Headlines From The Times

California faces a $39 billion deficit, prompting Governor Newsom to propose deep spending cuts, including changes to Medi-Cal. The Menendez brothers may soon be eligible for parole after a new sentencing decision. Waymo recalls over 1,200 self-driving cars following minor crashes tied to a software issue. And a Torrance startup aims to electrify tugboats at the Port of Los Angeles, marking a major shift toward cleaner maritime operations.

Trump signs a $600 billion deal with Saudi Arabia, including a record defense package. In California, making under $100K now qualifies as low income in several counties. Hollywood Park will become the global media hub for the 2028 Olympics with a new movie studio. Meanwhile, inflation slows again—but experts say Trump’s tariffs may raise prices later this year.

President Trump gives drug companies 30 days to cut prices or face new limits on what the U.S. will pay. Governor Newsom pushes California cities to ban homeless encampments as $3.3 billion in new funding rolls out. Sam Altman’s eye-scanning ID project lands in L.A., sparking privacy fears. And California’s insurance commissioner weighs a formal probe into State Farm’s handling of wildfire claims.

The Menendez brothers take a major step toward a potential resentencing as legal fights escalate. California’s State Bar faces financial fallout after a failed exam rollout and controversial AI-generated questions. U.S. farmers begin to feel the pinch of Trump’s new tariffs, with equipment delays and profit losses hitting hard. Meanwhile, Paramount Global beats expectations, thanks to growth at Paramount+ and ongoing merger talks with Skydance.

President Trump nominates Dr. Casey Means, a holistic health influencer, to be the next U.S. surgeon general. LA’s Olympic Coliseum is set to make history again in 2028 as it co-hosts the opening and closing ceremonies. In Vernon, snack company Archer is taking over the old Farmer John plant to expand meat stick production and create hundreds of jobs. And in global news, Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer are moving toward a new trade deal that would lower tariffs on cars and steel in exchange for more U.S. exports.