighley proposed the idea of a fellowship program. He’d recalled applying for a Rhodes Scholarship when he was younger. “Spoiler: I didn’t get it,” he said. He’d admired the MacArthur Foundation’s so-called “genius grants.” He liked these kinds of programs that recognized people’s talents and gave them the financial boost and the freedom to realize their potential. With Cerny, he had pondered what a game industry version of that could be. Keighley liked the idea of centering the fellowship on students, drawing inspiration from the accomplishments of Jenova Chen, the USC game design graduate who went on to lead the creation of gently moving, ambitious games such as Flower and Journey. Keighley also thought it could be useful to help promising graduates bridge the transition from student to professional. “Joining an established studio isn’t always possible—especially in today’s market—and even then, it isn’t the right path for everyone,” Keighley said. A fellowship, he realized, could give “graduates the time, resources and guidance to pursue a game of their own and not worry about the commercial viability.” As the idea took shape, Cerny also saw an opportunity to enable more games of a certain type: “The target with the grants is games as an artistic medium,” Cerny told me. “We like to say games with ‘artistic, literary and societal value.’” He added: “I’m a pretty big gamer myself, though I tend to gravitate towards the smaller and more unique or artistic titles, games like Neva, Abzu, Gorogoa, Stray or Outer Wilds. I was just playing and Roger on a flight to Japan, and was getting misty eyed to a degree that I was concerned that a flight attendant would ask me if I was OK. “So one fun benefit here is the games that will come out of the Nova Games Foundation – I can’t wait to play them myself.” Cerny believes it will also be useful for Nova fellows to hone their craft and team leadership skills. “We are looking for the next generation of visionaries,” he said. “The trick is that they will also need to have the executive function necessary to drive a small project to completion.” Game File is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my reporting, please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe Going big with this Keighley and Cerny may have started Nova and may be the ones primarily backing it right now, but they’re dreaming of something that goes beyond them. “Mark and I may have helped get it started, but one of our measures of success is that Nova grows into something the entire games industry feels a sense of ownership in,” Keighley said. “Our ambition is to build a lasting endowment supported by people and companies across the industry, and an equally broad community of creators willing to give their time and experience to the next generation.” The industry has a lot of knowledge that it can pass to the next generation, Keighley said: “Nova can hopefully become a way to connect that generosity with talented young creators at the moment when it can make the biggest difference.” Cerny, who told me he believes Nova can mature “over the next 10 or 20 years,” sees an opportunity to give generations of game makers momentum. “The industry has changed immeasurably since I started in games in 1982,” he said. “These graduates have talent, training and tools that outclass what we had back in the day by an astonishing amount. But they face a tough road ahead getting traction in the industry, and many could benefit from our support. We want to be there to give it to them.” “There’s a personal side to this, too,” Keighley said. “I don’t have children, and I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what I can do for future generations. Games have been my entire career. I’ve been incredibly fortunate, and helping someone else build a life in this industry feels like a meaningful way to give back.” Cerny’s oeuvre dates back to Marble Madness and Sonic the Hedgehog 2. He has stood on stage multiple times to reveal the future of PlayStation hardware. He’s been an executive producer for a string of modern PlayStation classics such as The Last Guardian and Marvel’s Spider-Man. Nevertheless, of Nova, he said, “It’s certainly not like anything I’ve done before.” Nova Foundation applications will be due in December and the first wave of fellows will be announced in March 2027. A full list of participating universities and steps students and recent graduates can take to apply to become a Nova Fellow is forthcoming.
California Politics 360 full episode | What's next after wildfire liability proposal fails
PG&E, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric wanted to shift some of those wildfire costs onto insurance companies. This week, the California Assembly decided to scrap a plan that lawmakers put together in the final hours of the legislative session.
PDS Health and United Concordia Launch Saliva Screening Pilot
United Concordia Dental and PDS Health®, leaders in oral health and dental-medical integration, respectively, launched a saliva screening pilot in Southern California earlier this week that aims to improve oral health and overall health by investigating the screening’s impact on periodontal (gum) disease management. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 40% of U.S. adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease. Left untreated, this condition can lead to tooth loss and infections and is associated with systemic conditions such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. “Gum disease is not just an oral health issue. It’s closely connected to a person’s well-being,” said Ed Shellard, DMD, president and CEO of United Concordia. “This partnership with PDS Health underscores our shared commitment to dental-medical integration and allows us to empower patients with on-the-spot data about the current status of their gum health.”…
15 plays and musicals to see: The ultimate SoCal fall theater list
This fall's Southern California theater offerings include New York successes such as “The Outsiders,” “Oh, Mary!” and “Purpose,” and the long-awaited L.A. area premiere of “Passing Strange.”
