News from California, across the nation and world - Los Angeles Times

With death sentence clemency, Newsom takes another big political risk

Taryn Luna — Sat, 7 Nov 2026 03:29:48 GMT

Amid speculation about how the mass commutation could help or hurt his presidential prospects in 2028, Gov. Gavin Newsom's decision pushes the boundaries of his authority and sends a clear message to the nation about where he stands.

Feds move to dismiss case over 20,000 California ballots after Supreme Court denied appeal

Kevin Rector, Brittny Mejia — Sat, 7 Nov 2026 01:18:46 GMT

The Trump administration's emergency request to sequester 20,000 California ballots it alleged were sent to "likely noncitizens" had been rejected by the Supreme Court and lower federal courts.

California's 'billionaire tax' is still undecided. Here's where Proposition 40 stands

Gabrielle LaMarr LeMee, Vanessa Martínez — Sat, 7 Nov 2026 00:56:46 GMT

How each county in California voted for the billionaires tax Proposition 40 and its two counter ballot measures, Proposition 41 and 42.

'An extinction-level event': How the GOP's midterm collapse upends 2028 race for White House

Justine McDaniel, Ana Ceballos, Kevin Rector — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Democratic upsets in this year's midterms could reshape the electoral map, and the fight for the White House in 2028.

Barri Worth Girvan declares victory in race for West Valley seat on L.A. City Council

Melissa Gomez, Itzel Luna — Sat, 7 Nov 2026 03:07:30 GMT

Barri Worth Girvan, a local government veteran, declared victory in the race for District 3 on the Los Angeles City Council after the vote tallies were released Friday evening.

Trump taps Stephen Miller as chief of staff, doubling down after midterm rout

Kevin Rector, Michael Wilner, Justine McDaniel — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 19:33:04 GMT

President Trump on Friday announced his appointment of Stephen Miller as his chief of staff to replace Susie Wiles.

How Mayor-elect Raman will remake L.A. City Hall

David Zahniser, Colleen Shalby, Itzel Luna — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 19:40:37 GMT

Raman is looking to boost housing production, add bike lanes and replace the current police chief. She's also planning to be a hands-on manager, using data to assess the city's effectiveness.

D.A. won't charge L.A. anti-gang worker Skipp Townsend — but his son now faces a murder case

James Queally, Libor Jany, Richard Winton — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 23:51:55 GMT

On Friday, sources said, L.A. County prosecutors declined to file criminal charges against L.A. anti-gang worker Skipp Townsend, who was arrested this week on suspicion of murder conspiracy. But his son, Kody Townsend, is now charged with killing an employee of his father's organization.

Meghan Markle's estranged father arrested in California child pornography investigation

Brittny Mejia — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 15:17:26 GMT

Meghan Markle's father, Thomas Markle, was arrested Friday on a child pornography charge after federal authorities raided two storage units he allegedly rents in California.

Sheriff institutes new policy aimed at eliminating prohibited deputy cliques and gangs

Connor Sheets — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 19:53:05 GMT

The new policy, announced after L.A. County Sheriff Luna was reelected this week, could 'actually eradicate deputy gangs in the Sheriff's Department,' said one outside observer.

Public transit issues expected to be high priority under Raman administration

Colleen Shalby — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 20:02:54 GMT

Raman prioritized public transit, safe streets and infrastructure projects during her campaign. The mayor-elect has also pledged to get the troubled LAX people mover back on track.

Vincent Thomas Bridge closes for 16 months on Saturday. Here's what you need to know

Karen Garcia — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 20:42:03 GMT

Alternative routes, closure timeline and more to navigate the 16-month closure of the Vincent Thomas Bridge.

Great America, the Bay Area's premier theme park, is closing for good. Here's when

Rong-Gong Lin II — Sat, 7 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Great America, the beloved hometown theme park for generations of Northern Californians, has announced there will be one more season of roller coasters and funnel cakes before the gates close for good.

Stephen Miller rises, but California hopes it can blunt his force with Democratic gains

Grace Toohey, Suhauna Hussain, Karen Garcia — Sat, 7 Nov 2026 11:00:00 GMT

President Trump's appointment of Stephen Miller — the architect of the administration's extreme crackdown on immigration — to White House chief of staff has sparked alarm among immigrant advocates and politicians in California.

