The Beat

Some of the nation’s most violent cities, like Birmingham, are reporting nearly 49% reductions in homicides.  In 2025, the United States appears poised to record the largest one-year drop in murders in modern history.  According to the Real-Time Crime Index (RTCI), a regularly updated aggregation of law enforcement agency data, U.S. murders fell nearly 20% nationwide through October...

The Santa Clarita City Council unanimously opposes Proposition 50, saying it would divide the Santa Clarita Valley into three congressional districts and weaken local voice. On October 14, 2025, the Santa Clarita City Council voted unanimously to formally oppose Proposition 50, the statewide constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would redraw California’s U.S. House congressional district map....

Beutner, a former superintendent and business executive, says L.A. “needs change” and brands this a unique moment for bold leadership. Former Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent and ex-publisher Austin Beutner officially launched his campaign on October 13, 2025, announcing a challenge to incumbent Karen Bass in next year’s mayoral election.  In a launch video and public statements,...

With the California State Legislature approaching its Sept. 12 deadline for passing bills, the California Chamber of Commerce is spotlighting what it calls the most costly measures of the year. The organization, which has traditionally released an annual “Job Killer” list, rebranded the effort in 2025 as its “Affordability Agenda”. The new framing separates bills into “Cost Drivers,” which the Chamber says increase expenses...

Despite pledges of full federal reimbursement, a shortfall may leave taxpayers covering nearly 42% of the state’s loan to keep Diablo Canyon operating. In a bold move two weeks before the close of the 2022 legislative session, Gov. Gavin Newsom pushed through a $1.4B state loan to keep California’s last nuclear power plant, Diablo Canyon, operating until 2030—well...

Incident raises concerns about safety measures for self-driving cars. A man was taken into custody on January 2, 2025, after attempting to enter a Waymo autonomous vehicle in downtown Los Angeles. The incident occurred near the intersection of 5th and Spring streets, where the individual reportedly tried to open the doors of the self-driving car, which was operating...

Investigation underway after hazardous substance kills one inmate and sickens others in L.A. jail. A hazmat incident at the Men’s Central Jail in downtown Los Angeles left one inmate dead and six others hospitalized on Tuesday morning. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the facility on Bauchet Street around 8:40 a.m., after a group of inmates was...

California's bid to ban plastic bags has advanced in the state legislature, marking a significant movement towards environmental conservation. The proposed legislation took a vital step forward, successfully maneuvering its way through a legislative obstacle. This potential ban on plastic bags represents a concerted effort by California to reduce plastic waste and its detrimental effect on the environment....

The newest LA Dodger, Shoehi Ohtani, is expected to make a post-surgery comeback this season as a top player for the Los Angeles team.  Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani is making positive strides in his rehabilitation process, indicating that he is feeling optimistic about his recovery. Ohtani, who underwent Tommy John surgery at the...