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…
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.
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.
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.
Waymo gets regulatory approval to scale up robotaxi service across California, enter 2 new markets
Waymo's robotaxi service expands across Northern and Southern California after CPUC approval, adding Sacramento and San Diego as new markets.
One of Southern California's biggest entertainment hubs has become a battleground over billboards
How one of Southern California's biggest entertainment hubs has become a battleground over big-money billboards
How one of Southern California's biggest entertainment hubs has become a battleground over big-money billboards
One of Southern California's biggest entertainment hubs has become a battleground over big-money bil
Someone Made a Terrific Deal in the Peacock/YouTube Premium Partnership…But Who?
(Welcome to the “Most Important Story of the Week”, my bi-weekly strategy column analyzing the most important (but often not buzziest) news story of the last two weeks. I’m the Entertainment Strategy Guy, a former streaming executive who now analyzes business strategy in the entertainment industry. Please subscribe.) I hope everyone around the world suffering from record heat waves is doing okay. The temperature is already up in Southern California, but obviously not nearly as bad as parts of Europe. With a super El Nińo coming this year, I worry it will get even worse. Yes, we know what’s causing this heat—it’s the carbon, duh—but we really aren’t making enough progress. I’m not “environmental strategy guy”, but if I were, I’d have some ideas of what I’d try. Honestly, for years I’ve been intrigued by the work of the folks at MEER—whose plan, super simply, is to put up mirrors to reflect heat (while continuing the important work of decarbonization)—but I’m frustrated this idea hasn’t made more progress. (Other geo-engineering groups seem to get better press.) With heat like this—cancelling events, hurting economies and, most importantly, killing people—it seems like the time to push solutions! The “mirrors on the ground” solution has barely been tried.1 While entertainment companies may not “feel the heat”, lots of outdoors/experiential industries—concerts, theme parks and so on—will. Even movie theaters could benefit, since mirrors could help lower AC costs, which I imagine is not an insignificant expense, especially in the hotter areas of the country. So I do think the entertainment industry should prioritize this issue. Anyways, let’s get back into the entertainment strategy. I was about to write, “Hey, this week we don’t have any mergers and entertainment news to dive into,” but that’s not really true, since we had more updates on Paramount-Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery. But the big story of the week involves a streamer and a Big Tech platform bundling their respective streamers. So I’ll write about the updates on Paramount buying Warner Bros., Versant making some moves, and a whole lot more. But we start with a surprising deal: Peacock licensing their content to YouTube Premium. Let’s dive in! Subscribe Most Important Story of the Week - Peacock’s Pricey Premium Partnership The story of the week is Comcast’s2 NBC-Universal’s Peacock making a deal with Google’s YouTube’s YouTube Premium subscription product to embed their content. And I’ll say this up front: Someone made a terrific deal. The question is who. And I’ll be honest: I don’t know. Let me explain why, including why this deal exists, the pros and cons for each side, the biggest unknown, and what that says about the streaming wars. Customers Love Bundles (But YouTube Has Its Own Issues) We’re just getting started with this issue, but the rest is for paid subscribers of the Entertainment Strategy Guy, so if you’d like to find out… Why customers love bundles… But why I’m worried about YouTube’s integration... How Peacock is trading scale for control… And the reason they likely made this deal... The odd budget math for this deal... Whether or not I think the Paramount-Skydance/WBD deal is more likely after the latest settlement... Versant making moves and why that’s good for Hollywood… Another distributor going out of business… ...and a whole lot more! ...please subscribe! We can only keep doing this great work with your support.
How the World Cup became great 'dry run' for 2028 Olympics
The success of the FIFA World Cup in Southern California provided valuable lessons for LA28 as it continues its preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games.
Healthcare Company Focusing on Women's Health Faces Scrutiny
A healthcare company with half a dozen clinics in Southern California is facing pushback for its quality of services.