2 skydivers killed while training for record-breaking maneuver in Lake Elsinore

Iris Kwok — Sat, 7 Nov 2026 01:59:57 GMT

Deputies received a report of an air emergency in the 20000 block of Cereal Street shortly before noon, Riverside County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Lt. Deirdre Vickers wrote in an email.

$11.4 million in Nvidia cargo reportedly stolen in Oakland heist

Alex Wigglesworth — Sat, 7 Nov 2026 01:42:34 GMT

A heist reportedly resulted in the theft of $11.4 million worth of Nvidia cargo in Oakland over the summer.

18-year-old arrested in deadly Moss Landing shooting

Iris Kwok — Sat, 7 Nov 2026 01:06:33 GMT

Greenfield resident Donald William Breeden was arrested and booked into Monterey County Jail on two counts of murder with criminal street gang enhancements, according to the Monterey County Sheriff's Office.

Rams' Quentin Lake texted apology to Chargers Justin Herbert for ham-handed 'deli meat' comment

Chuck Schilken, Gary Klein — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 23:41:20 GMT

Rams safety Quentin Lake texted Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert to apologize after saying on a podcast that Herbert was 'throwing deli meat' and 'seeing ghosts' during Sunday's game.

California says 6,500 homes near shuttered Exide plant are 'clean.' But soil samples raise questions

Iris Kwok, Tony Briscoe — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 23:04:06 GMT

The former Exide facility in Vernon spewed toxic dust for decades as it melted down lead-acid car batteries for recycling. Its operations released lead dust across Boyle Heights, East Los Angeles, Commerce and Maywood while the state allowed the plant to operate for decades with a temporary permit.

Mötley Crüe singer Vince Neil's girlfriend arrested for domestic assault

Deborah Day — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 22:28:40 GMT

The girlfriend of Vince Neil, lead singer of heavy metal band Mötley Crüe, was arrested on a charge of domestic assault.

Clifton's quietly reopens with plans to become an immersive, Meow Wolf-inspired megaspace

Todd Martens — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 11:00:00 GMT

The new operators have grand dreams for the famed downtown venue, including a long-running, never-ending, 'Dungeons & Dragons'-inspired game.

'Godzilla Minus Zero' is a thrilling monster mash crushed by its giant guilt complex

Amy Nicholson — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 11:00:00 GMT

The action scenes are spectacular in Takashi Yamazaki's sequel to the 2023 Oscar-winner "Godzilla Minus One," but the rest of the movie makes us feel bad for having too much fun.

No one wanted this Long Beach home until waves crashed into its living room

Jack Flemming — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 21:00:26 GMT

An oceanfront home on the Long Beach Peninsula couldn't find a buyer at $4.95 million. But after it was damaged by massive waves, its price dropped and it's getting plenty of interest.

How to have the best Sunday in L.A., according to B-Real

Marah Eakin — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Bowling, K-BBQ and LAFC are on the agenda for the Cypress Hill rapper.

L.A. Affairs: We found friendships through sex. Then the connections got complicated

Erica Garza — Fri, 30 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

The Feeld app made it easy for us to connect with other couples. But the best part wasn't always the sex.

Why Matt Damon's wife insisted on going to an Oscars party right after brain surgery

Emily St. Martin — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 04:51:47 GMT

After facing a frightening medical crisis, Matt Damon's wife, Luciana Barroso, rallied to get her husband out to a party on Hollywood's big night.

Billy Evans answers questions about 'You Can See Everything,' including the sniffing and nudity

Emily St. Martin — Wed, 4 Nov 2026 00:56:54 GMT

Billy Evans, the partner of former Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes and 'You Can See Everything' antagonist, addresses hot topics from Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim's new documentary in a candid AMA.

Pamela Abdy feels 'pure, unadulterated rage' following Warner Bros. exit

Laura Zornosa — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 17:42:31 GMT

Pamela Abdy received the inaugural Vanguard Award at the Women in Film Honors gala and delivered a powerful, 15-minute speech about the treatment of women in Hollywood.

