The Beat

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...

A soft approach to crime by George Gascón leaves Angelenos frustrated as the death toll rises at the hands of improperly convicted criminals.  George Gascón, Los Angeles District Attorney, is facing criticism for allowing career criminals to walk the streets of Los Angeles without proper sentencing or repercussions for violations of their sentencing. The most recent victim of...

At least one person was hurt in a six-car crash on the 101 Freeway in Hollywood Monday morning. The crash resulted in a closure of all southbound freeway lanes at Sunset Boulevard at about 2:30 a.m., the California Highway Patrol said on X, formerly Twitter. That SigAlert was lifted a little more than an hour later. Footage from the scene shows multiple damaged...

A pickup truck driver died Monday morning after crashing into scaffolding in the West Adams neighborhood of South Los Angeles overnight. The incident was reported just after 1 a.m. near Crenshaw Boulevard and West 30th Street. Police investigate a fatal crash in South Los Angeles on Dec. 11, 2023. (OnScene.TV) A nearby security guard performed CPR on the...