“Graphic Talk About Science: Adventures in Science Engagement”
Mount Wilson Observatory (MWO), Southern California’s esteemed home to several of the most groundbreaking astronomical discoveries in history, welcomes the public to the third Saturday Evening Talks & Telescopes of the season on Saturday, July 25, 2026. MWO is honored to present “Graphic Talk About Science: Adventures in Science Engagement,” a lecture by Clifford V. Johnson, from UCSB. This lecture explores how graphic storytelling can make cutting-edge physics more accessible, as Johnson discusses the science and creative process behind his illustrated book, “The Dialogues: Conversations About the Nature of the Universe.” Tickets are available here: www.mtwilson.edu/events/lecture072526 During the six-month season, each Talks & Telescopes event runs from 5:30pm to 11:30pm with the “talk” portion of the evening beginning in the Observatory’s Auditorium. The 60+ minute presentation is followed by picnic dining—bring your own, or purchase from a food truck or caterer—and then, after the sun goes down, stargazing through Mount Wilson’s immense telescopes, the largest in the world made available to the public. Additional stargazing around the grounds will be available thanks to members of the Los Angeles Astronomical Society. Both the 60-inch telescope and the 100-inch—the latter famously used by Edwin Hubble to discover the expanding universe—will be available for viewing the night sky. Priced at $50, this event series offers the most economical stargazing event option on the mountain. Tickets and more information are available on Mount Wilson Observatory’s website here: www.mtwilson.edu/lectures. Advance purchases are highly recommended. UPCOMING SATURDAY EVENING TALKS & TELESCOPES OF THE 2026 SEASON August 22: “Towards a Functional Cosmology” www.mtwilson.edu/events/lecture082226 Join artist Lita Albuquerque for a lecture on her multidisciplinary practice at the intersection of art, science, and cosmology. Drawing on decades of work across painting, land art, performance, and installation, she reflects on projects created in remote, astronomy-linked environments and how they shape her exploration of time, space, and human perception. September 19: “The Brightness of Stars: Henrietta Leavitt and the Transformative Nature of Attention in Art and Science” www.mtwilson.edu/events/lecture091926 Visual artist and author Anna Von Mertens explores the life and legacy of Henrietta Leavitt, whose study of variable stars enabled the first reliable measurements of cosmic distances. Working among the Harvard Computers, Leavitt laid the foundation for breakthroughs at Mount Wilson, including Harlow Shapley’s mapping of the Milky Way and Edwin Hubble’s discovery of an expanding universe. Drawing from her book “Attention Is Discovery: The Life and Legacy of Astronomer Henrietta Leavitt,” Von Mertens shares archival materials alongside her own artwork inspired by Leavitt’s life, to celebrate how careful attention leads to both scientific discovery and a meaningful life. October 17: “The Duality of Genius and Struggle: G.E. Hale” www.mtwilson.edu/events/lecture101726 This talk, presented by Sam Hale, explores the extraordinary life and legacy of his grandfather, George Ellery Hale—the visionary behind some of the world’s most important astronomical institutions. Drawing on both history and personal connection, Sam Hale offers insight into a legacy that continues to shape science and culture today. VISITING MWO The gate to Mount Wilson’s campus opens at 10:00am daily and closes at 5:00pm from early April through November. Entrance to the grounds is free. Visitors can hike, gaze at the telescope domes and towers that dot the landscape, and take a look at historic Mount Wilson photos and letters in the Museum. The Cosmic Cafe (www.mtwilson.edu/cosmic-cafe), located above the main parking lot at the Observatory entrance, is open on weekends in the spring, summer, and fall. In addition to traditional menu items such as hot dogs, drinks, and snacks, the Cafe offers wraps, salads, and sweet treats from Little Flower. PARKING A U.S. Forest Service Adventure Pass is required to park at the Observatory. A $5 day pass or a $30 dollar annual pass may be purchased at the Cosmic Cafe on weekends between 10:00am and 5:00pm. During the week, passes are available at locations around Los Angeles. The most convenient location before heading up is at the Shell station in La Canada Flintridge at the bottom of the Angeles Crest Highway (https://find.shell.com/us/fuel/10007957-4530-angeles-crest-hwy/en_US). Visit the U.S. Forest Service website for more information about Passes and other locations to buy them: www.fs.usda.gov/r05/passes/adventure-pass For more information about Visiting Mount Wilson Observatory, please visit: www.mtwilson.edu/visiting NOT ADA-COMPLIANT Please be advised that access to the 100-inch dome is via an open-air, 53-step staircase inside the building. There is no ADA-compliant access.