Contributor: Pete Hegseth must answer for his record and face the consequences

Jon Duffy — Tue, 3 Nov 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Exposing what happened on his watch is only the beginning.

Contributor: Recent overdose deaths should change how parents talk about drugs

Ed Ternan and Marcia Lee Taylor — Sat, 7 Nov 2026 11:00:00 GMT

If everything is labeled as "natural," "legal" or "therapeutic," young people conclude that the products must be safe. They're not.

Op-comic: Do doctors really choose to die differently?

Nathan Gray — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 11:02:00 GMT

Many doctors who have witnessed suffering in end-of-life care say they would not want any "heroics." But when the time comes, they might understand their patients' choices a little better.

Abcarian: Will we ever learn the truth about Trump's ties to Jeffrey Epstein?

Robin Abcarian — Sun, 1 Nov 2026 11:00:00 GMT

A new report by House Democrats alleges that Trump and Epstein used modeling agencies and beauty pageants as sexual hunting grounds.

Jane Kim wins race to be California's next insurance commissioner

Laurence Darmiento — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 22:49:25 GMT

Former San Francisco Supervisor Jane Kim declared victory Friday in the race to be California's next insurance commissioner, with veteran legislator Ben Allen conceding.

California's El Pollo Loco says it's found a sweet spot for concerned consumers

Caroline Petrow-Cohen — Sat, 7 Nov 2026 11:00:00 GMT

El Pollo Loco posted positive third quarter earnings on Thursday and has seen its shares rise nearly 50% so far this year.

SoCal Berry Growers to close six farm locations, lay off hundreds of workers

Ella Chakarian — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 11:00:00 GMT

The closures come months after SoCal Berry Growers employees voted to join the United Farm Workers. The company hasn't said why it is shutting down.

Fox owns Roku after $22-billion deal closes ahead of schedule

Stephen Battaglio — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 16:52:05 GMT

Fox completed its Roku purchase Friday, ahead of a 2027 target. Roku, Tubi and Fox One now sit in a new division co-led by Anthony Wood.

'Kornacki Cam' is the streaming hit of the midterm elections, boosting NBC to a ratings win

Stephen Battaglio — Wed, 4 Nov 2026 21:47:45 GMT

NBC was on track to be the most-watched network on election night thanks to its popular number cruncher.

Lachlan Murdoch says 'viewer fatigue' is cutting into Fox News ratings

Stephen Battaglio — Mon, 2 Nov 2026 19:55:17 GMT

Fox News' October audience fell 28% from a year earlier, with its 25-to-54 audience at a 25-year low, as executive Lachlan Murdoch cited "viewer fatigue."

'You have to be delusional': L.A. film students are prepared for a shrinking Hollywood

Cerys Davies — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Mergers, layoffs, AI and runaway production have shaken Hollywood. Film students at USC, UCLA and LMU explain why they're pursuing the industry anyway.

Luka Doncic scores 53 as Lakers avenge loss to Trail Blazers

Broderick Turner — Sat, 7 Nov 2026 06:20:45 GMT

After Portland builds a seven-point halftime lead, the Lakers rally in second half to move back into first place in the Western Conference.

'Things run their course.' Dodgers and hitting coach Aaron Bates part ways

Maddie Lee — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 17:00:56 GMT

Aaron Bates spent 12 years in the Dodgers organization, including four as a co-hitting coach with Robert Van Scoyoc, and four as an assistant hitting coach.

'Glad to be back.' Myles Garrett expected to play for Rams vs. Commanders

Gary Klein — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 19:24:13 GMT

Barring any setbacks, Myles Garrett is expected to play for the Rams against the Washington Commanders after missing seven games because of a knee injury.

Legendary downtown diner the Original Pantry reopens this month. Here's what's new

Stephanie Breijo — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 11:00:00 GMT

The century-old diner in downtown L.A. will reopen with both nostalgic and new menu items on Nov. 19 after being closed for a year and a half.