Sweetening the Deal
At 22, Loren Castle found herself at a crossroads in life. She was a fresh communication graduate from the University of Southern California, a certified
NASA Scientists Take to Air and Space to Study Arctic Sea Ice
This month, engineers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California are testing a spacecraft sensor that will help measure how quickly Arctic sea
LA County Public Health confirms another case of measles
LA County Public Health said the traveler arrived in Southern California on July 3, 2026, aboard British Airways Flight 281, which landed at LAX. The person walked through Terminal B, Gate 155.
NCAA president Charlie Baker floats regional approach to non-football sports
Conference realignment has turned college athletics into a much more national endeavor than it ever was previously. The Big Ten stretches from Southern California to New Jersey. The ACC includes a pair of teams on the Pacific coast. And the Big 12 has members located in both the deserts of the Southwest and the mountains…
Southern California’s total tobacco bans aren’t helping public health
Instead of pursuing tobacco bans, state health officials should prioritize proven harm reduction policies.
Day Two of Competition Highlights Athletes Across Multiple Sports
The second day of competition at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games was cut short due to inclement weather, but not before some memorable moments. Before outdoor events were halted, athletes showcased speed on the track, excitement and enthusiasm at gymnastics, and pride on the football and soccer fields. Even as an athletics athlete from Special Olympics Southern California lost his shoe, he managed to win the race.
'The system is critically stressed': San Andreas and San Jacinto faults scarily close to major earthquake, study finds
The San Andreas fault and a neighboring fault in Southern California have reached their highest levels of tectonic stress in 1,000 years, and a rupture at one fault could propagate to the other, researchers found.
Radiology Partners affiliate inks in-network deal with Anthem Blue Cross
The deal is with Golden State Imaging Associates, which serves Southern California, providing 24/7 diagnostic and interventional services to hospitals and other referrers.
From The Sports Desk: One day after peace agreement, Iran takes field for World Cup
Iran will play New Zealand tonight in Southern California. Earlier in the day, Lamine Yamal and Spain play Cape Verde, and Mo Salah and Egypt take on Belgium.
Vomiting virus is spreading across most of the U.S.
Hikers along the Pacific Crest Trail in Southern California have been hit with norovirus, but they’re not the only ones suffering. Wastewater data shows high levels in many states.
Mount View MS Excels at 2026 National Science Olympiad
Mount View Middle School (MVMS) students medaled in three events (hovercraft, water quality and codebusters) and placed 10th as a team in Division B of the 2026 National Science Olympiad Tournament, held recently at the University of Southern California.
Stanford beats USC to capture NCAA women's golf title
Megha Ganne closed out her Stanford career with a short par putt to win the clinching match Wednesday afternoon as the Cardinal beat Southern California for its third NCAA women's golf title in the last five years.
Sprawling new entertainment complex coming to Southern California city, with hotel, venues and ‘Jewel Plaza’
The project would overhaul the city's sleepy, parking lot heavy civic campus from the 1970's into what leaders hope becomes a bustling, action-packed destination.
Southern California gets $4B mega music venue in giant new entertainment district
The concert hall is being built with music in mind, boasting "world-class acoustics" and outstanding stage views for guests.
Fighting for Southern Steelhead: Science, the Law, and What’s at Stake
This June, CalTrout will be in the Los Angeles Superior Court defending a landmark listing of Southern California steelhead as endangered under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). Learn...
Growing group of Sonoma County small businesses hit by website-based discrimination claims
One plaintiff is linked to hundreds of lawsuits against Bay Area companies claiming their websites discriminate against him as a visually impaired person. The cases filed on his behalf share in common a Southern California law firm behind…
How Disneyland Remade American Politics
America is turning 250, and The Free Press is marking the occasion with a yearlong series of events, conversations, and stories celebrating our country’s history. Today, we’re taking a journey with historian Beverly Gage to Southern California. Beverly traded the archives for the open road for her new book, This Land is Your Land: A Road Trip Through U.S. History. We’re proud to publish an excerpt, on the theme park that shaped American politics—and the presidents who loved it. —The Editors On July 17, 1955, Ronald Reagan stood near a mocked-up wood-plank town in Anaheim, California, where a 13-star flag flew incongruously over an “Old West” landscape, and introduced the world to Disneyland. He had been invited by Walt Disney himself to co-host the park’s live ABC broadcast, alongside Art Linkletter and Bob Cummings—three Hollywood actors who seemed to embody a wholesome, all-American ethos. From the imagined past of Frontierland, the show leaped ahead to Tomorrowland, set in the far-off year of 1986, emphasizing the technical marvels yet to come: nuclear energy harnessed for civilian purposes, human beings riding rocket ships into space. Disney foretold great things for a 1980s in which the United States would serve as “a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.” But even he could not predict the most important political fact of the age: that his genial co-host would become president. Southern California was a strange place to build a park about the past, because the region at the time was all about newness and abundance and growth. For a lot of its history, Orange County had been Southern California’s version of flyover country: a vast agricultural expanse between two desirable places, Los Angeles and San Diego. But Disneyland was changing that. Before long, 50 miles south of deep-blue Hollywood, Orange County would become a region famed for its right-wing politics—but also for its mythmaking skills. Those two things, it turned out, went naturally together. ADVERTISEMENT The two presidents Southern California gave America both understood this instinctively. Richard Nixon and Reagan each built a national career on invoking a version of the American past in which the specificities of historical context mattered less than the big picture. For Nixon, progress meant proclaiming a “New American Revolution” on the eve of America’s bicentennial while dismantling the federal programs that had built the postwar middle class. For Reagan, it meant recapturing a lost optimism and an old-fashioned faith in America as an exceptional nation. Both men were less interested in history as it actually happened than in history as it felt—and Orange County, a place that had built itself almost entirely from scratch, turned out to be exactly where the myth of America’s future was getting made. I’m a historian—and historians tend to be myth-busters. With the country’s 250th birthday on the horizon, I figured it was a good time to step out of the ivory tower and check in with the past as it exists here and now, at the museums and monuments and roadside attractions where Americans go to learn about their history. After all my travels—to Davy Crockett’s Tennessee and Texas, to the real Erie Canal, to the birthplace of the American automobile and the actual Old West—I couldn’t miss out on Disneyland, the single most influential historic attraction in U.S. history.
Theme Park Executive Leads Center for Entertainment and Hospitality Management
After a career of leadership in the Southern California theme park industry, Jim Lake, lecturer in management at Cal State Fullerton’s College of Business and Economics, is the new leader of the Center for Entertainment and Hospitality Management. Lake’s career has included 30 years at Disneyland, beginning as a ride operator and culminating as general manager […]
THE BLOODHOUND Immersive Experience To Be Presented By USC Themed Entertainment
The University of Southern California’s Themed Entertainment program will present “The Bloodhound,” a fully immersive theatrical production. Part of the larger USC School of Cinematic Arts.
Ving Rhames released from hospital after health scare in California
Brad Kramer, Ving Rhames' manager, said the "Mission: Impossible" star feels fine after suffering a health scare in Southern California on April 29.
NASA fires up powerful lithium-fed thruster for trips to Mars
A technology that could propel crewed missions to Mars and robotic spacecraft throughout the solar system was recently put to the test at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. On Feb. ...
Prep talk: High jumper Dean Guzman of Moorpark clears 7-foot barrier
A Southern California high school high jump battle is shaping up between Moorpark's Dean Guzman and Sherman Oaks Notre Dame's JJ Harel.