'This is the worst it's been.' King tides flood Southern California beach bars and restaurants

Stephanie Breijo — Thu, 29 Oct 2026 19:53:31 GMT

Enormous waves and record-breaking tides are flooding the Southland's restaurants and bars. Forecasts predict more El Niño-driven storms in the coming months.

A second coyote spotted on the wildlife crossing over the 101 Freeway. 'Word gets out in the animal world'

Lila Seidman — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 00:35:44 GMT

The world's largest wildlife crossing doesn't open until Dec. 2, but the word may already be out in the animal kingdom. A coyote just became the first mammal spotted on the 101 Freeway overpass, days after one was spotted nearby.

Amid controversy, California greenlights the state's first large reservoir in decades

Ian James — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 02:43:33 GMT

California water regulators have approved a permit for the planned Sites Reservoir northwest of Sacramento, clearing the way for construction of the state's first major reservoir in decades.

This iconic L.A. mammal is the first to venture onto the wildlife crossing over the 101 Freeway

Lila Seidman — Wed, 4 Nov 2026 23:15:02 GMT

A coyote became the first large mammal documented exploring the massive Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing over the 101 Freeway, which doesn't officially open until next month. Some see it as an early, hopeful sign that the structure is working.

Pleasure is presence. The out-of-reach luxuries are overrated and outdated

Elisa Wouk Almino — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 10:00:00 GMT

For Image's October issue, we invited stylists, buyers, poets, designers and more to share their personal pleasures.

Eckhaus Latta's Halloween bash at the Public Hotel was a preview (and throwback) of partying on the Sunset Strip

Meka Boyle — Tue, 3 Nov 2026 01:10:36 GMT

Marge Simpson in yellow body paint and Carrie Bradshaw with McDonald's bag in hand strutted down a makeshift runway at the new Public Hotel in WeHo.

A luxury mattress that feels like nothing at all

Claire Salinda — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 10:00:00 GMT

When I lay down on this mattress, I was not only changed, I was doomed. No other mattress could possibly compare.

Art and Hollywood convened in Little Tokyo for the MOCA Gala

Julissa James — Tue, 2 Jun 2026 00:16:45 GMT

The annual event honored artists Kara Walker, Paul McCarthy and MOCA trustee Eugenio López Alonso as "legends."

Lucas Museum's 'habitat' garden woefully misses the mark on native plants

Pedro Moura — Thu, 29 Oct 2026 16:24:52 GMT

Native plant advocates question why the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art didn't use more California plants in its California-inspired garden. In response, they offer to help add more native plants to the mix.

Fans will get what they want with 'Mariachi Meets the Smiths'

Carlos De Loera — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 19:05:26 GMT

In "Mariachi Meets the Smiths," Mariachi Tierra Mia will combine two of the most influential sounds in Mexican American culture in a show at the Ford on Sept. 27.

They've documented L.A. Latines for decades. Now the Getty is honoring their work

Andrea Flores — Wed, 9 Sep 2026 21:05:23 GMT

Through Jan. 3, a new exhibit at the Getty Museum is spotlighting photographs by George Rodriguez, Laura Aguilar, Reynaldo Rivera, Patssi Valdez and Ricardo Valverde.

'The De Los Podcast': Punk royalty Alice Bag is here to remind us that Latinos helped shaped L.A. punk

Katerina Portela — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 16:54:52 GMT

Alice Bag joins the De Los Podcast to set the record straight on the history of L.A. punk, which her band The Bags, plus the Go-Go's and Kid Congo Powers showed, was never a 'white genre.'

Tinto Brass, Italian director known for erotic films 'Caligula' and 'Salon Kitty,' dies at 93

Emily St. Martin — Fri, 6 Nov 2026 00:46:52 GMT

Tinto Brass, the avant-garde Italian director who helmed erotic 1970s films including 'Caligula' and 'Salon Kitty,' has died at 93.

Harold Greene, beloved L.A. news anchor, dies at 82

Andrea Flores — Thu, 5 Nov 2026 20:57:53 GMT

Beloved Los Angeles news anchor Harold Greene has died, his daughter announced via Facebook. He was 82. Greene worked the majority of his career at ABC 7 before leaving in 2000. His final TV stints were at KCBS, KCAL before he retired in 2008.