New cricket stadium in California heralds sport's Olympic return after 128 years
Construction is underway for a new world-class cricket venue in Southern California, which will be used for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
CBL Scholars Program Opens Pathways to Business Law Careers - UC Law San Francisco (Formerly UC Hastings)
First-year law students and 2026 CBL Scholars Deniz Masjedi, Alvaro Flores, and Tavia Pappaly gain mentorship connections with leading industry professionals as they prepare for careers in business law. Created by the UC Center for Business Law San Francisco (CBL), the CBL Scholars Program aims to develop the next generation of business law leaders, supported by contributions from individuals and corporate sponsors. The highly competitive program provides funding along with academic and professional mentorship to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Scholars gain exposure to the Bay Area’s technology and venture capital ecosystems and access to UC Law SF’s broad network of senior legal professionals. Now in its sixth year, the CBL Scholars Program provides a scholarship and academic and professional mentorship to students entering the business law community from disadvantaged educational, economic, social, or physical backgrounds. The program is generously sponsored by the law firms Gunderson Dettmer and Goodwin Procter. Meet this year’s CBL Scholars: Deniz Masjedi, Alvaro Flores, and Tavia Pappaly. All three have secured summer associate positions at prestigious law firms. Deniz Masjedi: A Passion for Helping Founders Grow Companies Deniz Masjedi, who was born in Iran and moved to Southern California as a teenager, traces her interest in law to her family’s immigration journey and her desire to advocate for herself and her family. She earned a bachelor’s degree at UC Berkeley, where she studied political science and sociology. At UC Law SF, she serves as a 1L representative for the Iranian Law Students Association and is active in the Business Law Society and Technology & Law Society. Next fall, she will serve as director of mentorship for the Technology & Law Society and director of professional development for the Business Law Society. She will join Sidley Austin this year as a 1L/2L summer associate. Q: What draws you to business law? A: Prior to law school, I worked in Cooley LLP’s Private Companies practice group as a corporate paralegal for three years, supporting over 100 venture-backed startups and venture capital funds. I found purpose in helping founders transform their vision into successful companies. It was incredibly rewarding being part of their journeys—from company formation and initial financing to major transactions such as M&A deals. What excites me most about this field is the potential for a small, innovative company to become the next Google or Zoom, shaping how people communicate and access information. I hope to continue supporting entrepreneurs and investors as a corporate attorney. Q: What does it mean to you to have been awarded this scholarship? A: As the first person in my family to attend law school in the United States, receiving this scholarship is a tremendous honor. My parents and I left everything behind so that I could enjoy the freedom to practice my religion without persecution and pursue a career in law as a woman. This award is an acknowledgment of my dedication to business law and motivates me to continue pursuing excellence in this field. It also recognizes years of hard work—learning a new language, navigating the college and law school application process, and ultimately building a career in the legal profession. Q: How will this scholarship help support your future goals? A: This scholarship will provide access to mentorship from leaders in the field, enabling me to develop the skills necessary to offer practical advice and effective representation to future clients. It also eases the financial burden of law school, letting me focus on my coursework and deepen my commitment to corporate law. As an immigrant, breaking into the legal profession has not always been easy, and the time that mentors have invested in me has been instrumental to my progress. This scholarship will allow me to continue building those relationships while positioning me to one day mentor others pursuing similar paths. Alvaro Flores: Inspired by Entrepreneurs The son of Mexican immigrants raised in San Antonio, Texas, Alvaro Flores says he has long been interested in how policy, markets, and culture shape society. He studied international relations and global economy at the University of Southern California, with minors in business finance and legal studies. His experiences span local political organizing, venture capital and startup work, and teaching entrepreneurship. At UC Law SF, he is involved in the Business Law Society, Technology & Law Society, and the Latinx Law Student Association. He will join Perkins Coie as a 1L/2L summer associate with the firm’s Emerging Companies & Venture Capital practice. Q: What draws you to business law? A: I’m drawn to stories of entrepreneurs whose simple ideas become companies that shape the economy and society. Spending time in venture capital and working directly with founders has shown me that many important decisions in the scaling process are ultimately legal ones, particularly how companies are structured and how capital is raised. Business law sits at the intersection of innovation and equity. It offers a way to stay close to the pace of technological change while also helping expand who gets to participate in it. There is something special about being part of that process here in the Bay Area, where the American Dream feels like it is reimagined in real time. Q: What does it mean to you to have been awarded this scholarship? A: I am truly grateful for the support and belief this scholarship represents. I see it not just as recognition, but also as alignment. The CBL Scholars Program’s focus on developing individuals who engage deeply with the business and technology ecosystem reflects the path I have been intentionally building. More than anything, it feels like an investment in that journey. I have been thoughtful about each next step–whether teaching, working in venture capital, or building multidisciplinary experiences–and this scholarship reinforces that those efforts come together in a meaningful way. Q: How will this scholarship help support your future goals? A: It allows me to focus more on developing as a business lawyer, without the distraction of financial constraints. Beyond that, the mentorship and access to the Bay Area network are just as valuable. I’m especially interested in working with early-stage companies and investors, so the opportunity to learn directly from people operating at a high level in that space is huge. Tavia Pappaly: Working in the Wine Industry Sparked Interest in Business and Law Tavia Pappaly spent five years in the wine industry before deciding to pursue law school with a goal of becoming a corporate transactions attorney. Pappaly says she wants to use her legal skills to help business grow and thrive. A first-generation law student from Fairfield, California, she is a member of the Legal Education Opportunity Program (LEOP) and will serve as vice president of social planning for the UC Law SF Sports Law Society in her 2L year. She plans to work as a summer associate at Gibson Dunn in San Francisco after her 2L year. Q: What draws you to business law? A: Business law brings together many of my interests and personal experiences. As the daughter of immigrants who grew up around a family-owned small business, I saw firsthand both the opportunities and challenges of building something from the ground up. That perspective, combined with my experience in the wine industry, solidified my interest in helping businesses of all sizes tackle evolving legal challenges. I’m excited to grow within the corporate law space and develop the skills and experience to support businesses at every stage. I’m deeply motivated to give back to immigrant communities and small business owners, whose experiences often intersect. By building a strong foundation in corporate law, I hope to support those working to create generational stability and to contribute in a meaningful way to the communities that have shaped me. Q: What does it mean to you to have been awarded this scholarship? A: Receiving this scholarship is incredibly meaningful to me. I take great pride in my background as a first-generation student and a woman of color, so being recognized for my potential in a field that has historically underrepresented those communities is both affirming and empowering. This program will help connect me to the resources and committed mentors that will help me succeed. Beyond that, it is no secret that law school is a significant financial commitment. This scholarship helps ease both the financial burden and the stress that comes with it, allowing me to focus more on my education and long-term goals. I am incredibly grateful! Q: How will this scholarship help support your future goals? A: This scholarship has already connected me with an incredible network of faculty, business law professionals, and like-minded students. The community fostered by the Center for Business Law is deeply supportive, and I’m excited to grow alongside my cohort. I truly believe this network will play an important role in helping me thrive in law school and position me for success in business law. As I have seen firsthand how impactful both financial scholarship and mentorship are, I hope to give back in this same way later in my career.
San Diego Padres’ Booming Business Made Them an Attractive Buy
The Southern California-based franchise is the 10th-best revenue generating club in MLB, and that number is poised to keep growing.
11 missing or dead scientists draw federal scrutiny, including 4 tied to LA County
The Trump administration is reviewing 11 cases of missing or deceased scientists, including Southern California researchers Monica Jacinto Reza, Carl Grillmair, Frank Maiwald, and Michael David Hicks.
Trump signs bill reauthorizing federal aid to defense startups
President Trump on Monday signed the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act, which will fund aerospace and defense startups in Southern California and elsewhere.
Park inequality in Southern California creates health risks, especially during the heat
Park-wise, the region has long been a land of haves and have nots. But a new study from researchers at UC Irvine and Chapman University shows that not all parks are created equal.
Artemis II reentry will create a sonic boom. Here’s how to report it
Southern Californians might hear a sonic boom as NASA's Artemis II moon mission reenters the atmosphere off the coast of San Diego Friday evening, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
Orange Lutheran, Norco reach championship game at Boras Classic
No. 2 Orange Lutheran will face No. 3 Norco in the Boras Classic championship with the winner becoming the new No. 1 team in Southern California.
Prep talk: Youth golfers to compete in Drive, Chip and Putt finals
Four golfers from Southern California to compete at Augusta National Golf Club on Sunday in the Drive, Chip and Putt championships.
Ye attempts a comeback with sold-out LA-area concert, support from Lauryn Hill
The artist formerly and possibly again known as Kanye West reveled in support from one of his musical idols, Lauryn Hill, as he staged a sold-out Southern California concert meant to mark a comeback...
Ye attempts a comeback with sold-out LA-area concert, support from Lauryn Hill
The artist formerly and possibly again known as Kanye West reveled in support from one of his musical idols, Lauryn Hill, as he staged a sold-out Southern California concert meant to mark a comeback from years of controversy.
8 arrests made in federal crackdown on alleged health care fraud in Southern California
Federal officials on Thursday arrested eight people they say were involved in various health care fraud schemes totaling $50 million in and around Los Angeles.
Justice Department announces federal charges in Southern California health care, hospice fraud investigation
Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said the individuals are accused of running fraudulent hospice care facilities that billed Medicare by using people without terminal illnesses as beneficiaries.
Several people arrested for $50M health care fraud across Southern California
Federal authorities arrested eight people for defrauding Medicare and other insurance companies with many of them using hospices as a front to bilk millions of dollars, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Thursday. Collectively, the eight people are accused of stealing from $50 million dollars from different locations across Southern California from Anaheim to Simi Valley. Calling Southern California a…